April 2018 – Green Leaf Landscaping

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Choosing a rock-solid hardscaping company

Choosing the right landscaping company for any hardscaping project can be very confusing. There’s online reviews, Google search, and advertising. But how can you tell the genuine and reliable companies from the less reputable options? Here are a few tips for finding the company that will make your vision for an outdoor living space a reality:

Read online reviews: Using trusted review sites can help give you an idea of exactly what you’re going to get when it comes to finding a provider
Ask for references and contact at least three of the options you get. If you don’t get a glowing review from everyone you reach don’t proceed with that vendor.
Hire an expert. Hardscaping is a broad area with lots of different specialties. Make sure the team you hire has proven examples of the project you want done.
If the cost seems too good to be true…it usually is. Ask for estimates. Compare at least three. Costs can range wildly: But have a budget in mind and discuss it with your hardscaper. You want to choose a company that offers quality services at affordable rates. And don’t be tempted to cut corners on material costs. Remember you want your hardscaping to last for the long hall.
Choose a local team. They know all about your town’s building codes, and how to build a beautiful hardscape for your particular area with materials that work best in your region. Plus you’ll save money on transportation costs.

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Make sure you’re set for the season

Recent New England winters have become famous for their temperature fluctuations – but it’s still good to have your outdoor space set for whatever Mother Nature brings our way. Here are some tips:

1) Yard clean up — allowing leaves and yard waste to sit on lawns and flowerbeds inhibits spring growth and can allow disease to take hold. It’s time to get your yard pristine for the dormant season. Plus, with unwanted critters looking for winter nests, you need to keep the leaf piles to a minimum. Store yard furniture under cover or in the garage so your space is free for snow and ice removal.

2) Tree and shrub pruning — Trees and shrubs represent a big financial investment. Protect that investment with regular maintenance. Broken or damaged branches are an obvious place to start, but trees require pruning every 1-2 years for proper structure and growth. And if your tree is within 10 feet of utility lines it absolutely needs to be pruned regularly.

3) Winter lawn care — Yes, lawns are dormant right now, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t benefit from some TLC. Keeping your lawn free from leaves and other yard debris discourages disease and pests when the weather starts to warm. And less lawn debris keeps the grass dryer and prevents snow mold build-up. Plus some types of weeds: chickweed, henbit, and shepherd’s purse, actually thrive in the cold and begin their germination in early winter.

4) Protect plants & evergreens — Want your evergreens to stay greener all year round? You need to protect them from New England’s harsh winds and colder temperatures. If you have flower or vegetable beds protect the topsoil with mulch. Consider covering plants in high road salt spray areas with burlap.

5) Check all sprinkler systems are winterized — sprinkler heads and irrigation lines can freeze and burst if they aren’t winterized.

6) Gutter cleaning and pressure washing — Our homes took a beating this summer. Gutters and siding need regular cleaning to prevent mold and mildew. Plus, freezing winter months can turn debris into ice dams so act now to avoid costly repairs in the future.

7) Celebrate the season — chase away the winter chill with holiday lights and festive garlands. Hanging lights throughout your garden turns bare, leafless trees into magical wonders you can enjoy all year. Make sure you get help hanging anything on the higher branches.

Tips for building your dream outdoor living space

1) Ask questions

When you look at the green space you want to transform ask “what do I want from this space” — to entertain, relax, let kids and pets play freely, grow fruit or vegetables, or host cozy gatherings…a green space can do many things, but it helps to prioritize. What’s the primary use and what’s a “nice to have”?

2) Talk to friends, neighbors, and the pros

Ask friends or neighbors about outdoor spaces you admire. Talk about the process, how their plans evolved as they built. Don’t be afraid to ask about what they’d do differently. Then talk to the National Remodeling Industry Association in your area for do’s and don’ts. Remember, building an outdoor greenspace is just like renovating a space in your house —it should include planning and might require town permits.

3) Create an idea board

Outdoor living spaces come in all shapes and sizes. Before you finalize your plans, it helps to know exactly what you want — not just how the space will be used, but what style you want. Think English country garden vs modern minimalist. Do some research online and save images of green spaces you like. Social media is a great place to brainstorm and create a Pinterest board.

4) Set a budget

Finalizing your budget will keep your project on track. The last two years have seen prices go up. So, when you talk to friends or neighbors about recent projects ask them about their final cost. You’ll find the estimate and the final total may vairy based on how the project evolved during the build. Remember a change in the original design or a problem uncovered means a change in price. Allow a 15% to 20% buffer (over and above your budget) just in case of hick-ups. And don’t be tempted to use a lowball price as it will probably involve cutting corners or worse.

5) Work with a professional

You’ve got your vision and a rough budget, now you can talk to a professional landscape contractor.

Here are some questions you’ll want to ask before hiring:

• Have they completed a project like yours—size and budget?

• References— can you talk to previous clients or suppliers?

• How long have they been in business?

• Discuss contract details, including: payment schedule; proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation payments; a start date and projected completion date. Good contracts insure no misunderstandings.

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Transforming Spaces: Before and After Pool & Patio Makeovers

In the realm of landscaping, transforming outdoor living areas into beautiful, functional spaces is an art. Today, we dive into the world of pool and patio makeovers, showcasing our approach to planning, executing, and delivering breathtaking transformations that adhere strictly to timelines and budgets.

Planning: The Blueprint of Success

Every stunning makeover begins with meticulous planning. Understanding the client’s vision is paramount. We start with an in-depth consultation to capture your dreams for the outdoor space – whether it’s a serene poolside retreat for relaxation or a chic patio for entertaining. Armed with your vision, our design team drafts a comprehensive plan, incorporating aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

Key to our planning process is the integration of your existing landscape and architecture. We aim to enhance not just the pool or patio but to ensure it harmonizes with the surrounding environment. From selecting materials that complement your home’s exterior to choosing plants that will flourish in your garden, every detail is considered.

Execution: Swift and Seamless

Recognizing the inconvenience construction can bring to daily life, our team is committed to efficiency. We coordinate every phase of the construction process to minimize disruption. Our seasoned project managers ensure that each task is executed swiftly, without compromising on quality. From excavation to laying down the last paver, our experienced crews work diligently, keeping the worksite orderly and safe.

Our commitment to staying on schedule is matched by our dedication to quality. We employ the latest techniques and materials to ensure your pool and patio not only look stunning but are built to last. Regular updates and clear communication keep you informed and involved at every stage, providing peace of mind.

Budget: Predictable and Transparent

Financial predictability is crucial. Our initial planning phase includes a detailed budget, outlining all costs upfront. This transparency ensures there are no surprises. We work hard to maximize value, selecting materials and designs that meet your budget without sacrificing aesthetics or quality.

Our on-budget promise is supported by rigorous project management. We monitor expenses closely, making adjustments as needed to stay within your financial plan. Our clients appreciate this financial integrity, knowing their investment is managed wisely.

Before and After: The Magic Unveiled

The true testament to our process is in the transformation. Before-and-after photos of our projects tell a story of spaces reborn. A once underutilized yard becomes a vibrant poolside oasis, inviting relaxation under the sun. A bland patio transforms into a lively outdoor living room, perfect for gatherings under the stars.

These makeovers are not just about enhancing beauty; they’re about creating spaces that resonate with our clients’ lifestyles. The joy of a family enjoying their new pool or the pride of homeowners entertaining friends on their renovated patio is our ultimate reward.

In Conclusion

At [Your Company], we understand that a pool and patio makeover is more than a construction project; it’s a dream being realized. Our approach to planning, executing, and managing budgets is designed to bring your vision to life with minimal stress and maximum satisfaction. Let us transform your outdoor space into a place of beauty, relaxation, and joy, proving that with the right partner, your dream landscape is within reach.