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What You Can Do to Get Your Lawn Ready For Fall

As temperatures drop in late summer, you must step up your lawn maintenance to ensure you still have a healthy lawn in the fall. There are several things you can do now to get your lawn ready for fall. Read on to learn some tips as well as how an arborist can help you.

Test Your Soil

Testing your soil before fall takes the guesswork out of how you should be managing the pH and nutrition of your soil. By making the necessary improvements before fall, you will have extra time to prepare before it’s super cold. To find out more about the perfect pH for your lawn, you can contact an arborist. If the arborist decides to visit and check out your grounds, you can also take the time to ask them a bit about your trees.

If you find out the pH is not in its normal range, you can use fast-acting lime. This will restore balance to your soil and encourage a healthier, greener lawn through fall. You should also consider fertilizing your soil. Ideally, you should do this about six weeks before your first expected frost. A high-nitrogen fertilizer will help to ensure that your lawn has vigorous roots and increased energy reserves to survive the increasingly low temperatures.

Remove Excess Thatch

There’s a thick layer of organic matter that collects between the soil and your lawn that usually benefits your lawn when it’s thinner. However, when this layer starts getting too thick, it can hinder the movement of water and nutrients. Apart from that, it also encourages disease. To dethatch, you can use a handheld rake or a dethatcher. These tools will cut into the layer of thatch and pick it up for removal. This will help to restore a proper interface between your lawn and the soil.

Fill in Bald Spots

The average homeowner spends five to 8.5 days yearly caring for and maintaining their lawn. Depending on location, people usually set aside four hours per week to care for their lawn. Those who live in cooler climates spend about 150 hours a year, while those in warmer climates about 208 hours a year.

You can dedicate some of that lawn maintenance time to fixing any bare spots on your lawn as you prepare for fall. For the best results, you can get an all-in-one lawn repair mixture that you can find in most garden shops. To do this, you will need to loosen up the soil on the patch with a rack and then pour the lawn repair mixture over the lawn bald spot. If this doesn’t work, you can consult an arborist to see if there is anything wrong with your lawn.

Lawn maintenance and preparation for fall are not that difficult. The most important thing is to ensure you don’t fall behind on your maintenance tasks. Also, never forget to water your lawn every other day towards fall.

Tucson Trees: How They Can Help Your Yard

Planting trees in Tucson may seem difficult, especially since the area receives under 10 inches of rainfall every year and is considered a desert because of this. However, there are plants and trees that can thrive in these conditions, and planting them around your home can help both your yard and your neighborhood.

Why Tucson Needs Trees

Cities across the world are all working on tree planting initiatives. In Arizona, Pheonix is trying to reach a 25% tree canopy by the year 2025. Tucson is similarly striving to plant 2 million trees by 2030. But why are initiatives like this so important in Arizona?

Along with providing shade, oxygen, and shelter for wildlife, trees can help in numerous ways.

Living in an area with trees can help prevent asthma attacks, lower your energy bills, and protect you from storms.

All of these benefits make planting more trees attractive for many homeowners, even those living in the desert climate in Tucson.

How Trees Can Help Your Yard

Planting trees can also bring a lot of benefits to your yard, including:

  • Helping to retain water.
  • Preventing erosion.
  • Adding curb appeal.
  • Increasing resale value.
  • Expanding your living area.

Because it doesn’t rain often in Tucson, having trees to help retain water can be essential, and they can also help prevent erosion when it does rain.

Similarly, by providing a shady spot away from the hot sun, you can expand your usable living space by being able to spend time outside under them.

This can also help boost your curb appeal and increase the resale value of your home if you end up selling it in the future.

Where to Find Trees to Plant

Tucson Clean and Beautiful is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing trees for the Tucson area. Online, you can shop for numerous trees or contact a qualified arborist to get answers to any of your questions.

Sites like this make it easy to order trees right from the comfort of your home. You won’t even have to worry about doing any prep work as Tucson Clean and Beautiful will deliver and plant your trees for you.

Trees for Tucson

If you live in the Tucson area and want to include trees around your home, speak to an arborist today to learn more about the different varieties available and which types would be best for your yard.

Can Pavers Be Painted?

Painting Pavers - Paver WalkwayBrick, cement, and concrete pavers are popular design elements in landscaping and outdoor areas. There are many unique uses for pavers in your yard, including sidewalks, seating areas, gardens and flowerbeds, and fire pits. Pavers start to look old over time and many homeowners decide that theirs need updating. A common question homeowners ask is: can pavers be painted? Your first thought might be that you need to repave the area, but instead, you can consider painting the pavers to save time and money. 

While many landscaping companies choose not to encourage painting pavers, there is no reason that this cannot be a viable way to add new life to your landscaping. We are here to help you determine if you can use the pavers that you already have by painting them. We will also determine if the pavers have been damaged and if they can be painted.

4 Steps to Paint Pavers 

Painting pavers can be intricate. Painters know the difficulty of adequately painting pavers, so they do not chip, peel, or lose saturation. 

Step #1 – Be Sure the Pavers are Clean 

The first step, before painting, is to pull all weeds and clean the area with dish soap and a scrub brush. This helps to remove stubborn stains and to ensure that no dirt remains on the pavers. Once scrubbed, rinse the pavers and allow them to dry completely. You can use many ways to paint brick pavers; to get some suggestions on this, check this article out.

Step #2 – Prep the Pavers 

After you clean and dry your pavers, the next step is to prep them. Use a concrete primer to prep the pavers, allowing them to dry completely after a concrete prime has been applied. This step is crucial to make sure that your paint lasts. Prepping the pavers, regardless of the construction material, is necessary to create the perfect surface for painting.

Step #3 – Paint the Pavers 

Choosing the right kind of paint is essential to have painted pavers that last for years to come. You must paint the pavers to last.  The first layer of paint should be a mixture of one-part turpentine and four-parts paint.  After that layer has dried, you can start with your first layer of paint. You will need to paint two or three layers before sealing.

Step #4 – Seal the Pavers 

The last step to having painted pavers that you can enjoy for years is to seal the pavers. All of the previously mentioned articles suggest that you use a concrete sealant and that you allow one layer to dry completely before doing a second layer. 

People Also Ask:

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Pavers? 

Choosing the right type of paint is essential for success with painting pavers. We will tell you the one that we use as it works best. It is imperative that you choose the right type of paint to avoid the need to scrape, re-clean, and re-paint the pavers. This is something that no homeowner wants to go through. Choosing acrylic cement paint is the best option as the paint has a strong finish and stands up to exposures well.

Can You Paint Brick Pavers? 

Brick Paver WalkwayMany people use brick pavers for convenience, affordability, and durability. Painting brick pavers can help them last longer and keep them looking fresh. The above steps are perfect for use with all types of pavers. 

Two Unique Ideas for Painting Pavers 

There are many projects and unique ways to paint pavers for use around our home. This allows you to paint pavers to create something special or update the look of your outdoor space, as these projects are creative and will make your space memorable. 

  • Create Unique and Functional Pathways with Stepping-Stones – Creating unique and functional pathways out of stepping-stones is one way to creatively utilize paint and pavers. One suggestion that we have is to change the stones out each month and to have fun and creative designs based on the month. For instance, we recommend snowflakes and snowmen for January and hearts for February. 
  • Set Apart Landscaping Features with Painted Pavers – Painted pavers are the perfect way to set aside landscaping features like firepits, flowerbeds, gardens, and fountains. Use the pavers to create a design or to highlight an area of your outdoor space. Also, use paint to help keep spaces separate.  

We are frequently asked, “Can pavers be painted?” We always say “Yes!” Painting pavers is a great way to breathe new life into worn-out areas around your home. You can update the outdoor spaces like patios, driveways, landscaping, and sidewalks with paint. Santa Rita Landscaping has been in the landscaping and landscape design business in Tucson and Southern Arizona since 1985. If you are interested in improving the aesthetic appeal and value of your home by adding new pavers or restoring them to their original glory, contact Santa Rita Landscaping for your FREE quote today!

Other timely, related articles you may enjoy:

Landscape Ideas for Creating Privacy

Backyard Privacy

According to a study by Virginia Tech, landscaping increases the aesthetic and appeal and increases the real estate value by a whopping 15%. And with privacy trees, it increases the value to 20%.

Did you know that you are entitled to privacy in your garden? Pergolas and fences do provide some measure of privacy but not that coziness, style, and greenery. But by landscaping for privacy, not only do you block the neighbors’ view but also soften the landscape, the overwhelming wall, and the rustic fence.

Here are a few landscaping ideas for creating a private and sequestered backyard.

Landscape Ideas for Creating Backyard Privacy

Warm temperatures and blooming leaves make for an ideal outdoor party scene but not your nosey neighbors, not so much. You should be able to enjoy your backyard without having to worry about privacy. Here are a few landscaping ideas to help you set up a privacy barrier in your yard:

  • Wooden Privacy FenceA trusty wood fence; With a wide variety of woods and styles to choose from, a wooden fence remains the best option.
  • Turn your backyard into a tropical retreat with a pergola and bamboo to hide the gaps and give privacy. Add a seating area and a water feature for
  • A pergola with a little something extra; Fill in the gaps in the walls and ceiling with plants and vines for a romantic effect.
  • Create a privacy wall with a hedge.
  • A multi-purpose wall with slats, lots of cedarwood, and little pockets to hold potted plants
  • A vertical vegetable garden; You can also add herbs or even flowering plants. It serves a multipurpose by giving you a spot of greenery and also offer you privacy.
  • A trellis not just hides you from prying eyes but also softens the look of your backyard since it provides support for a lot of plants and vines to climb on.
  • Grow a bamboo screen.
  • Create a whimsical fence with climbing vines.
  • Hedges made of juniper plants and boxwoods can create privacy all on their own.
  • Design a private corner with a seating area. It creates a difference even in the simplest of landscapes.

Cheap Backyard Privacy Ideas

Your backyard paradise need not cost you an arm and a leg. Ditch the expensive landscaping for these inexpensive solutions for a touch of privacy from the prying eyes of neighbors: You can DIY most of these yourself at home.

  • Add supersized planters along the fence.
  • Make a lattice-work panel or privacy fence. You can make it yourself with a few wooden panels, boards, or posts.
  • Attach a few pot holders to your lattice screen. Use large bushy greenery to secure your backyard from prying eyes.
  • Grow trees along the lines of your property wherever you need a barrier. While it may not work instantly, you will have towering trees along your yard, making the entire area private.
  • Build a privacy screen with old doors and upcycled wooden panels. Add flowering planters for a touch of green.
  • A woven willow branch fence made from natural willow branches gives more of a rustic charm to your yard.

Block Out the Neighbor’s View: Planting a Privacy Screen

Backyard Privacy - Natural Privacy Screen Made of Trees and ShrubsThe privacy screen is nothing but a backyard privacy idea that uses a dense row of trees or shrubs to hide your yard from a curious neighbor effectively. They are planted inside your property line or just by your privacy fence; in short, they should grow on your land. Any tree that grows tall and narrow works well as a screen. However, they may box-in your house, which may be a good thing for privacy but a downside if your land is small.

You may also want to consider the below before planting a screen:

  • The trees take years to grow and provide any privacy at all.
  • Over the years, the closely planted trees will face trouble with root competition and damage adjacent structures or utilities.
  • If you have a fence, they may put pressure causing it to weaken.
  • Once they grow, you would have to regularly trim or shear to direct the growth. And that increases the maintenance costs.
  • They take away the usable area from your landscape.
  • You can always consult an expert for landscaping ideas. It’s better to be cautious rather than regretting it in the future.

Landscape Plants that Make for Best Privacy Screen

Your privacy screen or fence need not be as austere; Certain plants can provide more privacy to your yard when grown instead of a fence that converts your yard to a secluded retreat.

  • Emerald Green Arborvitae-It grows 12-15 feet tall, and being an evergreen provides privacy all year long.
  • Bamboo – It is one of the fastest-growing plants and can act as a privacy screen in a couple of years. However, they are an invasive species and hence should be grown in tall planters. Or you can choose a slow-spreading, clumping variety.
  • Cherry Laurel – Native to the southeastern United States, it grows 15 to 36 ft tall with clusters of white flowers in spring.
  • Boxwood – It grows as tall as 20 feet and tolerates heavy pruning. It can be grown as a decorative hedge and clipped into various shapes.
  • Privet– It needs heavy pruning in the early years to tame the growth. It can add 2-3 feet to its height every year.
  • Holly– Available as both dense shrubs and tall trees, holly grows 6-10 feet. Few varieties have sharp, spiny leaves.
  • Hicks Yew– It is a low-maintenance shrub with soft needles and winter berries, making it a favorite among backyard wildlife.
  • Red Twig Dogwood– Being a deciduous plant, it loses its leaves in fall, losing its screening value. But, bright red branches more than makeup for it. It is fast-growing, tolerates temperatures, and soggy soil, reaching up to 8 feet tall and 10 feet in width.
  • Buckthorn– It is a deciduous shrub that grows 5 to 7 feet tall.
  • Euonymus– It is a tall and sturdy shrub that tolerates all weather conditions and comes in many colors, including green and gold. It grows 15 ft tall and more if grown as a vine.

Natural Privacy Screens

Using plants to create privacy is an easy way to block out prying neighbors while also enhancing the look of your garden. However, it is not as quick as that; You may need to consider a few points before planting your screen:

  • Look at the soil type. Not all plants and shrubs grow in clay or sandy soil.
  • Settle on the height first and then choose plants that will not grow taller than the allocated space.
  • The ideal height for a shrub is 1m and a tree, 1.8m.
  • Create windbreaks if the area is too exposed to protect the young specimens.
  • Consider the maintenance costs. As the plants grow, so does the cost to maintain them.
  • The roots may damage structures, drains, buildings, and as such.
  • From the design perspective, tall privacy screens should have large leaves and vice versa.

Height of a Privacy Screen

Even though a privacy screen is built/grows in your yard, it should comply with the building codes. The local regulations dictate the height of your privacy screen or privacy fence.

For example, in California, a screen in the front yard can be 3.5 ft tall. Meanwhile, in the rear yard, it can be as tall as 6 ft. The same applies to fences between properties. Do not infringe on the rights of the neighbors.

Anything taller than that requires a permit.

Budget-Friendly Privacy Screen Ideas

Privacy doesn’t come at a price. One way of achieving that is by planting trees and shrubs strategically. Here are some inexpensive, budget-friendly landscape design ideas that offer privacy to your yard:

  • Budget-Friendly Backyard Privacy IdeasTall plants in planters have a more contemporary feel and also provide privacy. For a moist climate, plant Horsetail reeds and cacti for hot and dry climates. You can also go for native grasses or bamboo.
  • For instant privacy, you can use false snake plants or cacti. Alternatively, false vines such as ivy draped over your trellis or fence can easily block neighbors’ views and add privacy.
  • Plants such as Arborvitae grow as tall as 15 ft enough to shield you from nosey neighbors.
  • A hanging privacy screen with trailing succulents works well for your patio or balcony.
  • Shrubs with dense foliage like green and white hostas work well as a screen for your front yard.
  • Create a flower wall or tree wall by preaching or tying the branches. Bougainvillea tree with its stunning pink flowers is a living work of art.

DIY Privacy Screen Ideas

Are you more of a DIY person? You can create a privacy screen, be it for your yard, deck, porch, or balcony. Here are a few simple DIY privacy solutions:

  • Bamboo fencing for your deck. All you need to do is stain the wood and let it dry, frame the bamboo, add hooks and hang it.
  • Balustrade screen for your deck; Though it’s a simple structure with wood only someone with experience can handle it.
  • A rustic setup with wooden privacy panels stacked one above the other; You can integrate a simple potted garden if you desire.
  • Turn your closer door into a screen for a private reading nook. You will need more than one door and link them together.
  • Hang curtains or heavy drapes around your pergola for some measure of privacy.
  • Staggered-fence-panels with shrubs in front is a one-of-a-kind backyard privacy fence.

Screen Your Yard in Style with Privacy Plants

Whether it is to create a private garden space or hide your neighbor’s junkyard, you can do it in style. They do not just add to your backyard privacy but also beauty and shade. Here is a list of plants that act as a privacy fence elegantly and with flair:

  • Fargesia Bamboo – While bamboo may be invasive, Fargesia is not; While they are hardy and evergreen, they are also a slow-growing variety.
  • Boxwood – They can take any amount of pruning and can be shaped into any shape for a bold statement or an English-style garden.
  • Italian Buckthorn – It grows relatively fast but taller than it is wide, so it is better used in conjunction with a wall or a fence rather than stand on its own.
  • Photinia – An evergreen shrub with glossy leaves that adds a rich appearance to your yard.
  • Dodonaea – Otherwise called purple-leafed hop-bush, is an evergreen shrub that changes colors by nightfall. The hardy plant blooms during spring and are quite decorative.
  • Cypress Tree – It grows tall and narrow and perfect for creating a screen.
  • Vines – Clematis and Confederate Jasmine are two good options. The former grows fast and needs dedicated pruning. At the same time, the latter is a slow grower. Nevertheless, both plants bloom in spring.

Rather than the view, if you are looking to block out the noise, a water fountain can help mask it.

Best Container Plants For Creating Backyard Privacy

Container plants are usually placed in a deck, patio, or balcony to create privacy and block neighbors’ view. You may want to watch for the width since mature plants can overcrowd the space; You may also want to choose flowering plants and colorful foliage for a beautiful year-round look.

  • Butterfly Bush – Attracts quite a few varieties of butterflies and requires pruning in early spring.
  • Lavender – Blooms in spring and summer and requires regular trimming.
  • Elderberry – A versatile shrub with different foliage colors, namely green, gold, and black.
  • Hydrangea – A garden variety shrub with large clusters of flowers

Privacy Fence Landscaping Ideas

Wood fences are great at providing privacy, but they are not great to look at. The dull wood, though rustic, adds quite a little visual interest to your landscape. One way is to hide the fence behind plants so that it blends with the rest of your yard and does not stand out.

Here are a few landscaping ideas to spruce up your fence and improve the ambiance.

  • Vines such as bougainvillea and trumpet vine covers much of the fence links when they grow, and their blooms are nothing short of stunning.
  • Growing tall ornamental grasses such as cape thatching reed, horsetail reed, San Diego sedge, and muhly grass close to each other can cover the appearance of the fence, adding color and texture.
  • For a more decorative look, grow flowering perennials such as in front of the ornamental grasses.
  • Place large planters or containers in front of the fence if you cannot plant or grow in front of the fence. Flowering plants add color to the otherwise dull spot.

Fence-Friendly Vines

Cover your backyard privacy fences with these flowering vines for a fragrant and colorful fence.

  • Fence-Friendly Vines - Flowering Vines on Rustic FenceWisteria
  • Carolina Jessamine
  • Honeysuckle
  • Bougainvillea
  • Purple Hyacinth Bean
  • Mandevilla
  • Passionflower
  • Trumpet Creeper
  • Boston Ivy
  • Virginia Creeper
  • Calico Dutchman’s Pipe
  • Clematis
  • Morning Glory
  • Hops
  • Chocolate
  • Moonflower
  • Crossvine
  • Black-eyed Susan

How to Grow a Living Wall

A living wall or vertical garden is usually mounted in the walls, fence panels, or trellis-like structures. They can offer a refreshing green space and also act as privacy screens. They occupy limited space and hence famous in residential homes and office spaces.

  • Your wall should be in direct sunlight. If not, you should make alternate lighting arrangements.
  • The display or the mounting options change depending on the structure and the placement. You can also go for a readymade structure with an inbuilt watering system. Otherwise, you can also use hanging pots or angled plant trays.
  • As long as you have enough light, you have access to many varieties of plants, from herbs to flowering plants. For low light conditions, you can grow aglaonemas, pothos, peace lily, etc.
  • For medium light Song of India, English ivy, rabbit foot, and maidenhair work the best.
  • The challenge is to choose plants with similar working conditions.

Plant a Privacy Hedge

One of the ways to shield your yard is via a privacy hedge. They act as a fence to provide privacy from neighbors and traffic. Moreover, tall hedges also serve to reduce traffic noise. However, they may also mask your view.

Here’s how you plant a privacy hedge:

  • Choose one that suits your needs.
  • What is the available space, height, and width?
  • Space them out at least 12″ to 24″ apart to prevent root crowding.
  • Train them young to be a hedge.

Fast-Growing Privacy Hedge

Hedges usually grow fast, more than 1 foot per year, while a few can grow 4 feet per year. Here is a selection of hedges that grow quickly, both evergreen and deciduous.

  • Leylandii
  • Flame Amur Maple
  • English Laurel
  • Cherry Laurel
  • Portuguese Laurel
  • Emerald Green Arborvitae
  • Western Red Cedar
  • American Arborvitae
  • Privet
  • Bamboo

The fastest-growing hedge is Leylandii, approximately 75-90cm per year.

Conclusion

Contact Santa Rita Landscaping for Your Backyard Privacy FencePrivacy is very important, both inside your home and outside in your yard. Block the view with a tall hedge or privacy fence. A private yard makes for a gorgeous getaway retreat. Not just that, a privacy fence also adds to the aesthetic appeal and value of your home.

By adding more plants, you create a diverse ecology that improves the air quality around you. The greenery also provides cooler temperatures inside your home.

Santa Rita Landscaping has been in the landscaping and landscape design business in Tucson and Southern Arizona since 1985. If you are interested in improving the aesthetic appeal and value of your home by adding a privacy fence or natural privacy screen, contact Santa Rita Landscaping for your FREE quote today!

How Much Does it Cost to Cut Down a Tree?

How much does it cost to cut down a treeOvergrown trees can put the safety and structural integrity of your property at risk. Which is why it’s essential to identify them before they become too big of an issue.

Cutting down a tree is a very complicated process that involves a lot of factors. Without the proper tools or knowledge, trying to cut a tree can be dangerous.

Size and age are two of the most important factors to consider when cutting a tree. Failing to cut down a tree properly can result in bodily injury or damage to your home.

Therefore, only trust the professionals to get the job done.

At Santa Rita Landscaping, we have years of experience in the tree cutting industry. All of our technicians are thoroughly trained.

So, they can handle any tree cutting needs you have. We approach every client on an individual basis. Enabling us to deliver tailored solutions with long-lasting results.

Cost is another considerable factor people consider before cutting a tree. The cost to cut down a tree varies widely depending on the type of tree, its size, and more.

To learn more about the cost to cut down a tree, continue reading.

How much does it cost to cut down a tree?

As I stated earlier, the cost to cut down a tree depends mainly on its size. Obviously, smaller trees cost less to cut than larger ones.

But, if your trees are severely damaged, a small tree can become expensive to cut down quickly. Take a look below to see the average cost to cut a tree according to its size.

Average Tree-Cutting Cost by Size:

  • Small- $150-$400
  • Medium- $450-$700
  • Large- $900-$1,200

Location and geography also affect the cost of cutting down trees. Check out this article by Homeadvisor to learn more about why.

All tree types grow roots differently, which impacts removal difficulty. So, the type of trees being cut down will play a factor in the final cost.

Here is an article by Fixr detailing more information about tree types and the cost of cutting.

Saving money on trimming your trees

Tring to “cut corners” when cutting down a tree can result in severe injury.

So, while there is no direct way to save money when cutting down a tree, you can save money by ensuring, you choose the right service provider.

At Santa Rita Landscaping, we offer affordable tree cutting services. We take the satisfaction of our customers seriously.

Which is why we provide a 100% service guarantee on all of our work. If you’re interested in our tree cutting services, feel free to fill out the contact form on our website.

We offer free project estimates.

Allowing you to get an idea of how much the entire thing will cost before you commit. Our team can cut down trees of all types, sizes, and ages.

People Also Ask

Q: How much does it cost to cut down a 30-foot tree?
A: on average, it costs about $00-$700 to cut down a 30-foot tree. That cost may be higher or lower, depending on many factors.

Q: Will lumber companies cut down trees for free?
A: While some have been known to offer this service, not all of them do. You’ll need to contact a local lumber company in your area to find out an exact answer.

Q: Why is tree cutting so expensive?
A: tree cutting is so expensive mainly due to the fact that there’s more involved than merely cutting the tree. An inspection must occur before cutting. Safety measures are put in place to protect your home and safety.

Let our team at Sanat Rita Landscaping help you!

Whether you want to cut a tree down for visual reasons or for safety. Our team is equipped with the right tools to get the job done. Don’t waste any more time.

Contact Santa Rita Landscaping today!