For gardeners far and wide, mulch is the finishing touch that serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. The term refers to any material that is laid over the surface of soil to act as a covering. Its comprehensive benefits are many, and it can be added to your own garden with relative simplicity. If you’re curious about applying mulch and how you can get started, keep on reading below.

What Are The Benefits Of Mulch?

Lower Your Water Bill

Adding an additional protective layer over your soil increases water retention. The University of California Cooperative Extension has noted that mulched soil can retain up to 35% more water than unmulched soil. This lowers the risk of the summer sun drying out your garden too quickly and reduces the frequency of watering you have to do, saving you money on your water bill.

Prevent Overheating

This is particularly relevant for those of you who have recently planted seedlings in your garden that are sensitive to the sun. Depending on where you live, the summer sun puts your garden at risk of overheating, which can damage or even kill plants. Mulch acts as a physical barrier between the soil and the sun’s rays, which helps to keep soil cool even on the hottest summer days.

Suppress Weeds

Weeds are notorious for overpopulating gardens and competing with your plants for nutrients. So how exactly can mulch suppress weeds, you ask? Because mulch blocks sunlight from reaching the soil, fewer weeds can spring up. For the few weeds that do pop up, you’ll have an easier time removing them, saving you time and effort.

Improve Soil Health

Adding a layer of organic mulch, like shredded leaves or grass, to your garden means more nutrients for your soil. When the mulch decomposes, it acts as a natural fertilizer. Organic matter will be added, making your garden healthier and more resistant to pests and disease. This, in the long run, can save you money on fertilizers and pest control.

Polish Your Garden

Mulch can create a neat and tidy in your garden, particularly when the color of the mulch contrasts against your garden. Think, for example, brown wood chips between a vibrant flower bed and a green lawn.

I’m interested in adding mulch to my garden. How can I get started?

Organic Mulch

The first thing you want to do is decide whether you want organic mulch or inorganic mulch. We’ve highlighted the benefits of organic mulch, but we must gently remind you that the ongoing decomposition of organic mulch means that it must be replaced often.

Inorganic Mulch

On the other hand, inorganic mulch, such as stone or gravel, provides nearly all the same benefits as organic mulch, minus the nutrient-rich benefits of using leaves or grass.

The promising benefit, however, is that inorganic mulch requires little to no maintenance or replacement. Stone mulch, in particular, does not decompose and will last for decades. If you live in an area with frequent rain, it has the added benefit of not dirtying the sidewalk, the pool, or other parts of your property after it rains. Furthermore, stone mulch comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and color blends to match your home and landscape design.

Yet, while applying organic mulch can often be done without outside help, stone mulch will require the labor assistance of an experienced landscaping team, such as Giovine’s Landscaping, for a clean and flawless finish.

We all know the weather is starting to heat up which means the backyards must be cleaned and the grass must be mowed. However, if you want to go the extra mile and make yours more alluring, below are some suggestions.

Add a Fireplace

By adding a fireplace, you can create an illuminating contrast of hot and cold in your backyard. An addition to the extra light, it creates a sense of warmth and can be used anytime of the year. Even during cool nights in the fall, one can host outdoor activities and other nature-oriented events. Furthermore, it becomes an extension of your house and provides a quintessential gathering place for your family. In addition, they can provide a place to cook and can increase the value of your home.

Grass “Borders”

If you ever were confused as to how to level the incongruencies in your backyard, decorative grass is a great option. They combine visual appeal with a sense of being a barrier to create an otherworldly fit between natural and artificial scenery. In the landscaping world, grass isn’t the only option to creating boundaries in your backyard. You can use various plants and flowers as well as surround these plants with stones to create a secondary boundary. This can create a genuine feel of nature and the suburban scenery being combined.

Vertical Garden

All backyards look more appealing with natural scenery but just adding potted plants won’t cut it. In order to go outside of the box, you might want to consider adding something similar to a vertical garden. One way to create a vertical garden is to hang plant pots vertically on a wall. However, another option would be to install plastic trays that hold the plants and have spaces for the roots as well as for air flow. These create an artistic and natural sense that is unmatched by other types of visual pieces such as paintings.

Furniture

Although any type and style of furniture is acceptable for backyards, one may want to consider wooden furniture, especially those on a budget. This type of furniture nicely coincides with the emphasis on nature shown above. Along with the visual beauty, furniture reinforces the idea of family gathering and unity, especially if put together with a fireplace. Additionally, furniture adds to the color of the scenery and even encourages one to perform some physical activity outdoors. At the end of the day, furniture provides a comfortable space to congregate and gain some amazing extraterrestrial experiences.

Tapestries

Tapestries can be used not only as decorative pieces but also as dividers to create separate “zones” in your backyard as well as for privacy. These illustrations can be hung to create a more outdoor feel and can even be used to represent the natural beauty of your backyard. Additionally, they create an intimate environment that encourages family gathering.

Word of Advice

When using these suggestions, don’t hesitate to add your own twist and create a unique style for any of these specific items. Furthermore, it is perfect to centralize your backyard around a few items rather than using many decorative pieces at once. And lastly, try to find a balance between the natural and suburban world. At Giovine Landscaping, we can help you implement any of these elements so you are sure to have a fun filled time in the outdoors this summer!

What’s a pergola, you ask? Our guess is that you’ve seen a pergola before, but just never knew the official name. A pergola is an open-sided garden structure supported by pillars and topped by an open-lattice roof, as shown in the picture above. They create a shaded lounge area in a garden and are sometimes extended to form shaded walkways as well. While a pergola may sound like an extravagant investment, there are tons of benefits of building one on your property today.

Shade, shade, shade

As much as we love sunny days, the sun can prematurely age our skin. Studies have shown that UV exposure is responsible for 80% of visible facial aging signs, such as wrinkles, sagging, and so on. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that regular and prolonged exposure to the sun is the cause of most cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. On top of regular sunscreen application, the simple decision to sit in the shade rather than under the sun can make a drastic difference to your skin and appearance for decades to come. Installing a pergola will allow you to enjoy the spring weather without sacrificing your health. Furthermore, sitting in the cool of the shade will prevent you from overheating or unnecessary sweating.

Extra Living Room Space

Some homeowners prefer to add a pergola as an extension of their living room. This gives you and your family more room to move around, with the added benefit of blue skies, fresh air, and garden views.

Garden Transformation

In many homes, the pergola is the centerpiece of the garden. Adding a pergola can completely change the way your garden and backyard looks. Climbing plants, like roses, honeysuckle, jasmine, or grapevine, can be grown over pergolas to add a gorgeous touch that appears much more elaborate than the process really is. Adding these plants also provide extra shade in the summer months.

Boost Curb Appeal

When prospective buyers are looking at house after house, only the most unique and beautiful homes stand out. Having a stunning pergola in your yard means that you can leave an unforgettable impression on prospective buyers and even guests and family. The special benefit of a pergola is that it takes very little effort for it to look good. Even the most simplistic style can look straight out of a magazine. And when vines or plants are grown over it, your garden or backyard will look ravishing.

Homeowners who enjoy building their own projects can build their own pergola right on their property. But for those who may not have enough time or energy to spare, having a professional come in is usually a good idea. A dedicated and professional landscaping company, such as Giovine Landscaping, will take the time to understand your property, have you choose from a variety of styles and materials, and make your dream pergola come to life before your very eyes.

Garden ponds are beautiful, vibrant, and endlessly entertaining. You might be thinking that they are impractical, too expensive, or too complicated to maintain. But these myths are simply not true, and there are many benefits that come with a garden pond.

Increase Property Value

Having a garden pond greatly increases your home’s property value, making it a financially worthwhile investment. It sets your home apart from the rest and adds a unique touch of vitality to your garden. For prospective homeowners who enjoy nature and wildlife, a garden pond could make just the difference.

Take Advantage of Yard Space

Green grass is beautiful in its own right, but there are many less-explored alternative gardening options that can breathe new life to your property. If you have a decently-sized yard, chances are that you are left with a good amount of unused yard space. Many homeowners start off with a relatively small pond, which takes up less space than you think. If you are still hesitant about garden ponds, dip your toes into the idea by installing a small pond. Most of your property will remain untouched and available for other projects.

In cases where fallen trees or other accidents have left your yard with a gaping hole, take advantage of even that and consider installing a small pond. As they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

Replace Street Noise With Relaxation

Science can’t quite explain why people all over the world are as attracted to water as we are. What we do know, however, is that being by large bodies of water induces a mildly meditative state in most people. It invokes feelings of awe and connectedness, which can inspire an increased capacity for connection and empathy. Unfortunately, most of us do not live right by the ocean. Garden ponds, therefore, mimic the sound of running water and can help you relax better.

This is especially relevant if you live by a moderately busy road and hear street noises and cars regularly. Garden ponds will help to mask unwanted background noise and replace it with the peaceful bubbling sound of running water. Water features such as small waterfalls will help you and your family members unwind after long days or difficult moments.

Step Into Water Gardening

As beautiful as regular gardening is, water gardening is rewarding, lush, and unique. Floating plants, as the name suggests, grow exclusively in water and add a delicate touch to pond surfaces. Because most floating plants absorb nutrients from the water, they usually do not need supplemental fertilization. Be warned, however, that many floating plants can quickly cover a pond’s surface and must be manually removed. Floating plants, like water lilies, are captivating and colorful. Marginal plants, such as irises, grow on pond edges and add vertical height to the surrounding area of your garden pond.

Attract Wildlife

Most people add koi or other fish into their pond for a colorful mix of life in their garden pond. But also remember that any water source, including man-made ones, will attract wildlife. Birds, bees, and dragonflies will stop for a drink. Beneficial insects, like bees and butterflies, will pollinate your garden, while birds will help to control pest populations. An entire ecosystem can be brought into your own backyard from a single garden pond. Watch your backyard flourish brilliantly before your very eyes.

If you are indeed considering a garden pond for your property, be sure to find a highly-rated, fully-insured, and experienced landscaping company, such as Giovine Landscaping Inc. Many things can go wrong when working with man-made bodies of water. Get the absolute best for your property and watch your garden be transformed immediately.

We’ve all seen crabgrass before, even if we didn’t know its name. Whether on a lawn, along a driveway, or out of a crack in the sidewalk, these weeds are notoriously tough to combat. Because it spreads thousands of seeds throughout its lifespan, the weed spreads quickly and aggressively, even from one lawn to the next. They also grow low on the ground, meaning that they escape the mower blade. These pesky weeds even hold up well with high amounts of foot traffic and do not mind being tread upon. While this all sounds like bad news, the good news is that there are ways to fight against it. Since spring is right around the corner, now is the time to start planning ahead to get rid of crabgrass.

When Is The Right Time?

Crabgrass flourish in the summer heat. That’s why the best strategy against it is to stop its growth in the spring. Crabgrass spreads through seeds, meaning that if you can stop the seeds from germinating, you can end the infestation. According to the Soil and Microbial Sciences Department of Michigan State University, crabgrass seeds begin to germinate once the soil reaches about 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. You can buy an inexpensive soil thermometer to check the temperature of your lawn. Once the soil nears this threshold, apply a crabgrass preventer or a fertilizer with a crabgrass preventer. Try to do this right before a rain shower, which will help the fertilizer and preventer to work into the soil.

It’s important to get the timing right. Apply the treatment too early and the herbicide’s active ingredients will be broken down prematurely, rendering it ineffective on the crabgrass. Apply it too late, and crabgrass seeds have already germinated and grown into seedlings. At this point, the pre-emergence treatment will be completely useless. We recommend erring on the side of caution and applying the herbicide earlier rather than later.

What’s Next?

You’re not done yet! Most crabgrass preventers have a life of about 50 days, although lifespans can vary based on the brand. After this time frame, re-apply another layer where crabgrass tends to thrive, such as along driveways and walking paths. The soil in these areas absorb more heat and encourage the growth of crabgrass.

If you see crabgrass growing, pulling them out is a good idea. However, be careful not to pull out mature crabgrass, which will only spread more seeds. Mature crabgrass has thin, forklike protrusions with dozens of seeds in them.

What About My Regular Grass?

Pre-emergence crabgrass treatments will also kill good grasses, such as bluegrass or ryegrass. For this reason, if you choose to use this type of herbicide, you cannot seed. What you can do, however, is to seed in late summer or early fall. The key is to keep the two tasks at least 8 weeks apart.

Crabgrass is not easy to handle. If you find that you do not have the time or physical energy to combat crabgrass, we recommend reaching out to a reliable and experienced lawn care company, such as Giovine Landscaping. A team of professionals in the industry can examine your lawn and provide you with the best plan of action against crabgrass.

Do some research today while you have some buffer time before spring arrives. Look into soil thermometers or the right type of crabgrass treatment for your lawn. Speak to a professional in lawn care for their recommendations. Schedule an appointment. It’s never too early to start thinking about how to fight crabgrass.