Proper mowing is one of the most beneficial things that you can do to keep your lawn healthy and green. The key to a beautiful lawn is mowing often and at the proper height. It is important that you never mow more than one-third of a grass’s blade at one time.

There are recommended height ranges for most grasses. When the temperatures are hot or there has been very little rain, you should try to keep the height toward the upper end of the range. When you mow the grass too short, you are depriving it of nutrients as you are removing a large part of its food-producing leaf surface. This can weaken the grass, making it more susceptible to disease and insects. The ideal length for most grasses is between 2 and 3 inches.  Lawns grown at these lengths tend to have deeper roots, fewer weeds, and look thicker and lusher.

It is important that you mow your lawn frequently, even during the winter months when there is not much growth. Once a week is a good recommendation for most lawns. During peak growing season, you may want to mow every 4-5 days. When growth is slow, mowing your lawn every 8-9 days will be fine. You will not need to remove grass clippings if you are mowing at proper intervals.

Frequent mowing will get rid of weeds before they are able to seed and take control of your yard. Your grass will grow thicker as competition for valuable nutrients is greatly decreased. There will be less cover for insects and pests as well.

When your grass is kept short, you will need less water because there is less leaf blade to transpire water. This is especially important during those hot summer months when water shortages tend to occur. Plus, less irrigation can prevent fungus and bugs from becoming a problem.

To avoid injury to your grass, be sure that you are using a mower with sharp blades. For an even cut, only mow when the grass is completely dry. Vary your mowing pattern each week. This will allow the grass to grow in an upright position.

Consider hiring a landscaping company that provides lawn-mowing services each week. These companies have the equipment and knowledge to make sure that your lawn looks beautiful and stays healthy. They also offer a variety of other services including thatching, reseeding, fertilization and more to encourage growth and improve the overall appearance of your yard.

When your lawn is healthy, it is better able to recover from drought conditions, disease and insect damage. It can withstand foot traffic without resulting in bald spots. Proper mowing encourages a lush, thick lawn that will be healthy and look beautiful all year long.

Landscapes-R-Us provides lawn mowing and landscaping services to homes and commercial properties in Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem and the Lake Norman region of NC. Contact us to find out more.

Water can be one of the most damaging elements to the structure of your home. It is essential that you have a good drainage system in place so that it does not pool around the exterior. Draining water from your home includes a quality gutter system, sloping of your yard and installing a drainage system underground. A landscaper can help you complete many of these tasks so that you are able to limit the amount of exposure your home has to standing water.

The first step to draining water away from your home is to install a roof gutter system that features extensions on the downspouts to carry the water away from the home. Keep in mind that these gutters will need to be cleaned regularly to prevent the build up of leaves and debris. If there are clogs in the system, water can overflow, causing issues with your roof and walls. Check to be sure that there are no leaks or damaged areas that may allow water to escape. Also, inspect the downspouts to ensure that they are properly attached.

The next step is to check the grading around your foundation. As the ground around your home settles over time, it may allow water to run toward the structure rather than away from it. You want to be sure that the land within ten feet of your home is steep enough to deter water from draining into your crawl space or under your home. Most building codes recommend that the ground slope away from the home’s foundation by a minimum of six feet. Doing so will channel the water away from your home and prevent it from pooling in one area.  A landscaper will be able to evaluate the slope of your land and make recommendations for improvement.

The final step to keeping your home dry is the addition of an underground drainage system. It should be installed under a basement floor or at the house foundation. This system will eliminate the collection of water that can saturate the soil next to your walls and basement floor. Obviously this is a complicated job and should only be attempted by a trained individual who understands the complexities of this type of addition.

If you are having moisture issues in your yard, contact a landscaper in your area who is knowledgeable of drainage solutions. There are many things he can do to eliminate the collection of water while improving the look of your yard. After all, too much water in the yard can cause problems with the grass and vegetation. It can also wash away much needed soil and nutrients. Don’t live with pooling water, it may end up causing you costly home repairs in the future.

Landscapes-R-Us provides commercial and residential landscaping services to homes in High Point, Winston Salem, Greensboro, Clemmons and the Lake Norman region of NC. We also provide specialty services, including drainage systems.

The possibilities for landscaping your driveway are endless. Both hardscapes and softscapes can be used to enhance the area. You do not have to spend a lot of money to make it stand out. There is no one way to do this—be creative and unique so that your home will stand out in the neighborhood.

Hardscape: Many people choose to incorporate hardscape features in the yard because they make a big impact with very little upkeep or maintenance. Hardscapes include anything that is constructed from rock, stone, cement, or any other hard material. Rock walls lining the driveway are a beautiful way to add interest to your yard. Some homeowners choose to build an entrance gate that can be opened or closed manually or electronically. Decorative stone pillars or statues can be installed on either side of the driveway, giving your home an upscale, regal appearance.

Because of the materials and labor involved, hardscapes are typically more expensive than softscape landscaping. However, the end product is permanent and usually requires very little upkeep. Your hardscape will determine what kind of softscape is needed around it so you should design it first.

Softscape: There are endless variations of softscape that can be used to improve the look of your driveway. These items include plants, soil, mulch, trees, bushes, and so on. You may choose to simply have something planted at the driveway entrance or you may prefer to have plants line the length of the driveway. You can do both but those on a strict budget may want to focus on the entrance alone.

A flower bed or ground cover planted along the side of the driveway will create a beautiful border that separates it from the rest of the yard. Be sure that you do not block the footpath to your front door.

When choosing what type of plants and features you would like to install in around your driveway, you should determine what you want the focal point to be. Ornamental trees and shrubs are a good way to draw the eye away from the less impressive elements of your yard or house. Water features are another way to add beauty and interest to your lawn.

When landscaping the entrance of your driveway, choose durable plants and materials. This is often the area when kids playing or animals may wander into your yard. Traffic on your road can also affect this area. You will not want to have to continually replace it because of damage so choose hearty plants or hardscapes.

Finally, when landscaping your driveway, choose elements that will compliment the style of your home and will flourish in your climate. Remember that your driveway and entrance is often the first thing people will notice about your home. Be sure that it gives a good impression and improves your home’s curb appeal.

Let Landscapes R Us help you landscape your driveway and improve your curb appeal. We serve Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem, and the Lake Norman region of NC. Contact us today!

Trees: There is nothing more beautiful than trees gently swaying in the breeze. No matter where you live or the size of your property, trees add a natural elegance to any yard. Trees add interest to your landscaping with seasonal blooms or colorful foliage throughout the year.

Another benefit of trees is that they provided much needed shade for your yard. They can reduce the amount heat that reaches your grass and other plants, preventing them from perishing during the long, hot months of summer. A shaded is yard is more comfortable for all living creatures, including your family.

Trees reduce water runoff and erosion as well. They give off oxygen that we need to breathe and absorb air pollutants. Trees provide food and shelter for many animals and they make a great place for a tree house or tire swing.

Because trees grow so large, they can be used to block unsightly views or act as a visual representation of your property line. A landscaper will assess the conditions in your yard and help you choose trees that will flourish in that environment. Evergreens, deciduous, and flowering trees may be intermingled for a beautiful effect.

Shrubbery: Shrubs and bushes are much smaller than most trees. They tend to have multiple stems that are low to the ground. Their dense foliage and many leafy branches make them ideal for improving your privacy, hiding unsightly views, and creating a definite border around areas in your yard.

Shrubs can be planted close together to make a natural fence. Your landscaper may do this in areas where you want to keep out foot traffic or make a visible barrier between your property line and that of your neighbor. Often you will see shrubs and bushes lining driveways or walkways as well.

Just like trees, shrubbery can be used to block unsightly views. Many times you will see shrubs planted along the perimeter of a house. This prevents others from seeing the home’s foundation and focusing their eye to the more decorative aspects of the home. Shrubbery planted around windows can keep others from peering into or gaining access to your lower floor windows.

Finally, shrubs can be used to add color and interest to a bland landscape. They are a beautiful addition to natural areas and can even be cut into ornamental designs. Your landscaper will help you choose shrubs and bushes that will give you the look you want and suitable for your climate.

Trees and shrubbery make any yard look more appealing. Find a landscaper in your area who will help you design, plant, and manage an amazing yard where you will love to spend time.

Landscapes-R-Us provides landscaping services to residences and commercial properties in Greensboro, Winston Salem, High Point, Oak Ridge, Clemmons, and the Piedmont Triad. We also serve customers in the Lake Norman Region of NC. Contact us to learn why we are the premier landscaping company in NC.

We spend a lot of time tending to the living plants and flowers on our property. However, it is often the inanimate objects that influence the appearance of our yard the most. The particular placement of decorative stones around your natural areas and throughout the property can transform the entire look of your yard. From a stone pathway to a patio, hardscapes are a vital component to your landscape.

Landscape stones come in a large variety of sizes, textures, and colors. This array of choices can be a bit overwhelming at times, but it allows landscapers to find the ideal stone for the job. From large boulders to small pebbles, stone is available for any project that you can design.  Here are some common ways that homeowners incorporate stone into their landscape:

Patios: Large pavers can be used to create a gathering space on your lawn. Add a few chairs and a table and you have a relaxing spot to eat and entertain outdoors.

Pathways and Stepping Stones: You want to enjoy your outside space but you would like to keep people off of your grass and out of your flowerbeds. A beautiful walkway can be easily created using gravel or decorative pavers.

Stone Walls: These visually appealing fixtures can be used for a variety a purposes. Walls may separate areas in your lawn for safety or appeal. A wall along the driveway keeps cars from damaging grass as drivers pull in or out of your property. A wall may enclose a patio or simply be installed to enhance the appearance of the area.

Retaining Walls: These structures are functional as well as attractive. Retaining walls are ideal for curtailing erosion on your property.

Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace: Create an entertainment-friendly gathering space in your yard with a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. Roast marshmallows or spend the evening with friends gathered around the fire.

Rock Gardens and Accents: Look carefully at a stone and you will notice the swirling patterns and specks of color that make it such a beautiful and unique material. These characteristics make it an ideal accent or decorative piece for yards. Before placing stones, study the natural layout of your yard and find areas where the stone will look natural and aesthetically pleasing.

These are just a few ways that stones can be incorporated into your landscape. A professional landscaper will not only offer you ideas for ways to use stone and hardscapes, he will take care of transporting and placing the stone as well. This is especially helpful when you are working with big, heavy boulders or a large quantity of stones. Your landscaper will place the stones firmly and properly so that they stay put for many years to come.

Creating a beautiful and pleasing outdoor environment can be a lot of work. Find a landscaper in your area who has the design and installation expertise necessary to transform your yard into a pleasing outdoor living space to be enjoyed by family and friends.

Landscapes-R-Us assists homeowners with choosing and placing decorative stones that will improve the look of their yard. We provide a variety of landscaping services to residential and commercial properties in Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem, Clemmons, and the Lake Norman region of NC. Contact us for more information or for a free consultation.

Leaf Control: Your lawn needs sunlight and air to stay healthy. It is important that you remove leaves by raking or blowing so that your grass is not completely covered. Unwanted leaves can be placed around natural areas as mulch but should be kept off of the grass.

Dethatch Lawn: Aeration removes thatch and allows more room for healthy grass to grow. Removing dead roots and grasses in the fall allows your lawn to get more water, nutrients, and air for stronger grass.

Seed and Fertilize: Fall is a good time to overseed and fertilize your lawn. Overseeding your lawn can keep it looking lush and green and may take care of any bare spots. Be sure to use a high quality grass seed and water regularly until the first frost. Grass planted in the fall is able to establish itself before the growing season of spring.

Cut Grass: In the fall, you should cut your grass short—to about 1 ½”. By cutting your grass short, you avoid fresh growth that may be damaged by cold temperatures.

Add color: Mums and pansies are hearty flowering plants that add a pop of color to your yard. They can be planted in pots and displayed on a porch or planted in the soil.

Maintaining a lawn takes a lot of work and specialized equipment that many homeowners do not have.  Hire Landscapes-R-Us to get your lawn ready for fall. We provide routine mowing, leaf removal, and lawn services to residences and commercial properties in Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem, Clemmons, Kernersville, Oak Ridge, and the Lake Norman region of NC.  Contact us now to learn more.

Professional commercial landscaping services can transform the whole look of your property.  A landscaping company, like Landscapes-R-Us, will work with you to design a layout that will improve the appearance of your building and compliment the natural environment in the area.  They will custom design a landscape that will look beautiful and stay within your budget.

Beautiful landscaping needs sufficient water.  An irrigation system can be installed to make watering your lawn convenient.  It allows property owners to provide an appropriate amount of water to your plants and lawn all year long.  With timers and easy to use control systems, property owners can schedule watering based on their needs.

Professionally installed lighting can transform the entire look of your landscape.  It not only illuminates your buildings at night but sufficient lighting can improve the safety of your property as well.  At Landscapes-R-Us we understand the importance of landscape lighting and we work hard to design lighting solutions that enhance your property affordably.

Maintaining your landscape is essential to creating a good impression.  We offer professional lawn care services that include mowing, fertilizing, trimming, planting, and more.  With a service contract you can be sure that our team will be there as often as you need us to make your lawn look amazing.

Landscapes-R-Us serves residential and commercial properties throughout central North Carolina including Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem, Burlington, Kernersville, Reidsville, and the Lake Norman area.  Contact us for a free estimate.

An attractive water fountain will turn your modest yard into a relaxing oasis for your friends and family to enjoy.  The natural look of a waterfall makes it an ideal choice to blend into your yard.  You can even add some fish and plant life to make it appear more authentic.  There are a variety of beautiful water features available in many different styles and shapes.

An outdoor water feature is not as expensive as you think.  There are many different price points available to fit into any budget.  Not sure where to install it?  Let the professional landscape designers at Landscapes R Us determine the ideal spot in your yard.  They will install your water feature for maximum pleasure and aesthetic appeal.  Enjoy the relaxing sensation of running water anytime you want.

Water features are a great investment for commercial properties that want to make their campus more welcoming and appealing for their guests.  A water fountain or waterfall makes an excellent place for your guests to gather while they wait for service.  It can help you create a pleasing outdoor area for your employees and customers to enjoy.  A restaurant patio will instantly be upgraded with a beautiful water feature to focus your guests’ attention and provide a pleasing sound.

Attractive landscaping makes a favorable first impression, whether you are a homeowner or business owner.  Let the experts at Landscapes R Us help you choose the perfect water feature to enhance your landscaping.  It will be expertly installed to give you many years of enjoyment.  We work with commercial properties and residences in Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem, Lake Norman, Burlington, Kernersville, Statesville, Reidsville, Clemmons, Elon, and Gibsonville, NC. Call us at (704) 684-7211.

One of the best features of an automatic sprinkler is that you can program it to water as often as you desire.  Once programmed, your system will automatically turn on and off according to the schedule you determine.  No more running out of time or putting off the watering until it is cooler.  Your lawn and plants will receive the water they need to thrive and grow and the best part is, you don’t have to do anything to make it happen.

An automatic sprinkler allows you to get the most out of your watering.  You can program it turn on in the evenings or early mornings when evaporation levels are lower.  These systems allow you to adjust watering times and frequency based on weather conditions and seasonal changes.  You can even set up your system so that areas that are sunny receive more water while shady areas receive less.  To prevent runoff, you can program your system to water for shorter periods of time, multiple times a day.

Homeowners appreciate the value that an automatic sprinkler system adds to their home.  These systems are considered an upgrade that will improve the value of your home and impress potential buyers.  Your green, plush lawn and healthy plants will improve your curb appeal as well.

Landscapes R Us installs automatic sprinkler systems in homes and business in Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem, Oak Ridge, Summerfield, and the Lake Norman region of NC.  We also provide landscaping and planting services to make your yard stand out.  Contact us to find out more.

A professional arborist is skilled at assessing the damage and vulnerability of a tree.  He can determine whether the tree is a hazard and needs to be removed or not.  You should inspect your trees yearly and after any big storms.  Be sure to check all parts of the tree, including the roots, trunk, main stem, branches, and branch unions.  Look at all sides of the tree and use binoculars to see the parts that are high.

What to look for:

Dead Trees: Dead trees and large dead branches need to be removed immediately.  These branches are brittle and can fall off at any time.

Cracks: A crack indicates that the tree is damaged and is failing.

Decay: Some decay on a tree is okay.  Advanced decay may indicate that the tree is hazardous and should be removed.

Cankers: A localized area on the stem or branch of a tree where the bark is sunken or missing is called a canker.  If more than half of the tree’s circumference, the tree may be hazardous.

Structural imbalance: A tree that leans excessively or a large branch that is out of proportion with the rest of the crown should be removed.

Root Problems: If a tree is leaning with recent root exposure, soil movement, or soil mounding near the base, the root structure may be weakened.

Weak branch unions: These occur in places where the tree’s branches are not strongly attached to the tree.

If you are concerned about the safety of your trees or need tree removal services, contact Landscapes R Us at (704) 684-7211 to schedule service.  We remove trees from yards and commercial areas in Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Lake Norman, and surrounding areas in NC.