Spring Is Near, Start Tackling Gardening and Landscaping Early
Tuesday, February 26th, 2013We all know that come springtime, many homeowners are itching to get outdoors, whether it is for some fresh air or to get a head start on some spring gardening chores, why wait? Even though it may seem a bit early we all are eager to start. Now mowing the lawn and planting some flowers can be a bit premature so let’s not get ahead of ourselves, however this doesn’t mean spring gardening can’t be done.
A few weeks before the season gets started Marrazzo Landscaping reveals some of the chores that can be taken care of ahead of time. For example, if you happen to have a retaining wall that does not involve mortar they have a tendency to shift during the winter months. This might be a good idea to take care of, if one happens to have children who play outside because it can prevent any wobbling stones from causing an injury. This task may take some time, so by starting it early one can focus on the fun planting of fresh, blooming flowers.
If you happen to have a lot of visitors in your flowerbed or landscaping in the front yard, correcting any tunnels or trenches made by pests is vital. If you happen to have groundhogs or any other creatures scaling the perimeter, a simple thorough rake through and tampering will do the trick for any uneven grounds.
Also the re-positioning of stepping-stones that have been washed away with Mother Nature can be fixed in the early spring months. This will allow for a more stabilized walkway for anyone who uses it for everyday use. You can clean up the birdbath or houses and sprinkle some new mulch down for a clean look. All of these chores will not be affected by any late spring storms, so you might want to wait to plant any fresh, fragile flowers until later. So what are you waiting for get to your spring gardening chores this weekend!
Keeping Your Yard Clean In The Late Fall And Early Winter Pays Off In The Spring
Tuesday, November 20th, 2012A lot of people don’t realize how important it is to prep your lawn for the winter. There are some good ways to set yourself up for a less stressful spring if you do them right. Here are some tips that if done will make your property and landscaping patio in Yardley looking nice going into the winter months.
*Clean up your leaves. Wet leaves can kill your lawn if kept on the grass all winter with snow on top of them. A very easy way to clean up leaves without raking the entire lawn is use a leaf blower and a tarp. With the blower walk in a circle and condense the leaves in that area into one specific spot. Once you have made some piles you can then rake the piles onto a tarp and take them into the woods or make a compost pile somewhere close. If you don’t have woods or an area to dump the leaves landscaping in Bucks County allows paper yard bags are a great way to dispose of them as well. Using a leaf blower is a sure fire way to not wake up with horrible back pains the next day from raking for 6 hours, not to mention it’s a lot quicker. Lastly with concern to the leaves, they can be very dangerous once the snow covers the. A lot of people have slipped on hidden leaves just as easy as they have ice.
*Get your lawn aerated. This gives the ground room to breathe and helps keep the lawn healthy. Soil compaction makes it difficult for grass to root and it disturbs natural rainwater irrigation. Watering the lawn the night before aerating can make it easier to aerate a very dense lawn. Scientific evidence exists that aeration makes a measurable difference in the long-term health or quality of a lawn
*Put a winterized fertilizer down on your yard or have landscapers in Bucks County Pa do so. Most have weed control in them as well. What this does is gives your lawn nutrients for the winter season and helps bring back the lawn in the spring healthily. After all the work you have done through the spring, summer, and fall you owe it to yourself (and your lawn) to make it ready for the cold months and ensure yourself that the grass will come back just as good as when you left it.
The Benefits Of A Water Feature
Monday, June 18th, 2012Water features can help turn your landscape into something special, providing a focal point and attracting wildlife. Water fountains not only provide beauty and a great accent to your home or office, they can also provide other health benefits.
Indoor & Outdoor Décor
Whether it is an indoor or outdoor fountain you are looking for, it will add instant beauty to your surroundings. A wall fountain is a piece of art and will quickly become a centerpiece for your home. Interior Designers use wall fountains as a focal point when decorating residential and commercial locations, and many architects and landscapers also incorporate outdoor and indoor fountains in landscape design and building design.
Stress Relief and Meditation
With its soothing sounds of flowing water your water fountain will bring stress relief and relaxation to your environment. Great for your favorite room, office, garden or patio.
Natural Humidifier
Water Fountains act as humidifiers, adding moisture to a dry room. Fountains humidify the air while you enjoy the soothing sound of running water. Humidifiers can get mold and mildew build up quickly where a fountain has constantly moving water and will not develop mold and mildew as often. A water fountain also helps your indoor plants by adding extra humidity that is lost when heat or air conditioning units are running.
Reduces Air Pollution
Indoor water fountains can improve the air in your home with negative ions, reducing the air pollution. Dust is attracted by the negative ions so your water fountain is actively working to purify the air. The continuous moving water in a fountain will not only relax you with its water sounds, but will also rejuvenate you.
Drinking Source For Pets
Dogs and cats love running water. Your water fountain can be a favorite for your pet while also adding beauty to your home. If you need chemicals to remove algae or any other build up and you have pets or small children try the Care Free Enzymes Fountain Protector. It is non-toxic, all natural enzymes and bacteria free.
Minimizes The Sound Around You
You will be amazed at how even a soft flowing water sound can drown out other sounds around you such as traffic, voices, barking dog, or the neighbor in the upstairs apartment. The sound of flowing water will help you relax and give you a new sound to enjoy, drowning out other sounds around you.
Outdoor Patio Furniture For All Seasons
Monday, May 14th, 2012With durable patio furniture materials, you can enjoy your outdoor furniture all year long. Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular, with trends in garden furniture and patio designs supporting the outdoor lifestyle. Homeowners are redesigning their backyards from summer-specific areas to year-round entertaining spaces.
While some durable materials have been around for centuries, newer high-tech innovations provide modern environmentally friendly options. With the strength and durability to withstand the environmental conditions of rain, wind, snow, sleet and hail.
The following options will provide you with years, of backyard entertaining. Some are waterproof, UV-protected, and others are substantially weighted. There is a perfect set of outdoor furniture for every backyard.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron furniture has always been a great option for outdoor patio furniture. It is a classic look that adds style to even the most casual settings.
Pros
.Extremely durable and weighty so it will withstand high winds.
.Modern pieces are powder-coated for weather resistant and easy maintenance.
.Provides a distinct look not matched by other outdoor furniture material.
Cons
.It’s heavy and may be cumbersome to move.
.A chip in the powder coating will invite rust and other environmental damage.
.Regular re-painting is required to keep it rust-proof.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a top pick for restaurants, bars, hotels, pools, and anywhere with high traffic, because aluminum furniture is inexpensive, easy to move and store, and is available in a wide variety of styles and shapes.
Pros
.Often powder-coated so it won’t rust and can be left outdoors.
.Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
.Easy to maintain and cleans easily with soap and water.
.Extremely popular because it’s affordable, durable and attractive.
Cons
.If the powder-coating is compromised, it will corrode.
.Can be thrown easily in high winds.
Teak
Is a hardwood, luxurious in look and feel, and is naturally weather resistant.
Pros
.Naturally resists warping, splintering, rotting and swelling.
. High content of silica makes it naturally resistant to fungus, mold and mildew.
. High resinous oil content preserves and protects the wood.
Cons
.It’s very expensive due to slow growth and scarcity of trees.
.It cannot be painted or stained.
.Requires regular oiling to maintain original color.
Fiberglass
Is a composed of fine crystalline glass fibers, the same glass that is used in traditional glassware and windows.
Pros
.Very durable and extremely strong.
.Will not warp, rust, crack, corrode or shrink.
.It’s non-porous so it is waterproof and resists mold, mildew and dirt.
.Colors will not fade.
Cons
It’s extremely heavy and not meant to be moved frequently.
.Requires cleaning with protective wax.
.It is not easily changeable.
Recycled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Made from #2 recyclable plastics. In addition, most of this type of furniture contains 90% HDPE. The recycled post-consumer plastic waste is cleaned then compounded into rigid board stock material.
Pros
.Relatively maintenance-free and can be left outdoors in all weather conditions.
.Will not crack, splinter, warp or rot.
.No need to paint or stain.
.Cleans easily with warm soap and water.
Cons
The material is plastic and will lack the warmth and sophistication of natural materials.
.It’s not flexible and may not be comfortable for everyone.
.Cannot be painted or stained.
.Will not promote bacterial growth or mildew.
The Importance of Landscaping
Sunday, April 15th, 2012There are many benefits to landscaping your yard. Landscaping makes dull and solid areas pleasing to the eyes, ordinary homes into spectacular ones, and office buildings into warm, livable spaces. It is recommended that you invest 10 percent of your home’s value in landscaping since it increases the property value of your home.
The first decision to make is whether you want to do the project yourself, or hire a professional landscaping company. Before making a decision consider a few ideas:
1. Your experience with landscaping.
2. The size of the project since larger projects can become very complex in both the staging of materials and installation.
3. Your understanding of how plants work together in the landscape. For instance, the use of seasonal color, texture, form, and size in contrasting and balancing the landscaping.
4. Your understanding of technical landscaping such as proper grading to avoid drainage problems.
5. How your lifestyle affects landscaping choices. For example, outdoor living space requirements, areas for your children to play in, and the time you have available for maintenance.
6. The amount of time and energy you have to devote to your project.
There are many factors that influence landscape design. One of the most important is the protection of your home through proper grading. Improper grading can lead to water drainage problems that can damage your home. This in turn can end up costing you more in repairs.
Landscaping requires a written plan that entails a design or sketch of the placement of the plants in the yard. The more your personal expectations and preferences are communicated to the designer, the more satisfied you will be with the resulting design. Do not be afraid to experiment with new ideas!
The design should include:
1. Structural elements- such as walkways, patios, or pergolas
2. Shade and flowering trees
3. Planting beds
4. Foundation shrubs and plants
5. Other landscape elements such as ponds, fountains, outdoor lighting, or irrigation.
There is nothing more exciting for clients than to see their landscape transformed in a few days time rather than the months!
Getting Ready to Choose a Landscaper…
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011As with any renovation or new project, it is important to do as much research as possible to ensure your home improvement is done right. A beautiful well-kept landscape adds value to your home as well as your immediate neighbors’ homes. In addition, well-designed landscapes can increase the value of your home dramatically. When it comes to selling your home, your front yard landscape is at the core of what “curb appeal” is all about. It’s the first impression people will have before they even step foot into your home.
A landscaping service or landscape contractor can provide a variety of services. One may only do monthly maintenance, while others may do the installation of sprinkler systems, walkways and decks, and others may strictly do landscape design or landscape architecture. Many companies provide a combination of all or some of these services.
Below you will find some helpful hints that will help you as you move toward choosing a landscaping service.
Define Your Needs and Your Budget
When you begin to speak with companies be sure to make clear exactly what you are looking for. Are you looking at replacing a cracked walkway or replace your lawn completely? Or are you ready to act on your latest and greatest landscaping inspiration. Know in advance what you want to do, and “why” you want to do it. In addition, clearly state you budget because it is easy to start a project with a certain amount in mind, and then
dramatically “go over budget.”
Do Some Inspirational Research
Take a little time looking through various landscape design books. Also, drive around your neighborhood and check out what your neighbors have done in their yards. Focus on layouts, color combinations, walkway and driveway patterns, types of trees and flowers, etc. You may think you know exactly what you want, but the more you see, and the more research you do, the more content you will be with your final decision.
Roughly Plan Your Timeline
Make sure their schedule coincides with your schedule. Also take into consideration where you live and that the work is done outside the rainy season. If you’re planting different flower beds and foliage, find out when the best time of year to plant those are. While everyone wants their projects finished as quickly as possible, patience and careful planning will clearly cause the least amount of stress.
Research Landscaping Services: Key Factors in Your Research Should Include:
How long has a company been in business
How many of their employees will be working on your job
What services do they provide and what are their specialties
Find out their contact information, hours of business, and the best time to reach them.
Are they licensed? Being certified by the state will mean that the service is accountable to you and operating legally.
Are they insured? If not insured properly, you could be liable for accidents or injuries during their time on your property
What guarantees do they have, and the length of the guarantee.
Get at least three references from them.
Make sure the company provides a written contract with details of your project clearly laid out and prices for each detail.
Last But Not Least…
Make sure that you are present for the majority of the work in process. It’s important that you constantly examine the quality of work, and that they’re doing exactly what you asked them to do. When the job is completed, take one last walkthrough with the lead contractor, to make sure that the job is completed to your satisfaction.
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I chose J. Marrazzo landscaping because they were referred to me from my friend who had her swimming pool area designed by them. I was in need of a landscape designer as I had let the exterior of my New Hope home fall to the wayside. I cannot express how happy I am with the final product. I receive compliments from friends, family and neighbors on a daily basis who want to know who did my landscaping. There is no doubt that Marrazzo Landscaping is the best when it comes to landscape design as well as customer satisfaction. Thank you guys for the amazing transformation of my home! --Jason Rodgers, New Hope, PA