Author: Burkholder

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Take a Look at Burkholder’s New Landscaping Projects

Written by Burkholder on September 19, 2023. Posted in Landscape Ideas & Design.

Each year our designers help Main Line homeowners upgrade their landscapes with new landscaping projects. Sometimes the upgrade is as simple as adding a new custom stone walkway or a specially designed deck. Other projects are more elaborate, incorporating water features like pools and spas, outdoor kitchens, firepit entertaining areas, and softscaping. Below are a some of the landscape design projects we have completed.

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Pool and Patio Retreat

We collaborated with Ted’s Pools on this gorgeous backyard. This project included retaining walls, seat walls and steps using Techo-Bloc 6” Mini Creta Architectural caps in beautiful chestnut brown. The patio and walkway were built using Techo-Bloc Blu 60 pavers in Champlain Grey.
The natural stone steps in the spa area are West Mountain Steps and the boulders surrounding the space are a brown granite.

Additionally, our team created this amazing outdoor space by adding plantings that would highlight the area with blooms from Spring throughout Fall, with an emphasis on summer, while the pool is in use.

Backyard Oasis

Check out this beautiful backyard oasis! Our team created this gorgeous new outdoor living space using Blu Grande Techo-Bloc pavers for the patio and walkways. We built a composite wood grilling island and a raised spa with a waterfall spillway. Now the client has a staycation location right in their backyard!

Techo-Bloc Patio

This cozy backyard living space is fall-ready!
Our team completed this Techo-Bloc Blu60 Patio with a gorgeous Valencia Firepit and Techo-Bloc Mini Creta Architectural retaining walls. Plantings and outdoor residential lighting were added as well to make the space complete.

Malvern Backyard Project

A client in Malvern, Pa was outgrowing their existing deck, patio, and outdoor kitchen in the summer of 2022. Our design team came up with a plan to fit their needs. This was a great project to build and the transformation is pretty incredible. Now the family and their friends have amazing outdoor spaces to enjoy year round!

Private Oasis

In summer of 2022, a client wanted to add outdoor living spaces to their landscape. Our plan included a new deck and patio, pavilion with seating and a television, a pool with a rock waterfall. Now the clients have their own backyard oasis.

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Outdoor Upgrade

Here are some before pictures of a project we finished in June of 2022. We used a mixture of natural stone and Techo-bloc products to create a level area for an inviting bluestone walkway with ample space for colorful plantings and landscape lighting.

Backyard Pool Project

We completed this particular project in May 2020. We used flagstone pavers as the primary material for the pool deck and surround, which are durable, slip-resistant, and complement the pool’s design nicely. A few lights around the pool and the chairs help provide a lovely ambiance at night. The pool area has a significant amount of softscaping, and the plants are coming in and blooming wonderfully. Our crews did a fantastic job, from the design process to the final stages of building, and the client is ecstatic.

A Backyard Transformation

Our new landscaping projects vary in scope and complexity, and this particular project was a full backyard transformation. We had a thorough design consultation and process to fully understand what our clients wanted their dream backyard to become for starters. Next, we designed the pool, the spa with waterfall and natural stone veneer, and the pavilion, which is excellent for outdoor entertaining.

The entertainment area features a stone fireplace, plenty of seating, a built-in television and a natural stone countertop for meals and drinks. Backyard transformations take time to plan and build, but the result is a beautiful, ideal landscape.

Small, Yet Detailed Patio

In contrast to the complete backyard transformation, we have smaller scale projects such as new patios. Our hardscape crew used flagstone pavers, and the warm, earthy tones give the patio an organic, natural appearance.

The different sizes, shapes, and intricate patterns of the pavers also provide the patio with a unique aesthetic, enhancing visual interest and complexity. And the wall nearby has a couple of undercap lights, which makes the outdoor space more usable and inviting during the night. We are proud of the work one of our hardscaping crews did with this project, and this patio is an excellent example of what you can have on your property.

Regrade for New Retaining Wall and Patio

These homeowners wanted to expand their outdoor living space, but the slope was a little too steep. So we cut down the existing grade and installed a Techo Bloc Semma retaining wall and Techo Bloc Blu 60 pavers.

Contact Burkholder Brothers for Your New Landscaping Projects

If you have new landscaping projects or landscaping ideas that you want in your front or back yard, contact Burkholder Brothers. We have designed and built hundreds of landscaping projects in the Main Line area, from softscaping to pools, spas and outdoor kitchens. Our account managers will work with you to fully grasp your vision and make the design process go smoothly. We have a team of highly experienced landscape professionals that can bring your dream landscape to life. For more information on how landscape design company Burkholder Brothers can enhance your landscape, contact us today.

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Fall is a Great Time for Aeration and Overseeding

Written by Burkholder on August 31, 2023. Posted in Blog, Landscape Ideas & Design.

Jealous of your neighbor’s lush and verdant lawn? The secret behind a fantastic-looking property is aeration and overseeding in tandem with a comprehensive maintenance plan. Aeration and overseeding is a two-step process designed to de-stress lawns, encourage root development, and promote new growth. The following is a more detailed look at these two essential processes and why the fall is an excellent time to complete these yard tasks.

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Why Fall is Ideal for Aeration & Overseeding

The reasons to aerate and overseed your lawn during the fall are plenty. Cool nights and short, mild fall days provide the ideal conditions for grass seed germination. Other benefits include increased lawn density and slower-growing turfgrass.

Temperature

When thinking about fall aeration, the temperature is often a significant concern. The ideal temperature for aeration is in the 60s.

As for overseeding, cool temperatures have another benefit: less chance of disease problems in newly seeded areas.

Cooler soil temperatures mean slower growth rates. So your new grass seedlings are less likely to become infected by diseases like brown patch. In addition, the cooler air temperatures equate to warmer soil temperatures in which seeds are better able to retain moisture and thrive once their roots take hold.

Overseeding Increases Lawn Density

Whether your lawn is bare or thin, overseeding is one of the best ways to spruce up your yard.

Fill in bare spots: If you have bald patches on your yard, overseeding can make them look lush again by seeding them with an appropriate blend of grasses.
Fill in thin spots: If areas of the yard have sparse grass coverage, you can fill those spots by overseeding.
Add height: Lawns that receive heavy foot traffic lose their density quickly due to compaction, which a combination of aeration and overseeding alleviates.

Turf Growth Slows Down

While laying turfgrass seed in the fall may seem counterintuitive, there are several advantages to seeding at this time. First, because of cooler temperatures and shorter days, turf growth slows significantly during fall.

As a result, the newly seeded grass can properly compete for nutrients and water supplies that established turfgrasses would otherwise use.

In addition to allowing the new seed a good chance to compete with established turf, the fall also acts as natural weed control. The cool soil of the fall helps prevent weed seeds from germinating while your new lawn takes root and establishes itself.

The Aeration and Overseeding Process

Aeration is a way to de-stress lawns that have become compacted over the long, hot, and active summer days. Aerating does so by perforating your property with many tiny holes that allow air, water, and other nutrients to penetrate straight to your lawn’s root systems. In return, the grass root zone will be better able to extend more deeply and produce a more robust and vibrant above-ground look. In addition, loosening up your lawn’s compacted soil results in encouraging root development and creating an overall grass-growing environment.

Other advantages of the aeration process include:

Improved fertilizer uptake and use by your soil and plants
Improved water uptake and use by your soil and plants
Increased activity of soil microorganisms that are essential in soil decomposition processes
Enhanced infiltration of rainfall and human irrigation techniques
Increased oxygen movement between your soil and the atmosphere
Reduced risk of fertilizer and pesticide run-off that occurs from overly compacted ground

Proper aeration is also vital in setting up your lawn for overseeding. Overseeding involves planting new seeds over the top of current yards, whether they are bare, thinning, or appear normal. When done promptly after aerating your soil, the seeds can fall neatly into the holes left behind by the aeration machines and have ample space to germinate and thrive. After overseeding, professional lawn care technicians work to ensure excess seeds fall into the open aeration holes. This process is excellent for improving the density of your grass and enhancing its overall color.

Burkholder Landscaping Offers Professional Results from Aeration and Overseeding

With over 25 years of landscaping experience, Burkholder Landscaping knows how to make your lawn and landscape thrive. We have a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable lawn care professionals. Our aeration and overseeding service in the fall, followed by one of our comprehensive landscape maintenance packages, will ensure you can enjoy that beautiful lush dream yard! Contact us today for a consultation and more information about our lawn care services!

Reasons Why You Should Choose a Sir Sprinkler Irrigation System

Written by Burkholder on July 17, 2023. Posted in Blog, Landscape Ideas & Design.

Imagine a landscape that is a gorgeous shade of green for the entire season, even with no rain in the forecast. Imagine an irrigation system you control with your smartphone for your residential or commercial property. Imagine that you no longer have to manually water your lawn or garden while having a more efficient and effective way to keep your plants healthy. You can have all of these things when you invest in a Sir Sprinkler Irrigation system.

This blog will explore benefits of irrigation and 4 reasons to choose Burkholder and Sir Sprinkler for your irrigation needs.

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3 Benefits of Sprinkler Systems

Irrigation systems offer many benefits to homeowners, including of course a nearly hands-free lush green landscape. Below are 3 top benefits of sprinkler irrigation systems.

1. Conserves Water

Irrigation systems use water more efficiently than other methods of watering. As a result, you can save money on your water bill and reduce your environmental impact.

2. Improve Your Plants’ Health

Inarguably, plants need appropriate watering to thrive, and irrigation systems can ensure that they get the water they need. A drip irrigation system can also ensure plants are hydrated by delivering water directly to the roots. This system helps your plants have stronger root systems, healthier foliage, and vibrant blooms.

3. Save Time & Effort

With an irrigation system, you avoid having to spend hours manually watering your lawn or garden. Instead, you can program the system to water your plants at specific times, so you can sit back and relax while the system does the work.

4 Reasons to Choose a Sir Sprinkler Irrigation System

Sir Sprinkler is a state-of-the-art irrigation system company that uses advanced technology to deliver water directly to your plants’ roots. The irrigation systems feature a network of underground pipes and sprinkler heads to fit the needs of your lawn. Here are some of the major benefits of Sir Sprinkler systems.

1. Customizable Design

Each lawn and garden are unique, so we offer a customizable design tailored to your needs. For example, we can configure Sir Sprinkler irrigation systems to deliver water where the water is most needed. Plus, we can adjust the design as your landscaping changes.

We check each landscape to determine the specific watering needs, such as properly watering newly installed plants, and consider water pressure, filters, and more. We then design a system with the necessary features and zones to accommodate those needs. As a result, our systems provide consistent watering to keep landscapes lush and green.

In addition, our intelligently placed sprinkler heads provide full coverage for all plants in your landscape, from the yard to the shrubs to the trees. Consistent, full-coverage watering that minimizes overwatering makes a Sir Sprinkler irrigation system ideal for many homeowners.

2. Top Quality Parts

Irrigation systems are an investment in your landscape. Sir Sprinkler uses top-rated lawn sprinkler brands to get the best value for your investment. For example, Rachio

specializes in intelligent sprinkler systems and controllers and has an easy to use mobile app.

Rain Bird is known for valves and sprinkler heads made with the highest-grade materials and water-efficient technology. Quality parts are the foundation of a long-lasting system that meets your watering needs.

3. Smart Technology

We equip our Sir Sprinkler irrigation systems with smart technology that makes managing your irrigation system from anywhere easy. You can use your smartphone or tablet to adjust the watering schedule, track water usage, and receive alerts if there are any issues with the system. This gives you greater control and peace of mind, whether at home or away.

Rain sensors, for example, can be geo-sensitive and linked to local weather information that will automatically “opt out” of water on a day if rain is likely. Smart technology, like rain sensors, minimizes the risk of overwatering, which keeps lawns green and saves water simultaneously.

4. Continued Support & Service

When you invest in a Sir Sprinkler irrigation system, you also receive continued support and service. Routine adjustments and regular maintenance checks are essential to ensure your landscape gets the proper irrigation and your irrigation system runs efficiently. In addition, we offer spring startups, fall winterization, backflow testing, and system upgrades to improve the durability and effectiveness of your irrigation system. Also, we provide repair services for our systems and service several other brands, including Toro, Hunter, Orbit, and K-Rain.

Contact Burkholder Brothers for a Sir Sprinkler Irrigation System

Sprinkler season is well underway here at Burkholder, so leave the design, installation, and maintenance to us! Our certified technicians have years of experience working with irrigation systems in the Main Line area. In addition, we offer various irrigation and landscape services to keep your landscape vibrant and healthy. To learn more about the Sir Sprinkler Irrigation System or the benefits of sprinkler and irrigation companies, contact Burkholder Brothers for a consultation.

5 Common Summer Turf Issues

Written by Burkholder on June 16, 2023. Posted in Landscape Ideas & Design.

Do you see the same issues with your lawn every summer, such as brown grass, patches of dirt, and a whole lot of insects? You and countless other homeowners deal with these summer turf issues that happen like clockwork and lead to more work. A well-maintained, lush lawn is the pride of any homeowner, especially during the summer months when outdoor activities are in full swing. However, these problems get in the way of achieving that. So we have gathered a list of 5 common issues your yard faces every summer, what causes them, and what you can do to resolve or prevent them.

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1. Brown Patches

Brown patches are circular areas of dead grass that can appear during high heat and low humidity periods. These brown patches of grass can be the result of drought stress. Drought can be a significant issue during summer and early fall. Other issues that occur during droughts are turf wilting, thinning, and firmly rooted grass stalks.

To prevent brown patches, ensure proper drainage with deep watering and core aeration. Deep watering can alleviate stress from summer drought, which is easy to do with an irrigation system that provides consistent water. Core aeration (removing small plugs of soil and thatch to allow deep penetration of nutrients, air, and water) and fertilization can also help mitigate drought stress.

2. Thatch

Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that accumulates around the base of grass plants on the soil surface. A thin layer of thatch (less than 1/2 inch) can be beneficial, acting as an organic mulch to help retain moisture and insulate the soil. However, excessive thatch can have negative effects on your lawn. The results are brown patches or spots and a “spongy” feeling when you walk across your yard. In

addition, thatch can repel water or invite fungal diseases depending on the dryness of the thatch layer.

Soil correction that targets the lawn’s pH balance will help control thatch, and aerating will help break up particularly thick layers of thatch.

3. Insects

If you like to spend time outdoors, you will know that many insects come out in hot weather seasons and can cause issues for your lawn. Insects such as grubs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms can cause significant damage to your lawn by feeding on grass roots and blades. For example, root-munching insects like white grubs can cause the grass to turn yellow and attract other animals like raccoons and skunks to dig up your property. Other insects like sod webworms eat grass blades, which causes lawn patches to be cut too close to the ground.

With so many other insects that can cause problems, the best solution is to contact a landscape or plant health care professional to inspect your lawn and devise a lawn care solution for whatever insects are currently affecting your property. These plant health care professionals can monitor your lawn for signs of insect activity and apply appropriate insecticides when necessary. Beneficial nematodes can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides.

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4. Diseases & Molds

Along with insects, diseases, and mold can cause significant problems for your lawn. In summer, many lawn diseases attack and can be highly effective due to the turf and plant life being stressed and weakened from drought or other afflictions. These diseases often occur when lawns are stressed due to poor soil conditions, inadequate watering, or improper mowing practices. Some common fungal infections in summer include dollar spot, red thread, and pythium blight. Infections also arise from consistent watering after dark and mowing with a dull blade that tears grass, creating more openings for diseases to infect the turf.

The best way to resolve insects is to meet with a landscape professional to evaluate your lawn and determine the best course of action. Some treatments may include proper lawn care practices, such as regular mowing, proper fertilization, and adequate watering. Others may require a fungicide designed for the disease affecting your lawn.

5. Bare Spots & Thin Lawn

Bare spots and a thin lawn are familiar sights during summer and early fall. Spots in your yard with little turf and exposed dirt can be caused by excessive foot traffic, poor soil conditions, grub infestation, fungal disease, and more. A thin lawn may result from soil compaction, improper watering or mowing, or insufficient fertilizer. Each of these summer turf issues has a different solution:

If you have a thin lawn, aerate and overseed.
If your yard has bare spots, fill up the areas by reseeding.

Both of these actions will help bring a thicker, more vibrant look to your grass.

Contact Burkholder Brothers for Turf Care Services & to Resolve Summer Turf Issues

Is your yard suffering from any of these summer turf issues? If so, contact Burkholder Brothers. We have a team of passionate, knowledgeable, certified landscape professionals, each of whom has years of experience in turf care. Our team offers many different turf care services to address your needs. For more information on our services, request a free consultation today.

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Turf Maintenance and Spring Landscape Checklist

Written by Burkholder on May 12, 2023. Posted in Landscape Ideas & Design.

Spring is here! When the snow melts, and the sun shines its soft, bright light on our Pennsylvania landscapes, we want them to look their best! However, those green, manicured lawns and brightly colored planting beds require planning and nurturing. Burkholder offers some tips for turf and lawn care maintenance and a spring turf care checklist to get your spring and summer landscape off to a great start.

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What is Turf Maintenance?

Turf maintenance encompasses all of the soil preparation, such as aeration, fertilization, seeding and watering that takes place to jumpstart a lush green lawn. Some aspects of turf maintenance include:

Soil Testing and Correction

One of the first steps to spring turf care is soil testing. A turf care professional would conduct a soil test to determine the pH level, nutrient content, and soil structure. This information helps to determine what type of fertilizer and soil amendments are needed to produce or maintain a healthy lawn.

After receiving the soil test results, your turf care expert would take steps to improve the soil quality. These include adding lime or sulfur to adjust the pH level, adding organic matter to improve soil structure, and applying the appropriate fertilizer.

Lawn Seeding/Overseeding

Lawn seeding is the process of seeding bare ground. Overseeding is the process of adding seeds to sparse areas of lawn, or even to healthy lawns to thicken the existing grass. Soil or lawns that have been prepared by aeration will see the best results. Using quality grass seeds and fertilizer also optimizes positive growth.

Using the right type of grass seed is crucial for a healthy lawn. Various types of grass seeds are available, each suited for particular environments. For example, cool-season grasses are ideal for Pennsylvania residents because of our cold winters. When choosing grass seed, we consider sun exposure, soil type, and foot traffic. A turf care expert can help you choose the right seed for your lawn.

Lawn Aeration

Aeration can be performed using two basic methods, spike or core aeration. Core aeration is more effective than spike aeration because the aerator pulls plugs of soil out of the lawn, allowing better water, fertilizer, and seed penetration. Annual aeration benefits your lawn’s overall well-being because compaction is reduced, and roots have more space to spread out. Grass seeds are also better protected from blowing or washing away when sheltered in the holes left by plugs.

Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Pre-emergent weed control should be essential to your spring turf care checklist. Rather than removing any weeds that pop up, this treatment helps prevent weeds from germinating and taking over your lawn in the first place. A landscaping professional would apply pre-emergent weed control early in the spring before the weeds have a chance to grow.

Irrigation

Another crucial part of any spring turf care checklist is ensuring your lawn receives proper watering. Water your lawn deeply and infrequently rather than shallowly and frequently. This promotes deep-root growth and helps to prevent disease.

A smart irrigation system can help ensure your yard is properly watered. If you have an irrigation system, ensure the heads are intact and set proper watering intervals. In addition, ensure that the sprinkler elements are free of overgrown plant life.

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Lawn and Vegetation Control

The best lawns in the neighborhood are well-maintained lawns. Maintenance means keeping the grass mown, the beds weeded and trimmed, shrubs pruned, and seasonal flowers planted and fertilized. High quality timed-release fertilizers are best because they remain in the soil longer.

Choosing the right fertilizer for your lawn is important for healthy growth. Factors to consider when selecting a fertilizer include soil type, grass type, and nutrient deficiencies. High-quality timed-release fertilizers are best because they remain in the soil longer.

Also, apply fertilizer where needed for plants, trees, and shrubs. If someone applies too much fertilizer to their yard, they risk burning the grass and causing damage to the lawn.

Pest Control and Plant Health Care (PHC)

Plant life attracts pests. Plant health care includes treating or removing diseased plants as well as watching for and treating any pests that negatively impact your landscape. You will want to be sure that beneficial insects remain and that the products and methods used to care for your landscape are the right ones.

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Spring Landscape Checklist

Now that you know a little more about turf maintenance, what do you need to do for your spring landscape to make sure your yard is on the “Best Looking Lawns” list when onlookers compare? Burkholder offers a checklist of general landscape and turf care actions to take.

Yard Maintenance

Make sure mowing equipment is in good shape to avoid damaging your grass or other plant life.
Weed and remove dead or diseased plants and fallen leaves from your beds.
Edge plant beds and walkways.
Apply weed control and fertilizer where needed for plants, trees and shrubs.
Add hard wood bark mulch to plant beds and around trees and shrubs.
Dispose of grass clippings and shrub trimmings so that grass growth is unimpeded.
Have trees and shrubs pruned and trimmed for safety and aesthetics.
Clean and seal natural stone walkways and patios so they maintain their beauty and functionality.

Irrigation and Lighting

Make sure that your irrigation system heads are intact and set proper watering intervals.
Check that lighting fixtures are clean and that bulbs are all working.
Ensure that all sprinkler and lighting elements are free of overgrown plant life.

Call Burkholder for Turf Maintenance and Seasonal Lawn Maintenance Care

We all want our lawns to be beautiful and well-maintained, but many homeowners lack time to cultivate the look they want. Professional maintenance with a spring turf care checklist is one way to ensure a beautiful landscape. Burkholder provides skilled and comprehensive grounds and turf maintenance for residents and business owners in the Main Line communities of Pennsylvania. For a consultation about the lawn care services you need, contact us today and get your lawn ready for summer!

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What is the Best Lawn Care Program for Your Landscape?

Written by Burkholder on April 13, 2023. Posted in Blog, Landscape Ideas & Design.

Did you know that Burkholder Landscape has customized lawn care programs? If you are looking for a custom lawn care program, you have come to the right place! We have developed various applications and treatments that help our clients achieve the beautiful and healthy lawns of their dreams.

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Our team of experts will work with you to develop a customized plan for your landscape’s maintenance. We can handle everything from fertilizing and weed control to mowing and trimming. In addition, our experts are trained in all aspects of landscaping design and maintenance, so they can help guide you through any questions or concerns about maintaining your property. We know that every customer has different requirements regarding their landscape, so we will create a plan that meets your needs.

Fertilizers

As many homeowners know, fertilizers are a great way to keep lawns healthy. However, while most basic lawn treatments include nitrogen and potassium, two essential nutrients for grasses (and other plants), these standard treatments may consist of very few micronutrients or organic matter that can provide more benefits than just keeping your lawn green.

The fertilizers we use at Burkholder Landscape contain all these crucial elements: micronutrients, organic matter, and nitrogen/potassium. Using our fertilizer treatments

on your landscape will give your lawn a deeper green coloration, encourage root growth, and benefit soil health by improving its structure through improved drainage capacity and aeration.

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Spot Weed Treatments

Spot treatments are used to control weeds in a specific area, and one benefit of spot treatments is that fewer chemicals are needed. Our team applies spot treatments when the weeds are actively growing because the weeds will absorb more of the treatment than if used in fall or winter when most plants are dormant. Also, spot treatments can be done differently depending on your soil type. For example, sandy soil requires different treatments than clay soil.

Customer Service

Because each lawn is different, the best lawn care program for your landscape is tailored to your needs. We are committed to excellent customer service, so we always contact our clients before any lawn treatments and let them know what we are applying. Anytime there is a question or concern, contact us, and we will do our best to address your concerns. In addition, on-site consultations are always available if you need more information about our services and how they may benefit your property.

Contact Burkholder Brothers for Turf Care Services & Lawn Care Programs

Do you want turf care services with a customized lawn care program to enhance the look and vigor of your property? If so, contact Burkholder Brothers. Our team of passionate, knowledgeable, certified landscape professionals has years of experience in turf care. We offer various turf care services to address your needs. For more information on our services, request a free consultation today.

4 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas to Keep Your Yard Beautiful

Written by Burkholder on March 14, 2023. Posted in Blog, Landscape Ideas & Design.

Front yard landscaping is an excellent way to enhance the beauty and value of your home. An appealing front yard adds curb appeal and makes the home more inviting. A welcoming front yard is your opportunity to make an impression on all who see your home. Thankfully, you have plenty of ways to enhance your front yard. To help inspire you, below are a few ideas to transform your front yard.

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1. Softscaping

Updating and maintaining your front yard landscape is always a good option. Trees make your front yard more visually appealing. Mature trees can add property value and reduce cooling and heating costs. Colorful, vibrant plants and thoughtful garden design keep your front lawn looking lively and attractive. A manicured lawn also increases a front yard’s value and beauty. Adding softscaping features and maintaining them can significantly improve your front yard’s natural beauty. Our sister company, Burkholder PHC can help keep your valuable plants thriving with plant health care programs.

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2. Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor residential lighting can brighten up your front yard landscaping in several ways. First, you can use lighting on specific plants or trees in your front yard, making your foliage stand out more and adding atmosphere during the night. If your front yard has shrubs or flower beds you want to act as focal points, uplighting can help highlight them.

Landscape lights can show off your front walkway’s design and make the walkway safer. The right outdoor lighting design will create a welcoming ambiance and add to your home security. Let us show you some outdoor lighting options if you are looking for a simple, effective way to add beauty and safety to your front yard.

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3. Walkways

Another excellent idea for improving your front yard landscaping is to incorporate custom walkways. Walkways provide both value and functionality to your front yard. Paved walkways give yards a cohesive, beautiful appearance, which enhances your enjoyment and the front yard’s attractiveness to potential buyers or neighbors. In addition, walkways can connect points of interest in your yard and protect your grass and plant beds. A walkway made of stone, brick, or other materials also improves safety by evening out rough or steep terrain, allowing you and your guests to traverse your property easily.

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4. Smart Irrigation Systems

One of the best methods for keeping your front yard healthy is irrigation. An automatic irrigation system helps keep your lawn lush and green and your plant beds vibrant, even during scorching hot summers. Smart technologies such as rain sensors can help prevent overwatering, saving you money and water while keeping the lawn beautiful. Wi-Fi sprinkler control apps on your mobile phone provide even greater flexibility. Irrigation is crucial for a well-maintained front yard and a smart irrigation system will maximize curb appeal by keeping your front yard looking superb.

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Contact Burkholder Brothers for Front Yard Landscaping Services

Make your front yard more appealing and beautiful with Burkholder Brothers. Our team of experienced, passionate landscapers has served Main Line area residents for decades. We provide a full range of landscape design services, including outdoor lighting design and installation of outdoor structures. In addition, we work with you to create and maintain a beautiful, immaculate landscape. If you are interested in front yard landscaping, contact Burkholder Brothers today!

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The Steps of The Burkholder Landscape Design Process

Written by Burkholder on February 28, 2023. Posted in Blog, Landscape Ideas & Design.

Below you will see three distinct properties, all of which are beautiful examples of landscaping design and how they can turn a simple plot of land into a paradise right in your backyard. And what do all three of these gorgeous properties have in common? Besides beautiful warm weather, they were all created using the Burkholder Design Process from start to finish! If you are looking to design a new landscape or update an existing one, you should understand the process. The Burkholder landscape design process is a detailed and comprehensive planning procedure ensuring your final product meet all of your needs are met.

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What Goes into The Burkholder Landscape Design Process?

So much planning goes into creating a beautiful backyard space Our process includes site visits, collecting inventory, and finalizing the design. This multi-step process is critical to the success of the project. Investing time and proper planning in your outdoor space can bring you and your family much enjoyment for years to come.

Step 1: Landscape Design Analysis

The first step we take is a landscape design analysis, an essential part of the overall landscape design process. During this time, a landscape designer will visit your property and take photographs, draw sketches, and measure all the aspects and features of your property. Then, our designers use this analysis to have an accurate base plan to work from.

The first step in analyzing a property is to look at its existing features, such as trees or flower beds, and to measure and map those features out, along with other components or structures on the property. During this phase, our designer may also note if any changes need to be made before starting your new landscaping plans.

For example, if an old tree needs to be removed before new plantings occur, we will make a note during analysis. We also note any other issues such as drainage problems or things that could affect how much work is needed before starting construction projects like building patios or installing walkways through grassy areas. By understanding these factors up front, our team can create designs tailored specifically toward addressing them so nothing gets overlooked later on down the road when construction begins.

Step 2: Meet the Designer

The next step in the Burkholder landscape design process is to meet with your designer. Before you meet with your designer, think about what kind of landscape you want so it helps to have a clear vision of how you want your outdoor spaces to look and function. Next, you can discuss what plants, materials, features, and colors appeal most. Consider bringing photos from magazines or websites that inspire you to help the designer get started on a plan that will work best for your home and budget. In addition, this meeting will take place at our design center, so you can look at material samples and displays of different patios and gardens to further help inspiration.

The designer will also provide some preliminary sketches based on their analysis and your conversation with them. These sketches will show how different parts of the yard flow together, ensuring everything fits together well when designing multiple elements.

Step 3: Concept Verification

After the design concept has been approved, you will meet with the designer to review your landscape’s finished concept plans and 3D images. You can also use this time to make any changes to the design if needed. In addition, you will discuss project details, material choices, and project budget at this time so that everyone is on the same page moving forward.

Step 4: Final Landscape Design Review

The final landscape design review is your opportunity to review the final design plan with 3D images to determine if any final changes will be implemented on-site. During this meeting, we will discuss the following:

Changes made from the initial consultation to ensure you are happy with the final design
Budget for implementation of all materials, plants, and labor costs associated with constructing your new landscape design
Timeline for when everything will be installed

Contact Burkholder Brothers For a Landscape Design Consultation

Burkholder Brother’s landscape architects and designers are experienced and excel at bringing dream landscapes to life. The Burkholder landscape design process allows you to visualize your new landscape before the construction of your project begins. Contact us today to meet with our licensed landscape designers, visit our design center to see softscape and hardscape materials and design examples, and get started on your new outdoor living space!

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Five 2023 Landscape Design Trends to Improve Your Landscape

Written by Burkholder on February 6, 2023. Posted in Blog, Landscape Ideas & Design.

Now that 2023 is in full swing, many homeowners will be thinking about their landscaping goals and projects for the year. Burkholder offers five 2023 landscape design trends to incorporate into home landscapes. Now is the time to meet with your hardscape and landscape contractor, and these trends for 2023 are versatile and practical enough to be suitable for any property.

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A central theme of many of these trends is homeowners wanting to maximize their available spaces and use those spaces to their full advantage. A beautiful, sustainable garden or an entertainment area are just two of the many ways to combine style and practicality, which will be a big element of 2023 landscape design.

Five 2023 Landscape Design Trends

If you have been wondering what you can do to improve your landscape, here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Making the Most of Outdoor Spaces

As people remain in one home over many years, their desire to improve their homes and yards becomes stronger. Outdoor features and structures let homeowners expand the indoors to the outdoors, and this practice has been a growing trend for some time. For example, extending a deck or patio gives homeowners more options for outdoor fun and entertainment.

Our landscape designers help homeowners choose ways to make the most of their outdoor spaces, such as creating areas for gathering, entertaining, or simply relaxing. With extra usable space from custom decks and patios, people can have lounge areas with fire pits and comfortable furniture or add features such as pools and spas. In addition, pergolas and pavilions provide shade and protection for outdoor areas, making them usable for entertaining year-round.

2. More Elaborate Outdoor Spaces

In addition to more outdoor features and structures, homeowners increasingly want these features to be elaborate and unique. Homeowners in 2023 are seeking innovative ways to use their yards and to spend more time outside with family and friends.

A pavilion can have overhead electricity so that space heaters can help homeowners enjoy the outdoors even in colder months. Another increasingly widespread feature of backyards is an outdoor kitchen with the following features to make an all-encompassing dining area:

Dining table
Seating area
Grill
Fireplace or fire pit
Pizza oven

3. Low-Maintenance Lawn Care

While many people love spending time outdoors, most of them likely prefer spending their time relaxing or playing outdoors instead of working. As a result, homeowners are often looking for ways to keep their landscape beautiful and make lawn care more manageable and convenient. One of the most obvious ways, and one of the growing 2023 landscape design trends, is an intelligent sprinkler and irrigation system that can minimize water usage to help save money.

Natural stone for patios, shrubs, trees, and drought-tolerant or other low-maintenance plants can help create a beautiful, unique landscape while needing minimal care. Using natural elements and intelligent design, you can maintain quality and a low-maintenance lawn more easily in 2023 than in previous years. And, of course, many residents choose to have professionals, like Burkholder’s professional maintenance team, take care of lawn mowing, tree and shrub pruning, and bed maintenance. Our sister company, Burkholder PHC, offers comprehensive plant health care to keep valuable landscape plants and trees thriving.

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4. Ambient and Invisible Lighting

Great lighting for a patio, deck, path, pool, or other focal points in the backyard will always be popular. However, the type and style of lighting people desire in 2023 will differ. Sleek, minimalist lighting will be a more prominent 2023 landscape design trend. Techniques such as lighting the essential points and junctures of a path and hiding the lights that brighten up the home landscape are elements of invisible lighting landscaping trends.

Invisible lighting involves blending the lighting into the landscape. For example, long, linear lights beneath landscape structures create the illusion of floating structures. People are becoming more interested in seeing the light rather than the lighting fixtures, so invisible lighting will continue to gain traction in 2023.

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5. Mixed Materials in Hardscape

Hardscape describes the man-made features in landscape architecture, such as walkways, pavilions, and walls. Mixing and matching hardscaping elements and amenities or technology is a creative way to add beauty to your landscape in 2023. For example, creating a natural stone path to a sturdy wood pergola, with perhaps some metal furniture or a grill, can become a favorite sight.

Walls, decks, patios, and pools can incorporate these contrasting materials. In addition, hardscapes surrounded by vibrant, native plants and even soothing water features such as a fountain or a small pond create a unique outdoor living space.

All of these 2023 landscape design trends tie into a broader theme: creating a comfortable, easy-to-maintain living space that is unique to your home. When planning improvements for your landscape, consider making a unique, inviting space in your backyard.

Start Planning Your New Landscaping Design Project Today

Burkholder’s team of landscapers and designers has the skills and passion for creating your ideal landscape. Our landscape professionals have served Main Line communities like Malvern, Villanova, and Bryn Mawr for decades, understanding their needs and providing all types of landscaping services. Contact us today to learn more about 2023 landscape design trends or our services.

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