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!
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.
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.
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.
For more information or to schedule a no-obligation, no-hassle consultation, contact Earthtones Landscape Management today.
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!
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.
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.
Unlike 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Fertilizing your citrus and palm trees is key to maintaining their fruit, yield and natural beauty.
Arizona’s climate is well suited to growing all manner of citrus, including navel oranges, grapefruit, lemons and tangerines. These trees can be planted year round, but do best when planted during March or April, or even during the month of October. Palm trees, on the other hand, do best when planted during the warmer months of April through September.
Everyone loves a great looking citrus or palm tree; they provide shelter, in some cases produce fruit, and provide an aesthetically pleasing addition to any yard when they are properly trimmed and maintained. But what’s the best way to care for these trees and make them look their best? The answer is simple: fertilization.
Citrus Tree Fertilization in Arizona
Fertilizing citrus trees in the Phoenix area doesn’t have to be an arduous task, but you do need to be careful to avoid over fertilization, which may lead to less juicy, tougher fruit and peels. Click here to contact Earthtones about a citrus fertilization schedule.
To begin, it’s best to choose a fertilizer that is specifically designed for fruit or citrus trees. You’ll see this information listed on the bag. Additionally, you want to pick a fertilizer that contains phosphorous and nitrogen, which are two critical elements for proper citrus tree health and growth.
When it comes to choosing how much fertilizer to use and how often to use it, follow the instructions on the bag, but remember a few rules of thumb: For smaller or younger trees (2-3 years old), use about a half pound of fertilizer three times a year (late January, late April and early August). For larger citrus six-years-old and older, use about two and a half pounds total three times a year. For newly planted citrus trees (0-1 year old) use about a quarter pound three times a year if needed. This is a good guide for fertilizing citrus plants like oranges, limes, lemons, etc. For grapefruit, split all of the aforementioned measurements in half.
After you’ve measured your fertilizer out, throw on some protective gloves and spread the fertilizer evenly about three to four feet around the tree’s trunk. After spreading, grab a rake or similar tool and lightly aerate the area so the fertilizer easily absorbs into the soil. Lastly, water the tree according to the directions on the bag.
Palm Tree Fertilization in Arizona
While some palm trees are different than others, most require frequent watering but infrequent fertilization. Arizona soil is typically deficient in nitrogen, and most palms suffer from some sort of magnesium and potassium deficiency, so finding a palm tree fertilizer rich in all three elements is important. You can typically find special palm tree fertilizer on sale at local stores or available online. To talk to a specialist contact Earthtones about palm tree fertilization by filling out our online form.
You’ll typically apply palm tree fertilizer twice a year (once in mid-spring and once in early summer) for best results, but again, be sure to follow the instructions given on the bottle. Spread the product evenly around the base of the tree but avoid the area around the trunk and water thoroughly afterward. If you notice that your palm tree looks a little worse for wear (brown, drooping fronds, dead fronds, etc.) and under-watering isn’t the problem, additional fertilization may be needed.
If you follow these simple steps for citrus and palm tree fertilization you’ll enjoy beautiful, bountiful trees all year round. And if you’d like to have Earthtones handle your yard’s tree fertilization needs don’t hesitate to contact us or call the number to the right for a free, no-obligation quote!
We all love enjoying the outdoors during the cooler fall months in the Phoenix metro area, and one way to ensure beautiful surroundings at your home or business is to understand the importance of proper tree trimming and crown maintenance (otherwise known as tree pruning). The tips below will apply to popular desert trees in Arizona like the Museum Palo Verde, Sissoo Tree, Blue Palo Verde, Willow Acacia, Ironwood, Vitex and many more.
But before we dig into the importance of tree trimming and crown maintenance in Phoenix, it’s important that we explain the various types of tree trimming and define the word “crown”:
What is a Tree’s Crown?
Simply put, a tree’s crown is its leaf and branch area. This area does not include the trunk of the tree, just all of the visible branches and leaves/blooms.
What is Crown Reduction?
Crown reduction is a type of tree trimming or pruning that reduces the overall size of a tree’s crown. Think of it like a haircut for your tree – it reduces the total volume of branch and leaf content and helps shape the tree’s vegetative growth. In practical terms, a crown reduction may be necessary if you feel like you need better visibility to what lies beyond the tree, if you need to let more light enter a particular area of your yard, or simply want to improve the look or appearance of your tree.
What is Crown Thinning?
Crown thinning is a procedure which involves removing carefully selected branches within the tree’s crown in order to give other branches room to grow. Thinning also removes “tree clutter” or debris like dying branches to ensure healthy growth. This type of tree trimming is especially important for Phoenix-area residents if dead or diseased branches are becoming a problem or potential hazard.
What is Crown Lifting?
Crown lifting is the process that allows lower branches of a tree to be removed in order to alter its appearance, allow for extra clearance under the tree, or as a mechanism to allow extra light to enter a particular area of your yard. It’s so named because removing the lower branches appears to give the tree’s overall crown a “lift”.
The Importance of Tree Trimming and Crown Maintenance
Now that we’ve defined a few key terms and described various types of crown maintenance we can talk about the overall importance of tree trimming in Arizona.
Firstly, proper tree trimming/crown maintenance/pruning is important to maintaining a safe environment for your family or business. No one wants an accident due to an overburdened tree or dead branches falling and hurting someone or damaging other parts of a home, business or yard. IF you’ve already been affected by falling debris, schedule a one-time yard cleanup from Earthtones Landscape Management.
While maintaining a safe environment for your family or business is important, so is maintaining the health of your tree! A tree that receives regular trimming and maintenance will grow to its fullest potential and have the healthiest blooms/flowers/leaves possible. Removing dead branches promotes growth and looks aesthetically pleasing as well. It’s also important to note that an improperly trimmed or pruned tree can not only be unattractive, but dangerous as well. Without an experienced hand, improper pruning can lead to diseased branches, loose branches, etc., which could potentially cause irreparable damage to the tree and a situation where someone might be hit by a falling branch. Learn more about a regular yard clean-up and maintenance schedule or simply contact Earthtones Landscape Management for more information.
Last, but certainly not least, tree trimming also helps ensure that a property’s value remains as high as possible. After all, it’s more than just a home that determines value. Keeping your landscape’s trees in tip-top shape helps keep your property values high.
Remember, a properly trimmed tree is a happy tree! Be sure to stay tuned to our blog for even more helpful articles on how to properly maintain your yard and get the most out of your landscaping.
