Tag: lawn

Best Drainage Solutions for NJ Homeowners 

Posted on by Giovine Landscaping

Standing water in your yard is more than an eyesore. It kills grass, damages plant roots, attracts mosquitoes, and can threaten your home’s foundation if left untreated. New Jersey’s heavy spring rains and clay-heavy soils make poor drainage a common headache for homeowners across the state. The good news? There are proven solutions that work, and Giovine Landscaping has the experience to get your yard draining properly again.

Signs Your Yard Has a Drainage Problem

Many homeowners notice standing water after a storm but do not realize the damage is already building beneath the surface. Catching the warning signs early can save you from costly repairs down the road. Watch for these red flags:

  • Water pooling in the same spots hours or days after rainfall
  • Soggy, spongy patches of lawn that never fully dry out
  • Grass dying in low-lying areas of the yard
  • Soil erosion or bare patches where water consistently rushes through
  • Mold, mildew, or moisture buildup along your home’s foundation
  • Basement dampness or water seeping in through cracks after heavy rain
  • Mosquito activity concentrated in certain areas of the yard

If any of these sound familiar, your yard is telling you something. Ignoring the signs only gives water more time to do damage.

Why NJ Yards Struggle with Drainage

New Jersey soil varies widely by region, but clay-heavy compositions are common throughout the state. Clay holds water instead of letting it pass through, which leads to soggy patches that take days to dry out after a storm. Low-lying areas, compacted soil from heavy foot traffic, and improper grading around the home all make the problem worse. Without a fix, water continues to pool in the same spots season after season, doing more damage each time.

New Jersey also averages over 46 inches of rainfall per year, which is above the national average. That extra moisture has to go somewhere, and when your yard is not set up to handle it, the consequences pile up fast.

Top Drainage Solutions That Work

Every yard is different, but these are the most effective solutions for NJ homeowners dealing with persistent standing water:

French Drains 


A French drain involves digging a trench, laying perforated pipe, and covering it with gravel so water moves underground and away from problem areas. They work well along property edges, near foundations, and anywhere surface water consistently collects after a heavy rain.

Dry Creek Beds 

For homeowners who want a fix that also improves curb appeal, a dry creek bed moves water across the yard while adding a natural, polished look to the landscape. These rock-lined channels guide runoff along a defined path toward a drainage point and handle heavy downpours surprisingly well.

Catch Basins 

A catch basin is a drain installed at a low point in the yard that collects surface water and channels it through underground pipes to a safe discharge location. They work especially well in driveways, along fence lines, and in spots where water funnels together quickly.

Yard Regrading 

Sometimes the ground itself needs to be reshaped. If your yard slopes toward your home instead of away from it, water will always find its way to your foundation. Regrading corrects the slope so runoff naturally flows away from the structure, protecting both your lawn and your home long-term.

Dry Wells 

 A dry well is an underground chamber that collects water from downspouts or surface drains and slowly releases it into the surrounding soil. They are ideal for homeowners dealing with roof runoff that overwhelms the landscaping below.

Downspout Extensions 

 Short downspouts that dump water right next to the foundation are one of the most overlooked causes of yard drainage problems. Extending them further from the house directs water away from the structure before it has a chance to saturate the surrounding soil.

How Drainage Connects to Your Overall Lawn Health

Good drainage and a healthy lawn go hand in hand. Waterlogged soil pushes oxygen out of the root zone, essentially suffocating your grass and plants from below. Over time, standing water creates the perfect environment for fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot, which spread quickly and are expensive to treat. Trees and shrubs are not immune either. Root rot caused by excess moisture can kill established plantings that took years to grow.

Fixing drainage is not just about removing water. It is about giving your entire landscape the foundation it needs to thrive through every season.

Why Giovine Landscaping Is the Right Team for the Job

Giovine Landscaping brings deep local knowledge of New Jersey’s soil conditions, seasonal rainfall patterns, and drainage requirements. The team does not just install a fix and walk away. They assess your specific yard, identify the root cause of the drainage issue, and design a solution that addresses the problem at the source rather than masking it.

Giovine uses quality materials built to hold up through harsh NJ winters, heavy spring rains, and everything in between. Their work is clean, efficient, and completed by a team that takes genuine pride in every project. Homeowners across New Jersey trust Giovine because they deliver results that last year after year, not temporary patches that fail by the next rainy season.

Poor drainage does not fix itself, and the longer you wait, the more damage standing water can do to your lawn, plants, and home’s foundation.

Contact Giovine Landscaping today to schedule a drainage consultation and take the first step toward a drier, healthier yard.

Elevate Your Summer with Custom Hardscape Additions

Posted on by shari@thumplocal.com

Learn how to elevate your summer with a custom hardscape addition in your yard. As the summer sun heats up, many homeowners turn their attention outdoors, envisioning a space that’s perfect for both relaxing evenings and lively weekend gatherings. While lush greenery and seasonal flowers set the stage, it’s hardscape elements that truly define your outdoor living area. At Giovine Landscaping, we specialize in transforming backyards with custom hardscape additions that add function, beauty, and long-lasting value.

Make Your Backyard a Destination

Hardscaping goes beyond aesthetics. It also brings purpose to your outdoor space so that you can host summer barbecues or enjoy a quiet night under the stars. Features like outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, built-in grills, and stone patios create zones designed for gathering and entertainment. Imagine roasting marshmallows with your family around a custom fire pit, or grilling dinner without having to run back and forth to your kitchen. These enhancements are not just upgrades but also lifestyle changers.

Add Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits for Ambiance and Warmth

Few features are as inviting as the glow of an outdoor fire. Fire pits and fireplaces offer warmth on cool summer nights and extend your outdoor season well into the fall. Studies show that the audiovisual experience of sitting by the fire has a relaxing effect and even lowers blood pressure. From sleek modern fire bowls to rustic stone fireplaces, Giovine Landscaping custom designs each feature to match your aesthetic and functional needs. Whether you prefer gas or wood-burning options, we’ll help you choose the right setup to complement your landscape and increase relaxation for your summer nights. 

Built-In Grills and Outdoor Kitchens

For many homeowners, there is no summer without grilling. A built-in grill or complete outdoor kitchen turns your backyard into a true culinary destination. With features like prep counters, storage cabinets, and mini fridges, you can entertain guests without ever stepping inside. These installations are crafted with weather-resistant materials and integrated seamlessly into your landscape design, ensuring they’re as durable as they are beautiful.

Stone Patios and Walkways

No summer hangout spot is complete without a solid foundation. A stone patio not only adds square footage to your living space, but it also defines the flow and usability of your yard. Natural stone, pavers, or brick can be used to create elegant pathways or expansive patios perfect for dining, lounging, or setting up your new fire feature. At Giovine Landscaping, we consider the layout of your entire property to ensure your hardscape feels cohesive and intentional. Check out our previous blog to learn about summer landscaping tips that will go hand-in-hand with your hardscaping.

Expert Design and Professional Installation

At Giovine Landscaping, we understand that every home requires unique attention. That’s why we tailor our hardscape solutions to fit your specific vision and lifestyle. With years of experience in hardscape design and installation, our team ensures each project is built to last with careful attention to drainage, materials, and aesthetics.

Summer only gets better with hardscape additions such as a cozy fire pit or a full outdoor kitchen, and Giovine Landscaping is here to make it happen. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our custom hardscape solutions can enhance your home and bring people together all season long. Call us at (724) 316-3064 to get started.

Protecting Your Garden from Extreme Summer Heat: Tips for a Healthy Landscape

Posted on by shari@thumplocal.com

As temperatures soar to record-high numbers and the sun beats down during the peak of summer, your garden can quickly feel the impact of extreme heat. At Giovine Landscaping, we know how important it is to protect your outdoor oasis from the harshest days of the season. With a few smart strategies, you can keep your plants healthy, your flowers vibrant, and your garden thriving all summer long.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Plants

One of the best ways to safeguard your garden from scorching temperatures is to choose plants that can handle the heat. Opt for drought-resistant perennials like black-eyed Susans, lavender, and coneflowers. Native plants are often naturally equipped to withstand local weather conditions, requiring less maintenance and water. Ornamental grasses like switchgrass or fountain grass are another excellent choice for adding texture while tolerating high heat.

Use Mulch for Moisture Retention

Mulch is your garden’s best friend in extreme heat. Adding a generous layer of organic mulch helps regulate soil temperature and lock in valuable moisture. This barrier prevents the soil from drying out too quickly and keeps roots cool even on the hottest days. Aim for about 2–3 inches of mulch around flower beds and shrubs, but be sure to keep it a few inches away from plant stems to prevent rot. If you are interested in tips for specifically protecting your lawn from the heat, check out our previous blog.

Water Wisely and Efficiently

During heat waves, watering correctly is crucial. The best time to water your garden is early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is less intense. This reduces evaporation and allows water to soak deep into the soil where roots need it most. Use drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the base of your plants to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal waste.

Create Shade Where Needed

Even sun-loving plants can benefit from a little relief during extreme heat. Use shade cloths, garden umbrellas, or strategically placed trellises with climbing vines to provide temporary cover for delicate plants. Container gardens can be moved to shaded areas during the hottest parts of the day. For a long-term solution, consider planting trees or large shrubs that provide natural shade while enhancing the beauty of your landscape.

Let Giovine Landscaping Help You Beat the Heat

Your garden is an investment that deserves year-round care, even during the harshest summer days. At Giovine Landscaping, our team is ready to help you design, install, and maintain a landscape that stays beautiful no matter what the forecast brings. From selecting heat-tolerant plants to installing efficient irrigation systems, we have the solutions you need.

Don’t let extreme heat ruin your summer garden. Protect your outdoor space and enjoy a lush, green backyard all season long. For personalized landscaping tips, expert services, or to schedule a consultation, contact Giovine Landscaping today at (724) 316-3064. Let’s keep your garden thriving under the summer sun!

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.

How to Grow a Topiary in Your Garden

Posted on by Giovine

Topiaries are wonderful additions to a garden that can bring it creativity and an eye-catching appeal. They are known to ornament the most luxurious of green scapes as their unique geometric shapes add a level of splendor to a property. Purchasing ready-made topiaries is an option, though an often costly one, but creating them on your own involves some basic skills that most garden owners are already familiar with. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss all there is to know about growing a topiary in your backyard. 

Shrubs

Shrubs are one of two options for your topiary. It is important to select an evergreen species that is dense, resistant to pruning, and slow-growing for the best results. Choosing a plant in and of itself is an involved task, more of which you can read about in one of our previous blog posts. After making an adequate selection, you can take the first step in building your topiary.

Find a Sunny Location

To achieve the dense growth needed to create the eye-appealing geometries of your topiary, it must be getting even sunlight on all of its sides. Ensure your plant is located away from objects that could obstruct light, which is why it is not ideal to place it directly next to your home. The more specific light conditions required for your shrub should be identified by consulting its nursery tag. 

Keep Your Shrub Hydrated

A shrub’s growth consumes a decent amount of water, so don’t forget to check routinely for dry soil and hydrate it accordingly. Shrubs can turn brown at the tips, which could get in the way of the aesthetic desired by the garden owner. If that happens, apply fertilizer to your plant.

Choose A Main Stem

To get started on molding your soon-to-be leafy artistic creation, you must select one upright shooting stem to keep while the rest are removed. This selected root should be well-positioned for the intended shape of your design. Use a stake to tie down the main root and chop off the others using pruners. As the shrub develops, the main stems will continue to grow from the base. These should be removed to maintain the shrub’s intended shape. 

Clipping New Foliage

The process of forming your own topiary will require patience— remember, small changes will make a significant difference over an extended period. During the spring season, you should begin shaving down the new growth into the desired shape. New foliage will appear in a lighter shade of green, and when trimming it, the shear blades should be parallel with mature growth and the longest branches dealt with first. Pruning will be done during the other seasons as the shrub first takes it shape but can be reduced down to once or twice a year once it has matured. 

Vine Topiary 

To kick off your project, select a perennial vine of your choice. When first starting, it is good to select a vine that is low-maintenance and will grow at a rapid pace. As such, English Ivy is a popular option. Once this is done, you can now begin setting up your topiary structure.

Wire For Your Structure

A circular-shaped wire can be purchased from most home improvement retailers, where you will then place it in your soiled pot and plant one or two plants at the base where each wire leg touches the soil. The goal is that the vines grow upwards as you guide them around the wire or inch them in the direction of intended growth for the design you have in mind. 

Pruning As You Go

It is important that leaves and stems growing out in undesirable directions, be trimmed. The vines that will grow to wrap around the wire structure will serve as the foundation for your topiary and short, thin vines should be clipped. Along with this, pinching off the stems that intersect with the main stem will stimulate growth in that direction, and the resulting growth can be wrapped around the wire to further fill out the frame. 

Taking Care of Your Plants

As with shrubs, it is of great importance to remain knowledgeable about the water, soil pH, and sunlight requirements of the plant in your care. A healthy plant allows for it to be in its best state of beauty, something especially important when developing these visually attractive creations. Even with the knowledge provided in this detailed guide, it is normal for garden owners to have lingering questions about how to care for these growing artworks. At Giovine Landscaping, not only can we answer any and all of your topiary inquiries, but we can also provide assistance to help you attain the foliage design you desire. Contact us at (724) 316-3064 for any of your gardening needs!

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.

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! 

2023 New Year’s Resolutions For An Exceptional Backyard

Posted on by Giovine
New Year's resolutions

The year is coming to an end, and now is the time to consider new home improvements! With a fresh start, comes a fresh and exceptional yard. There are many attainable goals that homeowners can set to upgrade their lawn and refine their landscape aesthetic. To achieve this, we will highlight several methods that can spark your creativity and get you working on your outdoor space. Check out these landscaping New Year’s resolutions for an exceptional backyard! 

Composting Is Important 

If you do not already have a compost bin, now is the time for it! If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to recycle more, composting is for you! Compost allows you to reduce waste and incorporate nutrient rich scraps into your soil. It is a simple process that ultimately improves the moisture and health of your lawn while reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers. There are many benefits to composting, so consider adding it to your New Year’s resolutions

Brighten Things Up

For the new year, consider adding light fixtures to your backyard. It will lighten up your space and brighten your mood during these dark winter months. Light fixtures allow you and your guests to enjoy the beauty of your space at all times of the day. There are several options for implementing lights into your backyard. Whether they’re lined up on your patio or in your pool— the possibilities are endless! For this landscaping New Year’s resolution, let your inspiration guide you to create a magical backyard. 

Water-Efficient Landscaping 

This practice uses technology and techniques that reduce water usage to conserve and vitalize your backyard habitat. The design incorporates a combination of any of the following elements: sheet mulching to reduce lawn size, water-saving irrigation and opting for artificial grass. By utilizing these methods, you will come closer to completing your New Year’s resolutions. These are sustainable options that will cause your backyard to thrive throughout the new year. 

Weed Pulling 

Extracting weeds is certainly one of the most tedious tasks for any person! Although it can be a dreadful activity, pulling weeds will significantly improve your backyard. To make the task easier it is important that you use the correct technique and proper tools. This will prevent future weed growth after removing them. When considering the health of your beautiful space, this New Year’s resolution can spruce up your yard for years to come! Don’t hesitate to get started now on weed pulling activities! 

All in all, landscaping should be about making your backyard dreams come true! It’s a fun activity that entails hard work and constant attention, but the payoff is immeasurable. It is key to remember that landscaping professionals are always at your disposal. If you need assistance with creating your dream backyard, Giovine Landscaping is here to help! Don’t hesitate to contact Giovine Landscaping at (973) 325-1758 or visit our website today!