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Elite Landscaping

Tag: Irrigation

01 Sep 2022
By Mike Pasquarello Landscaping , , , , , , , ,

To Plant or Not to Plant…, That is the Question

And we have the answer-

With literally thousands of plant species and varieties available for your landscape, it is sometimes a daunting task to select the ones best suited for the space. There are multiple factors to consider before adding new vegetation to your yard. Size (growth habit), zone (hardiness), exposure (sun/shade), soil (clay/sand), water (wet/dry), and wildlife (wanted/unwanted) are the essential aspects factors to focus on when making new choices. Some initial research will be highly beneficial to help you ensure your landscape investment will thrive.

Size

All plants are living organisms that grow at different paces. Some compact, small shrubs can quadruple in size over a few years. Bed width, surrounding plants, and window heights must all be considered before planting. Most plant identification tags will give adequate spacing recommendations and specify mature heights and widths.

For example, foundation planting design should be based on a 15–18-year life span. After that, it is typically time for a landscape renovation due to overgrowth and crowding. This guideline allows plant material to have enough room for healthy growth while not making the overall initial appearance look sparse.

Zone

Our geographic region of the Northeast is divided into three specific zones which affect plant hardiness depending on temperature extremes. Certain plant varieties may not survive or thrive with low-temperature exposures.

We are zoned as follows:  6b- the central corridor of South Jersey (-5-0 F), 7a- eastern/western South Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania (0-5 F), 7b- shore points from LBI to Cape May (5-10 F). These zones and the rest of the United States are available online on the USDA Plant Hardiness map.

Exposure

Some plants need full sun exposure, and some prefer part sun or all shade. It is crucial to be aware of your property’s sunlight patterns. Too much sun and a shade-loving plant’s leaves will scorch, while too little for a sunbather will grow sparsely with little flower production. Once again, plant ID tags specify this and the duration of the day required. Adjacent trees and buildings cast shade depending on their orientation to the sun, so that should also be considered.

Soil

Something as simple as dirt can be a very complex balance of moisture retention and organic matter. Soils with high clay content will retain water and allow it to drain very slowly, causing root systems to rot and decay. On the other hand, sandy soils allow moisture to drain too quickly, not allowing roots to capture necessary water.

Identify your soil type before selecting new plantings. Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory in New Brunswick offers this service for a minimal fee for those without a degree in soil chemistry. In addition, they will provide instruction on necessary remediation to suit your proposed use and plant selection. For example, adding organic matter (peat moss) or sand to soils high in clay may be all that’s needed to create a better foundation.

Water

Too much or too little water is probably one of the most common causes of untimely plant death. An important factor in determining how much water is required is soil type and its ability to drain adequately. The combination of sandy soil in full sun exposure will result in the need for increased watering versus soil with clay content in a shaded environment. Investing in an automated irrigation system will make this chore much more manageable. Even remote rain sensors can be integrated into a system and regulate the amount of water supplied based on what is provided by Mother Nature.

Wildlife

Garden critters can be a double-edged sword since it’s beneficial to include plant material that attracts “wanted” wildlife instead of greenery that entices “unwanted” pests. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and chipmunks are usually welcome guests and add to your landscape’s beauty. Unfortunately, deer and rabbits can be the main culprits of missing and damaged foliage. If you live in an area prone to Bambi or Peter Cottontail, don’t fret, there are extensive plant lists they don’t like so that you can plan accordingly.

This list may seem like a lot to keep in mind, but with minimal investigation, your landscape investment will be better able to thrive for years to come. Landscaping is meant to be a therapeutic, enjoyable activity, so have fun with it, and always remember….we’re always just a phone call away if you need help.

01 Aug 2022
By Mike Pasquarello Audio, Landscaping , ,

The Landscape of WiFi: How to Incorporate WiFi Devices to Control Outdoor Systems

The smartphone and tablet have taken control of our daily lives with apps and features to manipulate just about everything. Home automation from these applications has become common in new construction and renovations, so why not extend that same ease of WiFi outdoors?

Irrigation systems, LED landscape lighting, and outdoor audio can be controlled with a simple swipe. These functions make operation a breeze and are environmentally friendly by optimizing water usage and energy consumption.

Irrigation Systems

The age-old question of “When should I water and how much?” has finally been answered. WIFI-enabled irrigation control units are not only linked to your device but also web-based weather forecasting systems. Variables such as sun exposure, plant species, and lawn types are also accounted for throughout individual zones on the property. Watering schedules are then adjusted based on forecasted temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind speeds. These systems even can detect a change in water flow due to a break or obstruction in the piping. An alert is immediately sent to the smart device, and a repair can be promptly scheduled to avoid costly water loss. Water savings and a beautiful, healthy landscape can be achieved with this smart technology.

LED Landscape Lighting

LED technology in landscape lighting has come a long way since its inception. The initial cold, bluish-led lamps are now warm and inviting with an array of vibrant color options. WIFI-driven transformers can group light fixtures throughout separate outdoor spaces and adjust light intensities through your phone or tablet. Presets can also be programmed into the smart device so lighting will automatically turn on or dim when it detects the device within that space.

The ability to change colors on individual fixtures right from the palm of your hand can be perfect for creating just the right mood. The overall appearance of an outdoor space can be changed multiple times throughout the evening, providing a captivating experience for your guests.

Outdoor Audio

Nothing completes an outdoor space more than some good tunes from a well-balanced speaker system. A recent trend in outdoor audio is incorporating satellite speakers and subwoofers hidden within your landscape to create a feeling of total music immersion. WIFI-based units, such as Sonos, are similar to indoor sound systems where a smart device communicates with the WIFI driver and then transmits a signal to an amplifier and speakers.

Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and many others can easily be streamed right from the comfort of your patio seat. Individual speaker levels can also be adjusted to provide sound where needed most and gentle listening options for more intimate spaces. Multiple users can also have DJ access for large events to select their favorite jams from their phones. But, of course, it may be best to have great grandma sit that one out.

Most of us are connected to our smart devices 24/7, so why not put them to good use to bring high-quality sound to your outdoor space? There’s no better way to create an interesting and relaxing place outside than with your favorite music.

Need help incorporating WIFI into your backyard space? Give our professional landscaping team a call today at (856) 753.1944.

01 Aug 2021
Dog Days of Summer
By Mike Pasquarello General, Landscaping, Weeding, Wi-Fi , , , , ,

Dog Days of Summer: How is Your Landscape Weathering the Heat?

School’s out, beaches are crowded, and that giant fireball high in the sky is baking your landscapes. The golf course-esque front lawn and lush landscape plantings you enjoyed throughout the spring may be showing signs of stress due to higher temperatures. Just how we become uncomfortable on a 95-degree day scorching in the sun, our lawns and landscapes are no different. So let’s touch on three aspects that, if addressed, will keep your lawn and plantings growing beautifully into the fall.

Fungus

The silent, creeping killer of lawns and shrub material which is most prevalent July-August. It thrives in hot and humid conditions overtaking the turf of suburbia. Fungus usually shows up as patches of brown, yellow, or white in the lawn seemingly overnight, and most homeowners are inclined to crank up their irrigation systems to bring back that beloved emerald green color. Unfortunately, water only adds fuel to the fire and causes the fungus to spread more rapidly. Once the onset of a fungal infection is identified in a lawn or plant, an appropriate fungicide should be applied. Treating it will halt the continued spread and allow for the regrowth of lawn blades and new leaves.

It also might be necessary to reseed the affected lawn areas if the fungus was there for an extended period as the root system may have also been compromised.

Weeds

Considered by most to be public enemy #1 in the fight to maintain a manicured property. When lawns and landscape plants start to stress in the heat of the summer, it’s a weed’s time to shine. They will overtake any thin or bare areas of an untreated lawn or light mulch covering in landscape beds. The first defense to these unwanted guests is keeping healthy, lush grounds and properly mulched beds. Mulch layers should be a minimum of 2-3″ and bare lawn spots quickly patched with seed. If it’s too late and they have already set up residence, post-emergent selective herbicides will aid in the fight. As with all herbicides, read directions thoroughly and follow manufactures recommendations as there are many limitations to application.

The best practice is not to even give weeds the chance to germinate. Pre-emergents for turf and landscape beds are generally applied in the spring as they last for multiple months throughout the season.

Irrigation

Water is the essence of all life, and plants drink a lot of it, especially in the summer. Unfortunately, drought is commonplace in our area, where there could be little rain for weeks and temps 85 and above. Plants are trained to conserve water in times when lacking, but only to an extent. That is when we need to step in and provide that much-needed supplemental watering either with an excellent old-fashioned hose and watering pale or an automated irrigation system.

Irrigation systems can be programmed to provide water at different frequencies in spring, summer, and fall and gauge the amount of rainfall received to what is needed. In addition, wifi-capable control modules are becoming more commonplace, allowing complete control from the palm of your hand and communicating with local weather forecasts.

Summer is generally the time of family vacations, relaxing by the pool, and enjoying everything outside Mother Nature offers. And, a well-thought-out plan that addresses these necessary maintenance practices will allow more time to appreciate your landscape and not have to overwork at it.

You can also hire a professional! Give our award-winning team a call today at 856-753-1944.