There are a few things to keep in mind when watering your yard: water loss, water penetration, soil/water/air relationship, and time required for plant watering. These can all be confusing to keep in mind, so here are a few tips for watering plants that should take care of the afore-mentioned details:

– Water your plants in the early morning or late evening when is cooler and when the wind is calmer, as this will prevent water loss through evaporation.

– Lawn grasses and most plants require an inch of water per week to keep the top soil moist. Drying out completely would be harmful to the plants.

– Do not over water your plants as plants sitting in water logged beds can rot or develop fungus. Additionally, plants need plenty of oxygen to grow properly, and waterlogging the plants will result in an inefficient water/soil/air ratio.

– Younger plants with smaller roots will only intake water from the top layers of soil, whereas trees and older plants will have established larger and more expansive root systems. This means that you should try to ensure top layer moisture for your younger plants, while the older plants can possibly go longer without watering as they may be able to tap into lower soil levels that retain water for longer.

– Figure out the type of soil that your plants are growing on as this affects the water retention. For example, one inch of water will go down 12 inches in sandy soil whereas it will only penetrate four to five inches in clay soil. Once you know the type of soil, and know how deep water penetration is in it, you will be better able to judge how much and how frequently to water your plants.

– Use a rain gauge to measure the amount of water that the plants get from rain, natural moisture in the air, and your watering so you know how much water the plants are receiving.

These are only a few tips for watering your garden. However, there is a lot more to taking care of your plants! Let TalkLocal help you find professional landscaping services.

Nature puts on a dazzling display of colors and shapes for us to enjoy in the form of changing leaf colors each year. Once the leaves drop to the ground, the challenge is to figure out what to do with them. This is especially important as leaves covering paths and walkways create a slipping hazard, while a thick blanket of leaves on a lawn will eventually kill the grass by depriving it of light and air. So what can you do with autumn leaves? Here are a few ways to take care of fallen leaves, and use them for gardening purposes.

Rake, Sweep and Blow

Use a leaf rake on the lawn. Choose a rake that is broad enough to collect a large number of leaves with each swipe but light enough so that it does not tire you out too quickly. Longer handles allow you to stand straighter, which reduces back strain during your raking sessions. Use a broom to sweep leaves off hard surfaces, such as patios, walks and driveways. A motorized leaf blower will help you to move leaves from under shrubs and other tight spaces; but you will have to supply gas, electricity or battery power.

Make a Soil Conditioner

Make a soil conditioner with leaf mold. Rake up the leaves and pack them into a plastic trash can liner. Sprinkle the leaves with water as you go. Tie the bag closed. Punch holes into the sides to allow air and water inside. After a year or two, the leaves decompose into leaf mold that you can use as a nutritious soil conditioner or mulch to help improve your landscape.

Compost

Combine the leaves with other organic elements such as grass clippings, shredded cardboard, eggshells, rotted fruit or vegetables, and coffee grounds. Place in a container, such as a barrel, composting bin or plastic trash can. Alternatively, stack the items in a small area that sectioned off by wire fencing. Stir or turn the stack several times each week to circulate air and water. The rate of decomposition will vary according to the specific conditions of your stack, but most people should expect to have compost to spread within six to nine months.

You might also try the professionals…

If you do not have the space to store leaves, then rake and bag them up for your municipality or a private service to collect. Also, ask your neighbors if they can use your leaves. If you are one of the many homeowners who cannot devote the time, space and effort towards removing your leaves, it makes sense for you to contact a professional landscaper through TalkLocal.

There are several ways to rid your yard of the annoying mushrooms that sprout over your beautifully manicured lawn and hard grown trees. Here are some methods on how to kill mushrooms in your yard:

Keep your lawn free of excess water (only water your plants as much as is needed by the plants) as excess water will cause fungus and mushrooms to sprout.

Pick up any litter, such as pet excrement and grass trimmings. Mushrooms grow on old mulch, animal waste, and rotting tree stumps, providing mushrooms with nutrients while the excess water helps the mushroom breakdown and digest these nutrients. So keeping your lawn free from all of these will reduce the number of mushrooms living there. It will also prevent spores from neighbors from growing into mushrooms! Additionally, irrigating and aerating the soil better will help with keeping the lawn drier.

Use nitrogen fertilizer to speed up the decomposition of organic matter and reduce the possibility of mushroom growth. Apply one pound of readily available nitrogen for every 1000 square feet. Do not use the slow release or water-insoluble formulations.

Pick the mushrooms up as soon as they appear (before they produce spores). Once this has happened, it is impossible to get rid of the spores as they are all extremely small and not worth spending time on finding and removing. Identify the mushrooms before they mature by making sure that they have no exposed gills. So long as they are not mature, you do not have to worry about spreading spores – even just kicking them at this stage can spare you mushroom spore contagion.

Lawn fungicides, such as Bayleton and Daconil are available to treat your lawns. Of the two, Bayleton is recommended at 1.5 to 3 pounds every 1000 square feet for prevention and 6 pounds for every 1000 square feet for getting rid of a lawn already infected with mushrooms.

If you prefer to use professional landscaping services, let TalkLocal find you professionals quickly and effectively. Just fill out your information on the website and talk to help within minutes!

A shade cloth or shade sail is a device used outdoors to provide shade. The shade can be either for humans, animals, or gardens. These cloths were originally based on the technology from a ship’s sail that was created to protect its sailors from extended exposure to the sun. Over time, these shade cloths are becoming used less by humans as sunscreen and more for gardens to protect plants from the extreme heats of summer. Shade cloths also come in different density levels. In the case of a garden, you will want a shade cloth with a density level between 50-60%.  Read this article to learn how to use shade cloth in garden.

The process of using a shade cloth in a garden is relatively simple. You start out by digging a roughly one-foot deep hole in each corner of your garden.  If your garden is unusually long, you may want to dig an additional hole in the middle of your garden as well. Wooden stakes that are about four to five feet long will be inserted into these holes. These stakes should fill the hole completely and not move around at all. If they holes aren’t filled, simply pour some soil within the hole to completely cover it; stomp on these areas to pack down the soil tightly to keep the stakes in place.

The next step is to prepare the shade cloth material. Chances are, your shade cloth isn’t the exact size you need it to be, so you will need to cut it to accomodate your garden. Use a tape measure and scissors to cut the cloth about four to five inches longer than the length and width of your garden. Be sure not to leave too much or to little space, or else your shade cloth won’t work 100% correctly.

With the shade cloth cut properly, the next step is to place this cloth on top of the wooden stakes. To attach the shade cloth to the stakes, use a staple gun, nails, or even superglue to ensure the cloth doesn’t blow away. To have your shade cloth be as effective as possible, stretch the cloth across your garden as tightly as is possible and secure it to the stakes. Do this to both sides of the cloth. Once you are done, your shade cloth will be protect your garden from the sun’s heat.

If you have completed all these steps and still require assistance in assembling your shade cloth, consider using TalkLocal to find a capable landscaper for you. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, landscaping companies in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location and availability, and up to three companies will call YOU directly, saving you the time and stress of finding one yourself.

Landscaping is a large project to undertake on your own, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort, the end result could be amazing. A good landscaping job makes your house look clean and attractive. If you have the right equipment, you can easily achieve the same look as if you hired a professional.

A common mistake some people make is buying too much equipment without knowing exactly what they need or what they want to do.  You should take the time to plan out what you want your lawn to look like.  You can do this very easily but using online landscape design programs. There are many different options for you to choose from when looking for tools for landscape design.

The basic equipment you will need include the following:

– Leaf Blower

– Line/Hedge Trimmer

– Lawn Mower

– Hand Tools: spade, shovel, hoe, etc

– Wheelbarrow

– Edgers

– Safety Equipment: gloves, goggles

You can also go all out and rent more serious equipment if you need:

– Trucks

– Trailers

– Chainsaws

– Bed Edging Materials

– Water Features

– Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides, and any other cides!

If you are looking for a professional opinion on landscaping for your lawn, you should seek specialized help. Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with reliable local landscaping businesses.  You don’t have to do any work. Simply input what service you are looking for along with your availability and you will be connected to a qualified company who can help you out almost immediately.

Many people hire tree planting services because trees are an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to increase your home’s resale value and improve your neighborhood’s curb appeal. Trees provide a habitat for wildlife and shade for your home, which can lower the cost of air conditioning. If you plant fruit trees, you can save a trip to the grocery store with a snack from your backyard!

But like most home improvement ideas, planting trees require planning and maintenance. Most trees will last over 50 years so it is important to select the right type of tree for your home. There are many factors beyond appearance and size that the average homeowner can forget to consider. That’s why it is advisable to hire tree planting services that can help you plan the details.

One of the most important factors is something you can’t see: the roots. A tree planting service is knowledgeable in digging the proper sized hole and implementing the right planting methods. Trees vary in growth pattern, so it may take an expert to estimate how far apart you should plant your trees. The trees must also accommodate other objects on your property, such as rooftops, fencing, lampposts, and yard décor.

A tree planting service will help you decide what trees are appropriate for your environment, soil type, and aesthetic and practical preferences. Do you want a tree that changes with the seasons? What trees provide the most privacy for your backyard? A tree planting service can provide consultation as well as the actual planting. They specialize in optimal selections that consider your climate and common pests in your area.

A quick consultation before your first tree-planting project is worth the investment. Once you learn the basics, you can continue to renovate your lawn using your own expertise. You can hire a landscaper in minutes using TalkLocal’s easy online form. Just state your service need, availability, and location to find high quality landscaping services in your region.

Japanese gardens are famed for their unique look.  They are traditional gardens that aim to create miniature idealized landscapes.  These zen grounds are favored for their fancifully perfect atmosphere.  Many people go to Japanese gardens specifically to meditate and relax.  Japanese gardens originated on the small island country but have spread to all parts of the world.  These popular alternatives to traditional backyards have become more and more common throughout the western world. Check out this article to learn about the different types of plants for Japanese gardens including common Japanese scenery types, garden types, and plants.

There are three types of scenery for Japanese gardens:

1)   Reduced scale method – all natural elements reproduced on smaller scale

2)   Symbolization method-  abstract, uses elements to symbolize bigger pictures

3)   Borrowed views method – uses elements to imply scenes different than reality

There are also two types of gardens:

1)   Tsukiyami –  consists of hills and ponds

2)   Hiraniwa – flat ground with elements on top

The common types of plants found in Japanese gardens are:

1)   Bonsai – everyday shrubs trained to look like old large trees in miniature form

2)   Evergreens – Japanese Black Pines, Himalayan white pines

3)   Deciduous trees – scarlet maple, willow, water oak

4)   Hedges – Japanese barberry, pittosporum, yew, weigela

5)   Flowers – irises, tree peonies, azalea

6)   Other – Moss, sweet flag, ardisia, spurge

Professional Help

If you have problems with choosing plants for your Japanese garden you should seek professional help.  For example, in Japanese gardening, trees are planted scarcely, so professional could tell you how far away you need to plant a tree and how big you should expect it to grow. Landscapers have extensive knowledge about what plants work best with your climate and backyard. Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with reliable local landscaping businesses.  You don’t have to do any work! Simply input your problem and availability and within minutes your should be connected to someone who can help you out.

A destructive storm just rolled through your town, pulling down electric lines, splitting tree limbs, and destroying your handcrafted garden. You’ve cleared your yard, restored electricity, and now all that’s left is your garden.  What do you do?  There are really a couple of major features you’ll want to focus on and if you use the following tips, you’ll have the garden back in shape in no time!  Check out this article to learn about tending your garden after hail storm.

Slugs and snails

Due to the moisture left behind after a storm, slugs and snails will be extremely present during the night and will destroy your young plants and seedlings if you don’t protect against them.  You can either collect up the slugs and snails by hand, or leave organic slug-repellent pellets.

Remove deadhead

You’ll want to remove all the damaged and faded flowers since the dead plant growth may actually inhibit younger and newer flowers from forming.  It will also spruce up your garden and encourage new plant growth in your garden to restore its luster.

Remove weeds

Weeds most likely will be thriving due to the abundance of water and debris thrown about by the storm.  You should immediately remove as many weeds as possible before they set seed or begin spreading throughout your garden.

Pot drainage

Many people have plants in pots sitting in their backyard.  However, with an excessive downpour, the pot drainage holes often times get clogged and actually fill up the pots with water, which will eventually kill the plants.  Make sure to drain your potted plants as soon as you can.  While you’re doing this, you may want to consider repotting your potted plants, as the roots eventually completely fill the pot leaving almost no air space.  Remove your plants from the pot, cut off dead roots, and then re-pot the plant in fresh mulch/compost.

Shopping Time

This is the perfect time to actually go out shopping to change your garden up!  Buy some new plants you’ve never had the courage to, especially now that you have some open real estate in the garden.  Many bedding plants are available at your nearby hardware and gardening stores, so change this disaster into an opportunity!

Sometimes, however, storms may leave you garden in an almost irreparable state.  If so, it may be best to call a professional landscaper to help restore your garden.  TalkLocal can help you talk with high quality local landscapers in just minutes so that you can recover your garden as soon as possible!

Bushes can be very unruly and make the garden look very messy if not trimmed. Trimming bushes is not difficult and can and can easily be done by anyone. Here’s how to trim bushes:

When done carefully, trimming bushes can result in great artwork for your lawn. However, the skill comes with practice and patience. If you need professional help to tidy up your handiwork, you can use TalkLocal to find local landscapers who can meet when you are available. Just tell TalkLocal your problem, availability, and location to talk to help in a matter of minutes.

Growing a vegetable garden may seem like a hard thing to do, but it is actually quite easy once you get started. Here’s how to grow your own vegetable garden :

– Plan in advance. Decide how much space and time you have, and how small or how big you want to start. It is advisable to start small and slowly expand your garden once you get the hang of it. You don’t get overwhelmed and give up half way through.

– Plant productive crops. Whether you are looking to sell your harvest or make just enough for your family, you want to plant crops that are in demand. What do the locals like to eat? What could your family save money on by not buying from the grocery store? You wouldn’t want your hard work to go to waste!

– Prepare the soil accordingly. Read up on what is best for the crop you intend to grow.

– Tend your garden with good quality tools. Maintenance is just as important as the initial planting.

– Secure your garden from unwelcome critters. You can either build a fence around your garden or sprinkle some coffee grounds into your soil. Some pests can’t stand coffee grounds—plus, the grounds add nitrogen to your soil! Ask your local coffee store for their spent coffee grounds.

Feel free to share your seeds because when you buy them, more often than not, you have much more then you will plan to sow.

If you want someone else to prepare a nice space for you to garden, contact a landscaper through TalkLocal. You can talk to a local professional that can meet your specific needs on the phone in minutes. TalkLocal will filter out all businesses that can’t accomodate your schedule, so you spend  less time on the phone and more time in the garden.