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Soil Types and Landscaping

Soil Types and Landscaping

by | Feb 5, 2024 | Gardening, Irrigation, Maintenance, Shrubs, Softscaping, Trees

Landscaping that not only is not only beautiful but healthy depends heavily on the quality of the soil that provides a landscape’s foundation. As in most places, Southwestern Ontario’s distinct regional climate and geological conditions shape the native soils. In this blog post, we will explore the connection between soil types and landscaping, delve into the characteristics of Southwestern Ontario soils, and discuss how homeowners can improve soil conditions in their own landscapes.

The Significance of Soil in Landscaping

Soil serves as the lifeblood of any garden, influencing plant health, growth, and overall ecosystem balance. Its physical, chemical, and biological properties contribute to water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity – all crucial factors for a flourishing landscape. Properly managed soil can enhance plant resilience, reduce erosion, and create a sustainable and visually appealing outdoor space.

Southwestern Ontario Soils

Amending soil for landscapingThe soils in Southwestern Ontario are diverse, shaped by various factors including climate, parent material, and topography. Common soil types include clay, loam, and sandy soils. Each soil type has unique characteristics that affect water retention, drainage, and nutrient availability.

Clay Soil

Clay soils are heavy and compacted, which allows them to retain water well. However, they can also result in poor drainage and aeration. To improve clay soil, adding organic matter such as compost can enhance its structure and drainage. Simply adding sand to dry soil can also improve drainage, as can adding garden lime. Clay soil comprises a significant proportion of the soils in our region.

Loam Soil

Loam soil is a well-balanced combination of sand, silt, and clay. It is ideal for gardening due to its excellent water retention and drainage properties. Regular addition of organic matter helps maintain its fertility.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soils consist of larger particles that drain quickly. However, they struggle to retain water and nutrients. Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can improve water retention and fertility.

Best Plants for Different Soil Types

Soil types and qualitySelecting the appropriate plants for your soil type is crucial for a thriving landscape in Southwestern Ontario:

Clay Soil

  • Plants that tolerate wet conditions: Redtwig dogwood, summersweet, and cardinal flower
  • Drought-tolerant options: Russian sage, yarrow, and black-eyed Susan

Loam Soil

  • Versatile options: Daylilies, coneflowers, and ornamental grasses.
  • Shade-loving plants: Hostas, astilbes, and ferns.

Sandy Soil

  • Drought-tolerant plants: Lavender, sedum, and coreopsis.
  • Acid-loving plants: Azaleas, blueberries, and rhododendrons.

Even if you have soil that is unsuitable for a particular tree or plant you desire to include in your landscape, you don’t have to give up on the idea entirely. It will require some effort to amend the soil to adequately sustain the chosen specimen.

Amending Soil Conditions

soil types and landscapingHomeowners in Southwestern Ontario can proactively improve soil conditions to meet their landscaping needs. Here are some suggestions:

Adjusting Acidity

  • Test the soil pH using a home testing kit.
  • To increase acidity, incorporate organic matter like pine needles, peat moss, or sulfur.
  • To decrease acidity, introduce lime into the soil.

Improving Drainage

  • For clay soils, add organic matter, garden lime, or sand to enhance aeration and drainage.
  • For sandy soils, mix in compost to improve water retention.
  • Consider installing raised beds or French drains in poorly draining areas.

Homeowners in Southwestern Ontario can achieve a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space by understanding the unique characteristics of their soils and implementing thoughtful improvements. By selecting appropriate plants and maintaining healthy soil conditions, they can create a vibrant and resilient garden that enhances the beauty of their homes while positively contributing to the local ecosystem.

Mow Your Lawn Like A Pro

Mow Your Lawn Like A Pro

by | Jul 31, 2023 | Lawn care, Maintenance

A lush, well-maintained lawn can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your home and provide a beautiful outdoor space for relaxation and recreation. If you want your lawn to look like it’s professionally groomed and prefer to do it yourself, the following tips might be all you need to mow your lawn like a pro. Here’s how to mow your lawn like a pro to achieve a perfectly manicured lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Tips and Techniques for a Perfectly Manicured Yard

Choose the Right Equipment

mow your lawn like a pro edging lawn care cut grass like a landscaperInvesting in quality lawn care equipment is essential to achieve professional results. A sturdy lawnmower with sharp blades is a must. Whether you prefer a traditional gas-powered mower or an eco-friendly electric one, make sure it suits the size and terrain of your lawn. Additionally, consider acquiring a string trimmer, also known as an edger, for detailing and reaching areas that the lawnmower can’t easily access.

Regular Maintenance

Consistent maintenance is key to a perfectly manicured lawn. Set a schedule for cutting your grass, typically once to twice a week during the growing season, depending on the type of grass and weather conditions. Regular mowing helps to promote healthy grass growth and prevents the lawn from becoming overgrown.

Avoid Cutting Grass Too Short

One common mistake is cutting grass too short. Mowing your lawn too low can put undue stress on soil and your lawn’s root system, leaving it vulnerable to pests, diseases, and weed invasion. A general rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing session. Opt for a higher setting on your lawnmower (2.5” to 3”), particularly during the hot summer months, as longer grass blades provide shade to the soil, retaining moisture and preventing weed growth. At the end of growing season, lower your blade to 2” for a shorter cut to prevent small rodents from overwintering in your grass.

Mow with a Pattern

Professionals often mow in a different pattern each time to prevent grass from leaning in one direction and create a more uniform look. Alternate between horizontal, vertical, and diagonal mowing patterns to avoid compaction and achieve a cleaner cut.

Keep Blades Sharp

mow your lawn like a pro edging lawn care cut grass like a landscaperDull mower blades tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly. This can lead to a brownish, uneven appearance on the lawn’s surface. Regularly sharpen your lawnmower blades to ensure a precise and neat cut, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your lawn. A few times a year, you can use mulching blades on your mower. These blades will chop or cut the clippings in smaller pieces to make it easier for them to decompose.

Trim and Edge

For a professional finish, pay attention to the details. Use a string trimmer as an edger to create distinct boundaries between the lawn and other elements like a patio, driveway, flowerbeds, and walkways. Edging adds a polished touch to your yard.

Mind the Weather

Avoid mowing the lawn when it’s wet, as wet grass is more likely to clump and clog the lawnmower. Additionally, mowing wet grass can cause uneven cuts and damage the turf. Aim to mow during the cooler parts of the day, preferably early morning or late afternoon, to reduce stress on the grass.

Clean Up After Mowing

Finally, after you’ve finished mowing, take a few extra minutes to clean up the lawn. Remove any grass clippings and debris left behind. This will not only make your lawn look neater but also prevent clippings forming “thatch” which can smother the grass and block sunlight.

By following these expert tips to mow your lawn like a pro, you can transform your lawn into a professionally manicured masterpiece. Remember that patience and consistent care are the keys to success. With time and practice, you’ll become a lawn-cutting expert. If you want the professional look without the work, contact us to discuss a maintenance plan.

Keep Unwanted Wildlife Out of Your Backyard

Keep Unwanted Wildlife Out of Your Backyard

by | Jan 30, 2023 | Fencing, Lawn care, Maintenance

Last month, we shared tips for attracting wildlife to your backyard. Well, we recognize that not all wildlife is welcome on your property. So, this month we’re sharing tips for keeping unwanted wildlife away.

Keep wildlife out of your backyard with these landscaping tipsKeeping rodent pests like raccoons and skunks out of your backyard can sometimes be a difficult task, but with the right landscaping strategies you can discourage them from visiting. Strategies include lawn maintenance, careful selection of plants, trees, and shrubs, and adding hardscaping to block or discourage entry into your outdoor space. Read on for more details.

Lawn Maintenance

Keeping your lawn mowed to two to three inches high and free of debris, such as leaves, sticks, or logs, can help discourage pesky critters from making their homes in it. Additionally, leaving a perimeter of uncut grass around the edges of your property can act as a barrier to keep them away from the rest of your yard.

Lawn Health

Grubs are a source of food for unwanted wildlife that may visit your backyardAn unhealthy lawn’s root system is a breeding ground for weeds that unwelcome pests may feed on. And your lawn’s poor health may be an indication of an excess number of parasites (like grubs) that skunks and raccoons also find delectable. If your lawn has seen better days, don’t despair. Foundational lawn care practices like aeration, fertilization, and top dressing can help restore your lawn’s vitality. One or more applications of nematodes can help get grub populations under control again, as well.

Plant Selection and Placement

Choosing plants that are not appealing to unwanted wildlife is key when trying to keep them out of your backyard. Thorny shrubs and prickly evergreens like Scotch Pine make great deterrents since animals can’t generally navigate through them easily. Additionally, you should avoid placing wood piles or compost heaps near the edge of your property as they often attract rodents.

Hardscaping

Installing hardscaping features like garden fences and retaining walls can help keep pests away due to their height and lack of access points for small critters. If you don’t want to install a fence or wall, landscape fabric may be an option. When laid beneath a layer of mulch it provides a strong physical barrier that prevents most pests from digging into your yard.

Food Sources

Many consider squirrels unwanted wildlife visitors. Eliminating food sources will help keep them at bay.Reduce or eliminate food sources that may be attracting unwanted wildlife to your property. This includes pet food dishes, bird feeders, fruit bearing trees and shrubs, and unsecured garbage cans. Rabbits and mice like to feed on the bark of younger shrubs and trees. To prevent this, install a guard or fabric around the trunks of younger shrubs/trees during the winter months to prevent this from happening.

Barriers

Installing a chicken wire type barrier around the perimeter of your property or gardens between the bottom of your fence and the soil/lawn and digging it in a few inches into the ground will deter or prevent smaller animals from entering your gardens.

Compromise

Even with the best efforts, unwanted animals will sometimes still be able to enter your gardens or lawn areas. Since your gardens/lawn are their main food source, you might have to share some of your plants with these creatures. A garden or plants do not always have to look perfect if you lose a plant or two during the winter months, replace it with something that may be more of a deterrent or protect it during the winter months.

Additional Tip

If you notice there is a particular plant that is attracting pests, try to replace it with something else that won’t be as enticing. This will help reduce the number of rodents on your property and make your outdoor space less appealing to unwanted guests overall.

Although some of our readers are very capable DIYers, we recognize that others may need assistance with the implementation of the above pest-thwarting strategies. If you fit into the latter category, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional landscaping advice and assistance!

Landscaping a Small Backyard

Landscaping a Small Backyard

by | Dec 1, 2022 | Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Maintenance, Patios, Softscaping

Do you have a small backyard? Do you feel like you don’t have enough room to landscape it the way you want? Don’t worry, we have some strategies for you! In this blog post, we will discuss how to add plants and shrubs for privacy and visual appeal, how to add a small patio for relaxing and entertaining, and how to create balance with colour, size and shape. We will also discuss low maintenance landscaping options. So, whether you have a small city backyard or a country cottage yard, we have the perfect tips for landscaping a small backyard.

Make the Most of a Small Space

patio and gardens for small backyard landscape design small spacesWhen it comes to landscape design for small backyards, the key is to maximize the space and make the most of what you have. Start by adding plants and shrubs that will provide both privacy and visual appeal. Choose plants with varying heights and colors to create a lush landscape.

Make sure to consider the size and shape of your yard when selecting plants. Tall, thin trees may be best for narrow spaces and can be balanced with the addition of compact, low-growing shrubs, ornamental grasses, and other perennials.

Make Your Small Backyard Livable

landscaping small spaces armour stone retaining walls pavers patio mulch gardensYou can also create a cozy gathering space with the addition of a small patio using natural stone, brick, or interlocking pavers. There are even precast stone products that look like flagstone but have a much more uniform surface and are more cost-effective relative to their natural counterpart.)

A small patio is perfect for relaxing or entertaining, and its appearance blends nicely into surrounding landscaping, so it won’t be visually overwhelming. Consider adding comfortable but space-saving furniture to maximize seating capacity.

Visual Impact and Balance

When designing your landscape, be sure to create balance with colour, size and shape. Create visual interest by grouping plants that are different sizes and colours together. Install pathways along high-traffic zones with stones in unique shapes or patterns. You can also add lighting to draw attention to certain areas of your landscape and make them stand out in the evening.

Be Master of Your Domain (Not a Slave to It)

Raised patio river rock low maintenance small backyardFinally, when it comes to landscaping a small backyard, don’t forget to consider low-maintenance landscape options. Native plants are always a great choice as they require minimal upkeep and thrive in your local climate. Consider hardscaping materials like gravel or river rock over landscape fabrics to prevent weeds from encroaching on your garden beds.

By implementing these strategies for landscaping a small backyard, you will be able to create an inviting outdoor space that is both functional and visually appealing! With the right design elements and thoughtful planning, even the smallest of yards will provide years of enjoyment. If you’d rather leave the landscaping of your small yard to professionals, contact us to get started.

Improve drainage in your lawn and garden

Improve drainage in your lawn and garden

by | Nov 4, 2022 | Gardening, Hardscaping, Lawn care, Maintenance, Patios, Walkways

At one time or another, many homeowners will encounter issues with poor draining soil. This can lead to flooding of patios, gardens, and low-lying or high-traffic grassy areas.

Stratford and area, in particular, has predominantly clay-based soils, making drainage problematic from the outset.

But not to fear, there are various solutions – some simple, some more complex – to your drainage woes.

Improving drainage in garden flowerbed rototiller sandy soil

Improve Drainage

Gardens

Mix in compost or sand. These materials have larger particles than clay, so incorporating them into the soil will create space for drainage. Just ensure that you mix the added materials in well – ideally by rototilling – to prevent layers from forming.

Lawns

If water pools in one or more areas of your lawn, the best strategy is to add drain tile. It’s a bit laborious (and potentially something you’ll want to outsource), but will be effective in eliminating standing water from your yard.

Improving drainage in lawn with drain tile dig trench

Use a 4” perforated drain tile, either (with or without a sock) and lay it in an 8 to 10-inch deep and 12-inch wide trench in the ground. Backfill around tile with a sandy loam soil that will help facilitate drainage of excess water into the tile.

If possible, extend the tile to an area where the water can run off your property. If that’s not possible, create a 3’ x3’ x3’ pit filled with ¾ clear stone where the tile can drain into and the water can disperse into the lower soil levels.

The top 4 to 6 inches of the trench should be filled with good quality top soil to ensure some water is retained to nourish grass, preventing the lawn from drying out during dry periods.

Patios

Patio areas, especially older ones or those that were poorly constructed, may fall prey to standing water. This can make the patio unusable until the surface either drains by itself or is cleared with a broom or squeegee.

Improving drainage on patio standing water elevate patio

Standing water on stone surfaces can also lead to mossy growth, which is both slippery and unsightly. Prolonged pooling water can also negatively affect your home’s foundation and may even seep inside your basement.

The best solution to an ill-draining patio is to remove all stones and increase the level of the patio’s foundation by adding several inches of well-draining aggregate. In addition, it’s important to ensure that the patio has a slight slope away from the house, so that the water can drain freely and without risk of harming adjacent structures.

High-Traffic Areas

Some grassy areas serve as throughways (from the front to the back yard, for example). Many homeowners, especially owners of newer homes find that their side property lines shared with neighbours become tough to navigate due to standing water in wet conditions.

Improving drainage in high-traffic areas pea stone gravel pavers low maintenance walkway

With houses being built closer together these days, new home owners may also find that plants and grass grow unpredictably or inconsistently due to lack of sufficient sunlight. When you add that to the fact that side yards are generally not used or seen by many, it’s not surprising that many look to a low-maintenance option to address all of these issues at once.

The most common solution is the installation of perforated drain tile, keeping with the original slope/grade of the property (typically back-to-front). Once the drain tile is installed and the trench backfilled, the area is finished with a combination of river rock and slabs to achieve a result that is navigable, well-draining, nice-looking, and low-maintenance.

Work with Wet Conditions

Of course, instead of fighting standing water, and assuming the issue isn’t too pervasive, there is a way you can work with the situation.

Choose moisture-loving plants and trees

Add moisture tolerant perennials to wet areas cardinal flower lobelium cardinalisJust as some plants and trees flourish with more or less light than others, they all have varying tolerances of moisture. Choosing varieties that can tolerate slower-draining conditions will relieve you of what could otherwise be a ongoing battle. Ideally, you’ll still want to add some well-draining material to the soil to avoid plants having perpetually wet “feet”.

Some of these solutions are easier to implement on your own than others. If or when you reach the end of your capabilities and want the job done quickly and properly, give us a call. We regularly included drainage improvement measures in our landscaping projects and would be happy to help.

Drought-Tolerant Perennials

Drought-Tolerant Perennials

by | Aug 4, 2022 | Flowers, Gardening, Maintenance, Native Plants, Softscaping

When we’re consulting new customers about their goals for new landscaping, “low-maintenance” is typically high on their list of outcomes. One of the key traits that makes a garden low-maintenance is the ability to thrive in dry conditions. And there are plenty of drought-tolerant perennials that fit the bill.

Drier summers like the one we’re experiencing this year can put a lot of stress on plants, trees, and shrubs. This is especially true for plants that are not yet established (newly-planted) and for non-native species and varieties.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to resign yourself to rock gardens with drought-tolerant succulents. There are many beautiful perennials that can weather and even thrive in dry conditions.

Below is a selection of our favourite drought-tolerant plants and flowers suitable for Southwestern Ontario’s hardiness zone (5/6).

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Sunny Locations

drought-tolerant perennials purple coneflowersConeflowers

Also known as Echinacea, Coneflowers provide pops of (most commonly) vibrant purple with a thistle-like centre that attracts pollinators.

Perennial Grasses

Available in a wide variety of sizes and colours, ornamental grasses add a lot of texture and visual interest to a garden. Be sure to select varieties that are hardy in your zones, as some grasses will not survive our winters and so are better suited to annual planters.

drought-tolerant perennials russian sageRussian Sage

This lavender-hued beauty thrives in dry soil and offers a wispy appearance with silvery foliage that is as striking as its flowers.

Daylilies

The ubiquitous Daylily, with all of its available sizes and colours, makes a great, low-maintenance addition to gardens and fence lines.

Sedum

Also referred to as Stonecrop, sedum is a succulent whose light pink, purple, or reddish flower clusters that bloom in late summer and last into the fall. Autumn Joy is a common variety and looks great alongside ethereal grasses.

drought-tolerant perennials liatris blazing starGayfeather

Liatris spicata, commonly known as Gayfeather or Blazing Star, is a spreading, upright perennial with vibrant green foliage and spikes of purple, pink, and/or white flowers.

Yarrow

Super easy to grow, Yarrow has fern-like foliage with clusters of small, white or pale-coloured blooms. Plants can be easily split to avoid it taking over your garden.

Drought Tolerant Plants and Flowers for Shady Locations

drought-tolerant perennials sedge carexCarex/Sedge

Some varieties of Sedge do well in shady locations. The prominent, grass-like foliage is brightly-coloured and/or variegated, making it an excellent companion for flowering perennials.

Barrenwort

Also known as Longspur or Bishop’s Hat, Barrenwort produces gorgeous, orchid-like flowers on long stems and thrives in low-light areas.

drought-tolerant perennials lamiumLamium

Part of the mint family, Lamium spreads nicely to provide an interesting ground cover with mottled or variegated leaves and small, orchid-like flowers.

Bleeding Heart

Emerging in the spring, first with foliage followed by blooms, the Bleeding Heart earns its name from the heart-shaped flowers that grow along long, horizontal stems.

drought-tolerant perennials foam flowerFoamflower

Blooming in the spring, the Foamflower’s bright and sometimes variegated cut-leaf foliage yields to tall sprays of delicate flowers.

Bigroot Geranium

Unlike its upright annual cousin, the perennial Bigroot Geranium remains low and spreads to create a beautiful flowering groundcover that keeps weeds at bay.

So, there are myriad options for gardens in dry conditions. However, if you need assistance with choosing the right combinations for your gardens, contact us.