Related Posts

• Create a Cooler Landscape

  With summer just arriving, it’s not too late to create a cooler landscape. There are several ways to design a landscape which allows more shade and helps lower the temperature, so you can enjoy spending more time outdoors. To start, identify which areas get the most direct sun and heat throughout the day and the areas which are more stagnant with less air circulating. Many of these areas can be addressed cost effectively by using materials that provide more shade and allow air to flow freely. Incorporating more trees, man-made structures, and updating walkways are three different ways to create cooler spaces. Trees Trees are, of course, the most obvious and natural choice for creating shade in a landscape. Trees with the thickest canopies are the best for cooling down the temperature and helping block harmful UV rays. Some of the best trees for shade in North Texas, according to NeilSperry.com, include: Chinquapin oak Bur oak Cedar elm Native pecan Chinese pistachio These trees can be planted to ...

• The Added Value of Landscape Remodeling

  Many homeowners often consider remodeling their house, but they don’t always consider the added value of  remodeling their landscaping. A recent report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP),  shows the top ten outdoor features likely to add value to the home. Landscape upgrade was the number one feature. Other outdoor features were (from highest to lowest) were: New Patio New Wood Deck Standard Lawn Care Sod Lawn Softscape Seed Lawn Outdoor Fireplace Outdoor Firepit New ...

• Adding a Water Feature to Your Landscape

  Adding a water feature such as a fountain, waterfall, or pond to your existing landscape can provide some great benefits to your outdoor space. Water features are not only aesthetically appealing, but during the hot spring and summer months in DFW, a water feature can help cool the surrounding areas. It can also provide a soothing place to relax and unwind after a stressful day. All Seasons Landcare can help with adding any of the following water features to your existing landscape: Fountains Fountains have been popular for centuries because of their endless elegance and style. The possibilities for fountains can range from small to elaborate with simple streams of water shooting up into the air, to a spouting statue with single or multiple sprays, to colorful lights "tinting" the water in colorful hues. Modern fountains are made functional by installing electrical pumps which circulate and spray the water. Waterfalls and Walls When thinking of a traditional waterfall, a tropical forest or mountain brook with water cascading over a cliff may come to mind. In your landscape, achieving this on a smaller ...

• Outdoor Fireplaces in Dallas Fort Worth

  There are many different options for installing an outdoor fireplace. Some homeowners opt for purchasing a portable fireplace, or fire pit, and simply placing it anywhere it can be utilized safely. However, depending on the size and style of the fireplace you may want, one can be custom built and integrated into your existing landscape for less than what you may spend for a high-quality portable one. A custom, outdoor fireplace can become the central area for entertaining in any sized yard. For smaller areas, a fireplace built on a smaller scale can offer just as much heat as a larger one. Smaller fireplaces are also easier to clean and maintain. For backyards with more space, a fireplace as the focal point can bring family and friends together in one place. Large or small, the materials used to build the fireplace will determine not only it’s visual appeal in your overall landscape, but the maintenance needed to ensure its continued use for years to come. Stone construction has been the most popular material used in fireplace construction in Dallas and Fort ...

• Multi-Purpose Retaining Walls

  Residential retaining walls are meant to be functional and are normally used to hold back soil in a sloping landscape. However, depending on the area where the retaining wall is needed, it can become a multi-functional space by incorporating some additional design aspects. Some additional design ideas for a multi-purpose retaining walls include:  - Adding a fireplace or fire pit  - Installing a fountain  - Adding landscape lighting  - Making the wall a seating area Structure As with any wall construction, it's always important to remember to start with a good base. To do this, the height of the wall must be considered. The taller the wall, the further below ground level the base should be set. Another factor for a sturdy wall is the backfill or the dirt behind the wall and allowing for proper drainage. The type of backfill will determine the amount of drainage that will be possible. Gravel is usually used as a backfill to ensure water will flow easily through the wall. Material The type of material used in a retaining wall is also important to make sure the wall is ...

• Economical Fall Landscaping in DFW

  October has arrived, but fall landscaping in DFW is not yet in full swing because warm temperatures are still in the forecast. However, it’s never too early to plan for vibrant colors in your landscape before cooler weather sets in. Flowers and plants which can withstand lower temperatures are an easy, economical way to liven up your landscape. Take a look at the suggestions by All Seasons Landscaping to keep your yard looking great throughout the autumn season. Flowers planted in beds or pots are an economical way to add color to an otherwise lackluster landscape when colder weather arrives. We wrote about some varieties of flowers for fall a couple of years ago which included dianthus, mums,  pansies, petunias and snapdragons and these still remain some great choices. Below are a few additional flowering plants to keep your yard in beautiful bloom during the cooler months ahead. Copper Canyon Daisy A hardy plant, the Copper Canyon Daisy produces yellow blooms with a citrus/pine scent perfect for fall. It requires full sun and planting in a bed, as opposed to a ...