Welcome to Earthtones Landscape Management landscape blog.

Check back frequently for our latest landscape posts where we will share landscaping information and tips to help you with your landscaping needs.

Backyard BBQ

It’s great to have a BBQ in the backyard for when you have friends over, but wouldn’t it be even better to have a gathering area. Why not have it all?

We can create custom BBQs with all the amenities. Storage areas, sinks, refrigerators, counter tops, drawers for all of your barbecue tools… You name it, we can make it happen!

Large Ranch Project

We had about a 3 acre area to cleanup from overgrowth on this job. Through the property, we created river beds, a vineyard, and an orchard area. Not only do we have the ability to do smaller residential homes, we also tackle larger properties as well.

 

Call, text, or email us for your free quote today. 602-796-0606 earthtonesaz@yahoo.com

 

Synthetic Grass, a great option for our hot summers

We all know how hot it gets during our summers here in Phoenix, and we all know that lawns out here take a lot of work. If you’re tired of how much work real grass is, maybe you should consider synthetic grass as an option.

The synthetic grass that we use is made in the US, by Challenger Industries out of Georgia. Their turf has CoolFlo technology, which increases airflow and lowers surface temperature 15-30 degrees, which is essential out here when our temperatures soar over 100 degrees. It is UV stabilized to resist fading from the sun and the blades have a unique “W” blade design to deflect light, reducing sheen. It’s child-friendly and pet safe. This turf is a blend of olive green and field green to make for very realistic looking grass. It’s durable and it doesn’t have to be mowed, watered, or fertilized. That leaves you more time to golf, hike, spend time with family, and other activities. (Did you know that the average homeowner spends 150 hours a year doing lawn maintenance?… What could you do with that extra time?)

Take a look at this job we did for one of our customers

From drab, to green grass!

Desert Yard Makeover in 5 Easy Steps

Blog Pic

Here in Arizona, our hot summers, warm winters and overall arid climate make for some pretty tough growing conditions. Is your desert yard in need of a makeover? The pros at Earthtones Landscape Management can help! With a little planning, dedication and regular maintenance, that dry, unkempt yard can be turned into a beautiful outdoor paradise for you and your family to enjoy year all year long.

  1. Make A Plan: This is perhaps the most difficult part of the 5-step process to give your desert yard a great makeover, but it’s obviously critical to the success of the project. The first question you need to ask yourself is, “How much am I willing to do and what kind of yard do I want to have?” If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like to handle landscaping maintenance on a regular basis, you may want to consider contacting us so we can help you choose an installation that won’t require daily/weekly maintenance, or give you options on our regular landscaping maintenance services. If you’re not interested in doing regular maintenance yourself or hiring the work to be done, consider installing hardscape elements to fill up empty yard space as opposed to installing grass and other plant life. Besides regular weeding, installing rock beds or stone hardscape areas are a great way to avoid the routine hassle of weekly maintenance. Decide where you want your beds and hardscape areas, and then choose where you’d like to have a lawn.

 

  1. Clean it Up: Now that you’ve decided what you want to do, start to make it happen. Contact Earthtones for a one-time yard clean up or begin to prepare your space for grass and hardscape installation. No matter which way you choose to go, you’ll want to rake out the yard, removing any debris, rocks, roots, errant branches and other vegetation. After that, you’ll want to grade the area to ensure proper runoff. You’ll want to grade from your house on down, meaning that the grade will decline as you move away from your home to prevent water from running back toward it. While you are grading or raking out your yard, keep an eye out for scorpion nests, snake burrows, and other stinging insects, and always wear thick, protective gloves and boots.

 

  1. Install Hardscape, Beds & Lawn: If your plan is to grow a lawn, you’ve picked an excellent time of year to undertake this project, as fall is the best time to install grass, thanks to the rains and milder temps brought on by monsoon season. As to the type of grass to install, just keep in mind that Bermuda grass is great for summer due to its hearty, resilient nature, and Rye is excellent during winter and early spring months. Till and pre-treat the area with fertilizer and you’re off to the races.

 

Let hardscape areas and beds provide the “filler” around your home and out into the yard. Installing beds close to the house further reduces the chances of water intrusion thanks to rocks and bed liners that slow the passage of water into the ground, as well plant root systems.

 

When it comes to hardscape, ask yourself, “What do I enjoy doing outside?” Do you enjoy eating outside or grilling out? Consider installing a stone patio out back with a custom-built stone grille station. Do you like to relax in nature? Consider installing a stone fire pit area or fountain for quiet days and evenings of peaceful contemplation. This is Arizona, so you’ll want to consider shading your outdoor livable spaces with trees or custom awnings in order to stay cool. The possibilities for your yard are nearly endless and should revolve around the way you want to use your space.

 

  1. Add Traditional Landscaping Elements and Irrigation: This time of year is perfect for planting a wide variety of trees, bushes and other foliage, thanks to cooler temperatures and more frequent rains. African daisies, Alyssum and Carnations are all good flowers to plant during the fall, while trees like the Palo Verde, Ironwood, Sissoo and Desert Willow will thrive with proper installation and bi-annual care. Consider adding some landscape lighting to highlight beds and hardscape areas to create contrast and focal points.

 

Lastly, irrigation may be necessary to keep your flora at its best. There are several options, from small bed irrigation systems to whole yard systems that cover everything. Before you install hardscape or grass, make sure to discuss an irrigation system with your landscaping professional.

 

  1. Utilize the Space You’ve Created: Once it’s done, get out there and enjoy it! If you get started on your desert yard makeover now, you’ll be able to enjoy your space just as the weather begins to cool down.

 

For more information or to schedule a no-obligation, no-hassle consultation, contact Earthtones Landscape Management today.

Arizona Landscaping Ideas: Summer Edition

Summer Edition Photo

The heat has arrived in Phoenix and across the Valley, but that’s no reason to throw in the towel on your landscaping this summer! Earthtones Landscape Management has a few great ideas for your yard during these warm months: from creating shaded spaces to customized hardscape, there’s plenty to do and lots of different ways to make your property its best during Arizona’s sizzling summer.

Consider an Irrigation System

There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with dying, yellow grass or wilting leaves, and nothing more costly! If you’ve had problems maintaining your lawn in the past, consider an irrigation system. A series of above and below ground water lines ensures that your lawn stays green and your trees, shrubs, bushes and flowers get the daily water they need. For more information, including maintenance costs and more, contact Earthtones Landscape Management.

Create Shaded Spots to Beat the Heat

No one wants to sit out on their patio or somewhere in their yard without shade: it’s just too hot. Creating a shaded space to beat the heat can be as simple as installing an umbrella or awning, but where’s the fun (or beauty) in that?

Build your own shaded spot by having Earthtones install mature trees like an Indian Laurel or Chinese Elm. Both types of tree have a wide, thick range of cover and grow quite quickly, providing great shade and a wonderful spot to cool off.

Create a Gathering Space with a Custom Hardscape Installation

While you’re busy planting shade trees, consider improving upon your shaded spaces by adding a bench, fire pit or other “hardscaping.” Some neat ideas include patios with built-in stone countertops and a grill, stone walkways/pathways, fountains, backyard bar installations and so much more.

And don’t forget, hardscaping isn’t just for the backyard! Concrete or stone pathways out front make for great curb appeal and can add to your home’s overall value as well.

Don’t Forget to Maintain Your Yard During the Summer

While yard maintenance isn’t necessarily a landscaping idea, good maintenance ensures a long life for your property’s landscaping, so don’t skimp on regular care. If you need help maintaining your yard, take a look at some of the different services offered by Earthtones Landscape Management.

While the heat may be oppressive this summer, your yard doesn’t have to be! Beat the heat with some great landscaping and make this year the year your property gets the facelift it deserves!

Tips for Spring Lawn Care in Phoenix, Arizona

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

For lawn lovers everywhere, the start of spring is a magical moment! When it comes to Phoenix area lawns, the pros know it’s time to start caring for your dormant Bermuda grass, fertilize your fruit, evergreen and deciduous trees, and plant those summer flowers in order to get the most out of your yard. But where to begin, and what to do? Have no fear, the professional Phoenix landscapers from Earthtones Landscape Management are here to lead you through the process step by step.

  1. Clean up Your Landscaping: The first step to a healthy spring yard is getting it clean and orderly. Many of us neglect keeping up with landscaping during the winter months, so now’s a great time to clean up your yard. Clear broken tree limbs, trim bushes and other foliage, mow your lawn and fix anything that may have broken during these cooler months. Spring is also a great time to begin weeding any flower beds or other areas with foliage or groundcover. April and May tend to be the worst months for weeds as new, unwanted growth gets its first chance at life.
  1. Prepare Your Grass is You’ve Got It: As you may know, many lawns in Phoenix require two types of grass to thrive year-round: Rye and Bermuda. Not so hearty yet resilient to cooler temperatures, Rye makes the perfect winter grass, but doesn’t thrive in hot weather. As spring temperatures increase Rye will begin to wither and fade. Bermuda grass, on the other hand, grows quite well in hot temperatures and is the perfect choice for a spring/summer yard. If your lawn is already seeded, encourage activity with monthly feedings of a nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium-rich fertilizer and inspire a strong root system with frequent deep root penetration watering. If you don’t have Bermuda grass in place, contact Earthtones Landscape Management to see how we can help.
  1. Fertilize Some Trees and Plant Now: After you’ve cleaned up your property and started prepping the Bermuda grass, it’s time to fertilize fruit, evergreen and deciduous trees, and plant certain flowers and groundcover plants like Floss Flowers, Sweet Alyssum, Dahlia, Scarlet Sage and more. When it comes to fruit trees, citrus tend to be the favorite in Arizona thanks to their relatively resilient nature. Purchase a fertilizer specifically for fruit trees and read our post on citrus fertilization to ensure you’re applying the correct amounts. It’s also worth mentioning that if you haven’t planted a citrus yet, now’s a good time to do it!

Many area residents also love the beauty of evergreen and deciduous trees, and spring is the perfect time to fertilize them. A healthy application of Fertilome Tree & Shrub Food around the base of the tree will usually do the trick, and you can apply at the rate of one cup per inch of tree trunk diameter. After application, water the fertilized tree – it’s as simple as that!

These are just a few tips for prepping your lawn and caring for it during spring! If you have any questions or need more information, contact Earthtones Landscape Management today.

5 Tips for Winter Landscaping in Phoenix, Arizona

winter-landscapingUnlike most of the country, Arizona has wonderfully mild winters, and although this year has had its cold spots, we’re still better off than those poor saps out on the east coast! Considering we have this nice weather, let’s take advantage of it by learning 5 important ways to maintain your winter landscaping and prepare for the coming spring season.

  1. Start Thinking About Lawn Care: Many Phoenix residents love to have a lush lawn all year, and if you’re one of those people, it’s time to start thinking about caring for your Bermuda grass. As the winter Rye grass starts to die out as temperatures heat up in late March/early April, the dormant Bermuda grass will start to become active, and you’ll want to encourage this activity with monthly feedings of a nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium-rich fertilizer. Bermuda grass also requires deep root penetration watering, so get those sprinklers ready. If you have an irrigation system, now would be a good time to have it checked by Earthtones Landscape Management to ensure proper functionality.
  1. Plants to Sow: There are plenty of great plants to sow right now, and the end of January and early February are great times to plant summer bulbs, get started on weed prevention with a pre-emergence herbicide, and after the frosts end in mid-February, begin with some fertilization. Some great plants to sow include the African Daisy, a bright, beautiful flower that requires full sun exposure and little water. Carnations are another nice addition. These gorgeous perennials require full sun exposure and regular watering. For an attractive groundcover plant with lovely flowers, consider the Globe Amaranth. This plant is fairly heat tolerant and can stand full sun exposure, but some light shade won’t be a problem, either. It grows to be about 6 inches in height and anywhere from 6-12 inches wide. Occasionally water and you’ll have beautiful winter groundcover with a splash of color.
  1. Tree Pruning: February is a great time to have Earthtones Landscape Management prune your deciduous trees. If you happen to own a Mexican Ebony Tree, Canyon Hackberry, Desert Willow, Texas Honey Mesquite, or any other type of deciduous tree, now is the time to prune for a healthy spring and summer growing season. Be sure to check out our recent blog post for more information about why tree trimming and pruning are so important for the life and health of your trees. By following the previous link you’ll learn all about crown reduction, thinning and lifting, and so much more.
  1. Keep an Eye on Freeze Warnings: The last thing anyone wants is for their plants to die due to an unexpected freeze. In Phoenix (and Arizona in general) temps can drop below freezing well through February, so it’s important to protect you investment. Find out which plants and trees on your property are susceptible to freezes (contact Earthtones Landscape Management to get help with this if you don’t know what type of plants and trees you have) and get them covered. Do not use plastic, as this traps moisture and can damage the plant. Instead, simply use a cotton sheet or burlap sack cloth and make sure the plant is covered all the way to the ground to lock in heat and keep out the frost.
  1. Clean up Your Landscaping: Many of us neglect keeping up with landscaping during the winter months, so now’s a great time to clean up your yard. Clear broken tree limbs, trim bushes and other foliage, mow your lawn and fix anything that may have broken during these cooler months. Keeping a clean property ensures that your home’s value remains intact. As an added bonus, it makes those winter cookouts and get togethers even more enjoyable.

There you have it: 5 great Phoenix winter landscaping tips to keep your yard healthy and beautiful.  If you have any questions or need more information, contact Earthtones Landscape Management today!

Is it Time to Hire a New Landscaper?

2015 went out with a bang and now it’s time to ring in the New Year! With all of the resolutions you have planned, what’s one more? Maybe it’s time to hire a new landscaper in 2016.

Go outside and take a look at your yard. Is it the beautiful space you always envisioned or has it lost some of its luster? Perhaps it’s time to ditch your old Phoenix landscaping company and turn to the certified professionals at Earthtones Landscape Management. If you’re not happy with your current landscaper, here’s why you should consider us as your choice for Phoenix-area landscaping.

  1. The Comprehensive Set of Services We Offer
  • Weekly/bi-weekly/monthly landscape maintenance
  • One-time property cleanup
  • Recurring property cleanup
  • Tree Trimming/Thinning
  • Hardscape/paving service
  • Landscape Installation
  • Custom Desert Landscapes and Design
  • Commercial & Residential Landscaping
  • Have a special service requirement not listed here? Contact us and we can make it happen for you!

 

  1. Our Experience
  • In business for over 17 years helping people from all over Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale and many other cities with their landscaping needs.
  • Family owned and a lifetime of experience: Founded by brothers Steve and Doug Sweeny. As kids, they worked at their father’s landscaping business before starting their own.
  • We employ a staff of qualified, well-trained landscapers with years of experience.

 

  1. Our Passion & Commitment to Excellence
  • Landscaping is in our blood: “Working with our dad from a young age really helped cultivate our love for landscaping and the joy we feel transforming a property into something great,” said founder Steve Sweeny. “It’s a way of life for us and something we’re very passionate about and excited to share with our customers.”
  • “The job is done right the first time, and if something isn’t to a customer’s liking, we’ll make it right,” said Steve. “The biggest compliment we can get is a referral, and a good portion of our new business comes from the recommendations of past customers. It lets us know we are doing things right.”

Is it time to hire a new landscaper that will give your property that special something? Give Earthtones Landscape Management the chance to prove why we’re the best landscapers in Phoenix! For more information, call Earthtones at 602-796-0606, email us, or simply stop by 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Ste. 1630-118 for a consultation.

3 Easy Steps for Cactus Care and Planting

Planting a cactus (or several cacti) is a great way to spruce up your landscape without breaking the bank or taking away from other landscaping. These plants, also known as succulents, are notorious for their ability to thrive in hot, arid climates, making them perfect for Arizona. Common types include the Saguaro, Prickly Pear, Cholla, and Organ Pipe, to name a few. The cactus is also a relatively maintenance-free plant, taking much of the busy work out of your day-to-day landscaping duties. With that said, there are a few important things you need to know in order to successfully plant, grow and care for cactus in Arizona.

Step One: To Pot or Not to Pot, That is the Question

Generally speaking, you have two options for planting your cactus: in a pot or in the ground. If you’re planning on purchasing a baby cactus (especially if you’re buying during the winter months) it may be a good idea to start with a pot and then transplant it into your garden or landscape at the start of the subsequent summer season to ensure proper growth. Most cacti cannot efficiently absorb water from cold soil, so for a fledgling baby cactus, keeping it potted and inside the home with southern exposure is a good plan to ensure it gets the start in life it needs. Use a medium consisting of one part potting mix (not potting soil), one part washed sand, and one part coarse gravel or pumice.

If you plan on buying a larger, more mature cactus and want to plant it outdoors right away, it’s again best to wait for the start of the summer season, but it’s not necessary. Simply choose an area of your landscape that receives copious amounts of sunlight and works well with the type of cactus you’ve purchased. If you plan on buying a Saguaro, for instance, you wouldn’t want to plant it with anything directly above it, as this species grows quite tall and produces arms that may get in the way of other landscaping/structures. For new baby cacti being planted outside, adding a bit of shade cloth or other brush cover will help it adjust to its new surroundings and can eventually be removed as the cactus grows and becomes stronger.

Step Two: Planting Your Cactus

Now that you’ve chosen your cactus and decided where to plant it, you’ve already won half the battle. But before you actually plant it, you want to make sure that the area you’re planting in has sufficient drainage. One of the biggest enemies to cactus is standing water, which can rot the roots and kill the plant. To ensure that you’ve chosen the right spot, simply dig a hole a little less than a foot deep and fill it halfway with water. Allow a half hour to pass and then return. Do you see standing water? If so, line the hole with some sand and rock to allow for better drainage and then go about planting your cactus according to that species’ specifications. Water and fertilize for the first time and voila, you’re off to the races!

Step Three: Cactus Upkeep and Maintenance

Once you’ve planted your cactus and it’s become established, most of the work is done. Cacti are tough, resilient plants that don’t require much water or maintenance. For outdoor cacti, water about 1-2 times per month during April through August if rain hasn’t been abundant. During the cooler winter months water at most once a month; some cactus growers even swear by not watering at all during this time period. Gauge this for yourself by keeping an eye on the cactus. If it’s becoming increasingly hard and the soil is bone dry consider watering a bit. For fertilization simply use a water-soluble cactus fertilizer twice a year, late April through August. It’s advisable not to fertilize during the cactus’ dormant period (November through March).

For indoor cactus, water only when necessary (same rules as above apply). Overwatering is probably you’re cactus’ biggest threat, so when in doubt, hold off. For fertilization, try time-release cactus food (you get about 6 months of fertilization per application) or use a half teaspoon of bone meal or limestone every couple months.

Cacti are fun, easy and beautiful plants, but it’s important to remember that they live for a very long time (50-200 years depending on the type), so if you don’t want a long-term plant, it’s best to choose something else.  If you have any additional questions about how to plant or care for a cactus or other outdoor plants, contact Earthtones Landscape Management.