Landscape Construction

Creative Ways to Add Shade to Your Backyard

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Colorado offers an abundance of sunny days all year round – in fact, it’s one of the reasons many of us live in colorful Colorado! While we embrace glorious blue skies and sunshine, there are times when our landscape may need some shade to protect us from the intense UV rays.

From new landscape design options to simpler solutions, there are many options to get you outside and safely enjoying the Colorado weather in a shady backyard.

Add a Trellis

Do you have an existing outdoor structure or patio area where adding a trellis could help provide shade? Trellis or pre-made garden lattice can be made or bought and installed to a current structure or installed in the ground. Plant or attach the trellis in a location that will offer shade and add a climbing, flowering or leaf vine for beauty and color.

Plant a Tree

While trees can take years to fully mature, consider planting an older, larger or faster-growing tree species that will add shade to your outdoor area or patio sooner. Deciduous trees can let in winter sunshine or evergreens offer year-round greenery and protection. Be sure to think through the type of tree and avoid planting too close to a structure so the roots don’t cause damage.

Sail Away

Shade sails are readily available and offer a modern look to virtually all types of outdoor living areas! Choose between different shapes, colors, and sizes and customize your look to provide just where and when you need shade most. Consider how to safely install shade sails and be sure to make it easy for them to be removed when not needed or to protect from Colorado winds.

Awe with an Awning

Awnings add charm to any smaller patio or targeted space where you need shade. Classic styles, stripes, weather-proof materials, and automatic extending awnings are all available to offer shade both outdoors and can shade indoors by stopping sunlight from coming through windows or patio doors. Be sure to consider having an expert size and install your awning to avoid any potential damage to your home or outdoor structure.

Put Up the Umbrella

Don’t forget a simple, freestanding umbrella or larger, moveable umbrella as a shade option! Umbrellas are widely available and can provide “transportable” shade wherever you want to be in your Colorado yard. Select an umbrella with some weight or a weighted based to keep it secure and choose from the wide range of colors and fabric choices to reflect your personality.

Sophisticated Shade

If you’re looking for shade that adds beauty, permanence, and style to your home and outdoor living area, consider professional landscaping shade options. The Landscaping Company are the Colorado experts in designing shade choices that suit your budget and your style! Ideas are almost limitless and include pergolas, verandas, architectural elements, modern awnings and shade sail designs, trees and plantings, and much more!

Call The Landscaping Company at (303) 922-9889 or contact us online to explore what outdoor shade options are right for you and your home!

Let’s Get Cooking with Your Outdoor Kitchen

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As every homeowner knows, when it’s time to entertain, you can expect guests to be hanging out in the kitchen. The heart of the home, the kitchen is warm, inviting, and buzzing with activity. But while the kitchen inside your house invites a gathering, just try to keep people away when you have the outdoor kitchen of your dreams!

Outdoor kitchens are so popular in Colorado, and they can be designed, constructed, and used virtually year-round. By extending your living space, your new outdoor kitchen environment is an opportunity to add value, personality, functionality, and delight to your home and your life!

When it comes to creating your outdoor kitchen, The Landscaping Company is here to help. We offer extensive knowledge on what to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen to make the best use of space, what appliances and features will work to meet your goals, and the experience to build a high-quality kitchen to withstand Colorado’s changing seasons.

Outdoor Kitchen Options

Whether you know just what you want, or you are just getting underway with planning your outdoor kitchen, our expert team can help advise you on the full range of possibilities that can improve the outdoor cooking, dining, and living experience at your home.

  • Pizza ovens, built-in grills, fireplaces, and firepits
  • Outdoor kitchen barbecues and cooking areas
  • Outdoor-suitable appliances including stove, refrigerator, and grills
  • Kitchen cabinets, outdoor storage, work surfaces, and water supplies
  • Stone patios, eating areas, and seating spaces
  • Outdoor lighting and ambient lighting

Considerations for Outdoor Kitchens

As you let your dreams go wild in imagining your new outdoor kitchen, our team of experienced landscaping professionals can help advise what will work best in your space. Proper outdoor kitchen design and expert installation make for the best results!

  • Placement of the outdoor kitchen should consider easy access to the indoors, weather protection, good entertainment areas in the yard, and a safe distance from the house or other structures
  • Construction and design will include the selection of building materials including stonework, concrete, patio pavers, and more to optimize space, create functional zones and areas, and use colors to accentuate the environment.
  • Appliances and cooking methods should be chosen based on outdoor cooking and entertaining goals, plus safety considerations and budget.

 

Ready to get started creating your new outdoor kitchen? We are here to help! Check out our wide range of outdoor living and landscaping projects and call us at (303) 922-9889 or contact us online to get started!

How to Winterize Your Custom Water Feature

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Water offers an almost magical effect to any landscape. Soothing sounds, a reflection of light, and the ability to be simultaneously tranquil and wild; water features are a must for custom landscape design projects.

Whether you are considering a waterfall, koi pond, or water fountain, don’t be intimidated by the maintenance and care your water feature requires. As the summer days lengthen and the air cools down, preparation and a little know-how will help you get your custom water feature ready for winter!

Step 1: Clean It Up

Landscape Design LittletonDuring the summer and fall, you’ll find that leaves are yellowing and beginning to fall off trees, bushes, and flowers. If you have plants in your water feature, they are also starting to show signs of changing and getting ready for a dormant winter.

  1. Clean up your water feature by pruning plants nearby and removing any leaves or plant matter that blows onto the water. If you have pond plants, remove them before the first frost. Remember, you’ll need to remove leaves and debris about every week until they are all gone from trees.
  2. Consider whether pond plants are healthy and can be correctly stored or whether it’s time to compost or trash them. Some aquatic plants can be cut back and remain in the water feature over winter. Check to see what type of plants you have and prune accordingly.
  3. If you have fish in a pond, stop feeding them when the water temperature reaches about 55o F (10o C). Feeding fish too late in the season can create unwanted health problems. Also, don’t fertilize any water feature plants when the weather becomes cooler. It’s time to let fish and plants know that winter is coming so they can begin to hibernate or become dormant.

Step 2: Drain the Water

Unless you have fish living in your custom water feature or plan on performing maintenance throughout winter (see Step 3: Air Circulation), plan on draining the water from small water features and fountains. Be sure to empty or blow out water from the lines and pipes that feed the water feature.

Protect any exposed pipes or lines and shut off the water, removing any external water hoses from the feature. Winterizing water lines is important to protect the pipes and avoid water lines freezing over the coming months.

Step 3: Air Circulation

In Colorado, it is possible to keep water in medium-to-large size ponds year-round. If you have fish in the pond, you will need a re-circulating pump to oxygenate the water. This pump will create small bubbles and a hole at the water’s surface to help with gas exchange.

If the weather is very cold for long periods, it might be necessary to break a hole in the top of the pond where ice has formed. You may also consider a floating de-icer to help the water from freezing over completely.

Step 4: Winter Protection

If you’ve drained your pond or water feature, unplug the power source, remove the pump, clean any filters, and store it away for next year. Pumps left out during the winter can crack or freeze, which will shorten the performance and life of the device.

Some small water features, such as birdbaths or small fountains, benefit from being stored in a shed or garage over winter. Even larger water features will perform better in the spring if you take the time to cover them to avoid the stress of cold temperatures and keep the manufactured material looking good.

If your water feature is made of natural stone or concrete, use a surface sealer to keep out moisture. Natural stones absorb water and when it freezes, the water expands and can cause cracks.

Properly preparing your water feature for winter will save you money and keep your feature looking and working its best for years to come.

If your custom water feature is large, usually 200 gallons of water or more, or you’re just not sure how to winterize it, contact us! We can winterize your water feature quickly and reliably, so it’s safe over the cold months and ready to enjoy in the spring.

Why Patios and Walkways Should be in Your Custom Landscape Project

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There are many elements to a successful landscape project. While most people think of lawns, trees, and hedges in landscaping, true landscape design incorporates other essential aspects that create a beautiful and relaxing environment outdoors.

Hardscape, such as walkways and patios, are a must in your custom landscape project as they offer so much more than simply a place to sit or stride – they provide functionality, personality, and value!

Functional Space

All landscape design should first answer the question: how will this space be used?

This issue is especially appropriate for patios and walkways as there a many possible locations, styles, and uses for each of these assets.

  • Denver Landscape Construction ServicesPaved areas can certainly host family dinners and parties but have you thought about a patio as a place to watch the stars, read a book or work from home? Will you want to enjoy your patio in all seasons or just during spring and summer? Does the patio need a cover or special lighting?
  • What about walkways? Consider where you want to go and how you want to lead guests. Is the walkway to your entrance safe, well lit, and attractive? Are there areas in the yard being worn down without a walkway that would benefit from a purpose-built path?

Plan your hardscape patio and walkway by stretching your imagination as to how it will be used. From there, think about the number of locations they could be located in your yard and choose the best to accommodate your wishes. Patios and paved walkways offer almost unlimited potential!

Personality Types

Walkways and patios can be created to reflect your style and the character of your home.

Englewood Landscaping CompanyDo you prefer order and modern design? Think about adding straight lined walkways and patios with clean, defined edging. Is a more natural and creative space what you’re looking for? Consider curved, flowing paths and soft edges around your patio. Either way, each can be made more beautiful with suitable plantings, year-round greenery or water features.

Are you hoping for a large, grand patio that will accommodate a big family or large outdoor gathering? Looking for shading and color as guests walk to your front door? Your custom landscape project should include consideration of form and shape of all elements to bring out your personality.

Create color and texture by choosing unique stones, pavers, rockery or stamped concrete for your custom project. There are many options for materials for both patios and walkways that will give you the chance to bring your yard to life!

Growing Value

Including a patio and walkway into your custom landscape project will deliver value to your home and your everyday life. These assets offer natural environments to relax, provide additional dining areas and options, open up new spaces in your garden, and expand your living area over all.

Stone walkways and unique patio designs will increase the value of your home and add to its beauty.

Backyard Landscaping Castle RockAs part of a custom landscape project, patio and walkway design become part of an overall design for your home that is coordinated to bring out the attractiveness of unique features. Adding lighting and illumination will further increase value and enhance all the landscape elements, plus increase safety for walkways and add ambient lighting to gatherings on the patio.

With proper design and professional installation, your walkway and patio will also provide durability, stability, and safety for you and your family.

For your custom landscape project, you’ll be glad you incorporated all aspects of design including walkways and patios. To get started, contact us! We are professionals in every area of landscape design, installation, and maintenance!