There are a few key elements to be thinking about when it comes to your property’s sprinkler system, and how long to water grass with sprinklers throughout the spring and summer is a top example. In a place like Utah, with hot and dry summers, proper watering frequency is key – but you also want to avoid overwatering risks that can also waste precious water.
At Aeroscape, we’re happy to offer a huge range of landscape contractor services for clients around Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan and nearby areas of Utah, including everything from landscape designers to specific services like sprinkler repair, water features and more. Here are some basic guides on how long to water grass for, both in terms of watering time per station and number of times your sprinklers run per week.
For the chunks of time where the Utah spring and summer weather stays below 80 degrees, you will generally not need to run your sprinklers more than two to three times per week. The general goal here should be about half an inch of water per station at each watering (more on per-station watering levels in a bit).
Your watering length for each station will depend largely on which kind of sprinkler head is being used:
Once you get over 80 degrees during the summer, and particularly over 90 and up into the 100s for certain days, you will likely need to increase your watering frequency. This generally means an extra day or two added onto the schedule we just went over, depending on how consistently hot things are.
In addition, you should also be increasing your watering amounts for each station. Our pros recommend that every 10-degree jump in temperature adds about five minutes of per-station watering time (up to a maximum of 40 minutes). So if you’re looking at temperatures in the 90s instead of the 80s, for instance, you’ll want about 30-35 minutes per station instead of the aforementioned 20 and 30-minute estimates.
For those who really want to get detailed about their sprinklers, there’s a simple method to determine exactly how much water certain areas of your lawn are getting:
Ideally, it’s best to do this early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and there’s less evaporation. This will give you the most accurate read on how much water your lawn is getting.
Before we wrap up, a few other important elements to consider:
By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your sprinkler system is running efficiently and effectively throughout the spring and summer. And if you ever have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Aeroscape for expert advice and assistance with all things landscaping. We’re here to help clients around SLC, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan and nearby areas with all their landscaping needs!
There are several components that are often utilized within landscape design, and the use of rocks is a common example. What are some options for landscape design with rocks, and how can they be used throughout various parts of your landscape and for multiple purposes?
At Aeroscape, our elite landscape designers are here to help with a huge range of landscape design and installation services around Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan and nearby areas, including hardscape and many services related to rocks and similar elements. Here’s a basic guide to landscaping with rocks, from important initial considerations to seasonal planning, choosing the right rock types and more.
As you’re first considering rock usage in your landscape design, it’s important to keep several factors in mind. These include:
Once these considerations are made, it’s time to think about the many different purposes rocks can serve within landscaping. Here are some common options our designers often work with:
As you plan for rocks within your landscape design, it’s important to consider how they will change with the seasons. Depending on where you live, weather patterns may cause rocks to erode or shift over time. For this reason, it’s essential to choose durable rock types that can withstand seasonal changes without losing their aesthetic appeal or functionality.
In addition, consider how rocks may impact other elements of your landscape, such as plants and soil. For example, some rocks can retain heat and cause plants to wilt if placed too close to them. It’s also important to regularly inspect and maintain any rock features within your landscape to ensure their stability and safety.
Finally, when it comes to choosing the right rocks for your landscape design, consult with our expert designers who can help you select the perfect options for your specific needs. Some factors that may influence your decision include:
It’s also important to keep maintenance in mind when choosing rocks for your landscape. Some rock types require more upkeep than others, so be sure to select options that align with your desired level of maintenance. In addition, consider how the rocks will impact overall maintenance of your landscape – for example, some may create additional weeding work or other tasks.
For many of our clients, we recommend keeping some extra rocks on hand in case of any future repairs or changes to your landscape. This will ensure you can easily maintain the look and functionality of your rock features without having to source new materials later on.
At Aeroscape, we’re passionate about creating beautiful landscapes that utilize rocks and other elements to their fullest potential. Contact us today to learn more about our landscaping services and how we can help you incorporate rocks into your landscape design, whether you’re in SLC, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan or any nearby area!
With summer’s debut around the corner, you’re probably looking for low-maintenance landscape ideas to make your yard shine, and we’re here to help.
Everyone dreams of a picturesque yard, but most people don’t have enough hours in their day to dedicate to the cause. With that in mind, many people look for ideas to make their property beautiful without consistent upkeep.
Fortunately, the yard of your dreams is attainable, even if you lack the resources to maintain it. Stay tuned as we share some of our favorite ways to beautify your yard without the added stress.
Low-maintenance landscaping comes with a heap of benefits. First, it reduces the need to cut your lawn or prune plants. In turn, you’ll save money by reducing the use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
Undemanding landscaping is also eco-friendly. Your yard becomes more sustainable and reduces energy consumption without excessive utility usage. Low-maintenance landscaping fits the bill, whether you are looking to add more money to your pocket or help protect your local environment.
Utah has a very distinct climate. Whether you live in a northern or southern region, each climate has distinctions. Think about using plants native to your area when planning your landscaping project.
Native plants are used to a particular climate. If you live in northern Utah, native plants are accustomed to the disparity between the hot summers and freezing cold winters. Consequently, you won’t have to worry about them dying off and replanting them in the spring. You will also spend less time worrying about fertilizing, watering, and pest control since native plants are used to anything that comes their way.
Some examples of plants native to Utah include:
Other pros to using native plants include:
Many people shudder at the idea of using artificial turf or plants to beautify their landscape, but it’s becoming increasingly popular. If you can open your mind to the concept of using artificial greenery, there are a lot of directions to explore to create the look you want.
Artificial foliage is a guaranteed way to ensure a low-maintenance yard this summer. For example, artificial turf requires zero upkeep. There is no need for fertilizer, watering, mowing, or pesticides. Your lawn will look immaculate all year long, despite the ever-changing climate.
Today’s turf feels as soft as grass, and it can hold up to the beating from little kids’ feet. Consider turf if you need to take the weight of upkeep off your shoulders.
Artificial grass is also customizable. You can construct your lawn to your exact liking and vision. Here, you can select the perfect length, shape, and texture to suit your needs.
Many people tend to get caught up in filling every nook and cranny of their yard. As you make landscaping plans for your home, avoid the temptation to overdo it. It can become distracting if there’s too much going on, taking away from the beauty you’re striving for.
Not only is it distracting, but over-planning your yard can add a fair amount of unnecessary work to your plate. Instead, add some high-impact yet low-maintenance options to use up the space. Adding a couple of trees is an excellent way to take advantage of an area without overdoing it. Incorporating a modest amount of aesthetically pleasing plants can enhance the beauty of your home without becoming a distraction.
Hardscapes are another low-maintenance landscape idea that can transform your yard. Hardscapes are other features added to your property aside from vegetation, including patios, pergolas, fire pits, etc.
Hardscapes provide a way for you and others to enjoy your yard while simultaneously adding to the overall beauty of your property. For example, patios offer a relaxing area for leisure and enjoying a beautiful summer night. Adding a fire pit to your deck can extend your time outside, providing light, heat, and an atmosphere you won’t want to leave. Along with patios, pathways can add to the ambiance and bring the space together.
Here are a few more ways hardscaping can transform your yard into an outdoor getaway:
While mapping out landscaping plans, homeowners spend much of their time and energy on plants and flowerbeds that require consistent care. Mulch is an excellent alternative for people looking for a low-maintenance solution to these open areas.
Not only does mulch add beauty, but it also helps with unwanted weeds and drought-proofing your yard. Mulch provides an extra layer of protection and helps to keep the soil cool and moist longer, protecting your plants’ roots.
Organic mulches, such as bark and wood chips, can break down, adding essential nutrients to the soil. You will need to replace your mulch every spring, but this task will take you much less time to complete than the constant upkeep of plants or flowers.
If you’re ready to transform your yard with these low-maintenance landscape ideas, the Aeroscape Property Maintenance & Landscaping team is here to help! Our landscaping experts are prepared to help you achieve the yard of your dreams without breaking the bank or adding stress to your busy schedule.
Our landscaping experts are ready to serve your Utah home or business all year long. We provide superior property maintenance and landscaping services in Sandy, Utah, and throughout the greater Salt Lake area, including Park City, Lehi, and more. Contact us today to get started!
If you look at the exterior of newer custom homes compared to older or builder-grade homes, there’s one major difference: landscape lighting. The lights on new and custom houses highlight the home and landscape’s best features so they can be on display at all hours of the day.
There are plenty of reasons to add lights to your home’s landscape. It’s the perfect way to increase your curb appeal and make your home a safer place to live. The simple addition of lights helps deter crime even when you’re away from home. An outdoor lighting project will also help your home stand out at night and increase your property value.
Now that you’re sold on adding landscape lights, it can be tempting to try and tackle the installation on your own. And with all of the how-to videos and knowledge shared online, you might even feel like you know what you’re doing. But working with your home’s electrical system can turn into a disaster quickly, so it’s best to hire a professional.
Here’s a look at ten reasons you should leave your outdoor lighting project to the experts.
Electric work can be dangerous. Electrical shorts, fires, and even electrocution are possible when working with outdoor lighting, even though it’s low-voltage. There’s increased risk when electrical wires are near water, which often happens in outdoor lighting because of sprinklers and drip lines.
Keeping your home and family safe is your number one priority, so don’t put them at risk by attempting landscape lighting on your own. Entrust this project to an experienced professional to ensure everything is done properly and according to code.
The projects that are available at your local home improvement are not the same as those that landscaping professionals can access. So if you want the longest-lasting and highest quality materials, hiring an expert is the way to go. There’s nothing worse than spending hours on a home improvement project only to replace everything in a few years. Leave it to the professionals so you can have long-lasting, beautiful outdoor lighting for years to come.
Your time is valuable. So think about the hours you would have to spend researching information, watching online tutorials, shopping for the right products, and then doing the actual installation. Is it worth spending all of your time on that when a landscape professional could tackle the project in a fraction of the time? We don’t think so. Hiring a pro will get the project done faster and better than you could do on your own.
Lighting a landscape takes careful planning and a thoughtful design. Poor planning could lead to uneven spacing, awkwardly placed lights, and other mistakes that can make your lighting project look underwhelming.
This project is highly visible to neighbors and passers-by, so you naturally want it to look as good as possible. You’ll get a much better overall appearance when hiring an experienced landscape professional to tackle the design and installation.
Experts also know how to hide or disguise the light fixtures; if that’s the look you’re going for, you can only see the light they emit and not the fixtures themselves.
If you’re handling an outdoor lighting project on your own, chances are you’ll stick with one type of light. You researched everything you could about burying wires and illuminating the front of your house, so you stick with what you know. On the other hand, landscape professionals offer comprehensive lighting for any landscape.
They might place some lights inground to illuminate your home, some around the base of your trees, and others along your driveway and sidewalk. Other lights can be placed under the eves of your home, and you can use even motion-sensor lights in areas that you only want to be lighted when someone is walking nearby.
When it comes down to it, you don’t know what you don’t know. And you might be missing out on a whole world of other outdoor lighting options simply because you’re not aware of them. Landscape experts have seen it all and have the knowledge and expertise to design a perfect lighting experience for your home.
Adding lights to a landscape isn’t as straightforward as you might think. There are many different sizes and types of electrical wiring, varying qualities of wiring connections, and thousands of light fixtures to choose from.
It doesn’t take much to make a mistake or get something wrong—and then your entire project is toast. One of the biggest problems with DIY outdoor lighting is that homeowners often fail to account for glare. A bright light shining onto a big window in the front of your house is anything but pleasant.
That’s why landscape professionals are the best option for outdoor lighting. They have years of experience in knowing what materials to use, where to place the light fixtures, and how to arrange everything to look good and perfectly functional. Not to mention they have the proper tools to get the job done with minimal headache.
So don’t wait until you’re days deep into a lighting project to realize that you should have hired a professional. Start working with one right away for the best experience and highest quality results.
Are you ready to take your home and property to the next level with stunning landscape lighting? Aeroscape Property Maintenance & Landscaping is here to help. Our landscaping experts are prepared to serve your Utah home or business all year long, from landscape design and installation to sprinkler repair and everything in between.
We provide superior property maintenance and landscaping services in Midvale, Utah, and throughout the greater Salt Lake area, including Park City, Draper, Orem, etc. Contact us today to get started!
Anyone with a yard understands how frustrating weed control can be, but with a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to tackle your weeds with ease.
Ask any gardener, and they’ll agree that weeding is one of the most dreaded landscaping tasks. Maintaining a completely weed-free landscape might not be possible, but addressing problems promptly can help mitigate this formidable task.
Rampant weeds steal water, sunlight, nutrients, and space from plants, affecting their growth, so staying on top of the weeding duties is important. Keep reading to find out which techniques and tools will make the task simpler so you can enjoy your yard again.
The first step to effective weed control is knowing what type of weeds you’re dealing with because different types of weeds require different actions. Like any plants you intentionally grow in your garden, weeds can be annuals or perennials.
Cool-season annual weeds sprout from fall through spring and grow even during winter. The weed might disappear during the summer, but if you don’t eradicate it in the spring, you’ll see even more of them germinating the following fall.
Warm-season annual weeds start growing in the spring and last through the growing season. You must remove these weeds before they begin to seed again. These weeds often have shallow roots, so you can easily pull them out by hand or with a hoe.
Hoeing and tilling aren’t the best choices for removing perennial weeds since these methods can’t dig deep enough. These weeds are the easiest to remove in early spring when the ground has recently thawed. Sometimes herbicide is the only solution for eradicating these stubborn weeds.
Make a Plan
Now that you know your weeds, it’s time to make a treatment plan to eradicate them. There are many different ways to control weeds, and the method you choose will depend on what’s best for you, your family, and your yard.
The five general categories of weed control are:
Once you’ve selected your desired method for weed control, you must determine the best time to apply it. Utilizing weed control at the correct time is just as important as using the right type.
Chemical weed control is often categorized as either pre-emergent or post-emergent. Here’s what you need to know about applying these products to keep pesky weeds at bay:
The best way to control the pesky weeds in your yard is to stop them before they take root. Consider taking the following steps to prevent weeds from growing in the first place:
If weed control is bringing you down, Aeroscape Property Maintenance & Landscaping is here to help! Our landscaping experts are prepared to serve your Utah home or business all year long, from landscape design and installation to sprinkler repair and everything in between. Our commercial property maintenance services are customized to provide solutions that fit your landscape needs.
We provide superior property maintenance and landscaping services in Midvale, Utah, and throughout the greater Salt Lake area, including Park City, Draper, Orem, and more. Contact us today to get started!
Mowing your lawn is essential to keeping your grass lush, healthy, and green; it also encourages growth. But did you know there’s a right way and a wrong way to cut the grass? You can trace some of the most common lawn problems back to how you mowed your lawn. Here’s a look at some basic rules for clipping your grass the right way to encourage a healthy, happy yard.
You might be tempted to wake up early Saturday morning to mow the lawn before the heat kicks in, but that’s not what’s best for your grass. Wet grass doesn’t cut well and causes an uneven trim, so it’s essential to wait until it’s dry. But cutting the grass when it’s too hot can cause stress to you and the lawn. Mowing in the early evening is ideal because this is when the dew has dried up and the heat of the day is gone. This gives the grass time to recover before the intense sun hits the next day.
Many people prefer to cut their grass as short as possible so that they don’t have to mow again for a week or more. However, what’s best for your lawn is to set your mower to the highest preferred setting for your specific type of grass.
That’s because longer blades of grass develop deeper root systems that resist drought and can find moisture and nutrients from deep in the soil. Taller blades also shade the soil and keep its temperature cooler, discouraging weed growth.
Check your grass type because certain grasses like Bermuda, centipede, and zoysia thrive with a lower mower setting.
Do you mow a cool checkered pattern into your grass? Or maybe you just start on the outsides and work your way in? There are so many different options when it comes to mowing patterns for your yard, and the best thing for any lawn is to change things up every time you cut your grass.
Mowing the same route over and over can cause your grass to lean in one direction rather than standing upright. It can also lead to ruts in your yard. Mowing in different directions will lead to tall, upright grass that’s healthier and happier than grass that leans heavily in one direction.
We get it, you live your life on a schedule. But as tempting as it might be to add mowing your lawn as a recurring task every Saturday, your grass will do better when you don’t mow on a schedule. Instead, only mow when your grass needs it.
Typically that means waiting a little longer than you might think you should. The season, type of grass you have, and its growth pattern will all determine when it’s the right time to mow. Rapid growth in the spring typically requires you to mow more frequently and then slows in the heat of the summer and into the fall months.
Have you ever walked on a freshly mowed lawn with wet feet and had grass clippings stuck to every inch of your feet and legs? It’s not fun. It’s also not great to look out at your yard to see piles and piles of heavy grass clippings. But that’s not what we’re suggesting.
If your grass is super long, it’s best to bag the clippings and add them to a compost pile or dispose of them in the green waste. As long as your grass is shorter and you’re not cutting off a huge amount, leave the clippings on the lawn. They break down quickly and return essential nutrients to the soil, which is a great way to encourage a lush, green lawn.
You sharpen your kitchen knives whenever they get dull, right? A dull blade can’t do the job it was meant to do nearly as well as when it’s sharp. The same is true of your lawnmower blades. Cutting your grass with dull blades can tear your grass instead of leaving a clean cut, resulting in brown, ragged edges.
Over time this can weaken your grass and allow diseases to overtake it. Generally, you should sharpen your mower blades once a year—this will help improve your lawn’s health and keep your mower running more smoothly.
A lawnmower’s blades are powerful and can cut more than just grass if you’re not careful. Always be sure to follow these helpful safety tips when mowing your grass:
Mowing your lawn regularly and properly is essential to keeping your lawn lush and green from spring until fall. Aerorscape Property Maintenance & Landscaping is here to make maintenance a breeze.
Our landscaping and sprinkler experts are ready to serve your Utah home or business all year long. We provide superior property maintenance and landscaping services in Midvale, Utah, and throughout the greater Salt Lake area, including Park City, Lehi, and more. Contact us today to get started!
Landscaping is more than just mowing your lawn and trimming your hedges; it’s about experimenting with accent boulders and different kinds of plants. You want your property to stand out from the rest of the neighborhood, and the only way to do that is by investing in unique landscaping features.
If you’ve never considered how boulders can add to your outdoor display, here are five ways that you can use these natural decor pieces to liven up your landscaping.
Just because boulders can be enormous, it doesn’t mean that they need to stand alone, nor does it mean that you can’t have multiple in your landscaping. Single boulder designs are an artificial stylistic choice, which is why you may be hesitant to make groups of them.
You can gather boulders in groups to create a rock wall for your fountain or pool, or you can cluster three boulders together to create an eye-catching monolith-style design. In fact, most boulders are rarely found alone in the wild, so grouping them will also give them a more natural look.
You can create a spectacular display by partially burying your boulders. You can leave some more exposed than others for a more natural look, and if you have boulders with a flat top, you can even leave nothing but that exposed to give your garden or lawn a mesmerizing aspect.
Going back to the nature aspect, you’ll find that boulders in the wild aren’t always above ground and are naturally buried at different levels.
Rather than just placing your accent boulders randomly, experiment with unique ways to position them around each other as well as other landscape features you might have. You can create immersive designs with them and play with vertical and horizontal positioning to make them more eye-catching. Positioning is everything when it comes to design in general, and landscape design is no different.
No two boulders are the same. Boulders come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, and you can use this to your advantage when it comes to creating a diverse landscape design. Mix and match rounded and squared boulders, alternate between rugged and smooth boulders, and even group boulders of different colors. You can also find options that have vegetation on them, such as moss or lichen, to give your yard a more ancient look.
If you want to get real creative, you can use your boulders to build features such as fire pits and retaining walls. No rule says you need to use a boulder as a boulder, and building other landscaping features out of them will give your home a creative edge over others in your neighborhood.
If you want to add accent boulders to your landscaping but don’t know where or how to start, give us a call at Aeroscape Maintenance and Landscaping. We specialize in creating unique and quality landscapes from Park City to Midvale, offering anything from tree planting to more complex landscaping features like paths and xeriscape. Get in touch with an expert today and see how we can help you transform your landscaping!
Utah is facing extreme drought conditions, and that’s why this summer it’s more important than ever to begin drought-proofing your yard.
There are several ways to help prepare your property for those drier conditions. Consider these tips to keep your yard looking lush.
Mulching your garden is one of the most effective strategies at drought-proofing your yard, and can give your garden the extra boost it needs to survive a drought. Mulch provides an extra layer of protection and helps to keep the soil cool and moist longer, protecting your plants’ roots. In addition, it also helps to suppress weed growth.
For the best results, apply mulch to your garden between 2 and 6 inches deep. If you are using mulch with smaller particles, you can use a bit less and go shallower. For mulch with larger pieces, use more and go deeper. Overall, it never hurts to use more than less when it comes to mulching.
While water-loving plants such as irises and daylilies can be tempting, it is more practical to choose plants that can withstand the current hot, dry conditions. Here is a list of some flowers and other plants that thrive in Utah’s dry climate.
For vegetable gardens, consider choosing plant varieties with smaller leaves. Large-leaved plants lose water quicker than smaller-leaved varieties. In addition, shallow-rooted greens, such as lettuce do not fare well in substantial drought. If you must have these plants, consider growing them in a pot and locating them in a cool, shady spot in your yard.
If you have chosen plants that need shade to thrive, be sure to take advantage of the shaded regions of your yard. If you don’t have shaded areas or are already full, you can easily create artificial shade. One way to do this is by using shade cloth. The shade cloth can be used to cover rows of vegetables or other plants.
Another way to create shade is through the use of taller plants. Flowers such as sunflowers, coneflowers, and foxgloves are all great options to provide shade for shorter, shade-loving plants. In addition, the soil of shaded regions will retain water better, so you could plant flowers with more stringent water requirements in those areas as well.
While mulch is excellent at retaining moisture, you may still need to water your plants if it hasn’t rained in a long time. Watering deeply and infrequently encourages deep root growth. Frequent and shallow waterings keep the roots near the surface, making them less resistant to hotter, drier conditions. However, if your plants are in the flowering or fruiting stage, be careful not to let them go too long without water, as that could kill the plant.
A more complicated way to prepare your yard for drier conditions is by improving your soil. Soil that is close to that found in nature is the best kind for surviving droughts. Soil found organically comprises 50 percent clay, sand, and organic matter, and 25 percent each of air and water. Most garden soil consists of 75 percent clay, sand, and organic matter and only 25 percent combined with water. To help mimic more natural soils, consider aerating your garden’s soil. You can do this with a garden fork. Aeration will create more space in the soil to let in water and air, resulting in healthier soil.
At Aeroscape Property Maintenance and Landscaping, we have professional landscape contractors ready to help you with drought-proofing your yard in order to keep it looking green. Contact us today to get a free quote on your next landscaping project. We serve Salt Lake and Utah counties in the state of Utah.
Your landscaping is a significant investment to keep your property looking beautiful, even though it is seldom seen during the harsh Utah winters. You need to protect your landscaping investment so your ornamental plants and shrubs can survive through the winter and bloom again in the spring. Here are 6 actions you can take to protect your landscaping during the winter.
