Landscapes need to serve many functions – a lawn for kids to play on, shade trees and shrubs to cool a yard, flower beds to add color. Visit botanical gardens, arboretums and garden centers to find inspiration.
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Grass and flowers are important elements of any landscape, but proper watering is equally crucial. Overwatering can be as damaging to a lawn as under-watering. It pushes the oxygen out of the pore spaces in the soil, depriving the grass and other plants of the necessary oxygen they need to thrive. The best way to avoid this is to set up a regular schedule of watering.
Water features are another important element of landscaping, and they can add beauty as well as function to your yard. They can also provide a habitat for wildlife. In addition, water features like ponds and waterfalls can add sound to your landscape, which can help to relax the mind and body.
In general, landscaping involves a combination of hardscape and softscape. Hardscape includes nonliving horticultural elements, such as gravel, mulch, and rocks, while softscape includes living horticultural elements, such as trees, flowers, and grass. The goal is to create a balance between these two components, using principles of proportion, order, and unity.
Landscaping can be a great way to increase the value of your property, as well as provide a comfortable outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining. It can also reduce soil erosion, improve air quality, and provide shelter from wind.
The key to successful landscaping is proper planning and maintenance. A good plan will take into account the climate, soil conditions, and sun exposure of your space, as well as the size and upkeep requirements of the different plant species you want to include in your garden. It is also important to choose native plants, as they are adapted to your local environment and can better resist pests and disease. In addition, proper maintenance includes mowing, fertilizing, and aerating your lawn to keep it healthy and vibrant. Regular inspections of your garden for pests and diseases are also important, as is pruning to keep the plant shape and structure you desire.
Fertilizing
Plants require six basic nutrients to survive and grow: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Usually plants get these nutrients from the soil. Occasionally, the soil needs to be fertilized in order for plants to thrive. Fertilizers supply the missing nutrients.
There are a variety of organic and synthetic fertilizers available in various formulations such as liquid, granular or pelleted. The choice of which type to use should be based on the results of a soil test and the specific needs of the grass being grown. When choosing a fertilizer, look for one that is labeled as organic or ‘natural’ and avoid ones with chemicals that are not natural and can contribute to environmental pollution.
A soil test will reveal the deficiencies of the soil and help in determining which nutrients are needed by the plant. Nitrogen, for example, is water soluble and can be easily washed out of the soil during heavy winter rains. Therefore, it is a good idea to apply a high nitrogen fertilizer in the spring to encourage new growth.
The nutrient needs of the lawn are also affected by many other factors such as competition from weeds, cool spring soil which limits the release of nutrients and soil conditions like compacted or sandy soils. Symptoms such as slow growth, stunting and pale leaves can be an indication that fertilizer is needed. However, these symptoms may also be caused by other problems like poor irrigation practices, compaction, a lack of sunlight or the presence of root-knot nematodes.
When selecting a fertilizer, read the bag label to determine how much an application will cover and how much the nutrients in the product contain. The numbers on the fertilizer represent the grade or analysis of the product and indicate the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P2O5) and potash (K2O). A popular combination is 26-5-10, which provides 3.0 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet.
The physical characteristics of a fertilizer also influence how well it is handled and applied to the turf surface. For instance, products that contain a significant amount of dust or broken granules will not be distributed evenly when using rotary spreaders.
Weeding
Weeds are plants that grow where they’re not supposed to and can overtake lawns and gardens. The best approach to weeding is prevention, with strategies like crop rotation, cover crops, mulching, timely cultivation and regular monitoring ensuring that the garden’s desired plants are healthy enough to crowd out the invasive weeds.
The health of your yard, garden or other outdoor spaces is impacted by the presence of weeds because they compete with your desired vegetation for water, sunlight and nutrients. The result is stunted growth and reduced yields, while also exposing the soil to erosion and decreasing its overall quality. In addition, weeds can host pests that can then spread to desirable plants.
Weeds can also pose a health threat to your family and pets. Many have prickly blades that can cause cuts and irritate the skin, while others produce poisonous or toxic substances that could be harmful to children and animals if ingested. Some weeds have even been found to contain cancer-causing chemicals.
As a result of their rapid growth and short life cycle, weeds are able to suck up water and sunlight before grass or other desired plants can get the chance, leading to dry spots in your garden. Weeds can also choke out the roots of other plants, causing them to die off.
Aesthetics: Weeds look unkempt and overgrown, detracting from the beauty of your home and garden. This can reduce your property value, as potential buyers may assume that your home is poorly cared for and in disrepair.
Aside from their unsightly appearance, weeds can also make lawns and other garden areas appear unattractive to potential buyers, especially if they are growing out of control. Regular weed control in Camas, Vancouver and Washougal ensures that your lawn and garden looks its best, increasing the value of your home and boosting your curb appeal. Additionally, removing the weeds regularly can prevent the weed seeds from germinating and taking over again in the future, saving you time and money. Keeping your lawn and garden free of weeds helps to protect it from insects and diseases, which can be harder to control when the weeds are growing out of control.
