Getting your lawn ready for winter

Fall is in full swing and winter just around the corner. While you’re busy preparing your home for the cold weather don’t forget to prepare your yard, too. Here are some steps to ensure your lawn is ready to thrive in the spring.

Cool Season Grasses

In New England we recommend cool season grasses such as fescue, ryegrass, bluegrass and bentgrass as they are hardy enough to withstand winter’s cold and snow. Without large amounts of water, they usually enter into a semi-dormant state in the high heat of summer, and revive with the cooler weather of autumn. These are the grasses that benefit from a good winterizing program. Although growth may slow somewhat in autumn, cool season grasses are actually busy building energy resources for winter. Here are a few tips to help your lawn get through winter’s chill and emerge in spring looking better than ever:

  • Weed. Pull the dandelions and other broadleaf weeds to prevent them from stealing all of the available nutrients and water from your lawn. Eradicate weeds that are forming seed heads so that they don’t reseed themselves in your turf.
  • Minimize the thatch layer. Thatch is composed of organic matter that is slow to decay. If the thatch layer is too thick, it will affect grass health. Raking will help control thatch. You can also aerate your lawn in autumn (or in spring) to reduce the thatch layer, improve drainage and air circulation, and minimize soil compaction. Aeration will also assist in the uptake of nutrients.
  • Deal with the fallen leaves. You can either remove the leaves altogether and compost them (or utilize them as mulch in your garden beds), or you can use the mulching blade on your lawn mower and chip them into small pieces that can remain on the lawn. A heavy leaf layer can be detrimental to lawn health.
  • Sow seeds. It may seem strange to plant grass just before freeze-up, but broadcasting grass seed over your lawn is one of the most important things you can do to give your turf a leg up in the spring. Use a spreader to distribute the seed evenly.
  • Water. If there is no rain in the forecast around the time you plant your grass seeds, a deep watering will be necessary. You can water right up until the ground freezes.
  • Check your soil’s pH. If your soil is too acidic, amend the soil with lime. Turfgrasses generally prefer to grow with a soil pH hovering near neutral.
  • Feed. At this time of year, use a fertilizer high in potassium (the third number on the fertilizer bag). Potassium increases the cold tolerance of cool-weather grasses. If you do not wish to use synthetic fertilizers, a spray of compost tea will do the trick. Always apply fertilizer according to the rates listed on the package; never use more than recommended, as it may burn the leaves of your plants.
  • Mind your mowing. Cropping your lawn too short in autumn may stress the plants. Long grass can also be a problem: matted lengths of wet grass can promote molds and other diseases in spring, and it may provide winter habitation to unwanted animal pests such as voles and mice. Raise your mower blades slightly higher than your usual summer height — the extra leaf length helps with production of the food stores grass needs to survive the winter. If you have a mower capable of mulching, you can leave the grass clippings on the lawn for added cold-weather protection and nutrition.
  • Prevent lawn problems once freeze-up and snowfall occur. Do not walk or park on your frozen lawn to reduce the chance of winter kill. Ice melting salts can do extensive damage to your lawn. Be careful when applying salts to your driveway and sidewalk so that the chemicals do not leach onto your turf, or use a more environmentally-friendly product such as coarse sand.
Let us help you prepare for the cold months ahead so you are ready for the spring and your lawn is set up for success.

Fall Cleanup time is now

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in New England. The leaves are changing colors, and there is a crispness in the air that makes for perfect weather. But before you get too excited about all of this, it’s important to remember that it’s also time for fall clean up.

The leaves on the ground can be a nuisance, but they also provide nutrients for the soil. Aeration is important because it helps to break down these leaves and release their nutrients. Fall clean up can be done in many ways, but aeration and brush clean up are essential.

If you live in an area where leaves are naturally removed by the wind, then you’ll only have to worry about any fallen branches or leaves on your property. Removal of fallen brush not only helps your property show its true beauty as the leaves change and the weather cools but also helps with the health of the landscape.

Fall clean up in New England can also include tackling the following

  • Cleaning out gutters
  • Cleaning up leaves and other debris from the lawn or driveway
  • Cleaning out the garden beds
  • Dealing with any clutter that has accumulated in any part of your yard

Having a professional handle these chores not only guarantees that it is done well but it also frees up your family to enjoy the most beautiful time of the year.

2022 Landscaping Trends

Natural stone landscaping in home garden with steps and flowerbeds

Edible Gardening

Kitchen gardens and edible landscapes have made a real comeback ove the last few years as people have spent more time at home cooking. What is better than walking out to your back yard to pick a few fresh herbs or a vegetable right off the vine?

It is a great way to not only reduce your carbon footprint by reducing your trips to the market and also teach your family about what sustainability. The best part though may be satisfaction of knowing where your food comes from and knowing you have sourced this from you own home.

Wildlife corners

While a beautifully manicured lawn is a wonderful goal around any house, having a wild corner with some more natural growth and some shocks of wild flowers might make it even more satisfying.The juxtaposition of the manicured lawn next to wild and unruly grasses and wildflowers really gives the sense of being in one with nature.

Buzzwords like rewilding, nature scaping and curated wilding really help underline the concept of bringing nature into the yard but to do it effectively you must do it cleanly. Rewilding does not mean you let nature turn your yard into an overgrown meadow that allows wildlife to run rampant and pests invade your house but rather allows for a restrained utilization of the concept to give a focal point to your yard.

Recycling and upcycling

Today’s socially and environmentally conscious homeowners are always looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining a beautiful space to live. A recycled material can add a focal point to your landscape or hardscape space. The sky is the limit provided you are careful in the utilization. No one wants their yard to look like a junk yard that has old furniture or materials strewn around.

One effective way to recycle is to use pre-owned outdoor furniture or devising new uses for decorative accessories to add character and interest.  Old windows can become cold frames. Plastic water bottles can become cloches to protect seedlings from wind and cold. Old building materials can be used as screens to block neighbor views or machinery. The list goes on.

Splash of Color

One of the most important components of an effective landscape design is to have a focal point in the yard. Nothing delights the eye like an unexpected burst of color.

Whether you’re picking out tropical plants, bulbs, annuals, or perennials, this is the year to choose bold, vibrant colors in daring jewel tones to add positive energy to your landscape. Explore the seasons and keep in mind when the blossoms reach their peak. Red, orange, magenta, lime, and deep purple are expected to be big this year. You can bring in butterflies, hummingbirds or other eye catching pollinators with a splash of color as well.

Bringing the inside outside

The last two years have forced everyone into their houses and it is time to break back out into the garden and enjoy your property with those you love. Blur the lines between inside and outside by building outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and pergolas that can be curtained off to create a private room. Some outdoor living spaces even include televisions, refrigerators, and outdoor sofas. Tall shrubs can add privacy, while strings of light can add ambiance. Enjoy the cool nighttime breezes or warming sun while embracing the sounds and smells of your yard.

Ideas for Stone Wall Landscaping in 2022

Stone arch entrance wall with ivy in the garden.

Many homeowners and business use stone walls primarily for retaining walls. However, stone walls can add creative flair to any garden with the proper landscaping design, with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Thinking of adding a stone wall to your landscape? Green Leaves Landscaping has the professional team to help you get started. We’ve compiled a list of stone wall ideas you can use to elevate your lawn or garden this spring!

Natural stone wall and pink phlox. Corner detail of retaining wall layered with round boulders and rocks of different shapes and sizes, beautifully weathered.

Fieldstone Wall

This classic New England stone wall is ideal in every landscape. In general, stone walls create a barrier while looking stylish at the same time. For this type of wall, fieldstone offers a natural material for gardens. You can either dry stack the stone or use mortar. For a natural garden look, this is a classic option.

Stacked Block Wall

This stacked block wall is an excellent option for a cleaner stone wall. This wall style is uniform in shape due to concrete blocks. This wall will form a clean and established line, making it a great choice for the front of the house or courtyard.

Natural stone landscaping in front of a house

Flagstone Wall

Slimmer in look compared to its cousin, this flagstone wall is just as classic in any garden or landscape. This look is more structured than fieldstone, and it is just as charming. While stone thickness may vary, the clean, flat top of a flagstone wall adds a uniform line of view while maintaining character.

Entrance gate to a rustic, english house in the forest with stone wall and cobblestone driveway

Stone Wall Entrance

Add a stone wall entrance to your driveway for a more dramatic look! Whether you go big or small, a stone wall creates a pronounced statement that is hard to beat. Mortared stone and the right landscaping style will create a striking entry for any home or business.

worker rides a stone wall on a traditional renovation site of NOIRMOUTIER, FRANCE

Stone Wall Landscaping from Green Leaves Landscaping

If your landscape lacks structure or needs a unique facelift, contact the most trusted masonry contractor, Green Leaves Landscape. Our dedicated and experienced team will work hard to create a unique stone wall design that will add character for years to come.

Design your Stone Wall Landscaping today! Contact us today to see what we can do for your landscaping (508) 393-0005!

4 Exciting Trends in Patio Installation

A quick internet search for “patio installation” will tell you that summer and fall are the best times to get started on your patio construction. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t start designing and planning in the spring! At Green Leaves Landscape, we want to help you design your dream yard so that you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style. Outdoor gathering spaces have increased in popularity in the last few years. Here are some patio trends that we are excited to see this year.

Easy Herb Gardening

Whether you prefer to cook indoors or outdoors when it gets warm, fresh herbs are great to have on hand. Instead of edging your patio with a simple stone wall, consider turning a segment of it into an herb garden. By adding a few feet of depth to a stone wall, you can install a long planter and have fresh herbs whenever you want them. If herbs aren’t really your thing, flowers are a decorative option.

Bold Color Choices

Patios are often a single neutral color, and while there is beauty in simplicity, color is an attractive choice, too. Match or complement your home with stone in browns, grays, and reds. To add some visual pop to your patio, combine stones of different colors to make custom patterns.

Outdoor Food Prep

Whether you like to flip burgers or fix yourself a drink, you can build that space into your patio design. Outdoor entertaining spaces have always been popular in the spring and summer, but the last few years have made them a necessity. You want to chat with your guests while you cook, so why not bring the kitchen outside? Modern grills have all kinds of features. You can prepare an entire meal without setting foot indoors.

Cozy Fire Pits

While the summer is peak outdoor entertaining season, there’s no reason you can push it into the fall or start earlier in the spring. By including a fire pit in your patio installation, you can have a little outdoor climate control. Build in a warm place to set so that you can stay outside even when it’s a little chilly.

Patio Installation with Green Leaves

You have a vision for your perfect patio, and we want to design and build it with you. Even if we have to wait until the ground thaws and the weather gets drier to start your patio installation, spring is the time to decide on your design. Our hardscape and masonry experts will work with your to design your patio with all the features you’ve been dreaming about.

Are you thinking about patio installation? Contact us today at 508-393-0005 to start planning your perfect outdoor space.

Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping in February

English Calligraphy Spring Cleaning. Fir Tree Branches And Green Grass In Background. Sunny Spring Time

February isn’t just for the colder weather! Here are some Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping To-Dos for late winter.

While it may be in the single digits here in New England, the colder weather shouldn’t keep you from planning your Spring lawn maintenance and landscaping. Here at Green Leaf, we believe that a healthy lawn is a happy lawn, and that mentality shouldn’t stop in the winter. While snow removal and winter safety are obvious “dos” for February, why not plan for Spring?

February Prep

Prep in February? Why yes, there are things you can do now to ensure your lawn looks beautiful! Here’s a list of February “dos” for landscaping and lawn prep:

Lawncare

While we’re all hoping that 2022 may be different, don’t add to the stress with a last-minute seed order. Lawn maintenance prices spike in the Spring, and no one wants to deal with the stressors of another nationwide shortage. Don’t wait for the Spring flowers to pop up in your garden. February is the perfect time to stock up on grass seed and fertilizer (and maybe a new lawnmower). New England winters can be brutal, and after months of the cold, homeowners are anxious for the warmth of Spring.

Tree & Shrub Pruning

Yes, you can prune deciduous trees and dormant shrubs like holly or boxwood in February! Late winter is the perfect time to cut out any dead or crisscrossing branches. Without leaves getting in the way of your shears, there’s a better chance you’ll notice decay while cutting out the possibility of dormant disease or insects. Just be sure not to prune any coniferous trees in the Spring, and don’t prune any spring-flowering shrubs until after they’ve bloomed.

Winter Maintenance

While the Spring is still a little way off, it doesn’t hurt to take a winter walk around your property. Ice storms and Nor’easters can wreak havoc on trees, shrubs, and statuary. Cutting back and removing any fallen debris helps protect your lawn from future damage. Always keep statuary and trellises covered to protect from winter damage and erosion. And of course, any storm damage that seems unsafe to fix should always be handled by a professional.

Plan Your Lawn Maintenance Now!

The winter months are a great time to plan all your Lawn Maintenance and Landscaping projects! Be a step ahead of the rest and schedule your lawn care needs before the warm weather comes back to New England. At Green Leaves Landscaping, we are prepared to take on any of your landscaping needs.

Ready to schedule your lawn maintenance project? Contact us today at (503) 393-0005. Like our Facebook page for more!

Should You Consider a Hardscaping Project in the Winter?

Normally, late fall and winter are an off-season for lawn and garden care. However, it could be one of the best times to do a project such as hardscaping when you give thought to it. At Green Leaves Landscaping, one of the many projects that we specialize in is hardscaping. Today, our team is here to tell you why winter may be the best time to consider a hardscaping project.

What is Hardscaping?

The term hardscaping is any project involving non-plant related elements of your landscape. This would include patios, fireplaces, walkways, walls, and more. It adds a sense of utility to the outdoor spaces of your home, as well as adding beauty and value.

Can You Hardscape in the Wintertime?

Many people would say that the cold months of winter are not suitable for any type of landscaping project. Some people would claim that it just can’t be done, while others just don’t want to do the task. Choosing to do a hardscaping project in the winter would mean your landscape is more accessible and free for the project compared to the warmer months. A key factor in making sure your hardscape project goes smoothly is finding a landscaping crew that knows how to work with the elements.

The Advantage to Starting a Hardscape Project in the Winter

The bottom line of considering beginning a project in the winter is that planning ahead pays off. During winter, there is a chance of supplies and the demand for labor being less than spring and summer. In the winter, landscaping crews usually are more available, and the wait time to start a project can be shorter. This also gives your team more time to focus on your landscape to plan to complete the project instead of rushing it.

Hardscaping for Year-Round Enjoyment

The winter months are a great time to plan and complete your hardscaping projects. It gives you the ability to save time and money, letting you be ready for when the warm weather comes back to New England. At Green leaves Landscaping, we are prepared to take on any of your landscaping needs.

Ready to start your hardscaping project? Contact us today at (503) 393-0005.

What Exactly is Hardscaping?

Chances are, you’ve come head to head with the term “hardscaping” at some point or another. Unless you’re familiar with the world of landscaping and masonry, you may be left standing there scratching your head. What, exactly, is hardscaping? As a premier masonry contractor in Massachusetts, our team at Green Leaves Landscaping is here to answer your questions!

Hardscaping Defined

According to the Meriam-Webster dictionary, hardscape is a noun that described structures that are incorporated into a landscape.

These structures can range from stonewalls to walkways, seamlessly integrated water fountains that blend with the natural landscaping, or even handcrafted fireplaces that create a tranquil atmosphere for friends and family to gather together.

Hardscape vs. Softscape

As a masonry contractor, one question we often hear concerns the difference between hardscape and softscape. These two elements are the primary foundation for any landscape. Think of them as polar opposites. Hardscapes, as we briefly discussed, are tangible items in and around your yard. Often created from natural stones, bricks, and pavers, the term hardscape covers a wide range of elements.

However, softscapes are things that are growing. Whether trees, shrubs and bushes, flowers or gardens – these elements create your softscape.

Hardscape Materials

A masonry contractor is your best resource when it comes to choosing the best material for your hardscaping design. Why? Well, because there are so many materials to choose from, with each offering different benefits to your overall project. For instance, there are brick walkways and there are bluestone walkways, two very different materials. While each material offers beauty and durability, they function better in different environments.

Brick is perfect for a walkway that leads guests to and from the driveway to the front door, or from the front yard to the back. However, bluestone requires a bit more maintenance and can be prone to staining, so it may not be the ideal solution for high-traffic areas.

Masonry Contractor Projects

Including almost any type of decorative or practical structure in your landscape, hardscapes cover a wide range of exterior projects. Here are just a few:

  • Retaining stone walls
  • Brick walkways
  • Bluestone patios
  • Paver walkways
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Outdoor natural stone kitchens

If your yard is asking for a facelift this upcoming spring and summer season, contact the most trusted masonry contractor in Massachusetts, Green Leaves Landscape. Our dedicated and experienced team will take the time to understand your visions to create a unique hardscaping design that will leave your neighbors in awe.

Contact us today to see what we can do for your landscaping (508) 393-0005!

How Your Masonry Contractor Is Keeping the Outdoor Season Going

While many people are pumped thinking about the upcoming winter seasons, others are missing the warm days of summer. Whichever side of the fence you stand, your trusted masonry contractor can keep your outdoor season going – just the way you like it.

By customizing an outdoor fireplace fit for your needs and requirements, you will have the perfect gathering spot for family, friends, and those nights that you feel like staying in and cozying up with that someone special! Here’s a closer look at a few of our favorite designs here at Green Leaves Landscape.

Everyone needs a firepit in their life.

As a top masonry contractor in Massachusetts, our team at Green Leaves Landscape can say one thing is for sure – outdoor fireplaces are worth the investment! With fully customizable designs and layouts, this element is perfect for any space and any budget. Stone fireplaces, in particular, provide a durable, inviting, and unique outdoor atmosphere perfect for year-round use. From summer gatherings to the winter months, the ambiance is truly unmatched.

Let’s talk about stone for a moment.

As mentioned, natural stone provides endless options. The hardest part is choosing which stone is best for your needs. To begin, we always recommend our customers consider their budget and the overall aesthetic they’re hoping to obtain. Once these two factors are settled, the stone selection process becomes much easier.

Some of the most common choices include pavers and granite. However, if layering your fire pit, you can utilize a fire-resistant material on the inner lining to allow use of a less resistant material on the outer layer. For example, fire brick is ideal for the inner circumference of a pit, while traditional brick is best suited for the outer layer.

Now, it’s time to find the best masonry contractor in the region.

Whether you research and plan your new outdoor space on your own or with professional help, the time will come that calling in a masonry expert is a necessity. Be sure to check out our previous article highlighting four questions to ask before signing the contract!

Or, you can keep things simple and give the professionals at Green Leaves Landscape a call! Our team is happy to consult and recommend the best design for your desired goals. Give us a call today at (508) 393-0005 and start your winter season off on the right foot! Or left, whichever you prefer!

Retaining Walls: Which Material Is Best For Your Project?

Natural stone landscaping in home garden

As the number one masonry company in Massachusetts, our experts at Green Leaves Landscape are often called in about retaining walls. As one of the best elements to turn unusable land into a usable landscape, retaining walls come with options. Before jumping into your project, knowing these options and understanding the benefits is crucial. Here, we are taking a look at a few of the top requested materials and why they are appealing.

Fieldstone

From garden features to walkways, fieldstone is also an extremely popular choice for retaining walls. The varying size and textures make for one of the most unique, one of a kind results. Besides the originality, fieldstone walls can last an upwards of 100 years with proper installation, care and maintenance.

Cobblestone

As a timeless classic, cobblestone is often associated with roads and walkways. However, cobblestone is also an excellent choice for stone walls. This natural material provides a historic feeling and some of the most versatile color variations available.

Pavers

From classic to modern, let’s talk pavers. Like many options, pavers come in a variety of styles, making them one of the most versatile options for nearly any masonry company to work with. Made from a combination of concrete, this material is moldable to almost any pattern and size. Furthermore, pavers provide excellent drainage, slip-resistance and offer a relatively easy install to keep your costs lower.

When it comes to building a new retaining wall, finding an experienced masonry company is a must. At Green Leaves Landscape, our professionals provide decades of expertise to ensure your project delivers the ultimate, most durable, and visually appealing result. Whether paver or fieldstone, we can help.

Contact Green Leaves Landscape today to schedule your consultation. Our team is happy to discuss the many options that may work best for your needs and requirements. Call us today at (508) 393-0005 to learn more.