What You Need To Know About Outdoor Fountains

Installing a fountain outdoors can turn a plain and boring outdoor area into a relaxing and inviting space. Choosing a fountain to match up to the landscaping décor of your outdoor spaces involves a blend of practicality and personal preference. When you know about the following factors about fountains for outdoor areas, it can assist you when it comes to deciding on the fountain type best suited for your particular project.

– Power Source

Outdoor fountains are associated with different power options. The main types include solar-powered or hardwired. The hardwired fountain uses an electrically powered source in order to function. In the majority of regions, a licensed and certified electrician must be used to install a fountain that is hardwired since this is regarded as an add on to the electrical grid of a home.

Outdoor fountains that are solar-powered have become a popular choice since they do not involve the need for hardwiring to the electrical supply of the home. Solar panels used for these fountains provide sufficient power to ensure the pump functions.

– Water Source

The majority of the outdoor fountains will connect to the house’s water supply. Outdoor fountains require a continuous water supply, so provided the water remains on, they will not run dry. There are a few fountains that are smaller that can be filled up with a hose, which does away with the requirement of a continuous and permanent connection.

In general, the fountains that you fill up using a water hose will feature a pump that will re-circulate the water continuously. These fountains need to be checked regularly to make sure they have enough water.

– Lighting Options

Your outdoor fountain should be something you can see and enjoy. If you spend a lot of time outdoors at night, lighting can emphasize your fountain. While some fountains come with lights, you can also consider placing lights around your fountain. If white lights seem to harsh when you are aiming for a serene and relaxed atmosphere, the colored lights will be a better option. Multi-colored lights offer a vibrant and fun element, while amber lights are soothing and calm.

– Location Is Important

Among the options you need to choose from, the location is among the more important. A large fountain should not be placed against a wall, to ensure you can access the fountain from all sides. Avoid placing a small fountain in an area where objects or greenery might block them. When your fountain needs a hardwired source of power or/and a consistent water supply, you need to think about your electrical connections and water lines.

– The Use Of Complementary Décor

You can choose to have an outdoor fountain that stands alone, or you can dress these areas up using complementary décor. Two common options include water features around your fountain or a path that leads to your fountain. Ground cover or flowers around the fountain will add aesthetic appeal to the stand-alone fountains.

– Cleaning And Maintenance

Every type of water fountain needs regular cleaning. When your fountain starts to develop layers of scummy algae it can detract from the beauty of this space. Certain fountains come with cleaning cycles which will help the fountain to stay cleaner for longer. Even with a cleaning-cycle, the fountain should still be drained and wiped down from time to time. The manufacturer of these products will provide guidelines on how to clean your fountain. Following the directions that they provide will ensure your fountain remains in good shape.

– Winter Care

If you live in a region where the temperature drops significantly over the months of winter, there are steps you will need to take to stop the fountain from cracking if the water starts to freeze. Your fountain should be completely drained before the initial deep freeze. If it is connected to your water supply, you need to install a shutoff valve which will allow you to turn the water off to stop the pipes from freezing. Some people even cover their fountains when the winter months set in. If your fountain features decorative accents or points, make sure that the ice weight and snow will not be placing pressure on these areas if you decide to cover it.

– Other Considerations

Find out from a building-code enforcement agency in your state or area if you will need a permit. It is also important to find out about any water restrictions that may apply to your area, as this may interfere with the amount of water you will be allowed to use for the fountain. Finding out how local ordinances, restrictions, and regulations might affect your use of a fountain can assist you with planning your purchase.

What to Consider When Installing a Water Feature

A water feature can make your home beautiful. If you want to invest in a water feature, it is important to consider a few factors to ensure you choose the right one. So, without further ado, here are the factors you should consider when looking for a water feature that will suit your needs:

Location
When it comes to installing a water feature, location is a very important factor to consider. Putting a pond in a low spot that gets a lot of runoff whenever it rains is not a good idea as this can cause flooding. Overflow from a lawn can cause fertilizers or chemicals to enter the pond as the overflow may carry fertilizers or chemicals. These chemicals or fertilizers can be harmful to animals or water plants.

If you want to invest in a water feature, ensure that you put it at a place where you can see it from inside your house or outside your house. A well-visible water feature is more enjoyable than a less visible one. So, it is good to ensure that your water feature is well visible. To enhance usability, have a room for seating such as chairs or a bench on a small patio.

Sunshine
It is good to consider the effects of the sun when looking for the right place to put your water feature. This is because water features need about a half a day’s sun. Put your water feature at a place where it will get a half a day’s sun while ensuring that it is not near a large plant or large plants to prevent debris from entering your water and over-shading.

Power
Water pumps need an outdoor rated GCFI outlet. If you are planning to add fish to the water feature, consider an aerator. An outlet is also important since it can make accessories such as outdoor lighting easily accessible.

Ensure That All Utilities on Your Property Are Marked
Before you dig, ensure that you know the location of all utilities. Locating utilities before digging is a huge safety requirement. The marking of utilities on your property is offered free of charge. If you choose us, we will help you mark all utilities on your property. You should also check local regulations and zoning restrictions before digging. If you are a member of a neighborhood homeowners association, find out whether you need to seek permission to dig a pond on your property.

Cost
Just like any other home improvement project, the amount you are willing to spend on your pond will determine the size of the pond and the materials you will use. When budgeting for your pond, remember to include extra costs like fish, plants, fertilizer, pots, thermometers, rocks, and test kits. Look for a pond professional or local landscaper to help you choose the right equipment and a good water feature that will suit your budget.

Water features are cheap to maintain and you will not have to spend a lot after installing your water feature. However, there are some extra expenses you should consider such as chemicals, external water suppliers or water features with pumps. Once you install your water feature, include these expenses in your monthly bills.

A water feature can increase the value of your property and make your property more attractive and enjoyable. Considering the factors above will help you enjoy your backyard scene as they will help you choose the right water feature for your property.

The Reasons Why You Need To Build A Retaining Wall

Retaining walls can offer a lot of benefits from adding texture to your yard to the function use of keeping the soil from moving and crumbling. If you are unsure about a retaining wall, there are some things that you need to consider.

What Is A Retaining Wall?

A simple answer to this question is that a retaining wall is a structure that is designed to keep rocs and soil in place. These walls are generally made of stone, but there are many different types. You can have an anchored wall, gravity wall or a cantilever wall.

Where Do You Need Retaining Walls?

A retaining wall is generally used when there is an area with a slope leading to your home. The wall will stop the soil and debris spilling onto your property or causing damage to your home. These sloped areas will be particularly problematic when there is rain because the runoff weakens the soil structure causing it to slide. The retaining wall will be the buffer you need between this shifting soil and your home.

The Aesthetics Of Retaining Walls

While most people feel retaining walls are purely functional, they can also add a new aesthetic to your home. When you have an experienced builder work on the retaining wall, they can add multiple tiers to your yard. There is also the chance for more personality to be added to the landscape. Deep slopes can break the look of a landscape and a retaining will take care of this.

Which Retaining Wall Should You Look At Getting?

This will depend on the situation and reason for the retaining wall. A simple gravity wall is ideal if the wall will not have a lot of pressure against it and they use the weight of stone or concrete to hold everything in place. However, if you have soft soil and tight space, your best option will be sheet piling for the retaining wall.

The Benefits Of Retaining Walls

These walls will have aesthetic and functional benefits that you need to know about. They will also add value to your home and are affordable as they are made from high-quality materials for a reasonable price. Retaining walls are durable and long-lasting while being earth-friendly. There is also a range of choices available.

Adding Value To Your Home

The overall value of your home can be increased through different home renovation projects and a retaining wall is one of them. The beauty of the retaining wall is that it is easy and affordable to install. If you are adding a wall using natural materials, you will find that it is easy to adjust and change if you need to.

Retaining walls also increase the value of your home by increasing the versatility of the space around the house. If you want to separate your flower gardens and vegetables, you can do this with a simple rock retaining wall.

The Choices Available

When it comes to choices, there are different rock types and other materials available. You can also choose different construction methods available as well. You can choose a gabion wall that is stone-filled mesh which is shaped to fit. You could also look at a dry stack wall that is made from stones and no mortar or a traditional stone wall that uses mortar to keep everything in place. There are also eco-friendly products that can be used which are kind to the planet and economical.

Durable And Low-Maintenance

One of the great things about retaining walls is the low maintenance. Once the wall has been constructed, you do not have to worry about anything else unless you have a dry stack wall and want to move the stones. The amount of maintenance performed on the wall will be a personal choice, but you can leave it alone after it has been build and you are happy with it.

As retaining walls are made with natural products, they are able to withstand harsh weather conditions. The materials used are often local to the area making them more durable to the local weather conditions. This reduces the long-term costs you face as you will not have to repair or replace these walls.

The Functionality Of The Wall

A retaining wall is a functional addition to your landscape. When these walls are constructed correctly, they will be able to withstand a lot of pressure against them. There are many retaining walls that hold back water and soil for decades without any maintenance.

These walls can provide a structural slope retention from 50 to 70 degrees. They can also be used to create a tiered and eye-catching vertical garden. If you choose an environmentally friendly wall, they can often be installed faster and will be more economical than the traditional retaining wall.

Environmentally Friendly Options Are Available

More and more people consider how their decisions affect the planet and building a retaining wall is no different. Fortunately, naturally built retaining walls will use 50% less concrete than traditional walls. This results in less disruption to the vegetation of the area while reducing any storm run-off. Retaining walls that use sustainable products are aesthetically pleasing, affordable and as long-lasting as traditional walls with the benefit of fitting into the area better. There is also a reduced impact on the local eco-system.

When you add a retaining wall to your property, you will have a durable, simple and aesthetically pleasing solution to a landscaping problem. These walls will also increase your property resale value while ensuring your property is safe from shifting soil. You can choose green materials for the wall to reduce the impact it has on the environment without compromising on function, durability or beauty.

The Benefits Of Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are a functional part of your landscaping, but they can also enhance the look of your yard. Because of this, we frequently suggest that our customers install retaining walls. These walls offer a wide range of benefits. They can help to make your space feel more private, reduce the risk of erosion, and even protect a home’s foundation.

Reducing The Risk Of Erosion

Anyone that’s spent money on landscaping and invested a lot of time into making their yard look great will want to take steps to protect their hard work. Retaining walls are a wonderful way to do exactly that. When these walls are properly planned, they can help to redirect the water from rainfall. It can keep water from pooling, which reduces the risk of erosion. The effects of soil erosion can be devastating. In fact, in 2014, approximately 15 tons of soil in Iowa was lost because of erosion.

When rainfall is very heavy, retaining walls can also reduce the risk of flooding. Water damage can harm your home and everything inside it, which is why you’ll want to make sure you’re well protected.

Resilient materials are used for retaining walls, such as:

* Granite

* Limestone

* Sandstone

In most cases, a retaining wall will be constructed from stone blocks. Once your retaining walls are installed, they’ll remain in place for a very long time. You’ll be able to rely on these sturdy walls for decades.

When the soil around your home erodes, it can put your foundation at risk. Over time, erosion can cause the ground around your home to become less stable.

That’s why you should make a retaining wall a top priority. The risks erosion presents are serious, and these walls are a wonderful way to keep your property protected.

Enhancing Your Lawn With Retaining Walls

While you’ll enjoy a lot of practical benefits from your retaining walls, they can also enhance the look of your landscaping. In fact, after your new walls are installed, you may find that you spend more time in your yard. Your retaining walls can give you privacy so that you can relax in your outdoor living space.

If you want to include a raised bed in your landscaping, retaining walls are a fantastic option. With retaining walls, you can actually increase the amount of functional gardening space that you have.

You can even use short retaining walls to add seating to your property. These walls are referred to as seating walls. If you have a fire pit on your property, or another space where you do a lot of entertaining, these walls could be installed in that area.

We love designing and building retaining walls for our customers. Let us work to improve your outdoor living space!

Why Stone Steps And Stairs Are A Perfect Addition To Your Outdoor Living Space

Your landscaping and the steps leading up to your entryway are an essential component of your property. Having beautiful landscaping and an appealing walkway won’t just make your home more functional. It can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your property.

When you have custom steps designed for you, the look of your landscaping and your house will be taken into consideration. It’s important to create steps that improve the look of your home. Functionality is also important. You’ll want to make sure that you can readily access various areas of your property. You can trust our expert team to work alongside you so that we can find a budget-friendly solution for your home.

Adding Steps To Your Landscaping

If your landscaping has grade changes, it may be necessary to install steps so that you can safely move from one part of your property to the next. There are countless options when it comes to materials, including brick, natural stone, and block and cap. Your steps will enhance the look of your yard and make it easier to walk around your property.

Entryway Stairs & Steps

When guests arrive at your home, your custom entryway steps are one of the first things they’ll see. These steps will allow them to safely access your home. As is the case with landscaping stairs, it’s possible to make entryway steps from a range of materials, including brick, natural and cultured stone, and block and cap.

The Advantages Of Choosing Stone Steps For Your Home

Having steps on your property can be crucial, particularly if your landscaping is either uneven or elevated. With steps, you can ensure that you can travel safely across your outdoor living space. Steps will make it easier and more convenient for you to use your yard, but they can also enhance your home’s appearance and even increase its value.

You’ll want to think carefully when selecting a material for your new steps. Because these steps get a lot of use, it’s important to choose a material that’s both resilient and attractive. Thankfully, you can easily find a material that has both of these qualities.

Paving stones are highly functional, and they also look very stylish. If you choose this material for your entryway, you’ll be more than satisfied with your decision. You won’t have to worry about it wearing down anytime soon! Paving stone also offers a distinctive and attractive look.

Creating Designs And Patterns

You’ll find pavers in a variety of colors and styles, which means you’ll be able to create the right look for your steps. You can look at the colors in your home’s exterior when you’re choosing the colors for your pavers.

You’ll be able to choose the pattern you want when your stone is being laid. If you have a wide surface, you may want to consider a stand-out design like a circular pattern. Don’t know what kind of pattern you want? Installers can give you some recommendations! You’ll also be able to find lots of inspiration if you search online.

The Advantages Of Choosing Stone Steps For Outdoor Use

While paving stones look beautiful, they offer many additional benefits as well, including:

* Minimal Upkeep: When you choose stone steps, you won’t have to waste a lot of time maintaining your steps. When your pavers need to be clean, all you’ll really need to do is clear away leaves, dirt, and other debris. It’s important to clean the dirt away quickly so that it doesn’t have the chance to settle.

* Resilience: When you choose stone paving, you won’t have to worry about your steps or walkway cracking, even when you’ve been using it for years or more. While poured concrete can shift or sag, this won’t happen with stone steps. It will continue to look fantastic even after it’s exposed to the elements.

* Flexibility: While paving stones are an excellent choice for steps, you can install pavers in other parts of your yard as well.

* Slip-resistant: Stone is a slip-resistant surface, which makes it one of the safest options for steps or walkways. You don’t have to worry if you’re planning on having people over to visit. Once your stone pavers are installed, you won’t have to wait for them to be cured.

* Return on investment: You’ll only have to pay once to have your steps installed, and you’ll be able to continue to use them for a long time. Your new steps can increase the value of your home and make it easier to sell in the future.

Where Else Can Stone Steps Be Installed?

Being outside can be a hassle, but you’ll be able to enjoy the time you spend in your yard after you have stone steps installed. You can use your steps to safely and swiftly travel across your property. Your new steps can make your yard a lot more inviting. Give us call today.

Which Hardscapes Increase Your Home’s Resale Value The Most?

Landscapers typically split the different types of design work they do into two distinct categories. One is softscaping which refers to plantings and other living elements. Whereas, hardscaping refers to the various elements that are built from harder materials like stone and concrete. Real estate agents all over have been well aware of the impact that landscaping can have on a home’s resale value. Hardscape elements that are added to your home are likely to make the most significant impact on your resale value.

Walkways

Having a concrete or stone walkway positioned in front of your home is one of the best ways to boost the overall value of your home. It can enhance your home’s curb appeal dramatically. Simply having a sidewalk that runs across the front of your property can make your home look much more appealing which can draw the eyes of prospective home buyers. Other areas of your property can feature walkways which will help to make your entire landscape look larger than it really is and it can make it look much better maintained.

Fire Pit

A stone fire pit and a seating area positioned in your backyard are one of the best hardscape elements you can add and it also happens to be the most popular. These fire pits are the single best way to turn your unused and wasted lawn or patio into something that you can use as an organizational gathering point for your friends and family. It will give buyers the ability to visualize themselves using it with their own friends and family.

Outdoor Kitchen

Having more outdoor living space and having a better outdoor living space will always increase the home’s value. This is primarily the reason why one of the most utilized hardscapes is an outdoor kitchen that features a built-in grill. It also happens to make having guests over and keeping them entertained much easier because an outdoor kitchen is not going to force you to separate guests from yourself while you are hosting a party or get-together. Another option that you can use to boost the appeal would be to add a dining area.

Patio

One of the most significant hardscape elements is the patio. The patio remains one of the most desirable options available because it can add usable square footage to a home. Because of this fact alone, it is capable of boosting the home’s resale value significantly. The boost that it adds can be even more significant when the patio includes a variety of other elements that can make it more aesthetically pleasing and desirable including but not limited to a fire pit, a water feature, and flower beds.

Retaining Wall

A retaining wall can be one of the best investments you make in your home if your home was built on a hill. Not only do they offer a pleasing aesthetic, but they will also help to prevent you to have issues with a shifting foundation. Using stone for your retaining walls can help to ensure they are built to last.

When To Add Features

Most hardscaping is meant to be done for both your enjoyment of your home along with the side benefit of it boosting its value in the future. Therefore, you don’t have to wait until you are ready to list your home to add hardscapes to it. Give us a call today.

Three Ways To Enhance Your Outdoor Space With Flagstone

Flagstone is a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. Along with being easy to maintain, it adds a lot of visual interest to your yard or garden. When used correctly, it can unite different parts of your landscaping, helping to create a cohesive look. Flagstone is unique since it can be used in many different types of outdoor projects. It is almost always made out of large, flat pieces of sedimentary rock such as slate, sandstone, or bluestone.

If you have the right type of soil in your yard, the flagstone can be installed directly onto a base of soil. Otherwise, the installation process will require a layer of gravel to support the stones. If you want to get great results with this landscaping project, it is important to prepare the ground correctly. As long as flagstone is installed the right way, it can last for many, many years.

One of the best things about flagstone is its versatility. Below are some suggestions on how you can incorporate it into your outdoor space.

Three Ways To Enhance Your Outdoor Space With Flagstone

1. Design A Flagstone Patio

Flagstone patios have a lot more character and charm than traditional concrete patios. Begin by creating a level bed of sand. Next, arrange the pieces of flagstone on the surface, ensuring that it is level. Finish by adding gravel to the joints between the stones. When you are done, you will be left with a beautiful, natural-looking patio.

If you want your patio to last longer and to have lower maintenance requirements, consider pouring a concrete base and arranging the flagstones on top of it as if they were pavers. Most experts don’t recommend trying to join the stones together with concrete. From a stability standpoint, this method is lacking and can easily wind up cracking. If you want your flagstone patio to last as long as possible, the best option is to hire a professional landscaper. They can create a patio that will last for decades.

2. Use Stacked Flagstone To Create Seating Areas

For beautiful, natural-looking outdoor seating, try stacking pieces of flagstone together. Use mortar to hold the slabs together. Avoid building seats that are too tall. In general, you should stick to a height of anywhere from 18 to 22 inches. Another option is to make the base of the seat out of flagstone and to use a smoother capstone on top. This helps maximize comfort.

Flagstone seating looks particularly attractive around fire pits. If you use the same flagstone that you used to construct your patio, this will help create a cohesive look throughout your outdoor space. Alternatively, you could mix and match different types of flagstone to add more textural interest.

3. Create Steps Out Of Flagstone

Another way to use flagstone is to construct stairs. Stairs like these blend naturally with the environment, helping to create an organic look. Because flagstone is relatively thin, you will usually need to layer multiple pieces of it together. Use mortar between the pieces for stability.

When designing your stairs, it is important to think about safety as well as durability. Planting groundcover between the stones can help create softer edges. For instance, plants like moss or creeping thyme can both add beauty while at the same time improving safety.

Contact us today to learn more.