lawn Archives - Bruzzese Home Improvements

10 Ways to Conserve Water While Maintaining a Green Lawn

April 6, 2020April 6, 2020Bruzzese Home ImprovementsGreen Living, lawn and gardenenergy efficient, lawnLeave a comment

Every homeowner loves to have a green lawn throughout the year. However, maintaining a green lawn all the time can be challenging for many people. It is essential to water a lawn regularly to maintain it green, especially in the summer season. Also, it is important to save water to save our environment and ecosystem.

The conventional method of loan irrigation leads to wastage of plenty of water. Therefore, it becomes essential for every landscape owner to use modern methods of irrigation that help them save water. Let us explore the best methods of irrigation and tips to conserve water and maintain a green lawn at the same time.

Water at the right time

It is essential to watering your lawn at the right time of the day to save water. Governments of many countries have established water restrictions on watering during certain times of the day. If your community has set some guidelines and descriptions on watering the lawns, that are there to preserve water in your area.

Morning and evening hours are considered the best times to water your gardens as the rate of evaporation are almost negligible in these times. Due to the very low rate of evaporation, water loss is also minimal.

Harvest rainwater

Nature offers many sources of free water that most of the homeowners ignore. If you have plenty of space in your backyard, you can create a water reservoir to collect the rainwater and use it afterward in the summer months. You can also buy some barrels to store water in your garden, and doing this will help you use less of the public water. Harvesting rainwater is one of the best methods to conserve water and irrigate your landscapes.

Irrigate with the right amount of water

The amount of water your lawn needs depends upon the type of grass and the type of soil in your garden. Light and sandy soils need more and frequent watering than heavy soils. Clay soils need more water but less often. So, if you have light, sandy, or clay soil in your lawn, you need to water it more frequently.

The amount of water your lawn needs depends upon the climate in your location and season of The Year. It might be enough to water your lawn once a week in the winter, but you may need to water it every other day in the summer months.

Aerate your lawn

Lawn aeration is important for your garden maintenance that most garden owners overlook. It is a process that involves creating holes in the soil with the help of an aeration machine. Aerating the soil helps it retain moisture and reduce the water runoff. If you have recently reseeded or sodded your soil, it does not need aeration. Therefore, you should try to aerate your lawn to save water and promote the growth of grass.

Remove the weeds

Every plant in your lawn needs water for its growth. The weeds in the grass also need water, and they increase the watering requirement of your lawn. Therefore, garden owners should remove the leaves regularly from their lawn and provide proper nutrition to the grass.

Removing the weeds as soon as they appear will ensure that the water you offer gets absorbed by the grass and not by unwanted plants. Moreover, your grass will not be deprived of the fertilizers and nutrients due to the presence of weeds.

Use water-saving watering techniques

The conventional watering techniques like flood irrigation lead to evaporation and loss of water. Therefore, lawn owners should not use conventional irrigation techniques and switch to water-saving irrigation techniques. Let us check some water-saving irrigation techniques for irrigating a lawn.

Sprinkler irrigation

This is one of the best irrigation techniques that involve the use of sprinkler heads installed on a garden hose or system of pipes. There are different types of sprinklers used for this type of irrigation. It is best to use an adjustable sprinkler that offers a variety of sprinkling patterns. The adjustable sprinklers offer you to water your lawn grass in multiple patterns. You can adjust every sprinkler at a different pattern to suit the requirements of different areas of your lawn.

Drip irrigation

Another way to save water while watering is to make use of drip irrigation. You can get a drip irrigation system from the market and install it in your loan. You can also create your own drip irrigation system at home with a garden hose. A drip irrigation system can save a lot of water as the water is directly sprayed near the roots of the grass. There is a very low rate of evaporation, runoff, and requires less water for irrigation.

Artificial Turf

If you are looking for one of the easiest ways to save water while maintaining a lawn, you can consider planting artificial turf in your lawn. There are a variety of artificial grasses available, and you can choose one according to your choice. The watering requirements, climate, and location do not matter for artificial turf. Moreover, you don’t need to trim the grass as it does not grow. All you need to maintain it is to wash it with water when it gets dirty or twice a month to keep it clean.

Maintain the grass height

To minimize the evaporation of water, your graph should cover and provide shade to the soil. It is essential to maintain two inches of cross height to offer shade to the soil. So, the next time when you move your lawn, take care to keep the grass height between 2 and 3 inches long. Maintaining the height of grass will make it look better and also reduce evaporation to a minimum.

Final Words

These are some tips to save water and maintain your lawn green throughout the year. Installing the water-saving irrigation equipment can help save water. If you cannot find the equipment in physical stores, you can also check the drips and sprinklers for irrigation online. Following these tips will help landscape owners to irrigate their lawns wisely to save water and also maintain them green.

4 Ways to Show Your Personality through Unique Landscaping

August 3, 2019August 3, 2019Bruzzese Home Improvementslawn and gardenhome improvement, landscaping, lawnLeave a comment

While many homeowners utilize the inside of their home to show off their personality, they’re missing out on a whole blank canvass outside of the home. Your yard is just waiting to be transformed in such a way that reflects what kind of a person you are. Stray away from cookie-cutter landscaping and instead opt for these four ways to showcase your personality through unique landscaping.

Stone Pavers

One beautiful method is to utilize natural stone pavers. These can be used to create trails that run through your garden. Or they can add an elegant border around your driveway, existing pathways, or around the garden. There are many different shades and colors of pavers. Choosing those which best fit the rest of the landscape and your home’s exterior is ideal.

Fountains

There’s a lot of creativity that can be put into fountains. You can make it as eccentric or as sophisticated as you want. They can double as an irrigation system for the rest of your yard or just be a central focal point. One aspect to consider is the size. Fountains can be as large or as small as you need. That makes them a great choice for homes that have a lot of space and homes that don’t have a lot of space. You can place them in the yard itself or in the garden. From there, you can add additional sculptures and other elements to further make the fountain unique to you.

The Garden

One of the best landscaping features that you can add to your home is a garden. Whether it’s just a flower garden or one that also grows herbs, the aesthetic it brings to the yard is incredible. However, you should also take your activity level into account. If you know you’re not the kind to regularly weed and mulch your garden, then you might want to opt for plants that don’t require a lot of care. The best gardens are those that are weeded regularly and kept fresh and pruned.

Lawn Decorations

For those who feel bold, one certain way to make your landscape unique to your personality is to include lawn decorations. You should be wary of having too many and making your lawn look cluttered. However, a few garden gnomes can look cute.

These four methods can transform the blank canvas of your lawn. Have fun and be creative.

How to Turn Your Garden into the Envy of the Neighborhood

March 26, 2018October 31, 2022Bruzzese Home Improvementslawn and gardenlandscaping, lawn, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Keeping a great garden can be lots of fun, as well as a way to make your home look better from the outside. If you grow vegetables, it can also be a great source of fresh, nutritious foods for you and your family. Here are some of the best tips for turning your garden into the envy of everyone else in your neighborhood.

Start with Great Soil

If you want plants to grow well, you need to start with rich soil that will provide them with plenty of nutrients. Organic topsoil, sold by the bag at many hardware stores, can give your garden the start it needs to grow healthy plants. If you want to make your soil even richer, you can consider incorporating manure or compost for extra nitrogen. Mix these additives into the soil that’s already in your yard, and you’ll have a great foundation for your garden.

Choose the Right Seeds

If you want the perfect garden, you need to be selective with your seeds. Not only should you choose plants that will look and grow well together, but you should also consider whether or not the seeds you’re getting are good for your particular climate zone. If you plan to grow vegetables, consider the yield of each hybrid variety in order to get the most out of your garden.

Optimize Your Irrigation and Drainage

Everyone knows that plants need water to grow, but getting the exact amount of water right can be a little tricky. A good solution is to install an automatic irrigation system that will water your plants at specific times and for specific periods to ensure that they’re getting exactly what they need. You should also install a good garden drainage system, since plants can be harmed by water sitting on their roots for too long.

Rotate Seasonally

One thing that will easily make your garden stand apart from your neighbors’ is rotating the plants you have in it with the seasons. If you’re growing a flower garden, this means planting annuals for spring, summer and autumn. With vegetable gardens, you have even more latitude to rotate, as you can start with crops such as peas that mature early, then plant autumn harvest crops like squashes. Tomatoes, peppers, green beans, lettuce and broccoli can fill out your vegetable garden, as they’ll produce consistent harvests throughout the summer.

By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can create a great garden that will be the envy of all of your neighbors. Keep in mind, though, that keeping a great garden will still require plenty of work on your part.

Home Helps: Top Benefits of Choosing to Hardscape Rather Than Landscape

March 7, 2018December 20, 2023Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, lawn and gardenhome improvement, lawn, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Constantly taking care of your landscaping can be a hassle. You may find yourself spending all of your free time weeding and maintaining your yard. Here are some benefits to hardscape over landscape.

Decreased Water Consumption

In areas where there are water restrictions, hardscape can save on dead and dying yards. You won’t have to look out at your yard and shake your head. It can also save on your water bill each month. This increased savings can even help you to pay for the project. Then, you can feel as though you’ve done your part in conserving water. It can also provide a fire break around your home. This can give you an increased sense of security.

Less Erosion Issues

Hardscape that is done well still drains into the soil. The benefit is that during heavy downpours, you won’t have to worry about your yard becoming a bog. Proper hardscape has a solid foundation that won’t erode underneath itself. If you live on a hillside, this can be a big cause for concern. Retaining walls can help to protect your investment. Some walls can even help to prevent landslide issues of your home and property.

Increased Yard Usability

Hardscape can allow you to create an outdoor living space. You can host parties in this increased space. Another benefit is that it can increase the value of your property. It can be an accent piece for your yard. Quality hardscape can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. This may drive up the sale price of your home if you decided to sell. It can even be a good place for the kids to play. Then, you won’t have to worry about them tracking dirt in from outside.

Reduced Time for Maintenance

Depending on the extent that you decide to hardscape your yard, you can cut down on the maintenance significantly. This doesn’t mean that you need to give up all of your plants. Keeping a few planting areas will still allow you to maintain some greenery. The benefit is that you can have more free time on the weekends to do other things. Hardscape that is done well can last for a lifetime. The key is to prepare the area with the proper materials, such as gravel from Purdy Topsoil & Gravel, before you take on the project.

There are lots of potential benefits to adding hardscape to your yard. Just make sure to do it right so that it can provide lasting beauty to your home.

Lawn Care: How to Nurture Your Yard This Summer

August 5, 2016adminlawn and garden, Summer Tipshome improvement, landscaping, lawn, summerLeave a comment

The hot summer months can cause severe damage to your lawn. The grass can become dry, which can lead to it turning brown and brittle. A few simple steps can help keep your lawn healthy.

Fertilize
In order to have a healthy lawn, you need to give it the proper nutrients. Before the summer season, take the time to fertilize the lawn, watering it after the fertilizer has been spread. This will provide the necessary nutrients that it will need to grow in the spring and summer and will often make the lawn greener.

Landscaping
If you don’t have the time to care for the lawn, then consider hiring a landscaping company, such as Nature Safe. Most companies will work with your schedule and can come on a regular basis depending on how often the lawn needs manicured. A landscaping company can do everything from mowing to adding mulch around the flowers in order to keep the moisture near the roots so that the flowers and other plants will grow.

Water
When you’re hot, you probably drink cold water. The same concept goes for your lawn. When it’s hot outside, the moisture is quickly taken from the ground. It’s best to water the lawn in the morning or in the evening. This will prevent the sun from draining the water that you just put on the lawn in a short amount of time.

Mowing
Your lawn will need to be mowed in the summer to remove the dead blades of grass on the top layer. Adjust the height of the mower so that it’s not cutting close to the ground as this can end up burning the grass. About half an inch to an inch from the top of the grass is ideal depending on how fast your lawn grows.

Bugs
There are many bugs that like making your lawn their home. Treat the lawn for grubs, beetles and June bugs that tend to lay their eggs in the middle of the summer. An exterminator can come to spray the lawn with products that are safe for both the grass and the family, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Caring for your lawn in the summer is easy if you follow a few tips. You don’t have to look at brown blades of grass throughout the season as long as the lawn stays watered and manicured. Landscaping companies can help keep your lawn in the healthiest condition possible if you don’t have the time to provide proper care.

Landscaping for Dummies: Easy Ideas to get the Yard You Want

July 13, 2016adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, lawn and gardenDIY projects, home improvement, landscaping, lawnLeave a comment

Creating a yard that is as charming and attractive as the inside of your home can be a daunting task, especially for new homeowners, but landscaping is a skill that can be learned and developed. Some practice, patience, and these simple ideas can help you create a beautiful and easy-to-care-for landscape.

Go Native
Use plants and grasses that are native to your part of the country. Nurseries and garden supply centers will direct you to the plants that will thrive best in the climate, soil type, and amount of sun you get in your area. Check with local universities or the County Extension Office which provides help and services for all things agricultural and can help inform you on the best plants to try and which are invasive species or bad for the environment.

Curb Your Enthusiasm
Set realistic goals and don’t expect immediate results. Mother Nature will do things on her schedule, not yours. If you are an inexperienced gardener, or do not have much time to spend in the yard, do not plant flowers or shrubs that need constant attention. There are many plants that thrive on neglect and are a good choice for the beginning or time-strapped gardener.

Call In the Pros
There are some things that a first-time homeowner should not attempt. Trees, especially older, more established ones, should be trimmed by a professional pruning service. Cutting too much can lead to damage to the tree, and not enough trimming results in wasted time and money. Professionals like Smitty’s Tree Service Inc have the right tools and equipment to get the job done safely without risking injury or damage caused by falling tree limbs as well.

Consider All Options
Do not overlook plants in containers, window boxes, statuary, and water features. These lend variety, versatility, and beauty to your outdoor space. They can be moved when necessary, and are easy to replace if damaged or simply if your taste changes.

Use the Right Tools
It is not necessary to spend a fortune on gardening equipment, but there will be some absolute necessities. Clippers, a shovel, rake, and a garden hose are the bare minimum. Buy good quality products, clean them after each use, and store securely and safely to maintain your investment.

Plan Ahead
It is important to think long term and consider not only how tall trees and shrubs will grow, but also how wide. Note the placement of plumbing lines to avoid blockage due to root growth a few years down the road.

A beautiful yard will add to the value of your home now and in the future. Get advice from the experts, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. These tips can help start you off to a great landscape and give you time to improve as you learn.

Six Simple Springtime Renovations for Your Yard

March 1, 2016adminDIY Projects, lawn and gardenDIY projects, garden, landscaping, lawn, Outdoor Living, springLeave a comment

Renovations can improve your home and make it more enjoyable, but you don’t have to focus on just the interior. This year, make some changes to your yard and create an outdoor space you’re sure to love. When you want a private retreat where you can relax and unwind after a long day, consider making these smart upgrades to your yard.

Fabric and Wood
Build an arbor over your deck or even a nice grassy spot in the yard. Drape a lightweight fabric over the top to help shade the area and give it an elegant feel. It doesn’t take much skill or craftiness to construct one, and you can always change out the fabric for a constant new look. You’ll love the combination of materials, and this just may become your favorite spot in the yard.

Water and Sun
Thanks to Blue World Pools above ground pools, it’s easy to add some water to your yard. You can give yourself the space you need to float away on a hot afternoon, and your kids will love hopping in to play some water games. Measure the space carefully so you can choose the largest size possible, and make sure you have a path to mow around it.

Storage Benches
You can always use more seating, but you also need storage. If you’re trying to decide on the right railing, consider going with storage benches instead. You’ll effectively use the available space, and you’ll make it easier to keep the deck neat and tidy. This is also a great option for your pool deck. Put a few drain holes in the bottom the bench and you can toss wet toys inside when the kids are done playing.

Clean up the Landscaping
If your backyard is an overgrown jungle, then it’s time to reclaim the landscape for your family. Take the time to push back the wilderness, clear out the weeds, and expand your turf. Not only will you create a more visually appealing space, but you’ll also cut back on the bugs.

Warm it Up
Make it easy to enjoy a roaring fire at night by adding a fireplace, or even an open fire pit. A carefully designed and crafted fireplace will direct heat to a certain area, but you can fit more friends around the open design. Either way, you’ll love the ambience while kids will enjoy roasting marshmallows.

Definable Areas
If you already have a large and functional space, then it may be time to give each area a little more definition. You can use curtains to turn a covered area into more of an outdoor room. Gather chairs around a fire pit in another area for gathering with friends, and put your dining table and chairs in a set location.

Most of these ideas won’t cost a great deal of money, but can all make your space more enjoyable. You’ll love having a functional area where you can relax, and the whole family will look forward to spending time in your oasis.

How to Beautify Your Yard in Just a Few Steps

February 11, 2016adminDIY Projects, lawn and gardenDIY projects, garden, grass, landscaping, lawnLeave a comment

First impressions are lasting impressions, and the first area family and friends see when they come to your home is the yard that surrounds it. Having an attractive lawn does not have to be difficult. There are a few basic and very simple steps that can be taken immediately to get your yard well on the way to becoming a major focal point of your residence. Having a welcoming and prim yard can do lots for your home’s aesthetic appeal. If you want to sell your home at some point, investing the time and money to make your yard look good is very much worth it.

Clean It Up

Taking the time and putting forth the effort to cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and clean out flower beds is well worth it. These things will make your home look loved and well-tended. Other duties such as pressure-washing hard surfaces, adding and manicuring flower beds, purchasing accessories, and putting in pathway pavers can be done as needed, or when you have the extra time. If you just take a few minutes each day to clean and maintain this area, the results will be consistent and amazing. Enlist the help of all family members to make this area something that everyone in the neighborhood can be proud of.

Trim the Trees

Overhanging branches can be a danger and can also become very expensive if they fall on your roof or other structures during high winds or storms. Your older trees may look awkward and unbalanced, with limbs growing every which way. Whatever the case, it is always best to call in the professionals, like those at Smitty’s Tree Service Inc, to diagnose and treat diseased or infested trees. Experts will have the proper equipment and safety gear to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and your yard will look so much better for it. Getting your trees removed may also be a necessity, especially if you have old or dead ones mucking up your yard.

Add Color

Green is a gorgeous color, but can become very bland when standing alone. Set off your lawn, trees, and bushes with pops of bright color. Add plants, flowers, twinkle lights, and even hanging lanterns to give your yard more personality and pizzazz. Color can also be added through lawn furniture and cushions, pots and planters, and even interesting statues and lawn ornaments. Some people like using lawn gnomes or flamingos to add some life to their yard. Fake deer and other animals have also become popular in recent years.

Having an attractive yard is something that can be done in very simple steps. You will not have to be overwhelmed and some tasks, such as the tree trimming which can be done by the experts that are trained to do it. Other tasks can be delegated out to additional companies who will be able to assist you. Making your yard beautiful is something that everyone can achieve.

Six Yard Preps you have to do Before Winter

November 23, 2015adminHome Maintenance, lawn and garden, Winter TipsFall, landscaping, lawn, Outdoor Living, winterLeave a comment

Just because your yard is going to go dormant in the winter, doesn’t mean you can skip a little TLC before the snow starts blowing. Doing a little maintenance in the fall will create a thick, luscious lawn when spring comes around again, and less work for you when spring cleaning comes around.

Rake Up the Leaves
It may be tempting to leave your yard covered in leaves when the last of them finally fall, but a layer of leaves will slowly kill your grass. Leaves prevent the grass from getting necessary sunlight through the season, so make sure you remove them as they fall, since it can take a few months for trees to fully shed their leaves. Any time leaves or other debris are left to sit on your lawn, the grass will die from lack of sunlight or from mold and disease. If you have a mower with a mulching attachment, you can shred the leaves into fine pieces and leave them on the grass.

Water Throughout the Winter
Many homeowners think once winter hits they don’t have to water their grass anymore. This misconception is a big reason why it takes so long to bring your grass back from a long, dry winter. Homeowners often believe this because they think grass dies in the winter, and simply comes back to life in the spring. Grass actually goes dormant and stops growing, but it still needs water to keep it alive. If you live in a region where you get a lot of snow, then you don’t need to water your lawn. However, if winters are warmer and/or dry, you’ll need to water your grass every two to three weeks.

Seeding
The end of fall is a great time to seed your lawn. Autumn seeding allows your grass to grow thick and strong. When you shop for seed, make sure you read the bags or talk to knowledgeable staff at the garden center. There are various grass seed mixtures for different climates, and some seed mixes are better for shady conditions, while others are great for cold, dry winter weather. Use a rotary spreader set at the manufacturer’s recommended rate. Once you’ve put the seed down, ensure it gets plenty of water so it can germinate.

Fertilize
Fall is also a great time to fertilize. Aim for the beginning of November if you live in a warmer climate. Consider fall fertilization a boost to give it the strength to survive the cold temperatures. If you want to get really fancy, send a soil sample off to have it tested for the nutrients it’s deficient in. Most commercial fertilizers are suitable for lawns of all types, so there isn’t any need to get too elaborate. Remember not to apply a fertilizer/weed killer combination if you’ve just seeded your grass.

Control Pesky Weeds
Lawn experts agree that fall is the ideal time to tackle weeds. Plants are in an energy absorbing mode in the fall, so they willingly absorb everything given to them. This includes weed killers. If you apply a weed killer in the fall, you shouldn’t see those weeds return again for a long time. The best time to apply it is in the middle of fall when temperatures are still above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mow One Last Time
Even if you keep your grass fairly tall in the warmer months, winter is not the time for long grass. Experts recommend mowing your grass down to one or one and a half inches. This puts less stress on the roots as the grass goes dormant, and makes it easier to aerate. If your grass is currently three or more inches in height, don’t mow it down all at once. Spread the cutting out over a few mowings to prevent stressing the grass.

It might seem odd to prepare your lawn for spring in the fall and winter, but some cold winter prep work ensures your lawn is thick and green after the snow melts.

Guest Post By:

“Kara Masterson is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in West Jordan, Utah. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking and gardening. For more information on how to protect your lawn and landscaping from winter, talk to Classic Jack Landscaping, one of the leading Utah County landscaping companies.”

Tips to Redesign and Make Use of Your Backyard Space

October 24, 2015adminDecks & Patios, DIY Projects, lawn and gardenDIY projects, garden, home improvement, landscaping, lawnLeave a comment

When you step into your backyard, it should be a sanctuary for relaxation, entertainment, and play. If reality does not match up with expectations, then perhaps it’s time to create anew. When considering any redesign of backyard space, it is wise to think holistically and leave nothing out of the creative process. Adopting some, or all of the following redesign tips will likely enhance the enjoyment you get out of your own backyard.

Statuary, Yard Art, and Garden Decor
Throw open your back door, step outside, and survey your redesign challenge. Backyards should be a place where imagination dominates design. However limited the area, your backyard should reflect more than the surrounding architecture and landscape. It should take its aesthetic cues from your own personality. Art pieces let you add flair to your space without ever having to get your hands dirty.

Think Vertically
Installing multiple tiered planters and vertical gardens will help you maximize your ground space while providing an opportunity to cover your walls and fences with interesting colors and textures. All you need are planters you can stack or hang from vertical surfaces. Vertical gardens have the added benefit of producing fragrant flowers and sometimes edible goodies such as herbs, berries, and vegetables.

Outdoor Seating
Your outdoor seating should approach your indoor furniture in terms of comfort if you want visitors to stay for more than a brief chat. Modern patio furniture from places like Design Furnishings is comfortable and can survive the most violent rainstorms between uses. Laying down decent quality outdoor carpets or mats on your patio will provide a surface that lets you walk barefoot even on the hottest days. Using screens made from natural fabrics and materials such as bamboo will help you sell the natural experience.

Water Features
If your backyard feels chaotic or perhaps too dull, you may be able to change things by putting in a water feature that gurgles, or just encourages you to sit and think on things for a while. You may want to try a classic Koi pond or something far simpler like a store-bought garden fountain or a shallow, brick-lined reflecting pool that you create yourself. Even a small bird bath can be a good option if you don’t have a lot to spend on maintenance.

The atmosphere reflected by a home’s backyard design and landscape choices should be soothing to the senses and welcoming to visitors. While touring local neighborhoods, you can see examples of the very best in home architecture paired with careless use of backyard space. Sometimes a simple arrangement of shrubs and flowers, a well-planned garden, a creative patio or deck design can make all the difference. When carefully thought out, tiny backyard design changes can create a space with a higher aesthetic and functional appeal.

Call Us