1.  Nepeta- A good choice for rock gardens or edging, Nepeta is drought-resistant and durable to pests like rabbit and deer. Also known as “Catmint” this flower blooms from early spring through summertime, requires little maintenance, and attracts pollinators of all kinds.

2.  Salvia- Known for its long bloom time during the summer months, Salvia is a dependable perennial. There are hundreds of varieties of Salvia, the most common to Michigan being “Woodland Sage” which produces violet blooms through September. Also, Salvia is a favorite snack for butterflies.

3.  Caesar’s Brother Iris- Irises do well around water features and are known for their tall foliage. Caesar’s Brother is known for dark purple blooms with light yellow and black veining on the inside of the flower. Blooms last for a few weeks in the early summer and their leaves remain a beautiful green color until first frost. 

4.  Penstemon- These purple beauties, also known as Beardtongue, bloom in early summer. There are over 250 varieties of Penstemon, growing anywhere in the range of a few inches to a few feet tall. Penstemon have small bell-shaped flowers that remain a vibrant purple color until high temperatures take over in mid-summer.

5.  Cone Flower- Otherwise known as Echinacea, cone flowers are part of the daisy family. They are extremely draught-tolerant, maintain their blooms for about 8 weeks during the summer months and can grow upwards of about 4 feet tall. The name "cone flower" comes from the characteristic "cone" at the center of the flower head, attracting pollinators of all kinds.

1. Boost in curb appeal

First, the obvious. Investing in your landscape boosts the curb appeal of your home and the community as a whole. Great design, layout, color palate, etc. can greatly complement your home’s exterior. With a wide variety of trees, shrubs and perennials to select from, the options are endless.

2. Maintenance perks

A well-maintained exterior leaves the impression of a well-cared for interior. At first glance, a beautiful landscape reflects the care and attention you put into the inside of your home. From a real estate point of view, this can definitely boost the value of your home and the community you live in.

3. Mood booster – enjoy the view!

Chances are, if you enjoy the view out your window, a positive mood will follow! It is known that after a stressful day at work, homeowners looking at a yard with a view of natural elements such as trees and flowers experience less job pressure, feel satisfied with their jobs and report fewer ailments and headaches than those who either had no outside view or could only see built elements from their windows. 

4. Environmental boost

Better air quality and sound mitigation are perks of a healthy landscape. Trees and shrubs are known to improve air quality and control excessive road noise. Bright and colorful flowers will attract pollinators, bees and hummingbirds too, encouraging a green and thriving ecosystem.

5. Better privacy

Another fun option to improve the value of your home would be to install raised planters. This adds height while creating privacy. Try planting low-maintenance shrubs and grasses like Boxwoods, Blue Arrow Juniper, Karl Forester Grasses or even Limelight Hydrangeas. Having a raised planter also leaves room to add a pop of colorful annual flowers!

1. Walkways and Edging

Define your garden beds with edging pavers to create a unique border around existing plants and shrubs. Edging protects plants from weeds and excess grass and, when paired with a paver-walkway, it reduces muddy foot-traffic.

2. Driveways

Add a colorful paver border to an existing asphalt driveway or replace the asphalt entirely for a completely updated look. There are endless color combinations and textures to match the architecture of your home, and new manufacturing options help the pavers keep their shape and color for years to come.

3. Retaining Walls & Steps

Retaining walls are great for sloped areas where the land may not be suitable for a garden or other landscaping. Staircases can also be constructed out of pavers, most often capped with ledgestone for a sleek finish.

4. Fire Pits & Grills

There’s nothing more inviting than a cozy fire! Textured pavers can be used to build a sunken fire pit or outdoor fireplace. Match the pavers with the color of your siding and add accent stone for a completely custom design. Most pavers are often heat-resistant and ideal for backsplashes or accent walls in outdoor kitchens, grills and bar settings.

5. Outdoor Seating

Pavers make beautiful seating areas. Construct single benches or use ledgestone to cap existing retaining walls, saving money (and space) on outdoor furniture.

6. Water Features & Poolscapes

Whether you live in the suburbs or on acres of land, water features add a unique focal point to your landscape. Smooth, permeable pavers are a common selection around built-in pools, as they dry quickly and are less prone to seasonal damage. Elegant waterfalls can be added in and around existing pools, or use pavers to build stand-alone waterfalls near natural ponds or man-made bodies of water.

Tulips- The tulip bulb produces flowers when spring-like temperatures arrive, and they are available in almost every color imaginable. Tulips can be placed randomly in your garden or as a colorful border.

Iris- Irises are very beneficial to springtime flowers, as they attract pollinators early in the season.

Crocus- This flower (pictured below) is usually the first to blossom in the spring! These tiny flowers add a big pop very early in the season.

Daffodils- Look out for sprouts starting in early March, with white and yellow blooms by April.

Lilies- Tiger lilies are our favorite! They smell beautiful and lily flowers will typically continue blooming until mid-summer.

When selecting which bulbs to plant, a good rule of thumb is the larger the bulb, the bigger the stems and blooms will be. Make sure to plant the bulbs before the ground freezes. Another good practice when planting bulbs is to dig the soil about 2-3 times as deep as the bulb is in length. This way, the bulb will remain protected from extreme cold throughout the winter. It's also a good idea to add mulch over your planting area for optimal protection.

1.  In Michigan, purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) is a wonderful option when looking for a plant with all-season interest. In the spring, they produce bright-medium green foliage with leaves that are perfectly horizontal and cascade down the branch. In the early summer, this shrub produces clumps of pinkish-white flowers that are delicate and petite in nature.  As summer turns to fall, the foliage turns to a yellowish color and vibrant clumps of purple berries appear on the branches that persist through the winter, even once the leaves are gone.

2.  Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a shade-loving shrub that also has attractive qualities all four seasons in Michigan. This hydrangea has medium-green textured oak-like leaves and beautiful conical white flower blooms. In the fall, this plant exhibits brilliant orange, red, and burgundy color. The most noticeable trait about this plant in the winter is its orange-brown shaggy bark. Oakleaf hydrangea provides a lot of texture to a winter landscape and undeniable beauty throughout the rest of the seasons!

3.  Coral bark Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku') is a stimulating tree option when trying to achieve all-season interest. This tree has fire engine red bark and a sharp, seven lobed leaf with bright green color. In autumn, the bright green leaves turn a striking yellow-orange color that is a great focal point for a fall landscape. In the winter, the branches take center stage and provide a nice pop of color during some of the duller months.

These are just a few options to incorporate into an all-season landscape in Michigan. To work with our award-winning design team on your next landscape project, please contact us.

Sod is usually chosen by homeowners in a new build process as it is often a requirement of the homeowner's association. A clear advantage of sodding over seeding is the immediate aesthetic improvement of the property. In addition, the flexibility of being able to walk on and use the new turf areas within only a few weeks is desirable to most everyone.

Washout can be an issue with a new sod installation on a steep hill, although the sod can be staked to help prevent this. Depending on the quality of the existing soil in your yard, additional topsoil may not be necessary.  It is difficult, however, to keep sod alive in an area that does not get at least four hours of sunlight a day. So, if you want to install sod in a shady area, over-seeding with a shade-tolerant seed may be required to keep the area from thinning. Consistent watering is necessary with new sod. I would not recommend installing sod if you do not have an irrigation system or a lot of daily time to water until it becomes established. For the health of new sod, it will require 4-6 fertilization applications per year.

There are many instances where grass seed is the better option. For extremely large areas or very small areas, seeding works great. Also, there is a large selection of seed to choose from which helps in difficult areas. Seed works much better than sod for shady areas and is a much quicker process that requires less water and does not require an irrigation system. 

There are several things to consider before you install seed; the main one being its germination rate. To obtain a lush lawn, it may take several months and multiple seeding applications. Seed can easily wash away with heavy rains; therefore, it is recommended that an erosion blanket be applied in necessary locations and conditions. For the best results, topsoil should be installed before any seed application. 

In the end, there is not much of a price difference between seed and sod when you factor in the fertilization and topsoil requirements. The choice is up to you and what works best for your situation.   

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

You can choose a monochromatic color scheme – light pink, dark pink with fuchsia. Or you could choose a complimentary color scheme – deep purple with bright orange. The options and combinations are endless! It is important to consider sunlight and watering needs when choosing your annuals, so be sure to pay attention to those aspects of your space. Once you find the right plant with the right color and look, you will want to prepare the soil for planting. 

First, start prepping your planting space by removing any weeds or debris that has gathered over the winter. Next, add organic matter to your existing soil. You can buy pre-mixed bags of potting soil or you can mix in compost or a fertilizer with your existing soil. Once the soil is prepped, you can begin planting! 

Your plant spacing will depend on what type of plant you choose. Make sure to abide by the recommended spacing, as you do not want to overcrowd your plants. Leave them room to grow and they will fill in the space nicely. Make sure you give them ample water and I recommend fertilizing throughout the season to encourage growth and flowering. 

You can change them with every season, mix colors or styles and really define your space in a way that speaks true to who you are. We all know the season in Michigan is short, but the ‘wow factor' brought by summer annuals is well worth the planting process. So, grab a flat or hanging basket and add a spark of color to your landscape! If you are more of a ‘hands off' gardener, reach out and we would be happy to help with your annual plantings! 

   

   

Climbing hydrangea produces white flowers in the early to mid-summer that will fill your backyard with a subtle sweet scent. This vine provides great all-season interest with its bright yellow fall color and shaggy bark during the winter. 

Trumpet vine attracts many types of butterflies and hummingbirds and has striking bright orange “trumpet” shaped blooms. Just be careful with this one – it is an aggressive grower that can quickly become out of control if not maintained properly. 

Japanese wisteria has beautiful grape-like lavender colored blooms that create a weeping effect. Be sure to grow this vine on a very strong structure, since it is known to twist and destroy weak structures.

There are several different types of clematis that I would recommend. There are varieties that bloom in the spring and others that bloom in the fall. The spring bloomers tend to have large purple flowers that provides a great focal point for an outdoor living space. The fall bloomers have small white flowers that cover the vine and create the illusion of a snowfall in early September. Vines such as Mandevilla (Mandevilla sanderi) and Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea) are annuals in Michigan and are a great way to add height to planters with the addition of a trellis! Both of these vines have stunning blooms that will last all summer long! 

In summary, there are several vines to choose from when looking to enhance your landscape with a new vertical focal point and benefits ranging from attractive appearance to functional use. Vines are all-around great options to include in your landscape!

The most widely accepted research on how much landscaping raises the value of a home was conducted years ago by researchers at Virginia Tech. The results, published in the October 14, 2014 issue of REALTOR® magazine found that upgrading a home's landscape from average to excellent can raise its overall value by 10 to 12 percent, which translates into an additional $8,300 to $19,000 in extra profit on a modest $150,000 home. The article mentioned that Michigan homes saw the biggest difference in landscaping appeal, with a home's value being increased by 12.7 percent. "Looking at our before and after pictures would convince most skeptics of the perceived value of landscaping and landscape maintenance," said David Alexander with D.A. Alexander & Company. "Clean lines, expertly pruned shrubs, crisp-edged walkways, and a nice fresh layer of ground cover can really enhance curb appeal. The overall appearance of a well-maintained property appeals to the kind of prospective buyers that builders wish to attract."  

D.A. Alexander is a fullservice landscaping company offering landscape design, installation and maintenance services for residential, commercial and industrial properties. "I am proud that we are celebrating 40 years in business this year and we keep growing based on our reputation for quality work," said David. The firm was honored by the HBA as the 2015 Subcontractor of the Year. RJR Services, Inc., a sister company to D.A. Alexander, was also founded 40 years ago and is a recognized leader in complete facilities management including parking lot and grounds maintenance.  

Spring is the ideal time to spruce up a property to attract buyers. "Landscape crews will come in and re-cut bed edges, do shrub pruning, install annual owers and generally make the entranceways, common areas and model homes or single sites clean and beautiful," said David. "If a home is slow to sell, instead of discounting the price, builders should consider upgrading the landscape with irrigation, sod, foundation plants and larger trees." D.A. Alexander does landscape design, installation and maintenance for a number of HBA member builders. "Base landscape makes the whole community look better," said David. "We always try to create a memory point, especially with model homes. If people see how landscaping can be used to enhance the beauty of a home, they often want those koi ponds and waterfalls just like the model has. Builders can offer landscape packages as an option. Another advantage of having professional landscaping done is that our designers, arborists and master gardeners have the knowledge to design landscapes to mature correctly. We are focused on increasing the investment value of every home we landscape." 

Article written by Nancy Rozum, published in the HBA's BUILDING Business & Apartment Management magazine-May 2018

Check out these 3 varieties.

Wave:The original spreading petunia reaches a height of 5-7”. The spreading habit creates a ground hugging layer of color spreading 3-4'. Popular colors include Misty Lilac and Classic Purple. 

Supertunia®: This Proven Winners variety has a mounding / trailing habit allowing this plant to function as both the filler and spiller in your containers.  Supertunia® is attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, requires no deadheading and should be fertilized often for best summer performance. Extraordinary color availability includes Bordeaux, Limoncello, and Pretty Much Picasso. 

Million Bells®: Although not technically a petunia these easy petunia look-alikes by Proven Winners create a profusion of cascading flowers all season.  At 3-8” in height Million Bells® are a fantastic trailing annual for containers, hanging baskets and window boxes. Color options include Trailing Pink, Terra Cotta and Crackling Fire.  

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!

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. 
 

Fall and winter weather can be harsh on your landscape. Follow our three P's of fall plant care to ensure your landscape will remain healthy throughout the cold months!

PRUNE

As a general guideline, prune most perennials down to 1” above ground and shrubs can be pruned back by one-third. Do not prune spring-flowering shrubs such as Viburnum, Lilac or Witch Hazel. Spring-flowering shrubs produce their buds in fall, so pruning these before winter may prevent spring blooms from forming.  Ornamental grasses can be pruned in either the fall or spring depending on your preference. 

PROTECT

Protect your evergreens by applying an anti-desiccant, commonly referred to by the brand name Wilt-Pruf. Anti-desiccants are sprays that provide a protective coating to evergreen foliage to help retain moisture and prevent evergreens from drying out.  Burlap is also a defensive barrier, keeping plants protected from heavy snows that can crush and strong winds that can cause windburn. Some broadleaf evergreens such as boxwood are particularly susceptible to winter windburn.

PROVIDE

Provide additional benefit for your plants by supplying a fall fertilizer. Fall fertilizer helps builds a nutrient reserve your plants can access throughout the winter. Your plants will have stronger, more robust roots in the spring, leading to large blooms early in the coming year. 

With fall comes cooler weather and less daylight hours. Leaves are changing, temperatures are dropping and the holidays are coming up quickly! Your landscape can complement the season with usability and interest. Here are our top two landscaping trends for fall.

Warm colored flowers

Mums are a great way to tie in fall colors to your landscape. Mums, Pansies and Asters do exceptionally well in the cooler weather. Mums come in a wide variety of colors and can create focal points within your landscape beds. Use just one or all three of these flowers and you'll have wonderful pops of colors until the first hard frost!

Lit-up Landscapes

Not only does elegant outdoor lighting draw attention to a homes' exterior and landscape, but it also provides safety lighting for residents and visitors. Landscape lights come in a variety of light fixture styles and colors and you can select your lights to compliment your homes' ambiance. Properly planned lighting systems provide enjoyable surroundings when entertaining and, even when it's too cold to go outside, they create an interesting and pleasing view through the winter season. Additionally, color-changing LED lighting systems allow for instant color changes during holiday seasons, special events and can also be used to enhance landscape colors.

Use either of these landscaping trends and your landscape will be a hit this season!

Now that summer's over, it's time to prepare your lawn for fall! Here are some tips to keep your lawn healthy as it begins to get colder.

Aerate

Core Aeration allows nutrients and water to penetrate compacted soil. Aerating combined with fertilization in the Fall establishes a healthy foundation for next Springs' lawn growth. Below are some other reasons why aeration is important:

•Core Aeration allows for gas exchange, and promotes drainage. 

•Aerated lawns are stronger and more able to endure harsh conditions such as excess heat and droughts. 

•Core Aeration helps to relieve compaction all over your lawn, and is especially beneficial for high traffic areas. 

Select a slow-release, NO phosphorus Fertilizer

A hot summer can deplete your lawn's nutrients. Replenishing your lawn with nitrogen and potassium in the fall helps to create a nutrient base, promoting a healthy lawn early in the warmer seasons. 

•Nitrogen promotes protein growth.  

•Be sure to select a NO phosphorus fertilizer. Public Act 299 of 2010 prohibits the use of phosphorus fertilizers on residential or commercial lawns, beginning January 1, 2012. 

•Potassium helps prevent wilting and assists in additional protein growth. 

Slow-release fertilizers release Nitrogen over time, providing nutrients for a longer period of time and limiting the amount of salt running off into ground water.  

Don't cut too low

Not only can cutting too low lead to burnt grass, but it can also impact the way your grass grows. Cutting grass blades to 3” or more promotes healthy root growth. Leaving the clippings on the lawn recycles nitrogen back into the soil.

Be mindful

Excess fertilizer can be harmful to water supply. Sweep loose fertilizer into the lawn and keep fertilizer 20 feet away from storm drains. 

It's never too early to begin preparing! Following these tips now should help ensure your grass will come back healthy and beautiful in the Spring!

Soil is essential to plant health and growth.  People are accustomed to buying soil for their annual pots and gardens. The same consideration should also be given to the soil used in the landscape.

Here are three reasons why proper soil installation is important:

1. Proper soil installation provides a better environment for roots and plant growth.

Improvement of soil structure, water holding capacity and availability of nutrients are important for plants to grow. The better the soil texture, the better root growth.

2. Plants will grow more uniformly.

Proper soil installation allows for equal nutrients to be provided to you landscape plants creating a more uniform growth habit.

3. Soil amendments help achieve healthier color display.

Good drainage, adequate nutrients and available water will allow for annuals, perennials and other flowering plants to become more vibrant in color. Southeastern Michigan has a range of native soils that are not often ideal for non-native plants. Amending native soils will help achieve the drainage, nutrient and water retention for an ideal environment. 

Landscape using proper soil - at the time of installation.

Same landscape two years later, showing abundant growth and vibrance in plant color.

Welcome to Michigan; unexpected waves of heat, followed by frosty mornings, humidity and rain will keep you on your toes and leave you wondering when to plant your annual flowers. Factor in full sun, partial sun, partial shade and full shade requirements and annual flower options become overwhelming. Here are our suggestions for annual flower success.

Planting Time:

Generally spring annual flowers in Michigan are planted between Mother's day and Memorial Day. Planting after Mother's day reduces the risk of frost damage. Frost is still possible; be alert to frost warnings and cover annual flowers with a sheet or thin plastic to prevent damage. Remove coverings the next morning so your annuals don't bake in the sun.

Full Sun:

Cleome (spider flower): A tall annual, 24-48”, often used as a “thriller” in containers is heat and drought tolerant. Cleome bloom from planting to frost. 

Part Sun:

Lobularia (sweet alyssum): Highly fragrant small blooms cover this plant all season long and no deadheading required! Sweet Alyssum can also grow in full sun and is most commonly found with white flowers though lavender, darker purple and sometimes pink shades are available.

Shade:

Coleus: Grown for its beautiful foliage colors, Coleus can be used as a border plant in containers or in masses. 

Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade:

Wax Begonia: A homerun annual that can grow in just about any light requirement, wax begonia are used for mass plantings, edging, borders, containers and hanging baskets. Available with white, pink or red flowers, wax begonia have either shiny bronze or green leaves. The showy flowers bloom from May to October. 

Downpour? Bury that Downspout. Three Reasons Why!
 

Michigan is staying true to its reputation of unpredictable weather and has given its residents the gift of nonstop rain, ice, snow and a mix of all three for the past month. 
 

You may have noticed your lawn turning from a winter wonderland to a muddy mayhem. The water needs to go somewhere and with frozen ground the options are more limited. 

Pooling water is not only an eyesore but has the potential to cause even larger problems. A measure we recommend to reduce potential water problems is burying your downspouts. 

Why Bury? Three reasons.

1. Buried downspouts direct roof water collected in your gutter system away from the foundation of your home preventing water from entering.  
 

2. Buried downspouts are more aesthetically pleasing and help the landscape curb appeal of your home. 
 

3. Buried downspouts eliminate the hazard of above-ground downspout extensions. Above-ground extensions can pose a trip hazard and also typically discharge onto hard surfaces, creating the ideal location for ice patches in colder months.

We recommend hiring a professional to bury your downspouts. Professionals have access to high grade materials, know how to slope the downspouts away from your home properly and, let's be honest, the process is very labor intensive.
 

There are plenty of professional contractors to choose from and D.A. Alexander & Company, Inc. is here to help when you need it!

We've selected some of our favorites to showcase this season's best landscape projects!  

I'm Dreaming of a White... and Silver and Gold... Christmas!

It's that time of the year when we load our families into the car and drive around the neighborhoods to see the magnificent display of houses lit up with holiday cheer. We ‘ooh' and ‘ahh' at the wonder but come sunrise, the Christmas lights disappear along with the stars. If you want your home to stay cheery and bright, even in the daylight, add a few simple decorations that don't require strands of bulbs to shine! 

Hang garland with ribbon around the entrance to your home. Whether real or artificial, it will add an element of greenery and a pop of color to the snowy surrounding. Of course, garlands can be wound with Christmas lights to join the lightshow once the sun goes down.

Yard decorations don't have to be giant inflatable snow globes or cartoon Rudolf's with red noses either. Placing silver or gold ornaments throughout your shrubbery and even in the trees will add some festivity without being too overwhelming.

Lastly, lawn reindeer are lovely when all lit up at night but are hard to see during the day. Make them enjoyable from sunup to sundown and display reindeer created with twine or a similar material rather than just wire and lights.

Together, these pieces create a cohesive, chic holiday look to enhance the curb appeal of your home that is beautiful during the day and spectacular at night as the Christmas lights get their chance to shine. 

Fall In Love with Fall Planters

The temperatures are dropping and while we may be getting fewer hours of sunlight, that's no reason to keep your landscape from being anything but bright and beautiful!

Planters are an easy way to add a pop of color to your yard this fall. 

Try mixing an array of fall-inspired colors such as deep yellows, rust reds and even bits of pink and purple. Pansies are a great choice for pink and purple hues, while hardy mums come in a large assortment of colors and are one of fall's favorite flowers. Foliage plants such as ornamental kale are a great addition; with its frilly leaves, colorful centers, and excellent tolerance for cool temperatures, ornamental kale is easy to combine with other fall favorites, making it a prime planter addition.

General care for your planters this fall includes making sure they receive plenty of sunlight, checking soil daily for moisture content, and trimming dead or damaged foliage to help keep the plants healthy. 

Core aeration and why you need it.

It's been a scorcher! With record-breaking temperatures this summer and little rainfall, your lawn may be a bit parched, possibly suffering from drought stress and/or insect damage. Prepare it for next spring now by completing fall core aeration.

What is core aeration?

Simply put, core aeration is the process of mechanically removing small ½ to ¾-inch size plugs of soil, typically 1-6 inches deep from your lawn by using a mechanical drum machine with individual tines.

Why is it necessary?

Core aeration will increase water, nutrient and oxygen movement into the soil. All three elements are necessary for maintaining a strong, healthy root system.

How often should I aerate?

Generally, home lawns benefit from annual core aeration. Different soil types can require more frequent aeration.

When should I aerate my lawn?

If you are only aerating once a year, the best time for cool-season lawns is September to October. This is when lawns are coming out of summer dormancy and beginning a period of vigorous growth. Lawns will recover quickly from aeration at this time and competition from weeds is also minimal.

What happens after my lawn is aerated?

Once your lawn has been aerated, you will notice small plugs of soil throughout the grass. These plugs will break down naturally over time in the next few weeks and roots will gradually fill the holes where the plugs of soil were removed.  This is a sign that your lawn is receiving the additional oxygen, moisture and nutrients it craved.

Mulch vs Stone

Which side are you on?

Yard work . . . there, we said it. Those picture-perfect landscapes don't maintain themselves and we're certain mulch installation is on your list this spring.

Here are the pros and cons on the mulch vs stone divide. 

Mulch 

Pros:

-Adds organic matter to your soil as it decomposes

-Helps retain moisture in the soil

-Less expensive than stone

-Easier to install since it weighs less than stone

-Softer and easier to walk on

-Multiple varieties available (Hardwood, Pine, Dyed, Cedar)

Cons:

-Must be installed every 1-2 years

-Color can fade, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight

-Can wash away

-Can host unsightly slime mold

Stone

Pros:

-Needs to be refreshed occasionally. 

-Large selection of colors, shapes, and sizes

-Stays in place more effectively

-Less fading from weather elements

Cons:

-More expensive than mulch 

-More difficult to install due to weight

-Weed barrier fabric should be installed underneath

-Edge restraint is needed to keep stone and yard areas separate

-Trendy varieties can lose popularity and become difficult to match in the future

-Even with weed barrier fabric weeds can still develop on top of the fabric

-Plant replacement and installation is more laborsome 

No matter which product you choose, keeping your mulch and stone refreshed adds to the beauty and value of your landscape. 

Winter Interest Plants

Sure winters are cold and sometimes snowy, but inclement weather shouldn't stop you from being able to enjoy views of your garden; even if it is from inside your home. By selecting plants which provide visually appealing textures and color, it is possible to make winter a season of natural beauty.  Here are four types of winter interest to look for and names of plants which showcase these characteristics.

Interesting Bark:

Trees and large shrubs with interesting bark add visual interest all year long; however during winter, when branches are bare, the bark captures our attention.  Peeling and curing bark often reveals a different color below adding a beautiful touch of color to any landscape.  Some plant varieties take a few growing seasons for this feature to fully develop.

Try Planting:

River Birch

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Paperbark Maple (pictured below)

Colorful Stems and Twigs:

An easy way to add winter interest is by planting a large group of deciduous shrubs with colorful stems and twigs. These plants are sure to stand out against the snow.

Try Planting:

Yellow Twig Dogwood

Japanese Kerria

Red Twig Dogwood (pictured below)

Ornamental Grasses:

Ornamental grasses add color, texture, and movement to the winter landscape.  When planted near evergreen plants they create a beautiful contrast.

Try Planting:

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Blue Fescue

Maiden Grass (pictured below)

Wintertime Fruits and Berries:

Plants with fruits or berries which persist through winter add interest to your landscape and potentially attract wildlife such as birds.

Try Planting:

Prairifire Crabapple

Nannyberry Viburnum

Beautyberry (pictured below) 

We've selected some of our favorites to showcase this season's best landscape projects!  

Burlap Plant Protection 

Every neighborhood has one or maybe more than one.  You know, the home where the hedges are yellow instead of green.  To avoid becoming “that home”, protect your plants during winter with burlap.

Winter has many weather hazards such as snow, ice, cold temperatures and wind.  Here are three ways burlap helps protect your investment.

1.    Prevent “Winter Burn”.  During winter months, evergreen plants are unable to replenish their moisture due to the frozen ground.  Water is lost from leaves/needles through a process called transpiration (go ahead and use that word at your next social outing). Transpiration occurs year-round but can be problematic during winter and can cause plants to dehydrate.  Burlap helps to prevent excess transpiration and insulates against drying winds.

2.    Protect against salt damage.  Burlap creates a barrier to help protect against salt spray damage from road and sidewalk salt.  Salt spray can cause damage to foliage and stems.

3.    Allow plants to breathe.  Burlap provides protection for your plants while still allowing air to circulate and heat from the sun to escape. Other materials for plant protection don't have this ability and can end up causing more damage.

 
Thinking of your plants during the winter months will protect your landscape investment, will help plants to continue to thrive for many seasons to come, and will prevent you from becoming “that home”.

After the heat of the summer, when your perennials begin to look weathered and exhausted — or they're just falling over — it's time to grab your garden gloves and a spade to divide and solve the overcrowding problem.

Most perennials should be divided at some point. Often, your perennials need to be divided every two to three years. Otherwise, your blooms will be competing for nutrients and water and plants can outgrow their welcome. Many hardy perennials don't seem to skip a blooming beat once settled in a new location. Just fertilize regularly and add mulch when needed.

How do you know when to divide your blooms? Use this rule of thumb: If your perennials flower in spring and summer, fall is considered the ideal time to divide them. 

FOUR PERENNIALS TO DIVIDE IN THE FALL:

Sedum “Autumn Joy”: When there are so many blooms they are falling over it's time to divide. Once blooming is complete cut sedum to 6” above ground prior to dividing.  This allows for the plants to be more easily handled.  

Hosta: Divide Hosta after plentiful rain or a thorough watering the evening before so soil better adheres to the roots. September is a good month for most climates. Divide when Hosta look overcrowded in the space where planted.

Daylily: The best time to divide is when the clumps of stems provide fewer blooms throughout the season. Divide in late summer to early fall after the last flowering of the season. 

Siberian Iris: When the middle clumps stop producing blooms and the irises spread way beyond their boundaries, it's time to divide. Divide after the last bloom of the season.

There's nothing wrong with digging up these free perennials. Relocate the divided plant to a new spot or add them to a container in your garden. Dividing your plants is much easier than it seems and doesn't take much time. Who knew your landscape could produce so many more valuable plantings! 

In cooler regions such as Michigan, dig up the bulbs from plants such as Dahlias to store for the next season. Put peat moss in a ventilated box or bag, add the bulbs and move them to a dry place for safekeeping until you can plant them again.  

Next spring you'll be rewarded with new, more vigorous plants to share or add to your garden!

Fall Flowers 

If you're dreading the end of summer because it spells doom for all your beautiful flowers, dread no more.  To extend landscape color through the fall season, plant some of these varieties! 

1) Mums – mums are everyone's “go-to” solution for keeping the flower beds vibrant in the fall. They come in dozens of colors, so you can put them anywhere without worrying about how they'll impact the rest of your landscape.  They can be easily planted in pots on the porch or landscape beds to add color all over the yard.  Mums are very hardy plants and will keep flowering until about mid-November.  Buy plants that are full of tightly-clustered flower heads that haven't started to open yet. Put them in a sunny spot and keep them moist as they flower. 

2) Ornamental Cabbage and Kale – though people think of these plants as flowering, it is actually their leaves that provide the color and beauty.  Put them together in large plantings to show off their color, which develops best after frost. Buy plants that have short stems to prolong their growing season.  Kale is a drought-tolerant plant, but don't skip the water for too long or they will get stressed. 

3) Asters – this plant is very hardy and appears more daisy-like than mums. They are most commonly available in purple, white, and pink hues.

4) Pansies – a popular choice;  they're very colorful and last much longer into the cold weather.  Plant them now and enjoy them until the heat hits next summer. They'll get a little wilted when temperatures drop below freezing, but will perk right back up as soon as the sun works its magic.

 No matter what type of flower you choose, you can add some great color to your yard and keep your outside spaces inviting.  Before too long they will all be covered in white! 

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 Benefit of Trees

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 of Trees

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 of Trees

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!

Create a beautiful planter in your garden!

Decorative planter pots are a great way to add colorful interest and height to your landscape.  Many different planter styles are readily available at nursery centers, home and specialty stores. You may already have some in your own garage! The following varieties of planter pots are most common:

Ceramic or terra-cotta:

The fun part... planting the flowers!  Don't be shy, just dive right in!  When picking your plants, choose plants that have close to the same lighting needs (i.e.: full sun or partial shade).  Pick plants you enjoy and don't worry about trying to match.  They're flowers... they match everything!  Most planters contain a tall plant in the middle for height with several shorter or trailing varieties surrounding.  These are your planters so do what you like. Watering is also an important factor in keeping your plants healthy.  Once a day, set aside some time to water your planters and you'll be on your way to growing beautiful arrangements!

The right plant for the right place.

As with many things, it pays to plan ahead when designing your landscape.  Like you and I, plants have requirements in order to thrive.  Healthy plants will resist disease, require less water, and add to the value of your home.  When deciding on plant varieties it is important to keep a couple things in mind to give those plants what they need to thrive in your yard. 

What type of soil do you have?  Is your soil clay, sand, or something in-between?  Complete clay is hard, compacts easily and will retain water near the roots which can lead to drowning of the plant.  Sand drains easily causing water to pass through too quickly not allowing the plant to absorb what they need.  A happy medium can be achieved by amending the soil with a plant mix to give it a good balance. 

Sun exposure is important. Each plant has sun requirements.  A plant requiring full sun will not perform in a shade environment. 

Additionally, large trees, other buildings, wind, and sunlight patterns play roles in plant survival. For example a home which faces north will not receive direct sunlight in the front yard.  Shade tolerant plants should be used.  Japanese Maple trees shouldn't be planted in the direct path of winter winds.  Information on the specific plant requirements can be found on the plant tag.  Plant tags contain plant names, soil requirements, sun requirements, and mature plant size.  Some garden centers and growers provide plant tag information online as well.  

Armed with all of your new knowledge of soil type and sun exposure it is time to venture off to the garden center or nursery. Of course if you have questions ask a garden center associate or your landscaper.  Have fun, get outside and enjoy some complimentary Vitamin D!

Poison Ivy

The saying goes “if it has three let it be” which I'm not really sure if it's a saying or just something my mother told us kids to scare the hell out of us and prevent us from touching any plant with three leaves!  Either way the saying refers to Poison Ivy identification.

We have all heard about Poison Ivy but do we all really know how to identify it?  After many years in the landscape industry I can say with certainty that most people can't.  Reactions to the oils in this plant vary from no reaction at all to my need for a steroid prescription.  Due to my extreme reaction I have not only become comfortable dressing like an idiot in pants, long sleeves, rubber boots and gloves whenever needing to remove the plant no matter the temperature, but have also educated myself on its identification.

Poison Ivy can take the form of a small plant, shrub, small vine, or large vine that bears fruit and can blend in with many other common plants.   My mother's saying refers to the fact that the leaves on Poison Ivy grow in groups of three.  Additionally these leaves are irregular in shape, often times with one side of the leaf being rounded with the opposite side being a bit jagged almost resembling a mitten.  In the fall the leaves turn a vibrant red color and a really mature plant will produce green or cream colored berries.   Poison Ivy is commonly mistaken as a Virginia Creeper or Raspberry plant. 

Now that you are an expert at Poison Ivy identification what do you do when you find some in your yard?  I find the best way to control Poison Ivy is to treat it with nonselective herbicide several times until it dries up and then dig up and dispose of the plant.  Be sure to follow the label instructions whenever using chemical products. 

If you only have your heart set on being an expert identifier and not an expert remover you can always contact a landscape contractor to help you out!