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Tag: landscaping

Adding a Rainwater Harvesting System to Your Landscape

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Design, Irrigation Systems.

During times of winter storms and monsoons, homeowners should take advantage of the downpour with rainwater harvesting systems. With rainwater harvesting, you can reduce water waste and add sustainability to your landscape.

Reduced Need for Ground Water

Rainwater harvesting reduces your household’s impact on groundwater reduction ~ a big concern for residents in the Southern Arizona region.

Minimal Infrastructure

Your rooftop usually features a drainage system with catchment areas.  These can be attached to harvesting systems. This feature can help keep installation costs down and optimize the financial benefits of a rainwater harvesting system.

Lower Soil Erosion Rates

A rainwater harvesting system allows you to store water in an area that may otherwise cause flooding in low lying areas. By minimizing floods, you can reduce soil erosion and groundwater contamination from pesticides and fertilizers that may be on the surface of the soil.

Diverse Uses around the House

Harvested rainwater can be used to wash your car or connect to your plumbing so that you preserve more groundwater and further reduce your environmental impact. Remember that rainwater is free of chemicals that may be found in groundwater, making it a favorable substitute for applications like watering plants.

If you are considering rainwater harvesting for your sustainable landscape design in Tucson, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421 to explore your options. Our custom commercial and residential landscaping solutions will help you increase the value of your home and create a beautiful, welcoming space to enjoy the Arizona sunshine.

Adding an Outdoor Kitchen to Your Backyard

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Landscaping, Outdoor Kitchen.

Homeowners in Tucson have outdoor spaces that are enjoyed all year long. If you find yourself frequently headed outside to entertain, adding an outdoor kitchen may be a great addition to your backyard.

If you are considering an outdoor kitchen, you will want it to stand alone as its own space. The kitchen should flow with your backyard design to create a cohesive space that adds value to your home.

Pave and cover the space

The kitchen space should be paved and covered so that it is comfortable and accessible all year round. Consider covering the space with an awning or pergola that can hold lights to add ambiance in the evening.

Include outdoor furniture

You can choose built-in seating or outdoor furniture. Either way, you will want a plan that has plenty of seating space so that guests can be comfortable.

Create an external focal point

Ideally, your outdoor kitchen should have a view of a focal point within your landscape, such as the pool or outdoor fireplace. This focal point will encourage relaxation as you kick back waiting for your steaks to cook on the grill.

Are you considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your existing landscape? If so 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.

Protect Your Plants in Winter

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Frost, Trees & Plants.

Our winter weather is starting to turn cold and you need to protect your plans to keep them in top shape all year long. Here are our suggestions on how to protect your plants in December weather.

Adjust Your Watering Schedule

Although your plants require water to thrive, they need less water during winter months. Adjust your irrigation schedule to slow down. Wildflower seedlings, for example, only need to be watered every week or so. Trees need watering once a month or less depending on the weather. Mature trees like mesquite and palo verde trees can handle minimal amounts of water.

Use Protective Materials

Your plants need a little extra protection throughout the winter in the form of blankets and frost cloths. Use this extra protection when temperatures dip under 30 degrees. You can use Styrofoam cups to protect the tips of your columnar cacti.

Watch the Weather Forecast

Be sure to check your local weather forecast regularly to judge how you should be taking care of your plants. The way you care for your plants will change from day to day in certain circumstances.

Would you like additional tips on protecting your plants from December weather? Contact Santa Rita Landscaping or visit our website. We specialize in landscape design and landscape maintenance in Tucson. You can find out much more about our services by calling us at (520) 623-0421 today.

Adding a Water Feature to your Backyard

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Landscaping, Water Features, Water Fountains.

Installing a water feature in your yard is an easy way to instantly transform the appearance of your landscape. These popular landscape design features are sought after not only for their looks but for the soothing sounds and atmosphere they create.  A water feature will add personality, style, and diversity to your back garden as well as add an appealing contrast to the desert beauty of Tucson.

Here are 3 water features for you to consider:

Ponds

Ponds offer a great way to enhance your yard without disrupting the organic look of your property. A free form pond creates a natural space where you can keep fish, plant a garden, or add seating for a relaxing space.  Adding a small fountain or waterfall can be added for ambiance and helps improve water circulation for easier maintenance.

Fountains

A fountain can be the focal point of your yard or be tucked away into a niche or beside a gardening area. Fountains come in a wide variety of designs, from modern to classical to suit the theme of your current landscape. They may be freestanding or incorporated as part of a patio enclosure to add style and privacy to your outdoor space.

Canals

Canals can transport water throughout your yard. They can soften your landscape’s overall design while adhering to the more structured feel.  A canal with flowing water can create the perfect complement to a southwestern-style yard.  You should also consider adding a bridge or waterfall to create a backyard with a classical, garden-like feel.

Santa Rita Landscaping can help you design, create, and install the perfect water feature as part of your Tucson landscape design. We offer residential and commercial construction and landscaping services to enhance the look and value of your property. Please visit our website or call (520) 623-0421 to discover the benefits of working with us on your next landscaping project.

BACKYARD FEATURES YOU CAN ENJOY THIS SPRING

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Artificial Turf, Fire Pits, Landscaping, Water Features, Water Fountains.

Springtime is the perfect time of year for you to enjoy outdoor living with comfortable temperatures and new blooming plants and trees. Enjoy more time in your backyard this spring by adding the following features into your home landscape.

Artificial Turf for Outdoor Play

Just because we live in the desert, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the look of grass! Real grass can be difficult and expensive to maintain.  That’s why many homeowners have chosen to add artificial turf to their landscaping. Artificial turf gives your backyard that green welcoming look and offers children and pets a great area to play on a soft service. Do you like to golf? You can add a personal putting green to your outdoor oasis.

 

Fire Pits for Warm Nights

Desert temperatures can drop by 20 degrees in the evening during the spring and summer. Make the most out of these evenings by adding a fire pit to roast marshmallows or just enjoy sitting around the fire.  There are fire pits to match every type of home style from more natural-looking rock pits to modern, sleek sculptural designs. Note that natural gas designs are extremely easy to use and maintain.

 

Relax with Water Features

Who doesn’t enjoy the relaxing sound of water falling and traveling over rocks or a bubbling spring?  Water features are guaranteed to add soothing sights and sound to your home.

Incorporating a water feature is easy. Similar to fire pits, water features are available in a variety of custom natural or architectural designs. Recreate the essence of a natural pond in your backyard or install a Mediterranean style fountain.

At Santa Rita Landscaping, we specialize in helping businesses and homeowners maximize the potential of their outdoor areas. Contact us at (520) 623-0421 to learn more about our services.