Paying attention to the yard can make a difference

Trends come and go, but when it comes to landscaping preferences and tending to one’s yard, a little old-fashioned hard work goes a long way. A properly landscaped yard can add value to a home, as well as make it more inviting and attractive.

Michael John Hoogland, owner of Hooglands Landscape, has been in the business for over 30 years. “I love my job, because of the interaction with the clients. Seeing a project come together from the initial client consultation to finished product is my favorite part,” Hoogland said. “We believe at Hooglands Landscape we have the ability to do anything a client asks of us.”

Hoogland said he understands the importance of regular, frequent lawn maintenance.

For many, the thought of handling such a task themselves is overwhelming. Whether one is personally involved or chooses to hire out the service, it’s important to maintain a healthy yard – and for more than just appearance sake.

“Besides the satisfaction of having a well-manicured lawn and landscape, I would say regular lawn maintenance helps homeowners stay ahead of pests that can plague lawns and plants,” Hoogland said.

Hooglands Landscape, one of the largest landscape construction firms, is a fullservice landscape design and construction company providing quality workmanship, from project design through completion. The firm is experienced in landscaping, maintenance, outdoor kitchens, fountains and ponds, walkways, fire pits, fireplaces and outdoor lighting.

“Outdoor living spaces continue to be a popular trend,” Hoogland said.

“The days of grilling on the old barbecue pit can now be replaced with beautiful outdoor kitchens and living areas for the entire family,” Hoogland said.

“We also can create tranquil settings in a backyard with unique waterscape designs, such as olive jar features, cast fountains, waterfalls and ponds.”

Taking care of one’s own yard doesn’t have to be difficult or extravagant. There are many simple tasks homeowners can do in between the servicing of their yard to help keep it up and prevent unnecessary work.

“Fertilizing your flower beds and lawn regularly makes a big difference,” Hoogland said. “We like to recommend every ninety days or so. Also, weeding is somewhat of a chore but doing it will help keep your landscape looking nice between visits.”

As always when it comes to any kind of advice, there’s also plenty of what-notto-do’s.

Hooglands advises homeowners to stop butchering their Crepe Myrtles. Few plants match the Crepe Myrtle when it comes to their flowers and foliage. When pruning a Crepe Myrtle, it’s important to use sharp clippers. If cutting off the seedpods – the small capsules that weigh on the limb and make them droop – do so sparingly. After it’s pruned, new shoots should appear with beautiful new blooms to follow.

It’s important not to over prune. The severe cutting back of Crepe Myrtles is not only unattractive; it’s dangerous to the plant’s health.

When deciding to prune, it’s best to focus on only removing the weak, thin or vertical shoots to give the tree a cleaner appearance. Also, when pruning, consider removing branches that are growing in an undesirable direction (for example, too close to a house or roof).

It’s also good when considering the landscape for a yard to remember not to overplant. There’s a lot to be said for space, not only in regard to the appearance and the vision it creates, but in regard to the health of the plants not to be overcrowded or in competition.

Testing the soil and PH levels of the ground is also helpful in determining the future landscape of a yard.

Plants prosper or struggle in various environments, so it’s beneficial to understand what those environments are before a lot of time, energy and money is invested.

When it comes to fertilizing tips, it’s often suggested for people not to bag their grass clippings unless their lawn is particularly prone to thatch.

The grass clippings that are left behind will break down into organize nutrients for the yard. Using a lawn mower to chop up fallen leaves in the fall can also be an easy way to create free mulch for your plants.

Spring is coming, and with it the beautiful growth of grass, flowers and life. This spring, it might be time consider a brand new makeover for your yard. At the least, it’s time to give your yard the attention it deserves, and see what a difference it makes.

Go to www.hooglands.com, for more information.

–Betsy St. Amant