When designing your yard and garden to offer the best curb appeal, the first thing most homeowners consider is adding bushes and plants to boost the appearance of the home. But as amazing as your landscaping may be, it is proper landscape lighting design that can really transform your lovely yard into a dramatic showplace at night. Just as strategically placed lighting can add that magic ambiance to your interior decor, so can the right lighting bring mood and depth to the outdoors, highlighting all that fantastic greenery as well as the architecture of your home. Here are a few ideas for your landscape lighting design, that will turn your home into the most noticed house on the block. First, don’t make the typical mistake of buying a few solar lights and sticking them in the ground. These offer little in the way of lighting, create absolutely no mood, and the only thing they highlight is the walkway, so that your guests hopefully don’t stumble in the dark. Instead, you want lighting at different levels in different styles, which will add dimension and magic to your night time landscape. Up-lighting, down-lighting, and cross-lighting can be used together to create a magical effect. You need to determine how your yard will be used. Do you just want the home to look magnificent from the street or will you also be entertaining in your backyard at night? Is security an issue? Deciding on how your yard will be used can help you focus in on overall lighting, accent lighting, or task lighting. Naturally, you’ll want to make sure that you have task lighting for doorways, pathways, driveways, patios, and steps. Next, you’ll want to consider what are the most attractive features of your home and yard. Do you have a sculptural fountain, an ornate balcony, or a beautiful tree? Be sure to include accent lighting to highlight those elements. Some homeowners may want overall lighting to illuminate the entire landscape, but this may take away from the drama that the accent lighting can provide. A blend of lighting usually offers the best results. The type of lighting you use is another important choice. You definitely would benefit from LED lighting, which is extremely long lasting, saves energy, doesn’t get hot, is more durable, and will require less maintenance. Halogen lights are fading from use because they don’t last long and no one wants to have to dig around in the yard in January snow to replace a halogen bulb. Landscape Lighting DesignTake into account how shadows from one light will affect the results you’ll get from other lights. You’ll always want to position your lights at night, when you can see how shadows and brightness levels will affect things. You may also want to think about how the areas will be used and make sure that the lights don’t aim where they will shine right into someone’s eyes or into your home’s windows or those of a neighbor. Avoid over-lighting, which can create a glare and wash out the night sky. Glare guards and lighting shields can help minimize the risk of over-lighting. By incorporating these techniques into your landscape lighting design, you’ll have a home with stunning curb appeal that will set your landscaping apart from every other home on the street. The post Find the Perfect Landscape Lighting Design for Your Backyard appeared first on Great Affordable Backyard ideas. from http://greatbackyardideas.com/landscape-lighting-design/
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If it seems like the holidays are upon you before you even get your summer clothes put away, you probably don’t have much time to handle your fall cleanup landscaping. However, as an essential aspect of home maintenance this is not something that you should let slip away. So, call us and let our lawn and landscaping experts get everything in order so your lawn will be ready when the frosty winter finally breaks into spring next year! Weeds that were able to survive the summer can be great burrowing grounds for various pests. Likewise, the leaves that have fallen from local trees can become bedding during the fall and summer. We will clean this debris from your land to ensure that small creatures make their winter home elsewhere. Have you noticed rain developing little pools on your lawn? Does it take longer for the water to seep into the ground in this area than others? If so, your lawn needs to be aerated. Compressed soil can create growth problems due to poor nutrient absorption. If you aren’t sure about this, our experts can assess the lawn and recommend whether or not your yard is ready for this. We can also make sure that your flower and garden areas are properly prepared for next spring. Our staff will remove all of the dead growth and weeds that are in the area. We can edge around it and apply any necessary treatments. If you have been growing vegetables this summer, we can till the land and even add nutrients for next year’s crop if you would like. Of course, it is not just your vegetable garden that needs to be fertilized. Although many people think of fertilizing their yards during the spring and summer, a lush lawn requires year-round tending. We can apply a phosphorous-rich product to enhance and encourage root growth come spring. We will also make sure that your yard is free from weeds and other debris. Any fallen branches or similar items will be removed, leaving you a safe, clear yard. Before we are finished, our landscape artists will mow your lawn one last time with a lower cut than during the summer. This will help to prepare the grass for upcoming winter and bright new spring to follow. Another aspect of our fall cleanup landscaping services is to prune all of the bushes, trees and shrubs that are on your property. After removing any dead or damaged branches, we will shape the remaining ones to be ready to bloom and grow beautifully the following season. Likewise, we can help plant your bulbs, shrubs and fall annuals. It is essential that you get your fall yard cleanup and landscaping taken care of before the first freeze sets in. Instead of trying to fit these things into your already hectic schedule, contact us. Our landscape artists will help get your yard clean and beautiful in no time so you can relax and enjoy a white winter wonderland in your own yard! The post Let Us Help With Your Fall Cleanup Landscaping Needs! appeared first on Great Affordable Backyard ideas. from http://greatbackyardideas.com/fall-cleanup-landscaping-needs/ There may be something about moving water that soothes the soul. Paying attention to the splash of a backyard fountain or watching the sunshine play off ripples is universally calming. It is not a surprise that just about the most common landscaping projects today is building a pond. Fortunately, you do not demand a huge chunk of land or deep pockets to take pleasure from your backyard water feature. For individuals who may wish to go DIY using their pond building projects, here are some tips that will help you design, build and decorate your landscape and transform it in to a stunning outdoor oasis. Tip 1: Choose Your Pond Type When you’re contemplating developing a pond, you should obviously have an idea from the backyard water feature you need. There are many options that you can consider as follows. – Natural Pond – A natural pond is supposed to blend into the landscape much like an integral part of your surroundings. A natural pond typically has free-form edges that do not stick to a predictable or straight course. This type of pond also incorporates plants and stones native to the region. – Semi-Natural Pond – Taking some cues in the already existing hardscape within your backyard, this common pond normally has free-form edges that are set close to stone, brick or concrete patio. The plants in these kinds of pond may either be native or otherwise. – Formal Pond – Often based on geometric shapes, these kinds of pond is generally edged in poured concrete or expensive mortared stone. Excellent for a reflecting pool in your backyard or garden, this type of pond makes a fantastic showcase to the fish. Plantings in this particular pond are usually sparse or nonexistent. Tip 2: Choose Where You Are When selecting a spot for your pond, it is advisable to look for more than the visual appeal. You need to always keep in mind aspects including your pond’s surrounding environment and the need for a good source of energy. For instance, a lot of exposure to the sun can impact the upkeep needed for fish and plants whereas the falling leaves will obviously clog your pump. After selecting the right place for your pond, you may commence the digging. When breaking ground, it is best to be cautious with buried utility lines. To aid in digging, you can utilize spray paint or even a water hose to get a guideline in the size and shape of your pond. Applying a level may also ensure your pond remains all even. For those who have plans to put in a waterfall, you could make an elevation with a downward slope. Tip 3: Choose the Right Pond Lining to Avoid Leakage Once the digging is complete, you ought to embark on adding the pond liner. PVC pond liners are durable, lightweight and easily customizable in to the desired shape. Additionally, these liners are UV protected and if installed properly, they might last over two decades. A pond liner must be installed with all the textured side facing up and also the smooth side facing as a result of facilitate the growth of healthy bacteria within the pond. Tip 4: Select the Right Pump for Better Water Circulation Once you’re done with the lining, you will have to pick the proper pump which facilitates the appropriate flow water features like waterfalls. Better yet, the best pump will provide the very best water circulation for your pond to back up any aquatic life. When taking into consideration the dimensions of the pump, you need to consider the total number of water you anticipate your pond to keep. Small ponds would require simply a single pump whereas large ponds would require more than one pump especially if you plan on having some special features like fountains and waterfalls. The post Tips for Building Ponds in Your Backyard appeared first on Great Affordable Backyard ideas. from http://greatbackyardideas.com/building-ponds/ Great and beautiful outdoor patio and garden furniture brings comfort and function to the outdoor area. Possessing a spacious table and easy to use comfortable chairs in your patio can easily make a lots of difference and can even make the patio a fantastic sensory-rich dining destination. There are a variety of options out there with regards to outdoor furniture, rendering it a smart idea to spend a tad bit more time selecting the best for you. Easy Tips for Choosing You Outdoor Patio FurnitureThere are several individuals out there who definitely have been required to spend more since the furniture did not work for their patio. You can find a number of considerations you will need to make, including space and performance of your respective patio. Good patio furniture can readily build a second living room through the warmer weather months. Outdoor-living opportunities are available, including balconies and pocket gardens. When complemented with the right furniture, the space will appear great. Much like buying normal furniture, you will need to choose options which go together. There are numerous of tips you can utilize when picking the right garden and patio furniture for you. Planning it thoughtfully will ensure that your outdoor spaces will appear great and inviting for many years to come. Make a List of What You WantStart by looking to visualize how your outdoor space will almost certainly look and function. You will want various kinds of furniture for various functions. If you want to have it serve as a dining area or a space to host dinner parties, then you can certainly accomplish this by picking the right furniture. The furnishings you will use for dining differs from that you simply will make use of when the space will be your peaceful reading nook. Make a list of the things that you wish to have within the space and then use it being a guide while you search for the outdoor garden and patio furniture. Possessing a list will assist you to spend less because you will certainly be spending your money only on the furniture you want, and never whatever you love but don’t need. Try Before You BuyIt is advisable to adopt a sit before you purchase. You may be utilizing the furniture regularly, the same as interior furniture, and you need to ensure it is comfortable. You will end up drawn to take more time on comfortable furniture, and you could easily accomplish your tasks without discomfort by any means. Make It Easy On YourselfYou ought to be spending much more time experiencing and enjoying the outdoor area and not having to spend it on maintaining the furnishings. Choose furniture that is certainly simple to maintain. Most metal, cedar, teak, etc, are great options because they are not easily afflicted with the climate. You may expect furniture created from these materials to appear wonderful for several years. Consider How (Or If) It Will Be StoredThe furniture needs to be saved in a protected location. Doing this will add a couple of years to the life of the furnishings. A lot of people store them in the garage or basement during the offseason. Even durable furniture created from tough materials will last much longer when stored when not in use. Be Bold With An Accent ColorWhen selecting outdoor patio and garden furniture, you should not be limited to natural options for example wood or materials. Seek out colorful finishes which will decorate your outdoor area. Bold colors should be useful for cushions and accent pieces for stylish longevity. You Get What You Pay ForYou will always get what you pay money for. Spending a bit more funds on quality may be beneficial. A lot of people have the mistake of choosing the cheapest options, but they find yourself regretting once they should replace them. Check reviews prior to you making your final decision. The post Tips to Choose Outdoor Patio Furniture appeared first on Great Affordable Backyard ideas. from http://greatbackyardideas.com/outdoor-patio-furniture-tips/ There exists no other time in the season that the warm fireside meal, gather or immersion within a good book is not a welcome retreat from your stress of recent life. Fire as being an element includes a hypnotic and relaxing ambiance that enhances any special occasion from a quiet dinner to a party with friends. Outdoor fireplaces and firepits are much greater than a sentimental and functional gathering place. Based on the American Institute of Architects, the outdoor firepit has become a crucial design anchor for the outside of the home. These articles contains all you should know on the advantages of and outdoor fireplace for your own home and lifestyle: Fire Pits Can Extend The Livability And Comfort Of An Outdoor SpaceYou will enjoy your outside area more when you have a comfy and stylishly designed fire pit in a strategic location. Not only can this provide extra lighting that beautifully plays on the outside of your property through the night, and significantly increasing entrance charm, in addition they start the chance of activities in a outdoor setting. The darkest and the majority of foreboding outside area can suddenly become warm and inviting with the addition of a fire place. Build Outdoor Firepits Increase Home ValueA outdoor fire pit can be carefully selected for improving value of your home. A carefully chosen firepit could add a distinctive and modern value to the home and is among the most important advantages over traditional landscaping. As among the most important trends in outdoor design, many potential buyers will be fascinated by homes with this outdoor feature. A outdoor fire pit may also increase the and highlight the architectural features both as a lighting source and functional piece of art. Outdoor firepits are available in a splendid selection of styles, designs and materials to fit any surrounding. There are heavy set iron and stone monoliths that engender a prehistoric feel suitable for all types of castles and ranches. Along with stylish glass and copper designs that offer a delicate elegance to your modern home. Fire Pits Expand The Entertaining SpaceConsider the entertainment outside and extend the entertaining space for parties of all sizes. An outside fire pit produces a calming and natural environment that enjoys open air and also the relaxing breeze. No one can refuse getting the party outdoors specially in the existence of this kind of relaxing fire. No person needs the interference of YouTube, TV and Gaming consoles when the greatest lightshow inside the universe is offered in your backyard with full stereophonic sound. The tales told within the glow of any open flame will almost always be probably the most memorable. Fire Pits Help In Keeping Bugs AwayOnce the summer rolls around the surface area may become a staging ground for insect home invasion. Throughout the late summer, throngs of mosquitos in addition to their confederates can threaten to cancel all outdoor activities on account with their feeding habits. But a certain amount of fragrant wood smoke coupled with some citronella candles is the perfect thing to keep bugs away. Special woods and coconut charcoal is able to keep bugs away with more efficacy. An Alternate Area for CookingTake your culinary genius to new heights together with the most time-tested and delicious kinds of cooking ever discovered: the open flame. Sure marshmallows, smores and chestnuts are typical fun and fragrant, there are many other foods that could be cooked in the open flame. From bar-be-ques to smores to all manner of roasted veggies and seafood the cuisines prepared this way will quickly function as the envy of your neighborhood. The post Why You Should Build Outdoor Firepit appeared first on Great Affordable Backyard ideas. from http://greatbackyardideas.com/build-outdoor-firepit/ There are lots of affordable backyard landscaping ideas you can look into. For a backyard landscape upgrade, you don’t need to spend so much cash to get an outdoor look that is easy and affordable. The idea, however, lies on whether or not you are creative in designing since for everything to be affordable you need to rely on creativity. Examples include getting cheap and available materials to use in your landscaping. Get creative when searching for low-cost options for landscaping materials. Often, home improvement stores have discounted material on sale. These are great options if you are flexible with colors or don’t need a lot of materials. Here are a few things you can do in your backyard: Decorate the wall with an Espaliered Tree For those who happen to have a boring brick wall, an espaliered tree is a very simple way to add visual interest and texture to your fence. It is the easiest way to create a living fence. It is also very interesting since you do not spend much money to design and build one. Affordable backyard landscaping ideas for seating area One of the most expensive investments for classy backyards is backyard furniture. The good thing is that there are other options where you can make for yourself chairs, benches, and venue tables. There are a few affordable backyard landscaping ideas that give tips on affordable seating area for instance: if you can construct low-cost concrete blocks that have been dry-stacked and covered at the top with a foam pad, will work to offer you with a really nice seating spot outside your home’s backdoor. Building your own outdoor furniture is a great affordable way to add beauty to any backyard landscape. From concrete blocks to old tires, to woodworking projects, building your own furniture not only will save you money but let you create the exact backyard design you envision. Softening of the edges with handmade or vintage finds You can work by adding elegance and beauty to your backyard with some fabric shades made from either yardage or sheets or any other suitable materials. They can really save you from the intense rays at key times of the day. Also add a few other vintage elements, for instance, a non-working chandeliers fitted with candles. In place of the expensive fixture, this is an idea that can work best for you. Watch video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/J2CW29_Un_k |
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