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Posts Tagged ‘utah water features’
Thursday, September 29th, 2011
Water, unquestionably, evokes responses in all people and ages. Water is a sensory element. It appeals to touch, sight, and hearing to command intrinsic awe and captivation, and often times an overwhelming feeling of calm. Water features mesmerize people. A water feature in your Utah landscaping project would be no small addition. It would create a desirable mood and ambience, and can help you create a rather relaxing atmosphere in any part of your landscape. For all these reasons, no wonder water features are so popular in Utah landscaping.
Your chosen water feature will not only invite oohs and aahs from admiring guests, but may also invite the presence of another kind of special guest: animals! Depending on the kind of water feature in your Utah yard, and the area in which you inhabit, do not be surprised if you receive some feathered guests and furred critters. Your water feature will provide them a place to preen, and bathe, or just to get a quick drink. These small visiting friends may be another added charm to your water feature experience.
Water features can be as simple as a discreet, but attractive, water vase fountain surrounded by simple pebbles; or they can be large, complex, and fancy ecosystems entirely to themselves. When installing a water feature, you must think of the balanced elements you want to achieve. What do you most desire from your water feature, the perfect touch to your own personal sanctuary of peace? Or the hype of a conversation piece at the tip of everyone’s tongue at your dinner party? Once you have decided upon what you want from your water feature, you can begin to fine-tune your list of endless possibilities.
A contemporary theme may feature modernist architectural elements graced by quiet and still pools of water, creating a modern-day landscape of serenity. A pond installation can achieve the same result of serenity with the combined wonders of aquatic plant life, and natural rock designs.
The tumbling rush of water from a high Utah waterfall or the slow and gentle trickle of a waterfall stream may meet your ear and eye’s fancy. Waterfalls, aside from creating delightful sounds, draw attention to the water’s cascading movement.
Water fountains are another great feature that lets you enjoy both the visual and sound effects of water movement. As with waterfalls, they can evoke excitement with stronger water flow and dramatic falls, or evoke a sense of calm with softer water flow that gently slips down surrounding forms. Fountains have the further benefit of coming in a great diversity of structures, many with unique sculptures and statues, elegant engravings or surface graphic designs. For their great diversity, fountains are naturally enthralling and are great to show off.
One exceptionally beautiful type of fountain is the basalt fountain, a fountain shaped from pieces of natural basalt. Basalt is a rock produced by volcanic activity from the sea floor or from lava flows, and has very characteristic traits of dark color and fine-grained texture. Basalt fountains are rather versatile. They come in slabs or sculpted and engraved pieces, with refined and polished surfaces. They may also be worked to leave much of their natural appeal. With their geometrical angles, and naturally compelling stone beauty, basalt fountains are reminiscent of abstract art pieces.
With so many amazing options to grace your home and landscape with the wonder of water, you should acquire design help from one of the best landscaping companies in Utah. All States Landscaping would be thrilled to help you realize your water feature vision!
Tags: ladscaping design, utah water features
Posted in Salt Lake City Landscaping | No Comments »
Monday, June 13th, 2011
Spring has sprung! Spring means a lot of things – it is a time of rebirth and awakening. The winter is over, the snow has melted, flowers are starting to bloom… and you need to get your sprinkler system in tiptop shape.
Why the need to undergo spring sprinkler maintenance
Your sprinkler system has “hibernated” during the winter season and you need to work the kinks out to ensure that everything is in working condition. Some common problems on the sprinkler system during the winter season include:
- Physical damage to sprinkler heads or changes in the position of the sprinkler heads
- Bursting or frozen pipes because of failure to thoroughly drain the pipe.
- Leakages in the piping, fittings or couplings
- Insects using the sprinklers and sprinkler system as their “winter home” and causing clogged sprinkler heads
- Buildup of calcium in the sprinkler heads
Here are some tips to remember to ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises when you turn your water valve on:
- Check that all manual drain valves are closed. You may have left some of these open during fall when the system was thoroughly drained.
- Slowly turn on the main water valve. This will gradually fill the pipes between the valve and the cross connection. If you open the main water valve too quickly, this may cause damage. Allow the system to be slowly filled with water.
- Turn on each zone valve manually. This is to check if each zone is in working condition. Check for any leakage within the system. Valves that don’t properly spray the water indicate that there is a leak. Leaks may be caused by the drying up of flexible seals during the winter season.
- Check the condition of the sprinkler heads (its rotation capacity and clogging). The spray patterns should also be accurate – so you may need to change the position of some sprinkler heads so that the water falls on the plants and landscape and not on the pathway or pavement. If the water just falls on concrete, this will just result in run offs – and dry spots for some areas. Sprinkler heads should be ideally at a 90-degree angle to the surface of the soil. This ensures that water is sprayed evenly on all sides.
- Run the system for one full cycle. Make sure that the pressure is normal.
- If needed, reprogram the controller.
- Check if the controller battery (and back-up) needs replacement.
Unclogging the Sprinkler heads
Clogged sprinkler heads mean that some areas do not receive proper water exposure. To clean clogged nozzles, unscrew the head cover and remove the filter. Clean this filter and put it back on the nozzle, after which, you rethread the sprinkler head back onto the stem.
Importance of Spring Sprinkler Maintenance
Making sure that your system is up and running will ensure that you save on your water bills and that your garden is watered efficiently. Failing to check the coverage of your sprinkler system after winter may mean that some plants miss out of the water that they need. You also need to regularly check for coverage since plants grow and will have different watering needs over time. Plants also need different levels of water for different seasons.
Remember that your SLC sprinkler system is not “set and forget” – you will need regular tune ups. A well-maintained sprinkler system will prove useful for years to come.
All States Landscaping for your Maintenance Needs
All States Landscaping can provide you with spring sprinkler maintenance services. We go the extra mile in ensuring that your system is working in the best possible way.
All States Landscaping has been beautifying homes and gardens by providing quality landscaping in Salt Lake City and the rest of the Utah state. Other services include Salt Lake City snow removal, outfitting of retaining walls, pavers and Utah water features.
Tags: landscaping in Salt Lake City, SLC sprinkler system, utah water features
Posted in Salt Lake City Landscaping, Salt Lake City Snow Removal | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Ah, the joys of being a homeowner! One of these is finding pleasure in beautifying your home, to put personal touches in it and seeing other people appreciate what you have done. One way to beautify your home is through landscaping. Landscaping is not just about adding that “wow” factor to your home – it is actually a great investment. It raises the property resale value of your home.
With a beautifully landscaped home, you will find more and more reasons to get outdoors. You can invite friends over for a barbecue picnic, break the monotony and have brunch at the garden, or simply sip your hot cup of coffee while you’re relaxing in your veranda. After all, the outdoor area is actually your outdoor living space, an extension of your home. It will greatly enhance the overall look of your house.
Start with a plan
Great landscaping needs to start with a plan. You should consider some factors when you are in the planning stage:
- Your taste vs. what others may want. If you think you will be selling your home sometime in the future, you should also consider the tastes of prospective buyers. The look that you prefer in your garden may not be something that other people may want.
- Specifics of your house. Look into the size of the garden and lawn, where these will be located and what their exposure to sunlight and moisture will be.
- Specifics of your area. You should also determine the soil type and what plants will work best for the climate you are in.
- Decide which “look” or theme you want. Do you want something that’s modern and edgy, or do you want a classic look for your lawn? Will it be country garden, or oriental? Once you have decided on a “theme”, it is easier to decide on the other items. Of course, the decision on the style of the garden and landscaping should also take into consideration the design of the home. These two should match.
- Choose the design elements. You should make the choices on which plants (flowers, shrubs and trees) to have, what kind of grass to plant, whether you will have lawn furniture, fountains, patios, a gazebo or walkways.
Some Utah landscaping ideas:
Formal garden. These usually feature perfectly shaped topiaries and pruned hedges that form geometric patterns. It also makes use of elements such as a patio, paved walk or pool. This style mostly uses straight lines, as well as clearly defined geometrical shapes. The arrangements of the plants are also more precise and symmetrical.
English garden. Another classic landscape design. This mainly features pergolas, pathways, stone walls, fencing, gazebos and stone archways with flowering and climbing plants. The lawns and hedges should also be well manicured. The English garden will also feature a sculpture or a stone fountain. Some materials used in landscaping an English garden would be natural wood, trellises and fencing that are painted white, gray stone, brick and wrought iron.
Informal garden. Casual and relaxed, this style goes for a more natural look. The informal garden features soft, flowing lines and irregular shapes. Plants are arranged in seemingly random order. It is mainly for country cottages and small houses. This involves random arrangements and positioning of flowers and shrubs, as well as colourful plants. You can also try to achieve a casual look with the use of colourful planters, attractive urns and even rock groupings.
Woodland. This is a variation of the informal garden. This works best if your house and yard is located close to the woods. This style features natural pathways and rockeries lined with evergreen shrubs, trees and native plants.
Tuscan style garden. This transports you back to southern Italy, in the region of Tuscany. This style features the use of heavy wooden beams, old brick, stone, wrought iron and of course, Tuscan plants. You can choose from the following materials to use in a Tuscan garden: decorative tiles made of ceramic (which add a splash of color to a patio), bricks, flagstone, porcelain Saltillo tiles, pebble tile or arto pavers. You can also add terra cotta jars and urns (to be used as planters), wrought iron gates and lighting, as well as Italian ceramic pottery.
Mediterranean style garden. This exudes a relaxed feel and works well with warm climates (and may be advisable for landscaping in Utah). This makes use of ceramic tiles, terracotta, stone and wood garden ornaments. The plants used in a Mediterranean garden include wisteria, roses and ornamental vines. You can also have clipped topiaries.
Moroccan garden. This features an exotic, lush yet relaxed look. This features colored mosaics, Moorish-inspired water fountains, ornate birdcages and lanterns, as well as filigree gates. You can also add hand-carved furniture as accents.
Japanese-style garden. This style aims to mirror the beauty of nature – it exudes a tranquil atmosphere. This features bonsai gardens, rock gardens and oriental accents. There are actually a number of gardens of this type. Water is an integral part of a Japanese garden and may be represented by a koi pond, a pond or by sand and pebbles. You can also opt to have a portion of your yard as a rock garden. This portion of the Zen garden is made by gravel, pebbles and sand meticulously raked and designed to represent the ocean, the mountains and hills.
Contemporary Style garden. This style features bold geometric patterns, vivid colors, and clean, uncluttered lines. It also makes a lot of use of lighting and modern sculptures. Materials commonly used in a contemporary landscape design include gravel, un-grouted tile and stone, as well as pebbles and wood beams in natural colors.
Now, if you don’t want to go with a theme but just want to create a great outdoor space, you can spruce up your lawn with the use of the following elements:
- A lush, green lawn
- A set of planters with flowers and shrubs
- Potted plants arranged according to the slope and size of your lawn
- A bench or other outdoor furniture
- Plants and flowers that draw in butterflies and birds – Butterflies are one of the best ornaments your garden can have! You can also attract birds by adding a birdbath, a bird feeder or a bird house.
For best landscaping in Utah
If you want help with landscaping in Salt Lake City, landscaping in Park city and the rest of Utah, you can turn to All States Landscaping. It is recognized as one of Salt Lake City’s best landscaping companies and can provide you with creative and innovative landscape designs.
Tags: ladscaping design, Putting Green, Utah Landscaping, utah water features
Posted in Salt Lake City Landscaping | No Comments »
Friday, March 18th, 2011
Utah landscaping can be as simple as a new shrubbery or something as complicated as a water feature with an overlooking gazebo. Before adding anything in terms of landscaping, a game plan is needed, what you would like to do and what it will look like. There are several reasons for this, the first allows you to get your ideas out and down on paper which is critical to being able to review them, adjust them and decide what materials you will need. The next is that you will have a drawing of what you want your yard to look like and whether or not it will work. For example, if you have a 4200sqft home on .48 of an acre, putting a gazebo and Utah waterfall in your back yard will more than likely not work. The yard will be too small and the landscape with look forced in and ill fitting. The third, and in my opinion the most important reason, is that once you get your ideas down on paper, you might look at your idea and decide that your house might look better with a simple Utah retaining wall, pavers and a colorful selection of plants.
As complicated as landscaping can become, it can also be very simple. The trick is knowing what will work in the space you have and not overcrowd the view. This is where professional landscaping companies such as All States Landscaping come into play. There are a variety of different options for landscaping such as:
- Retaining walls: a retaining wall in the past was used to prevent soil erosion along the sides of creeks and rivers. Later it was used by Dept. of Transportation to help stop erosion along the sides of roads. Today retaining walls are an important part of landscape design. These walls allow homeowners with a steep sloped yard to reclaim lost space by building and supporting terraces. A retaining wall can be used to frame in a water feature or to encircle trees to create a space to plant flowers. The options and uses of retaining walls are only limited by two things, physics and imagination.
- Gazebos & decks: both the gazebo and deck require the space to be properly implemented. However, structures can truly bring together a landscape design when properly used. A large yard with a gazebo set back from the house that overlooks a medium sized water feature offers you a place to go, relax and recharge from the daily grind. Additionally properly designed features such as decks and gazebos should blend in with the design of the home and compliment the overall property.
- Decorative rocks: how decorative rocks are used is very much dependent upon the landscape design. Not all designs require colored stones for accent or used as walkways. You may opt to use a low rise retaining wall in order to place plants along your walk and the use of larger decorative rocks may be more appropriate to your design.
- Water features: perhaps the most involved of all landscape features. Water features are built in regards to their environment, what works best in the size that it is going to be in. A small Koi pond with a simple waterfall may work better than a large pond with multiple waterfalls. Additionally if you live in a drought prone area or have water restrictions you would want to avoid water features and maybe focus more on regional design options such as drought resistant plants.
Each one of these items changes the Utah yard significantly and fills a space differently. Additionally landscape features will also change the overall feel of a property so it is important that the design fits the property. As mentioned earlier companies such as All States Landscaping, which provides landscaping to the Salt Lake City, UT area works with clients in the selection of features, design of the landscape plan and implementation of the design. It is important to make sure you have a qualified and reputable business doing significant work such as landscaping your property. You want your choice of companies to have experience, an excellent track record and above all a substantial portfolio of the work they have done.
For 26 years All States Landscaping has been providing the Salt Lake City and surrounding areas of Utah quality landscaping services. With services in landscape design, implementation and maintenance All States Landscaping is able to provide you with your landscaping needs. As a member of Utah Nursery and Landscaping Association (UNLA), Utah Apartment Association (UAA) and awarded the Select Contractor standing through Rain Bird for meeting the industry’s highest standards for quality, standards and experience, All States Landscaping is ready to answer your Salt Lake City landscaping questions or to begin working with you today!
Contact us today at 800.840.7336 or visit our site for a free estimate!
Tags: decorative rock, retaining walls, Utah Landscaping, utah water features
Posted in Utah Landscaping | No Comments »
Monday, 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.
Tags: utah water features
Posted in Utah Landscaping | No Comments »
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