As we all know, building a home requires many subcontractors and specialists (architects, plumbers, masons, electricians, etc.). The various details, building codes and other requirements command specialized knowledge and it is best to utilize experts in those fields. The stakes are too high to have it done incorrectly or poorly. Sometimes, we forget that the outside needs specialists too.

Budget season is always stressful. Everyone wants to keep costs as low as possible, while still accomplishing what they need to do, and avoid costly surprises as well. So, how do I create a budget for commercial landscaping? When creating this year’s budget, last year’s budget and actual expenses are the best place to begin. This gives

Retention ponds add beauty to a neighborhood, and provide a recreation area when stocked with fish, but also serve a very important function. They help control stormwater runoff, prevent flooding, control erosion and provide a way to filter pollutants. We especially appreciate their usefulness when we have downpours, or rains that last for days and days and the ground

So very many of us spend our days cooped up inside. When we get home we want to feel the sun shine on our bodies, eat dinner al fresco, relax by a fire with the breeze blowing, or simply watch TV on our covered porch. Our homes are our refuge from the world, and when the weather’s good,

Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus Esculentus) What does it look like?: Tall patches (can get to 9-12 in. tall) of green leaves that produce clusters of spike-like yellow flowers. Each spike has dozens if not hundreds of seeds that can be transported to the rest of your yard by wind, animal, and/or mower. What causes it?: Areas with

Dallisgrass (Paspalum Dilitatum) What does it look like?: Commonly mistaken for Crabgrass, Dallisgrass produces round patches of messy mounding leaves and tall stalks which can grow almost 18 in. tall. The stalks produces spikes which house hundreds of black seeds that can be spread by wind, animals, or a lawnmower. What causes it?: This guy can grow

Canada Thistle (Cirsium Arvense) What does it look like?: Be careful of its spikes! This is a nasty looking weed that can grow almost 6 feet tall if it is not attended to. Look out for its tall stalks which produce showy bright pink flowers. What causes it?: Loosely compacted soil. When does it show up?: Summer. Best treatment plan: These

Spotted Spurge (Euphorbia Maculata) What does it look like?: A highly invasive weed, Spotted Spurge can spread quickly through thin turf. It produces an extensive taproot and long branches that creep outwardly allowing it to spread very quickly and cover a large area. What causes it?: Loosely compacted soil and thin turf allow room for this

Hop Clover (Trifolium Campestre) What does it look like?: Hop Clover is an invasive weed that thrives in shady areas with loosely compacted soil. Look for bright yellow flowers and the 3-leaflet clusters that are distinctive of clovers. What causes it?: Shady areas with loosely compacted soil. When does it show up?: Summer. Best treatment plan: Pulling by hand

 Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina Communis) What does it look like?: Actually quite an attractive weed, the Asiatic Dayflower produces deep blue flowers and broad dark green leaves. Stalks can grow quite tall if not attended to. What causes it?: Moist, shady soil that is rich in nutrients. Not typically found in lawns because it cannot survive being mowed