Pondering pavers?
A new patio, maybe, or a sleek new driveway? Time to finally update that cracked and sunken concrete walkway to your front door?
You probably have some questions.
Eric Frisch, Ground Source landscape designer, has the answers.
We’re kind of an impatient bunch, aren’t we?
We like our burgers and fries fast, our movies instantly streamed, and we can’t wait for our lawn to look great.
So, about that sod: how long?
Read this and you’ll have answers in just a few minutes.
You live in sunny, Central Florida – you know what that means, right? Your outdoor space isn’t just something you look at; it’s something you live in all year long. With long sunny days, balmy evenings, and plenty of backyard gatherings, your outdoor space could be the most enjoyable and luxurious spot in your home.
What's missing? The right lighting. Landscape lighting can completely transform your home.
But when it comes to landscape lighting, the question that usually comes up is: should you tackle it yourself or hire a professional?
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.
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?
If you live in Central Florida – whether that’s Orlando, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, Clermont, or any of the beautiful spots in between – you already know how fast a lawn can transform the look and feel of your home.
It's no secret – fresh sod instantly boosts curb appeal. It makes outdoor spaces usable again. It turns bare sand or struggling turf into something that looks finished and feels polished.
But here’s the thing that most homeowners don’t realize (until it’s too late): Not all sod installation proposals are created equal.
New pavers! This is exciting!
Driveway? New walkways? That dream patio you’ve always wanted? Curves, or rectangle?
Have you picked out new patio furniture yet?
We’re asking a lot of questions. We love this stuff.
You should be asking some, too.
“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 plants — and a couple of other pool landscaping tips.
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.
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.