In the Triangle area, the most popular sod types are Bermuda, Zoysia and Tall Fescue.  Others are available but are less common.

Let’s start with Bermuda.  Bermuda is mid-range warm weather turf type.  Bermuda is fairly heat resistant which means less watering and a reduced chance of the turf dying due to heat stress. Bermuda does not like shade, so if you have a shady yard, Bermuda may not be the turf for you (unless you remove those trees).  Typically Bermuda is a shorter blade and appears more like a “Berber Carpet”.  Bermuda also spreads fairly easily. 

Next is Zoysia.  Zoysia is the “king” of warm weather turf types.  Zoysia is commonly known as carpet grass due to its lushness.  Like Bermuda, Zoysia does not like tons of shade, however Zoysia is more shade resistant than Bermuda.  Zoysia likes heat, so being in the South, this is a great turf.  Zoysia is larger blade turf type than Bermuda which is what makes it so plush to walk on.   The biggest drawback to Zoysia is the price.  It is one of the most expensive turf types costing about 30-50% more than Bermuda or Tall Fescue.  Just like Bermuda, Zoysia can spread fairly easily over your turf.

Finally, Tall Fescue.  Tall Fescue is cool weather sod meaning it actually prefers cooler weather.  While the color and richness of Tall Fescue is very nice, Tall Fescue does require more work to maintain as it needs more water to keep it from dying especially in the South.  Tall Fescue is a tall blade type that is pretty wide in nature making the grass very soft and thick to walk on.  Tall Fescue and Bermuda are very similar in price, but Zoysia and Tall Fescue are more similar in texture.  Tall Fescue isn’t consider a “spreading” grass, so you will need to re-seed annually (during the Fall) to cover any bare spots that arise.

• Install hardscapes.  Animals don’t tend to “go” on hard surfaces outdoors so add a patio, walkway or outdoor living space that will enhance your backyard.
• Install dense but hardy shrubbery.  If plantings are fairly dense, dogs don’t tend to dig and disturb plantings.  When choosing plantings, select those plantings that are fairly hardy and can tolerate rougher conditions.  Also, avoid spiny and prickly plantings – we don’t want to harm our beloved pets.
• Install plantings in a raised bed and possibly use a border.  Plant in raised beds starting with the smallest plants first.  Then use a temporary fencing around the beds so the animals get used to not running through the plant beds.  When you remove the border, add decorate rock or stone to outline the bed to remind the animals that this area is still off limits.
• Make sure you have a potty spot for your animals.  Select a section of your yard that will be the “potty spot” and train your animals to only use this area of the yard when they have to go.  Use cedar chips, or pea gravel to mark this territory.  If you have a male dog, you might want to have a marking post so he can “mark his territory”
• Dogs need exercise, so if they don’t already have an exercise path, create one.  If you have a fence, create a path that borders the fence.   This will allow your dog to not only exercise, but also serve a “border patrol” to keep out unwanted intruders.
• Have a rest spot.  Dogs need shade too, so make sure there is a place for them to relax.  Pergolas, arbors and covered porches are great for both pets and their owners to enjoy.

Surface Drip Systems though short-lived, are cheapest and easiest to install. They’re most useful for shrub beds, vegetables and flower borders.

•  The easiest is a soaker hose, which is just that, a hose that leaks on purpose all along its length. You turn it on, and when you think it’s enough, you turn it off.. Problems are that it’s hard to calibrate and it becomes brittle after cold weather. 

Underground Sprinklers are what most people are familiar with, especially for the lawn. 

•  Yearly maintenance costs include re-adjusting the sprinkler heads, and trouble-shooting. In cold climates, the system has to be blown out with compressed air so the pipes will not freeze and burst, and then turned on again in spring.  Water is an additional cost. Water costs can be much higher if a sewer charge, based on water use, is added, so many towns allow sprinkler systems to have a separate meter.  Some people drill wells which produce water of adequate quality for plants but not for human use.

Problems are that all sprinklers have to be blown out with compressed air before winter in cold climates, and breaks have to be mended (with connectors) as needed.

Ask Lots Of Questions - There are some things to check out before you sign on the dotted line. Most important is the design. It involves an analysis of your water pressure, picking the right components, keeping beds and lawn zones separate, and providing zone to zone coverage but without wasting water.  Experienced installers can do it quickly, but ask to have it explained to you.

Check The Quality Of The Parts - Make sure that quality irrigation parts are used in the irrigation system installation.  You can check the rating of various irrigation system manufactur online.  Also, how long is the guarantee period? Cold winters are hard on sprinklers.

Ask About The Controller - A good one should be able to set different zones for different schedules per week. There must be a manual override so you can turn parts off and on when you wish. And there should be a rain sensor to turn it off when it rains and so conserve water.

How Much Water, How Often, And On What? - Don’t let your sprinkler company set your timer by their mantra universal setting. Short, frequent waterings encourage shallow rooting, diseases and low tolerance to stress, like drought and heat.

Here are some basic irrigation amount guidelines:

• Grass: About 20 minutes per zone, three times a week (This should be about l” of water. To check, put out a glass and measure the depth. The soil should be wet about 6 to 8 inches down. Use this also for newly planted trees and shrubs. 
• Flower beds: 20 minutes every other day.
• Old shrubs and trees: only need water when it doesn’t rain.

How Can You Tell When The Grass Needs Water? - When walked on, the footprints remain visible for several minutes. When the grass blades don’t spring back, it means wilting is imminent so manually turn on the water long enough to supply a full inch.

The Best Time Of Day To Water is very early morning. Then the grass will be hydrated during the heat of day, and the individual grass blades will have time to dry off and not get fungus diseases.

The Biggest Problem with all underground sprinklers is if they are not installed deep enough, they can be punctured with an edger or a lawn aerator. Also, frost heaves can push pipes to the surface which may trip someone or be damaged by the mower. The recommended depth for irrigation systems is 12 inches.

When looking for an irrigation contractor, please check with the North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board to search for a licensed irrigation contractor.  As a licensed irrigation contractor, Grantlin Landscape Services, Inc. would be happy to assist you with any irrigation needs.

article courtesy of  www.bobvilla.com

article courtesy of  www.bobvilla.com

Just like construction blueprints, professional landscape designs help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you get the most appealing results. Here are a few of the benefits of a professional plan:

• Increases your home’s curb appeal and resale value
• Matches your landscape to your ideal level of maintenance
• Minimizes irrigation runoff and factors in rainwater drainage
• Creates a fluid outdoor space without awkward areas
• Carefully chosen plants and features for color and interest year-round
• Every element is customized for your unique landscape

If you’ve ever planted shrubs or spent time putting in a garden, only to watch your plants expire too quickly, you know the importance of lanscape expertise. Getting a landscape contractor to design and build your space gives you peace of mind, saves time and adds value to your home. It’s more than just making a yard pretty – it’s about making an investment that lasts.

To maximize your investment, make sure you choose the right company for the job. Just like plumbers and electricians, landscape contractors are specially trained and must register with a state organization. It can be very risky for homeowners to use unlicensed contractors: currently, there’s a bill in the works to issue a fine to the property owner if an installation (above a certain limit) is not performed by a registered contractor. If you’re wondering whether your landscape contractor is officially registered, contact the NC Contractors’ Registration Board.

So don’t worry about puzzling through plant catalogues or trying to navigate the garden center! A registered landscape contractor can create the perfect design/build plan for you today. To find out more about professional landscape design and what’s possible for your space, visit Grantlin Landscape Services.

“We don’t really have a budget – we just don’t know how much these things cost” are things we hear frequently when talking about landscape budgeting.

It is important to think about your landscape budget BEFORE you talk to a contractor. When you have a budget in mind, your Landscape Contractor gets the information they need to help you make more informed choices about what your landscape project. Try to come up with a ballpark figure that fits into your home improvement budget.

Here are five key things to consider when working out a budget:

• What can you truly afford? Do you have $5,000 saved for this project or $25,000? If you think you might be getting a home improvement loan, go ahead and get prequalified.
• Know the difference between your needs and your “nice-to-haves”
• Research, research, research! Use the web to gain knowledge about products and product costs.
• Plan for the unexpected. Allow a 10% spending cushion for unexpected costs (for example: needing to upgrade your water pump for a new irrigation system)
• Understand that expertise, insurance and skilled labor doesn’t come cheap! Though you might find a plant for a lower price at a garden store, the extra cost is for the professional service.

Whether you do it yourself or use a professional landscape services company, having a good idea of your budget will go a long way in accomplishing your landscape goals.

To find out more about what a landscape contractor can do for you within your landscape budget, visit Grantlin Landscape Services today!

• Outdoor kitchen: Imagine the perfect summer cookout, grilling outside in a full-service kitchen with everything you need (counter space for all those fixins, a sink for washing up, fireplace for toasting marshmallows, etc). This new “outdoor room” can also add serious real-estate value!
• Water Feature: There’s nothing more soothing than the sound of running water. Celebrate natural beauty with a backyard pond filled with beautiful aquatic plants or fish. Enjoy entertaining guests near a flowing fountain. Your water feature can make you feel like you’re lakeside, without ever having to leave the yard!
• Patios: It’s time to invite your neighbors, friends and family to a backyard BBQ that boasts a chic space for wining and dining. Match the materials to complement your home’s exterior and find a seamless flow from your back door into the open. Got a steep, hilly or uneven yard? A patio is a great way to tame that unruly landscape and increase your home’s cosmetic appeal!
• Special gardens: Take time to stop and smell the roses with your very own rose garden! Or find your center with a Japanese-inspired garden of carefully cultivated plants. Pick a theme that fits your style, put in a bench or low wall to sit on and enjoy your backyard escape!

Vacations can be expensive these days, so consider taking the money you’d spend on trips this year and investing it in your home. You’ll end up adding value to your property while creating an environment that can be enjoyed all year long!

For questions about outdoor living spaces, or to get a quote, contact Grantlin Landscape Services today!

• Instead of rain barrels (which can overflow or underfill), we encourage a cistern-based irrigation system.  A cistern is essentially a very large (1000+ gallon) collection barrel that is placed in the ground that people can use to run their irrigation system
• Keep pests away by regularly weeding and removing afflicted plants – this will help cut down use of insecticides.
• Certain plants may also repel insects. Catnip keeps aphids, flea beetles and potato beetles away; rosemary and basil are natural mosquito repellants. Marigolds around the border of your garden can stop many kinds of critters!
• Use organic ground coverings like pine straw – it provides a moist, springy protective layer around your landscape.
• Start a compost pile (remember, no animal products except eggshells!). Fruit & vegetable scraps (like all those watermelon rinds), old newspaper, lawn debris – turn it every few days to help the organic matter decompose. When it smells like rich soil, it’s ready to use!
• Go electric! Don’t use gas-powered tools to trim your lawn and beds – switch to electric clippers or a pair of shears instead.
• Use natural stone or boulders in your landscape versus man-made.
• For new planting, organic soil conditioners, root promoters and soil give your plants the absolute the best chance for survival.

You don’t have to go overboard to go green! A few changes to your landscape – and careful choices about materials and maintenance practices – can have a positive impact without drastically changing your family’s lifestyle.

Contact Grantlin Landscape Services today for more information about building the perfect backyard!

Don’t worry, this won’t happen to you. Here are a few tips to help you navigate your way through a landscape proposal, avoid the pitfalls, and end up with the perfect custom outdoor space.

• The first step is to be knowledgeable and ask questions. If you’ve already got an idea of what you’d like to spend, talk to your landscape contractor! They can help you figure out the scope of any project, the materials, and the timetable that fits your needs (and wallet) best. And if you’re curious about costs, be prepared to ask questions. Look through magazines for ideas, measure the size of the space you want to improve, and think about what materials you want to use.
• Make sure your landscape contractor is willing to consult with you, fully licensed, and understands what you want out of your space.
• If you shop around, make sure you read the proposals thoroughly – many project proposals seem inexpensive at first, but do not cover additional charges like labor and materials. For example, Proposal A offers a retaining wall for $20/ sq ft, but does not list what the price includes. Proposal B proposes a retaining wall for $30/ sq ft (including all materials, prep and labor).  If you choose Proposal A, you might end up getting a bill for the prep, labor, and other materials – possibly spending more than you would have with the higher-cost proposal.

Summer is the perfect time to start your outdoor patio project. Check out our hardscape gallery to see what’s possible for your home!

It’s important to choose a landscape contractor that fits your needs. Don’t settle for the first company you see. Shop around!

Here are some factors you should consider when picking a landscape contractor:

• First, you need to know the extent of the work you want done: full outdoor patio? Or just a retaining wall? Maybe you need you lawn re-sodded?
• Know the experience level, expertise and specialty of any landscape contractor. Choose a company that has had experience and/or recognition on the type of project you want.
• Make sure the contractor is licensed, and fully insured for liability and workers’ comp.
• Ask questions! Be sure this contractor understands your needs and is knowledgeable about the work. If they can’t answer your questions appropriately, look elsewhere.
• Get references from at least 3 different sources, be it neighbors, friends, or online reviews.

Ultimately, you have to trust your landscape contractor. So if all else fails, go with your gut! You don’t have to settle for a company you don’t feel comfortable with – you’re hiring them, not the other way around. A good personality fit means a good working relationship. And a good working relationship means a beautiful lawn!

Before you and your family take advantage of the season, there are a few simple lawn care rules to follow. Be sure that your grass is green and lush, and you’re guaranteed to enjoy those outdoor days even more!

First thing: Raking

• Thatch (dead turfgrass between green vegetation and the soil’s surface) can build up over the winter and as your lawn starts to show new growth. A deep raking of your lawn can clear out all the dead stuff and let your healthy grass have room to grow.
• If you see spots where your grass looks matted, raking there will allow new grass to penetrate the area and even out your lawn.

Seeding: Dire Straits only!

• If your lawn looks patchy (and you missed the opportune window in the fall), some spot seeding can be done in the spring. There is still a risk that weeds will emerge along with the new grass, as the weather is warmer now!
• Apply seed to fill in areas, then apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to encourage growth. If needed, you can follow up 5 weeks later with a quick-release fertilizer.

Cut Carefully

• Before you mow your lawn this spring, be sure the mower blades are adjusted to a height of 3 inches – cutting grass any shorter will weaken the root.
• Mow when the grass reaches 4 inches tall.
• Sharpen those blades! Dull mower blades shred the tips of the grass, causing water loss and giving your lawn a brownish color.

Don’t Over-Water

• Most lawns need about 1 to 1 ½ inches of water every 7-10 days.
• Check the weather (or consult an almanac) and adjust your watering according to coming rainfall, humidity or dry spells.

Attack Crabgrass!

• This annoying annual weed germinates in the spring and will begin emerging on your lawn soon (if it hasn’t shown up already).
• Before you use a chemical control to rid your lawn of this weedy pest, read the label! Some herbicides are pre-emergence, some need to be applied after the crabgrass has grown. Be sure you have an herbicide that won’t kill any new grass seed (if you had to sow some patches).

Test Your pH

• Grass likes a neutral soil – before you put down any lime on your lawn, get a soil test!
• Dig down 4-6 inches and take a core of soil, from a few different areas of your lawn.
• Use a soil test kit or check with a garden center to test the pH.

The best way to prepare for a healthy lawn in the spring is to do the proper work in the fall: raking, seeding and fertilizing. If you’ve laid the right groundwork, spring will only be about maintenance.

But if you need a lawn rescue this spring, use this guide to help you! And for more information about how Grantlin Landscaping can keep your yard beautiful, visit our website.