There is nothing better than stepping out your door into a well-maintained, beautiful yard.  Keeping your landscaping and flowerbeds tidy takes on-going care and attention, but it is worth the effort. When it’s done right, being in your yard can feel like a mini-vacation. Here are our top tips for keeping your yard looking it’s best.

Watering

1. Water regularly and deeply, about one to two times per week, depending on rainfall.
2. Evenings or early morning are the best times to water plants. The soil is cooler and you’ll lose less water to evaporation.
3. Avoid watering the leaves of plants as much as possible. Too much water on the leaves can lead to mold. Also, water gently to avoid damage to young plants.
4. A drip irrigation system can help if you are away a lot. Water is delivered near the plant base and can help maintain moisture levels in the soil.

Lawn

1. If temperatures rise above 85 degrees, consider letting your grass grow a little longer. Grass that is shorter can become damaged by the sun, and the soil underneath can dry out.
2. The best time to water lawns is early in the morning, between 4 and 8 a.m.
3. Too much water is just as bad as not enough. A good guide is between 2.5 to 4 gallons per square foot.

Weeds

1. Deter weeds before they start and plant beds densely to minimize space and sunlight availability.
2. Adding mulch can also prevent weed seeds from sprouting while adding a polished look.
3. If weeds do pop-up, get at the source. Remove the roots by using a weeding trowel or you’ll find yourself pulling that same weed again when it pops back up.

Sound like more then you want to take on? Great Goats Landscaping offers a regular landscaping service to keep your yard and flowerbeds looking their best. Give Mike a call today to set up a free consultation.

Love spending time outside but don’t have a comfortable place to sit and entertain? A deck might be the perfect solution.

If your yard slopes or you aren’t excited about the idea of adding a concrete patio, a deck can be a great option. You’ll be able to comfortably spend time outside while adding to the value of your house.

Here are some of the biggest benefits of adding a deck to your home.

Outdoor living spaces are on trend right now

One of the biggest trends right now is having an indoor space that flows into an outdoor space. Homeowners today want to be able to enjoy their yard and landscaping as much as they enjoy their home. A wood deck is a great way to get the indoor/outdoor space feel. Decks can be designed to fit with the structure and style of your home and can provide easy access to your yard.

Host friends and family get-together

If you enjoy entertaining, having a deck gives you the perfect area to throw a summer barbecue, birthday party, picnic, or other holiday events. Summer get-togethers are easier and more comfortable for groups of people on a sturdy deck with lights and furniture.

Enjoy the outdoors

Adding a deck to your home will naturally increase the amount of time you spent outside. Imagine stepping out to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or eating supper outside just because you can. Some people even use the deck as a home gym area to workout in the fresh air.

Great for pets and kids

A deck with a railing is a great place to let kids and pets safely play outside without worrying that they are going to be able to wander off. They will be able to play, and you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that they are safe and near the house.

Add value to your home

One of the most practical reasons to add a quality deck is that it will increase the value of your home. According to experts, many people recoup about 70% of the cost of a deck in their home value. Even if you aren’t in the market to sell, adding to the value of your home is always a good thing.

Deck material options for everyone

Decks can be built in a variety of materials that have varying benefits and drawbacks. Treated wood is the lowest cost option. Cedarwood has a higher cost but is long lasting and the best for paint or stain finish. Composite material has the longest lifespan and requires zero maintenance, but it also comes with the highest price tag.