As the season's change, so should your Gainesville lawn maintenance action plan. We have compiled a few lawn care myths that we would like to debunk to help keep your lawn in great shape during the winter months.
Feel free to share this with your neighbors as well! That way, the whole neighborhood knows the facts and has beautiful landscapes this winter.

MYTH 1: Turn irrigation system off
FACT: Your lawn will certainly need less water in the winter than summer, but it still will need some if you want a quick green-up in spring. In North Florida, we get several cold fronts that really drop the temperatures quickly - but we also get some warm fronts that can spike temperatures during the day as well. Having a drought-stressed lawn combined in those warm spells will cause your lawn stress and slow down its spring recovery. For most lawns, we recommend watering once a week during the winter and bumping it back to 2 days in March.

MYTH 2: Prune back Crape Myrtles as soon as they drop their leaves
FACT: Properly pruning your Crape Myrtles (watch the linked video to avoid 'Crape Murder') will maximize blooms, promote new growth, and give your tree a great shape. Because of this, the best time to prune is in late-winter. By waiting till after the last of winter, you will no longer have the chance of frost killing the new growth early pruning can promote. We have more information on pruning your crape myrtles here- Quick Tip: When to prune your crape myrtles

MYTH 3: Don't worry about winter weeds
FACT: Weed control in winter is just as important as summer weed control, and it also sets you up for a better spring. The mistake most homeowners make is to wait too late to treat winter weeds, and the weeds thin out the turf and really start to take over. Winter is the best time to get started on turning your lawn around, because it will set you up for a quick green up in spring.

MYTH 4: There is no way to prevent brown patch
FACT:  Most lawn pest control companies will tell you they cannot prevent brown patch fungus, and they only treat it reactively when it shows up. The truth is that although the active fungus will always live in the soil, a preventative fungicide application can be made a couple times a year during transition seasons, and the brown spots never show. Our disease prevention program uses a formula that has been tested and proven to help put a stop to those pesky brown rings.

MYTH 5: Prune back frost-damaged plants quickly
FACT: Many tender plants - such as Ginger, Lantana, and Philodendron can get frost damaged on some of our colder evenings. Pruning off the frost damaged growth can make them look more appealing, but you can actually do more damage if you remove the frost-damaged growth too soon. In fact, those ugly brown leaves actually help to protect the interior of the plant from future freezes, as the frost falls on them (like a natural frost blanket) instead of closer to the interior of the plant. Also, by pruning your plants, you can be promoting new growth in warm spells. If another cold snap comes through, you have a higher chance of completely killing the plant.

If we can be of help with any of your winter Gainesville landscape maintenance chores - or the surrounding areas of Alachua, Jonesville, and Newberry - please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-LAWN or fill out our form at the top of the page!

Enable GingerBlack Diamonds are a revolutionary new series of crape myrtles that provide unique beauty to your landscape and instant yard envy for your neighbors. Flawless black foliage emerges in early spring followed by masses of brilliant jewel-toned blooms that last until the first frost.

How Fast do Black Diamond Crape Myrtles Grow?

A Black Diamond Crape Myrtle tree can grow 2 to 4 feet in a single year. Once they get to mature height the trunks and branches grow thicker, but the trees stay around 12 feet tall.

How to care for Black Diamond Crape Myrtles

Crepe myrtles need full sun to perform well. They will grow in shade, but blooms will be sparse, and plants will get leggy. For best growth and production, crape myrtle should receive at least one inch of water a week. During dry spells, water is mandatory. If not properly watered during dry spells, flowers may be mitigated. Keep at least 4 feet around the shrub clear of grass and weeds, for less competition for water.
Once your tree reaches maturity, it will be naturally drought-resistant.

When do Black Diamond Crape Myrtles Bloom?

Black Diamond Crape Myrtle trees have a very long bloom period. They flower from summer to fall, generally from July through October.

When should you prune Crape Myrtles?

Crepe myrtles need minimal pruning. Some gardeners top them annually, but this ruins their natural shape and beauty. Remove the sucker growth that sometimes appears around the base. Only prune to shape trees or to take out any cross branching. In the winter, you can remove old seed pods by clipping the tips of branches.

We have a video to help you perfectly prune your crape myrtle!
3 Tips for Pruning Crape Myrtles in Gainesville, Florida

If you’re looking to add this Gainesville Landscape Plant into your yard, please fill out the form above or contact us at (352) 378-5296.

Dwarf Ruellia' is an improved variety and able to bloom beautiful pink or purple flowers almost all year long. We like this dwarf variety because they feature low, spreading mounds of narrow, dark green foliage. The combination of the flowers, grass-like texture, and green foliage make it a perfect filler to add color and interest to barren, dry areas in the yard. We also like to plant them in borders or on a sunny slope. Thanks to their compact form, these Ruellias are an excellent choice for use as a groundcover in tighter, narrower spaces and they also look great when planted in pots or planters!

Dwarf Ruellia is a low water use plant and is drought tolerant with little to moderate watering needs once established. This Ruellia variety thrives in full sun or partial shade exposures and is durable and easy to care for plants. These are a favorite for anyone that does not have a green thumb and still wants to have a thriving, colorful plant in their yard! They have a moderate growth rate, and with regular watering and care, they will have the best development.

This tough, heat-loving perennial is insect, and deer-resistant. It is perfect for dry, neglected spots in your landscape. Their long bloom season and showy flowers make Dwarf Ruellia a welcome addition to any landscape.

If you’re looking to add this Gainesville Landscape Plant into your yard, please fill out the form above or contact us at (352) 378-5296.

Well-branched and very free-flowering, 'Mystic Spires' produces masses of sturdy, colorful flower stalks that are of great aesthetic appeal in beds, borders or containers and attract scores of butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects

This plant produces masses of colorful flowers that mix nicely with other annuals and perennials, is tolerant of heat and humidity (low and high), and is not bothered by pests or diseases or deer!

Exposure: full sun

Planting Time: spring to summer from containers

Soil type: adapts to most soils, but needs good drainage

This low-maintenance plant is perfect for Florida’s hot summers and keeps on blooming when other flowering plants have begun to decline.

How to Care for your Salvia:
Be sure to water every day during the establishment period after planting in the garden from a container, then, once plants have established into the landscape, you can begin to taper watering back to semi-weekly watering if local rainfall levels are low.

Leave foliage and roots in place for next year's growth. Trim off any winter damage from colder months for the fastest regrowth in the spring.

Trim back both foliage and blooms in spring regardless of whether your planting has kept its leaves or died back. This will allow the plant to regrow new lush foliage for the new season.

Fertilize each spring, and again when trimming in late summer

If you’re looking to add this Gainesville Landscape Plant into your yard, please fill out the form above or contact us at (352) 378-5296.

With temperatures beginning to rise, it’s important to start preparing your Gainesville landscape for success in the months ahead. Does your curb appeal need some added color? Is your lawn ready for the warm weather and adjusted irrigation times?

We have compiled a few tips that will keep your lawn in great shape during the summer months.

1. Don’t Butcher the Grass
It’s tempting to lower your mower blades to cut the grass as short as possible. After all, you reason, it’s sort of like your hair—the shorter you cut it now, the longer you can go between trims. Grass doesn’t work like that, especially when it comes to St. Augustine and Zoysia grass.

Chopping the grass is more likely to leave it brown and dead. For the warm season, not only should you sharpen the blades, but you should also position them to never cut more than 1/3rd of the leaf blade off for an optimal lawn. Leaving the grass slightly taller won’t interfere with the groomed appearance of your lawn, but the blades remain long enough to bathe in the sunlight, which creates nutrient-rich roots and soil.

Learn more about caring for your specific Gainesville turfgrass here.

2. Trust your Smart Controller or Weather Sensor
Watering the lawn is a necessity in Florida, but our area is also humid, and we get a good amount of rainfall in summer. That eases a bit of the burden of irrigating, but it depends on the weather. A week of scorching weather can torch the yard if you aren’t watchful, which is why many summer lawn care tips focus on hydration and irrigation techniques.
As tempting as it is, we do not recommend “turning the sprinklers on manually when it’s dry,” because inevitably life happens. Once the lawn is stressed, you are already negatively impacting your curb appeal - and inviting pests and weeds in. A scheduled watering plan, that is paused automatically when rain is in the area, is the best way to ensure top-notch health in your summer landscape.

Learn more about Smart Irrigation Controllers here.

3. Put Away the Nitrogen
This summer lawn care tip doesn’t apply to garden beds and edible landscaping, but for your lawn - don’t fertilize your lawn with any nitrogen (first number of the N-P-K content on fertilizer) after June, per Alachua County regulations. This is why our lawn and ornamental health programs include slow-release nutrients applied at the end of spring that will feed the landscape through summer and fall.
You can still apply micronutrients and topdressings that will help feed your roots and soil to improve your landscape’s health through the summer, but avoid nitrogen if you don’t want on the County’s 'naughty list.'

Learn more about the Alachua County Fertilizer Restrictions here.

4. Prune back your azaleas
Most landscape professionals go by the July 4th rule, which is to make sure all Azaleas (Specifically larger varieties) are pruned back heavily and shaped by Independence Day. This will allow them to start budding in late Summer for next Spring’s bloom season. July to next Spring is an extended growing period - so starting from a tight shape is important to not looking overgrown and unkept.

Some homeowners prefer a manicured shaped Azalea at the expense of the blooms, so if that's you please ignore this tip and continue to shape after budding season - but most love the flowers and so this is an important task to get checked off.

Learn more about Azalea care here.

5. Plant some Summer Color
After your Hydrangeas, Irises, Agapanthus, Azaleas, and Camellias are done blooming - Summer color can be hard to go without. If your landscape needs a little color throughout the dog days of summer - consider adding these heat-loving plants into your design:

• Drift Roses
• Salvia (Perennial and Annual)
• Cardinal Firespike (late Summer)
• Golden Cassia
• Coreopsis
• Vitex Tree
• Coleus (Annual)

Find more Summer Color Landscape Inspiration here.

If we can be of help with any of your Gainesville Landscape needs - please don't hesitate to reach out to us give our team a call or text at (352) 378-5296. We're local and have been serving Gainesville for over 15 years. We look forward to working with you!

Coreopsis may be just what you need if you’re looking for lasting summer color after most perennial flowers fade from the garden. It is easy to learn how to care for coreopsis flowers, commonly called tickseed or pot of gold. When you’ve learned how to grow coreopsis, you’ll appreciate their sunny blooms throughout the gardening season. Coreopsis flowers may be annual or perennial and come in a variety of heights. A member of the Asteraceae family, blooms of growing coreopsis are similar to those of the daisy. Colors of petals include red, pink, white, and yellow, many with dark brown or maroon centers, which makes an interesting contrast to the petals.

Coreopsis are sun-loving, low-maintenance perennials with daisy-like flowers. They are drought-tolerant, long-blooming, and happy to grow in poor, sandy, or rocky soil.

New coreopsis plants need regular water to keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy) until they are established. After their first year, these plants have good drought tolerance, but they'll bloom most prolifically with regular watering. Water deeply whenever the soil is dry about an inch down.

Regardless of the type you're growing, coreopsis need full sun, so plant them where they will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Coreopsis grows best in well-drained, moderately moist soils. These are not good plants for a poorly drained, low spot in the yard.

These colorful flowers attract butterflies, beneficial insects, and birds IF you let plants form for the seeds. The only problems are, that by doing so, you’ll get fewer flowers and they may self-sow throughout your garden where you don’t want them. One compromise is to keep them cut back during the season, for more flowers, but let them go to seed in the fall for the birds. You may, then, have to easily weed out some seedlings next spring if they self-sow.

If you’re looking to add this Gainesville Landscape Plant into your yard, please fill out the form above or contact us at (352) 378-5296.

This year's outdoor living trends are all about making your lawn, backyard, or porch, a regular part of everyday life. Building on last year's momentum, homeowners began to bring indoor conveniences outdoors with smart technology, multipurpose add-ons, and structures that allow us to be outside longer and more often throughout the year. Whether it's a spot to grow herbs for homemade meals, a private patio, or a place to do the cooking, the popularity of outdoor living spaces continue to grow in 2021.

Below you’ll find 5 popular outdoor living trends focusing on creating simple and elegant spaces to live, relax, and entertain outdoors.

1. Pool Remodels with Pavers and Coping
You can choose from so many colors, patterns, and textures, you can give your pool deck a look you really want. Homeowners can show off their pool deck designs year-round, not just during pool time. Pool decks are an excellent way to extend a home for outdoor entertainment. By simply adding tables and chairs, homeowners transform their pool deck into a patio-like area.
Below is a link to a project we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:
Project Spotlight: Landscape, Front Patio, and Pool Remodel Project

2. Propane or Natural Gas Fire Pits:
Fire is a natural design choice for outdoor entertaining and family enjoyment. It creates a warm, cozy atmosphere, enticing friends and family to stay and hang out, especially on chilly nights. Gas fire pits offer a contemporary look and appeal to homeowners who prefer the ease of gas. They are always ready to light with a push of a button, no wood or ash to worry about and no smoke.
Project Spotlight: Mid Century Modern Landscape and Hardscape Project

3. Patio Remodels with Pavers:
Exterior design is seeing a trend to create patios with multiple rooms to provide ample space for entertaining guests, and act as backyard getaways. Paver patios are a high-quality, customizable outdoor patio option that offers homeowners a luxurious patio setup with minimal maintenance requirements. The entertainment options are endless with a paver patio. Hosting parties on it is sure to create lasting memories for friends and family.
Below is a link to a project we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:
Project Spotlight: Patio Renovation

4. Raised garden beds:
Millions of people started growing their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs in 2020, and that trend will definitely continue.  Homeowners invested in a variety of container gardens, raised garden beds and potted herb gardens, embracing the therapeutic side of growing their own food while eliminating trips to the grocery store.  Not only do raised beds provide benefits like ample garden space, they also offer versatility for those with a larger area to fill. Raised beds help for easy access gardening right on your back patio!
Below is a link to a project we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover that included a raised herb bed:
Project Spotlight: Backyard Outdoor Living Renovation

5. Artificial Turf:
When you are working with a small space that needs to serve multiple purposes, you need that space to be useable as much as possible and to be easy to maintain and keep clean. This is why so many homeowners with small backyards are choosing artificial turf installation. Synthetic turf is easy to clean, requires little maintenance, does not require storing large equipment like lawnmowers, and can be used right after a rainstorm with no worries about tracking in mud or slipping on wet blades of grass. Artificial Turf is versatile to fit any sort of purpose or need, whether that may be landscape, playground or pet turf. All products are non-toxic and environmentally friendly by reducing the need for pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation, and mowing, making it the perfect choice to install.
Below is a link to a project we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:
Project Spotlight: Backyard Renovation

If you’re dreaming of transforming your outdoor living space for entertaining a crowd or just relaxing with a good book, we hope these design trends will help you get an idea of what your space can do for you.

If you want help with transforming outdoor living space using these design trends this year, give our team a call or text at (352) 378-5296. We're local and have been serving Gainesville for over 15 years. We look forward to working with you!

Pet owners have discovered that having Gainesville artificial turf for dogs comes with many benefits and can make pet ownership more enjoyable. Artificial grass has eco-friendly pet options which reduces the time you spend cleaning your furry friend and repairing your yard from its use.

5 REASONS PET OWNERS LOVE ARTIFICIAL TURF FOR PETS
Those who own pups love artificial turf for dogs because:

• There are less fleas and ticks on their pets because they can not thrive and multiply on 'astroturf.'
• You don’t have to bathe your dog after they play outside from the dirt, mud, and grass.
• There are no more holes in the lawn to fill in or resod from pet traffic and digging. 
• There is cleaner home and back patio because no dirt is brought in  from your pet.

One thing pet owners like about artificial turf is that the grass does not stain or die back where you dog uses the restroom. It is also easier to find pet waste and clean it off without creating a mudpit. Spots, even urine areas, are easier to spot because of the uniform grass (this way you don’t have to constantly watch your dog). Feces can easily be picked up with a pooper-scooper and then the area can be sprayed down. If there is a stain on your artificial turf for dogs, you can clean it with some mild soap and water.

The second thing pet owners love about artificial turf for dogs is the fact there are no more fleas, ants, or ticks on their pets. Artificial turf for dogs eliminates food for bugs, so they migrate elsewhere. For pet owners, this means you will no longer need to use insecticides on your yard for any of these pests.

CONSIDER DRAINAGE
The most important aspect of choosing an artificial turf for dogs is proper drainage. A good backing will go a long way to reduce odors and direct water away from your yard. Not only is the backing important, but so is the base. Look for a dependable base material when you consider artificial turf for dogs. The base separates artificial grass backing from the ground and this material, usually a crushed stone, have tunnels built into this area to help drain water out of your yard. This is how Master's assures the longevity of your astroturf installation - proper foundation and drainage. 

YOUR PET WON’T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Pets can use the lawn with artificial turf just as it would natural grass. Using the right infill will also make your pet more comfortable in the yard. While there are several types of infill, we recommend Envirofill. This creates a soft sand-like texture in the artificial truf that removes the harsh feel of the firm foundation. Cheaper companies instaling artificial turf around Gainesville, Florida may skip this important step for your pets and/or children. 

Envirofill is a coated sand. It is extremely safe for children and pets because it is non-toxic. It is also great at reducing odor. It is more expensive than other infills, but is highly durable and provides much-needed softness for your lawn.

Stay away from crumbled rubber as an infill for an artificial turf for dogs. While it is highly durable, it also absorbs heat and that can heat up your yard quickly in the sun and soaks up dog waste creating a odor issues. We don't do that to our clients.

Gainesville Artificial turf for dogs is becoming a solid option for homeowners with pets because of its safety, easy care, and durability. With good drainage and no fleas, your pet will thank you for a happier, healthier life and your home will thank you for the same. 

Maybe you have a landscape, artificial turf, or paver patio project that's bigger than you can handle, and you want to contact a professional. But, how do you know who to call - do you need a Landscape Architect? or a Landscape Designer? and, what is the difference between landscape architects and landscape designers? Apparently, more than you may realize.

Landscape Architects

To legally call yourself a landscape architect, you must have a bachelor's and/or master's degree in landscape architecture from a university and be licensed by the state of Florida in order to design and work on landscape projects. A good and reputable landscape architect has experience or has the training to work with challenging issues in both commercial and large residential sites, including:

• Steep slopes
• Large Retaining walls
• Expansive Irrigation and drainage systems
• Designing outdoor structures
• Solving elevation problems
• Designing or giving advice on where to place service lines, entries, driveways, and parking areas.

Licensed landscape architects plan and design public outdoor spaces, such as parks, campuses, gardens, cemeteries, commercial centers, resorts, transportation facilities, and waterfront developments. They also design and plan the restoration of natural places disturbed by humans such as wetlands, stream corridors, mined areas, and forested land. An education in and respect for historic landscapes and cultural resources allows landscape architects to work on preservation planning projects for national, state, and local historic outdoor sites and areas.

Although not always the case, Landscape Architects generally work on projects with $25k budgets or more, because their costs quickly get above 15% of the project and higher below that amount, so the math doesn't add up. For example, you wouldn't pay a Landscape Architect $2k to design a project where the budget is only $10k, especially if a Landscape Designer at the Landscape Contractor's firm can work up the design at no extra charge in the proposal if they complete the project. In that case, instead of only having $8k left to spend on the project, the homeowner still has the full budget to invest in the project. 

Landscape Designers

The primary distinction between landscape architects and landscape designers is that designers usually work on smaller projects, whereas architects usually work on larger ones. While some landscape designers may have training equivalent to a landscape architect―especially if they have an undergraduate-or-higher degree in landscape design ―they do not have the state license, which is a requirement. They typically actually have more landscape plant and horticulutre knowledge than an architect, due to their work in the field. 

Some landscape designers are self-taught, but most have taken courses at a college, university, through an extension or certificate program, or online. In other words, you can't suddenly wake up one day and just decide to call yourself a landscape designer.

Most Gainesville landscape designers work with primarily the soft stuff―plants, sod, mulch. Many landscape or garden designers may have experience with hardscape - such as paver patios, walkways, and firepits. Also, many of the area's landscape designers work as the chief designer for the landscape contracting company they are employed by or own.

When you consult a landscape designer, you will have a discussion or interview about the project. Usually, the designer will show up at your home, look at the yard, take photos, and ask about preferences in plants, maintenance, budget, etc. The designer will then create a plan view drawing and plant list. Depending on how the designer works, he/she might visit make suggestions or help you shop for materials and furnishings, and do actual plant placement. From there, he/she will make suggestions for scheduling the project in the correct season. 

The group, the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), is the agency that has the most local Landscape Architects and Designers for the State of Florida as members. Also, there is the Natioanl Association of Landscape Professionals. These groups encourage that members adhere to a code of professional standards, actively participate in continuing education, and stay current with state-of-the-art developments and trends in the landscape industry. A certification program is offered to members and is based on built or completed projects that provide professional recognition to designers who can pass a peer review program. Through its website, the FNGLA offers you access to local landscape and nursery professionals. The NALP website does the same.

5. Mulch up your grass clippings

Skip bagging your grass clippings. Instead, mulch them into your lawn, where they'll decompose, adding nutrients into the soil. This will save you work and make your lawn more healthy!

Word to the wise: If your lawn is full of weeds, then your clippings will most likely be full of weed seeds. If you don't want to sprout new weeds, stick to bagging your clippings until you get your weed problem under control with a Gainesville weed control company.

4. Aerate your Lawn

Of course, grass needs sun and water to thrive, but turfgrass also needs air. That’s why it’s important to aerate your lawn if you notice that the soil has become compacted. Aerating your lawn, either with a push aerator or a gas-powered aerator will allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate to the roots of your turfgrass, helping it to flourish. Renting an aerator is usually more expensive than hiring a company to do it for most average-sized lawns, so this is something that you may want to check pricing on before going the DIY route.

3. Water Deeply and Less Often

Unless it's new sod or landscape plants, frequent shallow watering encourages shallow roots and ultimately weakens your lawn and plants. The best thing to do is to water your Gainesville landscape deeply and less frequently. Occasional watering prompts the roots to grow deeper, giving your grass the strength it needs to weather hot conditions. We recommend 2x a week with about 60 minutes for rotor zones and 20 minutes for sprays (in full sun). Here is a tutorial on adjusting your irrigation timer.

2. Test Your Soil through UF-IFAS

Testing your soil every year will arm you with information about its pH, macronutrients, and micronutrients. For a lawn to grow healthy, it usually needs a pH level of  approximately 7. If your soil is too alkaline—if it has a pH level greater than 7—we recommend aeration and milorganite to help bring the pH down (this is common on newer homes built on builder's sand); if it’s too acidic, add lime to reduce the acidity and bring it into balance. These actions will need to be repeated every couple years as your soil will want to return to it's natural pH level. This is why we recommend annual testing and also why we include the initial test in our annual lawn health program. 

1. Fertilize Your Lawn

Usually, your soil is not able to provide all the nutrients your turfgrass needs throughout the entire growing season. That’s why it’s important to fertilize when needed, based upon your IFAS recommendations from your soil test of missing nutrients in the soil. When you should fertilize is determined by the weather as some years it warms up in late February and others it isn't warm until late March. This year, it is the perfect time to fertilize within the next 3 weeks as this last cold front passes through and your turf starts to awaken for spring. 

We hope these 5 tips can help you fall in love with your lawn again this spring! If we can help you with any of the above steps, please don't hesitate to call or text us at (352) 378-5296 or fill out the form above!