Snowfall or shine: The benefits of artificial grass in winter

Winters pose a significant challenge for natural grass, but not artificial grass. Homeowners have to deal with several things, such as dead grass, damage done by ice and maintenance during winters. However, artificial does not require much maintenance throughout the year and, therefore, can be perfect for your lawn. You don’t need to mow, water or fertilize synthetic turf, so you can enjoy winter with your family and friends without worrying about its maintenance. Here is a quick comparison between natural and synthetic turf that will help you understand the advantages of artificial grass.

 

Artificial Grass landscaping

Natural grass versus artificial grass in the winter

Natural grass may or may not die in winter, depending on how extreme they are. You are required to fertilize the turf in the winter to prepare it for the spring. In addition, you need to put in chemicals and fertilizers throughout the year to keep it lush green and healthy. Moreover, you need to pull off the weeds from the grass. Lastly, you need to mow your lawn before the snowfall and after the snowfall. Also, natural grass becomes stiff in snow or frost, and it can break if you or your loved one step on it. However, artificial grass is low maintenance and does not lose colour or become rigid in winter. This is because artificial grass has an efficient draining system which quickly removes the water from melting snow or ice.

 

Why artificial grass?

Artificial grass does need much maintenance as compared to natural grass. So, you don’t need to mow, fertilize or water the grass, which is particularly challenging in the winter. Also, natural grass becomes muddy or patchy in cold weather, which is not the case with artificial grass. Therefore, they maintain their lush green appearance throughout the year, irrespective of any season or weather. Moreover, by the time winter ends, natural grass loses its colour (many times). But superior quality artificial grass does not become bleak and strongly copes with frost, rain and snow. A landscaper in newbury can assist you in the installation of the artificial grass at home.

 

Tips for maintaining artificial grass

Artificial grass is much easier to maintain than natural grass, but still, you need to do a few things to keep it in good condition and enhance its life. 

 

1. Brush the artificial grass to keep its blades robust and upright.

2. Clean any stain from the synthetic grass before it freezes in the cold winter.

3. Clean any leaves and debris from the artificial grass using a leaf blower. Also, regularly trim overhanging trees and back hedges.

4. Avoid heavy foot traffic on frozen artificial grass as it can damage the grass. Use a plastic shovel to clear the snow from the artificial grass, but be gentle while doing this.

5. Get your artificial grass inspected before and after winter by a professional landscaper in reading to ensure your turf longevity.

6. Don’t place heavy objects on the grass for extended periods, especially during the winter.

 

Conclusion

Artificial grass is an investment that will offer you long-term benefits and add value to your outdoor space. So, this winter, think about upgrading to artificial grass and enjoy outdoor activities with your near and dear ones.

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10 landscaping tips to increase your home value

Landscaping significantly contributes to increasing the value of a house or property. Experts say a well-maintained landscape can help sellers gain 5 to 10% more of their house value. Here are some landscaping tips that can help increase the value of your house.

landscaper in Newbury

Take care of the curb appeal

You need to keep your exterior, including your yard, clean and well-maintained because it's the first thing potential buyers see. Ideally, you should start cleaning your yard a month before you show your house to buyers. This will give you enough time to clean your yard and invest in the necessary things to increase the curb appeal of your yard. Here are some easy landscaping improvements to sell your home quickly.

 

Plant trees

Trees offer several benefits that help elevate the value of a property, from improving air quality to providing privacy. They can also help lower energy bills if placed at strategic locations. But before you plant trees in your yard, take time to choose a tree that is easy to maintain (generates less mess) and consider things such as where it should be planted and how tall the tree grows so they don’t end up hitting your house walls, windows and doors. If it seems difficult to you, consider taking the help of a landscaper in reading. They have extensive knowledge of plants/trees, proper placement of plants and many more things.

 

Enhance your walkway

Walkways and entrances can create a lovely impression on buyers, so take some time to make them picture-perfect. Planting beautiful flowers on the sides of walkways and keeping them illuminated can help create a good ambience for your house. Also, you don’t need to invest in expensive flowers- simple flowers can do the magic.

 

Invest in a well-maintained garden

One should not underestimate the power of a well-maintained garden, as it helps create a big impact on visitors. Sellers should very least mow their lawn, prune trees, remove weeds and plant beautiful seasonal flowers in their yard. And the best thing about lawn maintenance is that it is budget-friendly.

 

Integrate a water feature

A water feature, such as a pond, waterfall, or fountain, can help create a calming and serene ambience at home. But ensure it does not need much maintenance; otherwise, it will be more of a headache. Also, keep one type of water feature in mind- a pool which requires maintenance can make it harder for you to sell your home.

 

Install landscape lighting

Lighting provides an excellent way to increase safety, security and curb appeal. So, invest in a fixture that improves the look of your house and illuminates areas such as entrances, garages, side doors, etc. You can invest in inexpensive LED landscape lighting to draw the attention of visitors and increase your house's worth. A landscaper in Newbury can help you decide on the best lights for your home after considering factors such as the architectural style of your home and many more things.

 

Add an outdoor kitchen

The popularity of outdoor kitchens has been growing, and building one can help you get the desired home price. You can consider adding features in the kitchen, such as a built-in barbecue, oven smoker, etc. Experts say an outdoor kitchen can be highly appealing for those buyers who love cooking and spending time with friends and family.

 

Install an irrigation system

Most people enjoy admiring beautiful landscapes, but few enjoy watering, which is necessary to make it appear lush and green. This is where an irrigation system can be a good add-on for your property. It will help you with watering when you are busy. Similarly, it will help potential buyers- when they are too tired or busy to water plants. So, consider investing in an automatic irrigation system that water plants when needed. It will also help reduce water bills, which can serve as an appealing selling point for potential buyers.

 

Add mulch

This is one of the easiest and most inexpensive methods to give your dull landscape a new and fresh look. Along with enhancing your landscape look, it will help reduce evaporation, prevent weed growth and provide numerous benefits to the health of the soil and plants.

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Consider eco-friendly landscaping

There is an enormous demand for plants that require less water, care and maintenance. As these plants require less water, they have gained a lot of attraction. By planting native plants that adapt to the local environment, one can save money on water bills.

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7 Eco-Friendly Tips To Transform Your Garden And Outdoor Space

Everyone wants a garden that produces less waste, requires less or no chemicals and costs less. In other words, we all want a sustainable garden that helps us save our hard-earned money and the environment. Below, we have given some tips to help you make an eco-friendly garden.

Landscaping of gardens and outdoor space in Newbury

1. Go for companion planting

Companion planting is the planting in which complementary plants are grown near plants. These plants benefit each other by conserving water, repelling insects, attracting beneficial insects, etc. Some plants that you can grow together are as follows.

· Cabbage with potato, beetroot and oregano

· Cauliflower with beans and marigold

· Corn with beans, cucumber, melon, and pumpkin

· Melon with radish and corn

· Potato with bean, corn and cabbage

· Spinach with eggplant and cauliflower

You can pick a variety of plant combinations according to your soil type and climatic conditions. Companion planting also requires a lot of planning according to seasons, and a Landscaper in Reading can provide you valuable assistance in this regard. 

2. Attract beneficial insects

Certain plants can help you lure a flock of beneficial bugs to your garden. They will eat other insects which harm other plants. Some insects that are beneficial for plants are as follows.

· Ladybugs are good for mites, white flies and small caterpillars.

· Lacewings are good for aphids and mites.

Some herbs that can help lure beneficial insects to your garden are lemon balm, coriander, lavender and many more. So, if you have space, you can include all these plants in your garden.

3. Use compost

Compost helps you divert your home waste from getting collected in landfills and polluting air, water and soil. It helps improve the health of the soil, retain moisture, attract beneficial organisms and do several other things. Also, it is easy to make compost at home by digging a bin. You can use kitchen waste and grass clippings to make compost.

4. Use eco-friendly methods to remove weeds

Commonly used weed treatment destroys weeds as well as garden plants. So, find methods that only remove weeds and do not damage other plants in the garden. Uprooting the weeds from the surface is an eco-friendly method to remove weeds. You can also make a natural weed killer (solution) at home with vinegar, salt and liquid dish detergent to eliminate weeds from the garden, but you have to spray the solution periodically.

5. Conserve water

You can pick plants that are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent attention. Watering the plants early in the morning and the evening reduces evaporation and saves water. Also, installing a drip irrigation system helps conserve water by providing water to the roots of the plants and not anywhere else.

6. Pick plants wisely

Native plants suit the local climate; So, they are great for your garden. And because they are familiar with the climate, they require less water and maintenance. Also, they provide shelter and food for native birds and insects, which helps them thrive. Landscapers in Newbury can help you select the right plants for your garden. You can also create a fence with flowering plants instead of concrete or wooden walls to reduce heat in your surroundings.

7. Grow your food

The environment suffers from food production due to tree cutting, water usage for crops that leads to water pollution, and the use of fertilisers and pesticides that negatively affect the soil. Also, the meat industry excessively cuts down trees to grow crops for livestock. Fuel is used to transport food on trucks and supplied to different locations. Therefore, you can make a crucial tiny step towards environmental preservation by growing your own food. Additionally, gardening helps you get fresh, healthful food and keeps you physically fit.

Some other tips

· Use leaves for compost.

· Refrain from using plastic in your garden.

· Use soaker hoses instead of sprinklers to save water.

· Try to compost all your garden waste.

At last, follow these tips to create a sustainable garden and protect the environment with your little efforts. All the best!

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Best Trees and Shrubs to Transform Your Garden

The garden is where we relax, enjoy, connect to nature, and do several other things. Adding the best trees and shrubs to your garden can take its beauty and aesthetics to the next level. However, if you have limited space, consider the size, shape and form of trees and shrubs. 

Another thing that you should consider while selecting plants for your garden is whether the plant variety suits your climate and thrives in the environmental conditions of the united kingdom. Here, we will help you pick the best trees and shrubs for your garden, but before that, consider asking the following asking from yourself.

• Do you want the trees to provide you with privacy?

• Do you want the tree to be the focal point in the garden?

• Do you want to add colours to your garden?

• Are you looking for decorative trees?

All these questions will help you narrow down the tree-options available on the internet and the ones that we have provided here. All this will help you pick the trees that suit your garden and meet your preferences.

1. Magnolia

Magnolia is known for its beautiful goblet flowers and magnificent fragrance. There are several varieties of magnolia, out of which some grow to 10 feet when they mature. According to a renowned landscaper in Newbury, magnolias are grown best in neutral and acidic soil but not in alkaline soil. And we must not plant them in certain places which are subjected to water logging. Also, some varieties of magnolia can be easily grown in containers.

2. Pink flowering Dogwood

Pink flowering Dogwood is native to the united states but is suitable for the united kingdom climate. One of the best things about planting them in your front yard is that it attracts wildlife. So, your garden will be full of bees and butterflies. During spring seasons, it blooms stunning pink colour flowers. Dogwood can be grown in almost every soil, but the most preferred are neutral and acidic soil.

3. Silver birch

Silver birch is a native plant of the united kingdom known for its beautiful appearance, especially its gorgeous bark, which appears during winter. The tree requires full to partial shade and well-drained soil. The best thing about silver birch is that, once established properly, they need little care. Some common varieties of birch trees are Paper Birch, River Birch, Cherry Birch, Dwarf Birch, Yellow birch, Himalayan Birch and Water Birch.

4. Wisteria

Wisteria is a climbing vine that contains beautiful and fragrant flowers, so it can help transform your garden with its stunning appearance. Wisteria will help add character to your home, whether you add it to your wall or over your garden fence. Two main types of wisteria are Japanese (Wisteria Floribunda) and Chinese (Wisteria Senensis). While Japanese wisteria produces 12 to 18 inches of clusters of flowers, Chinese wisteria produces 6 to 9 inches of blue, violet and white cluster flowers. After planting, Chinese wisteria takes around two-three years to bloom.

5. Crape Myrtle

A landscaper in reading will advise you to plant crape myrtle in your front yard if you are looking for a tree that produces plenty of flowers year-round. Crape myrtle is a small tree that grows about 15-25 feet tall, making it perfect to grow in your garden. But it requires a warm and sunny climate, which means you need to plant them in a spot that receives full sun. Also, crape myrtle requires watering regularly, especially during the dry season.

6. Green Giant Arborvitae

Green giant arborvitae is an evergreen and easy-to-care tree that can perfectly suit a house's architecture. They grow moderately, about 3 feet every year, and require less maintenance. Though green giant arborvitae can tolerate different soils, they thrive in moist and fertile soil. Their conical shape and height make them ideal for creating a focal point. You can consider planting them at the garden's centre or the end of the walkways to create a focal point.

7. Hawthorn

Hawthorn is native to Western Asia, Europe and North Africa and is named after the month in which its flowers bloom (May). It produces red berries in autumn and white flowers in the spring (which attracts plenty of birds). When mature, it can reach a height of 15m and contains dark green leaves with lobed shapes.

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Creating the Perfect Outdoor Living Space: Tips from the Pros

Everyone wants a perfect outdoor space where they can spend quality time with friends or family. An appealing outdoors also helps homeowners get a good price for their property. So, if you want to transform your outdoors, here are a few tips that can help you.

1. Add greenery

Adding plenty of plants and greenery is one of the best ways to make your outdoor living space lively, and you don’t need to limit yourself to potted plants and garden beds. You can think about hanging plants on your walls or creating a beautiful vertical garden with herbs and other small plants. If you want to add natural and bright colours to your outdoor space, consider picking plant containers with beautiful colours and styles. Some experts recommend placing a fresh bouquet on your outdoor space centre table to increase the outside curb appeal.

2. Pick a colour palette

If you want to give your outdoor living space a cohesive and well-designed look, you need to pick the right colour palette. One thing to note is that everything contributes to the palette, from architectural elements, such as roof fences and home exterior, to natural elements, such as plants, flowers, rocks, etc. So, take great care while picking a colour palette for your outdoor space. For instance, if you want to design a fun outdoor setting for your visitors, pick vibrant colours. For tranquil outdoor settings, think about choosing peaceful colours.

3. Ensure its utility in different seasons

Do you want to create a space you can’t use in the summer? So, add shade solutions to your yard, such as a covered patio, canopies, large umbrellas, and sailcloths to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun.

Cool-weather must also not make you sit indoors, and one of the best ways to use your yard in winter is to look for heating solutions. Mushrooms or pyramid-style patios are some popular heating options for winter. Another option that can also keep you and your friends warm during winter is fire tables. A landscaper in Newbury can help you find the perfect option for every season if you are unsure what you should choose.

4. Add eating and dining facilities

While planning for an outdoor space, don’t forget to think about dining and eating areas. Most people first consider investing in charcoal barbeque or grill when it comes to preparing food outside. But you can also consider having fire pits or wood-fired pizza in your yard. As per recent trends, several people make separate cooking areas to serve outdoor meals. Along with cooking areas, think about eating areas- where you and your guest can sit and have a delicious meal together.

5. Choose the right furniture

Next is to pick the ideal furniture based on how you want to use your outdoor space. For example, if you intend to use it for reading, relaxing or lounging, consider investing in chairs, coffee tables, etc. And think about purchasing an outdoor dining set if you want to use it for eating and social gatherings. Search online or consult a landscaper in reading to buy the right outdoor furniture.

6. Invest in weather-resistant furniture

Your outdoor furniture has to withstand different seasons, so it must be durable enough to last. Some of the most durable materials used in outdoor furniture are aluminium, stainless steel, wrought iron, plastic, cotton canvas, and many more. So, buy outdoor furniture made of these materials. You can also select multi-functional furniture, such as convertible benches, fire pit tables, garden stools and outdoor dining sets for your yard.

7. Pick the right lights

Lights add to the beauty of outdoor space, especially during evenings. But make sure you don’t install too many lights on your property. When it comes to lighting, there are many options from which you can pick, such as electric lights, LEDs, candles, fairy lights, and chandeliers. You can choose any light source, but ensure you position them in the right place. Also, place lights wisely in the paths, walkways and steps to help navigate the people along the property.

8. Personalise your space

You can reflect your style and interests to people by personalising your outdoor space. One of the best ways to do this is to hang outdoor artwork such as metal sculptures and photographs. Some people also add personal items having sentimental value, such as family photos and collections, to make their space look like an extension of themselves.

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Landscaping Tips to Make Your Home Look Amazing - Landscaper Reading

Whether you have a vast yard or a little space in an urban setting, a landscape design may breathe new life into your outdoor space. Everything, including flowerbeds, grass, and other landscaping elements, affects how your home looks. We have included a few landscaping suggestions to help you revamp your outside space. The following ideas are good for any landscape, irrespective of size, style and region.

1. Determine your needs

What do you want? A space where you can grow vegetables, a place where your children can play, or a place where you can enjoy with your family and friends. After deciding what you want, draw a rough sketch of the design and think about where you will place things. Experts say that landscaping designs increase the home's sale value by an average of 7%.

2. Think about the sun and wind

Think about the sun and the wind because they significantly impact how comfortable our outdoor environment is overall and how quickly the plants develop. Some of the tips below can help you with this.

Sun

• Notice the sun and shade of the sun in your yard throughout the year. It will help you choose the right plants and the direction in which you can place the patio.

• Choose the right plant for your yard depending on the sun's exposure. For example, plants that require full-day sun thrive in areas where there is direct sunlight, whereas shade-loving plants thrive in shady areas. Landscaper Reading can help you make the right direction when it comes to selecting the right plants for your garden.

Wind

• Wind patterns at your home location will help you determine where you can plant a windbreak.

• If you live in a windy area, consider plants that can tolerate strong winds, which include grasses and shrubs.

3. Decide a focal point

The Focal point is that part of your landscape that draws attention or creates an interest in your landscape. And it can be anything from a tree to a sculpture, depending on your purpose. And not only rock, trees or a water feature, but you can also use potted plants or outdoor furniture as a focal point.

4. Add layers

Adding layers is one of the most effective ways of creating interest and depth in your outdoor space. If you don’t know how you can add layers to your outdoors, below are some tips.

• Begin from the base layers

Ground cover and background design constitute the base or foundation of your landscape. You can use plants of different textures, styles, colours and heights to create a design that can draw interest.

• Consider the middle layer

The middle layer consists of plants that are slightly larger than the plants in the base layer. One can use shrubs and small trees in the middle layer.

• Use hardscape elements

Consider using hardscape elements such as walls, paths and garden beds to create layers in your landscape. You can also use gravel and bricks to add texture to your landscape.

5. Start from small

You can’t make significant changes in the landscape in a few days unless you hire a landscaper in Newbury. Landscaping involves a lot of things, such as heavy lifting, which is not easy for a newbie. So, start slowly and enjoy the whole landscaping process. You can start by planting the flower bed and then execute the next part of your landscape design. If you continue working like this, you will soon make the landscape of your dreams.

6. Add lighting

Lighting can enhance the look and feel of your outdoor space in several ways. It helps draw attention to the stunning features of your yards, such as a water feature, sculpture, etc. Soft and warming lights also help in creating a comfortable and cosy environment for your outdoor space. In addition to these, adding light in the outdoor space also makes it easier for people to navigate.

7. Maintain your landscape

Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your landscape looking amazing. Pruning trees and shrubs, controlling weeds, mulching, cleaning, watering, seasonal planting and mowing your lawn can help you maintain your landscape.

Conclusion

At last, by following the above tips and ideas, you can transform the look of your landscape. Also, incorporate your personal preferences/styles and enjoy the landscape design process.

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