Do You Need a Landscape Makeover?

Life can get hectic. As we try to knock out all the things on our to-do lists, it’s easy to forget the effect our home’s surroundings have on our health and well-being. It’s also easy to neglect your backyard in particular, seeing upkeep as a chore, and letting it become overgrown and unsightly. But it’s time to realize the potential your outdoor environment holds! With a little bit of time and the help of one of your local landscaping companies, your weed-ridden brush can be transformed into a tranquil paradise.

A To-Do List For You and Your Professional Landscaper

You don’t have to take an expensive vacation to deal with your stressful life. Instead, consider a landscape makeover to help you unwind and escape from the hectic hustle and bustle. Working with one of your local landscaping companies, all you will have to do is step out the door of your home to enjoy a beautiful respite. So, where do you begin?

1. Plan

Do some research online, drive around your town, get ideas and envision your end goal. What features about your landscape would you like to keep, and which ones do you want to get rid of? Would you like flowering plants, lighted walkways and a beautiful stone patio? Have your children outgrown the need for a play area? Could you transform that space into an area for entertaining with a fire pit and lovely outdoor furniture? The possibilities are endless and your professional landscaper can help you uncover them.

2. Think about color.

Color plays a huge role in relaxation. For your landscape makeover, consider accenting your lush green backdrop with bright flowers. Choose multi-colored flowers or would a theme with just a couple. Take your current colorscape into consideration, including your house. What would blend nicely with it? Next, think of your outdoor furniture. Could you use an update or are they still in good shape?

3.  Listen up.

Nothing sets a mood quite like sound. Landscaping companies know what it takes to reinforce your connection with nature and stimulate your senses by adding an aquatic soundtrack to your landscape makeover. Water features add life, movement and sound to your landscape like no other element can.  Depending on the design, they can provide drama and excitement or serenity and tranquility. Whether it’s the energized gush of a waterfall, a gently bubbling stone fountain tucked in a quiet corner, or a koi pond and moving stream along the edge of your garden, there are water features adaptable to every type of outdoor space.

4. Get wild.

Plants can be used to encourage the natural world to take residence in your backyard. Entice songbirds with bird feeders or fruit-bearing shrubs. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to bright nectar-bearing flowers. Your professional landscaper will know just what to plant to bring out the wildlife.

5. Go with aroma.

Imagine walking outside and being enveloped by fresh scents and intoxicating aromas. Landscaping companies know how to place plants strategically to create a noticeable scentscape. From basil and thyme to jasmine and lavender, your outdoor environment can be a source of aromatherapy to take your cares away.  

A small investment with a professional landscaper does big things for your lifestyle. With the right infusions of beauty and relaxation, your landscape makeover will help you feel more at ease and able to handle the stress of your fast-paced world.

Jersey Landscaping: Lighting Installation and Maintenance are Essential Commercial Landscape Services

Business owners who invest in commercial landscape services with a professional, licensed company often turn a bigger profit than those who don’t. A crucial element to any design is outdoor lighting. Companies often emphasize the beauty of well-designed lights, but the benefits of installing those lights are myriad.  For the best possible return on your investment, and to keep your customers both happy and safe, put lighting at the top of your commercial landscape services wish list.

How Professional Outdoor Lighting Companies Can Grow Your Business

Just how important are the right lights? According to most landscape contractors, they can make or break your business.

1.       They protect your property. Aside from the aesthetics, commercial landscape lighting helps guide foot traffic at any time of day or year. Like day lights in a car, lit paths and walkways make walking on your property safer.  This indirectly influences people to stay away from the grass, and will unconsciously guide them to the door.

2.       They keep your clients and building safe. Security lights have come a long way from blinding spotlights. Landscape contractors can build those security lights into the overall design of your landscape, making them less conspicuous while still being effective. This protects your clientele from potential criminals, and will deter people from vandalizing your property.

3.       The increase your desirability. Commercial landscape services increase your curb appeal. That increase in appeal, however, has been directly linked to an increase in clientele. Much like people are drawn to restaurants with attractive décor, people are also drawn to properties that are beautiful. Depending on the type of property you have, outdoor lighting companies can create illumination spots designed to draw people into your space.

4.       They may increase productivity. Beautiful landscape does wonders for your employees, too. It can keep them calm, and can encourage them to linger on the property. Commercial landscape lighting can create safe havens outdoors for your employees to enjoy during breaks. It also makes them feel safer when they’re locking up for the night and walking out to their cars or to a bus.

Speak to Landscape Contractors about Different Lighting Options

Once you make the smart decision to use lights as part of your landscape, you should work with your outdoor lighting companies to choose the best types of lights for your needs. You options include:

·         Up lights along pathways, for increased visibility

·         Low lights along your shrubbery or trees

·         Modern LED lights in an array of colors

·         Old-fashioned street lights for a more traditional feel

·         Lighting water features or sculptures designed to draw the eye

·         Solar lights for more eco-conscious designs

Regardless of which commercial landscape services you need for your company, make sure a lighting design is part of them. Choose a contractor who can not only install the lights, but who is skilled enough to incorporate them into the overall feel of the landscape. Your clients – and your employees – will thank you.

Jersey Landscaping: Deciding Which Commercial Property Maintenance Services You Need

Whether you own or rent your commercial property, maintenance services are crucial all year ‘round – not just in the warmer months. Without proper maintenance, you could find your property irreparably damaged by the elements; not only do these damages take a long time to fix, but they can be costly as well. To get the best commercial property maintenance services for your space, make note of the following:

1.       The size of the property. Not all commercial landscapers will services smaller lots, and not all of the companies out there can handle a lot of acreage. You want to choose contractors who are willing, able and happy to work with you based on the amount of land you have.

2.       The applicable laws. In New Jersey, commercial property owners must clear out their parking lots and curbs within 48 hours after a snowstorm. If you have parking available at your commercial property, maintenance services after a storm are a necessity. Make sure you fully understand the laws regarding your responsibilities before you hire any company.

3.       Your sprinkler system. See how many sprinkler heads you have, where they’re placed, and whether or not any of them have had problems in the past (such as leaking, or being stuck underground). It’s a good idea to speak with a company who has a licensed irrigation contractor on staff to discuss your options. Ultimately, you’ll need to winterize your sprinkler system, but it helps you understand what that means.

4.       The likelihood of flooding. Speak with an irrigation contractor about preparing your property for potential flooding. If your business doesn’t have flood insurance, it’s a good idea to look into purchasing some. After Super Storm Sandy, we all learned that it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

5.       Your final budget. While no one likes to discuss money, your commercial landscapers need to know exactly how much you can spend – and whether there’s any wiggle room for contingencies, such as broken lines (gas or water), electrical shortages (by cut power lines or by aging electrical systems) or acts of nature. Consider purchasing additional insurance for your commercial property, so maintenance services will be covered no matter what happens.

The Benefits of Hiring Professional Commercial Landscapers

It may be tempting to hire a lawn care company or a residential contractor to handle your needs, as many of those companies charge less. But in these cases, a penny saved is rarely a penny earned. Commercial properties require different kinds of services and knowledge than residential properties do, and you want a landscaper who knows what they are. In NJ, all commercial landscapers must be licensed, whereas some lawn service companies may not be. Furthermore, commercial property maintenance services incorporate:

• An understanding of how accessibility impacts your business 
•  Having proper insurance and licensing required for working on commercial properties 
• The amount of “man hours” necessary to fulfill your needs into their calculations for the price of those services

To protect your property this winter, speak to a landscape and irrigation contractor who specializes in commercial properties. You’re ensuring the best possible care for your company when you choose commercial landscapers for the job as opposed to anyone else.

Jersey Landscaping: Talk to Your Landscaper about Fall Plantings, Maintenance and Ideas

Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean you can’t make use of your landscaper. We’re brimming with ideas about how to make your landscaping design beautiful and sustainable throughout the entire year. So with the cooler months fast, approaching, we thought you might like to know what kind of questions to ask your landscaper — and what types of tips and tricks we have for maintain your space.

1.       Ask about credentials first. Not all landscaping companies have the right experience for your space. So when you’re looking into professional landscaping, ask how many customers they have in the area.  You want someone who knows the soil, the water table, the types of local plants and trees, and so on.

2.       Ask about yearly services. Sustainable landscape design is about the long haul, not the short term. When you work with a landscaper, ask him/her what kind of services the company offers for fall plantings and maintenance, not just what the contractors will do in the spring.

3.       Ask about fall lawn care. When the rains fall, you could get puddles on your lawn. This puddling will rot the roots of your grass. So ask your landscaper about aeration services, as well fertilization and seeding services.  Even though it seems odd to seed your lawn in fall, since the winter months will soon be here, but a thick, healthy lawn begins long before the growing season.

4.       Ask about bulbs. Not every flower that blooms in spring should be planted in spring. If you’re a fan of spring bulbs, talk about incorporating them into your landscaping design in the fall. Then you can be sure that they’ll spout right in time.

5.       Ask about your shrubbery. Some flowering shrubs need extra TLC in the winter, because they’re a bit too delicate for colder weather.  If you’re unsure whether you need to wrap your shrubs, ask your landscaper.  Better yet, see if there are landscaping companies that are willing to wrap them for you as part of your yearly service package.

6.       Ask about your hardscaping. Just because your patios and walkways aren’t alive doesn’t mean they don’t need some care, too! For a sustainable landscape design, see what preparatory services your landscape contractors offer for retaining walls, decks and driveways. You might only need a power wash — or you might need a coat of sealant.

7.       Ask about tree trimming. Overreaching boughs and branches are not only unattractive, but they can cause a safety hazard. Ask your landscaper about removing unwanted branches and limbs before it gets too chilly, so you can avoid potential damage during harsh winter storms.

Your landscaping design doesn’t have to hibernate this fall: let us help you keep your home beautiful throughout the entire year! For more landscaping design ideas, give Jersey Landscaping, LLC a call. We’ll help you plan the right course of action for your yard, so that you’re all ready for spring. And if you’re looking to increase your time outdoors into three seasons, we can help there too. Ask us about our outdoor landscaping designs involving fire pits, outdoor kitchens and brick ovens. From lawn care to remodeling, we’re always ready to help!

Jersey Landscaping: Choosing Among New Jersey Landscape Designers

There are a lot of New Jersey landscape designers advertising on TV and on the Internet, so we understand it can be hard to choose. Do I choose the local guys? Do I choose by price? Do I choose the most established team?

When it comes time to narrow down your list of New Jersey landscape designers to just one company, ask your candidates some of these questions:

1.       Are you licensed and insured? Any company offering landscaping services in NJ worth its salt will be both. You want to choose a company that has gone through the proper channels to obtain a license and insurance, which protects you and them.

2.       Who will be working on my yard? Many landscapers in New Jersey hire sub-contractors to do their work. There’s nothing wrong with that, and it may even save you a few dollars — but it’s best to know who’s doing your landscaping work. Before hiring ANY landscaping services in NJ, ask your potential candidates who you will be dealing with, and how often you should expect to see those exact people.

3.       Do you handle installation and maintenance, too? There are a lot of New Jersey landscape designers who do just that — design.  But whether you’re looking for a new sprinkler system or a brand new backyard, you’ll want to hire a company that offers you more option. For residential landscaping needs, seek out a company that will walk you through the process.  If you need commercial landscaping, ask the designer to work up a schedule for inspecting your space.

4.       Is there anything you DON’T do? Some landscapers in New Jersey will only care for your lawn; others will build complete structures.  Some aren’t prepared to work around gas lines; others may be licensed to install cooking and heating features that utilize those lines.  Once you figure out which landscaping services your NJ home needs, you can eliminate companies that are less experienced (or inexperienced) in providing those crucial elements.

5.       Where do you get your materials? Not all landscapers in New Jersey will use locally-sourced flowers, plants and stone, and some won’t use anything but that.  The types of plants and trees you want can affect the price of your design, too, so it’s important to know all of your options beforehand.

 

Choosing the Right Landscaping Services from NJ Companies

Now that you’ve chosen the right company for your commercial or residential landscaping needs, it’s time to get to the “fun” stuff: the actual design itself! As it turns out, we designers have some pretty important questions for you, too. Every home and business owner is different, of course, and we know that you probably want something reflective of your unique needs and spaces.  But we also know that the type of space you have plays a part in designing the best space for you.  That’s why the best New Jersey landscape designers will probably ask:

·       What kind of space are you looking for? What is it you want to do? Someone who wants a rolling green lawn will have different requirements than someone who needs a retaining wall.

·       How do you wish to use your space? Maybe you’re envisioning an outdoor kitchen area for entertaining, or a butterfly garden to induce tranquility.

·       Are you interested in security features? It might seem odd that landscaping services in NJ include a measure of security, but it’s pretty commonplace.  If you have a lot of large trees or shrubbery, or if you have walkways or an uneven yard, lighting fixtures like solar patio lights, hanging lamps or uplights can make your yard safer for guests, lower your risk for home intrusion and add an air of sophistication. (They also make it easier to find your keys when you’re coming home later at night.)

·       What’s your budget? We know that talking about money isn’t easy, but it’s important. Once our New Jersey landscape designers know what the budget is, we can easily work within it to create an outdoor space in the style you want.

Landscaping services in NJ are as varied and as unique as you are.  If you’re looking for some ideas, check out the photo gallery at Jersey Landscaping for some ideas.  We’re always ready to answer any questions you might have to choose the best design for you.

Jersey Landscaping: The Benefits of Custom Landscaping

The best kinds of custom landscaping designs aren’t necessarily the ones with the most flair or the wildest structures: they’re the ones that highlight the beauty that already exists. That’s not to say that brand new custom landscaping isn’t a lot of fun, because it absolutely is — for homeowners and designers alike. But the key to a great NJ landscape design is working with your outdoor space to create something fresh that will give you a yard you’ll love.

How NJ Landscape Design Enhances Natural Beauty

There’s more than just grass and trees to your outdoor spaces and landscaping companies know it. Instead of the more traditional flowerbed, why not try:

·         Natural “fencing.” It can be hard to stand out if you live in a development with specific model homes. To set off your outdoor space, designers may recommend planting bamboo or hedges around the property.  It’ll give you the privacy you want while creating a more natural-looking environment.

·         Stone walls to add depth. Let’s say you have a hill — a steep one — in your yard.  A natural bluestone wall or rock wall design can purposely set off the hill, creating a multi-tiered look to your yard.

·         Creating your own seaside resort. Planting in sandy or marshy soil can be tricky. But a NJ contractor experienced in this kind of outdoor spaces landscaping knows which plants will thrive, and which will barely survive. And by using plants and bushes local to the area, you not only create a sustainable space, but you’ll have a custom landscaping design that looks and feels more natural.

·         Water features with exotic fish. When you want a twist on the traditional look, it’s time to get fishy. Koi ponds are not only beautiful, but they add a touch of the exotic to your NJ landscape design.  Depending on your space and your budget, you can add a small pond to a corner of the yard, or create a more designed water feature which runs the length of your yard. They’re especially beautiful in yards with lots of trees, though a good outdoor space designer ensure that your pond is beautiful no matter the type of yard you have.

What About When You Love the Outdoor Spaces Landscaping You Already Have?

Not interested in changing your space? Love the yard you have? Consider giving it a facelift. You can use custom landscaping services even if you won’t want to change your yard at all. Talk to your NJ landscape designer about:

·         Adding a stone path from one living space to another

·         Installing uplights along an existing walkway for a more intimate look

·         Adding solar lights to existing decks to extend their nighttime use

·         Planting new flowers in existing beds designed to attract birds or butterflies

·         Creating a pool patio that matches your back patio

·         Lining front porches with berry bushes or cucumber plants (which will “crawl” in a less invasive way than ivy)

Whether you want a brand new yard or you want to enhance what you already have, there’s a design that’s right for you.  Give JerseyLandscaping, LLC a call to see what works for you. You’ll always speak with an outdoor space design contractor who works with you to create the space you want. Because when it comes to custom landscaping, we’ve always got you covered.

Jersey Landscaping: NJ Lawn Service Vs. Landscaping: Learning the Differences

For many home and business owners in NJ, lawn service is necessary fact of life. Whether you hire a neighborhood kid or a professional NJ lawn service company, someone’s gotta mow that lawn and water those flowers.

At Jersey landscaping, LLC, we offer more than just basic lawn care. For our clients in and around New Jersey, our landscape services help enhance the natural and constructed beauty of their yards. 

New Jersey Landscape Services Go Above and Beyond

Still not sure about the difference between New Jersey landscape services and lawn care services?  Don’t worry: we’ve created a list for you:

Basic NJ Lawn Service:

·         Adding seed

·         Adding fertilizer or mulch to flowers

·         Watering flowers

·         Eliminating pests and weeds

Enhanced New Jersey Landscape Services:

·         Irrigation design installation

·         Garden and water feature design and installation

·         Lighting design and installation

·         Paver design and installation

·         Patio design and installation

·         Outdoor kitchen and dining area design and installation

·         Landscape maintenance

As you can see, there’s a pretty big difference between lawn care and landscaping. And while landscape maintenance for New Jersey clients is certainly part of the package, you get a lot more bang for your buck when you choose landscaping over basic lawn care.

Monmouth County Landscaping:
Behind the Scenes at a Professional Landscape Design Company

The biggest difference between hiring a Monmouth County landscaping company and lawn care service provider is the people. Unlike lawn care companies, professional landscapers have a bevy of contractors and architects at their disposal.  New design and landscape maintenance in New Jersey requires:

·         Designers. The whole point of hiring a landscaper is that you get to work with someone who can create something unique and special for you.  While a law service company can maintain a yard, it’s the designer who unleashes its potential.

·         Installers. New Jersey landscape services include the licensed contractors who, essentially, put the yard together.  Whether you need an automatic sprinkler system or an extended gas line for an outdoor kitchen, the installer literally lays the groundwork for your new yard.

·         Local suppliers. A good Monmouth County landscaping company works with stone and plant suppliers who are local to the area.  By using flora that is found in the local environment, we create a more natural-looking and feeling design.  By using locally-sourced stone, we can ensure that your new patio and pavers will hold up to elements.  And best of all?  It keeps your budget down, too.

New Jersey landscape maintenance isn’t always challenging, but it has a lot of “moving parts,” so to speak. As the design architects, we know how each part of your landscaping is supposed to function within the whole of the design. We look at outdoor spaces and see the potential for beauty.  But we also work closely with the people we serve. Unlike NJ lawn service companies who offer you set packages, landscaping companies take your vision and make it a reality. It’s about enhancing the landscape you already have, or creating a new design from scratch that’s unique to your space, personality and needs. When you’re ready for more than just a green lawn in front of your home or business in New Jersey, the landscape services of Jersey Landscaping, LLC are only a phone call away!