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Author: Burkholder

How to Care for Your Lawn during Drought Conditions

Everyone loves a lush lawn, but keeping your property looking this way can be challenging, and care for a lawn during a drought requires special attention. When homeowners see their lawn go dormant and the grass turns brown, many look for ways to keep their yards as lush and vibrant as possible. Thankfully, things can help keep your lawn healthy during hot, dry weather, including mowing, watering, mulching, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. 

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5 Ways to Care for Your Lawn During Drought

The following tips will help relieve some of the issues you may run into with your lawn during drought.

Mow High

One of the methods of drought-proofing your lawn is to mow high. Having your lawn mowed high will help prevent disease and insect infestations and allow you to save on water. Your lawn should be at least 3 inches long for healthy turf growth in drought conditions.

In these drought conditions, we recommend erring on the side of caution: leave your grass a little longer than usual until things start looking better. You can always cut shorter later if needed! Plus, taller grass means less sunlight reaching each blade. While sunlight is necessary for grass, less sunlight helps keep grass cooler in hot weather like PA residents experience each summer

sprinklers running on a lawn with yard lights and a house in background | how to care for a lawn during drought Burkholder Landscape and Sir Sprinkler

Water Deeply with a Sprinkler System

Another way to care for your lawn during drought conditions is to water deeply and infrequently. Many homeowners think watering frequently would be better in a drought, but the opposite is true. When a lawn receives shallow watering, shallow root system growth is encouraged. As a result, the roots only grow down 2 to 3 inches, enough for your grass to stay alive. However, that depth is too shallow for grass roots to access deep soil moisture that could help them survive drought conditions more easily.

On the other hand, when you water deeply (i.e., over 6 inches), you encourage deep root growth that can reach moisture in pore spaces between soil particles. This reduces evaporation from your lawn and makes more water available during drought periods when rainfall is scarce or nonexistent.

To help with watering, get a sprinkler irrigation system to ensure your grass receives water at the correct depth and time. Sprinkler systems can efficiently provide water to your lawn and plants so that you can save time and conserve water. Smart irrigation systems can also be programmed to water based on a schedule or even use weather data and adjust the irrigation schedule dynamically.

Apply Mulch

Mulch is an organic layer of material applied to the soil’s surface. One of the reasons to use mulch, particularly during hot weather, is that mulch helps to retain moisture in the ground and prevent weeds from growing. In addition, you or a landscape professional can make mulch from any organic material, such as bark chips, grass clippings, and sawdust.

Avoid Excessive Fertilizing

You should avoid excessively fertilizing your lawn during drought conditions, especially with fertilizer that contains high amounts of nitrogen. Too-frequent or excessive application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer can cause your grass to grow. This new growth is more susceptible to the harsh weather conditions of drought. In addition, lawn grasses need an ample amount of water to absorb fertilizer’s nutrients, which is more difficult during a drought. So any fertilizer you apply may be less potent than in cooler seasons like fall.

Control Weed Growth

Weed control is a critical part of lawn care. Unfortunately, weeds are one of the biggest causes of lawn damage and can be challenging to control. A significant reason weeds need to be kept in check is that weeds compete for water and nutrients with your grass. During a drought, when water and nutrients are tougher to get, the weeds will use up the water and nutrients that should be going to your grass. In addition, weeds also provide an ideal environment for fire to spread.

front porch of a home with a bench  and shrubs with a sprinkler running | lwn during drought | Burkholder Landscape

Call Burkholder for Professional Irrigation System Design and Installation

In summer, many homeowners look for sprinkler systems to help maintain a green lawn during drought conditions. Burkholder Brothers offers a free consultation and will design an irrigation and sprinkler system that is right for your landscape. If you work with us, our team can install a sprinkler system to help you spend less time on your lawn and more time enjoying your outdoor space. For more information about irrigation systems and our services, contact Burkholder today.

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The Benefits of Adding a Shade Structure to Your Outdoor Living Space

During the hot summer, your backyard can become scorching hot, causing you and your family to avoid the beautiful spaces you have already created. Whether you have a deck or patio area that could use some shade or are looking for new ways to enjoy your outdoor spaces, adding a shade structure is a great way to cool down and relax in the summer sun.

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Different Shade Structures Available to You

Here are options of different shade structures you can add to your property:

Pergolas: freestanding structures, typically made from wood, provide partial overhead coverage

Pavilion: freestanding structure, fully-covered roof

Shade sails: outdoor covers made from pieces of fabric that offer shade (and look similar to the sails of a boat), ideally installed over decks or patios

Benefits of Adding a Shade Structure

Adding an outdoor structure, like a pergola or pavilion, can turn your backyard into a lovely shady oasis to enjoy on the warmest days.

pergola over patio | adding a shade structure to your outdoor living space | Burkholder Landscape

Enjoy the Outdoors in Comfort

Pennsylvania summer heat can be serious. The sun beating down can make what is supposed to be a relaxing day feel as hot as a desert. Shade structures are an easy way to create a more relaxed environment and help protect you from the sun’s harsh rays when spending time outdoors. Shade structures can offer protection from UV rays without taking away from natural views or blocking the sun completely.

Pavilion with Lighting is one of the benefits of adding a shade structure | Burkholder Landscape

Additional Outdoor Living Space

A shade structure can provide additional living space, seating, cooking space, and lighting. For example, you can convert an open area in your backyard into an entertainment space by adding a pavilion with a table and chairs to create a seating area. What was formerly an unused space is now an area that is inviting to guests and gives you more room to host parties.

If you have an outdoor kitchen, adding a structure like a pergola can make that kitchen more usable during the summer since you are more protected from the sun. The same goes for an outdoor dining area. Adding a shade structure allows you and your family to use that dining space more often during warmer weather.

Outdoor shade structures that offer full roofs can even have lighting, fans, and other electrical features that will make your outdoor space more functional and attractive.

Observe How the Sun Moves Relative To Your Outdoor Space

By noticing how the sun moves throughout your backyard space, you will be able to identify what areas require shelter during the hottest parts of the day. Remember, surfaces such as concrete and stone reflect more light and get much hotter than grassy areas. The sun is usually the hottest in the middle of the day, between 10 am and 3 pm, so you want the most protection during that time frame. Existing trees and your home may already provide shade to your patio or pool areas during the times when you would be outside the most.

Think About How You Will Use Your Shade Structure

Burkholder Landscape Paver Patio

Start thinking about how you will use your new pavilion or pergola. Will your new shade structure reside by a pool? Or include lighting and ceiling fans? Or be the focal point that encompasses an outdoor living room and fireplace? Whatever your desires may be, thinking about the use of the structure helps determine the size, style, and type of structure you will need.

Get Inspired For the Design

Once you have figured out the basic concepts of your needed structure, the next step is to get inspired. Take a look through our portfolio to find inspiration. Our portfolio will help you see all the different styles and capabilities your dream structure can provide. Finally, develop an idea book of anything and everything that sparks your interest. This will come in handy later when you move on to the next phase.

Call Burkholder Brothers for Outdoor Shade Structures

When you are ready to start your project for adding a shade structure, reach out to a professional landscape contractor. Burkholder Brothers’ design team will help you narrow down your idea book to get you on the right path for your perfect shade structure. Then, our skilled landscape designers will work with you to incorporate your proposed design into your existing landscape, patio, pool area, or deck. 

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How Do Walkways Impact Curb Appeal?

One of the aspects of a landscape that can affect curb appeal and that is overlooked by homeowners is a walkway. Walkways impact curb appeal because they are often the first thing people see. They can also act as boundaries, leading to special features or entertaining areas in a landscape. Many different factors go into whether a walkway helps with a house’s curb appeal, from the location and layout of the walkway to its shape and design. Of course, aesthetics matter, too, so materials and lighting can also affect how people see your home. Look at this Burkholder Landscape walkway upgrade project. We used natural stone and Techo-bloc products to create a level area for an inviting bluestone walkway, allowing space for colorful plantings and landscape lighting.

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  • House walkway before upgrade | Walkways Impact Curb Appeal | Burkholder Landscape

    Before Walkway Upgrade

  • Side of house walkway | Walkways Impact Curb Appeal | Burkholder Landscape

    Before Walkway Upgrade

  • After Walkway Upgrade

  • After Walkway Upgrade

Location

Your walkway’s location and connections are important. A walkway should connect the entrances of your home, like the front or side door, with the areas guests are likely to park when visiting. For example, if guests park in your driveway, the walkway should connect the driveway to the front door to create an easy path. Inviting, welcoming entrances and clear pathways for people to use makes a house more appealing. Consider connecting the walkway to the sidewalk, if your street has one.

Shape

A straight or curved shape is one of the choices homeowners must make when building a walkway. Each shape has advantages regarding aesthetics and more practical effects. For example, straight walkways are traditional, simple to maintain, and work best in small front yards where homeowners may lack space to build extensive, winding walkways.

On the other hand, curved walkways are more visually pleasing and eye-catching and work well for homes with large front yards. In addition, with curved walkways, you can create large planting beds in front of your house, adding more curb appeal.

Slopes & Steps

While walkways impact curb appeal, a walkway can also impact how safe your property is and how people can safely enter and exit your home. Many homeowners here in Pennsylvania live on sloped landscapes. Add steps to your walkway when you have a slope in your yard. Also, you may wish to avoid single steps when possible, as single steps can create tripping hazards.

Front stone walk with manicured plant beds and columned entrance | Burkholder Landscape
Front Walkway full-color Irregular Flagstones | Walkway | Burkholder Landscape

Materials

The material you choose for your walkway is integral to curb appeal. In addition, your walkway will be exposed to the elements, so you have some questions to consider when deciding what type of material will work best for your home.

  • What material most complements your home’s aesthetics and style?
  • Is your landscape sloped or flat?
  • What kind of weather does your area get?

Knowing the answers to these questions can help you can choose the materials that will most positively impact your curb appeal. With Burkholder, your landscape designer can help you decide on the best materials for your individual project.

Some possible materials you might choose are:

Natural Stone Pavers

Natural stone can add a rustic or luxurious look, depending on the type and finish. In addition, natural stone has anti-slip characteristics, ideal for creating a safe, organic-looking walkway.

Techo-Bloc Pavers

We often use Techo-Bloc in our projects. These pavers are high-quality, durable, and attractive. They also offer a high degree of customization and are easy to maintain.

Brick Pavers

Brick is a popular choice for walkways and edging and is available in many colors and sizes. If cared for properly, brick materials can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear after years of service.

Lighting

Lighting is an essential element of walkway design that improves safety and can enhance how walkways impact curb appeal. Lighting can create a safe and welcoming space. In addition, if you want to highlight features of or near the walkway, lighting is an excellent way to do so. You could install lighting to make colorful plantings or trees visible at night or add lighting under stairs to highlight their presence. Outdoor lighting adds to curb appeal because the lights make your property and outdoor space look better and safer.

Contact Burkholder to Begin Designing Your Custom Walkway

Now that you see how walkways impact curb appeal, the next step is to create the ideal walkway for your home. Whatever effect you want from your walkway, Burkholder’s designers will help you achieve the look you want. For over 25 years, Burkholder Brothers has been helping Main Line homeowners create their ideal landscapes. Contact us today to get started on yours!

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Burkholder Offers 4 Reasons You Will Want an Irrigation System This Year

Spring rains help bring vibrant green color to your landscape, and yards and fields are lush everywhere you look. However, when summer arrives with less rain and intense heat, many yards begin to wither, and we see a lot of brown grass. At this time of year, when families want to spend time outside having barbecues or playing outdoor games, having a soft, green, manicured lawn is very desirable. So what distinguishes the lush green yard and the dry crunchy brown yard next door? Probably a professionally installed sprinkler and irrigation system.

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Advantages of Installing a Custom Irrigation System

Irrigation and sprinkler systems can improve the look of your landscape and the health of your plants. However, these systems also bring many other advantages. Depending on your wants and needs, you can take advantage of new technological advancements to make yard work more convenient. Gone are the days of doing all your yard work by hand, watering everything manually with a garden hose. Instead, technology is here to give you a helping hand to save time and water while providing what your landscape needs to look beautiful. In addition, a custom irrigation system can make a difference in keeping your lawn in top condition.

1. Convenience

Some people try to manually water their lawns or set up individual sprinkler heads to move around the yard. However, both methods require time, which is often in short supply. Sometimes this method results in forgetting that you have the sprinkler on and remembering two hours later when one area of your lawn is marshy. Even if you are an expert at setting timers and going out to move the sprinkler system, what happens when you want to go on vacation? You could come home to a dry, scorched landscape. With an irrigation system, you can set timers to water your lawn at the optimal times of the day and deliver the right amount of water to each yard zone or individual plant.

Irrigation systems have come a long way in the last few years with smart technology. People can use smartphones to operate and control their sprinkler systems. You can now control your system from wherever you have your phone or smart speaker.

Sprinkler Irrigation System in flower bed | Burkholder Landscape

2. Results

Due to improved health, lawns with sprinkler systems look better than lawns without them. Burkholder’s Sir Sprinkler experts know how much water is optimal for various landscapes. We can ensure that each area of your yard gets the irrigation needed with zones and timers. In addition, drip systems will target specific plants or trees to get consistent water. With drip irrigation systems, adjacent areas receive little water, reducing the opportunity for weeds to flourish, saving you time, and preventing competition for nutrients and water.

Lawn and yard care is all about how much attention you give. Today you can accomplish the best results without physical, back-breaking labor by getting the right irrigation system and accompanying technology. A professional can provide you with the necessary information and install the right system for your lawn. Anyone can have a beautiful property as long as you invest in the right products.

Sprinkler irrigation system spraying on front lawn | Burkholder Landscape

3. Customization

Smart technology used in sprinkler systems can monitor weather forecasts and set the irrigation system timer to water your lawn accordingly, providing different amounts of water or water pressure. For example, some plants need a steady water supply in low quantities, so a drip watering system can provide water to those plants without overwatering them.

Today’s systems provide many different ways to customize your experience, from user-programmed to completely automated. For example, you can use voice commands to tell your sprinklers to turn on while watching TV or cooking dinner. With a few swipes on your smartphone while at work, you can change when your sprinklers turn on and off.

4. Conservation

When you have a heavy rainstorm, much of the water delivered to your lawn runs off, taking nutrients with it. A lawn sprinkler system installed by professionals allows you to water for short periods more often, which helps the water to remain in the area you want to irrigate. As a result, your system will conserve water, which will lower your water bill and help you save money in the long run while being environmentally friendly. In addition, rain sensor devices are available, which will prevent your sprinkler from running when the additional water is unnecessary.

If you are looking for the best way to be green and environmentally sound, you can gain more efficiency with a smart irrigation system. Smart sprinklers will be able to send the exact amount of water needed. In addition, the system will monitor the weather and account for any amount of incoming rain and dry spells. This can drastically increase your water conservation and the quality and condition of your lawn.

Call Burkholder for Professional Irrigation System Design and Installation

Summer is the time of year that many homeowners should look to getting sprinkler systems because those people can see the consequences of under-watering. Burkholder offers a free consultation and will design an irrigation and sprinkler system that is right for your landscape. The benefits of less time spent on your lawn and a lower water bill are great reasons to consider working with us. For more information about irrigation systems and our services, contact Burkholder today.

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5 Advantages of Techo-Bloc for Your Outdoor Projects

Implementing hardscaping and other human-made features in your landscape can help maximize your enjoyment of your home. Below are 5 advantages of Techo-Bloc pavers in your outdoor projects that improve your home landscape.

Add Function and Value to Your Home with Techo-Bloc Walkways

What is Techo-Bloc?

Techo-Bloc is a brand of stone pavers. The company manufactures the pavers from aggregates of granite and sand. The processes Techo-Bloc uses make the pavers tough and durable. In addition to their strength, the pavers retain an organic, natural stone appearance to naturally blend in with outdoor environments. The pavers are versatile enough to be used in different areas of your landscape. Techo-Bloc pavers come in various colors and textures, too, so you can find the ideal pavers for your desired style and aesthetic.

1. Withstand Harsh Weather and Climate

Pennsylvania residents experience some weather extremes throughout the year. Winters and summers can be particularly tough on structures and landscapes. Techo-Bloc paving stones are tested with salt water to ensure that the pavers resist salt damage from repeated exposure during cold winters. Even in northern climates that experience frequent freezes and thaws, Techo-Bloc pavers are engineered to withstand the harsh weather.

front stone walk with manicured plant beds and columned entrance | advantages of techo bloc pavers | Burkholder Landscape

2. Natural Beauty

Pleasing aesthetics is another one of the advantages of Techo-Bloc pavers, thanks to consistent coloring. Even as the pavers become worn over time, the color stays the same. In addition, Techo-Bloc pavers come in several colors, sizes, and shapes, allowing the creation of beautifully patterned patios, walkways, or pool decks to suit any style. For example, some pavers have a smooth texture and neutral colors well-suited for a modern style. Other pavers have a more textured, rustic appearance.

3. Strength and Safety

One of the critical advantages of Techo-Bloc is that the pavers balance natural beauty and durability. As mentioned previously, Techo-Bloc paving stones are made of fine granite aggregates instead of the limestone often used in other pavers. Granite makes the pavers more durable and longer-lasting and minimizes the absorption of water that could otherwise damage the stone. Techo-Bloc pavers are also less slippery when wet and stay cooler than concrete, making them an excellent paver choice for pool decks.

Techo Bloc pavers used on patio | advantages of techo bloc pavers | Burkholder Landscape

4. Versatility

Techo-Bloc pavers are highly versatile and are used in numerous outdoor areas and projects. For example, are you looking to create a pathway from your front yard to the back yard? Or perhaps you are interested in building a pool deck and surround. Whatever outdoor project you have, Techo-Bloc pavers offer you a balance of aesthetics and strength. And with many different colors and tones, these pavers can seamlessly blend in with your landscape.

5. Resists Shifting

One common issue that homeowners run into with pavers is that the pavers shift over time as the ground shifts. This issue is less likely to occur with Techo-Bloc pavers, as these pavers interlock with each other to form a solid surface that will stay in place as time goes by. This sturdy structure limits the cracking and fracturing of the pavers as well. Having interlocked paving stones helps ensure that the walkway or patio installed will last for many years to come.

Call Burkholder Brothers for the Advantages of Techo-Bloc Pavers in Your Project

Techo-Bloc is a high-quality, versatile paver that can be used anywhere within your outdoor landscape. If you are interested in implementing Techo-Bloc into your landscape, Burkholder Brothers is the one-stop-shop for hardscape and landscape design near you. Burkholder’s hardscape and landscape contractors have years of experience serving Main Line Philadelphia communities in professional landscape design, installation, and maintenance. To learn more about the advantages of Techo-Bloc pavers for your home, contact us today!

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The 4 Elements of Professional Turf Care to Help Your Lawn

Everyone will attest to the beauty of a well-cared-for, healthy lawn in a landscape. And while homeowners know the general principles for maintaining a lawn, professional turf care can elevate a lawn from okay to excellent with carefully customized lawn treatment programs.

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4 Elements of Professional Turf Care

The process of turf care is a combination of science and art. As professionals, we are familiar with the scientific aspects of turf care, and we apply the principles through practical knowledge of the art of turf grass management. Today, Burkholder discusses some elements of professional turf care that can improve your lawn’s condition, aesthetics, and value.

1. Irrigation

One of the significant elements of professional turf care is installing a smart irrigation system to keep a lawn watered properly. Homeowners often take care of watering their trees and plants, but yards are too large for homeowners to ensure the correct amount of water to all areas. For best results, a landscape professional will advise the installation of an irrigation system.

Pennsylvania summers can scorch and dry up grass. Maintaining the right soil saturation across a landscape is another factor of keeping a lawn healthy, along with watering at the right time of day consistently. A landscape professional working on lawn and turf care will understand all of these factors and can design an automatic sprinkler irrigation system to save money, water, and hassle.

2. Mowing and Fertilizing

Mowing reduces the work required by the lawn’s root system, and a freshly mowed lawn greatly increases curb appeal. In addition to watering and mowing, other tasks are performed regularly by professional turf and lawn care specialists.

Irrigation sprinkler in flower bed | professional turf care | Burkholder Landscape

Lawn fertilizing is one of those tasks. The frequency, rate and timing of fertilization depend on the species being grown, site conditions (e.g., sun or shade), and other factors such as soil type and pH (acidity or alkalinity). Fertilization increases the amount of nutrients in the soil. These nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, provide numerous benefits. For example, nitrogen is a very beneficial element to add to the grass, helping the lawn recover from environmental stresses, sustaining plant health, and assisting in the production of genetic material that allows plants to grow and reproduce.

Front view of house and lawn | professional turf care | Burkholder Landscape

3. Weeds and Pest Control

Another significant component of professional lawn and turf care programs is the removal and management of unwanted aspects, such as weeds and pests. Removing weeds is effective, but prevention is a weed control focus among landscape professionals. Pulling out unsightly weeds can be the first step, but professionals may use more extensive solutions such as herbicide and other treatments.

Pest control is another essential piece of good lawn care. While some pests can be annoying, others can cause damage to plants and a landscape, especially ones with gardens. Landscapers have a number of pest control solutions, and the best solutions are those that effectively control pests while maintaining the health of the turf.

4. Plant Health Care and Maintenance

Good turf care is an ongoing, long-term process. That process requires ensuring that your turf and soil get the right amount of nutrients. One way to keep your lawn healthy is to aerate periodically. Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate lawn thatch. As a result, grass roots grow deeper and produce a healthier lawn.

The ultimate goal of a professional lawn care company is to keep the entire ecosystem of a lawn healthy. and the payoff of a beautiful, lush yard is more than worth the effort.

Contact Burkholder for Professional Turf Care Today

Burkholder Brothers has been serving Main Line communities for decades, providing a wide range of landscaping services. Our landscapers and designers have years of experience helping many homeowners turn their lawns into beautiful, vibrant landscapes. To see how our professional turf care can help your lawn, contact us today for a consultation.

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3 Benefits of Landscape Design to Improve Your Home

A well-maintained and designed landscape makes a great first impression on those visiting your home. The benefits of landscape design go beyond aesthetics. The professional landscape designers at Burkholder offer some of the ways that landscape design can benefit you and your family.

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Benefits of Landscape Design

Many homeowners start thinking in the spring about ways to enjoy the outdoors. For many, those thoughts lead to a desire to improve their own outdoor living spaces. Below are three reasons that a landscape design project is a great idea.

1. Quality of Life

Landscape design can go a long way to improving the quality of life for you and your family. Green spaces, in general, have been shown to improve the mental and physical health of those who interact with them. For example, if you have a busy schedule with work and family, you may want to have a quiet, relaxing area outdoors to unwind. With landscape design, you can put up barriers such as fences or trees that give you privacy and make your yard quieter. As a result, a yard can be a serene area for those looking to get away from life’s stresses.

front stone walk with manicured plant beds and columned entrance | Benefits of Landscape Design | Burkholder Landscape

Your yard can also promote enjoyable physical activity, such as sports or gardening. You can design your landscape to be wide and open, add various features for entertaining, or even install a swimming pool. Other outdoor features that can improve your quality of life include:

  • Outdoor kitchens
  • Fireplaces
  • Seating & Dining Areas
  • Spas

These features can transform a backyard into whatever you want and need in your life, whether you want a private resort feel or a quiet getaway.

2. Increase Property Value

One of the great benefits of landscape design for the homeowner is that a beautiful, well-maintained landscape increases property values. Homes are more than shelter; homes are investments, and if the investment is in good condition, the value increases. Lawn care provides a return on investment of up to 270 percent. Improving an outdoor space from average to excellent has measurable effects on a home’s value.

Just having trees in a front yard has notable impacts on the property value. For example, large trees in yards along streets increase a home’s value from 3 percent to 15 percent. In addition, a smart sprinkler and irrigation system keeps lawns lush and green. Manicured gardens, well-built structures, and hardscaping such as pools and decks are examples of landscaping improvements that can increase curb appeal to potential buyers.

3. Better Entertainment and Social Value

Our homes and landscapes can allow us to gather and connect with family and friends. Many people’s homes and landscapes are social spaces, and having a welcoming, inviting space that facilitates and enhances social connection is valuable. Landscape design offers many different solutions for improving entertainment in the outdoors. When a home’s living space expands to the outdoors, new experiences unfold.

Here are examples of how landscapes can be used as social spaces and how landscape design can create or enhance those spaces.

  • Outdoor kitchens and grills provide new spaces for dining and engaging with family and friends.
  • Lounge areas with firepits or fireplaces let people relax and have conversations.
  • Lighting creates ambiance and the ability to highlight certain features of a home.
  • Pools and spas allow people to relax and cool off in the summer heat.

Landscaping design provides tremendous benefits for homeowners looking to make their homes centers for community and entertainment.

Contact Burkholder to Gain the Benefits of Landscape Design Today

Burkholder’s team of creative and experienced landscape designers can bring all the benefits of landscape design to your home. Our landscape professionals have served Main Line communities like Malvern, Villanova, and Bryn Mawr for decades, providing a wide range of landscaping services. To learn more about how landscape design can help increase the value and enjoyment of your home, contact us today.

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How to Properly Water New Plants

Every living thing in your landscape needs water to thrive. Therefore, proper watering is vital, whether you are hand-watering planters or using a sprinkler system to achieve a lush green lawn. We will help you understand how to properly water new plants. If you lack the time necessary for such care, we can also help you by installing a customized sprinkler system.

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Tips for Watering New Plants Properly

New plants may have different requirements than those that are established already. The Burkholder team has some tips for adequately watering new plants.

Check All Plants Weekly

Check newly planted trees and shrubs every few days for the first two weeks. Annuals and perennials should be checked more often. After those two weeks, check every 7 to 10 days. Dig around the root zone with your fingers to a depth of 2-3″ for small plants and 6-8″ for larger ones and trees; water generously if the soil feels dry.

Provide Slow, Deep Watering

Another tip to help you properly water new plants is deeper watering. Getting water deeper into the soil is better for your plants’ roots than a shallow, ground surface watering. Place the hose at the base of the plant at a heavy trickle. If you are unsure how long to water new plants, aim for 30-60 seconds for small plants – longer for larger plants while moving the hose to a few locations around the plant.

Sprinkler irrigation system watering flower bed | Properly Water New Plants | Burkholder Brothers Landscape

Avoid watering when the soil feels moist. The earth must be allowed to dry out between watering. If a plant is maintained in constantly moist soil, the plant’s health will deteriorate over time. A plant weakened by overwatering may die of oxygen deprivation or become susceptible to pests and disease. Lawn irrigation systems can help you provide a slow, deep watering close to your plants’ roots.

Adjust Watering as Plants Mature

As your landscape grows more mature, your watering practices may need to be adjusted.

  • You should water daily for the first 2 weeks after planting unless you get rainy weather, but after a month or so, decrease the frequency that you water plants to around 2-3 times a week.
  • In the following months, water less often. As mentioned above, whenever you water your plants, focus on providing water deeper into the ground. Just as for newly planted specimens, established plants and trees need to develop deep roots over time. These deep systems can help the trees survive periods of drought in the summer.

Even though you are less frequently watering, a deep watering provides enough water for the roots without causing issues from overwatering, such as stunted growth or yellowing leaves.

Hose watering plants | Properly Water New Plants | Burkholder Brothers Landscape

Water Early in the Morning

Generally, the ideal time to properly water new plants as well as more mature plants, is early morning. Morning watering maximizes your plants’ chance to absorb all of the water you provide. During the other times of the day, the weather is noticeably hotter. Watering during these times can result in water evaporating. Watering in the morning is especially important when the temperatures are scorching during the summer. The chances of water evaporating then are higher than in other seasons.

You can set a sprinkler irrigation system to activate during any time of the day. So if you want to have consistent watering in the morning, schedule your irrigation system timers accordingly.

Monitor Water Requirements Frequently

Monitoring water requirements frequently is more important than actually watering frequently. Monitor your plants’ water requirements for at least the first two to three years. Plantings close to buildings where heat may reflect, and plants under roof eaves require closer monitoring. During the hot summer months and early fall, disregard natural rainfall. Often, rain received during these periods produces mostly runoff and contributes little to increasing ground moisture.

The Value of Mulch in Helping Your Landscape Thrive

Using mulch, in general, is a good idea because the mulch aids in retaining water. In addition to that factor, mulching around trees and shrubs enables them to more efficiently take in water. Grass around trees and shrubs competes with them for water. Since a healthy grassy area has a dense root system, the trees and shrubs are prevented from developing roots for water intake in the top layers of soil. Having mulch in place of grass allows the trees and shrubs to take in water more easily, so they grow more quickly and with more vigor.

Maintain a 2-2 ½ mulch layer to help conserve ground moisture, prevent weeds, and retain moisture. Remember, excess amounts of mulch will result in poor air circulation and reduce plant vigor. The Burkholder team installs 3” at the time of planting. Install only 1-2” each year thereafter.

Why Use a Sprinkler System for Proper Watering of Plants?

Stress-free, hands-off irrigation of your lawn is possible with an automatic sprinkler system. Today’s sprinkler irrigation systems have zones so that you can program the proper water levels for each aspect of your landscape. So your plant beds can have long, deep watering cycles at the desired frequency, and your grass can get the right amount of water.

Grass watering requirements can vary according to rainfall, whereas much of rainfall is unable to be used by trees and shrubs due to runoff, as previously mentioned. Your irrigation system can be programmed to allow for rainfall’s impact on water levels. You can also be sure that your plants and trees remain healthy when you go on vacation if you have a sprinkler system.

Call Burkholder for Fine Main Line Landscaping and Sprinkler System Services

The team at Burkholder wants you to enjoy one of the best landscapes in your neighborhood, which requires someone to properly water new plants, established plants, and your grass. For more information and helpful ideas, contact us today for a landscaping design consultation.

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What is Turf Care?

Cultivating a beautiful, pristine lawn requires care, and turf care is a significant component of caring for and maintaining a property. But what is turf care, and what does turf care involve? Many people think that turf care is the same as lawn care or yard care. This article will inform you about what turf care is, what is involved, and describe turf care mistakes to avoid.

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What Is Turf, And How Do You Care For Turf?

Before getting into what turf care is, we first need to be clear about what turf is. You have probably heard the words turf, lawn, and yard used interchangeably throughout most of your life. While each of those words is quite similar in terms of their meaning, some notable differences lie between them. Turf is the soil on the ground surface that contains vegetation, usually grass. So when a landscape professional talks about turf, they refer to the layer of soil where the grass is planted.

Turf is also an artificial substitute for natural grasses, which is what you will likely find in sports fields. Turf grasses fall into 2 main categories: warm-season and cool-season grasses.

  • Warm-season grasses like Zoysia and St. Augustine thrive in hotter conditions.
  • Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and perennial ryegrass can handle colder weather.

Turf care is the process of studying and making corrections to soil and grass. Some components of turf care include

  • soil analysis
  • fertilization
  • weed treatment

The goal of turf care is to make turf and lawn healthier, more resistant to pests and disease, and more beautiful and vibrant.

Person laying sod | what is turf care | Burkholder Landscape

Turf Care Mistakes People Make

Turf care may seem simple for most homeowners who want to keep their properties pristine. But on the other hand, many subtleties go into caring for turf and lawns that some homeowners may overlook or be unaware of. To help you avoid these issues and keep your turf and lawn healthy and beautiful, here are 4 turf care mistakes to avoid.

1. Underfeeding Lawns

Grass needs a fair amount of resources to grow throughout the year. Providing too little fertilizer will prevent your grass from looking great year-round. In addition, grass needs to have fertilizer at specific times during the year to maximize the benefits and the chances of looking good during challenging winter and summer seasons. Burkholder can provide turf and lawn care services, giving regular fertilizer and nutrients to your grass and ensuring all areas of your property receive the best care.

Landscaping backyard turf | what is turf care | Burkholder Landscape

2. Improper Watering

Another common turf mistake people make is improperly watering their grass or plants. For example, some homeowners opt to water their grass and plants for 5 to 10 minutes each day. In reality, watering for a longer amount of time and less often would be better. Deep watering provides enough water to travel deeper into the soil and absorb the roots. Weather can also affect how much to water grass. Hot temperatures mean additional watering, while rainfall may mean less or more depending on how much rainfall you get.

3. Mowing a Lawn Too Short

Grass plants grow root systems in proportion to their top growth, which means that when someone cuts their lawn too short, the grass is unable to make enough sugars for the roots to grow deeper into the soil. Those shallow roots can cause further turf and lawn issues, such as allowing the ground to absorb more sunlight, leading to weeds growing. Each grass type has a different ideal height, so reach out to Burkholder Landscape if you want to make sure your grass is the proper height.

4. Letting Weeds Grow

One of the other turf care mistakes people can make is inaction regarding weeds, letting them spread. Even a single weed can produce seeds to spread throughout an entire lawn, leading to more weeds down the road. By the time homeowners remove them, bare spots could appear that are fertile ground for even more weeds. A landscape professional can help you identify weeds early and has the tools and methods to remove them without harming your lawn.

Contact Burkholder Brothers for Turf Care Services

Do you want turf care services 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.

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