Articles by Whinny.Harper on ArticleSnatch.com

A Houston Landscaper Makes Fall Landscaping Projects a Breeze

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 20:34:27 -0500

As you head into fall, it is easy to overlook the outdoor extension of your home. The flowers are no longer blooming and the leaves are changing and falling from the trees. Although landscaping and gardening are often more associated with the spring thaw, there are several fall landscaping projects that can help transform your lawn and garden into a private retreat filled with beautiful autumnal color and texture. Although you may only have time to plant the bulbs for next spring, a Houston landscaper makes fall landscaping projects a breeze. Plant Fruit Trees Fruit trees should be planted in the fall or very early spring. Your Houston landscaper will plant fruit trees for a fall landscaping project that will be rewarding for years to come. Decide what type of tree you want to plant and make sure that it will survive in your zone. Your Houston landscaper can advise you as to which fruit tree will fit into your landscape once they are fully grown. Many fruit trees come in dwarf varieties and can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaper]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Heather Preston. Houston Landscaper - Looking for a Houston Landscaper? Get a free quote! Quality service and competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Bring Your Creative Landscaping Designs to Life With an Experienced Houston Landscaper

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:16:55 -0400

Got landscaping ideas but don't have the time or skill? Many homeowners have their own creative landscaping ideas intended to add value, beauty and curb appeal to their home, yet face the familiar challenge of balancing work and family with little time left over for landscaping projects. Others have a design in mind and may have even done a sketch or two, but don’t have the practical know-how to bring the design off the drawing board and out to the lawn. Hiring an experienced Houston landscaper to bring your own creative design to life is the smartest solution. The skilled Houston landscapers at Fresh Start Landscapes know how to artfully blend your unique ideas and desires with the experience, expertise and innovation of their team to develop a beautiful landscape that reflects the look and feel of your distinct landscaping idea. Whether adding a custom deck, a sidewalk or dreaming of coming home to a therapeutic water feature, these Houston landscapers will help you harness, express and produce your creative ideas. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Heather Preston. Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work. We guarantee quality and service at competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Houston Landscapers Offer All the Benefits of a Custom Sprinkler System

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:08:38 -0400

A lush, green lawn naturally enhances the beauty of any home and garden. The most experienced Houston landscapers know that in the heat of the Texas summer, the key to maintaining an attractive lawn is even and consistent watering. Unfortunately, too many lawns suffer from being watered at the wrong times with the wrong amounts, all because the normal homeowner does not have the time to water their lawns sufficiently. However, many Texas residents are realizing that the benefits of using a custom sprinkler system can increase water conservation, convenience, and property value. Water Conservation Custom sprinkler systems are more efficient because there is less water waste due to proper water timing and proper configuration of spray patterns. You can cover all areas of your yard, including the flower beds and shrubs, on a predetermined schedule. Most Houston landscapers would recommend that you water shady areas of your yard less frequently, but saturate them well, while sunny areas need to be watered more often. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Heather Preston.

Ponds, Fountains and Waterfalls that Create Soothing, Serene Landscapes

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:39:18 -0400

When the summer heat scorches your yard, it can be a constant reminder just how hot and dry it truly gets in Houston during the summer. This summer, don’t let your Houston landscaping dry out and suffer. Refresh your personal landscape with a variety of stunning water features. Choosing the right water feature for your personal landscape is never about practical matters, like complex designs or a calculated rise in your home value. Instead, it’s about meeting an emotional need within you that craves the soothing sights and sounds that only water can satisfy. Whether you want a large, elaborate feature installed by a Houston landscaping company, or a small, off-the-shelf element, a water feature will give you the serenity, relaxation and calm you seek. Ponds Add a natural look to your landscape with a water garden pond. Filled with whatever plants and fish you desire, they can be customized to fit into any area of your yard. Just imagine your very own water garden with water lilies floating around as yellow fantail fish swim just beneath the surface. Koi ponds are specifically designed for the colorful, large, popular, Japanese fish of the same name. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> John Haines. Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work. We guarantee quality and service at competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Three Ways to Dramatically Improve Your Yard with Houston Landscaping

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:55:24 -0400

As another hot summer in Texas approaches, your yard eagerly awaits some love and attention. You have two options: abandon it to a solar beating from the summer sun, or improve your yard for a sunny season of family fun. Whether you lack the time or the effort to accomplish visions of landscaping grandeur, Houston landscaping company, Fresh Start Landscapes, can help you customize your outdoor living space. Here are three ways you can dramatically improve your yard with Houston landscaping professionals working for you. Decks & Patios Adding a deck or patio to your yard is like creating an additional room outdoors for entertaining or relaxing. Host birthdays, barbecues, dinner parties, and game days, or enjoy some much needed quiet time to yourself with a good book. No matter how much space you have to work with, Fresh Start Landscapes can build you a customized, durable deck with hand-selected materials, reinforced support and framing. With all woodwork backed by a 5-year warranty, a new deck can turn a forgettable yard into unforgettable family fun. Stonework Add elegance and lasting beauty to your landscape with paths, patios, waterfalls, and stonework. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ethan Luke. Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work. We guarantee quality and service at competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Top Gardening Trends for 2010

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:47:49 -0400

Every year, there are new trends in gardening. Usually, these trends involve new popular flower colors, foliage varieties, or gardening techniques. However, this year, trends seem to be changing. As people re-evaluate values and priorities, there is growing trend toward social consciousness in gardening. Redefining Luxury What defines luxury is often that which is scarce. Today for many people the scarcest resource in their life is quality time with their family. Yet, as budgets get tight, many people are opting for stay-cations where they take time off of work, but stay at home, focusing on activities that are inexpensive and fun. One way that people are maximizing their stay-cations are by providing a tranquil garden space to gather and enjoy a peaceful environment. For gardeners and landscapers, that means water features and focusing on unique, rather than simply big and expensive. Sustainability Sustainability might seem like the buzzword of the month, but in gardening it has multiple meanings. First of all, there is the issue of resource conservation. As people downgrade the size of their homes and yards, compact size plants and yards are trending. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brian Reed. Houston Landscaping Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work. We guarantee quality and service at competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Add a Flair For the Dramatic With Landscape Lighting

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:35:20 -0400

One of my favorite holiday activities is crowding the family into a vehicle to view the holiday lights. From the simple white lights and wreaths to the bright flashing, multi-colored bulbs and large inflatable figures, holidays are at their worst entertaining and at their best gorgeous and inspiring. Believe it or not, but here was a time when darkness fell, people went inside to the safety, warmth, and light of their homes. The fact was, it was neither inviting or practical to spend time outside. Not only could you not see where you were walking, but additionally, the environment wasn’t welcoming. While, I doubt few people would suggest you keep your holiday lights out all year round, you can add drama and a beauty of light to your home all year round through landscape lighting. It is amazing how little light is necessary to make a huge impact on your landscape. Something as simple as a backlight with a few low voltage spotlights pointed from the base of your house up onto the home can make a huge impact. Light is a great way to highlight the beautiful aspects of your home and lawn. **End Summary** Topics: Houston landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brian Reed. Houston landscaping Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work. We guarantee quality and service at competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

What are Four Benefits of An Automated Sprinkler System

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:26:34 -0400

It is one of the biggest drudgeries of a homeowner: dragging out the garden hose and sprinkler in the hopes of spreading life-giving water to your desperate plants and grass. It might not be too big of a deal if it was a one-time occurrence, but to evenly water your entire lawn, you have to move the sprinkler every half an hour, retest the pressure from the spigot and get soaked again in the process. Believe it or not, there are easier, more environmentally friendly and cost-effective ways of having a lawn and garden you can be proud of. Automated sprinkler systems take the hassle out of lawn care. Here are some of the benefits: 1.Automated sprinkler systems are efficient One of the biggest problems with watering your lawn on your own is the amount of time it takes to set up and reset your sprinkler. Even if you are able to run multiple sprinklers at a time, it is unlikely that your lawn will receive an even watering. After installation, automated sprinklers require no maintenance and you don’t even need to be home when your lawn gets watered. 2. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brian Reed. Houston landscaping You can maintain your Houston landscaping with sprinkler systems from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Helpful Tips To Winterize Your Lawn

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:18:27 -0400

Keeping up with the seasonal changes and how they effect your lawn is one of the most challenging parts of being a homeowner. However, the preparation and upkeep during the winter months are one of the integral aspects in the health of your lawn. While grass is dormant during the winter, preparation during the fall months make a big difference in how your grass will look come spring. By following a few simple tips, your lawn can remain healthy through the winter and be vibrant as it enters the spring months. The first step needs to take place in early fall, and that is to reseed and fertilize. A thorough reseed and fertilization early in the fall not only fills in patches left as warm weather weeds die off and leave bare on your lawn, but it also insures that as spring comes, that weeds won’t come back and take hold in the bare spots they vacated. By fertilizing, you can do wonders for the underground health of your grass as it develops and strengthens the root system which is essential for a lush lawn. **End Summary** Topics: Houston landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brian Reed. Houston landscaping You can get all of your Houston landscaping needs met as well as custom and manufactured water features from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Add Beauty and Elegance To Your Landscape With Stonework

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:10:44 -0400

Landscaping is one of the easiest ways to spruce up your home and give it a fresh look. Plants, gardens, and greenery are effective in making an otherwise suburban backyard into a jungle, tropical, or flower garden landscape. The results can be serene. However, another technique homeowners are increasingly turning to that can dramatically shape their home environment is with stonework. There are few materials more earthy, solid, or enduring than stonework. Stonework can add an elegant look to any backyard and can be utilized in gardens, sidewalks, paths, patios, waterfalls, outdoor living areas, recreational areas, trails, outdoor cooking areas, ponds, and more. Some of the most beautiful structures in the world utilize stone, and stonework can take your backyard to another world. From old-world stone walls to cobblestone paths, stone has an impact like little else. However, some people may have concerns about the process and what the process would be like. After all, would the creation of custom stonework turn their precious yard into a dustbowl, unsafe for children and pets for weeks on end? With a reputable Houston landscaping company, these worries can be eased. **End Summary** Topics: Houston landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brian Reed. Houston landscaping Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work. We guarantee quality and service at competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Night Lighting Houston Landscaping

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:49:53 -0400

In the past, outdoor lighting for the home used to be simple, a few light fixtures from the home improvement store or a light post and youâ€™re done. Unfortunately, those fixtures deteriorate rapidly over time or have been rendered efficiently obsolete. The latest trend in lighting uses professionally installed, low voltage outdoor solutions to accentuate architectural or landscaping features at night. Night lighting is one of the fastest-growing landscape innovations and creates an elegant atmosphere for outdoor entertaining. Homeowners also use night lighting for a number of other reasons, including night time outdoor activities, home security, safety, and accentuating architecture and landscaping. If lighting for effect meets your night lighting needs, you will enjoy the beauty of your landscaping and architecture with up lighting, indirect accent illumination, and direct brightening effects. It will increase your curb appeal, value and resale of your home and compliments your landscaping investment. It is also practical and elegant, allowing you to enjoy more hours outside and create an elegant atmosphere for entertaining guests. Enjoy your own resort environment with night lighting accents that provide beauty and tranquility after the sun goes down. Night lighting also serves more practical needs, like security and safety. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ethan Luke. Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work. We guarantee quality and service at competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Fresh Start Landscapes Sprinkler Systems

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:44:36 -0400

Watering the lawn has proven to be more difficult than simply pulling out the old hose and sprinkler head. A full green lawn is important, but so are costs and conservation. Having a home sprinkler system installed as part of your landscaping can be a convenient and easy way to keep your yard looking healthy while not wasting water and money on your next water bill. Some key attributes that you should consider when upgrading to a home sprinkler system are those of the systems quality, economy, and practicality. A quality system should cover 100 percent of your lawn, overlapping slightly in some areas. You shouldnâ€™t have to lug out another sprinkler to finish the job. In areas like Houston, landscapers need only put piping down roughly 6 to 8 inches because the ground is less likely to freeze. This depth increases the further north you go. Your sprinkler system will be only as good as the parts it uses. Routine maintenance after installation is easy and will help prolong the life of those parts. Although it is better to water your lawn after hours, running it during the day will be necessary for maintenance. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscapers]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ethan Luke. Houston Landscapers - Get a free quote! Quality service and competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Hardscape Your Home With Houston Landscaping

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:38:22 -0400

Most people are familiar with general practice of landscaping and thoroughly enjoy a well-manicured lawn. However, the term hardscapingâ€ may be unfamiliar to some novices. It is a subcategory of landscaping that refers to the inanimate elements of a landscape. As the name implies, hardscaping refers to hard components, such as concrete, brick or stone, and wood. Examples of hardscaping include constructing a patio or deck, brick walkway, a stone wall, or a wooden fence. But hardscaping doesnâ€™t only include large-scale projects, as any non-living decorations in your landscaping is, technically, hardscaping. If you are about to embark from scratch on a huge landscaping project that involves both hardscaping and softscaping, i.e. plants and other horticultural elements, you should consider what to implement first. It is recommended that you start with hardscaping because it is easiest to work on without the obstacles of plants, which can be easily damaged by the physical labor required for hardscaping projects. Working with the hardscaping elements, such as stone and concrete requires physical labor and lots of heavy lifting. There are ways to facilitate your work, with throwing out your back. Invest in an automatic concrete mixer and avoid buying the 80-lb. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ethan Luke. Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work. We guarantee quality and service at competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Houston Landscaping Company Is Dedicated To Improving Curb Appeal

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:33:50 -0400

Good fences make good neighbors, but good landscaping makes for better ones. Itâ€™s true. Nothing can cause greater friction between neighbors than a badly-manicured lawn. A neighborhood eyesore brings down market value and can cause tempers to flare at the next block-party. Even if your lawn is decent, youâ€™re missing out. A lawn should be inviting. It is the first thing that greets you when you come home and the last thing to say goodbye when you leave. Why settle for a cookie-cutter yard when you can make it your own. A lawn becomes yours when your personality is reflected in it. A great way to make a home feel warm and inviting while adding natural curb appeal and personality is to install stonework on your property. When it comes to stonework, there are a few options to consider. If you want a yard that has nearly no maintenance or upkeep needs, then you should consider decorativeâ€ stonework. Decorate stonework is actually concrete that has been colored and finished to look like real stone. Though concrete has a drivewayâ€ connotation, the beauty and simplicity decorative concrete is able to accomplish makes it a wonderful options. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brigette Botkin. Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work. We guarantee quality and service at competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Houston Landscaping: A Fresh Start For Your Yard

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:27:53 -0400

The City of Houston, Texas is reputed for gorgeous houses situated on aesthetically pleasing properties, and boasts of pristine hamlets likened to Scotlandâ€™s famous Loch Lomond. Streets are transformed into tunnels for blocks on end by trees forming elongated arches that meet high above the middle of the road. It is hardly surprising that in Houston, landscapers are in high demand. The burst of the nationâ€™s thriving housing market bubble late last year caused many home owners in Houston that were previously in the market to put off any sale. Now they wait patiently to see property value recovery for any amount of the initial investment. As the housing market starts to slowly rebound, viable options to invest in existing properties will not only counter slumping property values, but will potentially make homes worth more than their original cost. While the nation waits, many homeowners are proactively seeking ways to fortify their property value, even in more stable housing markets such as Houston. Landscaping has emerged as a viable option to add value, while allowing homeowners to optimize the value of their yard. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ethan Luke. Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work. We guarantee quality and service at competitive prices from Fresh Start Landscapes.

Houston Landscapers Can Beautify Your Property

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:22:25 -0400

A professional landscaper can provide a landscaping plan that will beautify your property and make your home and land stand out. Houston landscapers must be chosen carefully and both the knowledge and the experience of the professional should be taken into consideration. You want a company that will be able to to advise you of the best options available for your needs and property, and complete the job to perfection the first time around and . A professional in this field will review the premises and convey his or thoughts on what may be best for your property in addition to what you have in mind. They say two minds are greater than oneâ€ the result of working with a professional is almost always better than what you may have been able to come up with yourself. The services of a professional will enhance the overall beauty of the property, whether for a home or business. You can take pride in a home with a beautiful lawn or garden, and improve the value of your home with excellent curb-appeal.â€ Or, provide a lasting first impression for visitors of a business. **End Summary** Topics: Fresh Start Lanscapes]]> Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Helen Walker. Fresh Start Lanscapes guarantee quality and service at competitive prices. Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work.

Go Green With Your Houston Landscaping

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:16:23 -0400

Not a day goes by that you donâ€™t see an article in the Houston Chronicle about the release of a new environmentally friendly product, whether it be a hybrid vehicle, an energy-efficient appliance, or organic food. (Even Pizza Hut just introduced a new all-naturalâ€ pizza. My first question was, what exactly were they making it out of before?â€ but thatâ€™s beside the point.) There are also many tips and tricks published about reducing oneâ€™s carbon footprint in many areas of your daily life. Since going greenâ€ is a growing trend, I wanted to see if I could take an environmentally friendly approach to my new landscaping project. I started by seeking out a reputable Houston landscaping company to partner with who could translate my vision into a reality. Together we developed a master plan, then identified a few areas were we could be more environmentally responsible: water, lighting, and pest control. In Texas, the water we use for our lawns accounts for 35% of the total. Thatâ€™s an awful lot, and is clearly an area where I should focus my efforts. **End Summary** Topics: Fresh Start Lanscapes]]> Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Helen Walker. Fresh Start Lanscapes guarantee quality and service at competitive prices. Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work.

Houston Landscapers Offer Lighting Advice

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:10:09 -0400

A beautiful yard is just as important in Houston, Texas as it is anywhere else. Now, it may be a challenge to keep it looking fresh and green in those hot summer months, but if you have put in the effort for a attractive yard, you want to show it off. Lighting can be an important part of any landscaping project. There is more than just one reason to add lighting to your landscape, and different ways to achieve those various outcomes. Doug Perry, of Houston landscaping company Fresh Start, recommends three reasons to consider lighting when planning your landscaping project. When the sun goes down it may be difficult to see steps or walkways. Thus, lighting for safety is important. Your front porch light is rarely enough light to sufficiently see the way, so illumination at ground level is key. Lighting for security is another must. There is a peace of mind that comes with lighting entry areas, driveways, and dark areas of your yard. These fixtures can provide constant lighting or have motion-sensors warding off any potential trespassers (whether human or animal). Another common reason for lighting is lighting for effect. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Helen Walker. Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work. FreshStartLandscapes.com guarantees quality and service at competitive prices.

Benefits of a Sprinkler System

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:00:36 -0400

In the dead of August, a brittle brown lawn is an unfortunate, but common sight in a Houston neighborhood. Now if you lived in Seattle, your garden would be as lush as rain forests. As is, while better off than west Texas, here in Houston it is not uncommon to go 60 to 90 days without much, if any precipitation in the summer months. To keep your yard looking beautiful, regular watering is essential. An automated irrigation system, or sprinkler system, is a necessary upgrade to maintain your lawn and garden, and the benefits are many. Save time. There is no question that a sprinkler system saves you time. Standing outside for hours lugging a garden hose around is hardly a good use of your time. Even if you are able to leave the water on one area for some time, you must still come back to check on it, and to turn it off. Let someone elseâ€ do the work for you while you are at work or play. Eliminate the guessing game. A sprinkler system takes the guesswork out of watering. **End Summary** Topics: Houston Landscaping]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Helen Walker. Fresh Start Landscapes guarantee quality and service at competitive prices. Get a free quote for Houston Landscaping work.