The Ground Source Blog

Posted by Joe Mouad on Jul 7, 2020 3:26:53 PM

DIY Landscape Lighting vs. Hiring a Pro in Orlando, FL

Afraid of the dark? 

Head out there with a DIY landscape lighting kit and things could get really scary.

Maybe you’ve been thinking of heading to the big box store and grabbing some landscape lighting components.

We know you can pull it off. 

But should you? Or should you hire professional landscape lighting services?

Let’s shed some light on DIY landscape lighting vs. hiring a professional.

Posted by Joe Mouad on Jun 24, 2020 11:00:00 AM

Irrigation Head Size, Isolation Valves, & Rain Sensors: 3 Critical Items for Your Sprinkler System in Orlando, FL

If your Orlando sprinkler system is steadily chugging away, watering your lawn, you’re probably happy with it.

But is it the best it can be? Or is it wasting water, costing you money every time it turns on?

Will you have to turn off the water to your entire house if something goes wrong with your sprinkler system? (What a pain, right?)

Not all Orlando irrigation companies include all the features you need to get the best operation out of your sprinkler system.

Posted by Joe Mouad on Jun 22, 2020 1:51:35 PM

Understanding Yard Drainage in Orlando: French Drains, Collection Boxes, & More

Read anything fascinating about yard drainage lately?

What? You don’t think yard drains are fascinating? Hmm, maybe it’s just us.

But if you live in a newer Orlando neighborhood, chances are you need some kind of yard drainage.

Drainage here in Orlando is a continuing problem as the city grows. All the dry areas have already been developed, so nearly all the houses in new neighborhoods have drainage problems. The already-wet ground can’t absorb extra water.

New homes also often have poor soil, so water doesn’t seep in as well as it should.

What kind of yard drain is best for your house?

Posted by Joe Mouad on Jun 15, 2020 12:51:03 PM

3 Sod Estimate Essentials: What to Expect in Your Sod Estimate in Orlando, FL

Your eyes get a real workout when you first get a look at your sod estimate.

All that scanning to get to the part where it gives you the price. (Yup, we know that’s where you headfirst.) 

Sure, price matters. But there’s more to a good sod estimate than price. A good sod company will include all kinds of helpful information, so you know exactly what you’re getting for that price.

What should be included in your sod estimate? Take a look.

Posted by Joe Mouad on May 18, 2020 10:43:22 AM

5 Pool Landscaping Plants Perfect for Orlando, FL

“I love that big prickly pine tree by your pool.“

That’s a sentence you’ll never hear. 

Not every plant is perfect for planting around a pool.

No spines, dripping sap, or falling burrs, please. 

Ground Source landscape designer, Eric Frisch, shares a few of his favorite pool landscaping plantsand a couple of other pool landscaping tips.

Posted by Joe Mouad on May 11, 2020 8:30:56 AM

Sod vs. Seed: Best Lawn Choice for Orlando Homes

Sod or seed? Which is best?

Choice one: Plant grass seed and wait. And wait. And wait.

Choice two: Unroll sod for a perfect instant carpet of lawn.

That’s one big difference when you compare sod vs. seed. 

But there are other differences, too, that can help you choose which way to go.

Let’s take a look at some factors to help you choose sod or grass seed.

Posted by Joe Mouad on Apr 30, 2020 3:24:44 PM

7 of the Best Palm Trees for Your Central FL Landscaping

This is Central Florida, land of palm trees.

Pick a palm for your yard or property, and it’ll thrive, right?

Actually, no. Just because this is Florida doesn't mean every variety of palm loves it here.

Some varieties, like Royal, Traveler's, or Coconut palms will likely die here in Central Florida if we get a bad frost or freeze.

If these three are your favorites, Traveler's palm, which looks like a banana tree, is the most likely of the three to survive in Central Florida, if not exposed to cold winds. 

But there are better choices.

Posted by Joe Mouad on Apr 29, 2020 3:36:52 PM

9 Things to Know Before Installing Sprinklers in Your Orlando Lawn

Fact number one: here in Orlando, you need an irrigation system for your lawn and landscaping.

You know it. We know it. Your lawn knows it. 

Basically, everyone knows it.

Without irrigation, you risk parched brown grass, wilted flowers, and the embarrassment of unsightly, struggling landscaping, not to mention the expense of re- planting or re- sodding.

Now that we’ve cleared that up the question is, what do you need to know before installing a sprinkler system?

Here are 7 important things to know before installing an irrigation system.