Starting a Garden? Essential Tools for the Beginner.

Starting a garden in the springtime and summertime is a wonderful pastime for individuals of all demographics and ages. Gardening can be both therapeutic and productive. Gardening can produce food for your family, as well as beautiful views you can enjoy indoors and outdoors. As your very own landscape designer, you can begin to create a flowering garden that is good for local insects and easy on the eyes. 

If you are new to the gardening world, it's important to know which tools would be helpful to get you started on your future dream garden. With Perimeter Landscape by your side, you can learn all you need to know about starting your very own garden. Here are some essential tools that beginners should pick up before getting their hands in the soil. 

Gardening Gloves

One of the best items to invest in as a gardener is a good pair of gardening gloves. Gardening gloves make it really easy to get into the soil without scratching or drying out your hands. As an added bonus, you don’t have to worry about dirt accumulating underneath your fingernails. Gardening gloves come in all shapes, sizes, and various styles. No matter what kind of landscape design you aspire to create for your property, there is a perfect pair of essential gardening gloves waiting for you. 

Seeds or Starter Plants!

Obviously, you can’t plan a new landscape design without having anything to plant in the first place. Finding the right seeds or starting plants totally depends on the climate where you live, your personal style and preferences, and what is available for purchase near you. Online seed catalogs can also be used. Once you stock up on what you want to plant, you can begin laying out your future garden plan, gathering the rest of your essentials, and begin gardening. 

Gardening Shovels and Rakes

It’s also a good idea to purchase some smaller hand-held gardening shovels. These make it really easy to dig small holes for pre-potted flowers or to dig to the right depth for seeds. Many gardening shovels come with hook mechanisms, making them easy to hang in your garage. Plus, they are small enough to store in gardening baskets or aprons. Gardening rakes make it easy to create smaller rows as needed and can be stored neatly. 

Speak with the Experts at Perimeter Landscape Today

If you are ready to begin your own garden and have all your essential tools, then don't hesitate to reach out to one of Perimeter Landscape’s professional landscape designers. We can take your own landscape designs and make them come true in the blink of an eye. With so many options and solutions for both commercial and residential settings, you can trust us to make your new landscape design plan come true efficiently. Contact us today by giving us a call at 405-721-6177 today or by visiting our website to get a free quote. 

Best Landscape Plants for Dry Areas

Nothing is as inviting as sitting in your garden watching the butterflies and sipping sweet iced tea. 

As you and your professional designer are planning your landscape, remember that ALL newly installed plants, whether they are trees, flowering shrubs, or tiny pansies, need water – maybe even irrigation – during the first months after planting.  

Plants come in different shapes and sizes, just like all other living things. How much and how fast they will grow will be just like people: nature and nurture. Some are tall and thin, some are medium-sized, and some will always be short and plump. But their adult size will also be determined by how well you raise them. They need food, water, sun, and fresh air.

In many cases, it's wise to plant in the fall, as it may be impossible to give your new landscape enough water through the heat of the summer.

It's been a rainy season for many across the country. Do you ever find it fascinating and somewhat unfair that some areas should get buckets of rain while others seem to crawl through the desert toward a mirage, stopping only to shrivel up like a worm on the sidewalk? Some areas are just dry or going through a drought.

While it’s not always dry, Oklahoma has experienced its droughts - the longest lasting for five years, from 2010 to 2015. 

It helps to know what a drought is. Since water can come from the atmosphere and ground and surface sources, there’s a drought if there’s not enough water. People who live in drought-prone areas can tell you that a lack of rain can be downright catastrophic, especially when it's hot. And don't even think of watering a garden during a drought. 

In T.S. Eliot's poem “The Wasteland,” he writes, "What are the roots that clutch, what branches grow out of this stony rubbish?" 

Take heart: some plants survive brutal heat and thrive without constant watering, making them a good choice for planting in dry areas. 

Trees

Bosnian Pine - This is an aesthetically pleasing evergreen that does fine in dry soil and tends to enjoy a long life, as it is not prone to diseases.

Blue Ice Cypress - Another evergreen that does well in Oklahoma is the Blue Ice Cypress; it doesn't typically fall victim to heat and wind. Don't be fooled by this tall guy's skinny physique, however. It will fill out soon enough.

Holly Evergreen - The opposite of lace-like, this one is dense in stature. And even though the berries are red, giving it the impression that it's had its big long drink, it's resistant to dryness. Are you decorating for the Christmas season? You'll want to reach for these branches.

Ask our landscape designers which ones will grow happily in dry conditions.

Bushes

Here are some ideas for shrubs that won't snub the dry conditions:

Sumac - A native shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. They have large flower clusters that brighten during the fall and last through winter.

Chinese Quince - Hold the water, bring on the sun. The Chinese Quince is a gorgeous red-flowering bush that can reach up to 5 feet. 

Flowers/Annuals

Annuals are plants that die after one growing season. Here is some of the annuals that grow well in dry areas:

Firecracker flower - Appropriately named for its vibrant yellow/orange petals; this is a versatile plant, bursting with color, that enjoys shade and full sun exposure. You will find the firecracker flower is adaptable to flower beds, containers, the porch, and even inside the house. 

Red Yucca - If you enjoy hummingbirds, this is the foliage for you, especially if you enjoy the color coral. The lovely flowers are located on long stems with slight curves and lend themselves to large congregations that do well in full sun.

Phlox, Volcano series - If there's a paintbrush in nature, it spent some time on this one. Its petals can range from pinkish, blue, lavender, purple, and even white, the deeper hues blending into the lighter colors. Most soils are friendly to the phlox, which enjoys full sun.

Flowers/Perennials

Choosing perennials is a way to keep your plants around for more than two years. 

Coneflower - Not quite a daisy, but constructed in much the same way with petals around a center, this pretty flower is also called Echinacea. Don't plant this one where it will get too wet - it likes plenty of drainage, making it a good choice for dry summers.

Blanket Flowers - Let the sun shine on Oklahoma; the blanket flowers are here with every ounce of red and yellow wildflower radiance.

Japanese Painted Fern - For those who wonder how Mother Nature did that, there's the Japanese Painted Fern. With purplish stems and green leaves brushed with silverish foliage, this lovely plant can grow to a full eighteen inches and makes a good filler plant. So go ahead, fill in the blanks. 

Of course, there are hundreds of plants you can grow successfully in dry areas. Whether or not you consider yourself to have a green thumb doesn't always matter because there are some plants you can't kill, no matter how hard you try. 

So go ahead: roll up your sleeves. Then again, if gardening is not your fancy, it might be best to leave it to the experts. At Perimeter Landscape, we know which plants will keep you busy for hours and which ones require minimal effort on your part. With the summer sun beating down and drying out the soil, don't fall victim to a wasteland. Give us a call and let us help you design your gardenscape today.

Maintaining the Best Lawn All Summer

What’s it like to live in Oklahoma? What’s not to like? There’s a reason they call it the heartland - you’ll find a generous mix of heart and soul here. You might see a sheet flapping in the breeze or a neighbor delivering pea salad to a potluck. It's not so unusual to see a trucker standing next to his 18-wheeler with his hat over his heart while a funeral procession passes by. And when the church ladies come to call, you hope the lawn looks presentable. 

There’s a strong sense of community here, where neighbor helps neighbor.

You might be encouraged to diet but still expected to eat Aunt Bea’s Apple Brown Betty.

You are likely to find a church on every corner and a baptism in the lake on any given Sunday.

The Sooner State would sooner close than give up our football and tailgate parties at Oklahoma State University.

There’s something for everyone, be it stand-up paddleboarding or taking the Bricktown Water Taxi or visiting the quilt show. Oklahoma is never at a loss for things to do and see. 

If you are a horse person, then you probably already know that Oklahoma is known as the horse show capital of the world. 

Just as much as we love our horses, we love our BBQ, and thanks to the Food Network Channel, so does everyone else. It's practically un-American not to enjoy a ribeye dripping in BBQ sauce, baked beans, and potato salad. 

Outdoor cooking is pretty much a thing here in Oklahoma, whether it be batter-fried onion rings or sweet tea. In fact, you might just find chicken fried steak to be the only thing on the menu. 

There's no shortage of activities in the great outdoors, which means family, friends, and - you guessed it - weddings. Whether you are roping or eloping, June (the most popular month for weddings) is calling, and the invitation list is growing. People will descend upon your turf. That means walking on the grass in everything from snakeskin boots to rhinestone heels. 

How can you possibly host a wedding in Oklahoma when the venue has morphed into a moon-washed garden of weeds?

So you've looked out your window and seen the damage left behind by an unkind winter. You notice the sand dunes leading up to your front door, but you don’t live in the desert and the rest of the block looks like Beverly Hills. Isn't it about time to consider going green?

 If you are thinking this might be a good time to get your lawn hitched to a mower, then you are correct. The grass is home to some unmannerly bugs. Grub Worms. Armyworms and Cutworms Billbugs. And grass mites. And yes, ticks. Ugh.

Pests can not only invade your lawn, they can invade your pets as well as your loved ones.  According to an article in Tulsa World, “While northeastern states are the prime areas for Lyme disease, Oklahoma is Ehrlichiosis Central.”

Bacterial infections are spread through tick bites. Although we may tend to think of spotted fever, ehrlichiosis is prevalent in certain parts of the country in the spring and summer. Oklahoma is one of those areas.

Ticks are unwelcome party crashers, so be proactive in treating your lawn for prevention. The last thing you want to do is invite unsuspecting travelers to visit, only to send them home with tick disease. Trust us, they won’t invite themselves back.

Good Lawn Sense Makes Good Sense

Whether or not to take care of your lawn is not even a question. If you live in a planned community, that question is answered for you. You must take care of the lawn or suffer the consequences. Reminders in your mailbox. Letters to the editor in the local paper. Pictures posted on social media. Letters to the mayor. Listen up, there’s an ordinance - and an unkempt lawn just doesn’t cut it.

Perhaps you’re not sure how to take care of the lawn. You don’t know how to trim the hedges or use a weedeater. The good news is, there is a professional lawn care service that can take care of all of your lawn needs. Professional means the job is done right.

You can certainly do it yourself, but that will mean spending more time in the yard and less time doing the things you love (unless you love burning up in the hot sun). If you do go it alone, make sure you water and cut it religiously, and remember to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks.

Professional lawn maintenance could be the best thing you’ve done for yourself. Let’s talk about some of the benefits:

Aesthetic Value

It feels good to come home to a manicured yard. You’ve spent all day working, and a welcoming yard is a sweet reward. 

It’s Easier on the Body

You may be young and able to pull and push and lug around equipment, bending and stooping, and it may fill you with endorphins - but if you are like many of us, you will be in a hot bath later on, with your muscles screaming for relief. Yard work is hard work. 

Better Equipment 

Imagine using a lawnmower that’s been donated to your church. You’d protest, but you’re the preacher. You live in the church parsonage. You crank up the new/used riding mower, and off you go all the way to the back of the yard, and it dies. Worse, it’s parked right over a hornet’s nest. You can only guess what we think about this. We vote for the professional model.

Your lawn is the first thing people see when they arrive at your house. It makes a statement about you and the things you care about. Perimeter Landscape knows how to take care of your lawn. Our seasoned professionals will be pleased to schedule an estimate. Give us a call. Your lawn will be happy, and so will you. 

Landscaping as Design Statements for Entrances

In 1967, the movie “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” was released. It was a satire about a nobody who wanted to be somebody, with the premise centered on climbing the corporate ladder. Good thing they weren’t talking about landscaping.

If you were to take that title and apply it to a business today, it might very well have the subtitle “Been a Long Day.” While we know this little ditty as one of the show tunes, we also know the truth. 

Sometimes in business, every day seems like a long day because in real life, succeeding takes effort. That involves strategic planning, which in landscaping means knowing the climate, the things that grow and flourish there, and the aesthetic value of a well-planned landscape. 

And just like some things are untruths, there are some things you can’t unsee - such as a commercial landscape that has a negative effect on your business. 

Part of seeing success involves seeing your business through the lens of the consumer, which means standing back with a critical eye and then brainstorming your plan. If you are a savvy business owner, your plan will involve the assistance of your landscaping designer. 

Not all of us are born with a designer's eye. Nor do we all know what is involved with the particulars of what’s needed to get the results we desire.

One thing we can do, however, is to put ourselves in our customers’ shoes. 

People will remember how you made them feel. 

While this may sound absurd, it’s not. As consumers, we do know how a certain business makes us feel, and whether or not we plan on returning to that business. Or, as Theodore Roosevelt stated, “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

So just how does a business convey that they care about their customers? There are several ways.

Whether it’s fine dining, an office complex for a meeting with an attorney or a physician, or a casual meet-up establishment, a consumer can sense right away the level of care that is invested. 

Here are some questions, some dos and don’ts, and some ideas. Remember, these are the things your consumers would be saying about you. The next time you venture out, take note of the curb appeal. What do you see?

Overall Polish

Is the lawn well-manicured? 

Do - hire a landscaping company to tend to the upkeep, and schedule routine maintenance.

Don’t - hire someone without a vested interest. The only way to achieve a professional outcome is to hire a professional. 

Cleanliness

Is there a trash receptacle outside? Does it have a lid?

Do - get the garbage emptied every day.

Don’t - put the receptacle right next to the entrance where it can attract flying pests. Also don’t leave trash on the ground unattended - it’s like ringing the dinner bell for critters that feed on compost.

Use of Color 

Look at the entranceway. Is it bright and cheerful? The entrance can say “welcome” whether there’s a mat or not.

Do - Consider containers with flowers. 

Don’t - use flowers that attract bees - your customers should never be expected to walk through bees. The honeybee became Oklahoma’s state insect in 1992. Close to 100 people die each year from anaphylaxis caused by allergic reactions to bee stings, and in 2019, CDC warnings indicated that bee stings were on the rise. 

This is where your landscaping company can help. They will know which plants to avoid to ward off some of those not-so-sweet honeybees. 

Comfort 

Is there a bench where customers can take a breather or wait for a ride? This is Oklahoma - surely you’ve provided some shade. The Oklahoma heat can get above 100 degrees. Maybe you’d like to open a lemonade stand next to the entrance, and don’t forget the diet version - not everyone can have sugar. It’s kind of a bummer if one customer cools off while his or her partner overheats.

Do - use wood - it’s kinder to the gluteus maximus than iron during a summer scorcher.

Don’t - place the bench in an area with rocks or stones. Not only is it a falling hazard, but it is also an invitation for critters that like to hide in the shadow zone - like scorpions. 

Nor would you prefer to place a bench in the dirt. Think of it this way: “Beyond this point there be dragons.” Not real dragons, of course, but consider the ones that appear out of nowhere. In the blazing Oklahoma sun, they can look like monsters, but in reality, these tiny creatures are better known as lizards. 

And while they do not harm humans, it is funny when you consider that something small enough to fit in your hand could make us hurt ourselves trying to get away from it.

While there’s not much you can do about lizards in Oklahoma, you can avoid placing a bench in the dirt since this is a favorite place to lay their eggs.

Safety

What about the terrain? Navigating can be harder for some individuals than others.

Do - Make sure there’s a railing.

Don’t - Use wooden ramps. Even wood can freeze.

Landscapes

Edgings can provide borders around plant and flower beds, trees, and hedges. 

Floral arrangements - from garden paths to containers in the entranceway, these can accentuate your colorscape in your door and window frames. 

Dwarf shrubs, custom farm signs with greenery, wagon wheels, wagon beds with flowers, and just about anything that creatively announces the theme of the business can add appeal.

Hardscapes

Outdoor lighting - from string lights to lighted rocks, luminaries, and solar lights, these have great visual appeal while creating a casual or elegant ambiance.

Water features - fountains, waterfalls, and ponds enhance the landscape outside office suites. For stand-alone offices, consider a well-maintained birdbath.

Novelty signs - regional establishments are often adorned with signage and visual statues that are easy to see from the highway. 

Not only do they make these places of business easily identifiable, but you can think of them as something you don't see anywhere else. 

A landscaping designer can create a pleasant experience for patrons and employees. But a designer will also move beyond the basics, creating new experiences with trees, flowers, and shrubs. In addition to mulching, digging, and planting, the landscape designer coordinates urban infrastructures for businesses and parks. 

With an eye for attracting customers to your establishment, Perimeter Landscape provides your business with the professional services needed to cultivate optimal enjoyment, whether you work, shop, play, or dine there.

Give us a call today. We make your landscape our business.

Best Windbreak Trees and Shrubs

The modern inventions that have spoiled us over the years are too numerous to name. Even those of us who never set foot onto a wheat field or cotton field could certainly agree that farming looks different today than it did nearly 100 years ago. Residential and commercial landscaping solutions have evolved, too. From the modern combine and electric tillers to electricity for rural areas, the changes are mind-boggling. 

One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is “where the wind comes sweeping down the plains.” We’re talking about Oklahoma, home of Brad Pitt, Reba McEntire, and Carrie Underwood. 

The Sooner State suffered untold hardship in the 1930s when the “black blizzards,” better known as the Dust Bowl storms, came calling and stayed for a decade. These were devastating times for hundreds of thousands who ran out of hope and fled to more forgiving soil. With no roots to anchor the soil, the wind kicked up the plowed farmland, filling the air with so much dirt that the farmers were at a loss. In desperation to feed their families, they uprooted and sought livelihoods elsewhere.

In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to plant a 1,000-mile line of trees dubbed the National Shelterbelt that stretched from Canada to the Brazos River in Texas. The experiment was to shield the crops from the wind. It was a brilliant endeavor.

By lining the highway with “windbreak” trees, the south winds were no longer a threat, and life was eventually restored, but not before 7,000 people lost their lives to dust pneumonia. 

Oklahoma, a Great Plains state, is well-known for its wind; therefore, crops, livestock, structures, and farmland are vulnerable. Windbreaks are often planted along roads, farmsteads, and in urban areas. As well as defending against the wind and erosion, windbreaks are also useful for offering privacy and curtailing noise from traffic.

There are numerous considerations when planting windbreaks, including which trees grow best where, which trees provide shade and sun control (thereby reducing summer heat), which ones provide canopies, and which ones cling to trellises as well as directly to the walls. Don’t have a trellis? Perhaps a wire fence or arbor might be the way to go, as they can protect without the foliage directly sticking to the side of a house, thereby causing possible damage to the wood.  

Concerned about snow? You will certainly want to investigate trees that provide insulation against the winter winds. 

Your local extension agency, as well as your landscaping company, can be of monumental assistance and you should bow to their expertise when making selections. It is one thing to beautify the landscape, it is quite another to beautify and then regret. 

While there are plenty of windbreaker trees and shrubs, several things must be taken into consideration for the survival of your project:

• Temperature as well as rainfall

• Type of soil

• Amount of exposure to sun or shade

• Height and density

• How close the trees/shrubs should be planted in proximity to others

• Whether or not other trees/shrubs should be planted to offset diseases/infestations

Oklahoma City, located in central Oklahoma, is classified as zones 6b or 7a. Make sure to check the hardiness zone for the best results so that they thrive. Depending on environmental conditions, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Best Trees for Wind Protection:

• Oklahoma Redbud - strong with deep roots, these are a lovely addition to the garden, making a perfect complement for sipping iced tea on the veranda. Since they are wind-resilient, they might even keep your hat from blowing away.

• Euonymus, Pink Lady - deciduous and considered a windbreak, these trees have lovely buds. 

• Eastern Red Cedar - excellent as screen trees to protect from wind and noise.

• Red Pine - untidy and known for shedding dead branches around the yard and not picking up after themselves, these fine pines are quick growing and make excellent windbreakers. 

• Superior Hybrid Poplar Tree - these trees can grow up to 8 feet in a year, thus providing shade quickly. They are also cold-climate friendly, able to survive up to -30 degrees.

• Shumard Oak Tree - strong, resilient, and able to withstand strong winds. Perfect for urban landscapes, this is the one you want to park yourself under on a sweltering summer day. It’s a big tree, so make sure to invite your family and friends.

• Autumn Blaze Red Maple Tree - this red-headed beauty boasts low- maintenance and show-stopping drive-by rubbernecking. It’s proof that nature has its very own paintbrush.

Best Shrubs for Wind Protection: 

• Elderberry bushes - the wildly popular Elderberry bush has several varieties, and bears fruit that is used in juices, jams, and wine, as well as lip-smacking pie. Often grouped together, these bushes provide screening and are visually appealing. 

• Hazelnut - this shrubbery boasts edible nuts bursting with flavor - just ask the squirrels. Look just about anywhere and you’ll find hazelnut-flavored coffee, creamer, muffins, dressing, and salads. Hazelnut is definitely worth considering if you enjoy dual-purpose planting. 

• Lilac - when the frost is gone, the blooms come out. This flowering bush is not only fragrant; it’s pleasing to the eye. 

If the Dust Bowl of the 1930s wasn’t convincing enough for windbreak additions to your landscape, then you were born too late. 

Stand in the kitchen on a June evening in Oklahoma, and you might think you hear ocean waves crashing against the shore. But you know that’s not possible, because you are nowhere near the coast and there’s not a sandcastle in sight. And if you happen to have a dog or cat that likes to run, you might want to be sure the door is secured because it gets windy enough to open the door without your help. If that sounds extreme, it’s not - it’s just descriptive. 

Such are some valid reasons for planting windbreakers. Not sure which options to choose? That’s okay - at Perimeter Landscape, our seasoned professionals will partner with you to plan a landscape that will provide you with years of enjoyment and protection from the elements. Our extensive knowledge is unparalleled, and our service is second to none. 

 Give us a call today. We promise you will be blown away.

Light Up Your Landscape All Year

Feeling a little in the dark? “Watt” is your problem? 

If you think you are stuck with the same old surroundings, then let us enlighten you. At Perimeter Landscape this is what we do. 

But first, let’s talk about your dreams. 

When we think of dreams, we naturally think of a state of consciousness during sleep. 

Dreams typically occur in the dark, when the shades are drawn. We may remember our dreams, or we may not.

But what about those wide-awake dreams? The ones that live inside us? The ones that make us count the days till our vacations? They’re better known as wishes - ask anyone, and you’ll likely hear a variety of elusive places people would rather be--a tropical island drinking margaritas in the sand or an exotic resort. For the rustic at heart, it might be a campground with a fishing pole and the day’s catch in a skillet over an open flame, or roasting smores with the kids.

You name it - people can think it up. Where do your dreams take you?  

At Perimeter Landscape, it is our dream to take your dreams and turn them into a reality. We are a team of professionals with the expertise to expand your dreamscape to the great outdoors right in your backyard.

Sounds a little like utopia, doesn’t it? Just think about it: a weekend getaway. A barbeque pit. A fireside chat. A pond with koi surrounded by a lighted rock. Hanging lanterns, luminaries, lighted pathways. All within reach. And it all begins with that dream.

It’s not so farfetched. If you own a home and wish you could walk out your door at the end of the day and look up at the stars or swing in a hammock and let the stress of the world fade away, then you are in for a treat. People everywhere are envisioning updates to their spaces, turning their backyards into cozy nooks. 

Obviously, in order to enjoy our designing efforts, it helps to see your surroundings, and this begins with lighting. Light can be everywhere you want it to be--your home, your yard, your patio. That’s the miracle of today’s technology. All you need is some rethinking and a team of experts to advise you on what’s needed to brighten your corner of the world.

Whether it be the faint light in literature known as a will-o’-the wisp, the bluish glow of St. Elmo’s fire or the pink, green, yellow, blue, violet commonly associated with the Aurora borealis, people have always been fascinated by lights. Not all natural lights can be recreated, but we can get pretty close, and it doesn’t stop residential and commercial property owners from using landscape lighting to every advantage. 

There is no end to the list of reasons people use lighting. Here are just a few.

Safety

Ask anyone why good lighting is of utmost importance and they will likely tell you they prefer walking to the car in a well-lit parking lot as opposed to one that is dark. Basically, if you can’t see where you are going, how are you going to get there? 

From backyards to stairwells, you can’t expect to find your way if you can’t see where you’re headed. Safety can include anything from a utility pole shared by the neighbors to a sensor light that lights up as you approach the garage.

Security

Residential and commercial outdoor security lighting discourages would-be intruders from targeting your home by increasing the risk of being caught. The best lighting design allows physical detection, and facial recognition minimizes hiding spots and increases your sense of security for yourself and those you love.

To Extend Your Living Space

Pools and surrounding decks, dock areas, dining areas, hot tubs – all these areas can just be things sitting out in your yard, or they can be an extension of your home. A chance to put your feet up on a rattan lounge chair, close your eyes, and let the stress of the world fade away. An extra chance to spend more time outside. 

Socialization 

Lighting adds to the atmosphere, and the atmosphere is what illuminates celebrations. Weddings, barbecues, buffets, outdoor dances, family reunions, open mic nights - all opportunities for festive lighting. And it’s not all about the party. Don’t forget the safety of your guests as they navigate the lay of the land. You don’t want them tripping up or down the steps while heading to the garden, do you?

Beautification

Lighting is like a window dressing for your foliage. It highlights trees, walls, patios with comfy cushions, backyard terraces, pools, and fountains. And just in case you love the northern lights, there’s that, too. 

There are as many different kinds of outdoor landscaping lights as there are reasons to have them. Some are relatively easy to install yourself. Others are best left to the experts. Here are just a few:

Sensors

These motion detectors use infrared waves to detect moving objects and are perfect for installing in natural hiding places. Doorways, outdoor walkways, backyard, sides of the house - any way you look at it, sensor lights are just plain smart. They may not add to the ambiance of your decor, but they can be your first line of defense in detecting unwanted visitors.

Solar-powered 

These gems convert sunlight into electrical energy, thereby using natural resources. These are best installed where they capture the strongest light so they function at their maximum effectiveness.  

Luminaries 

Commonly known as paper lanterns, these lights are outstanding for lighting walkways and typically include votive candles or tea lights. Once traditionally used at Christmastime to light the way for the Christ child, these lights are now used as decorations for occasions from wedding receptions to social gatherings, and are effective mood enhancers.

Spotlights

Frequently used to highlight the beauty of trees, plants, or shrubberies, these lights are also used at Christmastime to light up Christmas decorations. 

String Lights

Sometimes called fiesta lights, string lights lend themselves as fun additions to backyard patios, balconies, and porches. There are many types of string lights such as fairy lights and glass bulbs. Often made with yellow glass, flying insects are not typically attracted to these lights, unlike LED or clear bulbs. 

It’s true that the best time to think about installing a lighting landscape is before you build, but what if you don’t have the luxury of designing your own home? That’s where we come in. Many of these fixtures require considerable skill. Premier Landscape is your go-to landscaping artisan. We demand only the best from our team, and you can, too. From hedge trimming to flower bed maintenance, we will update your landscape in ways you never thought possible.

How long have you been thinking about this? If you’ve been wandering around in the dark, looking over your shoulder every time you head up the driveway, or admiring those solar-powered lights in your neighbor’s yard, then it might be time for an update, and we are just the landscaping company for your project. 

It is our mission to help you create an outdoor living space that you can look forward to at the end of the day, no matter what the season. So give us a call. When we say we capture your dreams, we mean it. Your light-year is just a backyard away. 

What Kind of Maintenance Does Your Landscaping Need?

Well-designed landscaping enhances your home or business’s visual appeal and increases your property value. When you invest in quality landscaping, maintenance is key for it to always look its best. A professional landscape maintenance company keeps landscaping in top shape while extending the longevity of plants and trees. 

If you want to achieve maximum appeal with your lawn and landscaping, hiring an experienced landscape maintenance company is a smart choice. Not only do professional landscape services save time, but they can also protect your investment. 

Landscaping Maintenance and Proper Watering 

Landscaping maintenance starts with proper watering. This includes regular watering of the lawn, as well as trees and plants. Maintaining proper water levels year-round keeps a lawn lush and also promotes the long-term health of the trees and plants in the landscaping. We set up and maintain irrigation systems to make sure watering is handled without being a worry to our customers. 

Landscaping Maintenance and Flower Beds

Proper mulching not only looks nice but also helps the soil take in water. In warmer areas, this is especially important. When the weather is hot, water evaporates before fully seeping into the soil. A landscaping maintenance company like ours maintains your beds and keeps them well-mulched, providing both aesthetic appeal and healthy bedding for flowers and plants. 

If continuous blooms are a priority in your landscaping, we can make that happen. Our knowledgeable staff knows the right mix of perennials and annuals to maximize bloom times. Thorough landscape maintenance includes attention to established plants, such as keeping roses and shrubs trimmed. 

Identifying and Solving Problems is Part of Landscape Maintenance

With a professional maintenance service, lawns, plants, and trees receive the care necessary to thrive for years to come. And a professional company like ours has the knowledge to identify any pests that are a threat to the landscaping. Dealing with a pest problem early prevents potentially devastating results.

A problem many don’t often recognize until it’s too late is invasive weeds. A professional company keeps your landscaping and lawn weed-free, eliminating any problem species before they have a chance to take over. 

Lawns are susceptible to a variety of problems. A professional landscaping company knows how to diagnose and remedy common lawn diseases like brown spots and blight. Staying on top of lawn problems like these prevents extensive damage. 

Landscaping Maintenance and Fertilizing

Fertilizing is important for your lawn and landscaping, but if it’s overdone it can destroy plants. We’re landscape maintenance pros and know how much and when your landscaping needs fertilization. Also, using a professional landscape service means you don’t have to store fertilizer, which can be a health hazard. 

Call Perimeter Landscape

There is a lot involved in proper landscaping maintenance. Perimeter Landscape has the knowledge and experience to manage your landscaping professionally.

We implement new landscape designs, upgrade existing ones, and set the standard for ongoing landscape maintenance. Perimeter Landscape provides commercial and residential services for projects of all sizes. Contact us today for more information.