So you’re not a skilled metal worker — so what?! You still probably have what it takes to build a metal arbor.

The beauty of metal arbors is that they do not have to be perfect, nor do you have to use brand new pieces of metal. The arbors with the most character show their age and are a little dilapidated. This gives your arbor a rustic look that always complements a garden quite well.

The toughest part will be finding your materials.

Where To Find Materials To Build A Metal Arbor

As stated above, sometimes the older looking arbors have the most character. For this reason, you can go to a metal scrapyard and look for materials that might work well with your arbor.

You have to find materials for the minimal arbor, which is essentially three trellises — two that stand vertically with the other resting over the top. Of course, you can always purchase the materials, too. A lot of products are treated to look like they have a lot of age on them. You can still achieve a rustic feel with new materials.

Installing A Basic Metal Arbor

Using metal wire, you can fasten the top portion of the arbor to the two trellises. Make sure that the trellises are securely fastened to the top piece before you go forward installing the arbor.

To ensure that the arbor does not tip over, you’re going to have to drive it into the ground a little ways. You can always measure where the feet of the trellis will fall, and dig small holes there. Once the feet fall into the holes, fill them back up with dirt to make sure it is secure.

Professional Help Is A Click Away

If you do not have any desire to build a metal arbor, professional landscapers can install them, and other features, for you. Don’t know where to find reliable help? Try using TalkLocal. We scour your local area and find qualified help that you can count on. You just wait by the phone for someone to call you. It’s that easy.

An espalier tree is a type of tree that has been shaped and pruned so it will fit in small spaces or grow against flat surfaces such as walls.

These trees are great for people who have small yards, live in an apartment or simply want to grow decorative and useful plants. Best of all, you won’t have to deal with big fallen branches.

When you buy espalier trees, there are several things to consider.

When you put thought into the purchasing process, you are much more likely to get healthy trees and have success in growing them.

– Look for young trees that have not branched out yet or have very small branches. These are the best ones to prune and mold to the shape you want.

– Consider dwarf trees that do not have a lot of long branches. Dwarf pear and apple trees work well because when they produce fruit, it grows on the plant spurs instead of on the branches.

– Start your espalier tree on a trellis or against a wall. It will need this support to grow upward and stay flat. When you buy espalier trees, they may come with a small trellis or stake that helps support them. As the trees grow, their support will need to grow with them.

– Avoid planting the tree right up against a wall. The tree will need to breathe, and if it is placed directly on top of a wall, there will not be enough air circulation. It is best to move the tree at least six inches away from the wall it will grow against.

– Choose a pattern that you want the tree to follow and prune accordingly. You will need to start by pruning the lead branch, and as the lateral branches grow out, they will need to be pruned and shaped to fit the pattern as well.

Find Someone To Maintain Your Espalier Trees

Choosing to buy espalier trees for your home is a great idea if you are looking for a tree that is small, decorative, and fun to grow.

Many landscapers are capable of both installing and maintaining these fun trees. If you want to track down landscapers that can help you with this task, TalkLocal is your stop. We weed out unqualified professionals and connect you with them directly, so you can get help immediately.

Evergreen trees can add beauty to your yard and attract a variety of wildlife. If you plan to grow your evergreen trees from saplings, you will need to give them the proper care so they can grow big and stay healthy.

Part of growing an evergreen tree means fertilizing it. Fertilizer gives the tree extra nutrients that it may not be able to get from the soil. If you are thinking about growing your own trees, consider these tips for fertilizing evergreen trees.

How To Tell If You Should Fertilize Your Trees

Before you can determine if your evergreen trees need fertilizer, you need to test your soil. You can buy test kits at most home improvement stores and garden centers. You should test your soil in early spring. The test results will show you how well the soil has recovered from the winter weather and how much fertilizer you will need to add to the soil.

When Is The Right Time For Fertilizing Evergreen Trees?

The best time to fertilize your trees is mid-April. It will help trees that are recovering from the winter do so faster and make them healthier overall. Adding fertilizer at the right time will also make the trees stronger during the new growing season. You can give the trees another fertilizer treatment in late summer, around August. Never fertilize trees after the ground has frozen.

Which Trees Should Be Fertilized?

When fertilizing evergreen trees, it is important to consider their age. Young trees generally do not need to be fertilized. They are capable of making it through the winter just fine. Trees that have made it through their first winter can be fertilized every two to four years or until they have established themselves completely and are healthy.

Keep Your Evergreen Trees Healthy

Fertilizer can help make your trees healthy and is often necessary if you want them to survive the winter. Always be sure to use the appropriate amount of fertilizer and do the treatments as often as needed.

Most landscapers can properly gauge what needs fertilizing in your yard. If you do not use the services of a landscaper, but would like to explore the opportunity, turn to TalkLocal. We will contact local landscapers and connect you with them directly, in just minutes.

A wooden arbor can serve many purposes in your yard. It can create a place for vines and plants to grow, act as a border or help you section off your yard and add a decorative touch.

You can purchase wooden arbors from many stores, but they tend to be a little expensive. You can build a wooden arbor yourself for a fraction of the cost. Here’s how.

How To Build A Wooden Arbor

If you want to build your own wooden arbor, you need to make sure you have the right supplies. You may need to ask a friend or family member help you build it as well.

1. Square off the place where you will place your wooden arbor. Use small stakes and some string and be sure to measure accurately. This will help you determine where to dig your holes and how the arbor will look when it is finished.

2. Use a post hole digger to make the holes for the posts. You will have four posts, so you will need to make four holes. They should be at least a foot deep.

3. Add gravel to the bottom of each hole. Make the depth at least three inches, and place the posts in the holes. Pour concrete around the posts and make sure they are straight and level so your arbor is not crooked.

4. Create an arbor top from wood. You can choose to have an arched arbor or a flat one. Make sure the top of the arbor is the same width as your posts. Attach the top of the arbor to your posts.

5. Add pieces of lattice to the sides or back of the arbor if desired. If you want to add plants to your arbor, plant them around the posts or against the lattice.

Or, Call A Professional

There are many professionals that would find it a breeze to build a wooden arbor. You also gain the peace of mind that they will do it correctly, and it will stand the test of time.

Visit TalkLocal, and get started on finding the right service professional for your project. Simply answer a few questions about the services you need, and we’ll track down three businesses or professionals who can help. You still hold the power to select the right professional for you.

Making a pathway in your yard or garden is a great way to break up the look of your landscape and avoid stepping on your lawn or plants. For instance, you could start your path at the patio and wind it throughout the yard.

You have many options when it comes to the type of pathway you want to make. Some people prefer to make wooden pathways, others like cement pathways.

One of the most inexpensive and easy-to-make pathways is a pebble pathway. Here’s how to build a pebbled path that will make your garden or yard look great.

How To Build A Pebbled Path

1. Mark off the area where you want to build the path. You can use stakes and string to do this. Make sure you mark both the length and the width of the path.

2. Use a shovel to dig up the area of the path. Dig four to five inches down into the ground. Try to make this dug-out path as level as possible.

3. Add gravel a little at a time and use a shovel or rake to spread them easily along the path. Add the gravel in layers instead of sections so you can keep the pathway level.

4. Once the gravel has been added, use a water hose to wet it down. This will prevent the dust and dirt from getting out of control and allow you to see and breath more easily while working on the path.

5. Use a hand tamper to compact the gravel and prepare it for the pebbles.

6. Add the edging to the pathway. The edging will help keep the pebbles from spilling over into the yard and will give the pathway a clean look.

7. Pour the pebbles on top of the gravel and spread them evenly across the path. Make sure they do not spill over the edging.

Now that you know how to build a pebbled path, you can make as many as you want. Get creative and try new shapes and designs. Not only are pebble paths easy to make and nice to look at, but they are also useful and can improve the appeal of your yard.

Landscapers Can Help, Too

If you do not want to take on this task yourself, simply contact professionals in your area who have mastered this type of landscaping. Don’t waste your time looking for these landscapers in the phone book, though. Log on to TalkLocal and find out why countless people use our service to find professionals in all industries. We connect you with the right professionals in just minutes.

Fruit trees are fun to grow and can add beauty to your yard or garden. While many people are able to grow fruit trees with ease, others find it difficult.

One of the top reasons that fruit trees fail to grow properly is poor soil. If you want to grow healthy trees that produce delicious fruit quickly you need to use the best soil for fruit trees. Here are some tips for getting your soil ready for the trees.

Drainage

Fruit trees need lots of water, but they also need to be planted in soil that is well-drained. Consider planting your fruit trees in an elevated area of your yard or garden so the water can easily drain away from them.

Sunlight

Fruit trees do well in constant sunlight, so plant the trees in an area of your yard or garden that is in full sun. The sun can also dry out your soil so make sure you water the trees often to keep them healthy.

Proper PH Level

Certain types of fruit trees require specific PH levels to live and grow healthy. You will need to check your soil’s PH level and add nutrients and fertilizer as needed. Be sure to research your tree to determine the proper PH level, and be careful to plant each tree in the right type of soil.

Airflow

Many gardeners make the mistake of forgetting about airflow. Trees need the proper air flow if they are going to grow full and if the fruit can grow big and healthy. Make sure the trees are planted in soil that has proper airflow and that they are planted far enough apart to allow air to get to the roots and between the branches of the trees.

The best soil for fruit trees is soil that is well drained, has the proper PH level, and offers adequate airflow. Make sure that you plant your trees in the right type of soil, and tend to them often so they can grow healthy.

Getting Proper Health

Professional landscapers know the proper conditions in which to plant your fruit trees. You can find one in your area quickly and easily by using the handy services of TalkLocal. We will connect you with the right professionals directly, in just minutes.

If you have a small garden and still want to grow fruit, fruit bushes or small fruit trees may be your best option. These types of plants are versatile and can easily be controlled so that they successfully grow in limited space. Before you give up your dreams of harvesting your own fruits, try planting one of these top three fruit bushes for small gardens.

Dwarf Apple Trees

These trees are smaller than regular apple trees but still produce the same types of fruit. They can be pruned as needed to create a desired size and shape. These trees require cross pollination and need long periods of winter coldness to help them produce fruit in the late summer.

Blueberry Bushes

Blueberry bushes can be grown in small, tight locations and are perfect to plant alongside houses, porches, or fences. They do not get large and are easy to maintain. These bushed do require acidic soil conditions, so you may need to test and treat your soil before planting them.

Hazelnut Hedges

These hedges are a popular choice for many gardeners because they not only produce tasty nuts, but they also act as an accent plant. They can be planted alongside houses or fences or planted in rows and used as hedges. They are pollinated by the wind so if they are planted close together, you should see nuts within the first few years of growing.

These top three fruit bushes for small gardens are easy to grow and maintain. If you have a small yard or garden, or just want to keep your fruit trees contained, choose one of these bushes to grow. If they are cared for properly, you could be harvesting your own fruit and nuts in no time at all.

Find A Qualified Landscaper

If you are on the hunt for a landscaper who can install some of these, or other, fruit bushes in your yard, use TalkLocal. Based on information you give us, we will find service professionals in your area that are able to lend a helpful hand, and connect you with them directly, in minutes!