http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/ Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape - Blog RSS Feed 2.0 en-us Fri, 29 Apr 2022 05:15:19 GMT Fri, 29 Apr 2022 05:15:19 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/8782/Here-s-Why-You-Should-Use-Native-Plants-In-Your-Landscaping blog At Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape we know that you care about the environment just as much as we do. Using plants that are native to your home's surroundings is better for your environment, they are more sustainable, protect local wildlife, and will need less help adapting to their new environment! Let's break down why adding native plants in your landscaping this summer is a good idea. Easy Care Native plants are low maintenance. Since these plants are already native to your home's specific climate, it will take far less effort for them to acclimate to their new surroundings. Already being adjusted to your home's climate also means your native plants will have a much lower demand for resources such as water or fertilizer which will save you money and time! You may need to help these plants grow a little bit initially, but once they are established in your landscaping they will need little to no help thriving year after year! Connection Using native plants in your landscaping can give your home a sense of place. Just one step into your yard and you're transported into the local wilderness even if you live in a city! Plants can be a great way to connect to a place. Using native plants in your landscaping provides a sense of connection to the land your home is located on and shows respect to the wildlife that is already there.  Supporting Local Wildlife Utilizing native plants in your landscaping will help support your local ecosystem. Native plants and flowers provide shelter and food for local butterflies, birds, bats, squirrels, and other life forms that may live in your neck of the woods. By planting foliage that is native to your home's landscape you will be supporting the health and well being of your neighborhood's local ecosystem and supporting local pollinators! Surviving Weather Extremes Another great perk of using native plants in your landscaping is that they are much more resilient to extreme weather patterns. Some landscaping foliage have tendencies to become droopy in the summer or frost over and die in the winter. Native plants are more adjusted to the extreme weather patterns in your area and have a much higher chance of surviving scorching summers or freezing winters! Non-invasive In general native plants are non-invasive species, which is better for your garden and your wallet. When you are deciding what foliage to choose for your landscaping it is important to look up plants that are invasive to your home's landscape as to not contribute to a problem of overpopulation within your community. Invasive plants can control all other growth in your garden so using native plants can eliminate this issue and will save you money and time! Are you ready to landscape your home this summer? Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape can help you with all of your summer landscaping, outdoor lighting, patio, outdoor kitchen, and pavement needs! Contact Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape today and talk to our experts about creating your dream home this summer! Thu, 14 Apr 2022 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/8782/Here-s-Why-You-Should-Use-Native-Plants-In-Your-Landscaping http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/8717/Here-s-Why-You-Should-Use-Mulch-In-Your-Landscaping blog Whether your landscaping is already done or you are still planning it out, using mulch around your home can have a lot of benefits for your home and landscape. What is mulch? Mulch is typically made of organic materials such as tree bark, wood chips, leaves, moss, newspaper, or compost. Let's take a closer look at how mulch can positively affect your soil health and plants! Organic Compost The first reason that you should use mulch in your landscaping is because it will help to protect and nourish your soil. Mulch made with organic materials will break down over time. Insects and other small organisms will naturally absorb the mulch and leave recycled organic matter behind! This added nourishment will keep your soil in good condition and healthy soil will lead to healthy and happy plants! Weed Repellent The second reason that you should be using mulch in your landscaping is because it can fight off weeds! Adding two to three inches of mulch in your landscaping and around your house will naturally lower your chances of weeds. The mulch will block access to sunlight and make it difficult for weeds to sprout. Little to no weeds sprouting in your landscaping will keep your home looking picture perfect! Looking Sharp Another reason mulch is right for your landscaping is for the color and visual appeal. Colored mulches can be used and matched to your home to accent common hues or provide a pop of color. Utilizing colored mulch will give your landscaping a polished finish and accentuate the trees, shrubs, and flowers around your home.  Water Conservation Another great benefit of using mulch in your landscaping is that mulch will help conserve moisture in your soil. This will decrease water evaporation and will greatly help your thirsty plants to flourish. Now that you won't need to water your foliage as much, you can spend more time with your family or doing hobbies you love. Not to mention, less water being used on your plants means more money stays in your pocket!  Insulation Another amazing benefit of using mulch in your garden is that it will act as a natural insulator for your soil. This will help control the soil temperature around your plants. You may be thinking that soil temperature is not important, however mulch can keep your plants cool during the summer and warm during the winter. If you add new plants to your garden in the fall, mulch can greatly increase their survival rate as their small roots get acclimated to their new home whilst temperatures drop outside.  Are you ready to add mulch to your landscaping? Look no further because Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape has got your covered! Contact Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape today to speak to our experts about which type of mulch is right for your home! Thu, 24 Mar 2022 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/8717/Here-s-Why-You-Should-Use-Mulch-In-Your-Landscaping http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/8658/Why-You-Should-Add-Outdoor-Lighting-To-Your-Backyard-This-Spring blog Whether you recently got some landscaping done or have had the same backyard look for awhile, this is your sign to spruce things up a bit this spring! Adding some cool outdoor lights to your backyard can truly transform your space. Let's take a look at some of the benefits that adding outdoor lights to your landscaping can have! Aesthetic The first reason that adding some outdoor lights to your backyard may be just what it needs is to make your yard more aesthetically pleasing! Whether it's just you enjoy an evening cup of tea or if you are making s'mores with family and friends, some outdoor lights are sure to add some extra pizazz to your backyard. Kids will love letting their imaginations run wild as they play in the grass and you will love the calming effect and cozy feeling outdoor lighting can give your home! See Clearly Another main reason to add outdoor lighting to your home is so that you, your family, and guests can see better while they are outside. When the sun goes down it gets pretty dark! Having extra lighting to light up your sidewalks, paths, and home can decrease the likelihood of someone tripping due to a lack of light! Environmentally Speaking Adding outdoor lighting to your home is an easy and cheap way to spruce up your pathways and garden. There are many different types of outdoor lighting fixtures to choose from. However, solar powered lights are the best option for you to add to your garden at little to no cost. Afterall, the sun's power is free! Some charming outdoor lighting can add to your landscaping and can be done all while still being environmentally friendly! Improve Security We know that outdoor lighting can help to light up your path and allow you to see better, but have you ever considered the extra security outdoor lighting can give your home? Having added light in front or behind of your home can help to deter potential robbers or package thieves from approaching your house. If you already have security cameras set up on your front porch, outdoor lighting will illuminate the images captured outside so that if something does happen you will have a better chance at figuring out who has been snooping around your property! Adding outdoor lighting to your landscaping can be both fun and beneficial for your family. You don't need to strain your eyes after dusk in order to see where you are going. Add some outdoor lighting to your yard! Timers or automatic light exposure settings can even be used for your lights so that they automatically turn off when you no longer need them! Ready to add some lighting to your landscaping? Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape has got you covered on all of your landscaping needs, including outdoor lighting! Contact Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape today to talk to our experts about what lighting is right for your home! Fri, 11 Mar 2022 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/8658/Why-You-Should-Add-Outdoor-Lighting-To-Your-Backyard-This-Spring http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6806/How-to-Prepare-Your-Denver-Home-s-Outdoor-Kitchen-for-Fall blog An outdoor kitchen is one of the best things you can add to your yard. It increases your entertainment space and gives your family an extra set of tools to help prepare amazing meals that you can enjoy together. Though these areas are best for spring and summer use, there's no reason that you can't use them during the cooler months and even into the winter. You just need to get the space ready for the colder weather at the same time that you're turning your attention to your Denver landscaping. Here's what you'll need to do. Pay Attention to the Weather If you have outdoor plumbing fixtures set up to make your kitchen space more usable, you'll want to keep an eye on the weather conditions. If the temperatures are going to drop below freezing for several hours at a time, you'll want to either leave the taps running overnight or shut off the water supply to the outdoor kitchen. This will keep the plumbing from freezing and reduces the risk of ruptured pipes ruining your outdoor kitchen and your home maintenance budget. Invest in Outdoor Space Heaters If you're going to use your outdoor kitchen frequently, the last thing you want to deal with is having to bundle up just to cook your meal. If possible, invest in outdoor heaters to help you keep the kitchen area warm and comfortable while you're working. Both propane and electric models work well and can stand up to the demands of Colorado weather without issue. Keep in mind that propane heaters may be more efficient in the long run, but they can cost more upfront. Shop around and choose the heaters that work best for your needs and your budget. Clean Your Appliances Keeping your appliances clean is tough when you're using them often, but fall is the perfect time to give them a little extra TLC. Heat your grill to remove any food debris from the grates. Use a stiff-bristled metal brush to scrape away any remaining gunk and follow that up with a natural horsehair brush once the grill grates cool to remove any debris left behind by the metal brush. Remove the grates and use a degreaser to clean out your grill's basin. This will get rid of debris and reduce the risk of rodents and unwanted pests nesting in your grill during the winter months. Even better, it will make cleaning your grill easier in the future. Keeping Your Outdoor Kitchen in Good Shape Is Easy Though you'll likely want to spend more time preparing meals indoors once the temperatures start to drop, you can still get great use out of your space when fall is in full swing. Keep these tips in mind and you'll be able to prepare your outdoor kitchen for cooler weather without a problem. If you notice any issues or hazards in the course of your cold-weather preparations, don't hesitate to contact our team and schedule a consultation. We'll help you keep your kitchen running properly all winter long.   Mon, 04 Oct 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6806/How-to-Prepare-Your-Denver-Home-s-Outdoor-Kitchen-for-Fall http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6781/Caring-for-Your-Xeriscaped-Denver-Landscape-Design-in-Fall blog When it comes to caring for your Denver landscaping, you know that colder weather presents an entirely new set of challenges. That's part of why so many Denver homeowners choose to incorporate xeriscaping into their designs. However, just because the desert landscaping style is easier to care for doesn't mean you can neglect it entirely when the weather turns. You still need to maintain your xeriscaping elements during the winter months. If you're not sure where to start, don't panic. Here are a few key things to take care of once fall is in full swing. Water While You Can Even xeriscaped yards still need to be watered if you want the plants to thrive. However, once the temperatures drop, your watering schedule will need to change. As a general rule, you can continue to water anytime the temperatures are above freezing and the ground isn't frozen solid. Just make sure to water during the middle of the day and stop before the ground has a chance to freeze at night. This will keep your plants in better shape for longer. Make Use of Mulch Even the hardiest desert plants need added protection from frost and erosion. Spread a layer of mulch around the plant beds and cover the roots thoroughly. Over the course of the winter, the mulch will break down and replenish the nutrient content in the soil. Come spring, your plants will be able to grow more effectively earlier in the season. Give Hardscape Elements a Good Cleaning One of the key elements of any good xeriscape design is hardscape elements. These can take the form of decorative rocks, retaining walls, walkways, and benches. Over the course of the summer, they can get dirtier than you expect. As part of your fall maintenance routine, give those elements a good deep cleaning. Use pressure washers to scrub dirt and lichen off of paving stones and flagstones. Sweep loose gravel back into the beds and scrub down any benches you have in your yard. This will give the space a clean and refreshed appearance for the winter months and makes getting the yard ready in the spring much easier. Do a Final Weeding Session Weeds have a way of popping up late into the growing season. Stay on top of things by weeding your yard before the weather shifts for good. Avoid using commercial weed killers as these can hurt the rest of your yard and put the health of your pets and any wildlife in the area at risk. Leave It to the Pros If all else fails or you're not sure what types of maintenance your yard needs, don't leave it up to chance. Schedule an appointment with Wild Irishman Tree & Landscape. Our experienced team will help you get your yard ready for everything winter can throw its way. No matter what type of plants or landscape design you have in place, we're here to help. Once spring rolls around, we'll be able to get your yard ready for the growing season quickly, too.  Mon, 20 Sep 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6781/Caring-for-Your-Xeriscaped-Denver-Landscape-Design-in-Fall http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6760/How-Landscape-Lighting-Improves-Your-Denver-Landscaping-Efforts-in-the-Fall blog The weather in Denver just can't be beaten. Sunny days are abundant and the temperatures are mild well into late autumn. However, once the leaves drop and your flowering plants stop producing new growth, you'll need to find other ways to make your Denver landscape design pop. Landscape lighting is one of the most effective ways to make your design more impactful. Here's how. Adds Warmth to Certain Areas During the warmer months, your plants add life, warmth, and color to your yard. Once they fade, those spaces can look underwhelming and even detract from your home's exterior. Installing outdoor lighting fixtures with warm, yellow light bulbs can make those areas feel more vibrant. You're able to point the lights at features you want to highlight, further drawing peoples' eyes away from the underperforming landscaping and plants until spring rolls back around. The more warmth you can add to your landscaping, the more inviting your property will look to your guests and neighbors. You Can Decorate With Color Outdoor lighting doesn't have to be boring. You're always free to change the bulbs out and swap the colors whenever you need a change. Use this to your advantage and update your yard for the holidays without having to install new decorations on your lawn or risk damaging your trees. Think about the types of colors you want to look at and select bulbs accordingly. Just make sure to invest in LED bulbs. This way, you'll be able to leave the lights on for hours on end without wrecking your electric bill. Even better, the light bulbs will last for years so you won't have to worry about spending additional money every year just to decorate your yard. Boosts Your Property's Safety Even small accent lights for your landscaping can seriously improve safety on your property. Since the sun sets a lot earlier, it's common for you and your family to be returning home in the dark. This increases your risk of tripping hazards when you're least expecting them. Adding outdoor lighting to your landscape design, even if you're just using it to add flair and color can provide just enough ambient light to help you spot potential hazards quickly. Don't worry—you don't have to go to the trouble to install dedicated walkway lighting or add new fixtures to your design. Even a single bulb can make a huge difference. Upgrade Your Yard With the Right Lights If you're looking for a simple way to upgrade your yard's fall landscape design, adding outdoor lights to your property is a great way to do just that. If you're not sure where to start or haven't paid attention to your existing landscape lighting, don't panic. Schedule a consultation with Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape. We'll help you create the yard of your dreams at an affordable price whether you're looking to add a few extra light fixtures or want to completely overhaul your home's landscape design. Contact us today to get started. Fri, 10 Sep 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6760/How-Landscape-Lighting-Improves-Your-Denver-Landscaping-Efforts-in-the-Fall http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6730/Denver-Landscaping-Experts-Weigh-In-on-Projects-That-increase-Your-Home-s-Resale-Value blog No matter what type of home you have, you want a way to make it feel like your own. If you're like most homeowners, you're probably thinking of investing in some simple home improvement projects. The best place to start with those projects is your backyard and landscaping. But if you're careful, those home improvement tasks might just add value to your home in a big way. Here are some of our recommendations that will transform your yard and increase your home's resale value should you decide to sell in the future. Build Out a Deck The Denver metro area gets some amazingly nice weather in the spring, summer, and fall. Why not use this to your advantage and create an outdoor deck in your backyard? When you build with high-quality materials that can withstand the elements for years, you're doing more than creating a place to stash your grill and patio furniture. You're building an outdoor living area that your family can enjoy for years. The right deck can increase your home's value and make it stand out in the minds of prospective buyers when you decide to sell. Install Outdoor Lighting There's more to outdoor lighting than just illuminating walkways. It can highlight landscaping elements and draw attention away from parts of your yard that you don't want people to notice. But most importantly, it can make your home less of a target for thieves and vandals. If you're looking for a simple way to elevate your yard, upgrading your landscape lighting is a great choice. If you decide to sell, those lights will make your home more marketable and may just help you get a higher asking price. Invest in Your Lawn Believe it or not, the plants you have on your property have a huge impact on your home's resale value. While trees definitely offer the best return, investing in your lawn is the best way to boost curb appeal. If you don't already have an automatic sprinkler system installed, get one as soon as you can. This way, your lawn maintenance will be minimal and you'll be able to enjoy that lush green grass every spring and summer while you're in your home. If real grass isn't your thing or you don't want to deal with a high-maintenance lawn, you can always install synthetic grass. Build an Outdoor Kitchen If you're the type of person who would rather spend every evening outdoors, an outdoor kitchen is an absolute must. You can add just about any feature you want from refrigerators and stoves to epic built-in grills and smokers. The only limits are your imagination and your budget. But when you choose high-quality elements, that outdoor kitchen will make your home more marketable and can increase the property value of your house significantly.  No matter what you're looking to do with your landscaping, the team at Wild Irishman can bring your dreams to life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our pros help you create a backyard that looks and feels like paradise. Tue, 31 Aug 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6730/Denver-Landscaping-Experts-Weigh-In-on-Projects-That-increase-Your-Home-s-Resale-Value http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6664/How-to-Create-a-Wind-Resistant-Denver-Landscape-Design blog If you've lived on the Front Range for even just a few months, you know that high winds are a huge problem. They take down tree limbs, destroy fences, and ruin sensitive flowers and plants in a matter of minutes. Though those annoying windstorms are common, you don't have to settle for repairing damage several times each year. You just need to be proactive. Here's what you need to do to create a wind-resistant Denver landscape for your home. Go With Native Plants One of the main reasons that so many Denver homeowners have issues with wind damage is because they landscape with non-native plants. These plants come from completely different climates and work best in different types of soil. Since the soil conditions in Denver may not be ideal, those plants are particularly susceptible to wind damage.  The easiest way to keep wind damage from being an issue is to plant native species in your garden and landscape. These plants are uniquely suited to Denver's soil conditions and are more likely to take root quickly. Once they do, they'll be able to withstand high winds without experiencing extensive damage.  Keep Your Trees Trimmed Falling branches are a huge problem for homeowners across the Denver metro area. Not only do they damage the trees and surrounding landscaping, but they also put your home at risk. Though there's no way to completely prevent limbs from coming down, you can reduce the risk by keeping your trees trimmed and pruned properly.  Instead of trying to handle the task on your own, leave it to an experienced tree care specialist. They know how to properly trim trees without damaging their health or introducing new disease and pests to the sensitive trunk.  Make Sure Your Fences Are in Good Shape If you have a fenced backyard, you know that protecting your fence from wind damage can be tough. Panels get blown over and falling tree limbs crush supports if you're not careful. The easiest way to keep your fence in good shape during windstorms is to stay on top of preventative maintenance.  Get your fence inspected at least once a year and make sure the entire fence line is in good shape. If it's not, take care of repairs as quickly as possible. The sooner you do, the stronger the rest of the fence will be and the less likely it is that you'll have serious damage to contend with.  Work With an Expert No matter what type of landscape design you have at your home, working with an experienced professional is the best way to keep your plants healthy throughout the year. If you're ready to get your yard ready for the Colorado wind, don't wait. Contact Wild Irishman Tree and Landscapes and let us help you create a strategy for your property.  Whether you're looking for a bit of preventative maintenance or want to redo your entire design, we're here to help. Schedule a free estimate today and see the difference that a properly manicured landscape can make for your home.   Mon, 09 Aug 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6664/How-to-Create-a-Wind-Resistant-Denver-Landscape-Design http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6464/How-to-Maintain-Your-Denver-Landscape-s-Water-Feature blog Water features are a wonderful way to depth and dynamic to your home's Denver landscape design. Like other hardscaping features, they're available in different textures and can fit in with just about any yard. Though they add beauty without dramatically increasing the amount of work you'll have to put into your landscaping, they're not without their issues. You still need to maintain and care for your water features every week. Here are a few key things you'll need to do to keep your water features looking their best year-round. Skim Away Debris Plant matter, trash, and other waste often end up in the water and mar the way your water feature looks. You'll need to clean out that debris every week or two to keep things looking fresh and clean. For small water features, use a fine-mesh net to scoop out the trash yourself. If you have a larger water feature, you can invest in a mechanical skimmer that automatically keeps the water clean. Just make sure to dump the basket every week or two to avoid clogs and damage. Keep an Eye on the Water Level It's normal for water to evaporate off, especially during the warmer months. Get in the habit of checking the water level in your water feature every other week. If you notice it getting low, add more water to the system. If you're filling a fountain or a decorative lined pond, you can use the garden hose to fill it back up. However, if you have a fish pond, you'll want to make sure the water you add won't hurt the fish. Ask your local pet store or veterinarian for advice on how to properly prepare water for your fish.  Landscape the Surrounding Area Believe it or not, your yard's landscaping can play a major role in the health of your water feature. Use this to your advantage and keep the plants surrounding the feature in good condition. Water them regularly and be mindful of how they're performing each week. If you need to trim them back, collect the plant waste and toss it in the trash at the end of the session. Keep the Water Moving When water is stagnant, it attracts mosquitoes, develops algae, and gets gunky quickly. The easiest way to keep it clean and clear is to keep the water moving. If you have a fountain, make sure to run it through the cycle regularly. If you have a pond, invest in a pump or aerator to keep the water circulating.  Well-Maintained Water Features Are a Great Investment One of the best things you can do for your property is to install a water feature. If you decide to take the leap, keep these maintenance tips in mind and you'll be able to enjoy your features for years to come. Just make sure you work with an experienced team to handle the placement and installation. At Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape, we'll help you find the perfect place for your water feature and can outline the exact steps you'll need to follow to keep it looking like-new year-round. Thu, 17 Jun 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6464/How-to-Maintain-Your-Denver-Landscape-s-Water-Feature http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6410/How-to-Clean-Patio-Pavers-in-Your-Denver-Landscape-Design blog Your patio and walkways do more for your yard than you think. They guide the eye and help you draw attention away from features you don't want to highlight. They give you a safe and steady place to walk, lounge, and relax, and expand your home's living area into the outdoors. But when they're dirty, dingy, or otherwise look worn down, they can detract from your Denver landscaping has on guests and visitors. Luckily, they're relatively easy to clean. You just need to know where to start. Here are a few tried-and-true methods that will get your pavers looking like-new in no time. Reach for Your Dish Soap Believe it or not, dish soap is one of the most effective ways to get rid of mildew, algae, and stains on most patio pavers. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a generous squirt of dish soap to the mix. Stir it together and, with a stiff, nylon-bristled scrub brush, work the dirt and grime away from the surface of your pavers. Rinse the stones with clean water when you're done and your patio should look like new. Use Vinegar White vinegar has long been touted as a safe, natural all-purpose household cleaner, but did you know that you can use it on your pavers? You can! And it's especially great for really dirty stones as it can power through most gunk and grime quickly. Add equal parts white vinegar and water to a bucket or clean milk jug and pour the solution over the stones. Let it sit for about an hour and finish cleaning the stones with the same dish soap and water technique described above. Pressure Wash the Stones Pressure washing is one of the fastest and most effective ways to get rid of buildup on your patio, walkways, and even your deck. But it's not something you should do lightly or often. The force of the water can cause the pavers to wear down more quickly than they otherwise would. Worse, it can weaken any grout between the stones.  That said, if you can't remember the last time you cleaned your pavers, you should be fine to use a pressure washer. Rent one from your local hardware store and use it to blast away the stains and dirt. Start from one end of the patio or walkway and work your way down. The result will be a completely clean surface that will likely be a few shades lighter than you were expecting.  Don't Hesitate to Ask for Help There is one downside to the cleaning process—you're more likely to notice missing or damaged pavers than you would if you left them dirty. That doesn't mean you need to find a replacement and install it yourself. All you need to do is schedule an estimate with our team. We'll inspect your pavers and flagstones for damage and will take care of the repairs quickly so you can get back to enjoying your patio in no time. Don't wait. Reach out today and book an appointment now.  Fri, 11 Jun 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6410/How-to-Clean-Patio-Pavers-in-Your-Denver-Landscape-Design http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6364/Surprising-Benefits-of-Installing-a-Sprinkler-System-for-Your-Denver-Landscape blog As a homeowner, you know that keeping your Denver landscaping looking great year-round is always a priority. When it's growing well, your house stands out from others on the block, but no matter what plants you have, you know that it takes time and effort to keep your yard looking beautiful. There are ways to streamline the process and installing a sprinkler system is one of the best options you have. Here are a few benefits you'll see from installing a system on your property. You'll Save Yourself Time If you've ever tried to water your yard by hand, you know just how long the process can take. You have to go from plant to plant, lugging a heavy watering can or cumbersome hose and give the plants enough water to keep them hydrated, but not so much that they get flooded out. The process can take well over an hour if you have a large yard. With a sprinkler system, you won't have to worry about hand-watering. The sprinklers will turn on when you tell them to, water your yard, and turn off on their own once the cycle is done. You'll be able to focus on taking care of other tasks or relax and enjoy your time at home. You Won't Have to Remember a Schedule Most modern sprinkler systems are equipped with a programmable timer. This means you're free to set the system to turn on when you want it to, however often you need it to. Once you set the timer up, the system will work whether you're home or not. You'll never have to worry about remembering to water the plants or have to struggle to keep track of your watering schedule on top of your already packed list of responsibilities. As an added bonus, the system will also make it easy for you to care for your landscaping while you're away on vacation. The plants will get watered as normal without you having to pay someone to see to them. They're Low-Maintenance When you invest in a high-quality sprinkler system, you won't have to worry about constant maintenance or expensive repairs popping up every few months. They're designed to work properly and without issue for years as long as you schedule annual tune-ups for the system. All you have to do is keep the sprinkler heads free and clear of debris and make sure not to set anything on top of them out in the yard. As long as you do, your system will work properly and you'll be able to keep your yard well-watered throughout the growing season without physical effort. Install Your System Now It's never too soon to start thinking about your home's landscaping. Contact us today to schedule an estimate and let our team help you find the best sprinkler and irrigation systems for your yard and your budget. The sooner they're installed, the better off your garden and your lawn will be when the growing season starts up again.  Tue, 08 Jun 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6364/Surprising-Benefits-of-Installing-a-Sprinkler-System-for-Your-Denver-Landscape http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6338/Selling-Your-House--Here-s-Why-You-Need-to-Hire-a-Denver-Landscaping-Team- blog Deciding to sell your home is exciting and stressful. You have a lot to prepare for, but the most daunting part is often getting your house ready for showings, open houses, and prospective buyers driving by. You need to make sure your home's exterior looks as good as possible. Otherwise, you'll end up detracting from your home's drive-up appeal and could prevent people from wanting to tour your home in the first place. While it is possible to spruce up your yard on your own, it's almost always best to leave it to a pro. Here's why you should hire an experienced Denver landscaper when you're selling your home. They Know What Works When you plant things on your own, it's easy to accidentally crowd plants or invest in options that will take months to grow when you only have a few weeks. This can leave you with an underperforming and underwhelming exterior right when your first open house rolls around.  When you hire a professional, you get to rely on their knowledge to create a yard that will be the envy of the neighborhood. They know what works, which plants will grow quickly, and which ones need to be planted in specific parts of your yard. They've tried everything in the past and are better able to work with your tight time-line. Saves You Time Selling your house is time-consuming. You'll have more than enough work on your hands just getting the interior of your house ready for showings. You don't have time to spend in the yard, helping your landscaping recover from a long winter.  Hiring a landscaping team to take care of the tasks for you will save you time and help reduce your stress levels when you have dozens of other tasks to worry about. Even better, you can get them to come back every week or two to keep your plants looking pristine while your home is on the market.  Gives Your Lawn Much-Needed TLC While your garden beds and accent plants are there to help add color and make your house pop, many homebuyers actively look at the condition of your lawn when judging your house. When it's in good shape and growing as well as others on your block, they'll be more interested in your house. However, if it's brown, patchy, or overgrown, they'll be less enthusiastic about touring your house. Hiring a professional will let you give your lawn the TLC it needs to look great anytime someone drives by. They'll handle everything from fertilizing to mowing so you can focus on keeping your home clean inside so surprise showings won't feel quite so nerve-wracking! Make an Appointment as Soon as You List Your House Once you make the decision to list your house and start trying to find a buyer, don't wait. Schedule an appointment with Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape. We'll help you get your yard ready for showings so prospective buyers will be wowed the moment they drive up.  Tue, 01 Jun 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6338/Selling-Your-House--Here-s-Why-You-Need-to-Hire-a-Denver-Landscaping-Team- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6327/Four-Mistakes-to-Avoid-When-Creating-an-Outdoor-Kitchen-From-Your-Denver-Landscaping-Pros blog When it comes to making your Denver landscape design stand out from others on your block, few things do the trick like a beautiful outdoor kitchen. It expands your outdoor living space and makes your yard more usable when the weather is perfect. However, you need to make sure your outdoor kitchen is designed the right way. Unfortunately for many homeowners, mistakes are common. Here are a few key mistakes you'll want to avoid when creating an outdoor kitchen that actually adds value to your home. 1. Not Giving Yourself Enough Space Ultimately, the bigger your outdoor kitchen space is, the more expensive it will be. This is because you're paying for more materials and the labor to install them correctly. That doesn't mean you should do everything you can to save money by keeping the space small. Think about your needs and the types of features you want to add to your kitchen when planning the design. Give yourself enough space to accommodate all the must-haves without the kitchen feeling cramped. Remember, the last thing you want to do is feel like you can't cook outside because you lack the space. 2. Position Your Grill the Right Way Outdoor kitchens double as entertainment spaces. This means you want to be able to feel like you're part of the action while you're cooking. Think about where your friends and family will be gathering anytime you're outside. Then, make sure you position the grill so you're facing the action, not turned away from it. This will make it easier for you to be involved in the conversation while you whip up your famous ribs or perfectly cooked steaks.  3. Not Investing in Good Materials Your budget is important, but that doesn't mean you should cut corners on quality just to save money. When you do, you'll end up with a high-maintenance design that won't stand up to regular use. Instead, work with a professional design team and let them help you figure out where you can cut costs and which components are worth the extra money. When you do, you'll end up with a kitchen you truly love using. 4. Ignoring Lighting You wouldn't dream of cooking in a dark or dimly lit kitchen. So, why would you want to cook in a poorly lit outdoor space? You wouldn't! Invest in proper outdoor lighting for the space. Add task lighting around prep areas and grills so you can see what you're doing even when the sun sets for the night. This will help you be able to use it longer throughout the year and makes the space more versatile. Get Help With Your Design If you're looking to build an outdoor kitchen in your backyard, don't try to handle it on your own. Schedule a consultation with the experts at Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape. We'll help you figure out which components you want, which you need, and can bring your dreams to life in no time. Contact us today to see first-hand how we can help. Fri, 21 May 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6327/Four-Mistakes-to-Avoid-When-Creating-an-Outdoor-Kitchen-From-Your-Denver-Landscaping-Pros http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6304/Denver-Landscaper-Shares-How-to-Get-Rid-of-Weeds-on-Your-Patio-Pavers blog A patio is one of the most versatile additions you can have in your yard. It's the perfect outdoor entertainment spot, a place to hose down the dog after a springtime rainstorm, and it's ideal for relaxing in the summer sun. But almost all patios have a common problem that homeowners struggle to deal with: unexpected weed growth. You take pride in your Denver landscaping and when your patio looks overgrown, it can make the rest of your yard look the same. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get rid of those unwanted weeds once and for all.  Use Baking Soda Spreading toxins and poisons will get rid of your weeds, but they can also damage the rest of your landscaping. Instead of grabbing a commercial weed killer, pull some baking soda out of the pantry. Dampen the soil around the weeds with the hose and then spread a thick layer of baking soda over the weeds. The baking soda soaks into the soil and the weeds' roots, overloading them so they can't continue to grow. You can even use the baking soda to prevent future growth once you get rid of the original weeds. Just spread a thin layer in the cracks between the pavers and reapply every month or after a heavy rainstorm.  Boil a Pot of Water Believe it or not, boiling water is also an incredibly effective way to kill unwanted weeds. The high temperatures shock the weeds' roots and kill their ability to grow. After a few days, you should be able to pull the weed up easily. Best of all, it can even help clean your pavers, making your patio look better throughout the year. Just take care not to let the boiling water seep into plants you want to keep. Those high temperatures can kill them just as easily as the weeds you want to get rid of.  Pressure Wash Your Pavers Pressure washing is arguably one of the simplest and fastest ways to breathe new life into your pavers. All you have to do is rent a pressure washer unit from a local hardware store, plug it in, and start spraying the pavers. The water will have enough pressure to remove stuck on dirt, algae, and grime from the pavers themselves and will obliterate the weeds growing in the cracks. For best results, you'll want to do this at least twice a year. The weeds may come back between washings, but they'll do so more slowly. Fill the Cracks Weeds can't grow in the cracks if they don't have space. Consider filling in the cracks with polymeric sand to keep the weeds at bay. This sand is incredibly fine-grained and has added silica which helps keep weeds from taking root. Even better, it acts as a binder for the pavers, making them stronger and more resistant to those wintertime freeze and thaw patterns we see so often. These simple tips will help you keep the weeds at bay for months to come. But if you feel overwhelmed or aren't sure where to start with repairing your patio, drop us a line and let our team help. Thu, 13 May 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6304/Denver-Landscaper-Shares-How-to-Get-Rid-of-Weeds-on-Your-Patio-Pavers http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6292/-Compost-vs--Mulch--Which-One-Is-Right-for-Your-Denver-Landscaping- blog Giving your landscaping the tools and resources it needs to thrive during the growing season is the best way to make sure your plants perform the way you want them to. While the exact needs will vary from yard to yard, most Denver landscapes can benefit from the addition of compost or mulch in garden beds. If you're new to adding these substances to your yard, you may not understand how each one works, or which one is best for your property. Here's what you need to know.  What Compost Is Compost is made up of broken-down organic material like food scraps, paper, coffee grounds, eggshells, and even old plants. Most gardeners and landscapers use compost to enrich their soils with nutrients from those organic materials. As food waste breaks down, it doesn't lose nutrients. Instead, it just compresses into super-concentrated nutrient-dense muck. The process can take several months before the materials are broken down enough to use in your garden. But once you do, the compost acts almost like a natural fertilizer when spread throughout the soil in your garden. It enriches the soil and gives your plants added nutrition without the use of harsh chemicals and ingredients that can damage plants if not properly applied. What Mulch Is Mulch is also made up of organic material, but it's something that can be used as soon as it's created. It's made up of chopped up bits of wood. Most often, the wood is collected by tree companies and landscaping companies that break down fallen limbs and pruned materials in a dedicated woodchipper. This creates small chunks of wood that's still full of the same nutrients the tree used to grow.  You don't have to wait for several months before the mulch is considered ready. And since it's made up of chunks of wood, you don't need to combine it with your soil. Instead, you simply spread the mulch over the top layer of soil. As the materials break down through exposure to the sun's UV rays, wind, and water, the nutrients in the mulch will get deposited into the soil, further helping your plants grow well. Which One Should You Use? Ultimately, choosing between mulch and compost can be a tough choice. In most cases, landscapes can benefit from both. But it largely depends on what you want to achieve. If you want a natural alternative to fertilizer, spreading compost is your best bet. But if you want to protect your soil from erosion and add a unique touch of color and texture to your garden bed, mulch is your best choice. It helps hold the soil in place and keeps the Denver winds from sweeping away layers of dirt. Keeping Your Landscaping Pristine Is Simple Combining both mulch and compost into your normal garden maintenance plan is the best way to keep your yard looking great year-round. Even better, it dramatically reduces the risk of nutrient-dense soil losing its impact. Contact us today to learn which option is best for your property and let our team help you keep your yard looking great at all times.  Mon, 10 May 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6292/-Compost-vs--Mulch--Which-One-Is-Right-for-Your-Denver-Landscaping- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6222/How-to-Incorporate-a-Vegetable-Garden-into-Your-Denver-Landscaping blog If you're like most homeowners, your landscaping is in place to make your yard and your home look more appealing and gives you the chance to create an outdoor paradise your entire family can enjoy. That doesn't mean you can't make your landscaping productive. Adding a vegetable garden is a great way to get the kids involved while giving you a chance to save on your weekly grocery bill. You just need to know where to start and how to incorporate your garden into your existing Denver landscape design without taking away from the features you already love. Here are a few tips to help. Incorporate Veggies Into Existing Planters Did you know that kale comes in many different varieties and can easily double as a decorative plant? The same holds true for lettuces, chard, and even cabbages. Look at your existing planters and see if you have empty space that can serve as a good spot for your new leafy greens garden. You'll be planting food both for your family to enjoy and for passersby to admire. Even better, you're able to harvest leafy greens by the leaf. You won't have to remove the whole plant anytime you want to add kale to a smoothie or eat a fresh salad. Set Aside a Designated Garden Area The easiest way to create a thriving and beautiful vegetable garden is to build a designated garden space in your yard. This may mean removing some of your existing landscaping features or repurposing part of your lawn to accommodate a raised garden bed. If you're just starting out, it's okay to keep things on the small side. Try it out for a season and if you love it, you can always expand your garden bed to make room for more plants. If you have to remove your existing landscaping features to make room, don't panic. It may be possible to simply move them to a new spot in the yard.  Opt for Potted Plants Vegetable gardens don't have to take up a big part of your yard or be permanent additions, especially if you're not sure you're going to enjoy having one. Instead, consider potting several types of vegetables in several pots. As a general rule, you'll want to use larger pots for larger vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers. You're free to move those pots around the yard as needed or transfer them into a sunny room indoors if you're worried about heavy rains or those freak afternoon hailstorms.  Veggie Gardens Can Be Fun Building a vegetable garden doesn't mean completely getting rid of your existing landscaping. With a little creativity and innovation, you'll be able to incorporate vegetables into your current design with ease. If you find that you love having a backyard veggie patch this year and want to make a more permanent solution, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with our team. We'll work to help you create the ideal garden space that blends in and complements your landscaping. Mon, 03 May 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6222/How-to-Incorporate-a-Vegetable-Garden-into-Your-Denver-Landscaping http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6207/How-to-Add-Shade-to-Your-Denver-Landscape-Design blog Denver is one of the sunniest cities in the country. In fact, we get an average of 300 days of beautiful sunshine each year. This is great news for your Denver landscaping but it's not ideal for your skin if you want to spend hours each day enjoying your home's landscaping and garden. Luckily, adding shade to your home's landscape design is easier than you think as long as you think outside the box. Here are a few great ways to add shade to your yard so you can enjoy it without getting a bright red sunburn. Add Shade Screens The simplest way to add shade to your yard doesn't involve altering your landscaping unless you want to. Instead, it just involves hanging shade screens in strategic locations. These screens can easily tie to a corner of a patio, mount directly to your home's exterior, or stretch between established trees that won't mind the tension on their trunks. The screens don't even have to stay up year-round. You can take them down in winter when you don't want to spend time outside anyway.  Plant Shade-Producing Trees If you're looking for a permanent way to add shade to your property that will also increase your property value, consider planting a few new trees. Varieties of maple, oak, and poplar all create leafy canopies that will, once mature, provide tons of shade for your yard. Keep in mind that it will take time for the trees to get old enough to provide you with that shade. This option is best for homeowners that plan on staying in the house for years to come.  Build a Pavilion If you don't want to wait for trees to reach maturity, building a pavilion in your backyard or covering your already-built deck is a simple way to make your yard more usable. The pavilions are custom-designed to work with your aesthetic and are permanent fixtures in your yard. This means you'll also have a covered location to use during the winter if you want to grill outside or watch the kids play in the snow without getting wet yourself. Add the Right Types of Vines Flowering vines are a wonderful and faster alternative to planting shade trees. They grow in a matter of years and can spread over existing pergolas, archways, and other structures to provide you with shade that also adds to your yard's look and appeal. Varieties like honeysuckle, wisteria, and purple passionflower will give you bright, beautiful blooms that are easy to care for and will last for several months during the growing season. Let Our Team Help  No matter how big your yard is, adding shade can make using it more fun. Let our experienced team help you figure out the best way to add shade to your yard so you can get outside more often and take advantage of the beautiful weather Denver has to offer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to request a free, no-obligation estimate from our dedicated landscaping team.  Thu, 22 Apr 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6207/How-to-Add-Shade-to-Your-Denver-Landscape-Design http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6186/How-to-Clean-up-Your-Denver-Landscaping-After-Surprise-Spring-Blizzards blog Heavy snow may make your yard and landscaping look magical. But when it happens during the beginning of the growing season, it can damage your Denver landscape design in a matter of minutes. The best thing you can do for your yard and your plants is to clean up the damage quickly. So, where should you start and what tasks can you handle on your own? Here's what you need to do to get your yard back into perfect shape for the rest of the growing season. Pick up Fallen Debris The first thing you should do once the storm subsides is to check your yard for fallen plant debris, limbs, and cracked branches. Walk around your yard and check the trees and shrubs on your property. If you notice branches hanging or dangling from the trunks of your trees, be prepared to call your landscaping team and get them to help with safe removal of those branches. If there's a buildup of debris around your yard but the pieces themselves are small, remove them and bag them up for your waste removal service. They'll be able to haul away the plant matter safely. Use Ice Melt Sparingly Ice melt may get rid of slipping hazards on your walkways, but it's not the best thing for your landscaping. It can change the pH in the soil and scorch your newly growing plants in a matter of hours. If you choose to use ice melt, look for one that's safe for plants if possible. If you can't find plant-safe ice melt, use salt sparingly and be ready to spray down the plants close to the walkways. This will dilute the salt buildup and keep your soil's pH from changing dramatically. Pile Snow Away From Garden Beds When you're shoveling and trying to clear the property quickly, it's easy to toss the snow wherever you can. As long as it's off of your walkways and driveway, you're in good shape. But all that weight can be bad for lawns and garden beds trying to recover from the storm. As you shovel, make a plan. Find a place to throw the snow that won't put your plants at risk. Spread the weight out over the expanse of your lawn whenever possible to prevent soil compaction and lessen the strain on your plants. If you notice snow drifts putting too much weight in one spot, grab your shovel and carefully spread them out across the rest of your property. Your Yard Can and Will Bounce Back As long as you follow these tips, your lawn and landscaping will be able to bounce back in no time. You just need to give it the care and attention it needs to do so quickly. After a major snowstorm, reach out to our team and let the experienced Denver landscaping experts at Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape assess your yard's condition. If we see anything that needs a little extra TLC, we'll help you make those necessary improvements quickly.  Fri, 09 Apr 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6186/How-to-Clean-up-Your-Denver-Landscaping-After-Surprise-Spring-Blizzards http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6040/How-to-Keep-Blooms-in-Your-Denver-Landscaping-Looking-Great--Longer blog As a homeowner, you take pride in your Denver landscape design. And with the spring growing season just around the corner, it's only a matter of time until you start to notice new growth and beautiful blooms in your landscaping. Those blooms add tons of color and depth to the design. But they have a tendency to fade faster than you'd like. Believe it or not, there are a few things you can do to keep them from fading as quickly so you can enjoy a colorful landscape for weeks, not days. Plant Flowers in Batches If you have a favorite flower that you enjoy seeing in your yard, adding more of those plants to your garden is a simple solution. The key to success lies in planting those flowers in batches. Add new plants every two weeks. This way, you'll have new flowers coming in when your others are starting to fade. Keep in mind that this method only works for annuals. Perennials can get overcrowded in garden beds if you're not careful. Pull Off Dead Growth Flowers don't always fall off of plants when they wither. Instead, they dehydrate on the stem. Those dead flowers can make even the most beautiful landscaping look underwhelming. So, stay on top of things and trim those dead flowers away. Use a pair of garden shears to leave a clean cut behind. By trimming those spent flowers, you'll keep the plants from going to seed and encourage them to produce more blooms throughout the growing season. It won't make the plant bloom forever, but it can still help. Invest in Plants That Bloom Several Times The best way to keep your garden and landscaping looking great is to choose your plants wisely. Look for perennials that bloom more than once each year or ones that have blooms that last for weeks. These are a few great options to consider: Geranium Rozanne Coneflower Roses Yarrow Catmint Black-eyed Susan Adding these to your landscaping will help you keep the colors bright and can offset annual flowers as they start to fade. If you're not sure how to plant them to best work with your landscape design, schedule an appointment with your trusted Denver landscaper. Spread Mulch We really can't stress this enough. Mulch is the best way to improve water retention in the soil and the more water your plants get, the longer they'll be able to support those colorful blooms. Even better, the right mulch adds to the look of your landscaping, creating a unique texture at the base of your plants. This will help you keep your space colorful even in the cooler months. Keep These Tips in Mind No one wants to watch their flowers fade early in the season. Keep these tips in mind when you start to see new blooms forming once the weather warms up. As long as you do, you'll be able to enjoy a color-filled landscape during the growing season. If you're not sure where to start or want some added help, request an estimate from our team today.    Mon, 05 Apr 2021 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/6040/How-to-Keep-Blooms-in-Your-Denver-Landscaping-Looking-Great--Longer http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/userfiles/2047/images/agriculture%2Dbackyard%2Dblur%2Dclose%2Dup%2D296230%2Ejpg http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/ http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1265/Why-You-Need-to-Hire-a-Professional-for-Your-Denver-Landscape-Maintenance-Now blog A properly landscaped yard can make all the difference in the way your home looks year-round. But during the spring, making sure that your landscaping looks as great as possible is even more important. It's when the plants start growing, blooming, and flowering, adding color to your yard for the entire growing season. Even small yards can take a lot of work to keep in top condition. That's where an experienced Denver landscaping professional can help. Here's why you should hire a pro rather than attempt to take care of your landscaping on your own. Saves You Time Getting dirty in your garden is a great way to de-stress and unwind after a long day at work. But if you're trying to maintain and care for your entire yard at the same time, it can quickly become a major chore. Instead of spending an hour in the fresh air, you could end up sacrificing your weekend to take care of ongoing maintenance. When you hire a professional, you'll still be able to care for your garden, but you'll also get to enjoy your weekend however you see fit. We'll take care of the rest for you.  Pros Have the Right Tools Have you ever tried to prune bushes and trim trees with a pair of dull gardening sheers that you forgot in the back of the garage? It doesn't work well. Worse, it can damage your plants, putting them at risk for disease and pest infestations. Pros have the right tools to get the job done quickly without hurting your plants. Instead, we'll leave them in better shape than they were before. The result is a landscape that's healthy and can thrive during the warmer months, year after year.  Saves You Money When you maintain your home's landscaping on your own, you may save money on labor costs, but those savings may not be enough. You still have to buy your tools, dirt, fertilizer, plants, and everything else that goes into your home's landscaping. Local hardware stores may have those items on-hand, but you'll have to pay full retail cost for those items. Professional landscapers can often get those same items at lower prices than you'd pay in the store. They'll pass those savings onto you when you work with them to maintain your yard.  They'll Offer Advice The best reason to hire an experienced landscaper is to make use of their knowledge. If a plant is struggling, they can tell you how to better care for it. If pests and fungus are starting to become a problem, they'll see the signs early on and can better set up a treatment plan to save your plants.  Save Yourself the Trouble If you've been caring for your home's landscaping on your own, you know how much of a headache it can be. Save yourself the stress and free up your weekends once and for all. Contact us to schedule an appointment and let our team keep your yard looking great at all times.    Thu, 02 Jan 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1265/Why-You-Need-to-Hire-a-Professional-for-Your-Denver-Landscape-Maintenance-Now http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1264/Can-You-Leave-Holiday-Lights-Up-Year-Round-on-Your-Denver-Home-s-Landscaping- blog Nothing makes your yard look festive like hanging holiday lights. But what do you do when the holidays are over? If you're like most people, the thought of taking down the lights and undecorating the yard is daunting at best. If you've ever turned a careful eye on your neighbors' properties, you've probably seen holiday light displays that get left up year-round. So, should you do the same? Will it hurt your Denver landscaping efforts to spare yourself the frustration of taking the lights down? Here's what you need to know. You Can Leave Lights Up on Older Trees Strictly speaking, it is possible to leave the holiday lights up year-round, but you have to fulfill two very specific conditions before you can. First, you need to use outdoor-rated lights. These are designed to withstand the temperature changes without damage and have protective housing over the wires that protect the strands from UV damage. Second, the lights should have LED bulbs, not incandescent ones. Incandescent bulbs short out when exposed to heat and direct sunlight for an extended period of time. If you leave those lights up, you'll only find yourself disappointed come the following winter. Worse, you'll have to remove those strands and hang new ones anyway! If you chose to hang indoor-rated lights or have strands with incandescent bulbs, go ahead and take them down. You can coil them nicely and use them the following year or you can donate or recycle them and upgrade to higher quality lights during the next holiday season.  Any lights placed on younger or less established trees should be taken down as well. Leaving the strands in place puts undue strain on the developing limbs and branches. Over time, this weight could hurt the tree's ability to grow. Take Lights Off All Shrubs Trees may be the most common place to hang lights, but many homeowners also add them to shrubs for additional flair and color. If you have light nets or strands on your shrubs and bushes, make sure you remove them at the end of the season. This will help the bushes keep their shape and encourage proper growth and blossoming in the spring.  Inspect for Damage Regularly Regardless of the age of your trees, you'll want to check them for damage if you're leaving the lights up. Make sure the bark around the light strands is still whole and in good condition. If the tree looks like it's losing bark around the lights or isn't growing the way it has in previous years, remove the lights as soon as possible.  Put Your Trees First If you're thinking about leaving the lights up year-round, make sure your trees can handle the lights without damage. Schedule an inspection with your trusted landscapers at Wild Irishman Tree & Landscape. We'll make sure your trees and landscaping are up to the task. If they're not, we'll help you bring your landscaping back to life so you can enjoy the color and beauty it offers during the warmer months.    Mon, 09 Dec 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1264/Can-You-Leave-Holiday-Lights-Up-Year-Round-on-Your-Denver-Home-s-Landscaping- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1261/Denver-Landscaping-101--How-to-Care-for-Ornamental-Grass-This-Winter blog As a homeowner, you know that your landscaping will fade during the winter months. This is normal, but it doesn't mean you have to accept a boring yard during the coldest time of the year. You just need to care for the plants that can survive the harsh conditions. Ornamental grasses are some of the best options to add color and texture to your winter Denver landscape. Here's how to care for that grass so it looks its best. Don't Cut It Back With your standard lawn grass, cutting it back helps prepare the turf for the colder weather and signals that the grass needs to stop growing as rapidly. The same isn't true for ornamental grass. In fact, cutting it back can both hurt the plant and your yard's appearance.  Instead of cutting it back, let the grass stay long throughout the winter. When it's kept long, the grass insulates itself from the cold temperatures. This helps prevent premature breakage and makes the grass hardier for the coming growing season.  Mulch Your Garden Beds Ornamental grass is typically planted in garden beds around other shrubs and decorative plants. And while leaving the grass long protects the stalks from freezing temperatures, it doesn't do much for its roots. You'll still want to insulate the roots by spreading a fresh layer of mulch.  As an added bonus, the fresh mulch will bring color to your garden bed, making the ornamental grass stand out even when the other plants are dormant.  Don't Worry About Watering Some plants still require water during the winter months. Ornamental grasses just don't. They're naturally drought tolerant and can go long periods without water easily. Instead of worrying about the grass, just let it sit during the winter. Denver's regular snowfall will be enough to keep the soil hydrated and encourage the roots to stay healthy.  Be Mindful of Weeds Some winters, the cold never really goes away. Other years, we get a warm spell that triggers all sorts of premature growth. If you're thinking "weeds," you'd be right. Pay attention to the weather and check your garden bed after any warm spells. If you see weeds popping up through the mulch, pull them. This will help keep your ornamental grasses looking great while also preserving the nutrients they need to grow in the spring. Weeds have a way of drawing up nutrients you'd rather reserve for your decorative plants. When allowed to grow unchecked, your garden bed's soil can quickly become depleted. Pulling them gets rid of that problem and sets your grasses up for a successful growing season, no herbicides needed. Let Us Take a Look If you're worried about your ornamental grasses on your property, you don't have to wait until spring to get help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our team inspect your yard. If we find any issues, we'll help you get rid of them so you can enjoy the way your landscaping looks without worry. The sooner we can get started, the better off your yard will be.    Tue, 03 Dec 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1261/Denver-Landscaping-101--How-to-Care-for-Ornamental-Grass-This-Winter http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1262/How-to-Use-Your-Outdoor-Living-Space-During-the-Winter-Months-in-Denver blog Winter in the Denver metro area gets surprisingly cold. The average high during mid-winter is about 46 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows can plummet below zero! That makes it tough to use the outdoor living space you spent all summer sprucing up. But those cold temperatures don't necessarily mean you can't use your outdoor living area or appreciate your beautiful Denver landscaping. You just need to prepare the space for the season. Here are a few ways to help you stay warm even when it's cold outside. Invest in Outdoor Blankets Nothing makes an outdoor space feel more comfortable when the weather turns chilly than a warm blanket. Invest in a few blankets that you're willing to use outside. Look for ones made from cotton or fleece which you can easily wash if they get dirty. If your outdoor living area is covered, you may be able to leave the blankets draped over the furniture. But if it's not, pick up an outdoor storage chest or storage ottoman. These will help keep the blankets clean and help reduce clutter around your living area. Add a Fire Pit A roaring fire adds more than enough heat and building one in the dead of winter can make your living room a touch too warm. Instead of suffering through the heat inside, install a fire pit. This way, you and your family can enjoy a roaring blaze comfortably. Even better, you'll be able to save yourself the stress of dirtying your chimney indoors. Fire pits can be movable or permanent. It all depends on the look and feel you're trying to achieve. Increase Your Lighting Options During the winter, the days get much shorter. For most people, this makes using their outdoor spaces less pleasant even when Denver has a surprisingly warm evening. The easiest way to get around this issue is to add extra lighting to the outdoor living area. Decorative string lights add ambiance and increase the amount of light you have to see by. You can also mount permanent fixtures to accentuate the space and make it appear warm and welcoming. Use a Space Heater If all else fails, you can always use a space heater. We're not talking about those small box heaters meant for indoor use—they're costly to operate when you're heating an open area. Instead, use a propane heater that's meant for use outside. The fuel is affordable and, when they're properly maintained, they can heat the space quickly and safely. Even better, they're efficient. You won't have to worry about your electric bill going through the roof just because you wanted to host a gathering outdoors. Get Help from a Pro Sometimes, you just need a little extra help transforming your outdoor living space into a winter-friendly entertaining headquarters. Contact our Denver landscape team today and let us bring your dreams to life. We understand the unique challenges Colorado homeowners face and we'll work with you and your budget to create a unique outdoor living area that works with your landscaping and your aesthetics.    Tue, 03 Dec 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1262/How-to-Use-Your-Outdoor-Living-Space-During-the-Winter-Months-in-Denver http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1263/How-to-Make-Your-Denver-Landscaping-Puppy-Friendly blog The holidays are a time of gift-giving. For many families, the best gift they receive is a new puppy and with more than 6.5 million pets entering shelters every year, the holidays are the perfect time to adopt a new dog to be your best friend. But once you bring them home, you're faced with a challenge you probably aren't ready for: puppy-proofing your yard and landscaping. Here are a few simple tips to help you avoid emergency calls to your Denver landscaper after your four-legged friend starts romping around your yard. Fence Off Garden Beds It should come as no surprise that dogs LOVE to dig. Unfortunately, they often dig right where you don't want them to. If you have garden beds in your yard, consider fencing them off, especially while your dog is learning the rules around your home. The fence can even be decorative and add to the appeal of your landscaping. You just have to get a little creative.  Make Sure You Have Puppy-Safe Plants Unfortunately, some plants are toxic to dogs. This means you'll want to review the plants you have in your landscaping to make sure they're safe for your puppy. Avoid flowers like irises, dahlias, begonias, hydrangeas, and chrysanthemums in areas where puppies can access.  Grass, herbs like sage and cilantro, and sunflowers are all easy to grow in Colorado and will add color to your yard without putting your pup in danger. Keep in mind that you'll still want to discourage them from eating plants whenever possible, but these options shouldn't make your pup sick.  Create Shade Dogs love lying in the sun, but they'll also need a safe place to cool off when the temperatures rise. Consider planting some new trees to add shade in your yard or construct a patio or doghouse where they can hide out from the sun if they get too hot. No matter what the weather is like, make sure you give them access to plenty of fresh, clean water anytime they're outside. Dogs, like humans, need to stay hydrated at all times.  Bury Your Irrigation System Irrigation tubing looks like a tempting chew toy to even the most well-behaved dogs. This means you'll want to bury those lines whenever possible. If you can't, consider upgrading to a new automatic sprinkler system or switch to hand-watering while your dog gets over their chewing phase. You can also try to distract them with plenty of toys and dog-parent-approved chews to further deter them. If all else fails, cover the tubing in bitter apple spray or tobacco sauce and reapply as needed.  Getting a puppy is exciting, whether they're a few months or a few years old. Just make sure your yard can handle your new furbaby before you bring them home. Use these tips to help you get started and don't hesitate to reach out if you need a little extra help revamping your landscaping. At Wild Irishman, we're here for you whether you're puppy-proofing your yard for the first time or the fifth.  Tue, 03 Dec 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1263/How-to-Make-Your-Denver-Landscaping-Puppy-Friendly http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1260/Winter-Landscaping-101--How-to-Safely-De-Ice-Your-Pavement blog When the snow starts falling, you likely feel both elation and trepidation. The fluffy white powder makes your yard look beautiful even when your plants aren't blooming. But that same snow can make it tough to get out of the driveway and when there's ice underneath, you're in for a slippery drive. For most homeowners, ice melt is the easy way out—it makes shoveling snow easier and keeps your car from sliding back into the garage door. Before you reach for that bag of de-icing salt, read up on these tips to protect your landscaping. Shovel the Snow First No one likes spending their mornings shoveling snow off the driveway. Unfortunately, this leads many homeowners to just sprinkle ice melt on top of the powder. Not only is this not effective, but it also sends more of the ice-melt towards your landscaping when the snow does melt. Save yourself the headache by shoveling as much of the snow as possible.  Use the Right Ice Melt Standard rock salt is the most popular and most affordable ice melt on the market, but it's also one of the worst options for your plants. The rock salt changes the pH in the soil and can scald your grass. Unfortunately, this often results in dead patches along paved areas when the growing season starts back up.  Instead of choosing standard rock salt, look for an environmentally friendly option. Magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium magnesium acetate are all great options that will hurt your landscaping less. If you're not sure what type of ice melt you're looking at in the store, read the label and look for one that's designated as plant-safe.  If You Use Rock Salt, Use It Sparingly You can use rock salt if you absolutely can't find anything else. But you'll want to use it the right way. Keep the salt away from the edges of your pavement and only use the amount you absolutely have to. Using too much salt won't speed up the melting process, but it will increase the risk to your landscaping.  For best results, spread a thin layer of salt over the pavement as evenly as possible. Let it sit for a while and monitor the progress. If you notice a particularly stubborn patch of ice or feel like you didn't use enough, spread another thin layer.  Skip the Ice Melt Entirely Ice melt will help get rid of ice, but you don't have to melt the ice to make it safe to use your paved walkways and driveway. Sometimes, all you need is a little extra traction. Consider spreading a layer of sand or kitty litter over the ice. This will give your tires something to grip onto and won't damage your landscaping even when the snow melts.  Winter weather doesn't have to hurt your landscaping, but if it does, you don't have to try to fix the damage on your own. Contact our Denver landscaping team and let us help you bring your landscaping back to life this spring.   Mon, 25 Nov 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1260/Winter-Landscaping-101--How-to-Safely-De-Ice-Your-Pavement http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1259/Denver-Landscaping-Service-Shares-How-to-Beautify-Your-Yard-During-the-Winter blog Snowy days are beautiful, but after the powder starts to melt, it's normal to feel that your yard is a little dreary. Your plants aren't blooming and you're stuck inside looking for ways to keep warm and entertained since you can't enjoy the sunshine outdoors. Though the weather may keep you from being able to enjoy your yard, that doesn't mean you should let it go over the winter months. With a little creativity, you may be able to keep your yard looking beautiful and trendy. Here are a few simple ideas from your Denver landscapers to help you breathe new life into your yard. Put Out Bird Feeders The cold weather may drive some bird species south until spring, but others stay in the state year-round. Give those birds a little helping hand by leaving out bird feeders for them to enjoy. You'll not only get to help them stay happy and healthy during the cold months, but you'll also get to enjoy their antics right in your yard. You might even attract a few other animals who can liven up your space even when it's covered in snow. If you're worried about pests, hang the bird feeders off the ground with a decorative stake to keep it away from your house. This will reduce the risk of pests getting into your attic. Make Use of Your Lighting Outdoor lighting is a great way to highlight certain parts of your yard and you can have fun with it during the winter months. Switch out the standard bulbs for colorful options and bathe your yard in the colors of the season. For best results, use outdoor-rated LED bulbs. These will help keep your energy bills low and won't transfer tons of heat to your plants, potentially disrupting their hibernation. Just make sure your homeowners association won't have any issues with it. The last thing you want to do is get fined just because you wanted to add a little color in the dead of winter.  Add Potted Evergreens If you already have established evergreens in your yard, you're lucky. You get to enjoy that added pop of color year-round. But if you don't have evergreens like pine trees or juniper on your property, don't despair. Pick up some smaller evergreens that can stay in their pots for the winter. With careful grooming and trimming, you can keep these evergreens small enough to stay in the pots indefinitely. Or you can let them grow and eventually transfer them to your yard. Either way, you'll add a brilliant touch of green that can liven up any property no matter what the weather is like.  Use Your Imagination There's no end to the things you can do to add color and flair to your winter landscaping. You just need to think outside of the box and be willing to try new types of decorations. If you're still not sure what to do or want help caring for your evergreens this winter, contact our team today. We'll help you make sure your yard can survive the harsh winter weather and be ready to bounce right back in spring.    Wed, 20 Nov 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1259/Denver-Landscaping-Service-Shares-How-to-Beautify-Your-Yard-During-the-Winter http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1258/How-to-Decorate-for-the-Holidays-Without-Hurting-Your-Landscaping-in-Denver blog The holidays are just around the corner. That means it's time to start thinking of creative ways to get your home looking as festive as you feel. But that doesn't mean you can just toss up some decorations quickly—doing so can end up hurting your yard and force you to call an experienced Denver landscaping service to help fix the damage. At Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape, we want to help you keep your yard looking great and that means helping you decorate in a way that's safe for your plants. Here are a few simple tips to help you embrace the holiday spirit safely. Change Out Your Lightbulbs One of the easiest ways to show off your holiday spirit is to swap out the lightbulbs on the outside of your house for colorful alternatives. All you need to do is remove one bulb from each type of fixture and bring it to your local hardware store. Match the bulb size with a colorful bulb and buy as many as you feel you need to add color to your yard. Once you're home remove the other bulbs and replace them with the colorful new ones. You'll show off your holiday flair instantly without putting your landscaping at risk.  Hire a Professional to Install String Lights Nothing makes your yard stand out during the holiday season like decorative string lights. But if you're not careful with how you hang the lights, you could damage your trees, bushes, and shrubs beyond repair. Worse, you put yourself at risk for severe injuries. Instead, let the pros install your string lights. They know what works and what will draw the most attention to your yard. But most importantly, they'll make sure the lights don't interfere with the health of your landscaping.  Use Lightweight Lawn Decorations Lawn decorations are a wonderful way to share holiday joy with the neighborhood, but using the wrong ones can hurt your grass, even in the dead of winter. When choosing lawn decorations, look for lightweight options. These can be thin wooden decorations that mount on stakes or even gigantic inflatable snowmen that light up the night. The key here is choosing something that won't compress the soil and squash the roots of your lawn. If this happens, you'll end up with subpar growth come spring and may need to replant the grass in those spots to avoid a patchy yard.  Decorate Your Door Think of your front door as a blank canvas. You can decorate it however you want, with whatever you want and it will never hurt your plants or landscaping. Mount creepy paper skeletons or silhouettes during October, hang wreaths during the winter months, or drape garlands over the doorframe. The only limit is your imagination.  Decorating your home is a wonderful way to spread cheer throughout the neighborhood. But if you're not careful, you could end up hurting the landscaping you love so much. Save yourself the stress and let our pros help you with your holiday lights this year. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.   Wed, 13 Nov 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1258/How-to-Decorate-for-the-Holidays-Without-Hurting-Your-Landscaping-in-Denver http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1257/Holiday-Lighting-Services-in-Greater-Denver blog Businesses and homeowners across greater Denver know they can rely on Wild Irishman Landscaping for all their commercial and residential landscaping needs. But what you may not know is that we're also experts in lighting up your home or business for the fast-approaching holiday season. Tired of fussing with extension cords, ladders, or broken holiday lights, but don't want to be a Scrooge when it comes to decorating your property for the holidays? Trust Wild Irishman Landscaping with all your exterior holiday lighting needs.   Residents from Denver, Aurora, Littleton and surrounds and reap plenty of benefits having their exterior holiday lighting provided by us. From the chance to avoid spending time in the cold weather, eliminating the physical risks of being on roofs & ladders for older homeowners, to achieving more flexibility in your holiday lighting design scheme, Wild Irishman Landscaping  will go above and beyond the call of duty to make your home or business look terrific this holiday season. Best of all, you'll be able to dedicate more of your precious free time with family and friends.   Our talented, well-trained and professional crew of designers and installers will work with you to bring out the best of your property's unique characteristics. Own a local small business? Denver-area businesses that are decked out in professionally installed, attractive holiday lighting and displays can receive back a huge return on their investment. Lighting up and decorating your Denver-area business location this season can go a long way to encouraging and welcoming shoppers, make your building stand out from the competition, potentially increase your businesses foot traffic and bring happiness to your hardworking employees.   Not matter what the size or scope of your holiday lighting project, Wild Irishman Landscaping only utilizes the best, heavy duty lighting products and installation methods available for dependable and long-lasting service. Whether your lighting project is permanent or temporary you can trust that it will be expertly designed to highlight and beautify the unique features of your property.   At Wild Irishman, we pride ourselves on our success at all levels from small residential to large commercial projects. Our accomplished team of landscape designers and architects can design any landscape to meet specifications of all city codes - regarding the scope of your vision. To learn more about holiday lighting services in Denver, call us today at (303) 233-1302.   Tue, 05 Nov 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1257/Holiday-Lighting-Services-in-Greater-Denver http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1256/Denver-Landscapers-Share-3-Easy-Winter-Maintenance-Tips-for-Synthetic-Grass blog If you're like most homeowners, saving money is always a priority. But saving time on your home's maintenance can be almost as important. The average person spends more than 21 hours mowing their lawn every year. That's half a work week for most people! Letting your Denver landscaping service install synthetic grass on your property eliminates mowing from your regular chores. But when winter comes around, you'll need to know how to take care of it. Don't worry—it won't take tons of time out of your weekend. Here's what you need to do. Pick Up the Leaves When the leaves change in the fall, they're beautiful. They add a touch of elegance to your yard until they fall. And when they fall, you need to pick them up off your synthetic grass, just like you would standard turf. Otherwise, you won't be able to enjoy that beautiful green you've come to expect.  Use a leaf blower if you have one or grab a soft-bristled broom and sweep the leaves away. Once you have a pile, bag the leaves and haul them to the dump or use them in your compost pile to add nutrients to your garden beds come spring. Sweep Away the Snow You still need to access your yard, your walkways, and your evergreen plants during the winter months. That means you'll want to clear away the snow and ice to make it easy to get to those areas. While you can always use a snow shovel on pavement, you'll need to sweep the snow off your synthetic turf.  Use the same broom that you did to pick up fallen leaves or grab a snow blower and blow the powder off the blades. Just be mindful of the grass blades. When the weather gets incredibly cold, the blades of the synthetic grass get brittle. If you put too much weight on the blades, they can crack or break, leaving visible damage on your turf. Don't Be Afraid to Cover It It's rare for a severe snowstorm to sneak up on the Front Range. We typically get advanced warning as long as we remember to watch the weather forecast each week. When a severe storm is on the horizon, consider covering your artificial turf. Use a light tarp that's big enough to cover the entire area and secure it with stakes or rocks.  After the storm, all you have to do is remove the cover and let it dry. Your artificial grass will be clean, dry, and in good shape.  Call in the Experts Taking care of your synthetic grass doesn't have to be a challenge. But you do need to stay on top of regular maintenance if you want it to last for as long as possible. If you're worried about the condition of your synthetic turf or you want to install that ever-green lawn on your property, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team can help you decide if it's the right option for your home and your budget.   Tue, 29 Oct 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1256/Denver-Landscapers-Share-3-Easy-Winter-Maintenance-Tips-for-Synthetic-Grass http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1255/4-Easy-Wintertime-Denver-Landscaping-Tips-to-Protect-Your-Yard blog The chill is in the air now and snow is just a few weeks away. We all love the fluffy stuff and with an average of 60 inches of snow each year, we get to enjoy it plenty! But that doesn't mean you should stop caring for your home's landscaping. You still need to care for your plants even when they're not growing. But if you're like most homeowners, you're not quite sure where to start. Before you put in a panicked call to your trusted Denver landscaping service, make sure you implement these simple tips. Get a Sprinkler System Blowout Your sprinkler system sends water where it needs to go across your yard, but that also means you have running water right beneath your beautiful lawn. When the temps drop and the water freezes in those pipes, it expands and can create a major issue come springtime. Schedule a blowout with your irrigation specialist and get rid of the excess water before winter is in full swing.  Be Mindful of the Types of Ice-Melt You Use Ice-melt is a great way to clear your driveway and walkways. But if you choose the wrong type, you could end up scorching your lawn and ruining the pH of the soil your landscaping depends on. When choosing an ice-melt, look for ones that are specifically safe for use around plants. These are free of harsh chemicals and are often salt-free so the soil composition can stay healthy during the winter months.  Mulch Your Beds Denver gets cold in the winter and those cold temperatures penetrate well into the soil. Over the course of the winter, this can put your landscaping at risk for long-term damage. Remember, when the roots freeze and die, they won't be able to transmit the nutrients your plants need once the growing season starts. You'll end up needing to replace those plants just to get your landscaping back up to snuff.  Protect those plants and perennials by spreading a layer of mulch over your garden beds. The mulch insulates the soil and helps keep the air temperatures from penetrating as deeply. If you're not comfortable spreading it yourself, don't panic. Just call your landscaping service and schedule an appointment. Shake Off Snow-Laden Trees When the snow is light and dry, it tends to fall off trees and bushes quickly. But when it's wet and heavy, the snow sticks and all that weight puts strain on the limbs. If you notice low-hanging limbs sagging or straining under the weight of the snow, shake them off. Use a broom to gently shove the snow off the branches until they spring back up. This will help prevent premature breakage and helps keep your trees looking great all winter long.  Winter Landscaping Doesn't Have to Be Hard Winter landscaping tasks can take time, but they're well worth taking care of throughout the season. If you find yourself unable to manage on your own or just aren't sure how to properly care for your plants, contact us to schedule an appointment.    Wed, 23 Oct 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1255/4-Easy-Wintertime-Denver-Landscaping-Tips-to-Protect-Your-Yard http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1254/Denver-Landscapers-Explain-How-to-Get-Your-Water-Features-Ready-for-Winter blog Winter weather means more than snow-covered lawns—it means frozen pipes, lakes, and ice where you least want to see it. If you have water features in your yard, you'll need to get them ready for freezing weather and the sooner you can do it, the better. Your trusted Denver landscaping service is here to help you winterize your yard. Here are a few simple things you can do to get your water features ready before the first freeze. Remove the Living Components  If your water feature has any living plants inside, you'll want to remove them before the first freeze. You may be able to transfer them to an indoor fountain or pot to help them survive the winter. Once the weather warms up, you can transfer them back to the water feature outside. If you have fish, find a safe place for them to winter inside. Keep in mind that you'll need to get a tank that can accommodate all of the fish safely. Ask your local pet supply store for help to make sure you get the right tank and equipment. Give It a Good Cleaning Falling leaves, algae, and even insects can get your water feature dirty in a matter of days. The best thing you can do is give the entire system a deep cleaning. Before you drain the water, scoop out any plants and large pieces of debris. Then, drain the water and inspect the basin for damage. If you see any algae along the sides, you may need to use an algaecide to get rid of it once and for all. Alternatively, you can simply scrub the basin out with diluted bleach and water, but the algae will likely come back in spring. Remove the Water Pump Water pumps can and will freeze when the temperatures drop. This means you'll want to remove it if possible. Otherwise, the pump may break and you'll have to install a new one before you can use your water feature again. Once you remove the pump, drain it completely and store it indoors. Keeping it outside or in the garage puts it at risk for damage. Remember, the cold can hurt the components inside the pump and any water that doesn't drain out completely can freeze and ruin the mechanics.  Get It Ready for the Holidays Believe it or not, an empty and cleaned water feature doesn't have to go unused during the winter months. You just have to get a little creative with how you use it. Fill the basin with seasonal decorations to add color and personality to your landscaping. Drape lights around the structure and incorporate it into your winter holiday lights display. The only limit is your imagination.  Need Help Winterizing Your Water Feature? If these steps sound daunting, don't panic. Contact Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape and let our pros help you get your water feature ready for the winter weather. We'll make sure your system is in good condition so you can be ready to turn it back on once the weather warms up.   Tue, 15 Oct 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1254/Denver-Landscapers-Explain-How-to-Get-Your-Water-Features-Ready-for-Winter http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1253/Should-you-incorporate-a-landscape-pond--Your-Denver-landscaping-company-has-the-answer-- blog Are you working through designing your landscaping? Or maybe you are working through planning for next year? We have compiled our key benefits that landscaping ponds bring to your area. Remember, if you are still unsure about incorporating a pond we are always here to help. As your Denver landscaping company, Wild Irishman is here to give you the service you deserve at prices that work for your budget.   Here are the three benefits of adding a landscaping pond to your design:  Beauty One of the most obvious benefits is the beauty that a pond can bring to your landscape. Ponds don't have to be a huge feature either, it's easy to incorporate one into your landscape without going over the top. The small addition of some rocks and cascades will add immense beauty to your pond even if it is still water. Still water allows for your surrounding trees and plants to be reflected, and you might be able to have fish in your pond!  Water If you choose to not utilize your pond for wildlife, it can be a great place for water storage. While we don't recommend drinking water from the pond - it can be a great place to catch and store water to use for watering your lawn or plants. The correctly constructed pond will help catch and hold water, as well as serve as a beautiful addition to your landscaping.  Home Value Adding a water feature to your landscaping will not only increase your home value, but increase the curb appeal. Some studies suggest that if you have two homes with the exact same landscaping, the home with a water feature will have a higher home value and will be more likely to sell. Who doesn't want to raise their home value, while incorporating a sense of relaxation and tranquility?  No matter your project, remember that you can contact Wild Irishman if you need any additional assistance or have questions. We can help with a variety of different projects and are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 09 Oct 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1253/Should-you-incorporate-a-landscape-pond--Your-Denver-landscaping-company-has-the-answer-- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1252/Denver-Outdoor-Kitchen-Experts-Share-How-to-Get-the-Most-Out-of-Your-Outdoor-Space-This-Fall blog Fall weather is just around the corner. That means the temps will drop, leaves will change color, and you'll start looking for ways to stay entertained indoors more often. Unfortunately, it also means that using your outdoor living area may not be as easy as it was during the summer months. That doesn't mean you can't still enjoy your space comfortably. It just means you need to plan a little bit. Your trusted Denver landscaping pros are here to help. Here are a few simple ways you can make your outdoor space more comfortable, even when it's getting chilly. Use or Install a Fire Pit Nothing adds ambiance to the space like a roaring fire when it's chilly outside. If your outdoor living area already has a fire pit, make sure it's ready for fall ahead of time. But if you don't have one, get one installed. These simple improvements add value to your home and can help you better enjoy your living area year-round. Best of all, they work with almost any type of design and décor. Get Some Designated Outdoor Blankets Sometimes, all you need is an extra layer to stay warm on those colder fall evenings. One of the easiest ways to increase your comfort outside while also adding a touch of color to the space is to use a blanket. Any blanket will do, but thicker cotton blankets are perfect for outdoor spaces. They're easy to wash, come in almost any color you can imagine, and are incredibly durable.  Add Lighting The sun starts setting earlier as the year goes on. This means it will get dark fast, making it hard for you and your loved ones to enjoy your outdoor space. If you find that the space gets too dark too early, add some extra lighting. These can be permanent fixtures or, as the seasons change, decorative holiday lights.  Make Things Beautiful Your landscaping looks great during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean you have to let it fade once things cool off. Sometimes, all you have to do is add a few new decorative touches. Potted plants and gourds are great for adding color and can get brought inside at night to prevent freezing.  Add Weather Protection If your deck or patio is open to the elements, all the warmth from the space escapes quickly. You're subject to the weather and don't have a way to protect yourself from those early snow flurries. Add a cover to the space to create an added layer of warmth and weather protection. This will help extend the life of your outdoor furniture and makes it easier to trap heat where you want it. Your outdoor living space can get used year-round. You just need to think outside the box. If you're ready to transform your outdoor kitchen or living area into an all-weather-ready spot, don't wait. Contact us today and see how we can help. Our team will work with you to bring your vision to life.    Wed, 02 Oct 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1252/Denver-Outdoor-Kitchen-Experts-Share-How-to-Get-the-Most-Out-of-Your-Outdoor-Space-This-Fall http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1251/Denver-landscaping-can-offer-more-than-just-curb-appeal blog Landscaping your home's yard is more than just to increase curb appeal, you might be surprised by some of the benefits you can get from a well-landscaped Denver yard. There are some benefits that extend passed the beautiful appearance that flowers and trees can add - mainly environmental benefits.  Natural noise-minimizers The addition of trees, a well-grown lawn, and additional plants help to minimize outdoor noise - more so than pavement or concrete. In fact, outdoor landscaping with lush greenery can help reduce noise by 20-30 percent.  Environmental Cleaning A full, lush lawn can actually help clean up the environment. Not only does grass produce oxygen, but a lawn can help trap smoke particles, dust, and additional air pollutants. You'd be surprised by the benefits your grass can add to your surroundings.  Coolants Grass can help cool off surroundings by approximately 30 percent - it acts as a natural air conditioner. Which makes complete sense if you think about it - after all, it is much easier to walk on grass than hot asphalt that's been sitting in the sun. In addition, trees surrounding your home can help keep the house shaded from the sun and even cool off attic temperatures by as much as 40 degrees.  Socio-Economic Effects Did you know studies have found that neighborhoods with more trees have lower crime rates?  Perhaps it's the overall calming feel that trees give-off or the increased oxygen and lower temperatures. Studies have also shown that by simply looking plants or trees, your blood pressure can lower and so can stress levels. This can lead to lower health care costs, and an improved quality of life.  Do you work out commercial landscapes or are you building a commercial landscape for your local town? There have been quite a few studies that show the benefits of landscaping as well:  Similar to neighborhoods, tree-lined streets have been shown to reduce crime in particular areas Trees and canopies incorporated into commercial space can help to reduce noise and encourage relaxation Studies have shown that when a shopping center incorporates tree cover, shoppers are more likely to spend 9-12% more on goods No matter your project, remember that you can contact the best Denver landscape team, Wild Irishman if you need any additional assistance or have questions. We can help with a variety of different projects and are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 25 Sep 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1251/Denver-landscaping-can-offer-more-than-just-curb-appeal http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1250/How-to-dispose-of-your-Denver-tree-leaves-this-fall blog As you prepare for fall, there are several things that you should be prepared for - particularly what comes when the trees start to change colors. As you know, the closer fall and winter gets the more your leaves will start to shed their leaves! While the colors are certainly gorgeous, it can cause some potential issues when it comes to bagging and disposing of leaves.  The Disposal You have several different options for disposing of your leaves. For the most part, all are relatively easy and low-lift.  Woods: Do you live by the woods? We'd recommend taking a leaf blower and blowing the leaves back into the woods. This option is not only easy, but it keeps you from spending time bagging leaves and keeps everything completely natural! Bag: As always, you can rake and bag leaves. Bagging leaves can be difficult though. Not only does it require quite a bit of work, you will either have to put the bags out for the trash or take them to a local dumpster. Quite a few people leave them outside of the house, but it can be quite the eye sore.  Vacuum: This one might be a new one, but you can always vacuum the leaves up as well. If your city offers this service, this might be the way to go! All you have to do is pile the leaves next to the curb (away from all cars or other important structures), and your city will bring by their equipment to take them off your hands. Do Nothing: Depending on how many trees you have, perhaps the best thing to do is...do nothing. Letting trees biodegrade is not only good for the environment, but can be good for your lawn and soil. If you have one tree...maybe that's your best move! Plus, everyone loves saving some time and energy. The Equipment The equipment you need is going to depend on what your disposal method is. For instance, if you are going to be getting rid of your leaves in the woods, take a leaf blower and blow them back into the woods. A leaf blower can also help start the piles for your leaf bagging or vacuum.  When bagging leaves, or forming the piles to bagging/vacuum you will need a lawn rake - something that is wide sprawling with plastic tips. If you use a sturdy, metal, rake you are likely to tear leaves and make your job quite a bit harder! When preparing your lawn for the fall, it's important to take your time and take care! But always remember that you can contact Wild Irishman if you need any additional assistance or have questions - we are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 18 Sep 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1250/How-to-dispose-of-your-Denver-tree-leaves-this-fall http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1249/Four-tips-for-fall-lawn-care--from-your-Denver-landscaping-company blog Can you believe it? The summer is nearly over. While most love fall because of the cooling temperatures - it does create a new set of lawn problems that will require some additional care. Taking care of your Denver lawn year round is essential - especially if you'd like a good growing season in the spring. Here are our four tips for taking care of your Denver lawn in the fall from your trusted Denver landscaping company.  Aeration  Some people are intimidated by aeration, particularly because it feels unnatural to poke holes in your lawn. However, aeration is essential in growing a healthy and strong lawn! When you aerate your lawn, you give your lawn the opportunity to breathe, and give fertilizer the opportunity to strengthen your lawn. Due to mild temperatures, fall is a great time to aerate your lawn. You can aerate yourself (just renting a machine) or you can hire your local Denver landscapers to tackle the job. Mowing You might not notice a lot of growth in your grass in the fall, but continuing to mow is still important even in the fall months. As always, when you mow we recommend you leave the grass clippings in the yard to help your lawn mature and grow. While mowing towards the end of the season, be sure to clip the grass to the lowest possible setting to ensure that the last remaining sunlight of the growing season can reach your roots.  Fertilize Fall is a great time to fertilize your lawn - the top parts of the grass won't grow as quickly as they do in the spring/summer, but the fertilizer will be able to reach the deep roots of the grass. Fertilizing grass is a fantastic way to grow strong grass, and keep your lawn looking fantastic for the last growing months. Additionally, with some fertilization your grass will be prepped for the spring. Seed Because of the mild temperatures, fall is the perfect time to seed the bald spots in your lawn. By seeding the bald spots, you're giving your grass a chance to grow in conditions that are more favorable for survival. Just remember, when you lay grass seed it's important to cover the seed with some dirt. This will give the seeds a safe place to grow, prevent wash away, and also encourage germination.  When preparing your lawn for the fall, it's important to take your time and take care! But always remember that you can contact Wild Irishman if you need any additional assistance or have questions - we are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 11 Sep 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1249/Four-tips-for-fall-lawn-care--from-your-Denver-landscaping-company http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1248/Five-steps-to-designing-the-perfect-Denver-landscape blog You might have moved into a new home, or are simply looking to revitalize your Denver home's current landscaping - either way it can be intimidating! But it truly doesn't have to be. We have your guide to designing your Denver landscaping, and remember, you can always contact Wild Irishman if you need assistance. So let's get to it, your five steps to designing the perfect landscape. 1. ) Measure, measure, measure It's important to start your project with measuring your available space, both in depth and width. Start by measuring the space you'd like to put landscaping in, but be sure to start 2-4 inches away from the side of your house to give your plants some breathing room.  2.) Research Your next step will be to research plants that you want to incorporate into your landscaping. We recommend starting online. While local greenhouses might have healthier plants, you'll get all the information you need in one spot by conducting some initial research online. This includes grow together code, height, width, space needed for planting, as well as hardiness. Pick plants that not only grow together well, but also fit your maintenance needs. For example, if you need a low maintenance plant you might opt for perennials that don't require much pruning.  3.) Visit your local Denver landscaping business Once you have some plants picked out, visit your local Denver landscaping business. This will give you an opportunity to see the plants in person, ask questions, and get an idea for how much you are looking to spend. If you haven't done enough research or have an idea of what you are wanting to purchase, visit us so we can talk to you further about your options.  4.) Sketching it out We recommend that when it comes to planning your landscaping space, that you invest in some grid graph paper. You can use the grid as an easy way to measure out how much space you have, and how much space each plant needs. When sketching your available space, make sure you incorporate fixed features such as house lines, light poles, or additional structures. We recommend that you sketch everything on your grid paper. This includes any existing plants you have in your landscaping that you'd like to keep, as well as what plants you intend to incorporate.  5.) Let's get going!  You've picked your plants, sketched out your plan...let's get going! Head back to your local landscaping store to pick up the plants, dirt, mulch (if you'd like) and other plant essentials and get to planting! We recommend picking a mild day to plant, as it is highly recommended that you don't transfer plants during a heat wave. Once you get your landscaping set, be sure to give all plants a good water!  Always remember that you can contact Wild Irishman if you need any additional assistance or have questions - we are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 04 Sep 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1248/Five-steps-to-designing-the-perfect-Denver-landscape http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1247/Your-Denver-landscaping-ABCs--Part-Three blog Welcome back to our third part in the Denver landscaping ABCs series. We have nine more plants that we love, plants that you should consider purchasing. Always remember that you can contact us with any questions, or if you need help building your perfect landscape.  Q - Quercus: Quercus, more commonly known as an oak tree. We love the versatility of oak trees, as there are dozens of different species. Beautiful, strong, and ultimately hardy - the oak tree is the perfect addition to your lawn as long as you have the space!  R - Rain Lily: Rain Lilies are beautiful, sun-loving plants that will do well with little space. If you are looking for something a little less-flashy, the rain lily is perfect for your pots and flower beds. Just remember, this plant will need to be watered weekly after planting for the first time, but will be relatively low maintenance after the first 2-3 months. S - Spirea: Spirea is one of our favorite shrubs, and why wouldn't they be? With pretty white flowers, the spirea can tolerate full sun and part-sun conditions with moderate watering. The best part of a spirea is that they are tough - making them perfect for someone who may struggle with keeping plants around. T - Tiger Lily: Known for their beautiful color, Tiger Lilies make the perfect addition to any landscape. Just be cautious of color schemes, as the bright orange color of Tiger Lilies can easily overpower other color schemes in your border.  U - Uvularia: This United States native is a unique one. Not only is it a perennial, but it's known for leaves and flowers that hang towards the ground. The perfect indoor or outdoor plant, the uvularia will grow to be approximately 18" tall. V - Verbena: Verbena is some of the gardens' most beautiful colorful plants, and they are widely popular! These plants are perfect for edging, or to add to the border of your flower bed. Just remember, it does need well drained soil but it is drought tolerant!    X - Xerophyllum Asphodeloides: Believe it or not, there aren't many plant names that start with "x" unless you get technical! Commonly known as a "turkey beard," this plant perennial herb that has sharp leaves and beautiful white flowers. Y - Yellow Snapdragon: We love the look of these beautifully unique plants. Not only do we love the look of Yellow Snapdragons, we love how easy they are to care for. These plants are heat tolerant, and thrive in both part-sun as well as shady conditions. Z - Zebra Plant: We love the Tiger Plant, but if you are living in the Colorado area you will have to make this an indoor plant. This plant loves filtered sun, and only for part of the day. Keep an eye on the beautifully striped leaves, if they start to burn the plan is getting too much sun.  BONUS - We told you last week you'd get ten plants this week! This bonus plant is probably our favorite on the list. Yellow alyssum create beautiful "baskets of gold," in your garden. They will quite literally spread beautiful yellow flowers wherever they are planted. Only growing to 6-12 inches tall, this beautiful plant helps to crowd out weeds and provides perfect ground cover.  Always remember that you can contact Wild Irishman if you need any additional assistance or have questions - we are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 28 Aug 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1247/Your-Denver-landscaping-ABCs--Part-Three http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1246/Your-Denver-landscaping-ABCs--Part-Two blog Looking for your Denver landscaping ABCs - we've put together a series just for you. Our Denver landscaping ABCs is your key to learning about (and ultimately picking) our favorite plant for each letter of the alphabet! Here are the second eight plants we have to recommend, and why. I - Ivy: Ivy is a multi-functional plant, and perfect for a number of different spaces. If you are looking for ground cover, something beautiful to add in a pot, or looking for a climbing plant - Ivy is for you! Plant your Ivy in a beautiful sun-full area, and water it plenty. J - Jasmine: Jasmine comes in many different varieties, meaning you can find the one that not only fits your preference, but your growing ability as well. Most of the time, you'll need to plant Jasmine in a part-sun or full sun area. It all depends on the type though.  K - Kalimeris: Kalimeris is a flower that thrives in hot and humid environments - however it does require some additional love and care. If you want to encourage them to rebloom time after time, you'll have to shear them.  L - Lavender Bush: Known for their fragrant flowers, lavender bushes are some of the best additions to a garden or flower bed. Plant your lavendar bush in a well-drained area, that will get plenty of sunlight.  M - Marigold: Marigolds are a gorgeous and bright flower, something that is perfect to add some color and vibrancy to your flower bed. While beautiful in color, they do need full-sun to grow healthy and strong. N - Narrow-Leaf Coneflower: A species of the Sunflower, Narrow-Leaf Coneflowers are native to North America and often times a great addition to your local garden and landscaping. This colorful plant producers flowers at the end of each of their stalks that are visually pleasing.  O - Oleander: With pink and white flowers, Oleanders are truly beautiful...but they are also dangerous. We only recommend these as outdoor plants, and if your home does not have any animals. If your household has small children, it's also best to either avoid this type of plant or carefully watch your children. Their sap, and even leaves, are toxic and deadly. Proceed with caution! P - Peony: Peonies are another plant that provides you with a ton of color options. This popular plant does best in full-sun, and even have a lovely fragrance that is emitted. Just make sure you talk with us about the best type of peony for your lawn, and when you should plant it.  Join us for our next blog - part three where we will explore the remaining ten plants that will be the perfect addition to your landscaping! Always remember that you can contact Wild Irishman if you need any additional assistance or have questions - we are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 21 Aug 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1246/Your-Denver-landscaping-ABCs--Part-Two http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1245/Your-Denver-landscaping-ABCs--Part-One blog Looking for your Denver landscaping ABCs - we've put together a series just for you. Our Denver landscaping ABCs is your key to learning about (and ultimately picking) our favorite plant for each letter of the alphabet! Here are the first eight plants we have to recommend, and why. A - Angelonia: Looking for summer-long color and blooms? Angelonia is the perfect plant to give your flower beds and garden a nice pop! These heat-resistant annuals are a great, low-maintenance way to create a good looking flower bed.  B - Butterfly Bush: If you love butterflies, this truly is the perfect bush for you. As the name implies, this beautifully colored bush does in fact attract butterflies, and it's colorful flower spikes are perfect for those looking for a vibrant pop of color.  C - Calamintha: Love the smell of mint? Some say the calamintha has mint-scented leaves and tolerates both dry and wet soil. The calamintha grows dainty white flowers throughout the year and is the perfect ornamental shrub. D - Dahlia: We can't get enough of these flowers! Dahlias are easy to grow, are easy to cut flowers, and fair well as accent plants in containers.  E - Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus plants are full-sun plants that have a gorgeous green color. Not only are these annual plants drought-tolerant, they are perfect for those looking for a fast growing shrub. F - False Cyprus: The false cyprus is a great feature tree that is relatively low maintenance. This tree can grow to be 66-200+ feet tall and is a member of the conifer tree family. G - Geranium: Geraniums are perfect if you are looking for a plant that does well in morning sun and semi-shaded areas. These beautiful flowers can add a big pop of color to your landscaping, and is the perfect add if you are looking for a stunning color mix every year.  H - Hydrangea: Hydgrangeas are not only our favorite - they are a fan favorite! With many different varieties, hydgrangeas are the plants that not only come back year after year, but come in white, blue, and even pink. Finding the  perfect hydrangea for your garden can be a challenge, but know your light requirements and come in to see us.  Join us for our next two blogs - part two and three, where we will explore 18 more plant options that will be the perfect addition to your landscaping! Always remember that you can contact Wild Irishman if you need any additional assistance or have questions - we are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 07 Aug 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1245/Your-Denver-landscaping-ABCs--Part-One http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1244/Easy-to-take-care-of-Denver-plants blog Not everyone is blessed with a green-thumb, and we all know at least one person who struggles to keep plants alive. The good news, is that whether it is you, your family, or a friend, we have some plants that are perfect for those who struggle to keep a plant alive. We also have some of our favorite Denver plant care tips:  First things first, let's talk about some hardy, easy to care for plants: Chinese Evergreen (Indoor): These plants can handle excessive watering. While we recommend taking it easy on the water still, if you overdo it you won't kill your plant. Which is always a good thing. Coralbells (Outdoor): These unique plants are great to add some evergreen/semi-evergreen variety to your garden. Coralbells have a number of varieties, from growing in full-sun to full-shade, and the flowers even attract hummingbirds.  Fiddle Leaf Fig (Indoor): Growing in popularity, the Fiddle Leaf Fig plant is hardy and can handle almost any bright location - just avoid direct sunlight. Be sure to water generously in the summer, and cut back a bit in the winter!  Geranium (Outdoor): Bright with color, geraniums hold up in the heat even with little water. These annual plants are perfect for those looking to add a pop of color to their garden without a difficult to take care of plant. Hostas (Outdoor): A favorite of many, hostas are shade plants that grow quickly, grow large, and are hardy! Hostas come in many colors, but they are prone to deer, bunnies, and even slugs. So explore a few repellents that you can use. Spider Plant (Indoor): This fast-growing plant is perfect for those who forget to water plants - it only requires a weekly watering. Just remember that it does prefer direct sunlight.  Aloe (Indoor): Have a spot in your house with some indirect light? The Aloe plant is perfect for you. Place it in a low-lit area and soak it with water every week or so. Now for our favorite plant care tips: Overwatering - The most common cause of plant death is overwatering. Be sure to follow the watering instructions and when in doubt, contact the professionals.  Choose Plants Appropriately - Choose your plants based on the lighting available, whether that be inside or outside. Plants need the proper lighting to survive. Drainage - If you are planting a plant inside, make sure you have drainage available so you avoid root-rot. Rotting roots can kill your plant! Heat Waves - Never repot a plant during a heat wave, or fertilize a plant during a heat wave. Heat waves make plants fragile, it's important not to cause undue stress. Caring for plants doesn't have to be difficult, just remember you can always contact Wild Irishman if you need any additional assistance or have questions - we are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 31 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1244/Easy-to-take-care-of-Denver-plants http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1243/Landscaping-is-essential-for-beautiful-curb-appeal blog From planting zones, to watering requirements, buying plants can be overwhelming and often times confusing. Remember, while we can provide you some of the best tips for Denver landscaping, you are always welcome to contact us with any additional questions. As your Denver landscaping company, we can help you with general plant care, tree planting, and general design. Here are our four best tips for plant care: Lighting Buy plants that will fit your lighting. Whether it is indoor or outdoor, you need to buy a plant that will get the necessary light for growth, but not too much! For example, hostas grow extraordinarily well in shaded areas, but will burn and die in direct sunlight. When you purchase your plants, they will almost always say on the tag what the light requirements are and if they don't be sure to ask.  Watering Another important thing to keep in mind is the watering requirements. While you want to be sure your plant has plenty of water, it's always better to underwater than overwater. If you overwater the plants, their roots can actually rot. A good way to tell is always check the soil moisture level. If you touch the soil and it feels damp still, you don't need to water your plant. Another fun fact? Warm water actually absorbs better than cold water when it comes to watering plants.  Fertilizers This can cause controversy, but we recommend skipping the fertilizers when it comes to growing your plants, particularly if you decide to have your plants living indoors. Fertilizers can be dangerous to ingest, and if you are unsure of how to properly use it - you can ultimately kill your plants. If you have fertilized plants in the house, with pets or little ones, it can do serious damage. Always consider what you are putting on your plants before you do! TLC Make sure your plants outdoors are getting some quality TLC - which might require some extra work from you. When it comes to giving your plants some TLC, make sure you weed the areas surrounding the plants but also prune plants that need to be pruned. If you notice your plants are struggling in the area they are in, that's okay - just move them to a more suitable area! Your plants will tell you what's going on through their color and perkiness. Landscaping doesn't have to be difficult, just remember you can always contact Wild Irishman if you need any additional assistance or have questions - we are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 24 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1243/Landscaping-is-essential-for-beautiful-curb-appeal http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1242/Landscaping-tips-for-summer blog Landscaping is essential for beautiful curb appeal, but it can be intimidating! From planting zones, to watering requirements, buying plants can be overwhelming and often times confusing. Remember, while we can provide you some of the best tips for Denver landscaping, you are always welcome to contact us with any additional questions. As your Denver landscaping company, we can help you with general plant care, tree planting, and general design. Here are our four best tips for plant care: Lighting Buy plants that will fit your lighting. Whether it is indoor or outdoor, you need to buy a plant that will get the necessary light for growth, but not too much! For example, hostas grow extraordinarily well in shaded areas, but will burn and die in direct sunlight. When you purchase your plants, they will almost always say on the tag what the light requirements are and if they don't be sure to ask.  Watering Another important thing to keep in mind is the watering requirements. While you want to be sure your plant has plenty of water, it's always better to underwater than overwater. If you overwater the plants, their roots can actually rot. A good way to tell is always check the soil moisture level. If you touch the soil and it feels damp still, you don't need to water your plant. Another fun fact? Warm water actually absorbs better than cold water when it comes to watering plants.  Fertilizers This can cause controversy, but we recommend skipping the fertilizers when it comes to growing your plants, particularly if you decide to have your plants living indoors. Fertilizers can be dangerous to ingest, and if you are unsure of how to properly use it - you can ultimately kill your plants. If you have fertilized plants in the house, with pets or little ones, it can do serious damage. Always consider what you are putting on your plants before you do! TLC Make sure your plants outdoors are getting some quality TLC - which might require some extra work from you. When it comes to giving your plants some TLC, make sure you weed the areas surrounding the plants but also prune plants that need to be pruned. If you notice your plants are struggling in the area they are in, that's okay - just move them to a more suitable area! Your plants will tell you what's going on through their color and perkiness. Landscaping doesn't have to be difficult, just remember you can always contact Wild Irishman if you need any additional assistance or have questions - we are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 17 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1242/Landscaping-tips-for-summer http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1241/How-to-care-for-your-young-Denver-tree blog So you've planted a tree - now what? Trees are quite the investment, and there is nothing more crucial for your Denver landscape then healthy trees. Once you plant your young tree, there are a few things you will need to remember for the first year of your tree's life. Check out our XX tips for caring for your young tree, and remember you can always reach out to your local Denver landscaping for additional assistance or if you have questions. Watering Watering is going to be a little complicated for the first year of your tree's life. There are a few things you need to keep an eye on, and remember, when it comes to watering:  Deep watering: When you water the tree, you'll need to practice deep watering. Deep watering is when you soak the roots of your tree - meaning you'll need to water at least 6-8 inches underneath the soil (completely drenching the roots). Monitor moisture: At least once a week check the soil's moisture levels underneath the surface. The soil should be moist, but not wet.  Stress: If your tree starts to wilt at all, you'll want to take extra care to make sure you are watering enough, but not over watering. Signs of wilting includes leaves changing to a yellowish-brown, or curling. Mulch: If you are struggling to keep your tree properly moisturized, mulch can help keep the soil and surrounding area moist.  For the first year after planting your tree, you will need to follow a pretty strict watering routine. While it might get adjusted slightly per tree, overall we tend to recommend the following: Three days after planting: You'll need to make sure the tree gets 15-20 gallons of water within the first three days Three weeks post-plant: Make sure the tree gets 5-10 gallons of water weekly Six months post-plant: The tree needs 10-15 gallons every other week For the remainder of the year, make sure the roots aren't soaked, but that they remain moist Additional Care Water is going to be the most important part of the early care stages, but you'll need to pay attention to a few other things. Make sure you also... Weeds: Keep weeds away from the base of the tree - the weeds will compete with the tree for nutrients and water Chemicals: Don't use any herbicides or pesticides in the first year of growth  Lawn Equipment: Avoid using any lawn equipment that can harm the tree around the tree We wish you the best of luck with all of your tree care! Contact Wild Irishman today if you need any additional assistance or have questions - we are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 10 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1241/How-to-care-for-your-young-Denver-tree http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1240/Steps-to-get-rid-of-your-Denver-landscaping-weeds blog One of the biggest annoyances for landscapers and home owners alike are weeds, and no matter what you do they never seem to fully disappear. There are several things you should consider and ways you can help get rid of weeds when working with your Denver landscaping. Here are some of our best tips: Cover Them Up!  Have you ever heard of weed barriers? The cover made out of cloth or tarp that you can lay down to cover weeds and keep them from growing in? This is a cheap and effective DIY, however you'll have to do it right. When you are applying the fabric, make sure to pull up all weeds underneath first (from the root) and cut the fabric to fit around your plants. You don't want to cover your plants. If you are completely revamping your landscaping now, plant the plants first then lay down the fabric. A lot of people also recommend covering weeds with mulch - but we can promise you they will just grow through the mulch. Watch Your Watering Yes, you need to water your grass to help prevent dry out from these hot Denver summer days. But be sure not to water the weeds. Watering weeds will only help them grow, and they'll keep spreading seeds across your yard. Before watering, take a look at the current state of your yard. Are there weeds everywhere? Take time to pull them out, from the root, and dispose of them in a compost pile or outside of your yard.  Pull, Pull, and Pull Pull out weeds from the roots, as we've mentioned. But it's also good to pull weeds just after a rainy day. Wet weeds are easy to pull out, and won't get caught in the dirt and snap in half. Being careful when pulling weeds, if you snap the weed in half you won't be able to finish pulling it out until more weeds grow in their place. Plants Planting your favorite plants in the right places might be one of the best ways to keep weeds from growing. The shade provided by plants will actually choke off weeds and prevent them from growing and breaking the surface of your lawn. Just think about it, have you ever seen a lot of weeds under hostas?  Weeds might be pesky, but remember we are always here to help! Contact Wild Irishman today - we are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 03 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1240/Steps-to-get-rid-of-your-Denver-landscaping-weeds http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1239/5-trees-that-will-look-great-in-your-Denver-landscaping blog As you begin to plan your Denver landscaping project for your home, things can get a little overwhelming. You certainly have a number of options of plants and shrubs that will look fabulous in any design scheme, but have you considered incorporating a tree? We've put together our top five tree recommendations you should consider when planting trees - in no particular order.  Burr Oak Think carefully before installing this beautiful giant in your yard! This tree is one of the tallest trees on our list - it can grow to be nearly 50 feet tall! The nice thing about the Burr Oak is that it has a moderate growth rate, meaning you'll get to see the fruits of your labor as long as your stay in your home for a few years. Burr Oak trees have beautiful dark green leaves, and its bark will weather with age - giving the tree character and a beautiful appearance for years to come. Something to consider is that the Burr Oak tree does produce acorns year-round, which would require some additional maintenance throughout the year.  American Hornbeam American Hornbeams grow to be approximately 25-30 feet, and also have a moderate growth rate. The most interesting thing about the American Hornbeam, is that it can also grow to be 25-30 feet wide as well (at the top of the tree). With a unique teardrop shape, this tree produces fruit in the fall and has a striking pattern on the bark.    Kentucky Coffee Tree Another slow to moderate growing tree, the Kentucky Coffee Tree can grow to be up to 50 feet tall. Full of beautiful green foliage, the Kentucky Coffee Tree is perfect for those who love the appearance of full and green trees throughout the year, and love a good fall color change. The Kentucky Coffee Trees blooms beautiful white flowers in early summer that have a light fragrance. Japanese Tree Lilac This feature tree is perfect for the front of your yard! Japanese Tree Lilac trees can grow to be 25-30 feet tall, and are relatively low-maintenance. The globe shape of the tree allows for beautiful white flowers to bloom starting in mid-summer, and this fragrance is truly alluring. The white flowers truly pop against the deep green leaves, and after 2-3 years of consistent watering they even become drought-tolerant.   Sycamore Tree A landscaper's favorite - the Sycamore tree has a full and beautiful globe-shape at the top and the bark often flakes off leaving a recognizable gray, greenish-white surface. Sycamore's can grow to be massive (up to 130 feet) - which requires careful thought and planning before committing. Sycamore trees also grow sticky green buds, which can be pesky, but the splendor of the sycamore tree is well worth it! Always remember, Wild Irishman is here to give you A+ service, and help you create a beautiful yard and the landscaping of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 26 Jun 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1239/5-trees-that-will-look-great-in-your-Denver-landscaping http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1238/Outdoor-living-trends-for-Denver-homes- blog Outdoor living spaces are not only the trendiest home improvement projects of 2019, but they are extraordinarily functional and the perfect way to entertain all of your guests. There are a few unique trends that you can incorporate into your Denver landscape, particularly when it comes to outdoor living spaces. Take a look at our five outdoor living trends for 2019, and how you can easily incorporate them into your landscaping.  Flat Screens Gathering around the TV to watch the biggest sporting event of the season, or simply using the TV as background noise is one of the easiest ways to connect with family members and friends. Incorporating flat screens into your outdoor living space will be a great way to take advantage of the outdoors, while elevating your outdoor living space, increasing your home value and connecting with friends and family on a new level. Outdoor Kitchens Perhaps our favorite outdoor living trend is the incorporation of a near fully-functional kitchen in an outdoor living space. This includes sinks, countertops, cookstops, and even small appliances. Outdoor kitchens make preparing and serving meals a breeze, and provide another unique and engaging way to upgrade your home's value.  Fireplaces and Firepits Ahh...nothing is better than a Colorado bonfire! Fire pits are commonplace in several Colorado home backyards, but have you thought of an outdoor fireplace? Outdoor fireplaces upgrade the traditional fire pit and provide a backdrop for TVs, decoration, and a central place for gathering outside of the home.  Outdoor Bar  An outdoor bar takes the concept of an outdoor kitchen but focuses it more on adult beverages. Outdoor bars incorporate a refrigeration unit, plenty of shelving for liquor, and a large sink for ice and keeping large quantities of beer cold. Outdoor bars are a way to provide easy access to adult beverages for your party guests - or simply enjoy a drink on the patio with your family after a long day's work. Structures We love a good outdoor living space, but incorporating additional structures are key to increasing the aesthetic value of an outdoor living space and increasing your home value. Additional structures might include pergolas, columns, fountains, backdrops, or screens that help provide privacy and additional visual variety. Structures can also provide stabilization and support for landscaping plants - adding beauty and variety to your garden and landscaping as well.  Always remember, Wild Irishman is here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard and outdoor living space of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quo Wed, 19 Jun 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1238/Outdoor-living-trends-for-Denver-homes- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1237/Six-tips-for-Denver-landscaping-design blog The warmer months are here, which makes a designing beautiful landscaping one of your top priorities. There are several things you should consider and be ready for when working with your Denver landscaping company. But here are our best tips:  1. Determine what you need and what you want Think through what you are wanting to do in your yard with your landscaping. We recommend looking through landscaping magazines, searching online, and even reaching out to friends and family to get their suggestions. Sometimes the best inspiration for landscaping design is just driving around and looking at different yards and homes. You'll find something that you love. 2. Plan things out Make sure you plan things out when it comes to your landscaping. Are you looking for a functional living space in the backyard? Or perhaps a landscaping design that is mapped and planned around the entire house would be best. Plan out how you are wanting your outdoor space to work for you.  3. Pick a focal point Choose a focal point that you want to be at the center of your landscaping. Perhaps it's a tree, firepit, or even a pergola. If you don't have a focal point that's okay, your landscaping company can help you choose one. No matter what, a landscape that flows and works together will be essential in creating a landscaping design that increases your curb appeal.  4. Stay flexible While you might come to your landscaper with a plan in mind, stay flexible. A lot goes into landscaping such as climates zones and grow together groups, while you might love those bushes or trees they might not work together or fair well in the Denver climate. Landscaping experts are here to help you choose the best colors and plants for your landscaping.  5. Keep things in perspective A good landscaping job will not be completed within a day or two, and sometimes might take even longer. Remember that if your landscaper comes back with a timeline you aren't expecting. Also keep in mind that landscaping takes time to grow in. It may take a few growing seasons to see the final results you are hoping for. 6. Have a budget in mind As you prepare to talk with your landscaper, make sure to have a budget in mind. Landscapers will need to know how much you are wanting to spend and how flexible that budget is. When developing a budget, expect to spend 10-15% of your homes total value on landscaping. If you aren't ready to spend that much, don't worry! We are here to help you determine a landscaping design that works for you. Always remember, Wild Irishman is here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 12 Jun 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1237/Six-tips-for-Denver-landscaping-design http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1236/Looking-at-free-Denver-trees--Here-is-what-you-need-to-know blog Incorporating trees into your yard will help to provide shade for grass and plants, but also add great curb appeal and tie your yard together. Denver trees are lifelong investments, and the cost can be a deterrent if you don't want to break the bank. When landscaping on a budget, promises such as free trees can often seem like a great deal - one that you have to take advantage of. There are a few things you need to be aware of before taking advantage of a free tree deal.  The Structure Paying attention to the structure of said free tree is going to be very important before you take advantage of such a deal. If the tree you are going to receive already has damaged roots, you could be getting a bad deal - particularly if you are spending money on something else to get the free tree. Always take a look at roots, existing branches, and the trunk of the tree prior to signing a dotted line.  Planting Are you responsible for planting the free tree? Or is the company who is providing the tree going to plant for you? Proper planting of a tree can be tricky, and while we always recommend contacting a professional, be sure you observe as they are planting the tree. Planting the tree in the wrong area can cause issues, or if they plant the tree without cutting off the protective cage or bag surrounding the roots...you can be in for some trouble! Make sure to keep an eye on your landscapers as they begin planting the tree. In addition, piling mulch around the base of a new tree can cause growth issues and ultimately be bad for the tree's growth and development.  Disease Ask questions before signing anything that secures you the free tree. It's going to be important that you ask to observe the tree as well, as there can be a chance the tree is diseased or bug-ridden. Diseased trees can be near impossible to save without spending additional money, and more so if they are bug-ridden you could be bringing new pests into your yard that could wreak havoc on your existing, or new, landscape. Free trees sound like a great deal, at first. But if you have any of the aforementioned issues it can cause problems long term that will ultimately cost you more money. Trees are an investment, be sure to take time to spend the appropriate time to vet out any offers from landscaping companies. Yes free is always beneficial - but it doesn't always guarantee you will have a long-lasting tree in your yard. If you are ever unsure or have questions about planting trees, please contact Wild Irishman. We are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. When we work through landscaping design, we will always incorporate shade as appropriate and needed. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 05 Jun 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1236/Looking-at-free-Denver-trees--Here-is-what-you-need-to-know http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1235/Outdoor-living-trends-for-Denver-homes- blog Outdoor living spaces are not only the trendiest home improvement projects of 2019, but they are extraordinarily functional and the perfect way to entertain all of your guests. There are a few unique trends that you can incorporate into your Denver landscape, particularly when it comes to outdoor living spaces. Take a look at our five outdoor living trends for 2019, and how you can easily incorporate them into your landscaping.  Flat Screens Gathering around the TV to watch the biggest sporting event of the season, or simply using the TV as background noise is one of the easiest ways to connect with family members and friends. Incorporating flat screens into your outdoor living space will be a great way to take advantage of the outdoors, while elevating your outdoor living space, increasing your home value and connecting with friends and family on a new level. Outdoor Kitchens Perhaps our favorite outdoor living trend is the incorporation of a near fully-functional kitchen in an outdoor living space. This includes sinks, countertops, cookstops, and even small appliances. Outdoor kitchens make preparing and serving meals a breeze, and provide another unique and engaging way to upgrade your home's value.  Fireplaces and Firepits Ahh...nothing is better than a Colorado bonfire! Fire pits are commonplace in several Colorado home backyards, but have you thought of an outdoor fireplace? Outdoor fireplaces upgrade the traditional fire pit and provide a backdrop for TVs, decoration, and a central place for gathering outside of the home.  Outdoor Bar  An outdoor bar takes the concept of an outdoor kitchen but focuses it more on adult beverages. Outdoor bars incorporate a refrigeration unit, plenty of shelving for liquor, and a large sink for ice and keeping large quantities of beer cold. Outdoor bars are a way to provide easy access to adult beverages for your party guests - or simply enjoy a drink on the patio with your family after a long day's work. Structures We love a good outdoor living space, but incorporating additional structures are key to increasing the aesthetic value of an outdoor living space and increasing your home value. Additional structures might include pergolas, columns, fountains, backdrops, or screens that help provide privacy and additional visual variety. Structures can also provide stabilization and support for landscaping plants - adding beauty and variety to your garden and landscaping as well.  Always remember, Wild Irishman is here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard and outdoor living space of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 29 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1235/Outdoor-living-trends-for-Denver-homes- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1234/Things-to-know-before-planting-a-tree-to-enhance-your-Denver-landscaping blog Trees are lifelong investments, and proper care in the early stages of a tree's life is essential to ensure strong development. Incorporating trees into your yard will help to provide shade for grass and plants, but also add great curb appeal and tie your yard together. There are certainly a few things you should know before planting your Denver tree. What Tree to Buy When buying a tree look at what type of tree fits in your yard, how high it will grow, and the growing zone. If you have questions about what trees you should consider, contact our Wild Irishman Landscaping team, we are here to help! When to Plant  The first step in planting a tree is determining when is the best time to plant it. We recommend planting your tree in the early spring, or the fall. Both of these seasons will give your tree time to establish its roots and grow prior to enduring a hot Denver summer, or a brutal Denver winter.  Steps to Plant Your first step in planting a tree is to ensure that you are not digging or planting near any underground utilities. If while digging the hole for your tree you hit a utility line, that can cause another set of issues which you might be liable for. Once you find a digging spot that you are able to dig in, and that fits for your landscaping needs, start to dig a shallow, broad hole.  Your hole should be 2-3 times the size of the root ball of your tree, but only as deep as the root ball. When you place your tree in the hole, you should be able to see the trunk flare. The trunk flare is the point at the base of the tree that begins to flare out. When you purchase a tree, typically the root ball is covered by a container of some sorts, which you will have to remove before planting your tree.  After placing the tree in your newly created hole, you will need to loosely fill it with dirt. You want the hole to be firm to eliminate any air pockets that will cause dry roots - but not so firm and dense that it doesn't allow the tree to grow. After filling the hole you should take time to determine whether the tree should be staked - if so, stake the tree six or so inches away from the tree trunk. After planting your tree, be sure to provide it with plenty of water throughout the summer to keep it growing and healthy. When watering, make sure that you keep the soil moist, but not oversaturated. We recommend placing some hay or even mulch at the bottom of the tree to help maintain moisture.   All lawns need to have some sunlight exposure in order to thrive. If you are ever unsure or have questions about planting trees, please contact Wild Irishman. We are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. When we work through landscaping design, we will always incorporate shade as appropriate and needed. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 22 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1234/Things-to-know-before-planting-a-tree-to-enhance-your-Denver-landscaping http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1233/The-importance-of-incorporating-shade-in-your-Denver-landscape blog As you look to revamp your landscaping, take notice of the importance of incorporating shade in your landscape design. Incorporating shade into your Denver landscaping design will help to keep your plants, and grass, shaded from the hot sun. Even plants that should be placed in direct sunlight need a break from the sun every once in awhile, but here are some of the easiest ways you can incorporate shade into your yard.  Trees The easiest way to add shade, but the most time intensive, would be planting trees in your yard. Trees will cast great shade over your lawn, but unless you purchase mature trees you are in it for the long haul. If you don't have a lot of yard space, that's okay. Smaller ornamental trees can assist with a little bit of shade and add some depth to your space. Gazebo/Pavilion Adding a Gazebo is a great way to provide shade to yourself, and anyone who chooses to sit outside in your yard. The Gazebo structure itself can also provide some shade to plants immediately surrounding, or those that are housed within the Gazebo. Pavilions are similar to Gazebos, but they also incorporate a canopy into the structure. The pavilion will provide shade similar to that of the Gazebo, but it's a slightly different look.  Fences When properly positioned, installing a fence in your yard can provide shade to many of your plants that line your property. Fences when placed next to other structures on your property can add additional shade as well.  Tall Plants and Bushes  While not as tall as trees, taller plants and bushes can add a beautiful ornamental piece to your yard, and provide shade for nearby plants and living creatures. These tall plants and bushes can be planted around the perimeter of your yard, patio/deck, or you can plant them in containers around your home. When incorporating shade in to your lawn, don't overdo it. All lawns need to have some sunlight exposure in order to thrive. If you are ever unsure or have questions about the best ways to incorporate shade into your landscaping design, please contact Wild Irishman. We are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. When we work through landscaping design, we will always incorporate shade as appropriate and needed. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 15 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1233/The-importance-of-incorporating-shade-in-your-Denver-landscape http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1232/How-to-prune-your-Denver-landscaping blog As we move into late spring, it is the right time to take a look at your Denver landscaping and determine what needs to be pruned, and how to do so. Think of pruning like a haircut for your plants - pruning keeps plants growing healthy and well. By starting a pruning schedule, you can ensure that the landscaping you've spent so much time taking care of will stay healthy for the summer months to come.  Why? The first thing you might be wondering is why should you prune at all. Pruning encourages fruit and flower production in the plant, but also improves the health of your plant overall. Through pruning, you can also shape/control the growth of your plant. Pruning can also keep things safe out and around your home. There are a few reasons you shouldn't prune plants though, including to control the height of your plant. For example, it's okay to cut off dead branches, but don't cut off the top of a tree because you aren't sure about the height.  What Do I Need to Prune?  You can't prune with just anything, and depending on what your pruning depends on what tools you need. Pruning and lopping shears are used when pruning small shrubs, flowering bushes or really anything with branches less than 2 inches in diameter. However, these aren't the only tools at your disposal. You can also utilize tools such as pole pruners, hedge shears and pruning saws - but all depend on what you are hoping to trim. For questions regarding what tool is right for you and your needs, contact us at Wild Irishman Landscaping. General Guidelines When pruning, you should only prune things that are damaged, diseased, dying, or dead. By getting rid of anything that meets the "four D's," you are ensuring you are only cutting off things that won't harm your plant. If you start pruning parts of your plant that don't fit in those categories, you are going to cause unnecessary stress to your plants.  When Should You Prune?  We recommend pruning in the late spring, but it does depend on what you are pruning. There are several guides you can find online, but we are always here to help answer your pruning questions and provide you with recommendations. How to Prune When it comes to pruning, we have the following tips:  Structure: Don't prune anything that would affect the overall structure or stability of the plant.  Lines: Take time to follow the overall lines of your plant. By following the natural structure of your plant, you're guaranteed to have a well-shaped plant!  If you have questions about pruning, reach out to us. Wild Irishman is here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Thu, 09 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1232/How-to-prune-your-Denver-landscaping http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1231/Six-tips-for-a-perfect-Denver-summer-lawn blog Summer is just weeks away and the weather is already getting warmer. With the summer weather comes a different set of lawn care problems and needed maintenance. But don't fear! We are here to help you with your Denver landscaping needs. Check out our six tips to maintaining a perfect lawn this summer. Water, Water, Water Yes, during the summer months it will be important to keep your grass hydrated and moisturized, however you must do so carefully! Water your plants less often but more effectively - aim to water in the early morning or evening, before the sun comes out. Watering during the day in the middle of a hot summer sun will actually cause your grass to dry out quicker. Consider investing in a drip irrigation system versus in hoses or sprinklers. A drip irrigation system will water plants and grass slowly overtime.  Grass Health Continue to monitor your grass health throughout the summer months - this includes weed pulling, fertilizing, and mowing the grass to the correct length. If you mow grass too short, the grass will dry out and lose its ability to maintain and hold moisture.  Don't forget your plants! When paying attention to your grass, it can be easy to forget all of the beautiful plants you've purchased to complete your landscaping, and decorate your lawn patio with. Be sure you are watering your plants as needed, and watching their health as well. Consider investing in plant food and keep an eye out for pesky critters that might devour your plants. Weed Maintenance You will likely continue to grow weeds in your lawn throughout the summer. Be sure to monitor weed growth and respond accordingly. If you only have a few weeds here and there, it might be better to get out there and pull them directly. If your lawn is becoming a breeding ground for weeds, you might want to reach out to our experts to help you formulate a plan. Be cautious and careful when using weed killer, it can be easy to use too much and ultimately damage your lawn. No matter how you decide to handle your weeds, try to do so immediately before they begin to spread. You'll regret not handling your weed problem sooner if they start to spread like wildfire and you'll be forced to invest in alternative solutions.  Mosquito Control You've taken the time to create a beautiful outdoor living space - make sure you can enjoy it! Mosquitos run rampant during the summer, be sure to invest in outdoor mosquito repellent and limit the number of standing water sources you may have around your home.  Consult a professional Our team of experts at Wild Irishman is here to help you navigate all of your summer landscaping questions and needs. Our experienced team can help you develop an affordable plan to achieve your dream lawn without the stress and worry. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 01 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1231/Six-tips-for-a-perfect-Denver-summer-lawn http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1230/The-2019-Denver-Landscaping-Trends-You-Need-to-Know blog As you look to revamp your landscaping, take notice of some of the biggest up and coming trends of 2019. Gone are the notions that your patio should only be used for grilling, and welcome to the year of outdoor living. Take a look at some of our biggest Denver landscaping trends to watch this year. Low Maintenance Probably the best landscaping trend of 2019 is planting a low maintenance, but stunning, garden. Low maintenance landscaping includes planting perennials, investing in an irrigation system, and removing any plants, trees, or shrubs that cause more problems than they solve.  Outdoor Living Investing in functional outdoor living spaces is becoming more and more important, particularly for those looking to increase the value of their home. To make a fantastic outdoor living space, you need to invest in something that is low maintenance, but also perfect for entertaining. Which means it will be extremely important to invest in outdoor speakers, televisions, and an outdoor kitchen if you love to cook.  Structures Turn the necessary structures, such as hose storage boxes and sheds into more than just an eyesore. By using salvaged materials and other DIY options, you can create unique structures that truly make a difference in the curb appeal of your home. It's important not to let the need for functionality overshadow the need for aesthetics.  First Impression Keep your first impressions in mind - curb appeal truly adds value to any home and is essential in creating a space that truly keeps you happy and at peace. This might include planting along a walkway, adding lighting, adding seasonal planters, and incorporating plants with complementary colors. Curb appeal is extremely important in raising the value of your own home, but also that of your neighbors.  Incorporating Food Incorporating food, whether it be in a plantar or in a garden, might be the most cost effective trend of 2019. By growing your own food you can not only save money, but control what (if any) fertilizers and pesticides are being used near your fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are easier to grow than you would think - pick some of your favorites (that are suitable for your climate) and get to it!  Upgrade your furniture The furniture you use will make or break your outdoor living space, which is why it's important to pick furniture that will create a functional space and last. While investing in outdoor furniture can be an expensive undertaking, it is also worth the price. You'll want to purchase furniture that is water resistant, comfortable, and easily stored if needed. Don't just pick the neutral color of furniture either, colorful furniture that really pops is becoming increasingly popular.  Always remember, Wild Irishman is here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 24 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1230/The-2019-Denver-Landscaping-Trends-You-Need-to-Know http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1228/Six-Things-To-Look-For-In-A-Denver-Landscaping-Company blog Spring has arrived, and summer is just around the corner. Picking a landscaping company that is not only affordable, but gives you a chance to have your dream yard doesn't have to be difficult. Here are six things you should consider when deciding on a reputable landscaping company.  Insurance A great landscaping company will have insurance and be open to presenting you with evidence of that when asked. Insurance is essential for a landscaping company - if they do permanent damage to your lawn or one of their employees get hurt on your property, insurance will come in handy. You can be liable for any injuries that occur on your property - insurance will also protect you from any issues that might arise from that. History Does the landscaping company have a history? If so, you should be able to find honest reviews about the company and gather some background information. Companies with a long history should have some examples of previous work that they've done. A new landscaping company can still be a great choice - it might just be a little harder to do some additional digging.  Guarantee Ask about what guarantees the landscaping company offers. Typically, landscaping companies will guarantee their work for a period of time after completion. A guarantee time can vary from a few months to even a few years! If a landscaping company doesn't offer a guarantee, you might need to do some digging to determine why. References Landscaping companies should have a few references that they can provide upon request. They should also be able to provide some testimonials or additional customer feedback. If a company doesn't have any references, testimonials, or customer feedback that could be a red flag. The more positive feedback a company has - the better!  Knowledge Having a complete and thorough knowledge of landscaping is of course important as well. It might seem like common sense that a landscaping would have the expertise needed, but you are placing your home's value in someone else's hands so you can never be too careful. Make sure the company you are considering has knowledgeable experts on staff. Landscaping can be complicated, you should feel confident that you are leaving your lawn to the experts.  Goals When speaking with a landscaping company, it's important to know what your goals are - what do you want for your lawn? It will be hard to get accurate quotes, and an accurate feel for what their customer service will be like if you don't provide them with an accurate representation for scope of work. It's also important that after you tell a landscaping company what your goals are that they can provide you a timeline. No one wants a half finished landscaping project! Always remember, Wild Irishman is here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Thu, 18 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1228/Six-Things-To-Look-For-In-A-Denver-Landscaping-Company http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1227/Eight-Tips-To-Get-Your-Yard-back-On-Track-After-a-Rough-Denver-Winter- blog After months of snow and cold, your lawn can certainly take a beating. You might be looking at your lawn wondering, what am I to do? Getting your lawn back on track doesn't have to be difficult or overwhelming. Start with our eight tips to get your yard prepped for spring and back in shape in no time. Then give Wild Irishman landscaping a call, we can help you take it to the next level. 1. Use a rake: Rake through your yard to remove small debris, sticks, and other eyesores that have accumulated during the winter.  Starting with a clean lawn is the key to successfully revitalizing your lawn for the warm months.  2. Check lawn fixtures: Check all lawn fixtures, gutters, and faucets to ensure that everything is working as it should be and no repairs are needed. Minor repairs on gutters, and other lawn fixtures tend to be minor and typically won't break your bank. 3. Check your hoses: Sturdy hoses are essential for lawn care during the warmer months, be sure your hoses are free of flaws and the correct length for what you will need for watering.  4. Clear out weeds: Spend time removing any weeds in your garden beds or in the lawn, and dispose of them in a compost pile.  Wait? Compost Pile? If you don't have a compost pile, no problem. By layering carbon-rich materials and nitrogen materials in a three to one ratio, you can generate your own compost pile. Composting can help to enrich the soil, retain moisture, and help to provide plants with additional nutrients. 5. Lawn mower maintenance: Replace/sharpen the blade of your lawn mower, and take care of any additional maintenance that might need completed prior to using. 6. Attract birds: Install bird feeders or baths in your yard - birds can consume over 1,000 bugs per day. Birds can also help to pollinate flowers, increase your curb appeal, and increase house value. 7. Avoid Fertilizer: Avoid using any fertilizer on your yard at first, you should wait until after your first lawn mow to do so. We can help you with determining how much fertilizer to use, what fertilizer to use, and when to use it. We are always here to help!  8. Your first mow: When mowing for the first time, avoid mowing your grass too short. It can be tempting to create a shorter mow with your grass, but by doing so the grass won't maintain moisture or the nutrients needed to grow. Prepping for the warmer months doesn't have to be complicated, and you don't have to do it alone. Once you've successfully prepared your lawn for the warmer months, give Wild Irishman Landscaping a call. We are here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Call us immediately to make an appointment or to get a free quote.   Wed, 17 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1227/Eight-Tips-To-Get-Your-Yard-back-On-Track-After-a-Rough-Denver-Winter- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1229/Caring-for-your-grass-should-be-your-Denver-landscaping-priority blog As your lawn begins to grow back from the winter months, it might be looking a little brown and down. No matter how it's bouncing back, caring for your grass should be one of the your top priorities when it comes to Denver landscaping and care this year. We've put together our best tips for taking care of your grass this spring.  Start of Spring: Rake Your Lawn Before you get started taking care of your lawn, start with a good rake. Even if there are no leaves or sticks in your lawn, giving your lawn a once over with a rake will help to remove dead or dying grass and make room for new patches to grow. Be sure to use moderate strength and do it early in the spring - you don't want to risk pulling out strong and healthy grass.  Aeration  Aeration is used to loosen the soil and give grass the opportunity to breathe and absorb nutrients. While aeration seems intimidating at first (after all, you are poking holes in your lawn) it is necessary to reset your lawn after a rough Denver winter.  Weeds...The Worst Part Make sure that you address the weeds in your lawn. If you have any weeds sprouting up early, be sure to remove them by the root or use a weed killer. If you decide to use a weed killer, consider using it sparingly and only on the spot that is affected with weeds. Using weed killer across your entire lawn might kill the grass you are trying to grow! The Bare Spots You might notice some bare spots in your lawn, but that's okay. By addressing this early in the spring you should grass growing in no time. Take time to water the area thoroughly, reseed and cover your newly laid seed with an additional layer of dirt. Just be sure to keep watering this spot throughout the seasons so the grass continues to grow.  Water, Water, Water Grass needs watered regularly, it's important that it stays well hydrated throughout the season. Depending on the type of grass you have, and your climate zone will depend on how often you need to water. Give us a call, and we are happy to help guide you in the right direction. Mowing When it comes to mowing, it's important to do so correctly. We recommend keeping grass at least one inch at all times. If you cut your grass too short, the grass will lose moisture and it's going to be hard to grow a full, thick lawn. Also, leave the grass clippings. Mulching lawn mowers are ideal, because you won't even notice the clippings that are left in your lawn. Grass clippings are full of nutrients that will help your lawn continue to grow. No matter where you are in your grass care journey, Wild Irishman is here to give you A+ service. We can use our expertise to help develop a specific care plan for your lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Wed, 17 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1229/Caring-for-your-grass-should-be-your-Denver-landscaping-priority http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1226/Common-Denver-Landscaping-Mistakes-to-Avoid blog One of the most exciting parts about the beginning of spring is not only the warmer weather, but the opportunity to refresh and revitalize your home's landscaping. If you are going to invest your time and money into your lawn, which ultimately raises the value of your home, you can never be too careful! Whether you are a veteran or beginner landscaper, we've put together a guide to help you avoid these common Denver landscaping mistakes. Not Setting a Budget  Going into your landscaping project with no budget in mind can cause major headaches for you down the road. It's important to have an idea of how much you want, and are able to spend when talking to a landscaping company or if you are doing the leg work on your own. Need help deciding on a base number? Set a budget for 10-20% of your home's value.  Not Having a Color Palette in Mind It's important to have a color scheme in mind when you are starting the landscaping process. Choose colors that are not only complementary to your home, but that won't clash with one another. Having a color palette in mind will making sorting through all of your plant options quicker, and more effective.  Forgetting Functionality We've all been there - it's easy to get carried away in the design of your home (indoors or outdoors) and forget about functionality. When designing your outdoor space, make sure it's functional. You don't want to put plants or a garden in the middle of your background if that is where your kids will play, and you don't want to place 5 feet bushes in front of windows. Forgetting Longevity/Maintainability  Remember, not only do you want your landscaping to be functional, you want it to be maintainable. There is nothing worse then spending hundreds on a gorgeous landscape that you can't keep up with. Make sure your landscaping is something that fits your lifestyle. If you are gone for months at a time, you might want to opt for landscaping that isn't high maintenance.  Lighting Lighting is easy to forget when it comes to outdoor living spaces - but it's essential that you do not forget it when you are budgeting and designing! A well-designed landscape can be highlighted at night using outdoor lighting. Show off your investment! Not Hiring a Professional  Landscaping professionals are just that - professionals. It's important to consult experts in the field to help you design a space that fits your needs, and gives you the outdoor living space you've always dreamt of. There is a lot to consider with landscaping such as your climate zone, irrigation systems, soil type, overcrowding, and lifestyle. If you are going to invest in your landscaping and outdoor living space then you need to be sure that it will be successful.  No matter your experience with landscaping, Wild Irishman is here to give you A+ service, and help you create the beautiful yard of your dreams. From landscaping design, water service, maintenance and paving - we have all the services you need to achieve your perfect lawn. Contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment or to get a free quote!    Tue, 16 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1226/Common-Denver-Landscaping-Mistakes-to-Avoid http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1225/Wild-Irishman-Tree-and-Landscape- blog Knowledgeable Landscapers If you are not happy with the way a home's lawns look, then hire creative Denver landscape architects from Wild Irishman Tree & Landscape Inc. A knowledgeable landscaper understands how to use a building's natural elements to design an area for relaxing and entertaining. With computer software, an architect will develop several plans to update a building's landscaping. No Subcontracting Duane O'Hara has operated Wildman Irishman Tree & Landscape for 20 years as a sustainable business focused on protecting the environment while remodeling decks and patios. To ensure all work is of the highest quality, nothing is subcontracted to other individuals. Improve Spaces The Denver landscape architects working for Wild Irishman understand how to improve the appearance of landscaping at large commercial properties such as retail establishments and office buildings. Alternatively, the architects know how to make the most of a small outdoor space located near a private residence. Different Budgets No matter whether a client wants a small seating area to enjoy the outdoors or a huge space for cooking meals, Wild Irishman is ready to provide innovative architectural plans for any budget. O'Hara is willing to design plans for small areas that need plants such as shrubs and flowers or huge lawns that require retaining walls and lighting. Water Elements The goal of Wild Irishman is to design an outdoor space that is pest free and enjoyable with functional devices such as sprinkler systems, exterior lights and barbecue grills. Beautiful features, including ponds, waterfalls and fountains are often an excellent way to add an additional design element to an outdoor space. Fri, 21 Apr 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1225/Wild-Irishman-Tree-and-Landscape- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1224/-DENVER-LANDSCAPE-DESIGN-COMPANY blog Landscape Design Services in Denver If you're trying to find top-notch Denver landscape design, then Wild Irishman Tree & Landscape is able to come to your rescue. Our company specializes both in xeriscapes and landscape designs. If your property is in need of professional assistance in customized decks, customized patios, yard design, outdoor kitchens or anything else along those lines, then Wild Irishman is available to provide you with the reliable helping hand you deserve so much. Ground maintenance is yet another strong focus of our company.In business for 18 years, Wild Irishman has been making our dedicated customers happy and satisfied for that entire time. We cater to the landscaping needs of people who reside in the city of Denver and in nearby metro areas alike. Our company takes on all types of diverse tasks. Whether you need landscaping assistance for a major commercial job or for a tiny residential one, we're at your service.   If you're interested in A+ quality, Wild Irishman is the landscaping company for you. Since we never employ sub-contractors, our customers can always rest assured knowing that they're receiving first-rate services. Our absolute lack of sub-contractors also helps us be as prompt and efficient as possible in our working style — a serious benefit to all of our beloved customers. The devoted professionals on our staff are all highly seasoned and knowledgeable in the fields of xeriscapes and landscape design. People on a quest for a beautiful yard in Denver can feel comfortable depending on our company's quality landscaping services. If you're considering recruiting us for our terrific landscaping expertise, call us immediately to make an appointment or to get a free quote. Mon, 17 Apr 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1224/-DENVER-LANDSCAPE-DESIGN-COMPANY http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1223/Getting-Ready-for-Spring- blog   Each year we have some early warm weather and it gets us thinking of spring and what to do with your landscape.  Spring is the best time to be thinking about updating your landscape.   Whether you are thinking of redoing that garden area, changing the whole yard or just updating your existing landscape.  Here at Wild Irishman we can help you with your landscape, starting with the design.   With a design we accomplish three things, we save you money time and water.   We save you money by not being wasteful by knowing exactly what plants, patio etc.... are to be included in your landscape.  Without the design things get lost in the installation process and mistakes are made that ultimately cost you money.   We save you time by getting the correct measurements and material. This gives us the ability to relate to the design on the job site, making sure that we will complete the project on time.  We save you water using a design by measuring correctly, his crucial to any landscape project, without proper measurements we are blinding installing things.  With those measurements we can install the proper irrigation system that best fits your landscape.  A lot of landscapes done without a design are just winging it.   Meaning that a lot of guess work is being done, this is where mistakes are made whether it's too many sprinklers; to many pavers or not enough room all of these cost money and time.  We know that designs cost money but look at as an investment, you may not see the results right away, but in the long run, it will save you time money and water.   So now that we know the importance of design work, why give Wild Irishman a call after spring is in the air, and what better way to enjoy it then with a newly designed landscape.   Tue, 11 Apr 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1223/Getting-Ready-for-Spring- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1222/SMALL-LANDSCAPING-PROJECTS-WITH-WILD-IRISHMAN blog We talk to many clients who say they have not started improvements to their landscaping because the prospect is overwhelming to them. Many people believe they need to spend 30 or 40 thousand dollars on a project to be worth while. It is true that larger projects do start to add up. But you do not have to spend Jr's college fund to start some small landscaping enhancements. Just make a list of some small things you think would make your property look better and possibly increase the value as well. To help you come up with some ideas that are both affordable and difference makers, I will throw out some tips. Start with one small corner section of your backyard. Perhaps just a few pavers, some decorative river rock, and a big planter filled with various colorful flowers is a good way to start. Those items will not break the bank and will help you gain momentum toward your next tiny project. A fire pit is not out of reach for do-it- yourselfers and not a financial burden even if the work is hired out. Add some gravel or mulch to surround the pit and grab some nice looking lawn chairs. That little slice of heaven can be created in about one day if you do not get too complicated. If you are doing it yourself, just plan it properly so you do not have to fix something in the end. A water pond may seem like a daunting project, but it does not have to be that way. A small pond will not be too expensive for most homeowners to invest in and the pond does not have to eat up too much space. If you choose to do a water feature on your own, you can go super minimalist and get it done in a few hours. Just watch a couple of how to videos online and drop by your home improvement store to grab a few items and you are set. Those are just a few ways to get going on your landscape. Use your imagination and you will have more projects than you can shake a shovel at before long. Lots of small landscaping improvements add up to an overall better landscape. That is a much better plan than waiting years on that big overhaul Fri, 31 Mar 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1222/SMALL-LANDSCAPING-PROJECTS-WITH-WILD-IRISHMAN http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1221/Denver-Landscaping-Help blog Most Landscapers in Denver really try and do a good job.  There are some who can't through lack of experience or improper tools.  Wild Irishman has been a landscaper in Denver for 18 years, and we have had our bumps and our bruises, just like any landscaping company in the area.  When you are getting ready to sign up for a landscaping job, here are some things you should keep in mind. Get plans – Yes they cost some to make, but the cost of the plans are often deducted if the price is high enough on the job.  Having plans helps to ensure the project goes as you expect and you won't be disappointed with the final result. Make sure you communicate – Some times you may be gone from the house or there are other contractors who need to be onsite.  Make sure everyone is able to do their work. Don't worry about getting a few quotes.  You need to be comfortable.  Get as many landscaping quotes as you need. When you are putting together your landscaping plan, make sure to think about the space in both day and night. Wild Irishman would love to work with you to beautify your outdoor living space.  We have been landscaping in the Denver metro for over 18 years so we have the experience to make you a raving fan. Fri, 24 Mar 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1221/Denver-Landscaping-Help http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1220/-FLAGSTONE-PATIO-DESIGN blog It is always an exciting time when you start planning your next patio or backyard project. If you are creating a patio itself, most Coloradans plan so that they can use it more than one season a year.One of the best materials for year-round patios is natural stone. Natural stone may be a bit more expensive, but it is also going to last throughout your entire life and will weather storms and hot weather without complaining or cracking.   Within the natural stone category, flagstone is one of the most popular choices for outdoor patios. As per the experts at places like The Wild Irishman, because patios are a personal expression for most people, knowing the capabilities of your contractor is one very good way of understanding you future level of satisfaction after they have finished working for you. Fortunately, one of the fastest ways of checking out the work of a flagstone specialist like The Wild Irishman is to go online to their site and check the portfolio of work that they have accomplished. As they have worked with so many flagstone patios, it is likely that you will immediately find a style or design that meshes with the concepts that you started with. Another way that you can check on a contractor is to look for or verify references. The visual work is important, but the overall experience also comes into play when a project will last for a few days to a couple of weeks. For a company like The Wild Irishman, with a long history, you can normally find that information online. So if you are in the market for a patio this fall or winter and would like an experienced professional that will do work that you are proud of, please consider contacting The Wild Irishman Thu, 02 Mar 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1220/-FLAGSTONE-PATIO-DESIGN http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1219/FLAGSTONE-PATIO-DESIGN blog FLAGSTONE PATIO DESIGN   Flagstone Patios in Denver It is always an exciting time when you start planning your next patio or backyard project. If you are creating a patio itself, most Coloradans plan so that they can use it more than one season a year.One of the best materials for year-round patios is natural stone. Natural stone may be a bit more expensive, but it is also going to last throughout your entire life and will weather storms and hot weather without complaining or cracking.   Within the natural stone category, flagstone is one of the most popular choices for outdoor patios. As per the experts at places like The Wild Irishman, because patios are a personal expression for most people, knowing the capabilities of your contractor is one very good way of understanding you future level of satisfaction after they have finished working for you. Fortunately, one of the fastest ways of checking out the work of a flagstone specialist like The Wild Irishman is to go online to their site and check the portfolio of work that they have accomplished. As they have worked with so many flagstone patios, it is likely that you will immediately find a style or design that meshes with the concepts that you started with. Another way that you can check on a contractor is to look for or verify references. The visual work is important, but the overall experience also comes into play when a project will last for a few days to a couple of weeks. For a company like The Wild Irishman, with a long history, you can normally find that information online. So if you are in the market for a patio this fall or winter and would like an experienced professional that will do work that you are proud of, please consider contacting The Wild Irishman. Fri, 27 Jan 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1219/FLAGSTONE-PATIO-DESIGN http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1218/DENVER-LANDSCAPE-ARCHITECTS blog DENVER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Knowledgeable Landscapers If you are not happy with the way a home's lawns look, then hire creative Denver landscape architects from Wild Irishman Tree & Landscape Inc. A knowledgeable landscaper understands how to use a building's natural elements to design an area for relaxing and entertaining. With computer software, an architect will develop several plans to update a building's landscaping. No Subcontracting Duane O'Hara has operated Wildman Irishman Tree & Landscape for 15 years as a sustainable business focused on protecting the environment while remodeling decks and patios. To ensure all work is of the highest quality, nothing is subcontracted to other individuals. Improve Spaces The Denver landscape architects working for Wild Irishman understand how to improve the appearance of landscaping at large commercial properties such as retail establishments and office buildings. Alternatively, the architects know how to make the most of a small outdoor space located near a private residence. Different Budgets No matter whether a client wants a small seating area to enjoy the outdoors or a huge space for cooking meals, Wild Irishman is ready to provide innovative architectural plans for any budget. O'Hara is willing to design plans for small areas that need plants such as shrubs and flowers or huge lawns that require retaining walls and lighting. Water Elements The goal of Wild Irishman is to design an outdoor space that is pest free and enjoyable with functional devices such as sprinkler systems, exterior lights and barbecue grills. Beautiful features, including ponds, waterfalls and fountains are often an excellent way to add an additional design element to an outdoor space. Wed, 18 Jan 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1218/DENVER-LANDSCAPE-ARCHITECTS http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1217/Challenges-of-Vegetable-gardens-- blog If this is your first year growing a vegetable garden in Colorado, you are probably beginning to realize the climate is not going to make this an easy task.  Welcome to the challenge of Colorado gardening! In moderate climates, gardening is a fairly predictable endeavor. In Colorado, my advice is to adopt an adventurous attitude. The accomplishment of growing a gorgeous plant here means more than growing the same thing in areas of the country where anyone can do it.  Here are some specific vegetable gardening hints. This year Front Range gardeners were rewarded with a hot summer conducive to growing great tomatoes, peppers and other warm season vegetables. Cool nights the previous summer produced less than stellar tomatoes but were better for the cool season vegetables.  Hedging your bets and realizing that the methods that result in great crops one year won't always work the next is key. For example, mulching to cool soil and retain moisture is critical in hot summers but is almost counterproductive in a cool summer. Then there's the question of when the first fall frost will hit. While the average for the Denver area is the second week of October, we can vary as much as 30 days earlier or later. This is a big change from moderate climates that have a tight window around their average first fall frost date.  To cope, be prepared to cover plants or grow fall crops tolerant of frost. For example, kale is a wonderful fall vegetable that survives early frosts and even freezes. Tasty crops of curly  leafed, Russian kale have been harvested this year even when the leaves were frozen stiff in mid- November. Root crops like carrots and beets are still nestled in the ground safely mulched against the cold and available for harvest through the winter. The best advice for a vegetable gardener new to the area is to be flexible, be adaptable to weather changes, try a variety of gardening methods and know why they are working for you and enjoy the challenge of it all. Wed, 04 May 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1217/Challenges-of-Vegetable-gardens-- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1216/Paver-Patio-Vs-Stamped-Concrete- blog Paver System vs. Stamped Concrete Every aspect of your home is an investment, even your exterior surroundings. Walkways, driveways and backyard patios all provide pathways that should be tied together to accent and enhance the overall personal and architectural style of your home. With that in mind, you should want these outdoor additions to do many things such as hold up against Mother Nature, be maintenance friendly and look and feel as great as it did when you first put them in. With so many selections to literally help pave the way, let's explore two types of concrete: Stamped Concrete and Patio Pavers. As two attractive and affordable outdoor options, we'll discover how they stack up against each other in terms of aesthetic appeal, safety, upkeep and cost. At First Glance Because of its unique texture and variation, some would argue that stamped concrete is generally more ornate and typically ranks higher on the "wow" scale. It also has the exclusive ability to mimic other natural materials such as slate, flagstone or brick, giving it even more appeal. Others would fall into the paver party. They would sing pavers praises due to its unrivaled natural beauty and availability in a multitude of surface finishes, colors and shapes. Plus, paver stones provide design flexibility, which is unique to this option because you can personalize the pattern to best suit your needs. Since asking about the aesthetic beauty of these options is so subjective, let's visit some of the other areas to unveil any differences. Safety First Taking into account the human element is just as important as any other factor when considering outdoor home improvement choices. Let's start with stamped concrete. Because of its continuous slab feature, it has a tendency to be more slippery when wet and also produce more daytime glare, which could have some considerable drawbacks. If you live in an environment frequented with rain, for example, this might not be the best way to go (unless you safeguard it with some type of DIY protectant). Speaking of tripping hazards, pavers aren't off the hook either. With the settling and possible heaving of this material, pavers can become uneven and cause someone to have a walking incident just as much, if not more, than stamped concrete. On a greener and safer note, because of the high level of joints in the surface, pavers aide in the drainage from rain and snow creating better skid resistance and decreasing glare providing safety as well as ecological benefits. In addition, they generally have lower heat absorption since they are normally laid over a concrete slab or RCA base with sand swept joints between them, which is a major bonus to the barefooted folks. Usability & Upkeep A couple of other important aspects to consider before making a concrete decision are: "When can I use it?" and "How much care does it require?" Stamped concrete takes a little bit longer after installation before you can start enjoying it. Why? Since it needs to cure first, this option takes about 3-5 days before being able to welcome traffic. After stamped concrete is installed, it normally doesn't end there as far as care goes. Whether it's within a few months or a few years, this product is guaranteed to get cracks. Factors like heavy loads, settlement and the fact that concrete tends to shrink over time play a huge role in this maintenance challenge. So before you crack up over after-care maintenance, you might want to consider a couple of ideas. Most people who use stamped concrete get a textured pattern to better hide hairline cracks. Also keep in mind that stamped concrete has a harder finish and therefore shows more wear and tear. With that, it can be more difficult to provide an exact match to the color and pattern of the original material each time a repair is needed. Speaking of repairs, it can be a rather involved operation. Most maintenance work requires heavy machinery like a jackhammer to replace the area in need. Pavers on the other hand are ready to go immediately after installation and tend to be much more forgiving than concrete and easier to fix. Why? They are individual units that interlock with each other providing a more giving environment with pressure, expansion and contraction. They are also molded under extreme pressure and are much stronger and durable. Thus, they will not crack. And they can even increase their structural capacity over time. Overall, they are better suited for extreme climate changes. If pavers ever do require maintenance, they are manufactured to be uniform and can easily be replaced with the same aesthetic quality as when new. It's as simple as taking them out and resetting them, which can be an attractive quality for those into the DIY. Also, if pavers are properly installed with a good base, there shouldn't be significant issues with setting or heaving. However, pavers do have their downsides. From time to time you may need to fill in the spaces that form between individual pavers with sand. This is an upkeep aspect that stamped pavement doesn't have issues with.   Cost is Key Upkeep and cost pretty much go hand in hand. So, it's rather difficult to discuss one and not the other. And sometimes that can be the deciding factor in most purchase decisions. In general, most sources suggest that the upfront cost of stamped pavement tends to be a more inexpensive option in relation to pavers. Long-term cost efficiency between the two however is relative to factors including proper installation, climate and periodic maintenance. Thus, some would argue that it really pays in the end with pavers and others would say that stamped concrete is more cost efficient in the long run. The Hardscape Verdict Beautifying your outdoor space in an affordable and attractive way definitely requires some careful deliberation. When considering whether to go with stamped concrete or pavers, it's important to keep the above mentioned factors in mind when stacking up your decision as both provide excellent choices that should last for a lifetime of enjoyment Fri, 08 Apr 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1216/Paver-Patio-Vs-Stamped-Concrete- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1215/Getting-Ready-For-Spring- blog Getting Ready For Spring  Each year we have some early warm weather and it gets us thinking of spring and what to do with your landscape.  Spring is the best time to be thinking about updating your landscape.   Whether you are thinking of redoing that garden area, changing the whole yard or just updating your existing landscape.  Here at Wild Irishman we can help you with your landscape, starting with the design.   With a design we accomplish three things, we save you money time and water.   We save you money by not being wasteful by knowing exactly what plants, patio etc.... are to be included in your landscape.  Without the design things get lost in the installation process and mistakes are made that ultimately cost you money.   We save you time by getting the correct measurements and material. This gives us the ability to relate to the design on the job site, making sure that we will complete the project on time.  We save you water using a design by measuring correctly, his crucial to any landscape project, without proper measurements we are blinding installing things.  With those measurements we can install the proper irrigation system that best fits your landscape.  A lot of landscapes done without a design are just winging it.   Meaning that a lot of guess work is being done, this is where mistakes are made whether it's too many sprinklers; to many pavers or not enough room all of these cost money and time.   We know that designs cost money but look at as an investment, you may not see the results right away, but in the long run, it will save you time money and water.    So now that we know the importance of design work, why give Wild Irishman a call after spring is in the air, and what better way to enjoy it then with a newly designed landscape.   Fri, 11 Mar 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1215/Getting-Ready-For-Spring- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1214/Adding-Soil-For-Xeriscapes blog When xeriscaping a lawn, landscapers and homeowners need to be aware of the needs of the plant life used. Many areas designed with xeriscaping will benefit from composting. Compost materials help the soil to retain water. However, some plants commonly used in xeriscaping actually benefit more from gravel-based soils containing fewer nutrients. In the Denver area, most native plants will benefit from composting. Although minimal composting is required, most plants will thrive with one to two inches of compost material spread over the area. After composting, the clay-based local soil up to six inches deep, landscapers can effectively plant low-maintenance native flora. Homeowners who have large patches of land in full sunlight might prefer to landscape using cacti instead of native flora. This type of vegetation provides a viable alternative for those wishing to use xeriscaping techniques, but soil preparation will be considerably different. Sandy soil is best, and a cactus garden requires only about 10 percent organic material. The average rainfall in the Denver area should provide about the right amount of moisture to cacti grown outdoors. Xeriscaping in Denver can be done using a wide variety of plant life, and those choosing this earth-friendly technique can select from several different looks to find what most appeals to them. Thu, 25 Feb 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1214/Adding-Soil-For-Xeriscapes http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1213/Denver-Landscape-Architects- blog DENVER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS If you are not happy with the way your landscape looks, then hire creative Denver landscape architects from Wild Irishman Tree & Landscape Inc. A knowledgeable landscaper understands how to use a building's natural elements to design an area for relaxing and entertaining. With computer software, an architect will develop several plans to update a building's landscaping. No Subcontracting Duane O'Hara has operated Wildman Irishman Tree & Landscape for 17 years as a sustainable business focused on protecting the environment while turning ordinary landscapes into beautiful spaces. To ensure all work is of the highest quality, nothing is subcontracted to other individuals. Improve Spaces The Denver landscape architects working for Wild Irishman understand how to improve the appearance of landscaping at large commercial properties such as retail establishments and office buildings, as well as residential. Alternatively, the architects know how to make the most of a small outdoor space located near a private residence, patio entertainment, court yards, play areas and all year round interest. Different Budgets No matter whether a client wants a small seating area to enjoy the outdoors or a huge space for cooking meals, Wild Irishman is ready to provide innovative architectural plans for any budget. Wild Irishman is willing to design plans for small areas that need plants such as shrubs and flowers or huge lawns that require retaining walls and lighting. Water Elements The goal of Wild Irishman is to design an outdoor space that is pest free and enjoyable with functional devices such as sprinkler systems, exterior lights and barbecue grills. Beautiful features, including ponds, waterfalls and fountains are often an excellent way to add an additional design element to an outdoor space. Wed, 27 Jan 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1213/Denver-Landscape-Architects- http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1212/Best-Denver-Landscaper blog The landscaping for your home or business creates the first impression. When you choose the best Denver landscaper, you get the benefit of years of local experience. We know the soil conditions, the plants, the climate, the home styles and how to deal with landscaping challenges specific to Denver. We offer a range of services and give personal attention to every job, from small front yards to corporate complexes. Whether you want local plants and a low-maintenance yard or specialized gardens, hardscaping and water features, we do it all. We'll design the landscape with your needs in mind and offer advice on the best plantings and features for the desired effect. With the right landscaping choices you're spared the disappointment and wasted money of plants that don't make it through the winter. We can put in shade where you want it, design plantings that give the best views from your windows and create a private backyard oasis for your home or business. Our connections with local suppliers help us offer you the best prices. Our many satisfied clients return to us for all their landscaping needs. From initial design to installation, we take care of all the details. Your landscaping will reflect your tastes and needs, surrounding your home or business with a style you'll be proud of. Call Today to schedule your landscape design for Spring! 720-394-3401 Thu, 07 Jan 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1212/Best-Denver-Landscaper http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1211/Merry-Christmas blog 1. Pajama game.  In more than a few families we talked to, each family member is allowed to open just one gift on Christmas Eve. Several of these same families know exactly what they're opening: snuggly Christmas pajamas. This traditional kickoff to the giving and receiving of gifts gets everyone set for bed and looking cute for Christmas morning photos. 2. Christmas Eve hot chocolate and Christmas stories.  Before your little elves head off to bed, spend part of the evening drinking hot chocolate and sharing Christmas stories. 3. Sibling slumber party.  The anticipation of Christmas morning can bring together a group of siblings like little else. Some maximize the fun by sleeping together 4. Stuffer scramble.  One family reported a hilarious tradition that started on the parents' first Christmas together: Having just married 6 days earlier, they realized they had no "stocking stuffers" for one another. In a panic, they set out for Kmart and had only 15 minutes until closing to come up with unique, funny gifts for one another. It was so much fun, they've done it every year since—on purpose! in one room. It's fun to have someone to whisper to while listening for reindeer hooves on the roof! 5. Light 'em up.  Light up another family's Christmas Eve by playing elf. One family we polled does this on their Waffle House stop by secretly paying someone else's check. Then they leave the restaurant and watch from the car. They love seeing the joy and surprise on the face of the unsuspecting diners when they learn it's "on the house."  You can also light up the night for someone who has to work on Christmas Eve, such as a pharmacist at a 24-hour drugstore or a gas station attendant.  Wed, 23 Dec 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1211/Merry-Christmas http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1210/Outdoor-Kitchen-in-Denver blog Wild Irishman has a variety of plans that can help you maximize your new outdoor kitchen all year round in Denver. Whether it's formal or informal, creating a new outdoor dining and entertainment area is exciting. Not only does it expand the usable space of the property, it increases its value and versatility. This makes a much sought after option when it is time to sell.  Eating and entertaining outdoors is often more relaxing and enjoyable. It provides a sense of luxury and personal fulfullment for families, neighbors and friends. A simple grill or full kitchen set up with all the bells and whistles can enhance a deck, patio, or gazebo instaltly. Built in seating, the quiet background noise of a water feature, beautiful flagstones and the perfect landscape create the atmosphere that fits the owner's personality.  The Wild Irishman provides individual, custom choices that fit the need of any outdooor kitchen in Denver. Brickwork, laid up stone or beautifully set woodwork all combine together to create the personality and style needed. Each set up is designed to enhance the structures and contours found naturally on the site. With a little imagination and creativity, a new outdoor kitchen creates a subtle addition that is not often obvious until you begin cooking.  The options available for comfort with your outdoor kitchen during the winter months in Denver range from tucked away outdoor heaters craftly placed inside your wood structure, or other areas.  Call Wild Irishman Today, and start your outdoor living experience. 720-394-3401 www.wildirishman.com Fri, 04 Dec 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1210/Outdoor-Kitchen-in-Denver http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1209/Fire-In-Winter blog Fire it up! your outdoor fire pit is a great way to create an inviting comfortable space for you in these wonderful winter months in Denver. Surround your fire pit with chairs drawing in your holiday guests  with the warmth of a camp fire atmosphere. Enjoy your fire pit day, or night. Make smores, sit and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate, or esrpesso. An outdoor living space gets you out of the house and enjoying life with, family and friends. Colorado's wonderful weather changes offer the opportunity to utilize your outdoor space and Wild Irishman can make the dream into a reality.  Fore more creative ideas for creating a landscape to enjoy year round call us today! 720-394-3401  www.wildirishman.com   Fri, 27 Nov 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1209/Fire-In-Winter http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1208/Fall-Color blog Fall is a beautiful time to experience the many different colors alandscape has to offer. Colors range from red, orange, purple, yellow, and light tan on all grasses. The feathers on the grasses look really beautifull and when it snows the snow sticks to the feathers and creates a breath taking experience. It is important to let your landscape grow through the winter instead of trimming it to the ground, so it can have a chance to develop its root structure and weather the upcoming winter.  Even though these are xeriscape plantings theystill require care and maintenance through the winter. too much snow on your plants can damage the shape of the plants, so we recommend taking a rake, or broom and lighting brushing your plant will help remove the weight of the snow; thus, allowing your plant to thrive through the cold weather. Waering your plants on days when the snow is removed either by yourself, or warm tempratures we recommend watering your plant material.  if you have any questions please give us a call 720-394-3401, or email us at info@wildirishman.com.  Thank you Duane O'Hara Fri, 20 Nov 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1208/Fall-Color http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1207/How-to-Make-Your-Denver-Patio-Useable-This-Winter blog Plenty of people consider their outdoor patio to be the highlight of their home. And while this space gets plenty of time and attention in the warmer months, as the temperatures turn colder it is easy to consider patio season over. However, there are a few things you can do to your Denver patio to make it usable so you can enjoy it in the colder months.   Add A Heat Source The first and most obvious way to make your outdoor patio winter-friendly is by adding a heat source. Depending on the size of your patio, you have a number of options to choose from. Both tabletop and full-size patio heaters are quiet and a great way to add warmth. These heaters come in a range of sizes and finishes to heat any patio space in style.   Another option is a fire pit or fireplace. These options create a wonderful ambiance and a centralized place to gather for conversation. Whether you opt for a small portable fire pit or a full built-in fireplace, the addition of a heat source like this one will completely change your winter patio experience.   Cover It Many patios are open and exposed to the elements, which might work for summer but make it nearly impossible to enjoy when it is cold out. Adding coverage to your patio in the form of a roof, tent, or fabric covering will help keep the elements out and trap heat in. To cut down on wind chill, hang removable curtains or floor-length shades to the sides of your patio.   Use Warm Seating It's easy to overlook, but adding seat cushions that are waterproof with insulated padding can go a long way to keeping you cozy by retaining your body heat. If your patio furniture is made of wicker, consider adding cushions or covers to the backs so that you don't feel the effects of the wind through the open weave.   Add Lighting While the glow from a fireplace is great for ambiance, it might not be sufficient for patio activities. As the days get darker and shorter, be sure to add task lighting in the form of gas torches, electric lanterns, or lamps. However, try to avoid using bright, overhead lighting so you don't lose the cozy ambiance of your Denver patio.   Fall Decor Once you have the basics covered, adding fall-themed decor is the final step to fully setting the mood. Consider one of these 10 winter-friendly plants for your outdoor space and add some pumpkins, scented candles, and other seasonal decor. And don't forget to bring out a few warm blankets for people to grab.   These options make it easy to enjoy patios and decks all year round. Once you have your outdoor space prepped and ready for colder weather, invite friends and family over to enjoy great conversation in your cozy outdoor patio. Need help preparing your patio for winter? Give us a call and we will help you create the best outdoor patio for you to enjoy all year long. Fri, 13 Nov 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1207/How-to-Make-Your-Denver-Patio-Useable-This-Winter http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1206/Choosing-the-Right-Material-for-Denver-Patios blog When planning a patio for your outdoor space, it's easy to get caught up in the details. But before you implement any of the top outdoor patio trends for 2015, the first things you will need to consider is the type of material you want to use. Your desired look and feel, as well as the budget and amount of time you have allotted for the project, are factors you should think of when choosing your Denver patio material. Below are five common materials used for patios.   Concrete Concrete is generally the least expensive hard surface you can use for your patio and can be poured in any shape you want. And while concrete is durable, it requires proper upkeep and is likely to crack in freeze-thaw climates. In order to keep a concrete patio from looking drab, consider using a stamped design or adding a color to coordinate with the rest of the space.   Natural Stone A great way to create a natural look to your patio is through stones such as flagstone, slate, bluestone, or limestone. Natural stones come in a variety of colors and create a timeless, classic patio that is hard to resist. These stones are naturally quarried, they tend to come in irregular shapes and vary in thickness. Some are also more porous making them susceptible to moss growth. Keep in mind that natural stones also tend to be more expensive.   Brick Brick is a classic option that works in both traditional and contemporary spaces. Bricks are easy to install and can be laid in a number of patterns, like basket weave, herringbone, and circular patterns. They retain their color well and you can mix and match both colors and sizes to create a truly one-of-a-kind look for your Denver patio. Be sure to find brick that is rated for outdoor use and remember that even though they can crack in freeze-thaw temperatures, they are also easily replaced.   Pavers Pavers are one of the most popular patio materials for a number of reasons. They are available in a number of shapes, colors, and patterns, which means you will be able to find the exact paver that is right for your outdoor space. Pavers are usually made from concrete, clay, or stone, and you can even find manufactured pavers made to look like natural stone or brick. These pavers are easy to install, durable, slip resistant, and can withstand freeze-thaw climates.   Gravel Another inexpensive patio material that is easy to install is gravel. There are a number of styles and colors to choose from and gravel generally has the fastest installation. However, gravel also has the highest upkeep. Regular weeding is required and it is likely that you will have to add more gravel to your space regularly to keep it at the proper level. Choosing the best material for your patio is key to creating a space you can enjoy for years to come. Take a look at our Before & After gallery to get some inspiration. If you are ready to get started on your dream patio project, contact us to see how we can help and to get a free estimate Tue, 10 Nov 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1206/Choosing-the-Right-Material-for-Denver-Patios http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1204/Denver-Landscape-Design-Tips-for-a-Small-Front-Yard blog Having a small front yard can feel limiting, but it doesn't have to be. With some careful planning and the right details, you can easily create the best Denver landscape design for your front yard. Below are five things to consider when creating your perfect small outdoor space.   Use proper proportions. If you're working with a small front yard, be sure to take proportions into consideration. If you utilize oversized trees in the front of your house, for instance, you run the risk of hiding much of the space and making it feel more crowded than welcoming. By sticking with a few dwarf and ornamental trees, you can add a bit of privacy to your front yard without making it feel cluttered.   Skip the grass. While grass is the classic landscape of choice, a small yard is the perfect opportunity to skip the grass and bring in some xeriscaping options. Consider creating a walkway or small patio made with larger stones, then fill in the space with with pea gravel or pebbles as a groundcover. This is a great option for creating an inviting, beautiful design that is also low maintenance and drought-friendly.   Go vertical. Adding height to your small front yard is a great way to help it feel larger. Vertical planters, vine-covered lattices, and espalier fruit trees are fantastic options for adding interest to the space without taking up too much room or adding bulk. Another option is to build raised plant areas using either retaining walls or full raised beds. These hardscape features are a great way to create more visual interest to the space you're already working with.   Get colorful with flowers. Bold, colorful flowers are the best way to give your small front yard big impact. Line your walkway with some pretty blooms, plant a bountiful row of bright flowers along the front edge of your yard, or go with some hanging flowers along the front of your home. To keep the small space from looking disjointed, stick with five to seven species of flowers. This will give your yard a cohesive, pleasing appearance that makes the most of the limited space.   Add a personal touch. Your front yard is an extension of your home and, as such, it should look unique to you. If you have a favorite flower or color, be sure to incorporate that into the design. If you're drawn to garden gnomes or wind chimes, then add those elements as well. The space is yours and you should strive to make it feel personal. With these things in mind, you'll be able to properly utilize the small space you have to create an  eye-catching front yard you can be proud of. If the idea of taking on your own landscape project feels overwhelming, let us help with that. We can create a custom Denver landscape design that is tailored to your specific situation and fits within your budget. Contact The Wild Irishman today and let's get started on your landscape project together. Tue, 20 Oct 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1204/Denver-Landscape-Design-Tips-for-a-Small-Front-Yard http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1203/Fall-and-Winter-Watering-Tips-For-Your-Denver-Lawn blog Now that fall in Colorado is upon us, many of us are concerned with the first frost and know to turn off our sprinkler systems. While this is essential to avoid a potentially messy and costly problem from a burst pipe or water line, sprinkler system blow-out is not the only landscape maintenance that homeowners should consider in the fall months. Year round maintenance is essential to any Denver landscaping and winter watering is often overlooked. Winter in Colorado brings with it some of the driest months of the year and many plants, both deciduous and evergreen, require supplemental water in order to survive. Did you know that extended dry periods during the fall and winter can cause injury or even death to parts of plant root systems? It's also important to keep in mind that once plants become weakened, they become more susceptible to diseases. In order to maintain the health of your Denver lawn and plants, it's important to know and when and how much to water. Many plants are subjected to root damage because they don't have access to any underground water system since their roots are shallow.  Follow these watering guidelines to ensure your garden, trees, and grass stays healthy all year round: Water only when the temperature is above 40 degrees with no snow cover Water your lawn mid-day to allow time for it to soak in and so it doesn't freeze at night Water deeply one to two times a month. This is recommended for grass when there are extended dry periods without snow cover If your lawn is in direct sunlight or in a windy area, your lawn may require additional watering. Watering properly is the best defense against late winter mite damage. Newly planted trees and shrubs should be watered with a slow trickle from a garden hose for roughly an hour Lawn sprinklers may be used for established trees since their roots are generally shallow When watering young trees, the most important area is halfway between the trunk and several feet beyond the drip line Pay close attention to new grass as they are particularly prone and susceptible to damage in dry weather With Colorado's low precipitation and fluctuating temperatures your lawn and plants can take a beating. Watering is a crucial step for keeping your plants and landscape beautiful for the seasons to come. Even though the air is chilly, make sure you give your lawn the full attention and care it needs to help it through the winter season. Call Wild Irishman Tree and Landscape, Inc., your Denver landscaping service experts to keep your lawn and plants healthy all year round.  Fri, 16 Oct 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1203/Fall-and-Winter-Watering-Tips-For-Your-Denver-Lawn http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1202/Summer-is-winding-down blog The  cooler autumn air is easieron plants and gardners, and it is a great time to plants trees and perenials. Warm soil and cooler temperatures are good for establishing new plants. While the soil is still warm it will allow the roots a foothold and establish before winter.   The heat can make flower beds unatractive, new plantings now with colorful fall blooming plants will refresh your containers and garden beds with beautiful colors.   Flowering Kale has colrful leaves and a unique beauty, they really stand out as the weather cools. Dont forget your winter watering it is important! Colorado has those cold snowy days but, we can also get warmer sunny days in the mid 50's during winter time. This is a good time to do your winter watering, and will help your plants survival and growth come Spring time. Thu, 17 Sep 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1202/Summer-is-winding-down http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1201/Denver-Landscape blog  Stamped concrete patio, sidewalk in Arvada.  Wild Irishman completes hundreds of Stamped concrete, and decorative concrete projects every year. A great concrete job takes proper time to add road base, full compaction with a concrete compactor, rebar, forming, concrete pumping, stamping, cleaning and sealing. This is another beautiful example of a stamped concrete patio, and sidewalk.  This project includes an outdoor kitchen, Trex pergola, fire pit, seat wall, and plantings.   Thu, 23 Jul 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1201/Denver-Landscape http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1200/Landscape-Design blog Wild Irishman has been providing beautiful, sustainable landscapes in Denver,and surrounding areas for the past 17 years. Our landscape design process is easy, affordable, and is a cost effective in creating the landscape of your dreams- that you will enjoy for years to come. Currently we are working on several landscape designs in the North Denver area. See a few of the landscapes we have completed this year!  Mon, 15 Jun 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1200/Landscape-Design http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1199/North-Denver blog We performed a Denver landscape design this week in North Denver. We added a new paver patio in a beuatiful landscape in Denver Colorado. The landscape included,outdoor lighting, outdoor kitchen,and new sprinkler system. Landscaping in Norhtwest Denver was difficult this week becaues we had a lot of rain. We are expecting snow this weekend. Mothers day will be a snowy one this year.We recommend not planting until the snow melts.  As of this month we opened a new maintenance division that includes several services that are helpful to our customer. Please check out our website, and sign up for some this Summer. Fri, 08 May 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1199/North-Denver http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1198/Water-Features blog We are installing a beautiful water feature at a North Denver home today. This project includes installing a custom trellis, outdoor lighting, new garage, and xeriscape plants. It is always exciting to make our North Denver homes beautiful and enjoyable. We are looking forward to another great year in this community.    Fri, 10 Apr 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1198/Water-Features http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1197/Landscape-in-North-Denver blog First Day of Spring in North Denver. We just started a nice project on Grove St. We are doing a garage, waterfall, patio and large pergola. Wild Irishman has two divisions (one carpentry, and one landscaping). This is new for us in 2015 and we are seeing a great response from out past and new customers. We encourage new customers to schedule early with us because it is going to be a very busy season and is important to get on the schedule to save your spot and creat those dreams you are looking for. We are also building a large water feature with a herringbone brick paver patio (900sf) with a gas fire pit.  Fri, 20 Mar 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1197/Landscape-in-North-Denver http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1196/Concrete-patio-demolition-in-Northwest-Denver blog Check out the project we are doing in Northwest Denver. This is an 8" thick patio we are tearing up. This is going to be a beautiful Northwest Denver landscape when we are finished. Currently waiting for the snow to melt. Looking forward to getting back to work! Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1196/Concrete-patio-demolition-in-Northwest-Denver http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1195/Keep-your-landscape-tip-top blog We have had some remarkable weather here in Denver, Coloroado! It has been great being able to create more beautiful landscapes, and we hope you have enjoyed being able to keep up on your landscapes as well.  For the month of February we have a few tips to keep your landscape looking great. Try cleaning up leaves and yard debris. Check trees and shrubs for pruning, remove broken branches that cross an my be damaged. reapply mulch that may have thinned. When conditions are dry like they have been here is Denver, water evergreens, and newly planted diciduous trees/shrubs once this month. Water if the soil is dry and only when we have warm weather expected for a few days. Flowers, perennials, ground covers, and grasses should be cut back that have not been cut back from Fall. Add mulch to the beds to conserve water and slow early spring growth.  your lawn may need some water too, especially if they are under large trees. Watering when weather is warm for a few days.  Wild Irishman Tree & Landscape hopes everyone is looking forward to a great spring. We are getting excited about our landscape designs, and the upcoming landscape projects that we have scheduled.      Fri, 13 Feb 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1195/Keep-your-landscape-tip-top http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1194/Custom-Landscaping blog The Wild Irishman has a variety of custom landscaping designs for Denver residents and businesses. Outside kitchens, patios and decks all help create a focal point to enjoy a view, pond or garden. Custom landscaping options highlight those features that make each property unique. This provides the luxurious relaxation and entertainment area that many look for when purchasing or selling a home, building or lot. Families benefit from custom landscaping designs for their properties. These features are noninvasive and help keep your lawn healthy and strong while maximizing its usage. Customizing the plant life and using sustainable materials allow for continued growth and enjoyment. These practices extend their usage while reducing the amount of maintenance and repairs needed. The various “green” solutions available help protect the environment, your family and the community without the use of pesticides, contaminants and dangerous pollutants. Whether it is an interest in sustainable urban gardening or maximizing outdoor living, the Wild Irishman will use the best possible methods needed to provide custom landscaping designs for Denver properties and homes. By offering before and after photos, it is easy to see what the results will be right from the start. No need to second-guess choices or decisions, the proof is readily available. Fri, 06 Feb 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1194/Custom-Landscaping http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1193/Northwest-Denver-Landscaping-project blog The weather has been real warm here in Denver, Colorado this past week. We have been working on our landscaping project in North West Denver, Colorado. We put up three fences, and a new retaining wall. We also installed a new Rainbird sprinkler system with a new concrete walkway from the patio to the alley. At the end of February we will install the grass and check the sprinkler for propert coverage, then blow it out because we still have another month or so of bad weather. 2015 looks like a great year for landscaping. In February we are expecing a big month for scheduleing and tree trimming. Thu, 29 Jan 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1193/Northwest-Denver-Landscaping-project http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1192/Northwest-Denver-Landscape-Project blog Starting a new demolition project in Norhtwest Denver today for a repeat customer. With nice weather ahead, we will be able to start the retaining wall on Monday. We love landscaping in our Norhwest Denver neighborhood, and adding beautiful landscapes to the Denver Metro area that give year round plant interest like Xeriscapes that our drought resistant and save on water their water bill. Get scheduled early for Spring! Fri, 23 Jan 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1192/Northwest-Denver-Landscape-Project http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1191/Building-Custom-Outdoor-Furniture-in-Denver-Colorado blog We are building (2) custom 6 x 6 x 8 Pergolas today in Denver colorado. The weather had been real great outside would encuorage people to water plant and grass areas. Xeriscape plants really benifit from additional hand watering during a dry month. Hope to get these beautiful structures in the ground this week in a landscape design job we have been working on since Christmas. Mon, 19 Jan 2015 06:00:00 GMT http://denverlandscapedesigns.co/blog/1191/Building-Custom-Outdoor-Furniture-in-Denver-Colorado