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Salt Lake City Utah Fertilization Schedule

September 1st, 2010

Fertilizing plants or a garden is an important part of gardening.  Depending upon the conditions, many plants can survive without fertilizer, but if they are properly fertilized they will flourish.  When it comes to fertilizing, timing is very important.  If the timing is off it could seriously affect the growth of the plants.  Getting the timing just right can be tricky because it can vary between regions of the country.  To make it a little easier we are going to outline a fertilizing schedule for several types of plants in Utah.

Flowers

These plants are not very complicated to fertilize, but there are various ways to go about it.  For annuals it is best to start in April or May depending upon your personal taste and weather conditions.  Once the soil has dried out a bit from winter it is a good time for a gardener to prepare their garden for any new plants they may add.  This is usually done in April.  As they mix up the soil they can add some slow release nitrogen fertilizer.  A good type of fertilizer to use will have the numbers 5-10-5 on the bag.  These numbers represent the nutrients phosphorous, nitrogen, and potassium.  When the soil is mixed up it is also beneficial to add a form of organic fertilizer, such as compost, to the soil.  If a gardener wants to wait until May they can add in the fertilizer as they plant their new annuals.

A fertilizing schedule for annuals can also start in June, but it is a little more work.  If by June no slow release fertilizer has been used on the flowers, a gardener can apply water-soluble fertilizer.  This type of fertilizer is used up faster than slow release, so it should be applied at regular intervals.  If you bought fertilizer from a store it is important to look at the bag to determine when the fertilizer should be applied next.  Organic fertilizers can also be used, and they are usually used once a month.  By August most of the fertilizing is done, but a gardener can add some more slow release fertilizer if they so choose.  In order to do safely apply the fertilizer six to eight weeks needs to have passed since the last application.

For perennials it is ideal to start fertilizing in April.  If the soil does not already have organic fertilizer in it, slow release fertilizer should be added when the flowers are planted.  If there are any perennials that bloom late more slow release fertilizer can be applied in July if it has been at least six weeks since the last application.

Shrubs

The fertilizing schedule for shrubs only requires fertilizing once a year.  It sounds easy, but it can be a bit difficult with regards to the timing.  Fertilizer can be applied in either spring or fall.  If a gardener chooses to fertilize their shrubs in spring it should be applied approximately a month before leaves appear.  Fall fertilizer should be applied about a month after the first frost.  Fertilizing in fall is a bit simpler than spring, because the timing for spring is a little more difficult to measure.  Spring fertilizing will be easier for a gardener that has kept a gardening journal.

Whether a gardener decides to fertilize their shrubs in spring or fall, they should use a half cup to a cup of fertilizer for every shrub. The fertilizer should have 10-10-10 on the bag, which qualifies the fertilizer as a complete fertilizer.  When applying the fertilizer it is important to spread it out across the entire area where the roots are to ensure more than one area of the shrub absorbs the nutrients.

Vegetable Gardens

These gardens may seem a little daunting because they generally contain so many different types of vegetables.  It is important to keep in mind that they are all plants, and they all need the same nutrients.  Since they require the same food an entire garden can usually be fertilized using one type of fertilizer.  Utah’s soil tends to lack phosphorous and nitrogen, so it is a good idea to use a 10-20-0 fertilizer.  It is recommended that three pounds of fertilizer be used for every 100 square feet of garden.  When the fertilizer is being applied it is important that the fertilizer is not placed too close.  It should be placed either three inches to the side of the seed row or six inches into the soil.

Grass

A lawn may not be the first thing that comes to mind when a gardener thinks of fertilizing, but it is a very important part of a home’s landscaping.  It requires care like other plants in a yard.  Fertilizing a lawn can be a little difficult to get right because there are so many different types of grass.  Utah has both warm season and cool season grasses, which can make things difficult.  The most popular warm season grass is Zoysia, and the most popular cool season grass is Kentucky Bluegrass.  The good news is the fertilizing schedule for both types of grass starts out the same.  In the late spring around the end of May or the beginning of June about ¾ to one cup of slow release fertilizer should be spread on a lawn.  The fertilizer should be applied when rain is expected to help the fertilizer sink into the ground.

After the first application, the fertilizing schedule for the warm season and cool season grasses splits temporarily.  Warm season grasses often require another application about six to eight weeks later.  Cool season grasses only need to be watered until the fall.

The next fertilizer application should occur in late summer or early fall.  The best time to apply the fertilizer is when the heat has died down but the grass has not gone dormant yet.  It is important to monitor the night temperature because the fertilizer should be applied once the temperature goes below 55 degrees.  For this application about ¾ of a cup should be used.

The last phase of the fertilizing schedule comes in late fall.  Usually in November grass has gone dormant or has stopped growing enough so it does not need to be mowed.  At this time either water soluble fertilizer or slow release fertilizer can be used.  If a gardener decides to use a water soluble fertilizer, which immediately provides all its nutrients to the grass, they should use one pound per 1000 feet of grass.  Using slow release fertilizer will require one and a half to two pounds per 1000 feet of grass.

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Choosing a Fence Type in Salt Lake City Utah

August 27th, 2010

Choosing what type of fence is right for you is not an easy task.  There are many different types of fences commonly used in the Salt Lake City Utah area, which in turn have quite a few options within them.  There are two main elements that need to be considered when choosing a type of fencing: function and look.  The function of the fence is usually more important than the look because the fence needs to hold up to its task more than it needs to look nice.  However, the look of the fence is also very important.  A fence should generally match the style of your home in order to be cohesive and attractive.  To help you in your decision process we are going to outline some of the common types of fencing.

Wooden Fencing

This fencing is one of the most popular types.  The fences are constructed with wooden posts that may or may not have space between them.  Two lengths of wood, one at the bottom and one at the top, hold each section of the fence together.

Wooden Fence Pros

This type of fence comes in a variety of styles, including privacy, ranch, and the popular picket fence.  These different styles provide a homeowner with options so they can pick which style best suits their needs and the look of their home.  Another option for this fencing is post caps, which add a little decoration to the fence.  Wooden fences are often considered the most attractive type of fencing, so they are great for decoration as well as function.  They are best at safely keeping small children and pets in a yard.  Depending upon the style, wooden fences can also be good for privacy.  They can be good for blocking noise and providing a visual barrier.

Wooden Fence Cons

Wooden fences are not the best security fences.  The privacy fencing is the best option for security, but metal fences usually are more effective.  Maintenance of these fences can also be a bit trying.  It is generally recommended that the posts be scraped and painted or stained every year or every two years.  Checking for damage or infestations of any kind should be done every few months.  Animals, such as birds, may be drawn to the natural wood, so the fence should also be checked for nests often.

Vinyl Fencing

Often built in a way that is similar to wooden fencing, vinyl fencing comes in several styles that use posts and have two pieces of vinyl beams that hold the sections together.  It is often presented as an alternative to wooden fencing.

Vinyl Fence Pros

This fencing comes in the same styles as wooden fencing, and it also comes in a variety of colors to make matching a home’s style easier.  The fencing is not painted so there is no need to bother with repainting.  The posts hold up against the elements and do not warp, splinter, or rot.  Like wooden fencing, vinyl fencing can be used as decoration.  It is also very low maintenance to put a homeowner’s mind at ease.  They often only require an annual washing.

Vinyl Fence Cons

Vinyl fencing is initially more expensive than wooden fencing before any maintenance costs are factored in.  It can be difficult to change because the fence is made of vinyl.  If a homeowner wants to change the color of their home and their fence they may need to buy new fencing, because the posts cannot be painted.

Chain Link Fencing

This fencing is made of panels of woven steel that are see-through.  The panels can create boundaries of all different sizes and can be arranged in a variety of shapes.

Chain Link Fence Pros

Chain link fencing is considered one of the best types for security fencing.  It is durable and strong while being see-through, so homeowners can see people on the other side at all times.  It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other types of security fencing.  Chain link fencing is great for keeping small children and pets in the yard.  This type of fencing comes in a range of heights and thicknesses, which provides a homeowner with options when they are choosing their fencing.  These fences are also very low maintenance, so a homeowner can simply enjoy the fence instead of worrying about maintenance.

Chain Link Fence Cons

This type of fencing is mainly chosen for its functionality; it is not considered a decorative fence like some other types.  Lighter gauge chain link fencing is not ideal for long term use.  It is not as sturdy as the heavier gauges.

Natural Barriers Fencing

This type of fencing does not use any standard materials.  Instead, the fence is made up of plants or bushes.

Natural Barriers Pros

Using plant life as a fence is best for decoration and privacy purposes.  They often make the space surrounding a home more attractive.  Plants and bushes also work well for shielding a yard from wind.  With a natural barrier fence a homeowner has a lot of options regarding types of plants and color choices, which makes matching a home’s style easier.  This type of fencing is also a great way to go green.  Since a natural barrier fence does not use traditional materials, it generally does not need to follow all of the laws regarding fences.  This means a natural barrier fence can often be taller than standard fencing.

Natural Barriers Cons

Natural barriers are not particularly effective when it comes to security.  During the colder months, depending upon what kind of plant life a homeowner chooses, there may be gaps in the natural barrier.  When the fence is thriving it will also often require more maintenance than some other types of fencing.  The plants will usually need to be watered and trimmed regularly.

Posted in Utah Landscaping | No Comments »

Salt Lake City Utah Water Features

August 2nd, 2010

Utah Water Features

Water features are a beautiful way to add a relaxing touch to your backyard.  It can be difficult to decide what water feature is best for you because there are so many options.  There are different types, designs, and purposes you can choose.  A feature can be simple or elaborate, strictly a piece to be viewed or something to interact with.  The possibilities are endless because they can be completely customized.  As you decide what water feature is right for you it is important to consider the following elements.

Type

There are several types of water features available.  The three general categories for natural water features are ponds, streams, and waterfalls.  Within these categories there are options, such as a natural winding stream or a more geometric stream.  There are also quite a few options that combine two of the categories.  One such option is a stream or waterfall that flows into a pond.

Size

Once you know what type of feature you would like it is a good idea to look at your backyard and decide how big of a feature you want.  Do you want it to be a major part of your backyard, or do you want it to be a smaller accent?  This is a very important decision, because the size could make the feature overpowering or too understated.

Placement

The placement of the feature in your backyard goes hand in hand with choosing the size.  During this process you should consider the size and shape of your backyard to determine where the feature could complement the yard without overcrowding a particular area.  Where you place the feature also depends on how you want to enjoy it.  Do you plan on being outside to view it, or would you like to be able to clearly see it from inside your home?

Discuss size and placement planning with a salt lake city landscape professional.

Design Process

The design process can be short and simple or a little longer and more customized.  Deciding whether to design the feature yourself or choosing an existing design to customize is a big decision.  It all depends on how much time you want to put into the design and how much you want to customize it.  If you design it yourself you will have the freedom to choose every detail.  On the other hand, if you pick a design that is already created you will have the general design done, so you can focus on any details you would like to change.  Either way the design process can be fun and personalized.

Look & Feel

Deciding on the particular look and feel of the feature is an important part of the design process.  This element is more about the feature’s accessories than its main construction.  For instance, a stream may have rocks along its sides.  A feature may also incorporate plants for a natural feel.  Some pond water features even have fish.  Using accessories can completely change the look and feel of a feature.  It is important to make sure you do not crowd the feature with accessories, because it can negatively affect it.  Finding a balance that is visually pleasing to you is best.

Once you have carefully considered each of these elements you will be in a good place to move forward with construction.  View more salt lake city utah water features from a professional landscaper.

More Water Features

The beauty of a house is enhanced by the addition of a water body, be it a stream or pond or waterfall or fountain. It can give a whole new look and feel to the place.  Besides the water feature, you can also add plants, flowers, fishes and other features around this water body that will complement the water landscaping and make your outdoors even more appealing. However, the choice and placement of the water body must be appropriate for the place to get the best results. So, a lot of attention has to go into deciding the right one for your house.

Factors to be considered while choosing the right water landscape

There are many factors that you should look into before deciding on the right water feature for your outdoors. The first aspect to be considered is the location. Decide if you want to place it in the front or at the back and the area available for your water feature. This is an important factor that will help you to decide on the right water landscaping. If you have a small area, then you can go in for a pondless waterfall or fountain. With larger areas, you have more options like having a pond or a waterfall or a small stream or even a combination of two or more water features.

The second factor is the members of your household. If you have small kids or pets, then stagnant water bodies like ponds are not ideal. They can easily fall into it and it can prove to be fatal. In such cases, fountains are the best choice. Pondless waterfalls are also a good option.

The third aspect to be considered is the maintenance. Adding a water landscape to your house is easy, but its maintenance can be a lot more challenging. If you have a good amount of time on hand and if you enjoy spending time cleaning your water bodies, then you can choose ponds or small streams or waterfalls. Otherwise, a fountain or a pondless waterfall is the best because it is easy to clean and maintain.

The final aspect is the cost. Typically, installing larger water bodies are more expensive than smaller ones and so you should check if the chosen water feature is within your budget. You can work with the water feature providing company to get a better idea of the costs. In many cases, they may even suggest the right water feature that will best suit your needs.

Different types of water features

Some of the popular water landscaping types are streams, ponds, waterfalls and fountains. Each has its own distinct features and you can choose one that best fits your needs and budget.

Waterfalls add a whole new element to your house. The sound of flowing water can transport you to a different world. They add more beauty to your house and can boost the value of your property. However, they need to be cleaned frequently. Also, they need a lot of area and can be quite expensive.

Another option is pondless waterfalls. As the name implies, there is a waterfall without a pond or a stream. This is ideal for small areas and can be much cheaper than the regular waterfall. It is also a good choice if you have small children or pets around. Fountains are another choice in water gardens. They can be placed anywhere and are easy to maintain. The shape and size of the fountain can differ, based on the tastes and preferences of the user. They are cost-effective and prevents young children and pets from falling into water bodies.

Ponds are a great water feature because of the flexibility that comes with it. You can design your pond and can even include a small waterfall in it. With ponds, you can have koi fish, aquatic plants and other landscaping features to make it more beautiful and relaxing. This versatility is the primary reason many people go for it. However, it needs large areas and maintenance can be difficult. Streams are another water feature that is ideal for large spaces. It gives a natural look to the backyard. Like ponds, they can have aquatic plants, pebbles, stones and fishes for additional natural feel. It can provide tranquility and an overall soothing experience.

These are some of your options when it comes to water landscaping. In general, fountains are placed on the front or the sides of the house while waterfalls, ponds and streams are ideal for the backyard. This is because of their additional space requirements over a fountain. Pondless waterfalls can be placed in the front or the back yard of the house.

Using these above-mentioned ideas, you can create your own water landscaping to enhance the look of your house. You can enjoy the soothing sound of waterfall or enjoy the tranquility on the banks of a pond or stream by making these simple additions. Its a good idea to take professional help to build these water bodies. They have the required experience and expertise and can get the job done fast for you. So, get in touch with one of them and then sit back and relax the rest of your life.

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Different Types of Sprinkler Systems

July 28th, 2010

It can be difficult to decide what type of sprinkler system is best for you. There are different types to choose from with different features, which can get overwhelming. In an effort to help make the process a little simpler, we are going to break down the three most common watering systems.

Spray Head Sprinklers
Pros: This system can be installed so the sprinkler heads are visible at all times or so they only pop up when the system is activated. This can be a purely aesthetic choice, but it is important to consider. Spray head sprinklers spray in shape patterns that range from circles to rectangles, with the various circle patterns being the most common. Some of the spray heads can even be adjusted to spray water from many different angles. This system is considered to have a high application rate, which means the sprinkler heads release a large amount of water in a short amount of time.

Cons: Due to their high application rate they are not the best system for slopes or for nonabsorbent soils, such as clay and sand. This system works best for flat areas. However, it is not impossible to use them with slopes and nonabsorbent soils; it just takes a little more work. The system needs to be specially programmed to reduce any run-off that may occur. Spray head systems do not cover as much ground as some other systems, so they are best for small areas, such as gardens and small lawns.
To get a quote on a spray head sprinkler system

Rotor Head Sprinklers
There are two types of rotor head sprinkler systems: stream and impact. The stream rotor head sprinkler uses pressurized water to move the gears inside the head, which rotates the sprinkler head around. The impact rotor head sprinkler uses a swinging arm to rotate. When the arm swings it hits the sprinkler head and moves it a little.

Pros: The rotor head sprinklers distribute water more evenly than spray head sprinklers do, which makes them ideal for larger areas like big lawns. They also have a lower application rate. The rotor head sprinkler system works better for slopes and nonabsorbent soils because of its lower application rate. With the lower rate there is less run off water, because there is less water to overwhelm the soil. These sprinkler heads spray water in circular patterns of different sizes, and certain heads can be adjusted to different angles.

Cons: Since both types of rotor head sprinkler systems require pressure, the most common issue is having low pressure. This can especially be true in residential situations where there is usually lower pressure than in commercial situations. Impact rotor sprinklers also often need more maintenance than other types of sprinklers.

For an estimate on a rotor head sprinkler system.

Drip Watering Systems
This system is completely different from a conventional watering system; it doesn’t use sprinklers at all. It uses a special tube with specifically placed holes in it that allow water to drip directly onto the soil.

Pros: The system is easy to customize because the holes can be placed anywhere along the tube. The tube can use a generic hole pattern for even distribution, or the holes can be placed at specific points to only water the plants and avoid watering the soil in between. This system also conserves water, because it drips water on to the soil instead of spraying it in the air which causes more evaporation. This system works great for gardens.

Cons: The system does not work very well with lawns, because it does not distribute water very far. Also, if you want to change the location of the holes in the tube for any reason, you need to buy a new tube.

Another key point about sprinkler systems is they need regular maintenance checks. These checks are important because they make sure your system is working right. To learn more about full service sprinkler packages that include regular checkups.

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Landscaping Soil Types

June 2nd, 2010

Landscaping soil types are among the most important secrets to successful gardening. In fact, this aspect of landscaping is often overlooked by most homeowners, who consider only plants’ water needs and ground slope. While soil type is more important for plants to grow quickly and efficiently, it is not so obviously connected with irrigation management and landscaping design.

Water holding capacity of the soil is the most important factor for a well-managed irrigation system and a green, healthy landscape.
Basically, there are four types of soil: sand, loam, clay, and peaty.

Sandy soil consists of the largest single grained particles. Water drains through such soil type quickly and easily, the same goes for the nutrients. To keep the soil texture balanced, you will have to water more often and for a shorter duration.

Silty soil is made up of bigger soil particles; it has more nutrients than sandy soil and retains more water. This type of soil drains well and is much easier for plants cultivation than clay or sandy soils.

Loamy soil has middle-sized particles; it is rich in nutrients, but drains a little slower than the sandy soil. Such type includes 45% of sand, 35% of silt and 20% of clay soils.  It is considered that this soil type is ideal for almost anything that grows.

Clay soil consists of fine, microscopic soil particles that fit together very tightly. This results in tiny pore spaces between them that allow water to move through these particles, but much more slowly than in sandy or silty soils. This type of soil drains slowly and holds much more water than sandy soils.

Peaty Soilis usually found in marshy areas. This soil type is made up of large amounts of humus and is associated with water logs. In most cases, peaty soil is very acid and has few nutrients required for plants growth. This soil has one advantage, though,–in spring, it gets warm very quickly and if fertilizer is added, it becomes a good source for an excellent plant growth.

Utah Soil Types

Utah soil types vary enormously ranging from sand to almost pure clay. Sand and loamy soil textures are more widespread across southeastern Utah, while northwestern areas have more clay soils. However, the truth is that there is almost no place in Utah to have pure soil textures, and soil may differ from one corner of your property to another.

How to Determine Your Soil Type

If you want to get a better idea of your soil type, the best way will be simply to feel it. Grab a small soil sample in the palm of your hand and drop some water on top of the soil. Now rub it with your fingers and see if it is gritty (sand), like moist talcum powder (silt), or slippery (clay).

A more accurate way to check the soil texture is to place a scoop of dry soil in a glass bowl, fill it about two-thirds with water and add a teaspoon of dishwater detergent without foam. Then cover the bowl with the lid and shake for about 10 minutes. After a few days, there will be distinct layers of sand at the bottom of the bowl: silt will be in the middle and clay at the top. If you see that the proportions of soil textures are almost equal, you have a good loamy soil. In case there is more sand or clay, you can balance the texture by adding organic matter such as shredded leaves, compost, or straw to the top level of the soil. If you do this at least twice a year, you will see that plants grow healthier with little fertilizer and have less disease or insect problems.

Tending to plants is very important, but tending to your soil is crucial and is truly the secret to successful irrigation and gardening.

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