Author: csDevTeam

Arizona had a particularly wet and windy monsoon season, and the Tucson area saw record rainfall throughout July and August. As a result, your landscape may be looking a little beaten up, and it might even contain some hazards that need to be cleared now that the weather is transitioning to milder fall conditions. This article will offer some tips for cleaning up your landscape after the monsoon season, which may require the help of professional landscapers in Tucson.

Check for Areas of Water Damage

The sudden downpour characteristic of monsoons often causes flooding in the valleys of Southern Arizona. Flooded yards can have uprooted plants, water damaged patios, and other future hazards, so it’s a good idea to walk around the yard and check for areas where water took its toll. You may need to rebuild or restore certain features and replant parts of your garden to ensure that your yard looks great and remains safe through the winter.

Eliminate Debris and Clutter

Fallen branches, dead plants, and broken lawn furniture can ravage landscapes during monsoon season, and these items can continue to do damage if they’re not removed. An essential part of restoring your landscape may be simple cleanup to eliminate debris. You might also look for any areas where water may have pooled during storms, since these pools of standing water might attract unwelcome pests.

Trim or Cut Down Trees

Weak or damaged tree branches may have already fallen during some of the season’s heavier storms, but that does not mean that it’s time to neglect trimming the trees that are still standing. Some branches may be barely hanging on, waiting to do damage to any structures below. Other trees and plants may need to be removed completely, as their root systems may have been compromised.

For professional restoration of your residential landscape or ongoing commercial landscape maintenance, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-9026. We have been serving Southern Arizona with exceptional landscaping services for decades, so we understand the unique climate and design challenges that the area may hold.

There are many types of landscape designs taken from around the world, and many can do well no matter the climate. With the help of an experienced landscaper, homeowners can create a tropical paradise, a Southwestern escape, or a Japanese garden in their backyards. Read on to see different landscape designs.

Southwest Landscape

Southwest is, understandably, a popular design option for Tucson properties. It generally uses Southwestern or desert plants along with graveled pathways and hardscape additions. However, the Southwest landscape design will often incorporate popular design qualities found in architecture and color schemes. For example, Southwest landscapes might feature pinks, oranges, stucco, and stepped walls.

Japanese Garden

Japanese garden designs follow various principles that create a garden filled with symbolism and meant for devoted contemplation. There are a few different types of Japanese garden designs and themes to look for inspiration. For example, rock gardens, Oriental architecture, and hardscapes can create attractive Japanese gardens for any yard. It is important to work with a skilled landscaper who can properly care for the plants and hardscapes.

Xeriscape Design

Technically, xeriscape is considered more of a method of water conservation planting rather than a type of landscape design. However, many landscapers blend Southwest landscapes and xeriscape together into a cohesive design. Xeriscaped properties will use drought-resistant and desert plants along with gravel and hardscapes to take the most advantage of water.

Tropical Landscape

Tropical and Mediterranean designs feature large plants, bright-colored flowers, and clean architectural lines. These designs are popular around the world, and they can be easily incorporated into a Southwestern landscape with white, stucco walls and large, green plants.

Look to the experts in landscape design by calling Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. We can turn any landscape into a personal paradise. Call us soon to speak with our landscaping team and start designing the perfect type of landscape.

Arizona’s summer monsoons provide the desert with much-needed water, but that water is not always put to the best use. You can ensure that your landscape takes advantage of monsoon rainwater, and save on your water bill for the summer, with helpful steps below.

Invest in a Collection System

Rainwater collection systems are a great way to take the water falling off your roof or directly from the sky and contain it in a large barrel. Most barrel collection systems will be placed under or attached to a downspout off your house’s gutters. The rainwater will travel down the roof and into one or more barrels. The water can then be used to water plants in the yard or in pots. This water can also be used for drinking water, but it must be properly sanitized before consumption.

Set up Rainwater Irrigation

You can also take greater advantage of monsoon rain by setting up irrigation hoses throughout your property. These hoses will be attached to the collection barrels or directly to the downspouts. As long as the hoses are on a downgrade toward your lawn or garden, then the water will easily flow into basins for maximum water collection at the roots. This method can be best used watering your plants that require more water and are still growing.

Work with Expert Landscapers

Working with a landscaper experienced in Southwest climates and landscapes will be the best choice to ensure your yard takes full advantage of monsoon rains. Southwestern landscapers can properly grade your property so the water flows to your plants, and they can help you choose drought-resistant plants that can survive when water is scarce.

Santa Rita Landscaping can help you have a beautiful and water-conservative yard in Tucson, AZ. We have been working in Tucson since 1985, and our founders have experience and degrees in Tucson water conservation. Please call us at (520) 623-0421 to learn how we can help make the monsoons work for you.

Hardscapes are a great addition to every landscape, because they allow for places to walk, sit, and provide shade. You can add pavers, decks, pergolas, and so much more to make your landscape more attractive. Let’s take a closer look at your hardscaping options.

Pavers

There are countless types of pavers that can be used for a patio, walkway, or driveway. Paving stones—such as Turfstone-Permeable pavers and Non-Tumbled Catalina Valencia pavers—can provide a natural or classic look to your landscape.

Fences

Fences come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Even if you have a cement block wall surrounding your property, you can enhance the landscape with smaller fences around a garden, patio, or pool. If you design a fence to surround a pool, then ensure it meets the requirements set forth by state safety regulations.

Decks

Decks are another type of patio that are typically raised above the rest of the property. Decks are a great addition if you want a greater view of your entire landscape or pool area. They are also a great fit for smaller backyards to give you more room for your landscaping.

Arbors

Keep your paved walkways shaded with arbors located around the property. These quaint hardscape additions are generally made in a lattice construction to allow for climbing and vining plants. This is a beautiful hardscape option to provide shade and areas for attractive greenery throughout your yard.

Pergolas

Pergolas, gazebos, and ramadas are larger hardscape structures that usually provide shade and a place for furniture. Pergolas are like arbors, because they may have a slatted or lattice roof that climbing plants can be trained to cover.

Learn about all your hardscape options with the knowledgeable landscaping crew of Santa Rita Landscaping. We specialize in commercial and residential landscape design and construction, so we know the best hardscapes for Tucson, AZ. Please call us at (520) 623-0421 to get started.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a lush oasis that is nestled next to Prospect Park in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York. When you take your next trip to the city, be sure to tour the amazing landscaping and exotic plants that are featured throughout the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s extensive grounds. Let’s review some of the highlights that you can expect to see when you make a visit to the BBG.

Cherry Blossoms

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is widely acclaimed for its beautiful cherry blossoms, which come to life each spring. In fact, the Flowering Cherry Collection at the Garden includes 26 different species of flowering cherries. Before you make a visit to see the blooms, you can check their interactive maps to see which trees are currently flowering.

Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden

Another top attraction at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is their Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. This remarkable garden has been landscaped with features that are inspired by ancient gardens in Japan. As you stroll through this section of the gardens, you will enjoy the tranquil sight of waterfalls, reflecting pools, and beautiful foot bridges. At the center of the garden, a Shinto shrine provides visitors with an authentic taste of Japan.

Native Flora Garden

While the Brooklyn Botanic Garden features plants and species from all over the globe, they are also known for their native flora collection. This part of the Garden has recently been expanded to include local flowers and plants from the Hempstead Plains region of Long Island. When you visit the Native Flora Garden, you will be treated to of the natural beauty of the Long Island region.