Spending time on your deck through the summer months is almost an American tradition. Everyone dreams of long days spent on a deck, hanging out with friends and family.

Thinking about adding one for your home? The key to having a deck you enjoy and use for years to come is planning and making the choices that will last.

What will you use your deck for?

Have a clear idea of what you are planning on using your deck for to make sure the finished product will work best for you. 

Dreaming of family meals outside? Make sure you have about 4 feet around the table so people can comfortably walk.

Have barbecues and cocktail parties in mind? Consider adding a prep station and serving area plus seating around the perimeter.

Just want to relax?  Create an area for lounge chairs and a low table in a comfortable spot.

Once you know what you’ll be using your deck for, test drive the area with stakes and string outlining the space. Place furniture inside to see if there is enough room and to see if you like the layout.

Consider your material choices

Your contractor will be a great resource for selecting what type of material you use on your deck. Still, a little research will help you make an informed decision. Typically, decks are made from pressure-treated wood, composite, PVC, or cedar or redwood. Each of these options has pros and cons. If you prioritize easy-care, choose manufactured boards. If looks are most important to you, wood will be your best choice. A little research will help you choose a material that will give you what you’re looking for. 

Don’t forget local rules and regulations

Many aspects of deck construction and design are covered by local codes. Homeowners associations also often have guidelines about aesthetic choices that can cover materials, finishes, and handrail appearance. Since your deck will probably be visible for everyone to see, violations could be expensive to correct and worse, could lead to disaster if it isn’t constructed properly. 

Give Great Goats Landscaping a Call

Ready to add a deck of your own? Give us a call today to set up a free consultation. We can design and built the deck of your dreams, and you’ll be enjoying summer cookouts before you know it.

Some people love working in the yards. Others love relaxing in their yards and would rather have things take care of themselves as much as possible.
Low-maintenance yards are popular for a variety of reasons and can be just as eye-catching as a more manicured home.

And it’s easy to see why!

Choosing fuss-free options give you more time to enjoy the aspects of your yard that you love. 

Ditch some of your lawn

Less lawn means less work. That’s one of the best reasons for adding hardscaping – that is, using pavers, brick, or decorative stone. Whether you choose a patio, garden path, or something else, you’ll have a durable surface that requires very little maintenance for many years.

Plant once and be done

We love perennials! Year after year they bloom and grow without needing to be planted annually. Choose plants that are hardy in your USDA growing zone. Once they’re established, you won’t have to worry about them for years to come. 

Prioritize native plants

Plants that are native to your area will perform best and require less care. Native plants will also need less fertilizer, water, and pesticides than plants that have been brought into the area. 

Consider evergreens

There’s no better way to add vivid color to your yard year-round than with evergreen plants and shrubs. Dwarf varieties are perfect in flower beds near the house if there is some element you want to disguise.

Choose fewer with a bigger impact

Instead of filling a bed with lots of plants that will need to be tended regularly, choose a few high-impact plants that will perform well. With just a few plants to care for, you’ll have more time to do the things you enjoy.

Don’t forget to mulch

Taking a little time in the spring to mulch around your plants will cut down on your weeding for the rest of the year. Plus, using organic materials will add nutrients to your plants as they break down. The more time you spend upfront adding mulch, the less time you’ll need to spend battling weeds though the summer. 

Doesn’t sound like you?

If these ideas don’t sound like the yard your envisioning, but you also don’t want to spend your free time working in your yard, consider our yard and flowerbed maintenance program. Let us take care of the work for you.

Give Great Goats Landscaping a Call to design minimal maintenance landscaping

The team at Great Goats Landscaping has years of experience creating yards that fit their clients’ expectations. Whether you want a perfectly manicured look or something more natural and low-maintenance, we can design and install the yard of your dreams. Give us a call to talk for a risk-free consultation.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone has been spending a lot more time at home with family, working, and schooling from home. 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve started making a list of things around the house that I’ve been meaning to do, but for one reason or another, I just haven’t gotten to yet. 

You know, those little things that are annoying but aren’t bad enough to actually need fixing. 

One of those things is the landscaping. When we moved in, a lot of the perennials were overgrown and in need of a lot of love. It’s been three years, and they’re still in that state! 

As hard as COVID-19 has been for everyone, I am thankful it’s given me the time and motivation to get a couple of things checked off my list. 

Now that they’re done, I’m seeing my yard from a new perspective. I’m also daydreaming about what else we could do in the yard to make it more comfortable and usable.

Starting your next project during COVID-19

We’ve been spending all of our extra time outside lately, enjoying the sun and warmer weather. It’s gotten me thinking about how we can make our space work for us in the long term.

Here are a couple of things I’ve been thinking about.

Adding a seating and dining area

While my toddler loves having a picnic in the grass, I know my parents are not huge fans of eating supper on a blanket. Doesn’t a nice patio or deck off the kitchen door sound perfect for summer grilling and eating outside?

Adding a firepit

Our property is big enough that there is plenty of space for a fire pit and seating around it. I can’t think of a better way to spend summer nights than around a fire with friends and family.

Professional landscaping 

I love browsing through all the nursery plants in the spring. But professionals are much more familiar with plants and can create designs that would take me ages to come up with. When I have a specific idea in mind, I always work with a professional to turn my idea into reality.

Working with Great Goats Landscaping

Does your extra time at home have you thinking about how you could improve your yard too? Give Great Goats Landscaping a call today. Mike and his team can safely work outside of your home during the Covid-19 pandemic. They are currently scheduling for the rest of the season and would love to talk to you about the next project you have in mind.

Flowerbeds and landscaping maintenance can be one of the first things to slip through the cracks when life gets busy.

But landscaping and flowers always look their best when they are regularly weeded, watered, and maintained. Whether you are caring for the flowerbeds surrounding your business or home, they need frequent attention to look their best throughout the summer and into the fall.

Sound like more then you want to take on this year? Let Great Goats Landscaping do the maintenance work for you. 

It seems the warmer weather just got here, but already we’re seeing little weeds pop-up among our perennials. Keeping landscaping looking its best can feel like a full-time job. Whether it’s for a business or a home, flowerbeds care takes regular care and maintenance.

Maintenance checklist

Great Goats Landscaping offers regular flowerbed maintenance for customers through the summer months. Below are items that our team regularly checks on for our customers.

Planting areas

• Check on the condition of plants, especially those that have recently been planted
• Cover the ground with mulch as needed to help the soil return moisture and suppress weeds
• Dead-head flowers as needed to encourage new growth.

Insect Control

• Inspect plants for insect damage or infestations
• Address any insect issues promptly using natural and non-toxic solutions when possible

Weeding

• Remove weeds by the root to prevent it from growing back
• Properly dispose of weeds and other organic material

Give Great Goats Landscaping a call

Sound like more than you are going to have time to take care of? Are you looking for someone to take care of this list for you? Give Great Goats Landscaping a call. We are happy to once again be offering regular flowerbed and landscaping maintenance for businesses and homeowners. We offer flexible schedule options to meet your needs.

It can be hard to know what time of year is the best time to start a landscaping project. No one likes to hear it’s too late to start something that they are looking forward to.

Fortunately, when it comes to landscaping, most projects in Minnesota can happen as long as the ground isn’t frozen. Whether you start in April or October, you should be alright to install decks, patios, fire pits or water features.

Still, a lot of people want to be able to enjoy their new landscaping, and that means getting started in the spring to give any plants added time to get established and look beautiful in the summer.

Getting started in the spring

If you want to enjoy your yard in the summer months, winter and early spring are the best time to start planning. 

Start working with a landscaping company early to get on their schedule and get the design finalized.

Best times to plant

While most landscaping projects can be done any time it’s warm enough, there are some plants that do best when planted in certain seasons. Maple trees, for example, can be planted in the spring or fall, while spring is best for hostas.

Talk with your landscaper about what plants you are thinking about using and ask what seasons they can be planted.

The bottom line

Ultimately, there is a lot of flexibility when you are thinking about starting a landscaping project, especially if you are installing a deck, patio, water feature, or fire pit.

Of course, the sooner you talk to your landscaper the better. Many companies are scheduling into the summer months. It’s best to plan ahead so you can be added to their schedule. 

Great Goats Landscaping offers full-service landscaping for residential and commercial properties. We work with our clients directly to create the yard of their dreams. Give us a call today to set up a free consultation.

While everyone’s life is a little up-ended these days, you might be looking for an outdoor project to keep your hands busy. Cleaning up your yard this spring is the perfect way to get outside while checking something off your to-do list.

What is different about spring yard work? 

Just like you might do spring cleaning in your house, your yard could use some sprucing up this spring too. Early spring is the best time to remove any leftover debris from winter to make sure there is room for new growth this summer. 

No matter how much work your yard needs, it’s always important to be careful while you’re working. Your soil is likely damp from snowmelt. To avoid compacting soil, wait until the dirt is no longer wet enough to form into a ball before beginning any work. 

Is it worth the effort?

Starting the summer off right is the best way to ensure your yard will look good all season. When done properly, a good yard cleanup can give your landscaping the boost it needs to look it’s best from now until the next time it snows. 

Remove debris

No matter how hard or easy a winter is, it always seems to leave behind a mess in everyone’s yard. Clean up anything that accumulated in your yard – branches, dead plants, twigs and leaves can all be disposed of. Many Minnesota communities have yard waste collection sites.

Don’t forget your tools

Spring is a great time to get your landscape and gardening tools in order. Sharpen any knives or blades that might be dull – including your lawnmower. While you’re at it, give your lawnmower a tune-up, changing the oil and checking the air filter and spark plugs.

Too much?

Sound like more then you want to take on right now? Give Mike and his team at Great Goats Landscaping a call today to see how they can take care of your spring yard clean up for you. They offer free estimates and a quick turn around. 

Thinking about updating or re-doing your landscaping? While you’re in the planning process, think about how sustainable your landscaping is and how you could improve it. 

What is sustainable landscaping? 

You may have heard the term used, but many people aren’t sure what it means. After all, plants are plants, aren’t they automatically sustainable? 

The National Gardening Association said that sustainable landscaping is “practicing environmental stewardship so that we meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” 

Overall, sustainable landscaping is thinking about the benefits to the health of our communities and to the future of our environment. 

• Some things that might be included are:
• Using native or non-invasive plants
• Considering local rainfall and runoff
• Creating habitat for native animals and insects
  

What does sustainable landscaping look like?

Some people are concerned that using sustainable landscaping as their guide will result in a boring, unappealing yard. Let us reassure you, that’s just not the case.

Landscaping that keeps sustainability in mind can be just as eye-catching and beautiful as more traditional landscaping. Although a sustainable yard might not look as groomed as a pristine green lawn, it can be just a detailed and cared-for while being much more eco-friendly.

Therefore, people are simply encouraged to let go of the need for perfection in their yard. That includes the use of chemicals and taking a different, more environmentally-friendly approach. 

Any other benefits? 

The benefits of moving towards a more sustainable yard are monumental. By using plants that are native to your area, they are much more likely to thrive with less maintenance. They help wildlife and pollinators thrive by providing additional habitat. Plus, beautiful native flowers and grasses can also boost your curb appeal and home value while reducing runoff and water drainage problems.

Call Great Goats Landscaping

Great Goats has been designing and installing sustainable landscaping projects for years. Give us a call today to talk about how we can transform your yard into a beautiful space that benefits the environment.

Before starting any project, it’s important to have the right information to help everything go as smoothly as possible.

Starting a landscaping project is no different.

Before the first shovel hits the ground, it helps to know what your final vision is and how you or the landscaping crew you’re working with is going to get there. 

Knowing what questions to ask will help ensure you have all the information you need to make informed choices to get the results you are looking for.

Questions to ask yourself

What am I hoping to achieve?

Everyone’s dream yard is different. Maybe you’re looking for a space to unwind at the end of a long day, or maybe you want a deck that is perfect for entertaining friends and family, or maybe you have kids or pets that need a safe place to run and play. Whatever you’re looking for, have a clear end in mind before you start moving forward in the process.

What will I be using the space for?

Depending on how big of an area you have, you might have only one use in mind. Or you might have enough space to have multiple “rooms” in your yard. When designing your yard, knowing what you’ll be using it for will help determine the flow and function of the rest of the space.

How much time will I be able to dedicate to maintenance?

This one requires you to be pretty honest with yourself. There is no sense in using plants that require hours of maintenance to look there best if you don’t have the time to care for them. On the other hand, maybe you love spending Saturdays sprucing up the yard. Then you might want something a little more involved. Wherever you land on the spectrum, give your future self a break and be honest now about how much time you’re going to want to spend working on your yard. 

Questions for your landscaper

How long do you anticipate this project taking?

Of course, there is always a chance that things will come up that affect the schedule. The weather is usually the biggest factor. Still, when you are working with a landscaper, they should be able to give you a rough timeline of how long the project should take and what you should be able to expect.

Where are the plants sourced?

Where plants are sourced can have a huge impact on their vitality and how well they will do in your yard. Ideally, plants would be sourced locally and be native or non-invasive. Native plants are a plus. Anything else should be carefully considered before they are used. 

 When will plants reach maturity?

It’s always helpful to know how long it will take new plants to reach maturity. It usually isn’t feasible to have full-grown trees in a couple of years and even smaller plants sometimes take a couple of years to fully establish themselves.

We’re here to help

Our team has both the patience and the expertise to help answer your burning questions. We love getting involved early in the design phase and helping our clients think through each aspect of a project. No question is too big or too small. We look forward to hearing from you. Call us today to get started.

With the cooler weather officially here to stay, there is no denying that the growing season is over for the year. November isn’t a month that people spend too much time thinking about gardening. In fact, most people are ready to put away their gardening tools for a bit. But if you’re one of those people that can’t get enough gardening, no matter the time of year, there are a few more chores you can do outside to make sure next year is a success.

Weekly ideas

If your lawn is still growing, it’s best to keep mowing it. Meadow voles and mice can cause damage to your turf if there is enough food and cover for them. Keeping your lawn shorter before the snow falls will also reduce dead spots in the spring.

Drain your hoses and sprinklers before there is a risk of them freezing

Remove any frozen and dead perennials from their contains and replace them with evergreen boughs, interesting leaves or seed heads and branches with berries for a natural and festive look.

Mulch tender perennials, new bulbs, and strawberries with clean straw, oak leaves or pine needles. It’s best to mulch plants before temperatures drop to the teens but after the soil is frozen.

End of the season planting

Amaryllis bulbs are a cheerful addition to homes in the winter and can be transplanted outdoors in the warmer months. They have long lifespans and will bloom well in the winter in homes. 

If you know you’ll be looking for color and new life in February, now is the time to force tulip bulbs. Bulbs can be planted in shallow pots and then barely covered with soil so their “noses” are poking out. Water them well and then cover them in plastic. Place them in a cool area that stays above 35 degrees. After about 12 weeks, they should be moved to a cool indoor location. Expect to see flower within two to three weeks after that.