Sod is a great way to get a beautiful lush yard quickly, rather than waiting for seeds to grow. You can install sod yourself and have a beautiful lawn after just a few days. Purchasing sod yourself can be a bit of a problem. You need to be sure you are getting good sod, where the pieces are all about the same thickness and come in nice uniform rectangle pieces, not ripped apart.

The outside of your home can be an inviting welcome for visitors and give your home character. Quality landscaping gives any home more curb appeal, and can transform your backyard into a place where you love to hang out, spend time with family, and retreat from daily stress. Adding stone to your landscaping can give it some beautifully accented features that will make it even more appealing. Here are some ideas to use if you're interested in bringing natural stone into your lawn and garden's landscape plans.

Sprinkler systems can be a great way to keep your lawn green. The only problem is that they can also waste a lot of water, which is why you may want to do things to reduce your water consumption. This can be improvements to reduce waste, like adding drip irrigation, as well as recycling water from resources like washing machines and household appliances. Here are some tips to help you make your sprinkler installation more energy efficient:

Shade trees are a key part of a home's curb appeal. They help reduce energy bills, give families a pleasant place to relax, and provide habitat for songbirds. But these suburban fixtures are living things, and like all living things, they have enemies. For homeowners with shade trees, the emerald ash borer is the insect equivalent of an unstoppable monster from a B-movie. In just a few years it has spread to cover two-thirds of the US, leaving empty spaces where ash trees once provided a welcoming canopy.

If you have maintained a large parcel of property, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for you to continue taking care of it properly due to medical issues, you will need to make a few changes in the way you have handled your landscaping care. There are a few shortcuts you can take to help you keep your property's beauty without sacrificing your health in the process. Here are a few changes you can make to your normal landscaping routine.

Trees can add quite a lot of value to your property. From adding to the beauty of your landscaping to providing much-needed shade and privacy, having trees around your home is always a nice addition. Unfortunately, some trees may need to be removed for a variety of reasons in order to keep your property safe. Fallen trees on your home can cause serious damage, fire, and even injury. So how do you know if a tree near your home should be taken down?

A tree that is improperly pruned can be an eyesore, giving the impression that your compound is cluttered and uncared for. Apart from making your yard look messy, a tree with hanging branches can also be a safety hazard to your home, not to mention that diseased branches can also affect the health of the tree itself, eventually resulting in its death. Reasons why pruning is needed Pruning entails the removal of small branches or unsightly limbs so as to prevent health issues with the tree and ensure the safety of your family.

The modern French garden has its roots in the Italian Renaissance. In fact, the design incorporates much of the formality of Renaissance style but with elements inspired by the French countryside. The historical goal of French estate gardens was to make a grandiose impression on visitors – think the gardens at Versailles Palace. Fortunately, it's possible to implement the style on a smaller scale. Create a beautiful, French-inspired garden by utilizing characteristic elements in your landscape design.

As a homeowner, it is imperative to make sure that you are taking proper care of the outside of your property. To do this, you might want to consider some of the benefits that will come from pressure washing your property in various places. You Can Easily Remove Unwanted Growth Some homes experience a lot of mold or mildew growth on their property, especially on the sides of the home itself.

Who says your backyard garden is only for the warm months? While enjoying a landscaped garden is certainly simpler when the weather's warm, there's no reason your backyard can't be attractive year-round. Design a garden with the plants and layout that make it enjoyable no matter the time of year. Decorative Winter Plants It may seem hard to have color in your backyard during the cold months. In fact, it's just a matter of adding a few plants that keep their color and form year-round.