A pool is an enjoyable feature to add to your property, and with a professional landscape design around it, it can be a very attractive feature as well!
In-ground pools are great for cooling off on a hot summer day or showing off your latest version of the swan dive, but with some attention from a Landscape Architect, an in-ground pool can be a truly remarkable landscape feature. Landscaping around a pool will not only add beauty, but it can add functionality, and value to your home.
Deciding to add a landscape around your pool is only half the battle. Once you decide that you’re going to add a new landscape to your pool area you then need to start making decision on the look and feel that you want to achieve. Natural stone will give it a classic look that works great with teak or wood furniture. Concrete pavers will create a more modern look, and will be more durable in case you prefer metal or aluminum lounge chairs and furniture. Whichever hardscape material you decide to use, be sure you fill in the perimeter with plants and a fence. You can also choose to add additional patio space, or even tiered patios, for an improved entertaining area.
If you have a pool, or are considering adding a pool to your property, be sure to consult with a Landscape Architect about the landscaping around it. Even if you have a pool contractor, it is wise to consult with a Landscape Architect to be sure the landscape you want to add around it is feasible with the pool contractor’s design. Click the button below to learn more about pool landscaping from one of our Landscape Architects.
Natural stone patios and walls give this pool area a classic New England look and feel.
Pine Sawflies have hatched, or will be hatching soon, throughout our region. Be sure you have the proper management techniques in place.
The Pine Sawfly is a destructive pest that targets the two and three needle pines in New England, meaning they only infest pines where the needles are in bundles, or fascicles, of two and three needles each. Mugo Pines are usually the primary host for Pine Sawflies in the region.
Each year, Pine Sawflies will hatch into the larval stage and feast on two and three needle pines, like the Mugo pine, voraciously. What's unique about Pine Sawfly is that they only feed on the older needles of a pine, usually leaving the young needles unscathed. The Sawfly will form very tight groups and feed quickly, moving throughout a pine until it is completely defoliated.
Treating Pine Sawfly larvae can be done in two methods depending on how the groups are formed. Very small groups of the larvae can be pruned off the tree and disposed of. Larger groups; however, will require an insecticide treatment. Over the counter insecticides, such as Sevin, will work on Pine Sawflies, but be sure you’re familiar with the toxicity level of the product you buy.
Our pest management programs include Pine Sawfly treatments, but you can also choose a target treatment on Mugo Pines, or other pines if you’ve had an issue with this pest in the past. Request a free consultation to learn more about pest management programs.
The video below shows Pine Sawflies in action, as well as the defoliated pine left after just a short amount of time feeding. Look closely to see the Sawfly squirming around.
Take advantage of the weather this spring and make some significant improvements to your lawn.
It seems like we’ve settled into a normal spring weather pattern. A few days of moderate temperatures, cloud cover, and precipitation followed by a couple of warm, sunny days. This cycle usually occurs for about four weeks each spring before settling into a more summer-like pattern, and it can be a tremendous time to make improvements to your lawn, without any back-breaking or wallet-wrenching work.
First step to improving your lawn is to ensure it is clean of all leaves and debris, which usually occurs in a spring clean up. Clearing your turf of debris will help minimize pest activity and will allow for photosynthesis to occur without disruption. Next, you should dethatch your lawn and remove the dead “thatch.” This can be done with a rake and strong shoulders, or a dethatching machine that can be rented at your local equipment rental store.
The next step to take to improve your turf is to create a thicker, healthier lawn by over-seeding. This is a simple process that requires broadcast spreading new seed over your turf. As the seed establishes it will create lush turf and out-compete weeds. Weather conditions are perfect this time of year, allowing seed to germinate very quickly; however, don’t forget to water if we’re not receiving enough rain. Also, if we’re expecting torrential downpours, don’t spread seed right before as it will just wash away with the water. A good slow soaking rain is the best to help the seed germinate.
Following these easy steps will undoubtedly improve your lawn this spring and help create a thick, lush lawn that will last all summer long. If you’d like to have some professional help with your lawn, or are thinking about a turf health program, please take advantage of our free consultations and meet with a Carpenter Costin pro.
Following the above tips will help create a thick, lush lawn this spring.
The saying usually goes, “April Showers Bring May Flowers,” but with very little precipitation in April, what will happen to our landscape in the 5th month?
The abnormally dry and warm early spring gave us an early glimpse at many flowers, but it also created some potential problems in the landscape. Flowers that bloomed early were then welcomed with chilly temperatures at night, sometimes dropping into frost-potential temperatures. Many flowers, shrubs, and flowering trees in our region have evidence of frost damage.
Due to the lack of rain in April, soil is very dry in our area, and even with the recent rain, moisture is not penetrating the soil nearly as much as it needs to be. Picking up a few inches of rain in early May certainly helps, but it will not be surprising to see damage from the dry soil, especially in areas where root competition is high.
Despite the lack of rain in April, we have experienced 235 growing degree days (GDD) in the Boston area. GDD is a measurement of heat accumultion used in the green industry to forecast plant and pest development. As a comparison, the Boston area only received 107.5 GDDs total in 2011, so it is safe to say we are ahead of schedule compared to last year.
Consider the number of GDDs we’ve received and couple that with the abundant moisture this past week and we should see some great things in the coming weeks in our landscapes (assuming the meteorologists are correct in forecasting sunshine in the coming days). Just to mention a few, Rhododendrons should stick out in the landscape, and lilacs should begin flowering shortly if they haven’t yet.
Plants aren’t the only thing ahead of schedule – pests in our area have shown much earlier than last year as well. Our Plant Health technicians have been out in full force since March, so if you’ve put off protecting your landscape from pests, you shouldn’t wait any longer! If you’re unsure how to protect your landscape from pests discover which pest management program you’ll benefit from the most.
If you think you have dead trees on your property, don’t write them off just yet. They may just leaf-out or bloom late, like Locust trees.
The wacky weather this spring has had quite an impact on our landscape. Some flowering trees bloomed very early, only to be damaged by freezing temperatures a few nights later; while others may be a little behind schedule. Due to the earlier than usual bloom/leaf-out, many home owners are surprised to see other trees and shrubs in their landscape that look completely dormant. If this is happening in your landscape, don’t be so quick to write off the tree as dead, it may just leaf-out or bloom late.
Some trees, like the Locust, and shrubs, like Clethra, are late arrivals to the landscape scene. Often times a landscape will be full of green leaves and colorful flowers, but there is a bare Locust tree that most people will swear is dead. It truly is difficult to believe that a tree is healthy while it is completely bare and surrounded by thriving, colorful trees and shrubs, but it happens every year, and we get calls every year from people worried about their locust trees (sometimes the same people year after year).
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consult with a Certified Arborist if you think you may have an unhealthy tree. If you have any questions regarding any tree or shrub on your property it is a good idea to have a Certified Arborist out for a free consultation. Not only can they evaluate tree and shrub health, but they will be able to provide an education on specific trees and shrubs in your landscape – and ensure you that the locust tree around back is in fact healthy! Please note that phenology can change significantly across Eastern Massachusetts. If your cousin that lives two towns over has a tree that is flowering, it does not mean that your tree needs to be flowering at the exact same time.
Consider adding softscape features to your landscape this spring while the weather is still conducive for successful planting.
If you’re looking to add plants to your landscape consider doing it sooner rather than later. Waiting too long to plant could actually hinder plant development, and may require a plant replacement next year. Spring and fall are really the best times to plant, so if you want to have a plant-filled landscape this summer, we recommend planting as soon as possible.
Planting in the spring is a good idea because conditions are usually great for plant growth and root development. With ample moisture and light, and warming, but still moderate temperatures, newly installed plants will thrive through April and May. Fall likely gets the nod for better planting season for trees and shrubs due to the excelled root development, but if you’re looking to enjoy your landscape throughout the summer, you need to plant in the spring!
This doesn’t mean that planting can’t be done in the summer, because with the right landscape professional and consistent watering throughout the summer, it can be done successfully. However, for optimal results, try to stick to spring and fall planting.
If you’re thinking of adding some plants to your landscape this spring please take advantage of our free consultations and meet with a Landscape Architect. Our Architects can not only recommend the best plants to install and design them perfectly into your existing landscape, but we also have the crews to install them. Click below for a free consultation.
Add plants to your landscape this spring for great, natural appeal.
Ensure your trees aren't damaged by construction, consult with a Certified Arborist prior to construction starting.
Spring is here and you may have plans for a home renovation project, or even a landscape construction project in the coming weeks or months. Before you begin, consider consulting with a Certified Arborist to evaluate the impact that the construction may have on your trees and landscape.
Construction can cause serious damage to your trees and landscape, most of which is caused by the heavy equipment used on most construction sites. The most obvious damage is caused by the digging or trenching to lay underground infastructure and build foundations. Digging can cause serious damage to the root systems of trees, which can severly stress a tree and lead to an untimely death.
Severing a tree's roots is by far the biggest concern when dealing with construction near your trees. The second biggest concern, however, is much harder to detect - and that is excessive soil compaction. Heavy machinery continuously driving over, and parking on, a tree's root system will seriously compact the soil, effectively blocking water from penetrating deep into the root system. Compacted soil will cause leaf and twig die back, and can potentially even kill the tree.
If you're planning on some construction this spring, be sure to have a Certified Arborist visit your property first to prevent damage to your trees and landscape.
Digging can sever a tree's root system and lead to serious damage and ultimately kill the tree.
Ensure your turf, trees, and shrubs are getting enough water this spring.
April is usually a month full of precipitation, but 2012 has been different. With very little rain, much of our region has been bordering on drought conditions. This does not bode well for plant and turf health, as ample water is necessary this time of year to ensure healthy growth in our landscape. Without enough rain water, you’ll need to take it upon yourself to keep your 
soil, turf, and plants watered.
If you have an irrigation system, with or without rain sensors, you may feel as though you are covered and you do not need to do any extra watering. This may be the case for your turf; however, most irrigation systems are not set up to water your trees and shrubs. A common misconception among homeowners with irrigation systems is that their whole landscape is covered – this is often untrue, so be sure you’re trees and shrubs are being watered too.
The general rule of thumb is to make sure your turf, shrubs, and trees get at least one inch of water each week. In an average spring we can get an inch or more of rain each week, but this spring has been different so be sure you're watering your landscape. Failure to water your landscape can lead to long-term health issues in your trees, shrubs, and lawn. Stressed trees and shrubs will be more susceptible to insect and disease infestation,and internal damage.
Take advantage of our free consultations and learn more about tree and turf health care from a Carpenter Costin pro.
Make sure you're watering this spring to keep your landscape green and healthy.
Space constrictions shouldn’t limit your ability to have a wonderfully landscaped outdoor space to enjoy.
You don’t need to have a 20,000 square foot yard to have a landscape you enjoy. Even outdoor spaces barely large enough to fit a Volkswagen Beetle can be transformed into a truly enjoyable outdoor area. All you need is a creative Landscape Architect and the ability to look beyond your space or location constrictions. Even items you once saw as barriers, such as a rock ledge, can be highlighted in a new way and actually become an asset to your outdoor space.
A great way to transform a small outdoor space is to add a stone, brick or paver patio or landing, paired with a hardscape walls and walkways. Compliment the hardscape with a variety of small plants to create a natural, well balanced landscape. Adding a few pieces of small outdoor furniture will complete the transformation.
To learn more about transforming a small outdoor area into a useful and enjoyable space, please consider a free consultation with one of our Landscape Architects.
This small area had several grade changes and a large rock ledge which made for an interesting project.
The large rock ledge was once seen as a barrier, now it is an asset to the landscape.
Creative hardscape design created two great patio areas despite a drastic grade change.
Some patio furniture helps bring the whole area together.
Photos courtesy of a happy customer.
Ensure your Hemlocks are safe from this invasive pest with proper HWA treatment practices.
Hemlocks are wonderful trees to have in your landscape, and their density makes them a great choice for planting in privacy screens. However, without proper care, Hemlocks are very susceptible to Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, which can seriously damage and eventually kill your Hemlocks.
Unlike other insects, such as Winter Moths, that feed on the leaves, needles, twigs, or new buds of trees, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) does not damage Hemlocks by feeding. Instead, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid causes damage to Hemlocks because its saliva is toxic to the tree. As the HWA feeds on the Hemlock, its saliva is spread through the needles and slowly 
disperses throughout the tree.
Unhealthy Hemlocks, particularly those infested with HWA, usually stick out like a sore thumb, as the rich green color is replaced by a grayish or yellowish hue. In a group of Hemlocks, you can usually pick out one infested with HWA fairly easily.
Controlling and preventing HWA is relatively straight forward, and the insects can be killed quickly; however, the toxin from their saliva has already infiltrated the tree and it may take a while for the tree to rebound. It can take an entire year or more until the toxicity in the tree is reduced.
The common misconception among homeowners with treated Hemlocks is that the tree is still infested because they see the small “white spots” on their trees. What really happens when treatments are applied correctly is that the insects are killed, but their woolly protective covering remains on the tree. Over time the woolly covering will fall off.
Hemlocks need to be treated for HWA every year. Even if your Hemlocks have not been infested, these pests have spread so rapidly that there is no way to ensure your trees will remain free of infestation. There really is no rhyme or reason to when HWA will infest, but it is well-known that they are force to be reckoned with for Hemlocks in our region. A topical treatment of Horticultural oil in the spring and fall, coupled with an injection treatment in between will do the job.
If you think you may have Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, or have Hemlocks that are not treated regularly you should consider consulting with a Certified Arborist to learn how to keep your Hemlocks safe.