Fall is in the air! As we look to shorter days and colder temperatures, your garden may need some help transitioning to the new season. Here are a few ways we recommend prepping your landscape for fall:

 

1.  Don't stop weeding-

Chances are, the majority of plants in your garden are done growing this year. Now is the time to remove any invasive weeds and clean up around the perennials that will go dormant this winter. Mulch is a great way to prevent lingering weeds from coming back, while also insulating the soil. Here in Michigan, mulch can be a lifesaver from the unexpected drops in temperature and frost. While you're at it, rake over your entire garden to ensure plants are free of disease. Check for signs of discoloration and get rid of any dead leaves in the process.

 

2.  Take out any annual plants-

Your annuals lived the good life and are slowly starting phase their way out of your landscape. And since they won't be returning next year, why not make some room for next year's annuals? In the extra space, try adding mulch or even planters with seasonal mums that can withstand the cold.

 

3.  Bring your sensitive plants inside-

This includes any summertime staples like ferns or succulents that require the warmer temperatures and sunshine to thrive. While they might look great by the pool, it's likely they won't last very long outside, especially after the first frost.

 

4.  Clear the leaves-

Perhaps the most daunting task of the fall season, clearing away leaves before cutting your lawn is both healthy for the grass and your lawn mower. If the fall tailgating season has your weekends tied up, you can always rely on the professionals at D.A. Alexander & Company to take care of the grass (and leaves) in your yard.

 

5.  Invest in Core Aeration-

By the end of the summer season, your soil is very compacted. Core aeration is a process where plugs of soil are pulled from the lawn in order to break up compacted soil and thatch build-up. Fall is the perfect time to aerate the soil so it is in peak condition next spring.

 

For more information on lawn services, core aeration, and prepping your landscape this season, contact D.A. Alexander & Company at 734-427-0030.

 

 

So, you made the decision to build your dream backyard living space! The landscape process can be overwhelming, but working with a professional design team will help you plan properly and avoid getting in over your head.

 

If you're working on a budget, there are many ways to build your backyard in phases, extending the project's installation timeline over the next few years. Working with a professional landscape designer and a proper landscape plan gives you realistic expectations for both cost and completion timelines.

 

First, as a homeowner, it is important to understand what you actually need to get by as the bare minimum. Sod and irrigation systems are more costly and, in many cases, these items are completed within the first phase of installation. We prefer to install the base of the hardscape items (deck, patio, or both) along with sod and irrigation in Phase 1 to help the remainder of the project progress, depending on what your plans entail. For example, an irrigation system built in Phase 1 will give life to the shrubs and perennials that are installed farther along in the project.

 

After the sod, irrigation and basic hardscape items are completed, we begin the more intricate hardscape details in Phase 2 of your project. This phase can represent a larger portion of your budget if you opt for a complex hardscape feature such as a fireplace, firepit, outdoor kitchen, masonry work or water features. Additionally, this phase may take the longest to build, but part of the D.A. experience includes regular follow-up from your designer along with an estimated timeline for completion so you can plan accordingly.

 

Phase 3 is about the finishing touches such as creating planting beds and planting ornamental and shade trees. In most cases, this is the least costly phase and an exciting one for any homeowner as we come close to finishing the space.  

 

In the end, with your hardscape, landscape, sod and irrigation installed, what other options should you consider? How about an LED lighting system or a raised vegetable garden… maybe some decorative ceramic pots for seasonal flowers or a small water feature? These are easy add-ons and give a thoughtful final touch to your living space.  

 

By designing in phases, YOU have ultimate control over the timeline, budget and aesthetics of your project. The Design Team at D.A. Alexander has your best interests in mind and will work with you to bring those dreams to life.

 

Picture yourself sitting in your favorite chair, relaxing in your yard, watching butterflies and hummingbirds enjoy your colorful flower garden. If this sounds terrific to you, we suggest you consider planting for the pollinators. They're easy to attract; here are some tips. 

 

A pollinator garden includes vibrant flowers that are often native to the area or part of the natural environment. These gardens provide a great source of nectar and pollen for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other beneficial insects. The flowers tend to be brightly-colored with a pleasant scent. Not only are pollinator gardens visually appealing, but these creatures will remember the scent and location of your garden and return regularly throughout the season. These gardens help our environment too by sustaining pollinator populations that work hard helping to produce over one-third of the foods we eat including fruits, vegetables, nuts and greens. 

 

Tips for attracting your pollinator guests:

If there are specific types of pollinators you are interested in drawing to your garden, think about their favorite types of nectar. Butterflies are attracted to plants such as common milkweed, butterfly weed, hollyhock, lilacs, marigold and petunias. Honey bees enjoy the nectar of sunflowers, coneflowers, lavender, black-eyed Susan and peony. Hummingbirds tend to go for phlox, cardinal flower, catmint, lily, snapdragon and zinnia.

 

Planting a healthy mix of these flower varieties will draw an abundance of pollinators to your outdoor living space. Another option – because natural and native flowers are always a great go-to for pollinators, just planting wildflower seed mix from your local garden center can provide a nice variety of flowers that will attract with their favorite foods.

 

Natural flower environments are a low-maintenance, beautiful way to spruce up your landscape and add interest. The pros at D.A. Alexander & Company are always happy to assist in your next outdoor project. For more information, please contact us.

 

 

Lavender nepeta - attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds

 

 

 

 

There are three main benefits of trees:

1. Health Benefits

2. Environmental Benefits

3. Financial Benefits

Yes, financial benefits!  Most people are familiar with the first two but the later you won't hear discussed as often.  We will break down the main points of each with some surprising statistics.

THE FINANCIAL BENEFITS

The most tangible bang from your ‘bark' comes from energy savings.  Here are the statistics.

- “Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20-50 percent in energy used for heating.” – USDA Forest Service

- “If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less.  In 15 years, the savings will be nearly 12%.” – Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research

Trees are responsible for increased property values.

- “Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent.”  – Management Information Services/ICMA

- “In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a ‘strong or moderate impact' on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%.” – Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests

- “Trees can be a stimulus to economic development, attracting new business and tourism.  Commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent.”  - The Arbor Day Foundation

HEALTH BENEFITS

There is no denying trees are pretty to look at.  They flower, change colors and block unsightly views.

- “In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.”  -Dr. Roger S. Ulrich, Texas A&M University

They also produce oxygen.  How much exactly?

- “On average, one tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year.  Two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of four.” – Environment Canada, Canada's National Environment Agency

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Trees create habitats for wildlife, reduce soil erosion and prevent runoff from entering storm sewers amongst other things.

There are plenty of statistics to support these benefits but, by now I'm sure you've had your fill of facts for the day.  So, just take our word on this one!

It's easy to take for granted both trees and the many benefits they provide.  Our communities wouldn't be the same without them!

 

 

 

Spring brings warm weather, colorful blooms and dreaded weeds. Pre-emergent herbicides are a useful tool in your warm weather battle against weeds.  Here are 6 tips to ensure you get the most out of a pre-emergent application.

1. READ THE LABEL. Pre-emergent herbicides are chemicals. It is the law to read the label and follow the instructions. The label will tell you what weeds and grasses the pre-emergent is effective against, how much to apply and if the product needs to be watered after the application to be effective. 

 

2. Avoid planting new grass seed. Pre-emergent herbicides can prevent the seeds from germinating. 

 

3. Don't assume the pre-emergent you use on your turf can be used in your landscape beds. Read the label. You could cause serious damage to your landscape by misusing a pre-emergent product.

 

4. A pre-emergent is NOT effective once the weeds are showing. The active chemicals in the product must be in place prior to the weed starting to germinate. 

 

5. The soil or mulch must remain undisturbed in order to maintain the pre-emergent chemical barrier. Disruptions and holes made in a pre-emergent barrier create places for weeds to survive and drive you crazy.

 

6. Some pre-emergent products may cause staining on concrete, pavers, stone and other hard surfaces. There are non-staining formulas available.

 

Concrete pavers are affordable, versatile, sustainable and more weather resistant than poured concrete or brick. There are two common production methods for concrete pavers; dry-casting and wet-casting. Knowing the difference between these two production processes can help you make the best decision when selecting hardscape pavers for your landscape project:

 

Dry-cast pavers are produced using a dry-mix of concrete and aggregates and have a low water ratio. These are what we traditionally think of when we say “pavers”.  Dry-cast pavers are formed through the vibration and compaction of dry materials and are air-cured, making them quick and affordable to produce, but limited in color and texture options.

• ideal for driveways and high-traffic areas

• affordable

• high density, high strength (an approximate PSI of 8,000)

Wet-cast paver mix contains more water than dry-cast pavers, rendering the mix a similar consistency to concrete. An increase in curing time means wet-cast pavers are more labor intensive to produce, resulting in a higher price point. Wet-cast pavers come in a wider variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. 

• ideal for pools, patios and walkways

• moderately strong (an approximate psi of 6,500)

• practically non-porous

 

Pavers manufactured for Michigan are versatile, long lasting and designed to withstand freeze-thaw cycles. For examples of how concrete pavers add beauty and value to your landscape visit our project image gallery here. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the winter months comes snow! When the roads get bad, we can always count on snow plows to clear the way.  Although snow plows and deicing equipment make the roads safer for us, we need to be cautious when sharing the road with them. Here are five tips for sharing the road with snow plows:

1.  Begin slowing down when you see the snow plow, and keep some extra distance between you. It's recommended you stay at least five car lengths (or 70 feet) behind a snow plow truck. The extra distance will give you more time to react in the adverse weather conditions. 

 

2.  Don't stop too close. The trucks can also be spreading de-icing materials from the back of the truck and the salt may hit your vehicle if you're too close. The vehicle may also need to back up and, if you are too close the driver may not be able to see you!

 

3.  Give the snow plow truck room to do its job. Snow plow trucks are large, heavy vehicles. With the driver's blind spots, it's difficult to see around every area of the vehicle. Additionally, these trucks are heavy so they might not be able to stop quickly. Be patient and stay out of their way. If you're not in a hurry to get somewhere, don't pass them. Besides, the road behind them will be safer to drive on anyways!

 

4.  If you have to pass them, take extreme caution when passing and don't drive too close. The front plow may be wider than the lane it's in. Snow plows can also create clouds of snow that can reduce or eliminate your visibility.

 

5.  Give the plow some extra room in high risk areas. Areas where drivers are most at risk can include hills, curves, ramps, bridges and interchanges.