News – American Landscape

June Landscaping Checklist

June 7, 2023/in News, Landscape Design/by American Landscape

June landscaping calls for paying attention to the watering and fertilizing needs of every element – flowers, trees/shrubs, and lawns. Be sure to review the complete June landscaping checklist to stay on top of the tasks needed in June to ensure your landscaping thrives all summer long.

Flowers

Continue planting annuals and vegetables.
Direct seed annuals and vegetables into the garden early in the month.
WATER! Annuals and veggies need regular water due to their shallow root systems. Remember that fewer, deeper waterings are more beneficial than frequent, shallow waterings.
Fertilize as needed. Perennial beds can use a slow-release fertilizer or can be fed along with annuals with a liquid like Miracle Gro. Vegetables can also be treated this way although many people have moved towards organic methods like compost to enrich the soil in the vegetable gardens.
Deadhead annuals and perennials for enhanced appearance and improved blooming.
Stake or trellis newly planted things like vines and tomatoes right away to avoid damaging the plant later.
Get on a regular weeding schedule. It’s easier to keep up a little at a time than to let things get out of control.

Lawn

Apply fertilizer and broadleaf weed control. 4-6 weeks after your prior application is best. Avoid using weed control on newly seeded areas.
Monitor for disease and insect problems and consult a professional if needed.
Keep grass cut at about 2 ½” to 3”. Cutting the grass shorter will allow more heat and light to penetrate to the roots causing stress. It also creates more openings for weeds to take hold.
Water as needed. Remember that fewer, deeper waterings will be more beneficial than frequent, shallow waterings. Lawns require about an inch of rain per week.
Newly seeded or sodded areas will require more water than an established lawn.

Trees/Shrubs

Monitor for disease and insect problems and consult a professional if needed.
Prune spring blooming shrubs right after they are done blooming.
Trim boxwood, yews and other evergreens.
Fertilize roses and pre-treat with fungicide if they are prone to disease issues.
Trees and shrubs planted within the last year should be monitored for water. They will need it before your established plants do. If it’s hot and dry and we’re receiving less than an inch of rain per week, give them a good long drink.

Download Checklist

August Landscaping Guide

July 28, 2022/in News, Landscaping/by American Landscape

Flower Care

Fertilize container plantings.
Deadhead flowers to encourage additional blooming.
Monitor for disease and insect problems and treat as needed.
Divide bearded iris. For healthy plants, these should be divided every 3 to 5 years.
Check rhizomes for iris borer caterpillars.
Do not fertilize shrubs or roses after mid-August to discourage tender new growth before winter.

Lawn Maintenance

Mow as necessary. Raise mowing height to at least 3” as temperatures exceed 85˚F.
Water lawn adequately to keep it from going dormant. Deep (1” per week) and infrequent is preferred over frequent shallow waterings.
Scout for grubs. Peel back sod. More than 8 grubs per square foot can cause wilt or death of turf.
Establish or renovate turf by seed (late summer – early fall, depending on weather conditions). Prepare soil properly and get good seed to soil contact.

Trees & Shrub Care

Water newly planted trees and shrubs. Soak each plant well with the hose; sprinklers do not provide adequate water to encourage deep root growth.
Scout for fall webworm nest building near ends of branches.
Review health of trees and consider fall root feeding if necessary.

Tip! Don’t let weeds go to seed. “A year of seeding equals 7 years weeding.”

If keeping up with your landscaping chores feels overwhelming, reach out to learn more about our maintenance programs. (262) 252-4260

30-Year Dream Backyard Becomes Reality

June 28, 2022/in News, Landscape Design/by American Landscape

This project started off as a dream of the client’s late wife. For years she had wanted to transform their backyard into a retreat. After her passing our client felt a pressing need to bring this 30-year dream to life in memory of her.

The backyard had major drainage and erosion issues. The decaying timbers were becoming dangerous for the grandkids and the client’s dog. There was no safe way to get down to the lower level of the yard and to the shed. The client gave us an open slate as he felt he could not put a price on this memorial for his wife.

The client’s requirements for the project included a water feature to minimize the noise of the freeway, replacing the walls, adding steps to make the lower level accessible, solving the major drainage issues, and bringing in color.

Fieldstone was chosen for the walls to go with the natural design of the house. The walls terrace the landscape to solve the erosion while creating multiple planting areas. Lannon stone steps were installed to make a beautiful and safe transition to the multiple levels of this landscape.

We were challenged by narrow access to the yard because of the privacy fence, so we needed to remove fence panels to get into the yard. The 5 cubic yard drywell was installed to mitigate the drainage issues in the lower level. All drainage in the back yard comes to this area, and it handles it with ease.

The basalt columns water feature was chosen for it’s natural appearance which blends in with the other features of the home and landscape. The pond-less aspect was chosen to be child and dog friendly, as well as being low maintenance. Landscape lighting brings this to life late into the evening and it can be viewed from multiple windows in the home.

A hammock was added to this project so the client could enjoy afternoon naps and catch up on some reading. It is the perfect location to enjoy the entire back yard while listening to the sound of water cascading down the centerpiece of this landscape.

The plantings were chosen to be tough enough to handle the dog traffic and able to thrive with only having filtered sun due to the large overhead trees. The mix of textures and newly installed sod give this lush backyard retreat its finishing touches.

Do you have a dream in mind for your own landscape? Get in touch today to connect with one of our talented landscape designers. 262-252-4260

Paver Patio vs Wood Deck: Which is Best for You?

June 20, 2022/in News, Hardscapes/by American Landscape

Everyone loves an inviting outdoor space for eating, entertaining, and relaxing. Deciding what kind of outdoor space to create calls for evaluating the location of the structure, the topography of your yard, budget, and of course the aesthetic you hope to achieve. One significant choice will be what kind of material you want to use for your outdoor space. Let’s take a look at some things to consider when deciding between wood vs hardscapes.

Will the outdoor space be raised or at ground level?

Wood decking is elevated and can sit a few inches to several feet above grade with supports. This may be ideal for second story decks or to accommodate sloping topography.
Paver patios are typically built at ground level. Since they require less structural support than wood, patios can be built next to your home, or elsewhere on your property to give you an inviting space to enjoy a garden, pool or fire pit.

Do you need to accommodate tricky topography?

Since paving is done at a ground level, sloped landscapes require construction of a raised foundation or small retaining wall. Patios can also be built with multiple layers to account for grade changes. Decking, on the other hand, is elevated. It is a good solution for steeply sloping yards or yards with tricky topography. Consider a deck & paver patio combination for homes with exposed basements.

For a ground-level construction, natural stone, concrete or clay pavers are a better option, providing a durable, long-term solution.

Do you want a low maintenance option?

A paved patio is by far a better option if you’re looking for a low maintenance feature. Once your pavers are installed, there is very little further maintenance required apart from the occasional hose down or quick replacement of an individual faulty paver. On the other hand, wooden decks require regular cleaning, staining, and replacement of rotten or worn deck boards.

Wooden decks have a shorter lifespan than paver patios. If not protected properly, wood is predisposed to rot, fungus and general decay. While regular maintenance can extend a deck’s lifetime, a paver patio definitely has the advantage when it comes to permanence.

Where will the patio be located and what look are you going for?

When choosing between these two materials, take a look at your overall landscape design and home and consider which one will blend in more naturally with the existing look and architecture. You should also consider the location to determine whether wood or stone is the right choice. For example, for poolside settings, the chlorine or salt used in pools can be damaging to wood, as can the high exposure to moisture. Pavers also offer a good choice when constructing a non-flammable area for a fire pit.

Concrete pavers often integrate better with other hardscaped outdoor elements, such as fire pits, steps, grill islands, and water features. If you’re looking to enhance the visual appearance of your landscape by adding these elements, pavers make a good match. Many people like the warmth and character offered by wood, while others prefer the timeless look of a natural stone or a paver product.

Pavers can replicate the look of wood and come in a variety of patterns and colors – giving homeowners flexibility to match the style of the property and integrate complementary colors in the hardscape.

Which is the most cost-effective option?

In the short-term, wood may be cheaper install. However, the following factors make paver patio the winner in the long-term:

Minimal annual upkeep
Easy to maintain
When professionally installed, repairs are typically limited to replacing individual pavers or installing new poly sand.
Long lifespan

Making the decision between the type of outdoor space you want for your home requires careful consideration of all the pros and cons. By thinking through the look you want, the placement of the structure, your short and long-term budget and the durability you seek, you won’t go wrong with whichever material you choose.

Our landscape designers are experts at selecting the right materials to complement your home and landscape. Call us today for help in selecting the right outdoor space for your home. 262-252-6240

Creating a Rustic and Serene Commercial Landscape

February 22, 2022/in News, Hardscapes/by American Landscape

This WLCA award-winning project called for hardscaping and landscaping around a new addition to the client’s existing historical building. We designed and installed extensive new walkways, steps, outcrop walls, planting beds, patio spaces, fire pit area, and additions to an existing creek bed area. The client has an eclectic and creative design aesthetic, which allowed us the freedom to design a rustic and serene landscape with interesting features throughout.

Landscaping to Complement Historic Building

Needing more space for their growing business, Gentian Financial added an interesting and fitting addition on to Holstein School, built in 1920, which has been a staple historic building in Mequon. The addition has brick, stone, and reclaimed timbers on both the interior and exterior, so mimicking that in the landscaping design made sense. The client’s love of all things pavers and stone allowed for sweeping walkways, patios, and landscape features.

Multiple Hardscapes for Visual Interest

We used a variety of hardscape features to visually lead clients in and out of the facility and to the outdoor meeting spaces. Stroll through the property and you will see Belgard Mega Dublin, Holland, and Mirage porcelain pavers, Chilton outcropping, granite boulders and fieldstone, and lannon rock faced steps. The Mega Dublin pavers in the front of the facility work in tandem with Warmquest heating elements to minimize snow and ice during the winter.

Enchanting Outdoor Gathering Spaces

Gentian hosts many events for clients, friends, and family so careful consideration was given to creating welcoming and unique gathering spots. We used Belgard Mirage porcelain plank raised pavers to bridge the gap between the historic school building and new addition. The planks mimic the oiled wooden floor on the inside of the addition.

Among the outdoor gathering spaces is a raised gas and wood-burning fire pit. It is fitted with a custom-made laser cut ring, which showcases the company name and is visible at night from the road. Pillars and steps define the entrances to the large and shaded “back yard feel.”

As we designed this creative and eclectic landscape, we navigated the challenges of elevation changes and a wish for sightlines to the landscape features from various offices. We preserved the beautiful, mature trees during all facets of construction to allow for excellent shading, as well as a cozy feel for each of the outdoor meeting spaces.

Gentian Financial is constantly adding items to the landscape to create chatter in Mequon. They are truly visionary! We would love to help you realize your own vision for your landscape. Contact us today to set up a design consultation or call (262) 252-4260.

The Ultimate Guide to 2022 Landscaping Trends

January 26, 2022/in News, Landscaping/by American Landscape

As we creep closer to spring here in the Midwest, thoughts start turning to the landscape. Did you know that a good, updated landscape can increase a home’s value? Have you been considering fixing up the yard or investing in a new patio, firepit, or outdoor kitchen? If so, keep reading. We’ve compiled a list of what’s going on in the industry and a forecast of where landscapes are heading in the future.

Maximizing Outdoor Living Spaces

We have all been affected in one way or another by the pandemic. Its effects on the landscape industry have been impactful. People are staying home more and looking at and using their yards. This is leading to an increase in changing our outdoor spaces from simply something to look at to an extension of our living space. We are using our homes more and more often to socialize, relax, and work allowing outdoor living spaces to create value in many ways.

Outdoor Electronics & Lighting

Outdoor lighting is huge if you want to expand your outdoor living space. With the new technology in lighting you can create a multitude of scenarios with your lighting. Path lighting for safety, bistro lights for character, up-lighting for aesthetics…it’s all there. LED fixtures and bulbs allow for an array of colors at your fingertips. Bluetooth allows you to control it all with your phone. Add an outdoor Bluetooth speaker system and you’ll be ready for anything.

Speaking of outdoor electronics, how about an outdoor TV? Imagine sitting around your firepit at night and watching football games in the fall. The grill is going and there are drinks at the bar.

Creative Spaces for Living, Working & Entertaining Outside

For those of you working from home, how about a secluded nook in the corner of the patio? There’s a pergola with vines protecting you from the sun. Background music is on the speakers and you can comfortably enjoy a change of pace from your desk in the basement office. Or maybe you’re reading your favorite book, nestled in big wicker chair in the warm sun and a water feature is gently gurgling in the background. The birds are singing and the flowers are blooming. Can a relaxing moment get any better than that?

Outdoor Kitchens: Grills, Bars, Sinks & More

Outdoor kitchens have been popular in the past and they are not going away. Renovations to patio space to include grills, bars, sinks and refrigerators is going full steam ahead. In addition, we’re seeing built in patio planters to hold kitchen and herb gardens. Turning away from high-maintenance decks to concrete or natural stone patios is the way to go. While up front the cost may seem higher, the long-term benefits of durability and low maintenance will ultimately save you both time and money.

There are constantly new innovations in composition, as well as new styles and colors to work with. Whatever your style, there is something that will work for you.

Grow Your Own Food

Along with patio gardens, more and more people are turning to including edibles in their landscape. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, gooseberries, hops, apples, plums, pears, peaches, and several herbs…all of these and more will come back in our landscapes year after year. People are finding that growing their own food is economical and provides them a sustainable alternative to mass produced food.

Sustainable Landscapes

Adopting eco-friendly practices in landscaping has been at the top of trends lists for years and continues to be a priority in landscaping for both commercial and residential customers. More and more communities are moving towards incorporating environmentally-friendly solutions to mitigate some of the unpleasant side-effects of urbanization. Using things like permeable pavers, green roofs, planting natives, increasing biodiversity, minimizing irrigation usage, building rain gardens or bioswales, and using battery powered equipment are trends that are not going away. Learn more about how you can create a sustainable yard here.

Proper Landscape Maintenance & Design

As we focus more on and spend more time in our landscapes, landscape maintenance is more important than ever. Well-tended shrubs, mowed lawns, and beautiful plantings are now expected in both commercial and residential spaces. With proper design, you can even start to incorporate sustainable practices, without sacrificing a high-end look. While all landscapes require maintenance, trusting your landscape professional to choose the right plant for the right place can minimize the work you have to put in to keeping your landscape looking fabulous.

A Varied & Exciting Garden in Every Season

As we expand our living spaces to the outdoors, considering asking your designer to incorporate succession planting. Successional gardening and planting mean that you have a thriving and interesting garden all year round. A well-balanced landscape is going to have something to look at, no matter the season. Aside from the well-known interest in flowers and fall color, you can find beauty in winter with colored or textured tree and shrub bark, berries, seed heads and seed pods that hold on until spring.

Gardening to Attract Birds, Butterflies & Bees

Leaving ornamental grasses up and seeds on your perennials can increase the number of birds coming to the yard and eco-friendly landscapes are definitely hot right now. Finches love to visit the coneflower seed heads over winter and robins and waxwings are huge fans of crabapples. You can go wrong with a special bed or area in the yard dedicated to bees, butterflies and birds.

In a nutshell, in 2022 we are going to see a continuation of expanding our outdoor living spaces in a multitude of ways. We’re going to cook more, work more, and enjoy more time in our yards. We’re becoming increasingly aware of our environment and our co-existence with it, therefore finding ways to interact with it instead of controlling it. Technology will continue to be our friend in the landscape as we find balance between personal comfort and enjoyment and using our outdoor living spaces.

The American Landscape team is ready to help you make any one of these popular landscaping tactics part of your 2022. Get in touch today to start planning! Call (262) 252-4260 or reach us at: amerlandscape.com/contact.