Skip to main content

Author: csDevTeam

Now Is The Time To Fertilize Your Citrus Tree

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Citrus Trees, Fertilizing Trees.

Now Is The Time To Fertilize Your Citrus Tree

February is the time to start thinking about your citrus trees, more specifically giving them the fertilization and the nutrients they need to stay healthy.  Make sure your citrus fertilizer contains a combination of nitrogen, micro-nutrients of iron, zinc, and manganese. You need to fertilize your citrus trees 3 times a year. A good way to remember when to fertilize is to go by the following holidays: Valentine’s Day (February), Memorial Day (May) and Labor Day (September).

You also need to remember that the timing of fertilization is critical as you don’t want to fertilize your citrus tree while it is blooming. Doing so could burn the blooms and cause less fruit production.  Follow the directions closely on the fertilizer bag and be sure to water the trees well after application.

How to Create an Outdoor Kitchen for your Backyard

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Blog.

How to Create an Outdoor Kitchen for your BackyardThanks to our mild winter temperatures, Tucson homeowners are able to have outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed all year long including an outdoor kitchen for entertainment. Consider the following tips for incorporating an outdoor kitchen feature into your landscape design. Remember the outdoor kitchen needs to flow with the theme of your current backyard design to create a cohesive space.

 #1 Pave and cover the space

Determine how much you want to invest in your outdoor kitchen space. Your outdoor kitchen can be simple or elaborate, depending on your budget. Whichever direction you decide, we recommend that you start by paving and covering the area so that it is comfortable and accessible to you all year round. You may also consider adding to the covered space with an awning or pergola so you can hang lights to create ambiance.

 #2 Add outdoor furniture

Since your outdoor kitchen will serve as a place to gather while you entertain, you need to consider what type and style of outdoor furniture you will need.  Make sure you incorporate plenty of seating space in the area so that your guests can be comfortable and relax as it relates to the amount of space you have.

 #3 The need for a focal point

Your outdoor kitchen should have a view of a focal point within your current landscape, such as a pool or an outdoor fireplace. This focal point will help encourage relaxation as you kick back waiting for dinner on the BBQ.

Are you considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your existing landscape and don’t know where to start? Santa Rita Landscaping can help you create a beautiful design that offers the functionality you will want out of the space. You can contact us for a residential landscape design consultation by calling (520) 623-0421.

Make the Most of Winter with an Outdoor Fireplace

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Blog.

Tucson may have mild winters compared to other areas of the country, but there can still be times when it is too chilly to enjoy your outdoor living spaces. Adding a fireplace to your landscape design is a great way to improve your backyard and extend the time that you can spend relaxing outdoors. Continue reading for a closer look at how an outdoor fireplace can help you make the most of each winter.

Enjoy Cozy Evenings with Your Family

Whether you want to have a romantic evening with your spouse or plan a family fun night, an outdoor fireplace will be sure to add to your enjoyment. Imagine curling up in front of the fireplace on your patio, watching the warm flames, and sipping on hot chocolate. You can even plan a backyard camping night, roasting marshmallows over the fire.

Add a Unique Aesthetic Element to Your Patio

An outdoor fireplace adds an unexpected twist to any backyard design. Whether you choose a rustic stone design, a traditional brick finish, or a Southwestern adobe style, your new fireplace will add beauty and sophistication to your patio. If you ever choose to sell your home in the future, your outdoor fireplace will add extra appeal for potential homebuyers and may even increase the value of your home.

Entertain All Season Long

When you have an outdoor fireplace, there’s no need to keep social gatherings confined to your house, even when there is a wintry chill in the air. Grill burgers on your patio while your guests keep toasty in front of the roaring fire or host an outdoor cocktail party with winter-appropriate drinks like mulled wine, hot toddies, and appletinis.

If you’re interested in adding an outdoor fireplace or making other changes to your landscape design, call Santa Rita Landscaping. We offer a variety of landscaping services, including assistance selecting desert-appropriate plants, drainage and irrigation installation, and hardscape design. For more information, give us a call at (520) 623-0421.

Cover Ground with These Grass Alternatives

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Blog.

In the U.S., tens of millions of acres are covered by turfgrass. Lawns are a practical and enjoyable feature of the landscaping in areas that receive steady rainfall, but in the southwest, grass alternatives are far more practical. Plus, you won’t need to mow them every week. Check with a landscaping company to find out about native plants that withstand drought conditions well and offer aesthetic appeal for your outdoor spaces.

Green Carpet

This plant, known by its scientific name, Carissa macrocarpa, features dark green leaves that contrast wonderfully against a desert landscape. It’s a low-growing shrub that can also be used as a ground cover. As its white blooms die, you can remove them to encourage new blooms to grow. And if you plant it in a raised planter, the long branches will grow to drape over the sides in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Damianita Daisy

The Damianita daisy, or Chysactiana mexicana, is true to its name. It sports bright, yellow, daisy-like blooms in the spring and fall. This is a sun-loving, low-lying shrub that is much beloved by commercial landscapers because of its durability. It’s very tolerant of extreme heat. Although the Damianita daisy is low-maintenance, it does benefit from a light shearing in the late spring.

Myoporum Parvifolium

Myoporum is a native of Australia, which means it performs well in Arizona landscapes. It’s an ideal ground cover plant that grows at a moderate pace and works well in all sorts of landscape designs. This plant is an evergreen, with dense clusters of green leaves. Expect tiny white flowers to bloom during the summer. As the flowers die, they are replaced by purple fruits that create a pleasant visual contrast.

Ready to upgrade your landscape? Santa Rita Landscaping is a full-service landscape design, installation, and maintenance company serving Tucson and the surrounding areas. Give us a call at (520) 623-0421 to discuss your options for your residential or commercial property.

How to Achieve a Mediterranean Style in Your Yard

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Blog.

How to Achieve a Mediterranean Style in Your YardMediterranean landscapes are a delight for the senses. They are characterized by soft colors, gravel walkways, and plantings with fragrant scents. Since Mediterranean gardens are traditionally drought-tolerant, this look works well for homes in the Tucson area.

Pergolas

Pergolas are decorative structures covered by fragrant, climbing plants that offer plenty of shade. Place patio furniture underneath the pergola to create an inviting sanctuary in your outdoor space. Many different plants are well-suited to climbing up a pergola. Consider the following choices:

  • Chinese trumpet vine: Beautiful orange or red flowers
  • Golden hop: Pale green flowers and golden leaves
  • Morning glory: Heart-shaped leaves for shade and softly colored flowers
  • Common jasmine: Clusters of white flowers that give off a pleasant scent
  • Climbing roses: Many varieties and color options to choose from

Gravel and Tile Walkways

Much like landscapers in the southwestern U.S., gardeners in the Mediterranean region have traditionally reduced or eliminated grass lawns. Instead, they rely on gravel floors and walkways to connect landscape features like seating areas and potted gardens. The use of brightly colored paving tiles in outdoor spaces is also consistent with the Mediterranean style, as is the intricate designs of cobble and pebble mosaics.

Container Gardens

No genuine Mediterranean garden is complete without a few terracotta pots and jars. From large urns to graceful garden vases, terracotta containers are ideal for creating dramatic focal points. In the dry desert heat, clay pots are preferable to plastic imitations.

Raised Beds

A raised bed can be created with beautiful stone, similar to a retaining wall. Raised beds add aesthetic appeal to the Mediterranean landscape. They’re also quite practical since there’s no need to stoop over to tend to the plants. Use raised beds to show off drought-tolerant plants like succulents.

Santa Rita Landscaping offers custom landscape design for homeowners and businesses in the Tucson area. We can recreate the tranquil ambiance of the Mediterranean in your yard! Call (520) 623-0421 or fill out the online design questionnaire.