A swimming pool isn’t a status symbol: it’s something homeowners use. It’s an extension of their living space from inside the home into their backyard: a place they use in activities. Especially during the peak temperatures of summer, a swimming pool is somewhere where family members and friends of all ages congregate to have fun. For some this will be swimming, but for others this will also be lounging, cooking, eating, or just getting their feet wet. By expanding this area around the pool, you can increase the enjoyment and use of your backyard and pool for yourself and the people with you. Today we look at swimming pool patio installations. [Read more…]
posted on April 28, 2017 by
Swimming Pool Patio: Extending Your Outdoor Living Space
posted on April 20, 2017 by
Landscaping to Raise Curb Appeal Before Selling Your Home
On multiple levels, selling a home is never easy. The preparations, the agents, the listing, and the constant stream of window shoppers and negotiations all add up. One of the biggest strains is the difference between what you think your home is worth, and what others are willing to pay for it. One way to help both bridge that gap and have more people interested in your home is enhancing its curb appeal: the first impression people get when they see your home from the street. And one of the best ways to raise curb appeal before selling your home is through landscaping. [Read more…]
posted on March 16, 2017 by
Lawn Damaging Pests in Spring
Eventually, even in New England, spring comes. With that, your lawn will go from its dormant state to spring growth. This time of frantic growth isn’t just limited to your yards: Spring is also a time for when insects come out of hibernation with an appetite. These critters can quickly cause discoloration and dead patches on lawns, and if left unchecked can completely devastate its health. Today we’re looking at lawn damaging pests in spring and how to determine if you have them and which kind they are. [Read more…]
posted on March 6, 2017 by
Paver Driveway vs Asphalt Driveway: Who Wins?
When it comes to picking a new driveway, you’ve got options. However, we’re going to put away concrete and gravel and look at the two major sides of the spectrum: asphalt and pavers. One is a tried and true driveway material that will have existed in at least one home you’ve bought or rented over the years, the other is an intriguing option with some special benefits. Below are the three things to keep in mind when you’re making the decision and talking to your driveway contractor about your options. [Read more…]
posted on February 27, 2017 by
Troubleshooting and Replacing Winter Damaged Irrigation
Winter can be hard on your sprinklers and other below-ground irrigation. If your irrigation systems didn’t receive winterization in the form of a manual drain, automatic drain, or a blowout, it could cause permanent damage. As we mentioned in a previous blog, “How To: Preparing Sprinklers for Winter,” the water left in the system can expand while it freezes, cause pipes to leak or completely break after the thaw. Between this and other winter hazards, you can find yourself come the thaw with a system that can no longer do its job. Today we’re looking at options for troubleshooting and replacing winter damaged irrigation, and when to call the experts in. [Read more…]
posted on February 10, 2017 by
Tips for Storing Mulch, Topsoil, and Compost
When it comes to landscaping materials, it’s hard to have too much of a good thing. Whether you’re a contractor stockpiling supplies for multiple projects and storing it at a worksite until it’s needed, or a homeowner who ended up having significantly more than you bargained for: properly storing mulch, topsoil, and compost will allow you to reuse the material at a later time. This is important because leaving these material exposed to the elements can lead to damage or decay of the material, costing you money and requiring disposal of the useless supplies. [Read more…]
posted on January 30, 2017 by
Transforming Outdoor Spaces for Your Employees
Unless you’re in our profession, chances are you and your employees spend a lot of time indoors while at work. All day at a desk, staring at the computer, stressing about project deadline, and spending 9-to-5 in a cubicle farm, sometimes you and your workers need to unwind. Utilize the outdoor space on your property to provide a beneficial place for your employees to destress, brainstorm, and even work in. Today we look at the basics of landscaping outdoor spaces for your employees to use. [Read more…]
posted on January 27, 2017 by
The Four Basic Types of Retaining Walls
There’s a reason retaining walls are so popular in both residential and commercial landscaping – several reasons in fact.They provide the chance to inject beautiful stonework and hardscaping into the area and allow you to transform your landscape in tiers around central features (by using flowerbeds and/or gardens) One of the most important purposes is their ability to save a yard by preventing soil erosion and managing your rainwater flow. Below are four of the most common types of retaining walls, what situation they are good for, and the amount of work that goes into each. [Read more…]
posted on December 23, 2016 by
Managing Fish Ponds During Winter
Here at Greener Horizon, we have a history of landscaping beautiful water features, such as those that include live fish like as koi and goldfish. During the design phase, we get a lot of questions about making sure the fish are protected, especially from the cold New England winters. We’ve compiled a list of some tips for caring for your backyard pets during the heart of winter, especially making sure they survive when your fish ponds start to freeze. [Read more…]
posted on December 15, 2016 by
Getting Ready for Spring Landscaping
Spring is a time of rebirth. This year, could it be the rebirth of your outdoor property? After months of dreary winter landscapes, you might be ready to charge into spring landscaping. Not so fast! Regardless of your motivations, from increasing curb appeal to increasing your home’s useable living space, it’s time to plan ahead before you spring ahead. Here are three major areas you should look at before you break ground this spring. [Read more…]
