Summer sure made it here in a hurry! With the temperatures rising quickly, water conservation will be big again this summer. Keeping that lawn green and lush requires water, water, and more water. But, you want to check that your watering is doing the job efficiently so you don’t overwater or have sprinklers missing their mark. Here are a few water conservation tips you can use with your property:
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1. Check your sprinklers. The two things you are looking for include coverage and volume. In terms of coverage, you want to make sure your sprinklers are only spraying where they are needed and not on sidewalks, the street, your car, etc. If sprinklers are spraying where they ought not, adjust or replace heads as needed. Also, you want to monitor your sprinklers so there is not a lot of overlap because too much watering can be just as bad as not enough.
   
   If you’re not sure how much water your lawn is getting, you can use a water guage. A general rule of thumb is one inch of water per week to keep your lawn healthy. If you run your sprinklers for 15 minutes you will be able to see how much water your sprinklers are putting out. At the end of 15 minutes, read the measurement and multiply that number by whatever it takes to get a total of one inch. For example, if after 15 minutes your guage is filled one quarter inch, you will need to run your sprinklers for 60 minutes over the course of the week to get one full inch of water.
   
   
2. Apply bark to your planter beds. Bark helps to retain moisture so you won’t need to water your planter beds as much as you might need to water your lawn. Bark is especially great in both weed control and moisture retention. Plus, it just makes for a nice looking feature area in your landscape. It’s a win-win-win!
   
   
3. Adopt a “moisture management program” to conserve resources. We have a program that utilizes biodegradable and eco-friendly quick dissolve granules giving you up to three months of moisture management. This product is typically used on turf, planting beds, and around trees and shrubs.

Whether you want to cut your watering by up to 50%, or if you want to give your lawn that extra drink, we can help. At Graham Landscape & Design, our team of irrigation and design experts can help you reach your water conservation goals. Please give us a call at 541-729-8029.

Well, we've got good news for you.

Graham Landscape & Design offers clean-up services for both residential and commercial properties. Clean-up service entails coming to your property and clearing out unwanted brush and debris or cleaning up your plantings and grounds, giving you essentially a blank slate or fresh start. Clean-ups are commonly used for seasonal purposes to clear the leaves, prune or trim trees and shrubs, remove moss and other unwanted invasive plants, etc. They can also be scheduled other times of the year, too, whenever your yard needs a reboot.

Most clean-ups are completed in one visit. Occasionally, larger jobs can take more time, but it's really dependent on what you'd like to do with your property. For example, if you just need some bushes cleared back so you can see your yard again, that's more than likely a one-day job. However, if you're looking at stripping things away to get a true blank canvas, that could take a few more days.

A member of our team will come to your property and walk through with you what you'd like to have done, ask questions, and offer suggestions so we can best accomplish what you'd like to achieve. This way, you'll get a more accurate estimate and timeline for completion. We can also provide an estimate for ongoing maintenance, so things don't get out of control again. Give our team a call today at 541-729-8029 to schedule an estimate.

A weird question, we know... but, it's an important one! Now that the weather is a bit drier, it's time to really look at your landscape's irrigation and drainage. With this winter's rain, did you notice areas of standing water in your yard? Or, were there sections that simply got flooded out because there was too much rain? Both of these instances signal that there is an issue with your landscape and it's drainage.

Why is proper drainage so important? Well, there are a number of reasons but a few of the top concerns include root rot in your lawns, shrubs, and trees. In addition, poor drainage reduces your ability to enjoy your yard for fear of getting your shoes sucked into the muck or just getting them extra muddy. And, if either of those weren't bad enough, sitting water creates a breeding ground for all sorts of pests.

So, if you have drainage problems, what can be done? Here are a few ideas to help:

• Divert rainwater with rain gutters, making sure not to create a new problem where the water exits.
• Install French drains around your house to prevent water seepage into your foundation.
• Asphalt covered driveways could benefit from a sump connected to the sewer system or a series of draining pipes that drive the water away.
• Plant "wet plants" appropriate for the amount of sunlight in the problem areas. There are varieties perfect for sunny spots (chokeberry, sage, rush, etc.) and shady spots (dogwood, witch hazel, sorrel, etc.), too.
• Consider installing permeable hardscapes that allow water to work its way into the ground without overwhelming your planted areas.

But, before tackling any of these solutions, it's a good idea to consult with your landscaper to really uncover the underlying cause of the issue and to help you plan the proper remedy.

At Graham Landscape & Design, our team of irrigation and design experts can help you do just this. Please give us a call so we can turn your drainage problem into a thing of the past. 541-729-8029

Our most recent snow and ice storm, while beautiful, did quite a bit of damage to local residential and commercial properties. Was your property affected? If so, we can help. We offer a clean-up service which involves coming to your property and clearing out any fallen debris, broken limbs, damaged plantings, and more. In addition, we can remove any unwanted brush and debris or spruce up your plantings and grounds, giving you essentially a blank slate or fresh start. While clean-ups are often used for seasonal purposes like now to recover from the snow and ice storm, they can be scheduled other times of the year, too, whenever your yard needs a reboot.

Most clean-ups are completed in one visit. Occasionally, larger jobs can take more time, but it's really dependent on what you'd like to do with your property. For example, if you just need some bushes cleared back or weeds cut down, so you can see your yard again, that's more than likely a one-day job. However, if you're looking at stripping things away to get a true blank canvas, that could take a few more days.

A member of our team will come to your property and walk through with you what you'd like to have done and offer suggestions so we can help you get your yard where it needs to be. This way, you'll get a more accurate estimate and timeline for completion. We can also provide an estimate for ongoing maintenance, so things don't get out of control again.

Clients who use our clean-up services say one of the biggest benefits is the huge time savings we provide, freeing up your weekend so you can do the things you want to do. In addition, our clean-up services let you focus on the fun part of working with your yard (planting and gardening, etc.) and not the labor-intensive removal, chore-like aspects. Also, when we're done, we haul everything away so you don't have to. What could be better than that?

If a clean-up service and/or ongoing maintenance sounds like something you could use, please give us a call at 541-729-8029. We're booking now for immediate openings. We're here to help and would love to turn your yard back into a place you can truly enjoy.

If your yard is looking a little bland, there are a variety of ways you can spruce it up. While new plantings can be an obvious and simple solution, adding a new hardscape, or replacing a hardscape that is not aging gracefully, can provide a nice, year-round foundation for creating interest in your yard.

Popular options for hardscape surfaces include the following:

Patios
Patios create the perfect space for enjoying the outdoors. Whether you have room for a small patio or a large one, the key is making sure the materials and style are in harmony with your home. For example, if your patio has trim or other material used along the edges, make sure those coordinate with the materials and color of your home. Patios can be built beautifully with pavers. Pavers give the added benefit of multiple colors and sizes so you can get a really custom look.

Walkways
Adding a walkway to your yard is a great way to combine function and beauty. Walkways can be constructed from different materials such as wood, stone, pavers, and concrete. Think about your yard. Where are your beaten paths? Are there places that get particularly soggy during the rainy months? A walkway with a few gentle curves or softened edges with fragrant plants can add a lot of charm.

Decks
Decks can be a great addition if you have a larger yard, creating a space for overlooking your pool, pond, lawn, etc. Decks are most commonly made from different varieties of wood, but several engineered materials are available, too. Depending on the size and height of your deck, you may require a railing. Again, you have several options that can create a variety of effects. For instance, you can opt for traditional wood rails, sanded knobby wood rails, cables, glass and post, etc.

Seating Walls
If you have children who like to play in the yard, or if you simply enjoy sitting outside to take in the fresh air, a seating wall can be a nice addition. Seating walls can be made with a combination of blocks and paver caps, natural stone, and you can even incorporate lighting. Lights built into a seating wall set the stage for an evening feature for your yard. Another fun idea for a seating wall is to create one with different heights so guests of all sizes can have their own special space.

Driveways
Concrete makes a fine driveway, but if you want to up the 'wow' factor, a paver driveway can be just the answer. You can choose from a variety of colors for the main surface and even add a contrasting color for a nice edge. Line the driveway with some low shrubs and you will have the nicest driveway on the block.

Retaining Walls
If you have followed us for any amount of time you know we are fans of retaining walls. Not only do they create functional space for your yard (or keep it from eroding away), they also make for amazing backdrops for different water features and climbing plants, as well as creating space for adding things like outdoor fireplaces, wood fire ovens, and other decorative plant nooks. Retaining walls are most traditionally made from concrete blocks that come in different colors and shapes, natural stone, and also pressure treated lumber with a nice finish.

At Graham Landscape & Design, we have an exceptionally talented team of design and construction professionals. Our team can meet with you to discuss your specific needs, explore ideas, and construct a project perfect for your space. Give us a call today at (541) 729-8029.

In our last blog post, we provided a checklist of things you can do to keep your landscape healthy and looking nice through winter. One of the items we suggested you should do is to prune your trees (shrubs can be pruned, too). Pruning revives tired plants and helps younger plants establish a good shape. We suggest pruning in winter for a few reasons. The lack of leaves makes seeing what you are doing much easier and in the winter, plants are less likely to 'bleed' as sap is not as active. Cuts will have time to heal over before spring growth begins.

The following are a few tips for how to prune your trees and shrubs so you don't cause damage.

The first thing you want to do when pruning is to remove any damaged or diseased wood. This must go first so you're not wasting time working on areas that won't get better.

Next, you'll want to address any branches that crisscross or rub on other surfaces. Start with removing the least important branches completely or shorten them so they are not intertwined. A good place to cut is down to an outward facing bud. Shortening these branches forces the plant to funnel its energy into the buds that remain, giving you more vigorous growth. 

When cutting, make sure you are doing so correctly. Incorrect or 'bad' cuts can result in poor wound recovery and unhealthy plants.

#1
Don’t prune too far away from the bud. More than a finger width is probably too far. Cutting too far away can result in the wood between the cut and the bud below dying, which can affect the health of the bud. If the bud fails to grow, die back can cause the whole stem to die.

#2
Just as you don't want to prune too far away, you don’t want to prune too close to the bud either. If you're on top of the bud, you're too close. Pruning too close to the bud often results in damaging the bud itself and that can jeopardize the bud's ability to grow into a leaf or flower. Pruning too close to the bud can also cause the branch to die back further down the stem.

#3
Be careful of the angle when you prune. If you leave a pointed stub of stem above the bud you risk causing the stem to die back as far as the bud and possibly beyond it. A better option is to keep the cut as straight as possible but a slight angle can be okay if you are trying to redirect the growth of a particular branch.

#4
Make sure any cuts you make have angles that slope in a way that forces water to run off and not pool. If water pools on the cut, your plant is more susceptible to rot.

Pruning can be a challenging project if you've never done it before, or if you have a lot of trees and shrubs to contend with. If you would like help pruning plants around your property, give Graham Landscape & Design a call for a free estimate. 541-729-8029

While rain, ice, and sometimes snow can make it difficult to keep your property looking attractive, even for the most diligent homeowners, don't give up! Whether for your own home or a property you manage, there are a number of ways you can keep your landscape healthy and looking great throughout the winter.

#1 — Keep Watering
When the weather gets cold, we often stop maintaining our landscapes. But, the need for water doesn't go away. Failure to keep your fruit trees, lawns and other plantings watered over the winter can result in a variety of issues, including susceptibility to disease. You get a pass, though, if the temperature drops below 40 degrees as you don't want to freeze your plants.

#2 — Keep Raking
Raking in the fall is a typical thing in our area, but did you know that it's a good idea to keep raking lawns and gardens over the winter as well? Plant debris continues to build up, and when it mixes with ice or snow, it creates an environment for growing mold and fungus, especially where leaves have accumulated.

#3 — Cover Thin-Barked Trees
To help control frost and prevent sun scald, put a light-colored wrapping around younger trees with thin bark that are located in sunny areas.

#4 — Fertilize Lawns
To help your lawn grow rich and green in the spring, put down fertilizer that is rich in phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium prior to the first freeze.

#5 — Mulch Garden and Tree Beds
As you've read in our newsletters, mulch is an excellent insulator and it can help protect roots against frost. Make sure you lay down a nice layer of mulch in your garden and tree beds; one to two inches thick should do the trick.

#6 — Keep Grass Short
As we head into winter, it's a good idea to keep your grass short, between one and two inches shorter than usual. Shorter grass reduces the risk of frostbite and snow mold.

#7 — Winterize Sprinkler Systems
Unless you like the idea of a burst pipe, it's prudent to have your irrigation system winterized so that water in pipes doesn't expand and crack your irrigation lines. Our irrigation team can help!

#8 — Add Potted Plants
If your landscape is feeling drab, adding some neatly trimmed boxwood trees in large pots can add a hint of freshness along walkways and entryways.

#9 — Add Winter Plants & Trees
When choosing your plantings, it's a good idea to select those that not only look good together but also provide interest at different times of the year. For instance, great choices for winter include trees with highly textured bark, a variety of berries (avoid holly as it can be toxic to children and animals), violets, pansies, witch hazel, Oregon grape, maple trees, etc.

#10 — Prune Trees
With leaves gone, it is easier to spot damaged branches. Removing these will give you healthier, stronger trees in the spring.

#11 — Use Lighting
Last, but not least, outdoor lighting can make a world of difference for how you can enjoy your landscape in the winter. While lights help you see better in the dark, their glow also adds a touch of warmth, making your landscape look more attractive.

If you would like help in getting your landscape ready for winter, for your home, or even for any properties you might manage or have as rentals, please give our team a call at 541-729-8029 or email us to schedule an appointment.

If you're thinking winter means the end of backyard enjoyment, think again. Adding a fire pit can make a cold, dreary yard magical, especially when lit in the crisp, winter months. While many consider fire pits more of a summer feature, they can be quite excellent, providing both light and warmth. Just imagine... Sitting outside with a mug of hot chocolate, watching the beauty of a fire from the comfort of your own yard, enjoying the company of family and friends... Doesn't that sound nice?

Well, if you don't already have a fire pit, we can help! Now is the time to plan having one built so you can enjoy it in the spring, summer, fall, and winter! Our design team can work with you to design a fire pit to best complement your yard and work within your budget.

Here are things you'll want to keep in mind for planning the fire pit of your dreams:

1. Clearance -- Will there be enough clearance for your fire pit so that flames don't pose a hazard to nearby structures, plants, or overhanging branches. You'll want to make sure there is plenty of room so there is no risk of charring or inadvertent damage.
2. Seating -- How much seating do you want around your fire pit? Do you want permanent seating, like a wall, or do you just want space so you can use your own chairs? There are lots of creative solutions you can consider for your seating.
3. Walkways -- What does the path look like between where the fire pit will be located and your house? When using the fire pit in the dark, your eyes will adjust to the brightness of the flames and may take time to adjust to the darkness once you look away. A great solution for this is placing low-voltage lighting along your walkway so you and your guests can safely walk to and from your house.
4. Counter space -- Will you want to cook over your open flame? Smores anyone? If so, you may want to incorporate designated counter space along your fire pit or nearby so you can safely place your ingredients within easy reach.

To start your fire pit planning, please give our design team a call at 541-729-8029 or email us. Big or small, we'll help design and build a fire pit you can enjoy for seasons and years to come.

There are many reasons why you might be considering a retainer wall for your property, but before you start planting stakes and laying down materials, there are a few things you will want to take into consideration first. A little planning up front can help steer you away from a big investment that you ultimately regret or wish you could do over.

Tips for planning your retainer wall:

1. Consider the aesthetics of the wall. Does the retaining wall match your lifestyle? Beyond being utilitarian, retaining walls can make grand statements and help create a beautiful outdoor living space.
   
   
2. Walls do not have to be in straight lines. If you want to make your retaining wall more interesting or a softer part of your landscape, consider using curves. An easy way to accomplish this is by laying out a long rope to get a sense of the curve you would like for your design.
   
   
3. The bigger the wall, the more you will need to plan. For instance, if your wall is going to be taller than about four feet, you may need to consult an engineer to make sure the height can bear the weight. Also, if your wall is too tall, you might be in violation of building codes. Checking on these two items will save you from costly headaches.
   
   
4. If you want to save time and have an easier installation, consider using manufactured blocks or stones. One of the biggest benefits for using this type of material is that you will have uniform sizes which makes measuring and placement of each piece much simpler. Another bonus is that these materials come in a variety of colors and finishes so your wall can be customized to fit with your landscape.
   
   
5. Like any built structure, a strong foundation is key. Make sure you take the time to properly prepare the base for your wall. If your base is uneven, your wall will be, too.
   
   
6. Plan for proper drainage. When your wall has a sloped surface, more water will collect at the base. To avoid this, make sure you include extra drainage at the base and make sure you include some type of filter so you won't have to dig out any clogs.
   
   
7. Critical to having a long-lasting, steady wall is making sure you keep it level throughout the entire construction process. Just because you measured before you began building doesn't mean things didn't shift as stones or blocks are placed. A good tip is to check your levels with each layer of your wall.
   
   
8. Support is important while your wall is under construction. Imagine building a free-standing wall without support — it won't take much to make it tumble. If you instead backfill as you build each level, your wall will have greater support.
   
   
9. Terracing can help make your wall feel less ominous. Terraces are gradual step ups in height. When you apply this to your retaining wall, you create the sense of a large space and you increase the amount of plantable square footage for a nice variety of vegetation.
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10. Last, but not least, don't be afraid to decorate your new retaining wall. Too often people choose to keep their walls quiet — and that's fine. But, imagine the fun you can have with paint or plants integrated into the final surface. The possibilities are endless.

Of course, you can opt to build a retaining wall on your own. But, if this seems like too much to handle or more than you would like to take on, give your team of experts a call. We have built retaining walls for homeowners across Eugene, Springfield, and the surrounding areas. The professionals at Graham Landscape & Design can be reached by calling 541-729-8029.