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A Guide to Plant Hardiness at Your Lake Home: Zones 1-3

Posted on May 21, 2020November 10, 2020 Camille Smith

Photo courtesy of Country Gardens Magazine.

If you have a garden at your lake house, you’re probably familiar with the Plant Hardiness Zones. Designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this guide separates the country into zones based on average annual minimum winter temperature. Each zone is split by 10 degrees and has its unique features, such as the first and last frost date and length of seasons. This helpful tool clarifies which plants will thrive in your garden. For example, if you’re a gardener in zones 1-3, the Plant Hardiness Zones will warn you against planting a peach tree in your garden, which wouldn’t flourish outside the southernmost zones.

If you’ve been browsing the Lake Homes blog in the last few months, you may have caught the first two articles in our series on gardening zones. While the first two covered zones 7-9 and zones 4-6, we’re now turning the spotlight on the coldest areas of the U.S. — zones 1-3.

Region Characteristics

In zones 1-3, the average annual minimum temperature is between -60 degrees and -30 degrees Fahrenheit with zone 1 being the coldest. Most of zone 1 is located in Alaska, where the tundra climate can be especially harsh for gardening. In zones 2 and 3, which include the northernmost United States and high altitude areas, these low temperatures also present a challenge for gardeners. Due to the unforgiving weather, it’s crucial to consult the Plant Hardiness Zones to determine which plants are most likely to survive the winter in your garden. Aside from temperature, these regions also tend to have low moisture and high winds, creating more barriers to plant survival.

Main Takeaways

Due to the harsh features of these regions, northern gardeners’ planting window is shorter than those in other zones. Kevin Espiritu, the founder of Epic Gardening, clarifies, “Gardeners in zones 1-3 have about 2 months to plant, and that’s it.” If you’re living in these zones, it’s crucial to take advantage of this brief time. Luckily, certain types of gardening can help. Scott Fanello, a writer for Total Gardener, advises those in zones 1-3 to master cold-frame gardening. With this simple structure that utilizes insulation and solar energy, you can create a microclimate for your plants. He also recommends building a greenhouse at your lake home if you have the money and time. Despite these challenges, life in zones 1-3 isn’t all bad. Espiritu notes that one advantage to growing plants in Alaska is their long summers (almost 20 hours per day of sunlight), causing gardeners in this region to break records in terms of large vegetables.

Plants to Pick

Due to the harsh weather conditions, the best plants to choose in zones 1-3 are tough ones that can survive droughts. It’s also best to select native plants that are already adapted to the climate. Thankfully, several plants are hardy enough to thrive in this cold, dry weather. Nikki McAteer, marketing director of Perfect Plants Nursery, comments, “Only a handful of perennial plants will grow outside and come back year after year. Planting annuals is a great solution to these punishing temperatures.”

In contrast to perennials that need more maintenance, annuals are less of a commitment. Most vegetables are grown as annuals, so plants like beans, broccoli, potatoes, and tomatoes have a good chance of survival in zones 1-3. Fanello recommends focusing on fast-growing annuals in particular. Some examples include salad greens and herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary. Overall, it’s helpful to pick plants with a short growing season so they’ll mature and be ready for harvest in the 2-month window that these zones offer.

Despite the harsh weather in zones 1-3, northern gardeners are quite savvy when it comes to working with what they have. If you own a lake house in these zones, we hope these tips help your garden flourish. It’s also a great idea to connect with other gardeners in your zone through meetups, Facebook groups, and local farmer’s markets. Plus, with all the available vegetable options in these northern zones, you’ll always have something to add to your homemade salad!

A Guide to Plant Hardiness at Your Lake Home: Zones 4-6

Posted on April 9, 2020May 1, 2020 Camille Smith

As any gardener will tell you, the key to having a successful garden is choosing the right plants and knowing when to plant them. To make these decisions, gardeners first look to the plant hardiness zones for guidance. A hardiness zone is a geographic area that divides certain regions based on the average minimum rainfall per year. Pol Bishop, a landscaping expert from Fantastic Gardeners, simplifies, “gardening zones essentially use temperature to determine plant survivability.” By understanding the average temperature in your region, you can make well-informed fundamental gardening decisions.

Peter Miller, founder of Gardening Stuffs, comments, “I’ve been in the garden landscape space for 15 years now, and I know how important it is to identify which plants will survive the adverse climate of your region. In gardening, you can adjust your soil type and its PH levels as well as the amounts of sun and shade, but you won’t be able to control the temperature in your garden.” While our first article in the series focused on the southernmost zones in the U.S.– zones 7-9– we’ll now highlight zones 4-6. This range of zones encompasses mid-America and most of the east coast. If your lake house is in these regions, the information and tips provided will help your lakeside garden thrive.

Key Characteristics

In zones 4-6, the average minimum temperature is between -30 and -5 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, one of the hallmark qualities of these zones is that each season has an actual ending and real beginning. Unlike this area’s northernmost and southernmost counterparts, neither winter nor summer lasts too long in these zones. The seasonality is clear-cut. Kevin Espiritu, the founder of Epic Gardening, comments that these zones capture the “traditional gardener in a classic farming routine.” There’s a certain luxury that comes from planting for the next season in the preceding one, and gardeners can take advantage of warm days to plan. There’s even the exciting possibility of a Fall garden.

Helpful Hints

While the plant hardiness zones are useful, they do not tell a region’s full story. This is because the zones only capture average minimum temperature without considering rainfall, elevation, and subclimates. In the Western U.S., sunset zones are a more precise system because they take a region’s latitude, the ocean’s influence, rainfall, humidity, wind, elevation, and microclimate into account. However, since sunset zones only apply to the west, the hardiness zones are currently the most standardized tool for the whole country.

Given this limitation, gardeners should take it upon themselves to consider additional factors that may impact their plants’ survival. For example, those further west receive less rainfall, and those further east get more rain on average. Scott Fanello, a writer for Total Gardner, advises those in drier areas to use greywater to compensate for lack of rainfall, and he urges easterners to make the most of their rainy climate. Regardless of these subclimate-specific differences, a similarity across zones 4-6 is the forgiving weather. This similarity leads to longer growing times during the spring and summer months. To work with this, Fanello mentions that greenhouses can be fun, but they aren’t essential. He also notes that just like zones 1-3, mastering cold frame gardening will be helpful in zones 4-6.

Plants That Thrive

Because the weather conditions are ideal for gardening, several types of plants can thrive in zones 4-6. However, some differences are dependent on the specific zone. In zone 4, flowers such as goldenrods, daisies, and petunias will thrive. Plus, the bright color combination is a nice bonus. Landscaper, gardener, and writer Melanie Musson advises filling pots and baskets with petunias for a warm, English-countryside look. If you want to plant trees by your lake house in zone 4, consider a sugar maple. The dynamic, orange-brown tones will look vibrant in the Fall. In zone 5, Musson notes that Agastache will quickly prosper, and they’ll also attract hummingbirds to your garden. As for trees and shrubs, flowering dogwoods and Japanese yews are perfect for zone 5. In zone 6, Musson recommends planting hostas. These perennials love the evenly moist soil in this zone, and their leaves are beautiful all season long. Musson also adds azaleas and rhododendrons to the list of plants that will flourish in zone 6. She shares, “they make for low-maintenance shrubbery that boasts a stunning bloom period.”

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If your lake house falls into one of these three zones, we hope you take advantage of the naturally ideal gardening conditions and find a new perennial to plant this season!

4 Best Plants to Prevent Bugs at Your Lake Home

Posted on May 29, 2019August 7, 2019 Staff

Bugs: nature’s biggest nuisances. While some – like bees, praying mantises and ladybugs – are helpful to the environment, others can be a real buzz kill during lake season.

These four plants will not only spruce up your curb appeal but also help keep pests from ruining your fun in the sun. So, check out this list of the four best plants to prevent bugs at your home, and get growing!

Lemongrass

Lemongrass, often used for medicinal purposes in teas and as a cooking spice, is a surprisingly effective mosquito repellent.

These plants — characterized by tubular stocks, a bulbous base and blade-like leaves — contain citronella oil.

This essential oil works by masking smells insects (like mosquitoes) find attractive.

In people, these attractive aromas include carbon dioxide, which we produce by exhaling, and some chemicals found in human sweat.

Lemongrass is a warm-weather plant, which requires full sunlight for six to eight hours a day to thrive.

If planting lemongrass in a garden, be sure to spread plants several feet apart to allow optimal growth.

If you’re planting lemongrass in an area where temperatures drop to below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, grow the herb in a planter rather than in the ground. That way, you can take the plants inside during the winter to avoid freezing.

Also water your lemongrass plants regularly, as they are prone to drying out when left unattended, and keep them in nutrient-rich soil that drains well.

Chrysanthemums

Members of the daisy family, chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors making them perfect for brightening your yard and, even better, preventing bugs from encroaching on your good time.

These flowering plants are characterized by the shape of their petals. Some chrysanthemums feature thick, rounded flowers while others feature tubular petals that stick out like spikes.

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, commonly found in natural pesticides. This chemical is effective at repelling, and even killing, such insects as ants, fleas, ticks and roaches.

To grow your own, be sure to plant your flowers where they will receive between 5 and 6 hours of sunlight daily.

You should also avoid planting your chrysanthemums in low-lying areas that may collect water, or in damp window boxes, because they are susceptible to mildewing.

Rosemary

Like lemongrass, rosemary is another cooking herb that does well to keep mosquitoes at bay. Also similar to lemongrass, rosemary puts off a strong aromatic smell that masks those that attract such insects.

Experts recommend throwing a few sprigs of rosemary on the grill while cooking out to not only enhance the flavor of your meal, but also to drive flies and other bugs away with the smoke.

Rosemary is a perennial, shrub-like plant that is best grown when potted. This herb can survive in a wide range of temperatures and sunlight and can grow up to four feet tall. Rosemary also produces small, indigo-colored flowers.

You can harvest up to a third of a rosemary stem at a time. Once harvested, you can dry your rosemary stems to use later in cooking, teas and in bug repelling.

Petunias

Vibrant colored petunias are effective at deterring a number of insects including aphids and different types of beetles.

There are two types of this flower: grandiflora and multiflora.

When planting petunias at the lake, consider planting the latter type to prevent bugs at your home.

Distinguished by numerous small buds, multiflora petunias are not as susceptible to wet conditions as grandiflora.

It’s best to start growing your petunias from transplants; however, should you grow them straight from the seed, pot and grow your flowers inside until they can be transplanted.

Petunias are perennials, like rosemary, which means you and your lake home guests can enjoy them year-round.

They don’t require much watering and can grow in partial shade, though the plant will produce fewer flowers than if it were grown in the sun.

The most popular varieties of this flower include Petunia Plus Reds, also known as the hummingbird petunia, and Suncatcher Pink Lemonade petunias, which feature a yellowy center with a pink rim.

The Hidden Costs of Keeping A Lake Home: Tips for First-time Buyers

Posted on May 26, 2017November 26, 2019 Staff

Lake house cabin waterfront lakefront home

Before purchasing your dream house, you may have looked into the hidden costs of buying a lake home.

Now that you’re moved in, you might be wondering what it’s going to cost to keep the place in tip-top shape.

You will run into several smaller, and occasionally larger, costs when maintaining your lake home. These add up, and the bottom line can catch many first-time homebuyers by surprise.

Here are some of the most common hidden costs of keeping a lake home.

Home Repairs

Lake homes are often located on gorgeous plots of land, with stunning views of the water and the natural surroundings.

Because of this, lake homes often absorb far more damage from the elements. The wind and rain, the lake itself, even the trees around your property can contribute to these hidden costs.

On average, lake homes require more frequent repairs and maintenance. Common repairs and their causes:

Damage due to wind and storms
Roof or structural damage due to falling tree limbs
Foundation issues due to fluctuating water tables
Siding replacement due to wind damage
Mildew due to high moisture content in the air
Damage due to wildfires (most common in western states)
Flood damage

The Great Outdoors

*Photo courtesy of* *Walton Architecture & Engineering*.

Remember that you are responsible for the entire property you own, not just the house itself! Lawn upkeep, landscaping, tree trimming, and other costs can be a hefty responsibility.

For homes with forests or large trees nearby, tree trimming is a must.

Limbs overhanging your property or power lines could do serious damage. Spending a few hundred dollars to have a professional remove any overhanging limbs can save you tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Don’t forget the shoreline.

If you own a waterfront property, you may be responsible for the seawall. This structure protects your property line from erosion. Repair estimates vary, but installation can cost more than $100 per linear foot.

If this is not your primary residence, you will need to hire someone to mow the lawn regularly. Your neighbors won’t appreciate having an overgrown field next door!

Many lake properties are also located on hills or steep inclines, too. Don’t assume that your push mower will always do the job.

Home Improvements

Once you have bought your lake home, chances are you want to customize it. Plans to improve the property are often made before it’s even been selected.

If you have your heart set on any of these improvements in the first few years, be sure to calculate that into your long-term budget.

Many first-time lake home buyers neglect to include these in their budget when shopping for a lake home, even if they fully intend to install them.

Deck
Hot tub
Barbecue grill
Swimming pool
Garden
Guesthouse
Firepit
Energy-efficient windows/lighting

Be sure that any improvements are permitted by local laws and regulations, too. Many lakes require special construction permits. Also, be sure to look into how to find the right contractor for the job, if you won’t be the one completing the projects.

Docks

*Photo courtesy of* *Shiflet Group Architects*.

The average wooden boat dock lasts roughly 20-25 years.

Repairs may only cost a few hundred dollars, but replacement can cost several thousand. Factors such as climate, size, and water depth factor into this cost.

If you plan on owning your lake home long-term and have a dock, chances are it will need to be replaced eventually.

This process will accelerate if your lake freezes over in the winter, too. Freezing and thawing over several years will inevitably deteriorate any material.

Two of Everything

For people who have a lake home as their secondary residence, there is what we like to call the “two of everything” cost. For everything you keep at home, you will need at least one more set for your lake home.

Buyers rarely budget for this, but it adds up incredibly fast. Don’t fall into the trap of assuming that you’ll just ferry everything from your primary residence to the lake home every time, either.

Furniture
Appliances
Cookware and dinnerware
Sheets, linens, and towels
Decorations
Tools
Toiletries
Cleaning supplies
Children’s toys

This is also true for utilities.

Remember, owning a second home means having two power bills, two telephone bills, two water bills, etc. These can often rival a car (or mortgage) payment if you aren’t careful! Be sure to budget for this.

Many experts highly recommend a security system for any secondary residence. Houses that are not lived in full-time are especially vulnerable to break-ins.

Even if you visit every weekend, having a security system in place can give you great peace of mind.

Having a security system can give you real peace of mind, if you go weeks, or even months, without visiting your lake home.

Guests

Guests can be the most noticeable, if not the biggest, cost of owning a lake home! This can include your extended family, your neighbors, friends, coworkers… anyone you invite over to enjoy your beautiful new lake home!

Lake homes can serve as the perfect getaway for you and your loved ones.

The hidden costs of playing host can add up quickly, though. Especially for a large lake house.

For large gatherings, don’t be afraid to ask guests to chip in food, beverages or other supplies. This can help offset what would otherwise be a huge cost.

It is difficult to estimate many of these costs in advance. Still, if you spend a little time on them, they can give you a much better idea of your budget.

You will be much better prepared to not just buy your lake home, but to enjoy it for years to come.

For more advice on purchasing a lake home, read “Hidden Costs of Buying A Lake Home: Tips for First-time Buyers“.

Who Owns Your Lake?

Posted on May 19, 2017December 11, 2019 Staff

Who owns your lake? And what kind of lake regulations could the answer mean for you as a homeowner? This question doesn’t even occur to most people. But if you are considering buying a lake home, this is something you absolutely, positively need to know.

Contrary to popular belief, lakes are not undesignated public land. They are typically owned by the government or private entities. Each lays down its own set of rules and guidelines for homeowners. When shopping for a lake home, you can save a lot of stress by finding out who owns your lake, and the rules they have.

Most large, developed lakes in the United States are owned or maintained by utility companies or the United States Army Corps of Engineers. They may also own parts, or all, of the shoreline. Homeowners along the shoreline may own their land outright, or have it in a long-term lease.

Do your homework, and always read the fine print! Here is a play-by-play on the most common types of entities that control lakes in the United States.

Utility Companies

Beautiful lake sunrise on Lake Sam Rayburn — *Photo courtesy of* *Lake Sam Rayburn*.

Many of the larger lakes in the United States feed hydropower dams that generate electricity. According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, there are currently more than 1,700 of these dams in the United States.

Famous hydropower lakes include Lake Mead in Arizona/Nevada, the Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas, and Clarks Hill Lake in Georgia/South Carolina.

These lakes are often, but not always, owned by the utility company that operates the dam. The company oftentimes owns a portion of the shoreline, as well, or retains property rights along the shoreline.

Family camping at lake — *Photo courtesy of* *Explore Georgia*.

Lake regulations on these properties typically focus on construction and shoreline maintenance. Some common types of regulations include:

Homeowners may need permits for new construction or improvements
Limits and material standards for dock construction
Landscaping, erosion control and seawall construction guidelines
Water usage for utilities (especially during drought conditions)
Warning systems, safety precautions and “off-limits” areas near the dam itself

Lakes that feed hydroelectric dams will often rise and fall with the seasons, as energy usage fluctuates.

Check with the utility company to check on the lake level. For example, the Tennessee Valley Authority maintains a website to let visitors check on lake levels and planned water releases.

United States Army Corps of Engineers

United States Army Corps of Engineering creating a fish habitat out of trees — *Photo courtesy of* *USACOE*.

The US Army Corps of Engineers governs more than 450 lakes in 43 states.

They manage these for flood control, recreation, preserving natural wildlife and recreation. They manage many of the hydropower lakes, as well.

On these lakes, some, or all, of the homeowners’ land may be owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, and leased to the homeowners. Leases can range from 20 to 99 years.

Take note: in these cases, mortgage lenders will never approve a mortgage longer than the lease. For example, banks will never approve a 30-year mortgage for property on land with a 25-year lease.

Here are some common lake regulations for Army Corps of Engineers lakes:

Serious restrictions on any portion of the property designated “public land.” This includes fence construction, roads, landscaping, gardening, etc.
Boat and dock size limits
“Off limits” areas near the dam or other utilities
Rules against destruction of wildlife habitat

Lake with trees lining shoreline during sunset — *Photo courtesy of* *USACOE*.

Part of the property may be designated as “flowage easement land.”

Agencies keep this land, usually defined as a certain distance from the shoreline, clear for flood control. It can be privately owned, but has certain restrictions in order to guarantee the flow of water during flood conditions.

Homeowners can typically use flowage easement land as they see fit, with three common exceptions:

No structures for human dwelling, such as guest houses
Installation of septic tanks, sewer lines or other underground utilities is severely limited
Landowners cannot build fences across flowage easement land; they can, however, build them up to the edge of it.

Homeowner’s Associations

Homeowner’s Associations control many of the smaller, private lakes in the United States.

These associations have very different concerns than the federal government or utility companies.

Their lakes don’t serve a major public interest. Rather, people use these lakes primarily for their beauty and personal enjoyment.

Because of this, regulations focus more on the lake’s aesthetics and culture. Homeowners often have more legal rights.

At the same time, they can run into problems if any improvements or usage don’t fit within the rules of the homeowner’s association.

Common lake regulations by homeowner’s associations include:

Association membership fees
Limits on boat or dock size
Limits on boat speed and other water activities
Approval required for new construction, especially those facing the water
Standards for upkeep, such as dock repair, landscaping and shoreline maintenance

Do Your Homework on Lake Regulations

Each lake is different.

Even if you have spent years visiting a lake, chances are you don’t know all the aspects of owning property there. Always do your homework before making an offer!

This is one reason to work with an agent who specialized in lake property, especially on your lake, when shopping for a lake home.

Real estate agents who specialize in lake property know their lake’s quirks, and can help you find the home of your dreams without all the headaches.

Outdoor Renovations? Think Budget and Scope

Posted on February 2, 2017December 4, 2017 Nerdwallet (LHR Content Provider)

wooden trellis-like stairs — Stairs are a common renovation project.

Many homeowners view their outdoor spaces as their own personal oases, places where they can relax, dine and spend time with their friends and loved ones.

In light of this, it makes sense that homeowners consider investing in major features that will transform their outdoor areas into additional living spaces.

Like any home-renovation project, however, outdoor renovations can easily get out of control if you don’t have a good handle on how much things will cost, what your goals are and whether you’re doing the work yourself or need professional help.

Before you dive into an outdoor improvement, take these key considerations into account to help you stay on budget and ensure that your project is successful.

Match plan to budget

One of the key factors in the success of any outdoor project is determining a realistic budget long before you put shovel to topsoil.

Only once you’ve decided what you’re comfortable spending can you define the scope of your project.

The 2016 Houzz Landscaping & Garden Trends Study, conducted among registered users of the residential remodeling website, found that 88 percent of respondents had done or planned to do substantial renovations or complete overhauls, while only 12 percent had done or planned to do minor updates.

Knowing the scope of your plans in the beginning will help you get a basic sense of what the project will cost you.

In the Houzz study, nine out of 10 homeowners working on minor updates spent or planned to spend less than $5,000, but substantial updates called for bigger budgets — more than two in five homeowners working on a complete overhaul spent or planned to spend $20,000 or more.

Having a general understanding of the projects that are most popular among outdoor renovators can also be helpful as you develop your budget and scope.

Across all outdoor projects reported in the study, many homeowners were updating outdoor systems such as irrigation and lighting (82 percent), beds and borders (80 percent) and structural elements such as patios, terraces and gazebos (72 percent).

The costs of these projects vary significantly based on a number of factors, such as project nature, scope and professional involvement.

For example, while most standard outdoor systems such as irrigation or lighting in medium to small yards can be upgraded for less than $2,000, updates to beds and borders can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

Renovation of outdoor structures is typically quite expensive and can easily start at a few thousand dollars and go up based on the type of structure and the extent of upgrades.

Pick your priorities

The next key factor to consider: What are you trying to accomplish with your renovation?

If outdoor living is top of your mind, you might concentrate on adding outdoor furniture, a fire pit or cooking features to enhance comfort.

If a low-maintenance space is a top priority, you might focus on adding plants that require little care and are resistant to cold, drought and wildlife.

When it comes to design, outdoor renovators most valued one that complements the style of their home (46 percent), promotes outdoor living (45 percent) and is stylish and beautiful (43 percent).

In terms of function, a space that’s easy to maintain ranked highest for homeowners (80 percent), followed by an area suitable for group gatherings and entertainment (49 percent).

Beyond creating an outdoor space that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to spend time in, many homeowners tackled specific challenges during their projects. Top issues included drainage troubles, lack of privacy and drought or water shortages.

Identifying your outdoor pet peeves or pressing concerns should make it easier to set project scope and budget. This will help you avoid project-scope creep.

Hiring a professional

More than half of outdoor upgraders in the Houzz study hired a landscape contractor or landscape architect/designer (52 percent) to help them bring their vision to life — and for good reason.

Landscaping professionals can open your eyes to a wide variety of options for your space that you might not be aware of, provide guidance for staying on schedule and budget, and tackle projects for which specialized skills are particularly beneficial.

Certain projects also require the hiring of licensed professionals to comply with local regulations.

Once you determine your budget, scope and top priorities, consider meeting with a professional for an initial consultation to discuss what you have in mind for your project.

Finding the right landscape contractor or landscape architect can make an entire project come alive. You may be surprised at how reasonable the professionals’ fees are compared with their contributions to the project and the quality of the final outcome.

An outdoor makeover can make an enormous difference in how you and your family enjoy your time at home.

In fact, after the completion of their outdoor project, 75 percent of homeowners reported resting and relaxing more often in their yards, 64 percent did more gardening and 55 percent entertained more frequently in their outdoor areas.

Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure that you not only complete your project without damaging your finances but also achieve an ideal outdoor space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

Nino Sitchinava is principal economist at Houzz, a residential remodeling and design platform and community.

This article originally appeared on NerdWallet.

NerdWallet is a Lake Homes Realty / LakeHomes.com content partner providing real estate news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of Lake Homes Realty and LakeHomes.com.

Tips for Maintaining a Green and Healthy Lawn in the Summer

Posted on July 10, 2015November 4, 2017 Glenn S. Phillips

The summer months offer warm days and outdoor activities that keep everyone outside for hours at a time. There are some that will spend these months trying to maintain a healthy lawn.

Some will find it a bit hard to keep their grass healthy and green. Here are some tips that you can use to ensure that your lawn remains as beautiful as it appeared when spring hit.

Mowing Your Lawn

A healthy yard does not mean that it has to be cut short. When you cut your lawn, the blades will need to be set a bit higher. The length of your grass provides many benefits when it comes to keeping your soil productive and healthy.

Taller grass is able to obtain more light during the sun’s peak hours, and then in turn it uses the energy to produce more nutrients for the roots, as well as the surrounding soil.

The taller blades also help provide shade to allow the soil around the grass to keep the moisture through the heat of the summer days.

Grass Clippings

The clippings should not automatically be deemed waste. If you cut your yard frequently enough, the small amount of clippings you produce when you cut your lawn should be redistributes over your yard.

There are mowers that will collect the clippings in bags, but you should instead allow them to fall back to the grass and the soil. It will help offer more nutrients in the long run, and so long as you are cutting often will not leave big piles or trails of unsightly clippings in your yard.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing should be done at the beginning of the spring months, as well as at the very end of the fall months. It is vital to the grass’s health. Most of the organic fertilizers used during the spring season will allow the soil to be kick started with a large amount of nutrients for the grass to grow.

On the opposite site, most winterizing fertilizers will allow the soil to capture and maintain the nutrients and offer a very healthy landscape during the harsh winter conditions.

Seeding

Any patches of yard that does not seem to grow very well needs to be reseeded properly. Patience is important. Seeding once and properly watering it on a schedule should start to show improvements within days and weeks, especially with a lot of bright summer sunshine.

Watering

Hydration is crucial during the summer months. It is important for growth due to nutrition. The entire yard that surrounds your home will need to have at least one inch of water weekly.

When you water your yard it needs to be done in the very early morning so that the soil is able to absorb all of the moisture that it can before the sun comes out.

The watering needs to be measured. It is important to find the right balance so that the yard is not overwatered and then rendered infertile.

Outside Help

If you are still having problems with your yard then there are a couple of other steps you can take for outside help. If you would like to continue to work on the lawn yourself, consult a local expert at Home Depot or Lowe’s, as they are familiar with your local environment and specific needs.

If you would rather take the easiest, albeit most costly, route, then it’s time to call in a local landscapers. These professionals are highly experienced with all types of yards and problems, and will have your lawn looking like a golf green in no time!

5 Fun Landscaping Ideas for Your Lake Home

Posted on April 13, 2015February 9, 2023 Glenn S. Phillips

Lake homes offer a beautiful retreat from the business of everyday life. It provides a way to relax and rest. However, it does not just happen. You must put a little work into your personal haven and that includes the landscaping. If you are lacking ideas for your home, then this list will serve you well.

Vanishing Pool Edge

The vanishing pool edge is a serene and classy look when you have lake front property. The purpose of this is to build a pool that seems to just continue on into the water of the lake or ocean.

It offers elegance and simplicity with the allure or having the entire lake in your property. It is also a great idea to plant a beautiful garden on the sides of the pool to offer an even more peaceful and gorgeous way to relax the day away.

Mosaic Tile Art Work

Having a beautiful patio is key to offering a beautiful landscape to your property. Having mosaic tile art work installed for the patio will add to the elegance of the landscaping.

Plant colorful flowers and place on the patio and a garden to match around the edges. Make sure the flowers match the accent colors of the art work in the tiles to pull it all together as a large, majestic relaxing area.

Slope of Nature

If your property slants towards the water, then there are so many options on beautiful visuals that you can use to create a wondrous landscape for your lake home. You are able to install steps into the slope to make them natural. Ensure that you line them with rocks to show the path down, and incorporate a handrail for safety.

Embed small flowerbeds into the slope and maintain the grass length. It will offer a beautiful, precise natural way to the lake with a breathtaking appeal.

Fire Pit

Having a fire pit built to place in the landscaping is not only beautiful, but it is a functional piece of the ambiance. You can have it pull in the surroundings by choosing a great color of brick.

Adding in outside flowerpots with large plants is a wonderful idea to add in greenery on the patio. Plant large greenery on the sides of the patio, it will help create a great flow from the patio to the land.

Balcony of Nature

Another amazing landscaping idea is to build a balcony over the steep slope of your land. You can use natural toned bricks. Add a fire pit in the middle.

The most beautiful nature balconies are those that have greenery in pots on the balcony to help incorporate the scene. It is breath taking and will offer a relaxing area to enjoy your time.

Your landscape is important to the ambiance of your home. Putting special care into the view of the outside will add value and offer you a better place to entertain guests and relax.

Unique Landscape Designs for Lakefront Properties

Posted on April 18, 2014February 14, 2023 Glenn S. Phillips

Lakefront properties are among the most desired dream houses for people who can afford them. Ideally, lake home landscaping works with nature and isn’t any type of duplication seen in regular suburban areas full of track housing.

Either modern, or traditional ideas can help give the home its own inspiring identity, as long as it’s unique to the area. Before committing to any work on your property, however, check on local regulations for zoning, landscaping and preserving wetlands.

Lawn, Trees, Plants and Gardens

A well-maintained green lawn is usually more eye-catching than a dirt yard with weeds or something in between grass and dirt.

However, dark soil does have a clean, elegant look when it surrounds colorful plants and flowers.

Palm trees make nice lakeside attractions and do not have to be indigenous. Many places where they are found actually were transplanted from tropical and subtropical islands.

Make sure whatever plants you choose for your front and back yard can adapt to your local climate. If not, they may struggle to grow properly. Low hedges help prevent wildlife from hiding on your property while preserving and framing scenic views.

Driveways, Walkways and Patios

Concrete is considered modern, durable, and authoritative with its bright white or gray appearance, which can easily blend with other colors.

Certain types of concrete aggregate are considered partly eco-friendly since they can be made from natural materials such as limestone, sand, and crushed rocks. Though, cement trucks do emit harmful carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Concrete can also be recycled, although it usually lasts a lifetime once molded and set. Porous pavement uses similar ingredients without the finer materials, allowing water to seep into the ground.

Asphalt is manufactured from toxic carcinogens and breaks down after years of wear and tear, but can be recycled, although its toxins can leak into ground water, rivers and lakes. Be aware that some forms of asphalt are flammable.

More classy and eco-friendly alternatives for driveways and walkways are gravel, cobblestone and brick.

Curved walkways convey unique outdoor ambiance better than perfectly straight walkways.

Think of paving paths to the lake in such a way that merges with nature, using wooden, dirt or stone paths. Surrounding these paths with vegetation helps achieve a natural casual or formal presentation.

Redwood is a very popular building material for patios due to its gorgeous color, but stone, brick, or ceramic tile will last much longer and not require as much maintenance.

The ultimate green patio designs will include shading from trees. Pay attention to subtle details such as contour and grading in the planning stages.

Ideally, the grade will slope away from the home to allow water runoff, preventing unnecessary moisture to your home’s foundation.

Fences and Walls

You may want your lakeside home to be completely private to keep strangers off your property.

If that’s the case, consider lake home landscaping solutions that still look appealing for the neighborhood, so that the property doesn’t look like a prison.

Stone or brick walls present both a traditional and modern, secure appearance, whereas steel or iron fences are sturdy, but convey uptight suburban reclusiveness, and wood requires upkeep.

Trees that tower over stone or brick fences provide a more comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

Shoreline

Double check with local, county, and state agencies on what you are allowed to change as far as your shoreline. Such lake home landscaping can affect wildlife, plants and water quality.

You will likely be allowed to naturalize your shoreline, which can reduce erosion and enhance quality of life.

Building a limited brick walkway from a patio to the water is a common aesthetic solution. This provides minimal trouble to the environment.

Adding boulders and beach sand also helps enhance the appearance and merge with nature.

Swimming Pool

One of the best ways to complement a lake view is with a backyard swimming pool that matches the color of the lake.

Surrounding the pool with stone designs and greenery adds even more of an earthy charm. The pool can be heated and cooled with a geothermal system that draws energy from the ground. This energy can even be used to heat the home in the winter and cool it in the summer, greatly cutting energy costs. It’s actually one of the most powerful forms of renewable energy and can be partly financed with tax credits.

Natural Fountains

A solar water fountain is powered by sunlight and constantly recirculates water, requiring minimal water to be added once in awhile.

It can be adapted to various environments and helps improve air quality. Solar fountains are particularly useful for sustaining gardens.

Instead of hearing electric power, you will hear the serenity of natural flowing water. Another environmentally safe option is a bamboo fountain, which can also be used indoors or outdoors.