Why You Should Start Your Spring Projects in the Fall

pexels-photo-259588A number of homeowners consider spring and summer as the perfect seasons to maintain their garden and lawn. However, landscaping experts have found that proper prepping and other fall projects lead to lusher spring landscaping. Below are some details on fall projects you can do to prepare your landscaping for the spring:

• Apply chemicals to stop the growth of winter weeds in the flower beds. Trim your shrubs and you can also add seasonal color by planting chrysanthemums in the fall.

• If there are perennials in the yard, now is the time to cut them back. Plants like daylilies can also be divided at this time.

• Add some type of organic compost to the landscape. Following this, you can add about 2 inches of mulch or pine straw.

• Fall is also the best time to plant shrubs and trees. At this time of the year, the strongest hydrocarbons are present in the soil and this makes the roots grow to their strongest potential.

• It is very important for your spring bulbs to be planted in the fall. To emerge beautifully in the spring, they require the cold of the winter as the weather change. The colder the season, the better it is for the spring bulbs.

• Mix in compost with the existing soil and allow it to marinate throughout the winter. The fall is the ideal time to ensure the soil has adequate nourishment to make it through the cold months of winter. This nourishment is provided through proper composting.

Any grass growing in your yard should be cleaned up during the fall. Any debris that remains and covers the turf will compact and suffocate the grass and compact the soil. When it starts to warm up, the grass will have difficulty growing in the compacted soil.

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How To Combine Lighting And Warmth In Your Backyard Design

Screen Shot 2015-11-18 at 10.49.06 AMCreating a warm, welcoming look to compliment your backyard design doesn’t have to be a challenge. Homeowners can make their outdoor living space functional and inviting all year long by combining lighting and warmth. Here are some tips on how to achieve a well-lit and cozy outdoor area:

Lighting from Above. If you want to make your outdoor living area feel like an extension of your home’s interior, you will want to add bright lighting from above. This can be achieved with just a single light source, or multiple lights. They can be wall mounted exterior light fixtures, and also light fixtures that are attached to outdoor ceiling fans. This is ideal for a patio with a dining table. The bright lighting will add enough illumination to make the area feel like another room, and it will also warm up the space on cooler evenings.

Heat Sources and Ambiance. When the weather turns cooler, you need lighting options that will also serve as a source of heat. You can create a cozy, intimate environment with a fire pit or outdoor fire place, and you will also want to place some additional light sources around to add to the ambiance. Strings of white LED lights are a great option, since they can really bring a charming look to your deck or patio. Consider a hanging lantern for above a dining table.

Landscaping Lights. Another way to add brightness to the outdoor space is with landscaping lights. No only are they important for safety, highlighting walkways and gardens, but they can also provide an elegant look. There are many styles and types to choose from, including solar powered options. While landscaping lights won’t add warmth to a seating area, they do help to create an inviting and intimate look.

An outdoor living space needs light for practical reasons, but also to create the right ambiance and make a warm and cozy area that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Homeowners can combine different light sources to enhance their outdoor space in every season. By warming up your patio or deck, you will stay comfortable outside no matter what the temperature or time of day it is.

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