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Garden

How to Find the Best Lawn Care Companies in Austin, Texas

September 1, 2023
Marie Nieves
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When it comes to finding the best quality lawn care companies in Austin TX area, there are several key factors to consider. In this article, we will discuss the qualities that set top-notch lawn care companies apart from the competition. By the end of this comprehensive discussion, you will have a clear understanding of what to look for when choosing a lawn care company in Austin.

1. Expertise and Experience:

One of the most important qualities to consider in a lawn care company is their expertise and experience in the field. Look for companies that have a proven track record of providing high-quality lawn care services in the Austin area. Experienced companies are more likely to have a deep understanding of local soil conditions, climate, and specific challenges that may arise in maintaining lawns in Austin. They will have the knowledge and skills necessary to address these challenges effectively and ensure the health and beauty of your lawn.

lawn care companies
Image by evening_tao on Freepik

2. Comprehensive Lawn Care Services:

The best lawn care companies in Austin offer a wide range of comprehensive services to meet all of your lawn care needs. Look for companies that can provide services such as:

– Regular Lawn Maintenance: This includes mowing, edging, trimming, and blowing to keep your lawn looking neat and well-manicured.

– Fertilization and Weed Control: A top-quality lawn care company will have expertise in fertilizing lawns to promote healthy growth and prevent weed infestations. They should have knowledge of the specific fertilizers and weed control products suitable for the Austin area.

– Pest and Disease Management: Lawn care companies should have the ability to identify and address common pests and diseases that can affect lawns in Austin. They should be knowledgeable about environmentally friendly pest control methods and have access to effective treatments.

– Aeration and Overseeding: Aeration helps improve soil compaction and allows for better nutrient and water absorption. Overseeding helps fill in thin or bare areas of the lawn. Look for a company that offers these services as part of their lawn care program.

– Irrigation Management: Proper irrigation is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn. A reputable lawn care company should have expertise in irrigation management, including system installation, repairs, and adjustments. They should be knowledgeable about water conservation practices and the specific watering needs of lawns in Austin.

3. Customized Lawn Care Programs:

Every lawn is unique, and the best lawn care companies understand this. They should offer customized lawn care programs tailored to the specific needs of your lawn. A reputable company will conduct a thorough evaluation of your lawn, considering factors such as grass type, soil condition, sun exposure, and any existing issues. Based on this evaluation, they will develop a personalized lawn care program that addresses your lawn’s specific requirements and goals.

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy: https://www.pexels.com/photo/residential-cottage-house-with-courtyard-5997993/

4. Use of High-Quality Equipment and Products:

To achieve the best results, lawn care companies should use high-quality equipment and products. Look for companies that invest in state-of-the-art equipment, including well-maintained mowers, trimmers, and other tools. They should also use professional-grade fertilizers, weed control products, and pest management solutions that are safe for the environment and effective in maintaining a healthy lawn.

5. Knowledge of Local Regulations and Best Practices:

A top-quality lawn care company in Austin should have a deep understanding of local regulations and best practices. They should be knowledgeable about any restrictions on water usage, pesticide application, and other lawn care practices specific to the Austin area. Compliance with these regulations demonstrates that the company is committed to responsible and sustainable lawn care practices.

6. Excellent Customer Service:

Customer service is a crucial aspect of any reputable lawn care company. Look for companies that prioritize customer satisfaction and have a strong reputation for delivering exceptional service. They should be responsive to your inquiries, provide clear communication, and be willing to address any concerns or issues that may arise. Reading online reviews and seeking recommendations from friends or neighbors can help you gauge the customer service reputation of a lawn care company.

When you work with Sullivan’s Landscaping, you can expect expert service, clear communication, and continued dedication to surpassing your expectations. We take every job seriously and pride ourselves on delivering final products with impeccable quality. We also offer upfront pricing for full transparency.

Take your property to new heights with the best Texas landscapers around! Give us a call to get a free job quote. You can call us at +1 (512) 599-4565, email us at [email protected] or fill out our online contact form.

We look forward to hearing from you and proving why we’re Austin’s best landscaper. Contact us today to get your free job quote!

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Tiny Hacks For Keeping Your Small Patio Organised and Cozy

May 12, 2023
Chloe Taylor
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Even without a spacious backyard, you can have a cosy lounge area that exudes comfort and stylishness. By keeping your small patio organised and tidy, you’ll be able to create an illusion of spaciousness while having a functional and chic design. This way, you’ll design a beautiful and intimate outdoor sanctuary where you can spend time with your friends or escape the hustle and bustle of an urban city. 

Design a space-saving sitting zone

You need to design a functional space where you and your friends can really unwind and enjoy spending time together. You can’t expect to have a memorable gathering with your friends without comfortable outdoor furniture. If you really want to enjoy your patio and create an atmosphere of comfort, you should invest in some cosy and multifunctional pieces. You can choose furniture with hidden storage compartments where you can keep your blankets for chilly nights. This way, you’ll have a comfortable yet well-organised lounge area.
Furthermore, you should completely eliminate clutter from your outdoor haven. Get rid of old magazines and unnecessary items to create an organised and tidy space. This way, your patio will seem more spacious and airy and you won’t feel cramped and constrained. 

Use bright colours

A bright colour palette is what will make your patio seem more open and spacious. Nonetheless, if you have patio elements in a darker hue, you can just add bright and colourful throw pillows to liven them up and give your patio a beautiful, cosy look. In addition, you can use a bright, neutral backdrop for your dark-coloured elements to create a stylish contrast. You can even paint that wall of your house in a different hue, but make sure that it fits the general colour scheme of your house. In addition, you can use decorative elements, throw pillows and cosy blankets to introduce different patterns to your lovely patio. Not only will this create a more cheerful look, but it will help you design a personal sanctuary that exudes authenticity and stylishness. 

Get a good lighting

No matter how much time you spend decorating your outdoor haven, adequate lighting is the crucial element that will set the mood and create a magical and intimate atmosphere. If your patio has a pergola, you can add a glamorous chandelier as a stunning focal point that will leave everyone speechless. In addition, such a lush detail will help you create an ambience of luxury and sophistication on your patio. Candles are another great solution that will help you create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. You can place them in mason jars or simply arrange them on your patio table. You can also use small string lights for a dreamy effect. Whether you hide them in trees and bushes or hang them around your pergola, they will certainly give your lounge area a magical look.

Create a vertical garden

No outdoor sanctuary is complete without a beautiful, magical garden. This is a great opportunity for you to express your creativity and give your patio your personal touch. Vertical gardens, where you place small flower pots on your wall, are an ideal solution for small spaces. You can use colourful flowers, vines and herbs and experiment with their arrangement. Creating a mini-sized fairy garden is another practical option that will help you bring natural energy to your personal sanctuary.   

Build a Murphy bar

A fold-down Murphy bar is a perfect solution for your small patio that will provide you with additional storage while not taking up too much space. You can build one yourself and include several shelves where you can keep your glasses and drinks. You can always place small flower pots on the top surface and create a colourful, cheerful look. When building your Murphy bar, make sure to choose weather-resistant materials and paint with a durable finish. 

A small patio doesn’t limit your design options. By keeping your outdoor haven organised and clutter-free, you’ll be able to create an illusion of spaciousness and openness. Afterwards, you should combine different elements to give it a cosy and inviting look.

 

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8 Methods for Having a Healthy and Weed-Free Garden

December 12, 2022
Tracey Clayton
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If you have a garden, chances are you’re focusing on ensuring a healthy and weed-free garden. This is a great goal, but one must pay attention to other aspects of the garden to achieve this. It’s essential to understand what makes up a healthy and weed-free garden. There are some simple tips you can use o help ensure that your plants thrive and you have an enjoyable growing experience. Here are some methods for having a healthy and weed-free garden.

1. Cover Soil with Mulch

A layer of organic mulch on the soil surface protects gardens from weeds while also helping the soil retain moisture. Organic mulch reduces weeds’ access to soil, making it harder for them to grow. In addition, it keeps soil bacteria that break down plant waste from being washed away. Mulch can help lower the temperature in the area by trapping heat energy and keeping water from evaporating as fast in hot weather.

2. Use Tarps

Another method is to cover your garden with a weed-resistant tarp. You can cover the entire thing or the plants you want to protect. There are gardening canvas tarps in woven polypropylene, clear plastic, black plastic, double-sided, and metalized tarps.

You can get your tarp at a hardware store or a local gardening center. Before you place the tarp over your garden, it’s best to get rid of any weeds first.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych: https://www.pexels.com/photo/backyard-of-modern-cottage-with-terrace-7061672/

3. Use a Weed Barrier

The weed barrier is another top-rated weed control product that helps prevent weeds from getting into your garden. It’s specially designed to keep out weed seeds and prevent wayward weeds. It is a thin, stretchy material that you will cut to fit around the perimeter of your garden. Then, you need to spread it around as a barrier that won’t let weeds through but can still air out the soil and provide moisture. The weed barrier is available in rolls from garden centers or online retailers, or you can make your own by stretching it over a fence or chicken wire.

4. Pull Weeds by Hand

Weeds are easiest to pull out when they are small, so as soon as you notice a weed growing in your garden, pull it out and destroy it. If a weed has grown to be very large, you’ll want to slice off the root as close to the ground as possible. This ensures that the whole plant doesn’t come back.

5. Use Hand Hoes

The hoe is another helpful tool for ridding your garden of weeds. While you can use any hoe to reach between plants and weed your garden, they aren’t all created equal. For instance, a stirrup hoe allows you to get between plants without uprooting them. It has a flat blade that moves when you push down on the hoe and slices through the weeds. A garden hoe, on the other hand, is suitable for eliminating weeds between rows of crops.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych: https://www.pexels.com/photo/residential-cottage-house-with-courtyard-5997993/

6. Apply Herbicides

Using organic herbicides to kill weeds helps keep the garden weed-free. Many products that combine organic herbicides with surfactants to help eliminate weeds are available at garden centers or online retailers. Organic herbicides are not harmful to you or your plants, but they will kill all forms of plant life. In addition, they aren’t as likely to contaminate groundwater supplies or break down as quickly, making them a good option for the environmentally conscious.

7. Plant Thickly

Planting thickly is another good option for keeping your garden healthy and preventing weeds. Weeds will need more room to grow if you space plants closer together. They won’t be able to develop a robust root system; thus, they won’t be able to break through the ground. However, when you plant thickly, ensure that your plants are well-spaced and can receive enough nutrients and water. This way, your garden will be open, which will help keep the soil healthy.

8. Watering Individual Plants

Another method is to water the individual plants in your garden. This way, you don’t have to worry about over-watering or drowning the entire garden like you would with a sprinkler. You’ll want to water seedlings and transplants with a watering can or a hose with a spray setting. In addition, you’ll need to check your soil regularly, especially during the summertime when it dries quickly. That way, weed seeds won’t have a chance to grow in your garden.

In addition to these eight ways to grow a healthy and weed-free garden, you should also consider the type of garden. The best way to ensure you have a healthy and weed-free garden is to create a garden that lives in harmony with the environment around it. By creating healthy soil, you’ll be able to grow a healthy crop of plants and flowers. As you reap the benefits of your hard work, you’ll feel good knowing you’re also protecting the environment.

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5 Backyard Ideas that will Transform Your Outdoor Space

September 21, 2022
Stella Van Lane
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There are many reasons why you might want to add a deck or patio to your backyard. Perhaps you need some extra space to entertain guests, or maybe you just want a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. No matter what your reasons may be, adding a deck or patio is a great way to improve your backyard, plus consider these extra few ideas.

1. Add a fire pit

A fire pit is a great way to transform your outdoor space. Not only does it add some warmth and ambiance, but it can also be a great place to gather with friends and family. You can find fire pits in a variety of shapes and sizes, so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your backyard. 

Once you have your fire pit, you can then start to think about how you want to use it. You can use it for cooking, roasting marshmallows, or simply as a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Whatever you choose to do with your fire pit, it’s sure to be a great addition to your home.

2. Install a pergola

A pergola is a great way to transform your backyard and create your own backyard oasis. Not only will it provide you with some much-needed shade, but it can also be a great place to hang out or relax. You can even add some curtains or lights to make it even more inviting. 

Pergolas are fairly easy to install and can be a great DIY project for weekends. Just make sure to do your research and get the right materials before you start. With a little bit of effort, you can easily create a backyard retreat that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Backyard deck
Image by Francine Sreca from Pixabay

3. Add some plants and flowers

If you’re looking for a simple way to transform your backyard, adding some plants and flowers is a great option. Not only will it make your space look more inviting, but it can also provide you with some additional privacy. Consider planting a hedge or installing some flower boxes along your fence line. You could also add some climbers to cover up an unsightly view. Whatever you choose, adding some greenery to your backyard is a surefire way to improve its appearance.

4. Install a deck or patio

One of the best ways to transform your backyard is to install a deck or patio. A deck or patio can provide a great place to relax or entertain guests, and it can also add value to your home.

If you’re thinking about installing a deck or patio, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you’ll need to choose the right location for your deck or patio. You’ll also need to decide what material you want to use. There are a variety of options available, including wood, composite, and concrete. 

Once you’ve decided on the location and material, you’ll need to hire a contractor to install your deck or patio. With a little planning and some help from professionals, you can easily transform your backyard with a new deck or patio.

Backyard deck
Image by eyeclick from Pixabay

5. Build a shed or workshop

Building a shed or workshop is a great way to add some extra space to your backyard. Not only will it provide you with a place to store things, but it can also be a great place to work on hobbies or projects and put to use all those home remodel tips you’ve learned. 

If you’re thinking about building a shed or workshop, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you’ll need to decide on the size and style of shed or workshop that you want. There are many different sizes and styles available, so it’s important to choose one that will fit your needs. Once you’ve decided on the size and style, you’ll need to choose a location for your shed or workshop. 

It’s important to choose a level spot that’s not too close to your house or other structures. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, you can start planning the construction of your shed or workshop. Be sure to check with your local building code office to get all the necessary permits before you begin construction. With a little planning and effort, you can transform your backyard into an extra storage space or workspace.

Final thoughts

There are many different ways to transform your backyard. By adding some plants and flowers, installing a deck or patio, or building a shed or workshop, you can easily make your backyard more inviting and functional. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can turn your backyard into the perfect retreat.

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7 Reasons Why You Need a Home Garden Office

January 15, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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A lot of people want to build a garden room in their yards. The garden rooms are different in designs, shapes, and sizes. They can, therefore, suit any property. It is beneficial to build a garden room on your property.  If you have not decided to build a garden room on your property, just know that a garden room can improve the appearance of your home. It can even add value to your property. Here are the top reasons to build a garden room on your property: 

 

Add Extra Living Space 

Building a garden room can help you get extra recreational space and living space. It is difficult for most homeowners to find enough space in their homes. Why? It is expensive to add an extra room to their homes.  You can, therefore, build a garden room to increase the living space on your property. It costs more money to renovate a house. Therefore, a lot of homeowners prefer to build a garden room. 

It is much cheaper to build a garden room. 

In fact, garden rooms are perfect for creating your personal retreat space. If you want to do home extensions, you will have to add a new room to your property. It takes time to extend your home since it is a complex process. In addition, you may not need planning permissions to build a garden room. If you want to build an annexe, however, you may need planning permissions, especially if it is for living purposes. Garden rooms are popular because of their versatility. You can use your garden room for anything. You can even make sure your garden room has all the amenities you need.  If you want extra space on your property or just a place for hanging out with your friends, you can build a garden room on your property. 

Affordable 

If you have elderly family members, you always worry about their safety. Building a garden room can help you keep your elderly family members close to you. They can live in your garden room throughout the year. You do not have to renovate or extend to your home to get extra space. Therefore, it is affordable to build a garden room. In this website you will find a range of garden rooms to suit your requirements. It is now expensive to pay for the care homes for older people. A lot of elderly people cannot afford to pay for care homes. In fact, some elderly people do even want to go to these care homes. The annual average cost of care homes in the past year was around £44,512. It is expensive for most people. The cost is the same as the price of an annexe building. An annex building can provide a permanent living solution on your property. Once you purchase your annexe building, you can position it in your yard. 

The annex building comes with the basics. So, you do not have to spend a lot of money on a care home. Some annexes are built to last. That is why they usually have a 10-year structural guarantee. If you can get an annexe building, your elderly family members can live near you. It can save you money since you do not have to extend your home or even build a new home.

It is Easy and Simple to Install 

It takes time and lots of effort to extend your home. Once you get the planning permissions, you may spend several months extending your home. You will never have some peace in your home for several months.  If you want to build a garden room to increase your living space, you can complete installing your garden room in one week. It, however, takes 4 to 6 weeks to install an annexe, depending on the size of the annexe. If you want to add extra living space to your property, do not extend your home. Build a garden room. It is easy and simple to install. The site surveyors can even handle the job. Once you decide to install a garden room, you just call professionals. The professionals will come to check your garden space. Then, they can help you pick a garden room that suits the available space. 

Multiple Design Options 

If you are a creative person, you get the freedom to design the garden room the way you want. If you want to add underfloor heating to your garden room, you are free to add them. In addition, you can decorate your garden room the way you want. Therefore, you can paint the walls and put wallpaper on the walls. You can do whatever you want with your garden room to make it more beautiful. If you are looking for decoration ideas for your garden room, use the internet to find several case studies and an extensive gallery. 

Suit All Properties 

Many homeowners do not rush to renovate or extend their homes. Why? They are not sure if it will fit with their home design. If you have an old property, you will have more worries. Why? It is difficult to combine the traditional with modern design. It is, however, easy to find a garden building that can suit your property. In fact, most of the garden rooms are versatile. So, they can suit any type of property.  If your garden is small, you can build a small garden room. It is cheap to build a small garden room. You can design your garden room to suit your property. 

Increases Privacy 

If you want to have more privacy, you can build a garden room. You can use your garden room to work. You will spend more time in your garden room without any distractions. If you, however, extend your home, some of your loved ones might disturb you. It is much better to build a separate room on your property, especially if you need privacy. In fact, you can watch movies and listen to loud music in your garden room. You can even bring your friends to hang out in your garden room. You will never disturb anyone while having fun in your garden building. You can even soundproof your garden room to prevent loud noises from escaping your garden room.

 

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5 Smart Ideas to Reshape Your Garden

February 16, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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Are you working to create an idyllic garden space that you and your family can cherish? Then try gardening. It can introduce you to some fantastic strategies to cut out noise pollution and unpleasant views. Some people gravitate towards landscaping ideas to create a lovely outdoor space. Others prefer tailored gardens with complimenting furniture, pavements, flower beds, and even spacious decks.

The size of your garden is a defining factor in determining practical ideas to transform your garden. We advise you to begin by closing your eyes and envisioning your dream garden. Once you’ve conjured up the vision, take a look at your current garden and absorb all the details. Explore the direction, outlook, and aesthetic appeal to devise a strategy focusing on restoration, improvement, and beautification.

Keep reading to explore some fabulously smart ideas to reshape and transform your garden.

Shape Things Up

Is your garden littered with clutter, unpruned trees, and lots of potential hazards? Or is it moderately shapely with a healthy population of flower beds, flowering trees, and fruit-bearing plants? If your garden is strong and healthy, you can get started on the transformation. However, if the bushes and hedges are unkempt, you must focus on shaping up all the vegetation. Eliminate all the accidental hazards, trim down the lawn edges, and clear up the clutter. Now, you can proceed towards planning the landscape or combining indoor and outdoor areas.

Planning & Pruning Trees

Trees dominate the aesthetic appeal of a garden, and they are super functional. It is always a starting point for designing a garden. If you live in Austin, then summers are very harsh there. You cannot avoid the hot beaming sun ruining your day-time. However, trees not only block the sun’s awful glare. They also block out noise and visual pollution and serve as an anchor for hanging decorative fixtures.

We advise you to hire competent professionals with vast experience in pruning and decorative tree service in Austin TX. Experts can help you create a thriving habitat by planting trees in a myriad of shapes and sizes. You can add trees and wines to your balcony, or perhaps, plant some picturesque cherry and apricot trees in your backyard.

In recent years, planting multi-stem trees has emerged as a powerful trend to create a masterful gardening showpiece. You can design elegant and charming canopies connected with layered under-plants and beautiful structural accents. If you have a front courtyard garden, a wild and deconstructed natural environment will work wonders at elevating the curb appeal.

Designing Paving

Paving is the ultimate trick to reshape your garden’s aesthetic appeal and pull the entire architecture with a firm seal. The style and color of the paving create a powerful architectural direction that dominates the space. Some homeowners prefer the French countryside appeal with grey and white stones arranged in random patterns.

The English countryside is another prevalent influence that involves mixed patterns of gold stones. Many homeowners prefer sleek and modern cosmetic arrangements with silver or matte black paving. Inspiration is abundant when it comes to creating a stunning effect with cobbles, stones, and setts. Which stone attracts you the most?

Do you prefer the charm of limestone mixed with cobbles? Or perhaps, you like elegant ceramics or a Bali-like ambiance? Find the combination that works for you, and you can embark on an incredible paving project for your garden.

Planning Flower Beds & Planting

A garden design is incomplete without beautiful flowering plants, vegetation, and evergreen shrubs. If you’re not a seasoned gardener, you will have to enlist the help of a trained professional. The first step is to envision the scents and flowers you wish to see in your garden.

Experts generally recommend creating an arrangement with at least six different types of flowering plants. It is ideal to arrange them in repetitive patterns to create a well-coordinated and balance aesthetic presentation. You can place the smaller plants in the front, with taller shrubs falling behind.

If you don’t have much space for deep flower beds, you can work with climbers and containers. Climbing plants, such as clematis, are a great strategy to give your garden a vibrant color and infusion of charm. If you want to set up an elaborate outdoor seating area, star jasmine is a must-have. It is an easily manageable plant that exudes the most incredible scent.

Outdoor Arrangement

If you’re a family of big entertainers, an outdoor arrangement will undoubtedly elevate the charm of your dinner parties. How much space do you have to set-up an outdoor seating area? If you have a large, expansive garden, you can set up a nice deck with elaborate furniture.

In recent years, fire pits and cozy seating arrangements with floor cushions and bamboo furniture are all the rage. Architectural gazettes are brimming with decks featuring Moroccan floor seating arrangements and cozy fire pits. You can always place lounging chairs around it.

Creative homeowners are also constructing lowered fire pits with built-in seating areas, plumped up with mattresses and cushions. If you’re comfortable with elbow grease and DIY, you can explore numerous budget-friendly strategies. For a small garden space, consider setting up a rustic wooden table and low benches for seating. You can hang up some lighting fixtures, fairy lights, and lanterns to transform the ambiance.

Conclusion

Gardening is an endeavor that requires skill, research, and expertise more than practical planning skills. If you have a vision for your dream garden, it is wise to gain the expertise required to maintain a healthy garden. The initial design is easy to achieve, but maintaining its health and longevity is tricky and requires constant care. Keep in mind; a garden is a long-term commitment that requires love, maintenance, and attention.

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Add a Touch of Luxury in Your Backyard with Retaining Walls

February 3, 2021
EmmaJ
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A retaining wall is a structure that retains any material, usually earth, and prevents it from sliding or eroding away. Its main purpose is to resist the pressure of the material it is holding back. Due to its broad use, we have prepared some facts that you should know about retaining walls.

Retaining wall types

Here are some of the often used types of retaining walls.

Gravity walls are multifunctional – for example on hillside properties and they are usually made of concrete and stone. They depend on its mass to resist material pressure from behind. However, their main disadvantage is that they are easily damaged in earthquakes.

Brick retaining walls has multiple purposes – such as on hillside properties, however, they are not as strong as concrete gravity walls, and water pressure behind them can cause their failure.

Sheet pile retaining walls come in different materials such as steel, vinyl or wood planks. The process of their making is done by driving a part of them into the ground up to the required depth.

You can use anchored retaining walls when you expect high loads since they have additional strength using cables to stay anchored in the soil behind.

Retaining wall use


A retaining wall is a multipurpose construction. One of their benefits is to protect shorelines and create space for storm drains. You can see these walls as support to roads and bridges, as well as in residential properties to add definition to the landscape by making distinct flat areas in your backyard, offering an appealing look. Thus, we can see that their purpose is both functional and decorative. They are used as the support for keeping soil in place and preventing erosion. Furthermore, they’re very effective at preventing flooding.

Retaining walls material

Some of the most common materials used for retaining walls are stone, brick, timber and concrete. If your budget is not tight, we would recommend you a stone, whose strength and rustic look are worth some extra money. Brick and timber, on the other hand, are cost-effective choices. However, you should be careful in the case of brick walls, since they require a strong structural footing. Also, you should have in mind that, although timber is cheaper, it has a reduced lifespan.

What are the costs involved?

As we have already mentioned, the cost heavily depends on the type of the material. However, that’s not all. Dimensions and the labor required are also some of the important elements. You can keep costs down if you decide to build the wall on your own. However, if you’re not up for a challenge, don’t shy from contacting the experts. The construction process is quite not for everyone, particularly in case of higher walls. Aside from this, soil conditions can affect the cost as well, so it is hard to predict a quota before the work begins.

Water can weaken the wall


The accumulated water is a huge danger to retaining walls. Especially since it increases the pressure on the wall and the risk of failure becomes significantly higher. Thus you have to take the importance of proper retaining wall drainage seriously. This may include drainage sheets that protect the foundation. Another possibility is to drill the weep holes which will allow the water to escape, instead of staying accumulated behind the wall. Also, a suitable method is installing a drainage pipe behind the wall, either near the footing or higher. It’s important to use granular and not cohesive clay soil as backfill because that way, water can reach the holes or pipes, instead of just accumulating.

Retaining wall decoration ideas

There are many interesting ways in which retaining walls in residential areas can be decorated in order to contribute to the visual appeal of the landscape. For example, there is nothing more beautiful than introducing a touch of nature to it. You can plant climbers like beautiful climbing roses or a Virginia creeper whose crimson autumn leaves will make your retaining wall look magical. Another possibility is installing the night lights. Owing to them the retaining wall will look more sophisticated, at the same time being both functional and decorative. Keep in mind that you need to think about the security of your home as well. And if you love colorful decorations, you may even consider installing color-changing lights to get the impression of being in a fairy tale.

As you can see, retaining walls can completely transform your backyard. Since serious construction work is in question here, you can consider a lot of things, starting from the types of the walls, the materials, the cost, etc. However, you can also be creative and decorate it according to your own desire.

 

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Landscape Design & Construction

July 26, 2019
Tracey Clayton
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Designing a beautiful outdoor space is just as important as creating an appealing interior design. The best proof of that is that landscaping can add significant value to a property that is listed on the market. In fact, it is the curb appeal that contributes to 28% of the house’s overall value, because the home buyers are immediately astonished by the first impression. However, not all landscape and outdoor construction projects are the same when it comes to value, appearance, and functionality. In this article, we’ll share some valuable insights into the outdoor projects with the biggest potential, so that you have a clear image of all the things your front and backyard can benefit from.

Planting a lawn

Many people look at planting the lawn as designing a flat square green surface, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The best lawns are central access points to other features. A swath of grass should connect pathways and bush and flower areas. It should also be integral to creating harmony between different shapes and colors, and lead the eye to a focal point, such as a fountain or a flowerbed. For a formal look, you can go with the symmetrical design. This is also a good choice for easy maintenance because it makes mowing a breeze. Gentle curves bring slightly more maintenance, but they have a more organic feel.

Creating natural shade

Before we move on to various outdoor installations which can provide you with shade, it is vital to mention that natural shade is the best one you can get. A mature tree can add from $1,000 to $10,000 to a property while creating a fairytale-like ambiance in the back and front yard. The choice of the tree depends on the local climate and the amount of sunlight and rain the outdoor space is receiving. Another way to create cover from the sun is to add a vine arch or a pergola.

A roof over your head

Outdoor entertaining has always been popular, but sometimes it is impossible due to harsh sun or mild rain, that is unless you have some type of roof over your head. This shelter can come in the form of a wooden pergola, a simple shade sail, or an awning. This setting can be installed on the back side of your house, or it can stand alone as a backyard focal point.

Something to stand on

A seamless connection between the interior and the exterior is one of the biggest trends right now, and for that, you won’t be able to stand on your lawn. Wooden decks are believed to bring the most significant return on investment, but if you are looking for endurance and high-end appearance, you can also go with limestone paving patio slabs, which are durable, roughly-finished, textured, and compliment every outdoor space. Some other popular options are concrete, gravel, and bricks.

Indoor features

As mentioned, indoors and outdoors can coexist in a happy marriage. What better proof could you ask for than the existence of outdoor kitchens and dining areas? All the things that will make the exterior feel almost like the interior are welcome, as long as they are in coherence with natural surroundings. Excellent additions, for example, would be a stone oven, fire pit, wooden dining table, etc.

A place to sit

Since you already have a place to prepare food and hide from the sun, you should also have a seating arrangement worthy of these updates. Outdoor furniture should have the feel of the indoor comfort but with the added endurance and weather-resistance provided by materials like plastic, aluminum, steel, wrought iron, wicker, eucalyptus, and teak. 

The final stamp

Finally, every backyard should be a reflection of the homeowner. Depending on the landscape designer and the homeowners, the personal stamp can come in the form of mystical pathways made of stone, brick, or planks, a central fountain, a natural lake, a swimming pool, an outdoor spa pool, a vegetable garden, string lights, lanterns, solar torches, or anything else that results in an outdoor space you’ve always wanted to have.

A home is not only what’s inside the interior walls. A home starts with the entrance to the front yard and ends with the furthest point of the backyard. This is why investing time and money in landscaping and hardscaping makes sense, regardless of whether you want to live in that house for years or you want to sell it.

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Christmas Garden Decoration Ideas for a Festive Front Yard

December 18, 2018
Derek Lotts
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Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s high time to prepare your home for the upcoming festivities. Since your front yard is the first thing everyone will notice when they come to visit, it can serve you as the ideal spot to show off your décor skills and inspire everyone to get into the Christmas spirit. In order to help you make your front yard absolutely festive in no time, we have singled out our top garden decoration tips for you to try out. Let’s spread the holiday cheer.

Fairytale vibes with Christmas lights

First things first, Christmas lights represent a great and easy way to add a magical touch to your outdoor décor. You can start by illuminating the walkway to the front door with multicoloured floodlights. Additionally, if you want to achieve the wow effect, you can hang solar-powered led Christmas lights on your trees which accumulate power during the day to create a romantic holiday atmosphere in the evening. On top of that, if you want your home to become the talk of the town, you can invest in remote-controlled laser lights which could enhance the look of your entire outdoor decor arrangement with a soothing ambient flare.

Have fun with front door ornaments

This Christmas you should try to express your creative side with front door ornaments. For example, instead of simply hanging your usual decoration, you can opt for a special faux wreath, add tiny pines to it and sprinkle it with fake snow for a beautiful statement piece. Alternatively, you can take a different route and design a nice garland by combining Holly, Spruce, Eucalyptus, various foliage and tie it all together with a red and green ribbon. Another easy way to style up your front entrance and brighten up everyone’s day is to switch your boring welcoming matt with one that has a funny Christmassy motif on it. Don’t forget to add a personal touch to the decor by hanging a classy banner over the door frame with your family’s name on it.

A luxurious Christmas tree

Planting a fir tree in your front yard is a great idea since you can use it as a nice decor piece for many years to come. In order to make the tree more visible, you should go for fabulous electric candles that can shine in different patterns and colours. What’s best, they are usually controlled via an App. Furthermore, when one fir is not enough, you can find a couple of gorgeous pots and plant a few trees inside for an evergreen front yard look. As far as Christmas tree ornaments are concerned, feel free to experiment and hang small plush toys, candy, pinecones or even framed family photographs. Lastly, if you are bored of your regular star tree topper, go for an unexpected item like the Harry Potter sorting hat, or something geeky like a Death Star replica.

Create your very own Christmas theme

Last but not least, it’s time to transform your front yard into an enchanting scene with Christmas theme ideas. If you’re more into a traditional style, you can build a couple of snowmen, place plaques on them with heartfelt messages and cover the space around them with large gift boxes. However, if you want to express your humoristic side, you can place sitting rattan reindeer next to Santa’s sleigh and hang an “Out of Order” sign on it for a funny sketch. Finally, you can even get a light-up polar bear set to complete your Christmas theme and warm up everyone’s hearts with this magical decor idea.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much effort to create a winter wonderland in your front yard for the upcoming holidays. All you need to do is to follow your decor checklist, don’t be afraid to express your creative side and add your personal touch to the design. We wish you a Merry Christmas!

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5 Tips for Cosy Outdoor Thanksgiving Décor

November 22, 2018
Mike Johnston
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It’s that time of the year when your family starts gathering, looking forward to family time, cosy home atmosphere and delicious feasts. Yes, Thanksgiving is here and you should welcome it in style! Aside from giving your interior space that charming, comfy vibe, you should also style up your exterior. Thanksgiving-inspired outdoor décor will put all of your guests in a great, festive mood the moment they arrive.

Choose the colours of the season

Although Thanksgiving is a fall holiday, its colours are certainly warm and inviting. Nature’s fall palette will help you cosy up your exterior and create a truly welcoming atmosphere. When choosing your decorations for Thanksgiving, you should go with a fiery palette of burnt orange, rich brown, vibrant russet red and golden yellow. You can complement such a warm colour scheme with contrasting hues such as eggplant purple, navy blue, charcoal grey and black. Such a palette will help you combine traditional fall hues with unexpected shades, which will give your outdoor areas authentic appeal.

Bring out the festive lighting

Stunning lighting solutions will help you create a festive ambience of comfort and cosiness. They will also help you accentuate your Thanksgiving décor and your home’s beautiful features. You can place fall-inspired lanterns around your front door that will soon become an enchanting focal point of your home’s exterior. If you have a porch, you can also place lanterns and candles for a whimsical effect. As for your back entrance, you can create a garland using leaves and fall flowers and then pair it with string lights. Placing this arrangement around your door will make your entrance appealing and inviting. You can experiment with other lighting fixtures, as well, and use them to emphasise certain features. You can even find solar-powered pumpkins that you can scatter around your front yard and garden, creating a truly inspiring Thanksgiving setting.  

Turn your front door into a Thanksgiving focal point

As the focal point of your home’s exterior, the front door will be the most conspicuous detail of your Thanksgiving arrangements. There are so many creative ideas that you can try out. Placing a lush wreath made of leaves, flowers, tiny pumpkins and pinecones will make your front door stand out immediately. You can also line it using a mesmerising garland or place an arbour made of grapevines over the door. Of course, don’t forget to welcome your guests with a Thanksgiving-inspired mat that will feature your chosen colour scheme.

Create stunning décor arrangements

Placing decorative Thanksgiving arrangements in your front yard, back garden or on the porch will truly capture the festive spirit of this holiday. Gather pumpkins of all colours and sizes and stack them together. You can also fill wicker baskets with fall flowers, leaves and pumpkins and place them around your yard. Lining your garden path and front-door pathway with tiny pumpkins is also a beautiful option that will create a lovely trail. You can also use hale bales for a porch arrangement, combining them with festive lighting, fall foliage, wicker baskets, etc.

Welcome Thanksgiving into your outdoor haven

If you have an outdoor space where you can gather with your family, make sure to cosy it up and give it a Thanksgiving-inspired look. Introduce your fall colour palette into your outdoor area and use it for soft materials, garden planters and decorations. If you have a seating area with a coffee table, place a Thanksgiving centrepiece made of seasonal fruit and vegetables, leaves, flowers, etc. You can also place tiny pumpkins in glass containers and put them on the outdoor tables. Scattering leaves around your outdoor sanctuary will also create a Thanksgiving vibe. Finally, if possible, create a beautiful fire pit where you can gather around with your family and sip your hot beverages. This will be the perfect way to spend the Thanksgiving evening.

Thanksgiving is the holiday that you should spend with your loved ones. Using these ideas will not only help you set the tone for this occasion, but also make your friends and family feel welcome and cosy.

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Smooth Decorator is a website dedicated to our little sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of the outside world – to our homes, sweet homes. We believe that the foundation of a quality life needs to be set right there, in the place where we first dream things up, and that only when we organized our homes can we hope to organize the rest of our everyday existence.

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