spring Archives - Our Blog

How Do You Remove Mold from an Outdoor Fountain?

Posted on April 23, 2020 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

With the gentle, relaxing sound of cascading water, your outdoor water feature provides you with a natural sanctuary from the everyday stresses of the world. There’s no denying the fact that most living creatures have a natural response to the sounds and look of moving water.

Now that we’re in the warmer months and temperatures are beginning to rise, the threat of mold growing inside and on your outdoor water fountain is very real.

That’s because mold naturally grows faster and easier in areas that are constantly moist and warm. Since outdoor water fountains typically get more than their fair share of direct sunlight, it’s often the perfect breeding ground for mold and algae.

If that happens, the sense of awe you experienced when the fountain was first installed could be replaced with a feeling of disgust.

How can mold grow on an outdoor fountain?

It’s true that mold and algae will grow faster in water that’s standing still. However, both can still grow in the bowl, base, and filtration system of your fountain. If left untreated, the algae and mold can literally take over your fountain and turn it into a big, slimy, and smelly mess.

What’s the difference between mold and algae?

While the two terms are often thought to mean the same thing, they are entirely different.

Algae is a naturally growing plant that appears “mossy.” While it looks repellent, algae will not eat away at your fountain or cause you harm.

Mold, on the other hand, is an entirely different story. If you or your guests ingest the water from your mold-infected fountain, you could experience a host of health problems, from an irritated throat and eyes, to asthma attacks and breathing problems.

How can I clean and maintain my outdoor water fountain?

There are several relatively easy ways to maintain your outdoor water fountain. The key is to make it part of your regular home maintenance schedule.

To clean your fountain of mold, you can mix together a mold-busting concoction made from several everyday items. This is not as difficult as you may think.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Rubber gloves
Goggles
One large sponge
Dishwashing detergent
A scrub brush, similar to what you would use on metal pots and pans
Bleach
A small container
A large bucket
A hose

Step 1: In the small container, mix warm water with a couple of drops of the dishwashing detergent. You should see suds gather in the water.

Step 2: Dip the scrub brush into the cleaning solution you just made, and scrub away all visible signs of the mold. Then, rinse the entire fountain with the hose.

Step 3: Pour a gallon of water into the large bucket with one (1) cup of bleach. Put on your rubber gloves and goggles, and add the sponge to the water-bleach mixture.

Step 4: After the sponge has been saturated, wipe down the whole water fountain structure. Then, let the bleach solution stay on the fountain for five (5) minutes so that all the remaining mold spores can be killed.

Step 5: Use the hose to rinse the fountain. Take your time with this step to ensure that all of the bleach solution is removed.

Step 6: Fill your fountain with fresh or even distilled water to work on the filtration system. Distilled water can be especially helpful as the impurities have already been removed.

How often should I clean my outdoor fountain?

This procedure should be repeated at least once every six (6) months to make sure mold and algae don’t gain a foothold on your fountain.

Does the installation impact the health of the fountain?

It sure does. Because the base of the fountain must have a tight seal, it’s recommended you hire a professional to do the job. One tiny, little crevice is more than enough room to let mold spores and algae in.

Today, most fountains are made with a sealant. However, this sealant tends to wear off over the course of time. If you have a stone fountain, you’ll probably need to replace the sealant once every 2-3 years. In most cases, a sealant rated for outdoor use will do the trick. Simply use a brush to apply the sealant over the entire fountain.

The key to doing this is to apply a thin layer with wide back-and-forth movements.

To learn more about water fountains and other water features, our team of creative landscaping professionals at Hidden Creek Landscaping are here to answer your questions. Please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.

If you’d like for us to go ahead and begin gathering information about your needs, check out our online Dream Builder page.

Backyard Parties Make For A Lot of Summer Fun

Posted on May 12, 2017May 26, 2017 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

When beautiful summer evenings are upon you, it is the perfect time to consider hosting backyard parties! Who doesn’t like the chance to entertain family and friends on a warm summer night? A complete backyard party includes a cookout, lights, music and other entertainment. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect summer party!

Backyard parties are a nice change from being constricted inside during the winter. They are often less formal and more welcoming to children, as the outdoors acts as a natural playground. Outdoor winter parties are possible, if your landscaping allows for a fireplace or other heating arrangements.

When planning your backyard party, you need to first understand your space. Your guest list should not be overwhelming for the amount of room available. It is ideal to choose a night when clear skies are predicted. If rain might make an appearance, it is a good choice to rent a tent or marquee in one corner of your backyard just in case. Even if it doesn’t rain, this is another great shelter area from the hot sun!

Plan your parties carefully and see that you make proper arrangements for food and drinks. Carefully situate your bar and buffet tables so they are easy for guests to access, yet out of harm’s way. Keep an eye on the bar and buffet, even when you are socializing with your guests. This way you can ensure everything is fully stocked and guests don’t have to find their way around your kitchen!

It is imperative to assess your backyard and landscaping ahead of time to make sure that there is a proper place for people to sit, even if it is temporary seating. Once your guests have eaten, a variety of games, for both adults and children alike, help your guests stay entertained as well. Make sure you have these set up beforehand on the lawn or easily accessible so you don’t have to leave the middle of a conversation to set up a cornhole game.

If you are wanting to capitalize on the summer theme, a barbeque and pool really emphasize the sunny ambiance. The daylight lasts longest in the summer, ensuring fun well into the night. Last but not least, enjoy yourself!

Early Spring Lawn Care Tips

Posted on March 10, 2017March 20, 2017 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

As the warmer weather moves in, it’s time to start getting your grass ready for the months ahead. Homeowners can take simple steps to prepare the lawn and garden. Here are some important early spring lawn care tips:

Cleaning and raking. The first thing to do is to clean up the yard and give it a gentle raking. Collect all debris like branches and dead leaves, and then lightly rake over the grass. If your lawn is in poor condition, you can do a deeper raking. If the grass has held up fairly well and you won’t need to put down seeds, go easy on it. By raking, you can remove debris, thatch, and find the patches that may need to be rejuvenated with grass seed.

Fertilize and reseed. Many homeowners take the time to fertilize their lawn in the fall, but if you haven’t, spring is the time to do so. Put down a fresh layer of the right type of fertilizer for your grass. If you have bare patches that need to be filled in, add fresh soil and seed. It’s important to purchase the right type of grass seed for your lawn, and pay attention to the amount of light and shade that each patch receives throughout the day.

Tackle weeds. Weeds can be a recurring problem throughout the spring and summer, and they can ruin the look of any lawn. Tackle them early by using a weed killer that will eradicate them for good. There are many herbicides available, so choose the one that best suits your needs. There are even safe options available for homes with children and pets. Be sure to read the product labels carefully.

Even if you’ve prepped your lawn in the fall, it’s a good idea to take some time working on it in early spring. By doing so, you’ll have lush, lovely grass to enjoy all year.

5 Important Steps For Spring Lawn Care

Posted on April 16, 2016October 27, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Spring is finally here, the grass is turning green and the trees are budding. Even though the grass is not due to be mowed quite yet, there are still important things that should be done to ensure a lush, green, weed-free lawn. The following are five important tips every homeowner should take into account for spring lawn care.

One step that may need to be taken is getting the lawn power raked. If the lawn shows lots of dead, dry grass or has sparse areas that will need patching with grass seed, it is a good idea to power rake first. Power raking removes dead grass, allowing light, air, and water to reach the live grass.

After the long winter, most lawns need aeration. This process creates holes in the lawn that allow life-giving oxygen to reach the roots of the grass. The resulting plugs are left on the ground to decompose, adding rich nutrients to the lawn. Most local lawn care companies will perform aeration for a reasonable price. The lawn should be watered a day or two before the aeration is scheduled, but should not be soaking wet.

It is also imperative to apply a good fertilizer. If the lawn is prone to dandelions, thistles, or other weeds, a weed and feed might be more appropriate. This step should be done after the aeration and/or power rake for best results. Also, the homeowner should make sure that if there is a sprinkler system installed that this is prepared for spring, as watering should occur after fertilization, if it is not required prior to aeration.

The homeowner should check the landscaping for anything that needs repair or replacement. Landscaping fabric can develop tears or rips and need replacement. Waiting too long to perform repairs can cause weeds to become established. Other landscaping items such as timbers, rock, and mulch should be inspected and a determination made on whether or not replacement or replenishment is needed. A homeowner should also determine whether or not to install certain items, such as a water feature. Doing these things now and scheduling any necessary appointments with a lawn care professional will result in a summer free of lawn care worries.

Avoid Weeds With Total Care From Hidden Creek Landscaping

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Everyone knows that April showers bring those wonderful May flowers, but along with beautiful blooms, weeds are also waking up from their long winter’s nap. The tremendous growth prompted by spring’s longer days and warmth can also produce a riot of weeds that can choke your garden and damage overall lawn beauty, not only in the spring, but throughout the entire growing season.

Weed care is essential in the spring, more so than in any other time of year. Nothing is worse than having what should be an impeccable expanse marred by pesky dandelions, stubborn thistle and other undesirable plants. Fortunately, Hidden Creek Landscaping Inc. has a wealth of knowledgeable turf and garden professionals who can come to the rescue and head off any problems before they become major headaches.

Our landscaping services are designed to keep your large residential or commercial property looking good all year long. Even with the best lawn care, crabgrass and broadleaf weeds will rear their green heads. Proper application of herbicides at the right intervals along with the right amount of water will help eliminate unwanted weeds and give you the landscape you desire throughout the year.

Trained professional staff will evaluate your lawn and garden for problems and recommend a course of action that includes fertilization, maintenance and more, all on a schedule that fits your needs. Hidden Creek Landscaping goes beyond the basics to address your entire outdoor environment. Winter is often harsh on your lawn, with heavy snow piles smothering grass and fostering mold growth. As weather warms, these injured areas can become prone to weed growth, pests and disease. A good spring cleaning of leaves and fallen debris is necessary prior to other maintenance to ensure the best possible environment. We’ll also assess whether your lawn requires thatching or other services to encourage healthy growth of new grass shoots.

These steps are essential prior to utilization of pre-emergent weed control and fertilization so that the applications can reach soil and work properly. Filling in bare spots during spring will also discourage weeds and help promote a healthy lawn during the remainder of the year.

Spring Landscaping Tips for Columbus, Ohio

Posted on May 13, 2014June 10, 2014 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

The hardiness zone for our Columbus Ohio landscaping area has changed over the last several years, and though the changes are subtle, our gardens are growing differently. One thing that has not changed is the need to prepare for each season experience. Spring is in the air and it is time to think about the seasonal landscaping. Here are a couple of simple tips to get you started:

Landscaping Tip #1

Clean before planting. This rule is good for yards as well as gardens. All manner of twigs, foliage, and dead grass lays under the last remnants of winter. Clean it away from your flower beds and out from under the bushes. Consider having it turned into compost!

Landscaping Tip #2

Plant according to your schedule. How much time can you afford to put into your lawn and landscaping beds? If you have plenty of time on your hands, you may not mind higher maintenance lawn care, but if you do not have much free time, a low-maintenance lawn or a professional Columbus Ohio landscaping company could be your solution.

How to Protect Your Plants from Frost in Early Spring

Posted on April 24, 2014April 28, 2014 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

It finally looks like warmer temperatures are moving into Ohio and we hope they are here to stay! In case there are still some cold nights ahead, we wanted to offer some suggestions on how to protect your outdoor plants from the frost.

Choose a Warm Location

Avoid planting tender plant species in open, exposed areas or in low spots where cold air settles. Try instead planting them near a south or west-facing wall, which absorbs heat during the day and radiates it at night.

Use Mulch

Mulch holds heat and moisture in the soil and can help protect your plant’s roots from cold temperatures.

Cover Your Plants

If a cold night is in the forecast, throw an old tarp or blanket over your tender plants to protect them from frost. You will want to prop the cover up a bit so it doesn’t crush or damage your plants. Then remove it during the day so your plants get light and air.

As you are planning your spring and summer landscaping projects, remember to plan for maintenance too – watering, mulching, fertilizing and replacing dead plants. Choose plants that fit your maintenance schedule or consider hiring a professional landscaping company (hey, that’s us!) to help take care of your yard.

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