Category: Lawn Care

Creating a Fall-Themed Garden: Tips for a Harvest-Inspired Backyard

Posted on by Giovine

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to transform your garden into a fall-themed paradise. Many helpful tips can allow you to enjoy a harvest-inspired backyard this season and at Giovine Landscaping, we believe that autumn offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the beauty of nature through vibrant colors and harvest-inspired decorations. Here’s how you can create a stunning fall-themed garden that reflects the season’s charm.

Choose the Right Plants

Start by selecting the right plants to embody the spirit of fall. Opt for colorful foliage and seasonal flowers. Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, come in various hues of orange, yellow, and red, making them ideal for a harvest-themed garden. Pansies and ornamental cabbage add rich textures and additional colors. Don’t forget about autumn perennials like sedum and aster that bloom well into the fall.

Incorporate Harvest Elements

To enhance the autumn aesthetic, incorporate elements that celebrate the harvest season. Pumpkins and gourds are quintessential fall decorations that can be arranged in various sizes and colors. Create an inviting display by grouping them in clusters along pathways or near flower beds.

You can also add corn stalks or hay bales as decorative accents. They not only serve as excellent fall decorations but can also function as seating for outdoor gatherings. For a rustic touch, consider using wooden crates to hold seasonal fruits like apples or pears, adding a natural element to your garden decor.

Incorporating seasonal accents is key to achieving a harvest theme. Consider hanging a wreath made of dried leaves, berries, or pinecones on your front door to welcome guests. You can also place lanterns filled with candles or LED lights around your garden to create a warm glow as the sun sets.

Utilize Fall Colors

When decorating your garden, focus on the rich color palette of fall. A scientific study has shown a correlation between the fall season and our psychological affinity for fall colors, so incorporating these shades in your gardenscape is a scientifically backed decision. Use decorative outdoor pillows, blankets, or even tablecloths in shades of burgundy, mustard yellow, and deep green. Consider painting flower pots or planters in these colors to tie the theme together. String lights with warm hues can create a cozy atmosphere, making your garden a perfect spot for evening gatherings.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your fall-themed garden looking its best, regular maintenance is essential. Rake leaves regularly, deadhead spent flowers, and ensure that plants receive adequate water. Mulching can help retain moisture and add a neat appearance to your garden beds. Discover a comprehensive fall garden maintenance guide in our previous blog post here.

Transforming your garden into a fall-themed retreat is a delightful way to celebrate the season. With the right plants, harvest decorations, and cozy spaces, you can create an inviting atmosphere that brings warmth and charm to your home. At Giovine Landscaping, we’re here to help you design and maintain your ideal autumn garden. Embrace the beauty of fall and let your garden shine! For more landscaping tips and services, contact us today at (724) 316-3064.

Fall Landscaping Tips: Prepare Your Yard for the Season with Giovine Landscaping

Posted on by Giovine

Prepare Your Yard for the Season with Giovine Landscaping, as the vibrant colors of summer fade and the crisp air of fall settles in, it’s the perfect time to give your landscape some attention. At Giovine Landscaping, we believe that a well-maintained yard can be enjoyed year-round, and fall is a crucial season for preparation. It is the best time for garden owners to plant trees, shrubs, and evergreens, so autumn maintenance is vital! Here are our top fall landscaping tips to help you create a beautiful outdoor space.

Clean Up Your Yard

One of the first steps in your fall landscaping routine is clearing debris away. Rake fallen leaves, remove dead plants, and tidy up flower beds. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your yard but also prevents pests and diseases from overwintering. Regular clean-ups can set the foundation for a healthy garden come spring.

Mulch for Protection

Adding a layer of mulch to your flower beds is a fantastic way to protect your plants during the colder months. Mulch acts as insulation, keeping soil temperatures stable and reducing the risk of frost damage. Additionally, it helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds, making it easier to manage your landscape in the spring.

Aerate Your Lawn

Fall is an excellent time to aerate your lawn. Aeration involves perforating the soil with holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper. This process improves root growth and promotes a lush, green lawn. Consider scheduling an aeration service with Giovine Landscaping for optimal results.

Fertilize for Future Growth

Don’t forget to fertilize your lawn and garden beds in the fall! Applying a high-quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients that may have been depleted during the summer months. Fall fertilization supports root development, ensuring that your plants emerge stronger in the spring. Consult with our team to choose the right fertilizer for your landscape.

Plant Fall Annuals and Perennials

Fall is a great time to plant new flowers and shrubs. Consider adding fall annuals like chrysanthemums and pansies for a pop of color. If you’re looking to establish a perennial garden, now is the time to plant varieties that can withstand cooler temperatures. This will allow them to settle in before winter and thrive when spring arrives. As temperatures drop, now is also a good time to protect your trees and shrubs from approaching winter conditions. We recommend purchasing burlap so that garden owners can wrap their young trees in it to shield them from frost and wind damage when the time comes. For established plants, ensure they’re well-watered before the ground freezes, as hydration is key to winter survival.

Plan for Next Spring

Use the fall season to plan your landscape for next year. Take stock of what worked well in your garden and what didn’t. Consider new plantings, layout changes, or hardscaping features you’d like to implement. Having a plan in place will make the transition to spring smoother and more enjoyable. For a more comprehensive look at how garden maintenance works in the spring, refer to our previous blog post.

With these fall landscaping tips from Giovine Landscaping, you can ensure your yard remains beautiful and healthy throughout the season and beyond. If you need assistance with any landscaping tasks, our team is here to help. From lawn care to garden design, Giovine Landscaping offers comprehensive services tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and give your landscape the care it deserves!

How to Keep Your Lawn Healthy in the Heat

Posted on by Giovine

As the summer marches on, many of us are wondering how we are going to keep our lawns healthy. Your lawn has certainly been exposed to significant amounts of heat throughout the season and while we know plants need sunlight to sustain and thrive, the excessive sunlight during the summer months can leave your grass looking unhealthy. One sign of this is your lawn losing its color, no longer being the vibrant green you desire it to be. As such, it is important to be aware of good garden maintenance practices to ensure your lawn looks flawless going into the fall season. The experts at Giovine Landscaping have compiled the perfect guide for all those looking to prevent deteriorating lawn health or bring it back to a nourished state. Keep reading for tips on how to keep your lawn healthy in the summer heat.

What Causes a Discolored Lawn?

There are several reasons why your lawn can take on an unhealthy appearance. Apart from the scorching sun, there are factors that homeowners can control that could lead to discolored grass. Watering too lightly or too heavily can stop the roots from being fully saturated, and can eventually impede the health of the plants. Cutting your grass blades too short makes them susceptible to heat stress and drought. This means adjusting your lawnmower to the proper mowing height is paramount. If these lawn maintenance practices are not executed properly, grass becomes vulnerable to diseases and pests (including the pesky spotted lanternfly), only furthering the unhealthy conditions of the plants. Read more about our summer landscaping tips to find out how to do better for your outdoor space. 

How Can I Maintain a Green Lawn?

By practicing these efficient lawn-keeping techniques, your lawn can thrive!

Soak Your Grass

During a drought, grass will turn a brown color due to becoming dormant to conserve energy. An effective way to saturate the roots and restore the grass is by soaking your grass deeply. Applying an inch of water a week and watering three or four times throughout, this method of infrequent watering does an excellent job of reviving the grass. 

Don’t Use Hot Water

Homeowners using a hose to water their lawns often leave the equipment in the sun. This causes the water inside to heat up, meaning hot water is what reaches the plants when it is next turned on. This can unwantedly burn your grass and cause significant damage. 

Aerate Your Lawn

Inserting a garden fork into the ground at one-foot intervals gives your lawn a chance to breathe. This method creates space within the soil for air, nutrients, and water to enter so that they can be absorbed by the grass much easier. Aerating your lawn can result in new and healthier plant growth. 

By implementing all the tips listed in the above guide, your outdoor greenery will maintain good health during the tail end of the summer season. Plants are sensitive to environmental pressures, and it is always crucial to be aware of the telltale signs that indicate your lawn needs better maintenance. The techniques mentioned all contribute to keeping your lawn healthy in the heat, and it is always suggested to contact a knowledgeable professional to guarantee your plants are getting the best possible treatment. Contact Giovine Landscaping for any of your landscaping and lawn care needs! Call us today at (724) 316-3064.

Summer Landscaping Tips

Posted on by Giovine

Summer is here, and we know your home garden is in full bloom. While the warm temperatures of the summer months are associated with flourishing plant life, it is easy to forget that the seasonal conditions also pose certain challenges for your greenery. Along with high heat, the lower rate of precipitation during these months can put pressure on your garden, so maintenance is as important now as it is during any other season. As such, the experts at Giovine Landscaping have compiled a list of several summer landscaping tips that will help maximize your backyard’s beauty and health.

Watering System

Although plants see less rain in the summer months, it does not mean that homeowners should be overwatering them. Overwatering can be as fatal for plant life as underwatering, so it is vital to do your watering smartly. One way to do this is to implement a drip irrigation system in your backyard. This setup allows water to penetrate the plant deeper, avoiding wasting water from fast evaporation in the sun. As opposed to a hose or sprinkler, this system infiltrates the soil rather than drenches the plant. When you do this, you want to make sure the soil receives about an inch of rain a week. This method provides a useful way to maintain your garden in the summer without racking up your water bill. 

Mowing the Lawn 

In the summer, cutting grass too short makes it vulnerable to heat damage and drought stress. So, it is important to raise the mower height to slightly above its height during the cool seasons. Cutting the grass longer also improves soil moisture and helps prevent weed growth.  At the same time, homeowners should avoid letting their grass grow too long as clipping off too much in one go can cause great stress on the plant. 

Add Some Shade

It is a good idea to provide relief for exposed plants from blazing summer rays. Simultaneously, cooling your backyard by adding shade will do you, your guests, and any pets you may have a great service. Several ways this can be accomplished include:

  1. Installing an awning.
  2. Hanging up shade sails.
  3. Building a pergola.
  4. Planting shade trees.

All of these methods decrease the amount of excessive sunlight that reaches you and your garden. Installing exterior structures is a viable option, and so is utilizing plant life to fulfill this task. Selecting the correct shade tree is an involved process but will yield great results when an adequate choice is made. 

Deal With Weeds Early

In the summer, weeds are a hassle to deal with. They will bloom anywhere from your garden to between cracks in the pavement as hot and dry conditions give them the perfect opportunity for propagation. The most vital tip for dealing with weeds is to nip them in the bud, extracting them when they are still small and low in population. When they have grown higher, they are significantly harder to remove. Additionally, if a weed species manages to dominate a lawn, it is nearly impossible to remove it afterward. Herbicides are often used to target invasive plants, but they can harm the lawn; hand-pulling is a much safer option. 

Lawn and garden maintenance is a year-round activity, but certain tasks become more emphasized during the hottest months. Incorporating these summer landscaping tips into your practice will contribute to a healthier overall lawn that will sustain itself for longer. The experts at Giovine Landscaping know that a beautiful landscape is key to a happy home, so we are eager to help you achieve the outdoor space you desire. Contact us today at (724) 316-3064. 

What is Functional Landscaping?

Posted on by Giovine

Functional Landscaping is key in transforming your outdoor space. Landscaping projects are exciting for homeowners— you get the chance to craft a vision for your place and elevate its beauty. Transforming your outdoor space is usually motivated by a desire to improve its aesthetics, but beyond that, landscaping changes can also serve functional purposes. This includes any backyard improvement that is not only visually appealing but also makes your life as a garden owner much easier. Giovine Landscaping has compiled a list of several functional landscaping techniques that you can implement in your own outdoor building process!

Utilizing Trees For Shade

Trees not only fill up your outdoor space with stunning greenery and other colors throughout the seasons, but they also provide shade. Planting trees can help reduce air conditioning costs, so cleverly incorporating them into your backyard layout can serve you greatly. For instance, using deciduous trees will block large amounts of solar heat in the summer, but allow it to enter in the winter. 

Living Fences

Planting a line of trees at the perimeter of your yard creates a barrier of privacy for your home, called a living fence. Evergreens are the optimal choice for year-round protection. It is important to consider how tall and wide certain varieties grow to determine if it will be an adequate fit for the job. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is an excellent selection, growing 10 to 15 feet tall and four to five feet wide. However, different homes may have different privacy screening needs, which could also be dependent on the season. Shrubs like azaleas, forsythia, and lilac can make your living fence a more vibrant spectacle. At the same time that these natural barriers increase a home’s privacy, they can also block prevailing wind by either slowing it down or changing its course. 

Pathways

The value of pathways is often underestimated, but their design plays an integral role in the overall functionality of your garden. Pathways are an important piece of infrastructure that let you traverse your outdoor space. Homeowners must think about the exact location, material, and shape of their pathway so that it can aid them most in their daily routine. This means there is much room for creativity when making your selection, and your backyard paths can look visually stunning while still being practical. Maintaining the practicality of your pathway also involves making sure water does not pile up around it when it rains. As such, consulting a landscaping contractor to help you set up a proper drainage system is in your best interest.  

Mulch

Mulch will be your best friend when it comes to keeping your plants and trees healthy. It is multifunctional, being useful for moderating soil temperatures, reducing heavy raindrop impact on soil, and suppressing plant diseases and weed growth. Mulch is any material that is placed atop soil to act as a covering. There are several organic and inorganic choices of mulch, but the former can break down and provide the soil structure and nutrients in the process. Some types of organic mulches include chipped wood, shredded leaves, and pine needles. These are applied two to three inches deep around the plant or tree, and with time, will contribute to a more beautiful garden.

Rain Barrels

As you sustain your backyard plant life, harvesting rainwater can be the best way to save resources. Many gallons of usable water fall during a rainstorm, so obtaining infrastructure that can collect this untapped resource is highly beneficial. Rain barrels come in varying materials and sizes, per the homeowner’s needs, and they are always placed beneath a downspout closest to where they will be most useful in the garden. Be mindful— the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states to be cautious if you plan on using rain barrel water on edible plantings as collected rainwater may pick up pollutants as it travels from the roof. Nonetheless, it can be a great addition to your home landscape that only makes backyard upkeep easier.

Now that you’ve learned several functional landscaping ideas, you can begin planning how these techniques can be implemented in your own space to ensure it is both attractive and efficient. It is never too late to incorporate any of these strategies into your gardening practices, and luckily, there are experts at your disposal to help guide you with any decisions you are considering. From mulching to pathway-building, the contractors at Giovine Landscaping have you covered. Call us today!

How to Maintain Your Yard in the Spring

Posted on by Giovine

As the vibrant colors of spring bloom, it’s time to maintain your yard and breathe new life into your outdoor space. A well-maintained yard not only enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal, but also provides a welcoming environment for outdoor activities. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential spring yard maintenance tips that will surely benefit your garden. 

Lawn Resurrection

Kickstart the season by raking away debris and dead grass. You will do yourself a big favor by making sure your lawn can foster new growth. Additionally, springtime is certainly when homeowners should consider aerating their lawns as it will improve water and nutrient absorption. Don’t forget to seed and fertilize bare patches as well— this will ensure you maintain a lush, green carpet-like lawn.

Pruning Your Plants

Pruning is not exclusive to the spring season, but it is a crucial task to complete regardless. Trimming overgrown branches and deadwood encourages healthy growth and establishes a good foundation for long-term health. Also, pruning flowering plants stimulates blooming and shapes shrubs for a clean appearance. At the same time, it will attract some of the helpful critters we like to see in our gardens, more of which you can read about in one of our previous blog posts. Just remember to be cautious when pruning— different plant species have different pruning needs and times. 

Deal with the Weeds

Preventing the intrusion of weeds will promote a flourishing outdoor haven for you to enjoy. To curb weed growth effectively during this season, implement these strategic practices for optimal garden maintenance: 

  1. Cultivate the soil to disrupt weed germination. 
  2. Apply a layer of organic mulch to suppress weed emergence but also retain soil moisture
  3. Embrace eco-friendly herbicides or vinegar solutions to target persistent weeds while minimizing environmental impact. 
  4. Regularly inspect your garden beds, promptly removing any emerging weeds before they can establish a foothold. 

Implementing these proactive measures not only ensures a weed-free spring garden but also enhances its overall health and vitality.

Water Wisdom

With the changing weather patterns, it’s essential to adopt a strategic approach to ensure optimal hydration for your plants. Begin by establishing a consistent watering schedule, preferably in the early morning, to minimize evaporation and fungal risks. Adjust the frequency based on the specific water needs of your plants, considering factors such as soil type and weather conditions. Invest in efficient irrigation systems, like drip irrigation or soaker hoses, to deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing water wastage. 

Furniture Freshening

The maintenance of your outdoor furniture is as necessary for lasting comfort and visual appeal as is the maintenance of the natural aspects of your garden. Begin by thoroughly cleaning each piece, using a mild soap and water solution to remove accumulated dirt and grime. Inspect for any signs of wear, addressing issues promptly to prevent further damage. Consider applying protective coatings or sealants, particularly for wooden furniture, to shield against the elements and prolong their lifespan. Regularly check and tighten bolts, screws, or hinges to guarantee structural integrity. Given the rainfall associated with this season, it is important to store cushions and textiles on rainy days to prevent mold and mildew growth. Embracing these outdoor furniture maintenance practices not only enhances their longevity but also ensures a welcoming and stylish outdoor retreat. 

With these spring yard maintenance tips, your outdoor space will flourish in all the ways you desire. Embrace the season of renewal by implementing these strategies, and watch your garden thrive. For any further questions on how your garden can improved, call Giovine Landscaping at (724) 316-3064. Spring into action and achieve all your yard needs!

Winter Yard Maintenance Tips

Posted on by Giovine
Soon your backyard will be covered with snow like this one. Thankfully, Giovine Landscaping has compiled this guide of winter yard maintenance tips to help homeowners maintain their property this winter.

Winter has finally arrived. Many people tend to forget about their yard maintenance duties during the winter months, but there are still important steps homeowners should take to maintain their landscapes during this season. Giovine Landscaping has compiled this guide of winter yard maintenance tips to help homeowners maintain their property this winter.

Preparing Your Lawn For Winter

Protecting your lawn is important all year round, but winter presents unique challenges. Here are a few tips that every homeowner should know so that they can get their lawn ready for the frosty conditions of winter:

  1. Rake leaves and remove garden debris from your lawn. Leaving leaves, branches, and other debris on your lawn over the winter can smother your grass, stunting its growth, or even killing it. It is important to remove any debris from your lawn before the first snowfall of the season.
  2. Aerate your lawn before the first frost. You should give your grassroots extra air over the winter by aerating your lawn before the first frost. You can use a spade to take out spikes of soil across your yard or you can rent a larger manual or motorized aerator.
  3. Fertilize your lawn with winter fertilizer. The idea that your lawn should not be fertilized during winter is a misconception. There are specific formulations of fertilizer designed to help strengthen your lawn during fall and winter. You should also be sure to apply some fertilizer before the first frost.
  4. Cut your grass shorter and stop cutting it once the temperature drops below 50°F. Lawns should be cut between 3 inches to 3.5 inches during the growing season. However, for your last final lawn mowing session, you should cut your grass to between 2 inches to 2.5 inches. It is important to keep grass short during winter to protect new growth. You should do your last grass-cutting of the year before the temperature in your area consistently drops below 50°F.

Managing Trees and Shrubs

Winter presents unique challenges for protecting your trees and shrubs, but it also offers unique management opportunities. Here are some tips for managing your trees and shrubs over the winter:

  1. Place mulch around your trees shrubs, and other woody plants. Ideally, you should mulch your plants before the first frost of the season but it is better late than never. A two-inch application of mulch provides an extra layer of protection for your plants allowing for better management of root system temperature and moisture. It is also important to not apply mulch directly to your plane’s truck or step because this can promote rot and pests.
  2. Prepare the branches of your trees for snow. Heavy snow can damage the branches of your trees. Falling branches weighed down by snow or ice can even cause injuries if they fall and hit cars or people. You should consider removing vulnerable tree limbs ahead of major snow storms as a precaution. You should also tie vulnerable tree branches together to increase their strength.
  3. Apply wire mesh to the base of small and young trees. Winter is a lean time for animals like deer. The winter-browsing of these animals can harm small trees but wire mesh can protect against the teeth of hungry winter herbivores. 
  4. Apply anti-transpirants to the leaves of shrubs and trees. It is important to help your plants maintain their water levels during winter. This is especially important for evergreen trees and shrubs that do not lose their leaves. Alternatively, burlap- wrapping can also be used to protect your plants and help them hold in their moisture. 
  5. Late winter is the best time to prune your trees and shrubs. It is best to prune most trees and plants during winter while they are dormant. Specifically, you should prune most tree and shrub species during late winter, so the wounds will only be exposed to the elements for a short time before new growth begins.

Bonus Winter Yard Maintenance Tips

Finally, here are a few more miscellaneous yard maintenance tips to protect all of your backyard plants:

  1. Take in potted plants that are vulnerable to cold weather. Not all plant species have adaptions for dealing with cold weather. If you have any potted plants that are members of non-cold tolerant species and you want them to live through winter you should move these plants indoors.
  2. Be mindful of backyard traffic. When the first blizzard of the year arrives it can be easy for people to forge paths through the snow without thinking much about the ground they are trampling. Be mindful of where people are walking in your yard and avoid trampling flowerbeds, gardens, and vulnerable sections of your lawn. A heavily trampled path will compact the soil and be slower to regrow in the spring.
  3. Avoid salt damage. Road salt is important for preventing slip-and-fall accidents on your pathways during frosty conditions, but this same salt can damage your plants by drawing water away from their roots. Utilize salt sparingly and remove extra salt by flushing out your soil with lots of water.

Giovine Landscaping Can Help

The most important thing to remember out of all our winter yard maintenance tips is that Giovine Landscaping offers lawn care and landscape design services during winter and all year long. If you are in need of lawn care or landscape design assistance please contact us.

How to Build an Eco-Friendly Yard

Posted on by Giovine
Composting is one way to maintain an eco-friendly yard!

As humans, we do not always consider how our decisions impact the broader ecosystem, but we should. It’s important to think about the consequences of our decisions on nature. Humanity is not separate from nature, and we need to do a better job taking care of our planet. Thankfully, it is not just the decisions of powerful governments and corporations that can reshape the natural environment. You and your family can actually create a positive impact on the environment through your landscaping decisions. The landscape design experts at Giovine Landscaping have gathered three tips to help you build an eco-friendly yard!

Tips To Build an Eco-Friendly Yard

1. Add Native Plants to Your Landscape

Planting greenery that is native to our region is beneficial to the environment in several ways. Native New Jersey plants evolved to survive in our region and, therefore, require less fertilizer, pesticides, and general upkeep. Planting native plants also saves you money for this same reason. By growing a garden filled with native flowers, you also give helpful pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds an essential food source. Choosing to create a landscape of native plants on your property also creates a ripple effect that benefits regional food chains. Native plants provide food for the native insects, who in turn provide food for native mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, restoring biodiversity that has been lost to development and invasive species.

2. Water Responsibly

One of the best ways to build a more eco-friendly yard is watering your plants in a sustainable way. Thankfully, there are numerous strategies for doing so. You can consider reclaimed water solutions, such as setting up a rain barrel system to harvest rain runoff from your roof and using this water in your garden to quench the thirst of your plants. Another option is setting up a drainage system that directs rainwater runoff directly to your garden or lawn. 

If you want an environmentally friendly watering option that does not rely on rain, you can also consider installing an underground green sprinkler system with efficient sprinkler heads. Many green sprinkler systems even come with weather forecasting features to avoid waste and over-watering. 

You can also use your landscaping itself to save water and prevent water pollution. Consider allowing grass lawns to go dormant during dry summers instead of spending money, water, and time to keep them green. Installing a rain garden to capture excess runoff is also a great idea for building a sustainable yard. Not only do rain gardens beautify your yard, but they also reduce the water pollution that is threatening New Jersey rivers, lakes, and beaches. The EPA says that nearly 70 percent of water pollution originates from stormwater runoff, and that half of stormwater runoff pollution comes from household chemicals used in our yards and homes. Creating a rain garden helps stop pollution at its source. 

While not all of these tools will be right for every homeowner, all of them are powerful tools for sustainability and saving money on your water bill.

3. Avoid Chemical Pesticides and Fertilizers As Much as Possible

Another important part of building an eco-friendly yard is reducing or avoiding chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that pollute the environment and hurt wildlife. Scientists have directly linked chemical pesticides to water pollution and the demise of frog, bat, and bee populations. 

You may be wondering how fertilizers designed to help plants grow can be bad for the environment. Nitrogen fertilizer runoff promotes out-of-control growth of algae that creates algal blooms in saltwater and freshwater. The algal blooms use up all the oxygen in the water and kill fish and other marine life, creating dead zones. Thankfully, you may not even need large amounts of fertilizer for your yard; you can test your soil to find this out. If you do require fertilizer, natural compost is an effective and sustainable solution that you and your family can make at home using yard clippings and organic food waste. Compost can then be used on lawns and gardens to promote plant growth, soil health, and environmental sustainability. 

Giovine Landscaping Can Help You Build an Eco-Friendly Yard

If you want to implement any of the above tips or improve your landscape design in any way, you should reach out to Giovine Landscaping. Our experts will work with you to make sure your yard is healthy and thriving. Call us for all of your landscape design and service needs!

Summer Yard Management Tips

Posted on by Giovine
Care for your summer yard to keep it healthy!

Summer is a great time to use your backyard for barbecues, sports with the kids, pool parties, and lazy days reading on the patio. However, summer is also an important season for yard maintenance. The experts here at Giovine Landscaping have compiled six summer yard maintenance tips that all homeowners should know. 

Water Your Plants Strategically 

You probably understand that the plants in your yard, like all life on this blue planet of ours, need water to survive, especially during the hot summer months. However, it is not enough to simply water your plants. You have to do so strategically. For instance, you should water your plants during the early morning. By midday, it is too hot; the water will simply evaporate without helping your parched plants. Your lawn  needs about one inch of water a day–from either rain or human intervention–in order to stay green and beautiful. 

Homeowners also need to understand the needs demanded by their specific soil types and plants. For instance, some hearty native plants may require less water than imported species and grass lawns. Plants in containers like hanging baskets also require more water than ground plants–sometimes even two waterings a day, depending on the weather and species. You should also consider installing a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to supply water directly to the roots of your plants to save water. If you have questions about your watering strategy, call the experts at Giovine Landscaping.

Let Your Grass Grow Taller

It is tempting to cut your grass as short as possible to reduce the frequency of mowing sessions, but this is a mistake. In the summer, lawns that are cut too short are susceptible to drought. Cutting your lawn too short can cause yellowish-brown dead patches of grass to appear, blighting the green beauty of your yard. The proper height to keep your grass varies based on local microclimate. According to Rutgers University, the ideal height of lawn grass in New Jersey is within the 2½ to 3 inches range, so your grass should be left at least at this height. Cutting your grass higher reduces the stress placed on your lawn during mowing and reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides that can be environmentally harmful. Taller grass also shades the soil, cooling vulnerable grassroots, preserving soil moisture, and shading out ugly weeds. It is also a good idea to leave grass clippings on your lawn so they can biodegrade and naturally fertilize your yard. 

Mulch And Fertilize Your Yard

Mulch is essential because it helps keep soil cool during hot summer days. You should cover bare soil with mulch to slow down evaporation, suppress weed growth, and to help maintain the aesthetics of your yard or garden. In areas of bare soil between your plants, add two to three inches of mulch in order to protect your plants. Make sure not to let the mulch actually touch the stems and trunks of your plants, though, because this could cause moisture buildup and rot. 

To create mulch, you can use compost, stones, dried leaves, or even old newspaper. It is also important to use the appropriate fertilizer in your yard during the summer months. During summer the best fertilizer option is a slow-release formulation with a lower nitrogen content, but you also need to keep in mind your specific plants and soil conditions. 

Giovine Landscaping Can Help You Manage Your Summer Yard

Your summer yard can thrive with the proper care. For all of your landscaping needs in every season, reach out to the experts of Giovine Landscaping. Call today for a free quote!

Best Flowers To Grow On The East Coast

Posted on by Giovine

Do you love seeing birds and butterflies in your garden? Want to help wildlife and the natural environment? Wondering how to grow beautiful plants that cost less time and money to maintain? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider adding native flowers to your yard! 

What Is A Native Plant?

When a plant is “native” to New Jersey or the United States that means its species evolved and adapted to our local ecosystem and environment. Native species evolved over millions of years to the specific weather conditions of our area.

Many common garden plants are “aliens” imported from Asia and Europe. These foreign plants may look pretty but they are often useless and sometimes require more watering and fertilizer than native species. Sometimes these foreign plants spread into the wild and outcompete native plants. Unfortunately, this can harm wildlife and upset the ecological balance; these plants are called “invasive species.”  

Luckily, you can reduce the spread of invasive species by talking to one of our experts at Giovine Landscaping. They will help you design your backyard landscape while incorporating native New Jersey species. By growing native species, you increase the lifespan of your plants, while helping other plants grow naturally around them. Here are the best flowers to grow in New Jersey! 

Amazing Plants For Your Garden

  • Butterfly Weed: This plant gets its name from the fact that butterflies love it! This flower is useful for pollinating your garden, aiding in fertilizing surrounding greenery. It is best to plant it in late spring, with loads of sunlight, while the soil is warm. It prospers in sandy dry-soil and can survive drought-like conditions! This flower is bright and colorful and very low maintenance, meaning it can be a wonderful addition for your garden! 
  • Wood Anemone: Wild wood anemones bloom in woodlands on the edge of New Jersey forests from April to June. The species survives best in gardens that are partly, if not fully shaded. They also thrive in damp, rich, mucky soil. The wood anemone is a delicate plant with a stalked white or pink flower.
  • Great Blue Lobelia: The deep blue flowers of this plant grow on an upright spike. This native plant blooms in late summer to early fall. The great blue lobelia thrives in moist soil and can live in full sun or partial shade. The plant can grow 1 to 4 feet tall, and you should plant each one about 1 foot apart. The plant attracts pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds! 
  • Northern Red Oak: The northern red oak is a native east coast tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall! It thrives in full sun and in partial shade environments. It thrives in normal or moist soils, in early to mid fall. This species is unusually tolerant of polluted environments, making it a hardy tree that can be a welcome addition to any yard. It also attracts birds and mammals such as squirrels and deer.
  • Black-Eyed Susan: This flower blooms bright yellow, with a black center “eye”. It can grow 1 to 2 feet tall and blooms best from June to October. They thrive in an environment with tons of sun and well-draining soil. This flower also attracts multiple insects and pollinators due to its sweet nectar.
  • Northern Bayberry: This is a tough shrub that thrives in all types of soil. However, it prefers partial shade in your garden. It can grow 5 to 8 feet tall and grows very rapidly. Due to its toughness the northern bayberry is greatly beneficial to winter birds and butterflies. It blooms from March to June and can benefit your yard!  
  • Purple Coneflower: This vibrant purple flower blooms for two months in mid to late summer. It prefers partial to full sun exposure and is the perfect resource for wildlife. Its pale purple or pink flowers attract a variety of animals ranging from insects to Goldfinches and Hummingbirds! Growing up to three feet tall, this beautiful flower is easy to maintain and is beneficial for your garden.  

Update Your Garden Today! 

For all of your landscaping and plant needs, please contact Giovine Landscaping. Our professional team can help build and maintain the yard or garden of your dreams! Whether you want to remove ticks, fertilize plants or control unruly weeds, Giovine Landscaping is here to help! Don’t hesitate to contact us at (973) 325-1758 for some help in designing your perfect backyard! 

Follow Us On Facebook For Updates!