What is a landscape design/build firm?

A: The term landscape design/build gets thrown around a lot in the landscape industry, yet many people don’t fully understand the meaning. Landscape design/build refers to the landscape contractor’s ability to do both the designing and installation of a project within the same company. That way, instead of coordinating project logistics between multiple outside sources, a design/build firm can provide you with a one-stop shopping experience.

What are the benefits of hiring a landscape design/build firm?

A: One of the biggest advantages to working with a landscape design/build firm is that the entire team is working together to complete the project at the highest level of quality in a timely manner. With the same team working on your project, you are less likely to have a communication breakdown, resulting in a more positive experience.

Designers Clayton Johnson & David Kopfmann

At this point, I truly believe, we deserve the BEST summer ever!  I also truly believe you want your lush, green gardens and lawn NOW – but, WAIT!  I don’t want you to go wasting any money on throwing down seed for it all to be washed away or plant your annuals for them to die over night of frost!   So, here are a few pointer so you don’t waste your time or money:

1. Wait just a couple of weeks to put that seed down – the soil temperature needs to warm  up a little bit for the seed and water to absorb and take affect.  We need at least a week of warm days to bring those temps up.

2. Wait to plant your annuals or perennials until you see a future forecast of above freezing temps at night. 

3. Now is a good time to cut back perennials – like grasses that you may have not gotten to last fall.

4. Don’t cut back anything that may have a bud on it, wait until it’s done flowering to do so.

5. If you haven’t done so already – CALL your landscape professional NOW if you are considering any work you would like completed this summer.  Schedules are filling up fast due to the late spring!

6. Again the hot trends we are seeing this year are outdoor kitchens & fireplaces/fire pits.  Just something to think about when you are looking for ideas for your yard.   

You can always reach us by phone at 952-887-2794 or email us at yardscapes@yardscapesinc.com

I think everyone needs one of these after the hustle and bustle of everyday life to sit back and relax – to really reflect on where you are headed in life. 

This beautiful modern home is full of window and the view from this side was of thistles and brush.  The homeowner wanted a beautiful, but functional area – so we created this meditation garden with a custom metal art piece (designed and built by David Kopfmann – Yardscapes) which also gave him privacy from his neighbors.  The thing I really thought was great about this idea, was that he could sit and reflect from inside or outside.   

The metal sculpture was custom built out of steel with two pieces of green “hand-carved” acrylic. 

If you are looking for ideas for your yard or custom metal pieces, give us a call at 952-887-2794!  We would be happy to answer any of your questions.

Over the past couple of weeks with the heat and rain we couldn’t even swim in our pool during the day without getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.  This weekend we were hosting a wedding reception and thought we’d give it a try - it was truely our saving grace! 

It’s an all natural, garlic based (and NO it doesn’t smell) spray.  They offer a 1x time application or if you want to be on a plan they will come out every 2 weeks and respray.  I couldn’t believe how affordable it was! 

Check them out at: www.MosquitoRanger.com/minneapolissouth

Custom Metal Railing

YES, we will customize anything for you! 

We are in the process of creating this metal railing enclosure for a Minneapolis homeowner who craved something different around his deck; rather than your everyday metal railing that you see everywhere! 

This image shows the base stages – We have created the right curvatures and the structure; now we will go in and add detail, along with keeping the openings up to city code. 

It is a fun addition to make your backyard entertaining area stand out from others! 

Give us a call with any questions and we’d be happy to talk you through them!  We have a talented team of designers for every stage of your landscape needs!

Find us at: yardscapes@yardscapesinc.com  or 952-887-2794

Custom Metal Railing / Angle

Yardscapes’ Can Customize and Build the Surrounding Around Your Grill, to Make it a Piece of Artwork Rather than an Eyesore!  You May Not Have the Space for an Outdoor Kitchen, So We have Come up with a Solution!

 We can Design/Build the Metal Work Around Your Grill and Help in Selecting Your Choice of Natural Stone.  Here we Selected Travertine and Granite, which will Stand up to Our Harsh Minnesota Winters!

Give us a Call/Email with ANY Questions

952-887-2794

yardscapes@yardscapesinc.com

Don’t give up yet! Here is what is going on…

Plant Material:  NO, you haven’t lost all of your plant material!  With our crazy Minnesota weather you may notice some of your perennials shooting out of the ground at mock speed; while others seem to not have come back this year.  Same with trees; some are taking off, while others haven’t even bloomed!  They will eventually catch up to one another, hopefully in about a month.  If you don’t see that happening, then you should begin to address it.

Seed/Sod:  Soil temps are just about there, some areas are warmer than others.  Your soil temp should be about 58-60 degrees (with lots of water) for your seed to geminate.  One indication that your soil temps are warm enough is when you start to see dandelions shooting up everywhere.   

Fertilize:  With all of this rain, it is a perfect time to fertilize!

Pre-Emergent:  With all of this rain and warm temps, don’t forget to put down a premergant under your mulch to help prevent all of those nasty weeds!

WATER, WATER, WATER! – Our weather in Minnesota is, unfortunately, VERY unpredictable (why do we all not just run for the border as soon as November 15^th hits??)!  With that said, we are very short on moisture this winter and some plants may suffer from the lack there of!  As soon as we have a steady stream of warmer temps, get out there and water!  Even if your irrigation system isn’t hooked up yet, hand water those newer plants!

 Why new plant material needs more water than mature plant material in the spring?

New plant material hasn’t had enough time to build and grow root structure to retain moisture through the winter months and may suffer in the spring if you do not water them effectively.

What types of plant material can be pruned in the spring?

This is a great time to get out there and start pruning, before a lot of new growth begins to shoot.  Things like; hydrangea, grasses, most perennials, evergreens, most shrubs (except for Lilac and Flower Crabs – you MUST wait until after they are done flowering!) can be pruned this spring.

How can I tell if an evergreen is struggling?

You may notice some brown (winter burn) on your evergreens; this DOESN’T always mean it is dying!  WAIT until you see new growth shoot before you make that assumption!  Most new growth will be soft and a lighter green in color; when you start to see that then you will be able to begin to shape and prune (the brown) your evergreens.

THE GOOD! – With the warmer weather/temps that means you will be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces longer!  Or, if you have been putting off updating your existing entertaining space (check out some photo’s for ideas), this is a great time to give us a call (952-887-2794) or email us www.yardscapes@yardscapesinc.com to get a design in the works.  As soon as the weather turns and the mud is firm enough for us to start installing; our schedule will fill up fast! 

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE FOR SOME GREAT PROJECT IDEAS AT:  www.yardscapesinc.com