Landscaping 101 – The Basics of Landscaping

Landscaping adds value to a home, makes outdoor spaces more comfortable, and is good for the environment. Understanding basic landscape design concepts can help you create a pleasing and functional yard.

Lines are an important design element for establishing a theme throughout a yard. Straight lines can convey structure and formality, while curves evoke relaxation and natural ambience. Visit Website to learn more.

Irrigation is the controlled distribution of water to plants and agricultural fields to satisfy their water requirements, especially in dry climates. It can be done manually, with hoses or watering cans, or using an automated system. Typically, irrigation systems consist of a water supply line carrying freshwater to an electronic controller that manages the distribution and timing of the irrigation process. The controller can also be programmed to adjust according to weather conditions.

The purpose of irrigation is to provide the optimal amount of water for growth and health. It influences all aspects of plant and crop production, from seedbed preparation and germination to the formation of roots, leaf vigor, nutrient utilization, and yield. A well-designed system delivers the exact amount of water needed to every part of the field, at just the right time, to maximize the benefits of planting and cultivation.

It has been used for horticultural and agricultural purposes as long as humans have been cultivating plants. It’s possible that the first irrigation system was simply a bucket carried by ancient people to pour over their crops. Later, the concept was improved upon, with farmers experimenting with different methods to ensure their crops got the moisture they needed.

Water is a valuable resource that should be used wisely. Excessive irrigation can lead to salinity accumulation in soils and groundwater, as well as nutrient leaching losses. Irrigation can also increase nitrate leaching and denitrification in sensitive soils and ecosystems.

Irrigation can be an effective tool to minimize these problems, but the key is to build healthy soil and understand how your landscape requires specific sun/water needs. It’s also important to plan your landscape properly and choose the right trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawn grasses to ensure a successful outcome. Whether you are looking to install an irrigation system or need repairs on your existing sprinklers, Clearwater Irrigation is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help make your landscape healthier! We are licensed and insured for your peace of mind. We look forward to hearing from you!

Watering

When planting a new landscape, we want to encourage good root development. This requires a deep watering, ideally three times a week during hot dry summers (and even in more temperate climates). The frequency is less important than the amount of time at each irrigation event.

Often the soil is prepared with an amendment like Soil3, which reduces overall watering needs because it retains moisture longer and more effectively. However, we still have to monitor water requirements and even if the site is amended it takes time for the new plantings to establish.

Nursery-grown trees, shrubs and flowers take considerable time, care and proper irrigation to become established in the landscape. Watering must be done regularly for the month after installation to ensure good root development and avoid water stress. After the first two weeks, gradually decrease watering to help your plants build resiliency. Remember, daily watering creates dependent plants whereas watering deeply and more rarely helps develop long roots that promote self-sufficiency. Also, avoiding watering during the heat of the day reduces waste from evaporation.

Plants

A well-maintained landscape can make a business more attractive to clients and customers. It can also boost employee morale and improve work satisfaction. Landscaping is not just about trees and flowers, but it includes hardscape elements like retaining walls, pathways, courtyard irrigation systems for plants, water features, planters and more.

The right mix of plants can provide a variety of textures, colors and visual interest to commercial properties. Plants can help soften harsh architecture lines and angles, or they can add vibrant splashes of color to areas that lack color in the landscape.

People are naturally drawn to green spaces. They’re a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a reminder of nature’s beauty. Whether it’s Central Park, the local football field or their own back garden, green spaces are treasured by most people. They’re a vital part of the world we live in, and landscape professionals play a key role in maintaining them.

A well-manicured landscape is a year-round effort. It starts in winter with cleanup, removing fallen leaves and preparing the soil for cold weather and the next growing season. In the spring, planting begins. The landscape is then fertilized, weeded and mowed regularly to maintain a healthy look. Summer brings blooms and color. Fall offers intrigue with changing leaf colors and hues, and winter provides comfort through the use of warm colors and textures.

Many landscapes feature flowering plants for every season, as well as fruit trees and food plants. These plants attract pollinators and provide a sense of community for employees who enjoy tending a garden together or eating the produce they’ve grown themselves. These gardens are often tied to wellness programs through human resources departments, which can contribute to lower insurance costs, absenteeism and job turnover.

Landscapers often buy their plants from regional nurseries or grow them themselves, which helps support the local economy and horticulture industry. They may also use environmentally friendly practices, such as water-wise irrigation and the prudent application of fertilizers and chemicals. They can also manage water bodies such as lakes and ponds to ensure they’re not overrun with algae, which can threaten wildlife.

Lawns

The well-manicured lawn is an iconic part of American culture. Brought to America from Europe during colonization, it became a symbol of wealth and power for those with enough money to cultivate one on their property. The popularity of lawns fueled the growth of a large industry that produced grass seeds, fertilizers and tools for homeowners to upkeep their lush green lawns. Today, many people spend a lot of time and energy maintaining their lawns, but what are the environmental consequences?

A healthy lawn can help prevent soil erosion. The roots of the grass provide a natural barrier that keeps topsoil from being washed away by rain or blown by wind. The sturdiness of the grass also helps protect houses and roads from flooding during storms.

Lawns can help reduce air pollution. A natural, healthy lawn is a habitat for native plants that capture and absorb air pollutants like carbon dioxide, dust, dirt, allergens and other contaminants. This ecosystem supports wildlife and preserves biodiversity.

When a lawn is maintained using eco-friendly methods, it can be a safe place for children to play and socialize with friends outside. It’s a space where kids can explore nature and learn about the environment without having to worry about stray animals or traffic. And a lush, healthy lawn has great curb appeal and can increase a home’s value by 10 to 15 percent.

If there’s a problem with a lawn, it usually involves insects or disease. Proper lawn care will control pests and diseases that affect the health of a lawn, including grubs, sod webworms, billbugs and chinch bugs. Managing these pests properly will keep the lawn healthy and can even help improve the health of surrounding plants and trees.

A well-manicured lawn can be an important aspect of an urban or suburban landscape, but only when it’s a part of a diverse ecosystem that supports native flora and fauna. Homeowners should seek out professionals who understand regional soil types, optimal grass varieties and sustainable practices that help preserve the local ecosystem.