Is Landscaping Considered A Capital Improvement?

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If you have a commercial property, you might want to think of a few ways to improve it. Curb appeal can go a long way to attract new clients, visitors, or tenants. With a few landscaping enhancements, you can spruce up the appearance of your outdoor space. However, are these improvements considered a “capital project?” Here are a few things you need to know whether these improvements are considered a tax deduction.

Do You Need To Update?

Does your commercial landscape look a little tired? If that is the case with you, it might be time for a needed boost. Those properties built in the ’80s and ’90s are starting to look dated. When the properties are improved, the landscape can also get spruced up. With the right landscaping enhancements, your commercial space can look modern, welcoming, and comfortable.

What Is Capital Improvement?

A capital improvement can lead to significant tax breaks for your property. However, you want to make sure that you can legally take these deductions. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a capital improvement must meet specific standards, such as:

  • Creating an increase in efficiency, productivity, and capacity
  • Fixing a flaw or defect in the design
  • Building a physical expansion or addition
  • Replacing structural or major components of the property
  • Rebuilding the property after it has reached the end of its useful life

In simple terms, a capital improvement project can add significant value to your property. Maintenance and repair projects are not considered capital improvements since they only preserve the property’s existing value.

Is Landscaping Considered a Capital Improvement?

If you want to know the answer to your specific situation, you will need to contact an accounting professional. With their advice, you can determine whether you can take a tax break for your next landscaping project.

Here are some of the projects that are typically considered capital investments.

Creating a Comprehensive Landscaping Update

All that landscaping that was installed in the past few decades could be bringing down the value of your property. For example, junipers were all the rage for landscaping in the 1990s. They were durable and low maintenance. However, many of these old junipers have a rugged appearance and make properties look dated. Some trees and shrubs were prevalent on commercial properties, but they were not well-suited for those concrete or paved spaces.

Perennials, ornamental grasses, and flowering shrubs are more in vogue. These elements give a more casual and captivating appearance to a commercial landscape. Low perennials and ground covers can provide some interest to your space, while taller trees and shrubs can dress up the background. These projects can add some appeal, but they are also considered a tax-deductible capital investment.

Making an Environmentally Friendly Landscape

In the past, commercial properties required plenty of mulch, pesticides, and water to keep it looking green throughout the year. However, there is a push to reduce water usage and avoid any harmful pesticides. Some companies provide commercial lawn care services that can help you design a beneficial landscape for the local environment. You might want to plant those species that need less water. Some of those native plants are less susceptible to disease and pests. When you update your space, it is considered a capital improvement. Along with that, you can help the environment and save money on those water bills.

Updating Your Walkways

If you have any cracked concrete walkways throughout your property, they can bring down the value of your space. Along with that, these damaged walkways are a dangerous trip hazard. You should replace parts of the pathways with pavers for a more aesthetically pleasing look. These pavers can identify those main crosswalks and entrances. Any type of comprehensive renovation counts as a capital improvement.

Improving Those Outdoor Common Areas

If you want to attract visitors, customers, and tenants, you will want to create a beautiful common area. In those office buildings, it can help to boost the morale of your employees. While they are on a break, the employees can relax for lunch or hold outdoor brainstorming sessions.

For those rental property owners, you want to create great spaces for your tenants. Many of these renters will spend plenty of time outside enjoying the weather. Those outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and grilling stations will encourage residents to gather and socialize. If there are families in your complex, you might want to add a splash pool or playscape. Yes, all these improvements are considered capital projects.

What Is Not Considered a Capital Improvement?

While these projects are considered capital improvements, not all of these jobs fall into that category. Commercial lawn care companies can come out to your property to edge, weed, and mow. Along with that, these crews prune and fertilize around your space. However, these projects are not deemed a capital improvement. Most of those projects are considered maintenance services. These services can make your space look nice, but they are not enough to be a tax-deductible improvement.

We Can Help Improve Your Space

Many of these large landscaping projects can be considered capital improvement. However, there are some improvements that will not qualify. While you need to consult with a tax professional, you can start to dream up these projects with help from Charlestown Landscaping LLC. We can help to beautify your space in several ways, including designing those tax-deductible projects.

We would love to discuss your next capital improvement project with you. We can take your ideas and turn them into a stunning commercial landscape. Our team understands the needs of these properties.

We can create a plan that will boost the look of your space so that you can appreciate it for many years to come. Along with that, we can help you maintain these outdoor spaces throughout the season with our lawn care and snow removal services. Maintaining commercial landscaping can be a hassle. However, you can avoid all the hard work when you hire us for the job. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at (610) 608-3965.

Landscaping Tips To Prevent Mosquito Invasions

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With summer on the horizon, it is time for those unwelcome visitors: mosquitoes. These flying bugs love to bother humans and animals around the globe. This insect sucks the blood of humans and leaves behind an annoying and itchy welt on the skin. Along with that, the mosquito carries a wide range of diseases, such as yellow fever, malaria, and Zika.

While mosquitoes do not damage plants, trees, or other parts of your yard, a large concentration of these pests can be potentially dangerous to your health. You can prevent these pests from entering your home with door and window screens, but keeping them away from you in the outdoors is another task. Here are a few tips to keep mosquitoes out of your landscape.

Eliminate Standing Water

In some ways, it is easy to get rid of those pesky mosquitoes. While you cannot completely eradicate them from your life, there are a couple of ways to reduce their population. Mosquitoes love those areas with standing water. They need moisture to grow, breed, and thrive. If you eliminate those areas with water, you can keep away many of these insects.

There are plenty of spots that can hold water around your yard. Any place where rain or irrigation can gather is a breeding ground for these pests. When the mosquitoes find these places, they will lay eggs to reproduce. You will want to move any artificial items from those areas that gather water.

However, there are some areas where you cannot remove water, like a decorative water feature or pond. No, you don’t have to drain these spots, but you can use a treatment with a larvicide that kills their eggs. These solutions can be placed in a birdbath, fountain, or pond. On the plus side, these treatment options are safe for birds, fish, and other animals. If your pond is filled with fish, they will eat the larvae, and you don’t have to worry about adding in any solutions.

Any plants that can hold water should be checked for mosquito larvae. For example, bromeliads have leaves that can hold just enough water to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. You can treat these plants with methoprene and certain types of bacteria for an insect-free space.

Use a Fan

If you are looking for unique ways to control the mosquito population, you might want to use a fan. A strong household fan is a non-toxic way to keep those pests at bay. These fans can reduce the chances of a mosquito landing on your skin by 65 percent. An oscillating fan is an excellent option for those large spaces, but a small box fan can provide plenty of benefits.

Treat Bodies of Water

You might think that mosquitoes love those large bodies of water and other swamp spots. However, a mosquito can lay eggs in areas as small as an overturned bottlecap. You will want to remove tires, trash, and debris from your landscape. Make sure to clean out gutters that are clogged or dirty. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way to stop mosquitoes from infesting your outdoor spaces.

Since mosquitoes can hatch eggs in as little as four days, you need to remain diligent in preventing the spread. If you don’t clean up your outdoor spaces and water builds up, you will see a spike in mosquitoes.

Many property owners turn to chemicals to stop mosquitoes from breeding. With the proper application of these insecticides, the larvae are killed, and the population is reduced. However, these chemicals are toxic for humans and other animals. They can also harm the butterfly, bee, and beneficial insect population. Some of these sprays may also increase pesticide resistance in mosquitoes. In turn, the mosquitoes can continue to thrive and spread disease throughout the community. If you are thinking of using chemicals, you might want to consult a professional company specializing in commercial lawn care services.

Using Plants To Control Mosquitoes

By now, you realize that chemicals can do more harm than good. With that, you want to use a few natural plants to control their population. Here are some of the best mosquito-repellent plants for your landscape.

Catnip

Catnip is a favorite of your feline, and it helps to keep away those nasty mosquitoes. This plant is from the mint family. It is effortless to grow, but you will want to make sure it doesn’t take over your yard. In one study, catnip was more effective at controlling mosquitoes than DEET.

Lavender

Lavender is an extremely hardy plant in your landscape. Even those destructive rabbits will leave this plant alone. Known for its lovely fragrance, it contains essential oils that can hinder a mosquito’s ability to smell blood. It is also a drought-resistant and hardy plant, and it can thrive in several types of climates.

Marigold

This plant is an easy-to-grow flower, and it produces a smell that keeps away mosquitoes. You can place them in pots around your property or add them as a border to your gardens. Along with that, marigolds can stop aphids from invading your landscape.

Rosemary

Another great mosquito repellent is rosemary. This herb does best in dry and hot climates, and it can be quickly grown in a container. In addition to that, this herb is a great seasoning for many dishes.

Basil

Another herb that doubles as pest repellent is basil. The leaves emit a pungent smell that prevents mosquitoes from staying around your space. There are several types of basil, and all of them keep away these insects.

Citronella Grass

This plant is also known as lemongrass, but it is the most popular plant to keep away these pests. Lemon-scented plants like citronella are very effective at repelling mosquitoes. They do best in large containers and sunny spots.

Let Us Handle Your Commercial Landscaping

If you want to add some natural elements to prevent a mosquito invasion, reach out to Charlestown Landscaping LLC. We specialize in commercial lawn care, and our team will work hard to make your space shine. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call (610) 608-3965.

Dos & Don’ts For Summer Landscaping

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When the warm weather comes to town, you want to spend plenty of time enjoying your outdoor spaces. However, you have to do a few things to keep up the look of those spots. Summer landscaping can be challenging, but there are a few simple ways to preserve your flowers, lawns, and garden beds during this time. Whether you have a green thumb or not, here are a few dos and don’ts for summer landscaping.

Always Maintain a Regular Mowing Schedule

For summer landscaping, you need a mower. This is vital equipment to keep your yard healthy. Depending on growth rates, you might want to cut once or several times throughout the week. Along with that, your mower height should be set at the highest setting to prevent the development of brown spots. If you want to protect your lawn from droughts, the grass needs to stay at a certain height. A short lawn is a perfect habitat for pests and diseases. If you are concerned about your lawn mowing, make sure to reach out to a company that specializes in commercial lawn care services.

Keep Those Pests at Bay

Most people love those pleasant summer temperatures, and it is also a favorite time for those lawn pests. Sod webworms, grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms can make their home in your lawn. Once these invaders take hold, it can be hard to get rid of them. Along with an infestation of your lawn, they can cause brown spots and wilted grass blades.

Always Feed Accordingly

Your grass might need to be fed during the summer. However, you always want to keep with the specific feeding requirements for your lawn species. For example, warm-season grasses will need some type of nutrient boost during the summer. You can grab a quick application of fertilizer to provide it with the proper nutrients. Fertilizing is extremely important for any lawn. However, if you misapply the fertilizer, the nitrogen can burn the grass, especially during those sweltering temperatures. If you want to avoid any damage, make sure to use a slow-release fertilizer that has a lower amount of nitrogen in the formula.

Use Drought-Tolerant Plants

If you want to spruce up your landscaping look, you need to use color throughout your space. You can break up the browns and greens by using some colors that will catch the attention of your visitors. Now is the time to use drought-tolerant perennials and annuals in your space. Not only will they conserve water, but they often need less maintenance from you.

Along with that, you can line your walkways with these color choices. Window boxes, garden beds, and clay pots are the perfect spots to add some hardy flowers. You might even want to use a trellis with climbing flowers to provide some interest to your outdoor spaces.

Add Some Shade

If you are looking for more shade, you should consider adding a few trees around your property. These landscaping elements can add plenty of texture, and you can use them as a classic accent piece to any outdoor space. If you need to conserve energy, plant large evergreens on the southwest side of your buildings. When you do that, it can reduce your energy bills and conserve some energy. You might even want to place a few trees around your air conditioner to keep it cool and save on your bills.

Avoid Watering During the Hottest Part of the Day

When you want to water your yard, you need to find the right time. If you grab the hose during the hottest part of the day, the water will evaporate before it has time to reach the roots. An early morning watering is the best time for your grass and plants. During this time, the temperatures are low, and the water can soak down to the roots. In some cases, the plants will go dormant if it gets too hot. If that happens, then the watering will provide almost zero benefits.

Keep Your Lawn Hydrated

One of the top summer landscaping mistakes is not watering enough. You need to avoid watering during those hot parts of the day or after the sun sets for the night. After that time, the water can remain on the blades, and that leads to fungal growth on your lawn. You might want to schedule your automatic sprinkler to water in the early morning. Along with that, make sure to check on the location of these sprinklers so that your lawn is adequately watered throughout the summer.

Maintained Your Weed Control Plans

You should never allow weeds to grow in your lawn. While dandelions are a favorite “flower” for children, these weeds are invasive and can cause plenty of problems. You might want to spray a pre-emergent herbicide on your grass and in the flower beds to prevent these weeds from developing.

Enjoy Your Green Space

After all that hard work, you should take time to enjoy these spaces. It is important to provide a place where your employees, visitors, and tenants can relax. A well-maintained space creates a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. You might want to kick back and take in the beauty of your commercial space. Summer doesn’t last long, and it is important to soak up this beautiful weather. If you need help with summer landscaping, you might want to reach out to a professional commercial lawn care company.

Prepare for the Summer

At Charlestown Landscaping LLC, we understand the needs of those green spaces for the summer. Our team has the supplies and expertise to make your lawn shine throughout the season. With our help, you never have to worry about tackling these tough jobs by yourself. Along with lawn care, we can assist with other landscaping chores, such as tree pruning, aerating, and fertilizing. We take the guesswork out of summer landscaping care. When you are ready to find someone to handle your commercial lawn care work, make sure to call our office at (610) 608-3965.

Everything You Need To Know About Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits

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If you want to boost the appearance of your outdoor spaces, it might be time to add a fire pit or fireplace to these spots. These cozy components can make a great addition to any place. You can even use them to turn a yard into an inviting outdoor living room. However, there are a few things that you should know about these elements. Here are a couple of things to consider before adding them to your landscape.

How Do They Work?

For the most part, outdoor fireplaces are made with stainless steel, stucco, stone, and other fireproof materials. With that, there are multiple options for a fuel source. Some fireplaces might require wood for fuel, and others can use propane for a cleaner and reliable burn. While not common, natural gas can be used for these fireplaces.

Fire pits work in a similar way. They are designed with brick, stone, or other hardy materials. Plus, they can also be fueled by propane, wood, or other sources.

The Cost of an Outdoor Fireplace or Pit

There are many factors to consider for the price of these components. The brand, installation, and fuel types can all raise or lower the costs of these components. In many cases, it can cost about a few hundred dollars for a simple wood-burning fire pit. On the other hand, a high-quality propane fireplace can sell for several thousand dollars.

How Much Heat Do They Produce?

You can expect a significant amount of heat from a fire pit or fireplace. Some outdoor fireplaces can generate about 30,000 to 10,000 BTUs of heat. While you cannot sit outside in mid-January without a jacket, these heating elements are the perfect way to warm up a chilly evening in the fall or spring.

Now that you know some of the basics of fire pits and fireplaces, here are a few things to consider when choosing one for your outdoor space.

Functionality

How do you plan to use the fire pit or fireplace? If you are looking to create an informal setting, you might want to install a fire pit. These components are a great way to bring in elements of a camp-like setting. Fire pits are also a great way to accent your space, and you can use other elements to boost your yard’s appearance. In some cases, fire pits are mobile, and they can be placed in different areas of your landscape.

However, a fireplace is always a classic element. These heating components provide a more intimate setting to relax with friends or unwind after a busy day. Fireplaces are the perfect way to have a quiet moment. With a fireplace, you can also divide your outdoor space between a living area and dining space. Along with its walled structure, you will have additional privacy from the neighbors, shade from the sun, and a barrier against high winds.

Design

With a fire pit, the design possibilities are endless. Many fire pits include a fire table with a burner in the middle of it. You can even customize the model for your space to include stucco, stone, tile, or brick. These designs can coordinate with the look of your home’s exterior. Since they are table-height, you don’t have to worry about a fire pit blocking someone’s view or creating a distraction during a conversation. Most of the time, a fire pit is used as an accent feature, but it can be added as the centerpiece of your design plan.

Fireplaces are taller and more prominent than a fire pit. However, you have plenty of options for a suitable design. You can use brick, glass, logs, or stone to decorate around the sides of the fireplace. In addition to that, a decorative fireplace mantel would be a great touch to your outdoor space.

If you are thinking of installing a fire pit or fireplace for your outdoor space, you might want to consult with a company that handles commercial lawn care services. Many of these professionals have experienced designers on staff who can help you choose the best option for your yard.

Budget

If you are budget-conscious, you might want to stick with the fire pit. You can usually find one for a few hundred dollars. With custom finishing options and features, the prices can rise significantly. An outdoor fireplace is a more expensive option. In some places, it can cost a few hundred dollars for these outdoor components, but it is a more stunning element for your space.

Heat

When you use an open flame with a fire pit, a slight breeze will dissipate all that warmth around your space. With a fireplace, the flame is blocked from any incoming wind, and there is no heat loss. You will notice that the heat is better radiated and the space is warmer. Along with that, smoke is not a problem with a fireplace. The chimney directs it away from your sitting area, unlike the smoke with a fire pit.

Safety

With a wood fire pit, you will have to be cautious about sparks flying around the seating area. However, a screen cover can easily eliminate the risk with these pits. A gas fire pit is a great option, especially if young children will be near the component. Most fireplaces contain the flame in a firebox. These doors, grate, and screen can keep everyone safe from the fire’s embers and sparks. The framed mesh doors also provide an extra layer of protection for visitors around the area.

With that, you know some of the options available for your outdoor spaces. A fire pit or fireplace can “wow” your visitors at your property. There are plenty of options for your commercial space. You just need to find something that can fit your needs and budget.

We Can Design the Perfect Outdoor Space

If you want a fire pit or fireplace for your space, Charlestown Landscaping LLC can help. Our team will assist you with those extra features that will make your outdoor space shine. Along with our commercial lawn care service, we can help you find the right elements to dazzle your guests. Please call (610) 608-3965 to schedule a consultation.

Caring For Your Lawn As Temperatures Rise

Caring For Your Lawn As Temperatures Rise

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When the temperatures start to rise, you want to take care of your lawn. Unfortunately, extreme heat and low water amounts can stress out your grass. However, protecting your green spaces is pretty simple with a few steps. Here are a couple of ways to keep your lawn safe throughout the summer.

Know Your Water Amounts

Your lawn needs a delicate balance between under-watering and over-watering. It is your responsibility to make sure your grass gets the right amount of moisture. You might want to invest in a rain gauge. With this inexpensive tool, you can measure the natural rainfall. For the most part, your grass will require about 1 inch of rain per week under normal conditions. If your area is experiencing drought or extreme heat, you might want to boost those requirements to 2 to 3 inches of water.

Water Early

You might think that you can water at any time of the day. However, if you want your grass to look great throughout the summer, the watering time is essential. An evening watering provides ample opportunities for fungi and mold to spread across your lawn. When moisture lingers on the surface without any evaporation from the sun, it can lead to severe problems for your yard, including brown spots.

Want to water during the midday? Some people believe that water can scorch the leaves, but that is not true. Instead, those high temperatures will evaporate the water before it has time to penetrate the ground. When you water in the morning, your lawn will get a deep drink of water before the sun comes out to evaporate all that leftover moisture. Make sure to allow your grass to have a deep, infrequent drink of water during the morning to give the moisture a chance to be absorbed by the roots.

Provide a Deep Watering

When you provide your grass with a deep soak, the moisture will reach down 6 to 8 inches below the surface soil. At that point, the roots will begin to absorb the moisture. If you only give your grass a surface watering, the grass roots will start to grow up towards the surface. As you can tell, that will cause permanent damage to your lawn. Along with that, deep watering will also reduce your need for more frequent waterings throughout the week. You could save yourself some time and allow a commercial lawn care service to handle your lawn’s watering needs.

Give Your Lawn Some Air

When it is hot outside, you need to provide your grass with some ventilation. When air is allowed to flow around the blades, the grass can transpire. Transpiration is the equivalent of precipitation, and it is part of the plants’ natural cooling system. If you don’t allow your grass to breathe, it can cook in the hot sun. For that reason, you want to remove paddling pools, picnic rugs, and toys from the lawn. If these items are left on the grass, it can disrupt that natural cooling system.

You might also want to change your walking paths across your lawn. With a repeated path, you can create bare patches in your yard. You should also think about switching out the position of your tables and chairs to promote better airflow throughout your lawn.

Change Your Mowing Schedule

When the temperatures start to rise, you need to change up your mowing habits. First, you want to avoid mowing during extreme heat. During droughts or heat, your grass cannot recover from mowing, and it is more susceptible to additional damage. You might want to cut the grass after you have irrigated it. If there has been recent rainfall, the next day is a great time to cut the grass. It is never a great idea to mow when the sun is out in full force. A freshly cut grass will sustain damage from the bright sunshine. You can grab the mower in the morning or late evening. With a cooled-down lawn, you can prevent those brown spots from forming in your yard.

You also want to avoid cutting the grass too low to the ground. It is important to never mow more than one-third of the grass at a time. When you keep your grass higher, the roots will start to extend deeper into the ground. With that length, the grass keeps weeds from competing with it for nutrients and water. A thicker turf will also become denser and require less water from you. If you are looking for an ideal height, make sure to keep the grass at about 4 inches during the summer.

Finally, the mower blades make a difference in the health of your grass. You always want a sharp edge, especially during those summer months. When you cut with a dull blade, the grass can start to fray. With that, frayed grass is more likely to develop brown spots.

Add More Mulch

Mulch can help with the health of your grass. You don’t need to add bags of mulch to your grass, but you might want to use a mulching mower. When the blades mulch the grass clippings, they will settle into the ground to keep the grass cooler and hydrated. However, a mulching mower can provide benefits throughout the year, but it is almost necessary to protect your lawn during the summer heat.

To Fertilize or Not?

Depending on the type of grass on your lawn, you could skip fertilizing during that time. If you notice your yard is having issues, you might want to have the soil tested. In some cases, the grass could have deficiencies. For those lawns that need fertilization, consider adding organic or time-released fertilizer to avoid scorching your grass.

Need Commercial Lawn Care Services?

At Charlestown Landscaping LLC, we can take care of your lawn during those hot summers. Our team will water your grass at the optimal time and cut the lawn down to the appropriate height. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call us at (610) 608-3965.

6 Ways to Bring Life to Your Landscape in Spring

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After the harsh winter, it is now time to think about the spring. With the better weather, you want to spruce up the appearance of your landscape. These tasks can help your outdoor spaces recover from the snow and ice as you get ready for the growing season. Here are six landscaping tasks that you will want to accomplish for a healthier lawn.

1 – Inspect Your Space for Winter Damage

Winter can cause plenty of damage to your space. You want to conduct a careful inspection of your outdoor areas for any signs of wear. Along with damaged grass, some signs of problems could include hibernating animals, pests, and brown spots from the salt. You will need to walk the entire property and look for these signs.

Make notes of those problem areas. If there are signs of trouble, you can consult with a professional company that offers commercial lawn care services. They have the expertise to help you remedy these problem areas. Once you have found damage, get to work to tend to these spots. If you ignore the problem, it could lead to more issues down the road.

2 – Give New Life To Certain Spaces

Most landscape plants and shrubs will only last for about 10 years. When you add in storm damage and diseases, that lifespan can be shortened. Some plants might be past their prime, and spring is the time to replace them. You can easily give your space a fresh look with new plants and shrubs. Make sure to add some pops of color to boost the appearance of your space. You might even want to consider patterned plants with brightly colored veins and striped leaves to add some intricate details to your landscape.

3 – Do Some Cleaning

After you have walked your property, it is time to clean up from the winter. Some of that essential landscape maintenance will consist of removing all that winter debris. There could be broken branches, dead leaves, and general garbage accumulating around your property. You should always use a rake to pick up this unwanted garbage. A rake can also help you break up thatch and pick up pine cones, loose twigs, and other natural debris. With the thatch, you need to loosen up any clumped spots since it can stunt the growth of new grass.

4 – Pruning Is Important

In the spring, many people choose to prune their trees and shrubs. With a quick prune, you can improve the health of these natural elements. Along with that, pruning can give your trees a more attractive shape and remove any dangerous limbs. However, you should really leave pruning to the professionals. If you don’t know what you are doing, you can potentially harm the shrub or tree.

5 – Treat Those Open Spaces

You could allow your grass to be overgrown near the end of the lawn. However, you can have a more manicured look by edging your bed. Edged lawns just have a more welcoming appearance than those that look unmaintained.

In addition to that, mulching is also an essential part of your landscaping care. Mulch can keep weeds at bay and control that moisture absorption. Before you add new

. You should also wait to spread the mulch until the plants begin to sprout. If you add mulch too early, it will cover them and prevent their growth.

Finally, fertilizing is extremely important. Feeding will keep your grass healthy throughout the year. You want to add fertilizer when the grass is moist but not too wet.

Springtime is the perfect time to spray pre-emergent herbicide on your lawn. This formula will prevent weeds by stopping them from developing. You want to be careful where you spray it. In some cases, it can stop grass growth on certain parts of your lawn.

6 – Upgrade Outdoor Gathering Spaces

Now that you have done some of the other chores, it might be time to look at additional places around your property. You should think about upgrading some of those gathering spaces. Many commercial properties have hardscaping areas that need some extra love and care.

Along with greenery, these hardscaping elements can help to create a more welcoming feel for your property. You can enhance your outdoor space with an upgraded patio, courtyard, or built-in seating areas.

Springtime is an excellent season to start planning some permanent hardscape features that can be used for walking, dining, or kicking back and relaxing. By summertime, you will be able to put your plans into place and create an outdoor experience that you and others can enjoy.

In addition to hardscaping, you should think about those flowers and shrubs. You can incorporate these elements into your landscape design. Make sure to add these colorful features near your entrance or other high-trafficked areas. Almost all exterior areas can benefit from the addition of a mixture of greenery and hardscape elements.

Spring Is the Best Time

When the weather gets warmer, you want to kick your landscape maintenance plans into gear. This is the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your outdoor space. If you have any new ideas, you will want to make a plan to incorporate them into your property.

You can start fresh with an improved and beautiful landscape. Flowers, trees, plants, and shrubs are the perfect way to spruce up your look. Along with that, think about those hardscape areas around your space. With these tips, you can also get your landscape ready for the growing season.

Let Charlestown Landscaping Help With Your Spring Chores

If you don’t have time to tackle these spring chores by yourself, it may be time to choose a professional commercial lawn care company. Charlestown Landscaping LLC has an experienced team that will provide top-quality care for your outdoor spaces.

From lawn management to tree care, we have a variety of services that will make your landscape shine. You don’t have to deal with this hard work by yourself. Call (610) 608-3965 to discuss your property’s lawn care needs.

What To Consider When Choosing Outdoor Lighting

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Many property owners are choosing to enhance their landscape with the proper lighting. There are some things you will need to know to choose the right type for your outdoor areas. With a few tips, you can light up your spaces without overwhelming the area. Let’s take a look at some of these things that you should consider for your property.

When you choose the right type of lighting, it will complement the rest of your landscape. Lighting can also highlight specific features. Along with that, it makes a safer environment for you and others to walk around your property. Here are a few ideas that you will want to incorporate into your space.

Landscape Lighting Benefits

With landscape lighting, there are plenty of benefits to enjoy. First, lighting helps to increase the visibility of the space at night. If you own a property, it can keep those visitors safe from trips and falls in the dark. These lights will give you a great view of the neighborhood, and they will deter any suspicious persons from trying to break into your buildings. Plus, additional light will bring some added attention to your outdoor areas.

With nighttime lights, you will also enjoy more of your yard after dark. You can stroll down a lighted pathway. Walking is a great stress relief, and a well-lit path can help you take a walk any time of the evening. You might not think that lights can add privacy, but they will increase your home’s protection. With a few motion-activated lights, you will feel more comfortable knowing that someone is not lurking around your property.

Lighting makes your yard look better, especially if you want to enhance the features of nature. There is no shortage of lighting options for your outdoor spaces. You can find a wide variety of styles and sizes. No matter your mood, you can find a light fixture for your needs. Some of these lighting options can come in the form of lanterns, fairy lights, artificial flowers, and bird baths.

If you want to install any type of landscape lighting in your outdoor spaces, you need to choose products designed for gardens. With that, you can increase the amount of liveable outdoor spaces, boost your property’s value, and enhance your garden areas.

Several Options for Landscape Lighting

If you want to find a lighting style that will fit with your current landscape, you are in luck. There are so many choices on the market. Solar lights are trendy, and you can mount them on a pole or wall. They also provide a nice soft glow to your outdoor areas.

Some outdoor lights are even designed as fake shrubs, statues, and plants. You can use them to highlight your yard or patio. In addition to that, these unique lights can provide some more interest to your landscape.

You might want to go the traditional route and choose pendant lights, post lights, string lights, or lanterns. These types of lights can be placed just about anywhere on your property. With these options, you can definitely find a light that will incorporate into your landscape’s current design plan.

Depending on the types of lights you need, landscape lighting fixtures are available in a wide range of prices. You can shop for wall sconces, lanterns, pendant lights, post lights, floor lamps, and string lights. Before making a purchase, be sure to check whether or not you need additional lighting. When shopping for lighting, there are plenty of options to choose for your space. You’ll also find that the prices vary quite a bit, but there are many cost-effective solutions for all of your outdoor lighting needs.

Choosing the Ideal Landscape Lighting

There are a few things that you will want to consider before selecting landscape lighting for your space. Location is always important. If you have a bigger space, you must decide where to install these lighting features. For those who own smaller spaces, you never want to overwhelm an area with too much light. These lights should be strategically placed to provide the right amount of illumination to your spaces without blocking views.

After you have figured out the location of the lights, you need to decide on the number of lights for your landscape. If you have a pathway, you should plan to have lights about every three to four feet. You want to have plenty of lights that can light up a walkway. For any areas around water, the lights should not obstruct the view of the pond or pool. However, lights are needed to provide more safety to those areas.

The type of illumination is also important. If you plan to add some features, like a water fixture, you should add lights to accentuate those areas. Lights can be used to highlight certain objects or areas in your yard. You can also consult with a company that specializes in commercial lawn care services. These professionals understand the needs of these spaces, and they can make recommendations to illuminate your landscape.

You might think that lights come in one shade of color, but that is not the case. While the most common color is white, you can always choose another color to add some drama to your landscape.

Finally, you can add lights to those areas with plants and flowers. You probably enjoy these areas in the daylight. Why not highlight them at night? Regular lamps, pendants, and ground-mounted lamps are excellent choices for these tasks. Once again, you need to make a choice based on the size of your landscape. Small gardens can benefit from pendant lighting, and those large spaces might need the help of ground-mounted lights.

Consult With a Commercial Lawn Care Company

If you want to add some decorative elements to your space, think about some lights. These features are easy to maintain, and they can change the mood of your landscape. Charlestown Landscaping LLC can help you choose the ideal lights for your space. Along with that, we offer other lawn care services, such as mowing, trimming, aerating, and more. Please call our office at (610) 608-3965 to schedule a consultation.

Commercial Weed Control Tips & Tricks For Gardeners

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Weeds are a common issue for many gardeners. As they start to grow, they will choke off water and nutrients from your plants and flowers. In some cases, you can simply pull them from the ground, and you will not see them sprouting to the surface. However, some weeds refuse to go away, and you might have to break out some chemicals to deal with them. With these commercial lawn care tips, you can rid your gardens of these pesky intruders.

Don’t Dig Too Much

In your garden space, there are probably hidden weeds seeds. When you start to dig, it can bring those weed seeds to the surface, and they will begin to germinate. If you need to dig, you should think about minimizing any soil disturbance. You can always use a sharp knife to remove the roots of the weeds. Before you start digging, remember that weed seeds are known to stay dormant for a significant amount of time.

Mulching Is Important

Light and air will make those weeds start to germinate in your lawn. You can prevent them from growing by reducing the sunlight. Mulch is the perfect way to stop sunlight from reaching the weed seeds. Wood chips, straw, and bark nuggets will smother out those pesky weeds.

Along with stopping weed growth, mulch helps to keep in the moisture and cool down the soil. Mulch is also known to host beetles and crickets that love to eat the seeds of weeds. You want to keep about 2 inches of mulch on the surface of your garden. If you want to reduce the weeds even further, think about adding a light-blocking bottom sheet. These fabric layers can be effective at stopping weed seeds from germinating on the surface.

Make a Weeding Schedule

If you are new to gardening, you will spend plenty of hours weeding your space. You need to commit to a weeding schedule, but don’t try to manage more than you can handle. With this schedule, you can add a herbicide to certain areas or just pull the weeds by hand. The key to success is to be consistent with your weeding plan. When you do that, you can reduce or eliminate the number of weeds in your garden.

Moist Soil Is Best for Weeding

When you need to weed your garden, it is easier to work with moist soil. There is an old saying, “Pull when wet; hoe when dry.” After a drenching rain, you should grab your gloves and start to pull up those weeds. If there are dry conditions, you can slice the weeds from the soil line. In those mulched beds, you should think about removing those weeds from the roots.

Heat Can Compost Weeds

If you have applied chemicals to the surface, you will notice those weeds shriveling up in the sun. After you have removed them, you want to place these weeds in areas where the seeds will not germinate. Heat is an excellent way to compost weeds. You can use black plastic nursery liners in your garden beds and place any removed weeds in a clear plastic bag. With that, place these bags in the sun for two to three days. After a couple of days, place these weeds in a compost pile with earthworms. The humic acids and other compounds can be used in different spots of your garden.

Lop Off Those Weed Heads

You can take your anger out on those weeds’ flower heads. However, there are other benefits to lopping off the blooms. Deadheading can buy you some time before the seeds emerge from the plant. When you cut the top of perennial weeds, it will make them exhaust their energy supplies and use up any of these food reserves. In some cases, you might need pruning shears to take down poke or ragweed. String trimmers work great to remove brambles and prickly thistles. When you chop down those weeds, it can prevent them from going to seed.

Leave No Gaps

When you have tightly gathered plants, it can prevent weeds from growing in your garden. Tight spaces will choke out those emerging weeds, and it will shade the soil around the plants. You always want to follow your plants’ spacing recommendations. When the plants reach a mature size, they should be close but not touching each other.

If you want the best advice for designing a weed-free space, make sure to consult with a company that specializes in commercial lawn care services. They can help you develop an area that will stop those weeds from germinating in your garden.

Water Your Plants, Not the Weeds

Weeds thrive on water, but so do your plants and flowers. You can provide water for your plants with the help of drip irrigation. This method is a quick and easy way to give your plants a nutritious drink of water. With a soaker hose, you can irrigate plants without providing any water to the weeds. In some cases, drip irrigation can reduce weeds by 50 to 70 percent. However, keep an eye out for bindweed and nutsedge that thrive in those moist areas. They can actually survive in those areas with drip irrigation.

With these strategies, you can enrich your soil’s organic matter and keep your garden on a weed-free path. In some cases, good compost can also help to combat the infestation of weeds. You need to remember that well-fed and healthy soil will keep away those weeds. These few tips can help reduce weed seeds, and you will be less likely to see them competing with your plants for water and nutrients.

Charlestown Landscaping Can Help With Weed Control

At Charlestown Landscaping LLC, we can assist you with all those weed control chores. From aerating to mulching, our teams have the experience to tackle those pesky weeds. As a result, you can enjoy a weed-free garden throughout the year. It is easy to schedule professional commercial lawn care for your property. Make sure to call (610) 608-3965 to discuss the services needed to upkeep your green spaces.

4 Reasons to Avoid Overwatering Your Lawn

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For a healthy and lush lawn, you know that it needs plenty of water. However, you might be overwatering and causing harm. Yes, grass needs water to grow and develop strong roots, but too much moisture might lead to other problems. Here are four reasons to avoid overwatering your lawn.

Drowning Your Roots

Roots are a vital part of your grass. They will absorb water, oxygen, and nutrients to keep the grass healthy throughout the season. Overwatering will cause these essential roots to drown. Grass doesn’t require that much water for a healthy appearance.

Along with water, grass requires plenty of oxygen to develop and grow. When there is too much water in the ground, those roots are choked off from any oxygen. If you are watering every day, you need to reduce your watering schedule. Allow the roots to get the proper amount of oxygen. When the grass and its root system cannot get enough oxygen, the turf will suffocate and brown.

For a lush lawn, you want your grass to develop a deep root system. Yes, overwatering can lead to shallow roots. With that lack of oxygen, the roots will be more prone to insects and diseases. You might notice that your lawn is starting to turn yellow, or there could be areas that are completely wilted. Some of the blades of grass may even brown and die. Frequent watering can also cause the grass to be more prone to fungal growth and thicker thatch. With an abundance of thatch, you will provide an excellent habitat for pests.

You need to be more mindful of the needs of your grass. By hiring a professional company specializing in commercial lawn care services, you can take the guesswork out of watering the turf. These professionals understand the unique needs of different grass species to help keep your lawn looking great throughout the year.

Causing Stress

When you overwater your lawn, you are not helping the turf. The blades can become vulnerable and weak. As mentioned before, without the right amounts of oxygen, the grass will start to stress out. With a stressed lawn, it is more susceptible to insect infestations and diseases. Even those tiny stressed-out areas can lead to more significant issues for your yard. Any insect infestation or disease in one area of your grass can quickly spread to the entire turf. In turn, you will have a bigger problem on your hands.

During the summer, you want the lawn to stay green. If you overwater, there is another type of stress that could affect your grass. Heat stress is often confused with fungus, but you can find it in places that have been overwatered. Any patches of grass that look gray have been affected by heat stress. You can also identify this type of stress by walking on the grass. If your footprints remain there or leave behind white marks, then your grass is suffering from heat stress.

Promotes Weed Growth

Your grass does need water to grow, but overwatering could help those pesky weeds to flourish in your yard. Grass in well-watered soil will prevent the growth of weeds. However, when the grass is overwatered, it promotes rapid weed growth, especially in certain grasses. For example, crabgrass can take over an overwatered lawn. In some cases, these weeds will form clumps and grow up to 6 inches. They will also spread throughout your soil’s surface.

Nutsedge is another weed that loves wet soils. Once this weed infests your lawn, you will have to deal with its tubular roots that can be difficult to remove. Some perennial weeds can thrive in those yards with poor drainage and overwatered grass.

Under normal circumstances, weed growth can be easily managed. With an overwatered lawn, you will notice those weeds popping up at a higher frequency. For those lawns that have been overwatered for several years, there could be more weeds than actual grass. You will want to save yourself the headaches and avoid the struggles of weed growth by limiting your watering schedule.

Wasting Money and Time

In some parts of the country, water is a precious resource. You don’t want to waste it on your grass, especially if it doesn’t need it. Don’t spend money on unnecessary water bills. It doesn’t make sense to waste time and money on this expense.

If you are concerned about the amount of water for your grass, you should consult with a landscaping professional. These experienced specialists can help you find ways to ensure your grass gets the proper amount of water. For those issues with browning and pests, the problems may be something other than a lack of water. Your lawn might be suffering from compaction or lack of nitrogen. It is better to talk to a professional than to waste your resources on an unrelated issue.

Signs of an Overwatered Lawn

Now that you know about the problems with overwatering, here are a few ways that you can tell if your lawn is drowning in too much water.

Thatch: When there is too much moisture in your grass, all that dead plant material cannot break down. As a result, you are left with a thick mat of stems and decomposed roots. After some time, that thatch can prevent nutrients from reaching the roots, and you are left with a shallow system.

Fungus: Along with weeds, fungus is another telltale sign of overwatering. All that excess moisture will make it easier for it to grow. If you are noticing mushroom patches sprouting up in your lawn, it is a definite sign that there is too much moisture in your grass.

Get Professional Help With Your Grass

It can be a delicate balance to keep your grass healthy and green. If you are ready for the professionals to take over, then reach out to Charlestown Landscaping LLC. Our company offers commercial lawn care, and we will keep your landscape looking great throughout the year. You can call (610) 608-3965 to schedule a consultation.

Pennsylvania Tree & Shrub Care Maintenance Tips

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With a few shrubs and trees, you can really boost the appearance of your landscape. They provide shade, add oxygen, and offer some pleasing aesthetics. There are plenty of popular shrubs and trees that thrive throughout Pennsylvania, but you need to know how to care for and protect them throughout the year.

Popular Trees in Pennsylvania

You can find a large variety of trees in Pennsylvania. Some of the most popular species include white and red oaks. Both of these trees provide shade and some other benefits to the local wildlife. Red oaks will grow fast and reach a height of 50 to 70 feet tall. They have a straight trunk, dark foliage, and sturdy branches. White oak is another species with strong branching, but it is lighter in color than other types of oaks.

Another tree that you will find in Pennsylvania is the river birch. This species can be found along riverbanks and other areas with moist soil. The river birch features cinnamon-colored bark with a thick arch. They can reach a height of 35 to 45 feet tall.

One of the most loved flowering trees is the American dogwood. In the late spring, this tree is covered with pink and white flowers. The beautiful burgundy foliage stands out during the autumn season. Along with that, these trees produce red oval fruits that the local birds can enjoy.

The red maple is a common shade tree, and it is known for its reddish-gold to bright red foliage. This is another fast-growing tree with three-lobed leaves and pointed tips. There are several types of red maples, including the October Glory and Red Sunset.

Popular Shrubs in Pennsylvania

Like the trees, there are several popular shrubs in the state. The rhododendron is a common shrub in many landscapes. It will bloom in the spring with yellow, red, pink, or purple clusters. Once it has been established, the rhododendron is a low-maintenance shrub. These shrubs make an excellent choice for any property.

Peonies are another easy to maintain shrub, and they do not require much watering from you. They provide plenty of pink blooms that are guaranteed to brighten up a landscape.

You can find plenty of hydrangeas throughout Pennsylvania. These shrubs are fertile, and they provide partial shade to your landscape. Along with that, these hydrangeas produce large flowers during the growing season.

Best Times To Plant These Shrubs

When you need to plant these shrubs and trees, you want to add them to your space at the optimal time. In Pennsylvania, autumn is the ideal time to plant trees in your landscape. However, some tree species might not be available until the spring. During the spring, those newly planted trees must be provided with plenty of water.

If you are planting, make sure to choose a cloudy day. Bright sunshine can dry out the tree’s root system. For those sunny days, you can use a cardboard box to block out the sun. Make sure to water the roots after you have finished planting them.

Speaking of water, you want to water the space for the tree or shrub on the day of planting. Once it is planted, make sure to give it a long soak of water. These shrubs also need plenty of room to grow and develop. You should plan to dig a hole about twice the size of the roots.

Caring Tips for Your Trees and Shrubs

For healthy trees and shrubs, you will need to prune them. However, some pruning should be done by a company that specializes in commercial lawn care services. Younger trees should not be harshly pruned for the first few years. You can remove those low branches to help encourage trunk and root growth. It is not recommended to prune more than 35 percent of a tree’s foliage.

It can be dangerous to prune a mature tree. With these cases, you want to consult with a professional arborist. Some of these professionals know about thinning cuts to promote growth. Mature trees should not have more than 25 percent of foliage trimmed in a year.

Shrubs should be pruned in the late winter. With this schedule, the wounds will begin to heal, and new growth can develop. Those summer and fall flowering shrubs are best pruned in the spring before the buds open. At this time, the shrubs have a better chance to produce healthier leaves. If you want to prune those spring shrubs, you can grab the shears right after they are done flowering for the season. Any early pruning can prevent those flowers from developing for the next season.

Watering Your Trees and Shrubs

If you want a healthy tree, they need to be watered regularly. For the best results, these trees need a long, deep watering. You want to keep a watering schedule for them. If your area is prone to drought, keep that hose handy for a long drink of water.

Like trees, shrubs also need to have a long and deep watering. You can leave the hose at the base of the shrub so that the water will seep down to the root zone. Drip irrigation is a great way to add the proper amount of water to your shrubs.

Tree and Shrub Fertilization

April and May are the perfect times to fertilize those trees. You might want to feed them during the late fall when they enter their dormant stages. Make sure to spread the fertilizer evenly over the soil. Shrubs can also benefit from feeding in late April or May. You want an even distribution of the fertilizer over the soil.

Get Professional Help for Your Trees and Shrubs

If you need any help with your trees and shrubs, reach out to the professional team at Charlestown Landscaping LLC. We understand the needs of these species in the Pennsylvania area. You can count on us to keep your landscape healthy throughout the year. Leave all the hard work to us! Please give us a call at (610) 608-3965 to schedule a consultation about your commercial lawn care needs.