A little preparation during the final days of fall can prevent many headaches and chilly emergency repairs. Here are some tips to prepare your yard and landscape for winter: 1. Rapid accumulation of heavy snows can damage flat roofs. If your house has a flat roof, make sure that you purchase a roof rake ahead of time, or contract with a snow removal company that offers roof clearing services. 2. Disconnect and drain any rain…
Daffodils, American blue vervain (native), tulips, lilies, crocuses, irises! For beautiful color in 2018, plant spring-flowering bulbs before the ground freezes. It may seem far away, but these spring beauties need to be planted before the end of December as soil temperatures cool off. First time planting spring bulbs? Follow these 5 simple steps. 1. Choose bulbs: If you’re overwhelmed by the options, try daffodils. They’re resistant to rabbits and squirrels! 2. Find a spot: Find…
To reduce the risk for winter damage to lawns, we will be doing an extra mow for lawn care clients during their next scheduled leaf clean-up visit. You may have noticed that eastern Massachusetts had an unseasonably warm October — the Commonwealth’s second warmest in history, in fact. Grass keeps actively growing while daytime temperatures are in the 50s and above, and the combination of recent rains and current warmth creates excellent growing conditions. Additionally,…
It’s finally getting chillier, but don’t neglect your garden yet! Continue watering shrubs, conifers and anything planted in 2017 until the ground freezes. Consistent watering is the best way to protect your landscaping investment. Falling leaves Yes, rake your lawn! The grasses need exposure to dropping temperatures to prepare for winter, as well as enough sunlight to build strong root systems for next spring. Once they’re dry, grind your leaves up with the mower;…
Japanese-inspired designs evoke feelings of peace, calm, and tranquility. For that reason, many homeowners often wish to include some Japanese-inspired elements in their own homes and landscaping Japanese gardens are well known for their use of texture, balance, and an invitation to sit and soak in your surroundings. Add a few of these ideas to your own backyard garden to capture some of the peace and tranquility for yourself. Mixing Texture Japanese designs are…
Feature Photo- Nature Nook at Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center. Design: studioMLA Architects What do you do when your kids are bursting with energy, but you don’t have time to take them to the park? What if your backyard offered classic play opportunities like building a fort or making a mud pie? A Yard & A Half’s team now includes Erica Quigley, a landscape designer with experience creating and managing children’s environments. We can help…
Why Irrigation? Professionally installed irrigation systems are a great way to save time and ultimately money on your landscape investment. Despite common misconception, irrigation systems with advanced rain sensors actually save on water. Compared to hand watering, irrigation gives you much more control over your water usage and ensures that your trees, shrubs, perennials, and lawn stay healthy throughout the season. Irrigation Maintenance Tips Don’t forget that you need to call to have…
Facing any of these challenges with your lawn? “It looks uneven or patchy and I want a dense green lawn all season long.” “It’s labor-intensive and I don’t have time. My lawn requires a lot of watering, mowing and fertilization.” “I don’t want to use chemicals where my children and pets play.” “My lawn is overrun with weeds, but I’m not comfortable using herbicides.” “My lawn doesn’t get much sun, but I still want it…
(Above: An Evening in Watertown, Design: Monica Fairbairn, Installation: A Yard & A Half, Photo: Daniel Nystedt) The days are getting shorter, but that doesn’t mean you have to coop yourself up inside after work. Enjoy your beautiful landscape all season long by installing an outdoor lighting system! Low-Voltage Lighting We recommend low-voltage lighting to enhance your evening enjoyment of your property. The quality and intensity of this lighting is closer to candlelight than traditional…
When the leaves change and the kids are back in school, it’s time to divide, plant, and improve your soil! PLANTING & DIVIDING 1. PERENNIALS Be sure to plant your mums, asters, and other perennials asap; they need at least 6 weeks before the ground freezes to establish their roots. Protect your investment and keep watering any new plantings through the Fall. Are your plants outgrowing their beds? Expanding beyond their space and into your…
