It’s Time For Fall Lawn Maintenance

bright fun autumn. girl and dog Corgi lie on a plaid on the lawn and read books

Now that it’s September, it’s time to start thinking about your fall lawn maintenance plan! The key to a green, healthy lawn doesn’t end after the summer season. To survive the harsh New England winters, your lawn needs a little bit of TLC!

Green Leaves Landscaping can help you with all of the lawn landscaping projects you need to take care of before the first snow, like leaf cleanup and fertilization. Here are the top care tips to guarantee your lawn will flourish next spring.

Fall Cleanup

As life get’s busy, cleaning up leaves and branches from the fall season can get put on the back burner. While it’s not quite the leaf-peeping season yet, there’s nothing wrong with planning ahead. Green Leaves Landscaping is here to help you make sure your lawn is ready for whatever the winter season plans to throw at it, which includes cleaning up piles of leaves for you. Leaving debris on your lawn throughout the winter can damage your lawn once the ice and snow begin to melt. It can lead to dead spots and poor grass growth.

Fertilization & Aeration

Most people have heard about fertilization, obviously. It’s an important part of keeping your lawn green, thick, and free of disease. But have you ever considered aerating your lawn? Aeration is the process of perforating your lawn with many small holes. This way, water, air, and the necessary nutrients can seep into the soil and penetrate the grass roots directly. Consequently, the roots can grow deeper, strengthening the lawn.

If your lawn is frequently used, it’s likely ready for aeration this fall season. Heavy use can compact the soil, especially after months of play and outdoor activities! So, the beginning of the fall season is perfect for aeration when the weather is cooler. To top it off, fertilizing afterward will promote healthy grass growth in the spring.

Fall Lawn Maintenance

If you haven’t figured it out yet, fall lawn maintenance is imperative to the upkeep of your hard-earned lawn. By making sure your backyard is ready to go in the fall, you’re already a step ahead of the game for the spring season!

We can take out the hard work for you. To set up your lawn maintenance appointment, visit our website or give Green Leaves Landscaping a call at (508) 393-0005.

The 3 Best Late Summer Lawn Maintenance Tips

During the late summer season, lawn maintenance is more critical than ever. Proper care and practice will help maintain or revive your lawn. Now that it’s August, the shorter days and cooler nights mean that it’s the perfect time to reinvigorate the lush grass your home deserves. Green Leaves Landscape can help maintain your lawn, so it’s ready to make last through the cool, fall weather! Thus, let’s hop into common late summer lawn maintenance tips from the experts!

Lawn Aeration

Core aeration is one of the easiest ways to revitalize your lawn. After a summer of fun and lots of foot traffic, the soil can become compacted. When this happens, water and essential nutrients the grass needs to grow don’t reach the earth. Thus, it results in low-quality grass. But, aeration can fix this issue! During the core process, small plugs of soil are removed. Therefore, moisture and minerals can start to move throughout the ground easier!

Hand planting grass seed for overseeding green lawn care

Overseeding

Are you finding patches of thin or stressed grass? It might be time for late-season overseeding. Late summer and early fall are ideal for establishing the base for overseeding a thin and damaged lawn. But what does overseeding accomplish? The extra seed will help increase the density of the grass and help the lawn fight back against erosion, damage, and disease. Plus, when overseeding is done in conjunction with aeration, it will have incredible results!

Fertilizing plants, lawns, trees and flowers. Gardener in gloves holds white fertilizer balls on background of green grass

Fertilization

One of the key late summer lawn maintenance chores is the last round of fertilization. Spreading a good fertilizer over the grassy terrain before the cold sets in prepares it for spring! Some of the most common benefits from late-season fertilizer are allowing nutrients to be store over the winter, encouraging a healthy root system, and providing hardiness against the cold weather.

Green Leaves Landscape Lawn Maintenance

Just because it’s technically not fall yet, doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for the change of seasons! Doesn’t it feel like everyone dreams of having a beautiful, green lawn? But lawns cannot grow like that with just water and mowing! With aeration, de-thatching, overseeding, and fertilizing with proper nutrients during the last of the growing season will guarantee your lawn will hold that green from spring to fall, surviving the worst that winter can throw at it.

For more information or to make an appointment for Green Leaves Landscape to help you take care of your lawn, call us at (508) 393-0005.

Top Five Perennials For Landscapers in Hudson

Young female planting flower in garden,aerial view

Are you serious about upgrading your curb appeal but don’t want to deal with the upkeep and maintenance because life is too busy sometimes? We understand. The crew at Green Leaves Landscape are the number one landscapers in Hudson, NH. So, if you’re in search of fuss-free flowers and plant bed upgrades, you know who to call. Let’s hop into the top flowers and shrubs for low-maintenance alternatives in your home garden.

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

The Foamflower is native to Eastern forests and woodlands. Plus, it’s one of the best shade perennials that also happens to be deer resistant. That means Foamflower won’t be the deer’s first choice, and your garden will stay growing beautifully! These flowers are perfect for shady areas near trees or around the home.

Monarch butterfly

Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

This rare species of flower is native to open and sandy areas across the East. Butterfly Milkweed is a gorgeous perennial plant that is perfect for well-draining soil areas. Furthermore, the spring orange blooms offer butterflies and other pollinators a delicious sweet meal.

Carpet Bugle (Ajuga)

Also known as Bugleweed or Carpet Bugle, the Ajuga plant is a ground-covering perennial perfect for low-traffic ground cover. Due to its small structure, it’s easy to grow. In addition, it prevents the growth of weeds because the plants grow in dense colonies. Plus, it can handle various levels of the sun, making it ideal for all areas around the home.

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans are one of the most popular wildflowers grown in North America. These tough perennial plants are known for their bright yellow petals are dark brown centers. Furthermore, they attract butterflies, bees, and other nectar-loving creatures. But, they can squash out other plants, so it’s best to keep them in a dedicated section.

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

Despite its strange yet beautiful flowering bloom, the Bleeding Heart plant is surprisingly tough. This flower loves shady or full-shade areas and blooms only once a year. But, the flowers last for a few weeks before waiting until the following season.

Landscapers in Hudson – Green Leaves Landscape

From a beautifully manicured lawn to a new planting bed, the landscapers in Hudson at Green Leaves Landscapes are capable of it all. We can take out the hard work for you while keeping your planting beds neat and vibrant all season long. For more information give us a call at (508) 393-0005.

The Top Four Summer Hardscaping Trends

Natural stone landscaping in home garden with stairs

Warm summer weather is here! Are you ready to take advantage of your outdoor space and spruce it up? There’s no time like the present to have the backyard oasis of your dreams finally. As a matter of fact, hardscaping your yard can elevate the space with new and unique elements that totally change the feel of your home. At Green Leaves Landscape, we can help you conceptualize the design and aesthetics of your hardscaping ideas. Here are a few ideas to help you imagine the backyard of your dreams!

Stairs & Walkways

There are so many different ways to incorporate stairs and walkways into your landscape and hardscape design. Furthermore, you can improve the look and feel of an area by choosing a complementary stone and rock design. There are many options to create a natural stone or a paved look around your home.

Stone Walls

If you’re looking for a retaining or freestanding wall around your home, Green Leaves has your back. Walls are a simple way to elevate your home’s appearance through hardscaping. Equally important, you can use walls to add more finishing touches, such as ambient lighting for safety and style.

Fire Pits

Custom fire pits? Count us in! Stunning features such as BBQ Islands, Outdoor Kitchens, Fire Pits, or an Outdoor Fireplace are a superb way to create a functional outdoor space that also looks great. There are nearly endless options for custom fire pits. For example, you can create deep hearths or elevated rings to enjoy those gorgeous summer evenings.

Patio

Patios might be the most popular choice in hardscape design. But, just because they’re a typical home addition doesn’t mean a patio has to be boring or basic. In other words, you can customize and make a patio unique and your own through shape, size, layout, and material choice.

Hardscaping from Green Leaves

Here at Green Leaves Landscaping, we understand how important and unique your Massachusetts backyard is. Our teams are highly skilled and pride themselves on transforming your backyard into your vision through hardscaping and landscaping design. For more information or if you would like a consultation on how hardscaping can transform your home, give us a call at (508) 393-0005.

6 Tips For Spring Lawn Maintenance

The time has come to pull out the rakes and fertilizer! Sometimes dreaded but extremely important, spring lawn maintenance sets your lawn up for a successful season. However, all too often homeowners don’t know how to go about handling the necessary tasks or even when to begin them. Here, the experts from Green Leaves Landscape provide six tips for success this spring!

Dethatching

Often referred to as raking, dethatching is one of the first steps in spring lawn maintenance. This step loosens packed, matted down grass as well as removes any dead blades. Without this step, new grass is prevented from sprouting and fungus growth is encouraged.

Prune and hedge

Cleaning up your yard means more than raking. Spring lawn care also involves trimming back damaged or dead branches, removing plants that didn’t survive the winter, and cleaning up any other debris around the lawn.

Aeration

Like the grass, your soil also compacts during the winter. Aeration helps to reverse the damage by allowing air, moisture, and nutrients to penetrate the ground’s surface.

Fertilize

Speaking of nutrients – spring fertilizer is a must! However, you want to be careful not to fertilize too early in the season as it could harm vulnerable grass. Instead, wait until late spring to apply the first application.

Weed control

Another high-priority during the spring is weeding. By attacking them early in the season, you can help prevent an influx of weeds once the hot summer arrives. Talk to your local professionals about options that work best for your home.

Reseed

Unfortunately, bare spots happen. If you happen to have a few, skip over the weed control and fertilizers for now. Instead, you want to put down some grass seed. Be sure to provide the TLC new grass needs so you won’t be reseeding again in the fall!

When it comes to lawn maintenance, spring is one of the most important times of the year. Without the proper steps, you may be setting your lawn up for failure. If you don’t have the time, or the tasks seem too daunting, it’s time to give Green Leaves Landscape a call.

To schedule your consultation or to receive a free quote, please contact our team by calling (508) 393-0005.

Stone Wall Landscaping: We’re Thinking Spring

Here in New England, winter has arrived. Long cold nights and short days have our team at Green Leaves Landscaping dreaming about spring. Heading back outdoors for spring cleanup opens the doors for a beautiful and enjoyable summer landscape. However, landscape isn’t just about the yard and the trees. Stone wall landscaping is an element in high demand that adds tons of visual interest to any yard.

Here, we’re taking a look at a few different stone wall landscapes that are sure to add curb appeal.

Backyard stone wall landscaping

Not all plants thrive in a stone wall, so understanding different varieties is important. For instance, if you’re going for a backyard, blended look and feel, you may want to consider a creeping vine. Some like wooly creeping thyme, phlox, trumpet vines, or clematis may be the solution you’re looking for. Each of these plants offers a unique look and feel, some with flowers, others without.

No matter what you chose, a creeping vine will quickly create a waterfall effect. It’s imperative to research your plant beforehand as some species grow quickly and may provide more coverage than you bargained for.

Walkways

Another common area for stone walls is walkways. Guiding your guests to and from your driveway to the front door, or perhaps the backyard, these walls can add elegance while serving a purpose. Here, you’ll want to consider trimmable shrubs or flowers that are compact. The last thing you or your guests want is to feel like you’re tangled in a jungle when trying to arrive at the front door.

Front yard landscaping

Similar to walkways, stone walls along your front landscape can be used for various reasons. From providing visual interest to creating a flat surface on an otherwise sloped landscape, these walls are often front and center. Because of that, you want to be sure that your landscape is on par.

While there is no right and wrong, you want to consider the same concerns addressed in walkway walls. However, every home and every landscape is different. So, what works for one may not necessarily work for another.

For more expert advice on stone wall landscape, contact Green Leaves Landscape. As experts in the industry, our team will take the time to meet with you and discuss all options. Whatever path you choose, we’ll help create a landscape that functions while creating curb appeal.

To schedule your consultation, contact us today at (508) 393-0005.

4 Questions to Ask Your Masonry Contractor

There are several reasons that you may be considering hiring a masonry contractor. From patio installation to retaining walls, a masonry contractor should be qualified in various areas of brick and stonework. However, having peace of mind that your project is in the best hands means knowing what questions to ask.

In this article, we’re presenting you with a few questions that every contractor you’re considering hiring should be asked.

Are you licensed, certified, and insured?

Before you even begin conversations with a contractor, the number one priority is to determine whether or not they are insured. A company that is insured and licensed is worth going forward with. If not, they are not only putting their company at risk but potentially your property as well.

Can you provide references and a portfolio?

Another crucial aspect to finding the right masonry contractor is research. Ask for references and follow up. Although there are several online resources, an old fashioned one on one conversation will sometimes open your eyes to who you’re considering dealing with.

Furthermore, having access to a portfolio of work provides peace of mind. If you’re considering patio installation, seeing the contractor’s work will give you a solid idea of what they can (and can not) handle.

What is your process?

Knowing what to expect when the work begins is just as important as knowing who you’re hiring. A reputable company will have a defined workflow with timing expectations. You should also be in the know-how potential speed bumps are handled and payment schedule.

Do you offer warranties on your work?

Finally, but certainly no less important is understanding your protection. While most companies offer warranties on their work, you may be surprised to find that many do not. Even if for a small period of time, a guarantee on work provides insight to what level of craftsmanship you can expect.

If you’re in the market for an expert masonry contractor that brings peace of mind, it’s time to call the team at Green Leaves Landscaping. Our highly qualified team has the experience and expertise to handle even the toughest projects. We offer customized solutions to ensure your expectations are met and often exceed.

To schedule your on-site consultation, contact Green Leaves Landscaping today by calling (508) 393-0005.

Fall Hardscaping Ideas To Extend Outdoor Living

While many people hate the thought of winter, hardscaping elements may be the solution you need to change your way of thinking! During the warmer seasons, outdoor living is at its height in New England. From backyard barbeques to nights spent around the fire, the days are long and spirits high. However, with the right additions to your home, you can continue these beloved traditions deep into the winter months.

In this article, we’re providing you two hardscaping elements that every home should consider!

Upgraded Firepits

The air is cool, and before we know it, the snow will be falling in New England. However, with the addition of or upgrade to your existing fire pit or fireplace, you can enjoy the outdoors longer! Firepits are a hardscaping element that provides chilly fall nights and all day winter warmth while adding a stylish touch to your outdoor living area.

Depending on the given space, you may even consider an outdoor fireplace. Perfect for entertaining, spending quality time with the family, and increasing your home’s value, fireplaces are win every time. Besides, with an endless amount of materials to choose from, you can have peace of mind that this element will fit seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of your home.

Patio Installation

Whether you’ve been contemplating installing a new patio or upgrading the existing one, now is the time to do so. With long winters ahead, ensuring your patio is in tip-top shape will ensure it stands up to the harshest elements. Like fireplaces and firepits, there is an abundance of materials to select between ensuring your patio brings flair to your home. Whether bluestone or traditional pavers, installing a patio provides endless hours of outdoor enjoyment.

If hardscaping is in the near future for your home, consider calling the experts at Green Leaves Landscaping. Our team has the experience and expertise to custom design the outdoor living space of your dreams. Whether fire pit or patio, or perhaps both, you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t call us sooner!

For more information on custom hardscaping design and installation from Green Leaves Landscaping, contact the team today by calling (508) 393-0005.

Fall Landscaping in Northborough MA

It’s the time of year when homeowners are preparing to say goodbye to their lush green lawns. With fall right around the corner, landscaping in Northborough, MA, and surrounding communities are beginning to prepare for the cold weather. Although it’s tempting to let things go, following the helpful tips in this article will ensure an excellent spring season.

Don’t give up on mowing

Cutting your lawn short in the fall is imperative for a few reasons. First, shorter blades of grass will hold onto less snow, lessening the chances of mold and fungus growth. Secondly, come spring when the snow melts away, a shorter blade won’t create patches.

Often, grass that is left too long in the fall will fold over and suffocate the new spring grass. If this happens, you’ll be facing bald or dead spots in your lawn once all of the snow has melted away.

Fall is the best time for aeration

If you’re not familiar with aerating your lawn, it’s easier than most think. With multiple available methods, aeration is the act of making holes in your yard. Not huge holes that are distracting, but multiple small holes that allow air to enter the soil and revive natural nutrients. At minimum, you should be aerating at least once a year, and fall is the perfect time.

And fertilizer

Once aerated, your soil and grass will thank you after a hefty dose of nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Helping to rebalance levels in your soil, fertilizer also establishes roots for the upcoming freeze of winter.

Reseed where needed

Fall is also the perfect time to reseed any spots in your yard that are thinning, may have burnt, or been dug up for one reason or another. Whether it’s a small spot or your whole yard, the cooler, and generally damp, fall air provides the perfect growing environment.

However, you’ll want to reseed early in the seed to ensure enough time for seeds to establish.

Water and rake

Although tempting, your lawn still needs water. You don’t have to water your lawn as much, but an occasional watering will ensure all of your hard work remains healthy. That said, it’s also important to remove dead leaves that will hold onto moisture and create rot. Whether raking or chipping up leaves, you want to be sure there are no piles left before the snow arrives.

With these helpful lawn care tips, your Northborough, MA landscaping will provide an ideal spring season. However, if time is short, we’re here to help! For more information on the landscaping services provides by Green Leaves Landscaping, contact our team today at (508) 393-0005.

Patio Installation: Which Material is Right For You?

With the summer underway, many families are headed outdoors. From backyard barbeques with friends and family to quiet afternoons enjoying the sun, your outdoor living space effects the vibe. Consider this, it’s a beautiful day and you grab a book to enjoy some quiet time outdoors. However, as you emerge from the house, you’re greeted by an overgrown landscape that is anything but aesthetically pleasing. One of the best ways to tame the beast is with patio installation.

The addition of a patio not only cleans up an unruly area, but it adds the perfect space for outdoor living. No matter what the overall feel of your home may be, patios are available in a wide range of materials perfectly suited for almost any landscape. In this article, we’re taking a look at a few of the most common patio building materials and the benefits that the material provides.

Brick

Possibly one of the most classic materials used for patio installation is brick, and for good reason. For centuries, people have utilized brick for a variety of masonry projects due to its durability and weather-resistant properties. Seamlessly fitting into any aesthetic, brick radiates class with its unique offerings of laying techniques.

Bluestone

Although brick provides homeowners with several desirable features, some look for a more modernized look and feel. If that description applies to you, then consider bluestone for your patio installation. Recognized for the blueish-gray hue, bluestone the neutral tones make bluestone ideal for patios, walkways, and pool areas. With natural slip-resistance and high density levels, this option leaves little room for concern and maintenance.

Pavers

Made from a wide range of materials, patio pavers are quickly becoming one of the most requested materials. The popularity of pavers could be, in part, due to the fact that they’re so easy to work with. Furthermore, pavers have the ability to be laid in a variety of unique patterns similar to brick.

Concrete

Depending on the area at hand, poured concrete or concrete pavers are also a fantastic patio option. Beyond being one of the most cost-effective patio installation materials, concrete also provides some of the greatest durability. However, proper installation is a must to avoid cracking during the freeze-thaw cycle of a concrete patio.

For more information on patio installation at your home or business, contact our team at Green Leaves Landscaping today. As experts in the industry, our team of professionals will work with you to determine which material is best for your needs, requirements, and current landscape situation!

Call us today to schedule your consultation at (508) 393-0005.