Benefits of Fall Clean Up

Benefits of Fall Clean Up

Fall is officially here!

The weather is cooler, leaves are starting to fall, beautiful shades of red and orange are taking over. There are many benefits of a fall clean up. It’s the perfect time to benefit from a fall clean up, and prepare your landscape. 

Fall clean ups are very helpful in maintaining and keeping a healthy landscape. One of the most tedious tasks of clean ups is the leaf and pine needle removal. Removing leaves that have fallen from trees is recommended because lots of diseases and insects grow throughout the debris which can infect your landscaping in the long run. After the leaf removal, pruning your perennials, shrubs, and trees is the next step to your clean up.

Whether you are trimming for health and stability or appearance pruning prompts new growth in the spring. Many shrubs and trees can only be pruned in the fall. Many shrubs bloom on new growth so it is very important to trim your plants in the fall. Grasses and perennials can be cut back a few inches above the ground, can provide insulation to the roots in the winter and create a clear space in the spring for new growth. 

Without the summer warmth you need to prepare your planting beds for the harsh winter weather by installing a layer of mulch. It can insulate the plant’s roots, retaining moisture and heat providing a winter cover. The mulch retains moisture and heat allowing for the microbes in the soil to live longer throughout the winter improving the soil conditions. As the mulch breaks down it releases many minerals and nitrogen that enrich the area providing healthier blooms in the spring. In the spring as you see everything start to turn green and beautiful you’ll be glad that all your hard work in the fall paid off!

 

Winter is the best time to plan your landscaping projects

Winter is the best time to plan your landscaping projects

Winter is the best time to plan your landscaping projects

Winter is a great time to consult with our landscape designer about the upcoming spring projects! During the winter season when everything is dormant, and our workload is somewhat reduced and is a great time to discuss your ideas!

Megan, our professional landscape designer may see solutions you never dreamed of and help you avoid costly mistakes. We can assess your property’s strengths and weaknesses, think about the ways you envision using your yard, and understand the steps involved in the landscape design process.

NOW is a perfect opportunity to think about your landscaping projects for the spring and jumpstart the process! Give us a call at 815-786-7647 

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Advantages of Using Pavers for Your Driveway

Advantages of Using Pavers for Your Driveway

Many homeowners are looking for ways to either increase the value of their home or increase the beauty and functionality of their forever home. In either case, improving curb appeal is the main goal. Whether your home’s driveway is cracked, dull and crumbly, or is simply looking dated, the driveway is the perfect place to start.

  1. Strength

Concrete paving stones are carefully manufactured to make them incredibly strong. In fact, paving stones are typically two to three times stronger than poured-in-place concrete. The combination of higher concrete loading per piece, and the quality control that goes into a manufactured stone means a paver is likely to have increased strength consistently throughout, whereas large, poured slabs could have inconsistencies throughout, leading to long term issues with durability.

  1. Flexibility

The method by which concrete pavers are installed leads to a natural flexibility of the surface. This flexibility allows the pavers to adjust with the freeze/thaw shift, virtually eliminating cracking, found more typically with pour-in-place concrete or asphalt.

  1. Easy to maintain

Maintaining driveway pavers is far easier and more affordable than with standard asphalt driveways. Stains and cracks that occur on asphalt can lead to costly and time-consuming restoration. These types of repairs will, more than likely, have to be done several times throughout the lifetime of the driveway. In contrast, if a paver does become damaged or stained, that paving stone would simply be removed and replaced with a new one.

  1. Easy to replace

When an asphalt or concrete driveway fails, typically the entire driveway will need to be removed and replaced. While patch work is possible, it is evident there have been patches due to color differences, leading many homeowners to replace the whole driveway. However, with paving stones, you can replace only the area that needs replacing. Replacing a paver is straightforward, does not require large, specialized equipment, can be done in a day and can even be done yourself.

  1. Style versatility

With paving stones, your design is limited only by imagination. Mixing colors and textures and laying patterns can create magnificent designs, making your driveway the talk of the neighborhood. You can select pavers to match your home’s character and color, giving your driveway a modern flair or old-world charm.

  1. Environmental benefits

Stormwater management is quickly becoming a major environmental issue affecting municipalities. In some cities, permeable paving solutions are required by law, which quickly eliminates most traditional driveway paving options. Unilock offers the widest selection of permeable paving options on the market, meaning you can meet local requirements without sacrificing your aesthetic. Learn more about the advantages of permeable paver.

  1. Quick installation

With paving stones, there is no waiting period to drive on the installed product. With asphalt and concrete, there is a waiting period before it is safe to drive on the surface. This is typically a bigger issue in urban areas where street parking is limited, or even disallowed.

If you are considering having a new concrete paver driveway installed give Aztech Landscaping & Paving a call at 815-786-7647

 

Source:  Unilock

 

 

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Popular service areas include: Lake Holiday, Oswego, Sandwich, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville. (see more areas)

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Tips for Firepit in your back yard

Tips for Firepit in your back yard

Things to consider when installing a fire pit in your back yard

Few things in life can match the cozy feeling you get from the mesmerizing flames of an outdoor fire on a cool evening. Think about roasting marshmallows and warming your hands around mugs of hot cocoa. You can create that inviting experience by adding a fire pit to your back yard. Then, simply set the scene with comfy chairs, soft music and a few close friends sprinkled around.

If you are thinking about adding a fire pit to your backyard escape, there are a few things to consider before you get started.

Is it OK to have a fire pit in my backyard?

It is OK to have a fire pit in your backyard as long as you are aware of safe practices and local bylaws regarding recreational fires. In general, keep these guidelines in mind:

The fire must be a safe distance from any combustible surface. Usually, this means that the fire must be twenty-five feet from any structures such as your house, shed, vehicles or decks.
If your backyard is heavily treed, make sure there are no branches extending over the fire.
Consider how the fire affects your neighbors. Will smoke or sparks make their way into their yard or open windows? Your fire should be at least 10 feet from the property line.
Check the wind conditions. If it’s a windy evening, don’t build a fire. It simply isn’t safe for you or your neighbors.
Keep the size of your fire manageable. Fires should be no taller than three feet high and three feet wide. Anything larger poses a significant fire threat.
Make sure your fire is tended to and supervised by an adult for the entire time that it is burning.
Check the local bylaws for having outdoor fires in your community.

What is the best fire pit

The best stone for fire pits is any concrete stone paver and wall products.  Definitely avoid sandstone, limestone, pumice, and river rocks because of their porous nature and tendency to hold water. When wet rocks heat up, the trapped air and water expand very quickly and force the rock apart, sometimes causing it to explode.

How much does a stone fire pit cost?

The cost of a stone fire pit depends on a lot of different factors such as the size of your fire pit, and the products used to construct it.

Do you need special stones for a fire pit?

No, you don’t need special stones for a fire pit – but you do need a metal insert to protect the shape and structural integrity of the exterior walls.

What should I put under my fire pit?

The only thing you need under your fire pit is a level base that has approximately 8 inches of gravel.

 

Visit information / source provided by Unilock

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815.786.7647 Office

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© 2023 Aztech Landscaping of Sandwich, IL provides landscaping services and decorative stone patios.
Popular service areas include: Lake Holiday, Oswego, Sandwich, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville. (see more areas)

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What’s in a Zone?

What’s in a Zone?

What’s in a Zone?  A landscape Zone that is …  Understanding what zoning when it comes to choosing plants or trees for your landscaping can be key. The USDA divided North America into areas, or zones, where specific plants would most likely thrive. The idea was to help gardeners compare the climate of their garden with climates where a plant grows well.  The map is based on the average minimum temperature, divided into 10°F zones. Hardiness zones are particularly informative about the extremes of winter cold.   We (Northern Illinois) are in Zone 5.

Other things to consider.

Planting based on the USDA’s hardiness map isn’t enough for a thriving garden. You must also think about things like having the right amount of sunlight or shade for a certain plant to grow, maintaining the moisture level of soil without overwatering it, giving it the right nutrients, and pruning when necessary.

If you want your plantings to flourish every year, they must be able to tolerate year-round conditions in your area, whether they’re high or low temperatures.

Working with a professional landscaper can be helpful when devising a plan that meets your needs for your home or business landscape.

 

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Popular service areas include: Lake Holiday, Oswego, Sandwich, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville. (see more areas)

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What is the difference between annuals and perennial?

What is the difference between annuals and perennial?

What is the difference between annuals and perennial?  The short answer is that annuals don’t come back, but perennials do.

Perennials are plants that can survive in the garden for at least two growing seasons. They die back in the winter and then, as if by magic, they return lush and renewed, ready for another go at life. These plants manage to survive because their roots can weather the winter climate in their growing zones. A garden filled with perennial plants is a lot less work than one that’s mostly annuals. While there’s still work to be done in a perennial garden—pruning and weeding, for example—there’s no need to replant everything each year.

The secret to a stunning perennial garden is to choose varieties that bloom at different times, which ensures that your yard will pop with color in different season.

While annuals live for only one season, they tend to have a long bloom season. They are usually bright and showy, used by gardeners to add burst of bright color to their flower beds and container gardens. A good example of an annual flower are chrysanthemums.

 

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815.786.7647 Office

815.786.6654 Fax

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Sat 8 am - 1 pm

 

 

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© 2023 Aztech Landscaping of Sandwich, IL provides landscaping services and decorative stone patios.
Popular service areas include: Lake Holiday, Oswego, Sandwich, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville. (see more areas)

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Learn About Hostas

Learn About Hostas

Botanical Names: Hosta, astilbe, golden hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aurea’), lungwort (Pulmonaria), Siberian bugloss (Brunner macrophylla)

Splash some color into your yard’s shady corners by planting hostas. These leafy plants are perennial favorites, and growing hostas isn’t reserved for experienced gardeners. Learning how to grow hostas isn’t difficult — it’s actually one of the easiest perennials to tend. Glean some tips on when to plant hostas, how to plant hostas and what to plant with hostas.

Not sure when to plant hostas? The good news is that timing isn’t too critical. Most gardeners tackle planting hostas in the spring or fall. In spring, you can plant bareroot or potted hosta plants. Be sure soak bareroot hostas in water for a few hours before planting. For fall planting, you’ll probably use potted hostas. You can often find potted hostas on discount at garden centers in early fall. The trick with fall-planted hostas is timing. Aim to be planting hostas several weeks before the soil freezes. This gives plants plenty of time to sink roots before harsh weather arrives.

It’s not challenging to learn how to plant hostas. Start by determining where to plant hostas. Most hostas like shady conditions, but newer sun tolerant hostas can withstand morning or, with some varieties, all day sun. Start planting hostas by digging a hole and adding organic matter. Compost, composted manure, ground tree bark or other locally available materials provide ideal sources of organic matter, which helps soil retain water so it’s readily available to plant roots.

Dig planting holes that are wider than deep. Hostas aren’t especially deep-rooted but do tend to extend roots out to the edges of leaves. Make your hole wide enough so that roots fit without being folded. Tuck the hosta into the hole so that it sits at the same depth it did in the pot. Backfill the hole, and cover the bare soil with mulch.

One common problem gardeners find when growing hostas is that small critters like voles can cause serious damage to plants over winter. When adding mulch to cover soil, don’t pile it against hosta plant stems because this can trigger fungus diseases to attack leaf stems. You also don’t want to add a thick layer of mulch, which gives voles a place to tunnel and hide. Instead, add a 1- to 2-inch-thick layer, keeping it pulled back from the crown of the plant.

As you choose what to plant with hostas, you might consider traditional partners, like lacy ferns, astilbe and golden hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aurea’). These plants unfurl leaves that provide a feathery, lacy textural contrast to the broad leaves of hosta plants. Other perennials that pair well with hosta include variegated cultivars of plants like lungwort (Pulmonaria) and Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla).

How often you need to transplant hostas varies. As a rule, hostas tend to grow bigger the longer they stay in one spot, so if you’re wanting a substantially sized plant, avoid frequent transplanting. If a plant has outgrown its place, then you should consider transplanting.
Some hosta varieties perform like many clump-forming perennials, with older plants dying out in the center of the clump. In this situation, new growth occurs along clump edges. This new growth is often individual small plants ideal for transplanting.
Usually transplanting hostas is easy and relatively quick. Take time to prepare the soil in the new planting area. Mix in plenty of organic matter to create a soil base that’s rich and drains well. For organic matter, use compost, ground tree bark, composted manure or any other material that’s locally available to you.
When transplanting hostas, you want to get as much of the root ball as you can. This is especially important with larger plants. Start digging the plant by inserting your shovel into soil just outside the edge of the leaves. Roots typically extend this far. Insert the shovel all the way around the hosta, forming a circle. Pry the plant out of the ground. With really large plants, roots may extend up to 18 inches deep.

 

All data herein is for information purposes and gathered from an outside source.

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885 Piper Way

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Sat 8 am - 1 pm

 

 

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© 2023 Aztech Landscaping of Sandwich, IL provides landscaping services and decorative stone patios.
Popular service areas include: Lake Holiday, Oswego, Sandwich, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville. (see more areas)

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Advantages of Rainwater Collection

Advantages of Rainwater Collection

Advantages of Rainwater Collection:

Whether you have an interest in water conservation or simply want to save a few dollars on your water bill, collecting rainwater for gardening may be the answer for you.

Unchlorinated rainwater is better for plants and gardens. Rainwater is the plants’ preferred source of hydration. It is free of chemicals and salts that are typical of any treated water. These chemicals alter the chemical composition of the soil which has a direct effect on plants.

Reducing Water Bills: Water is required for a lot of non-drinking functions. When harvested rainwater is used for all these functions, it reduces the load on the water supply. This may help to reduce utility bills.

Apart from aiding in nature’s cycle, you’ll be reducing flooding by runoff water, saving on energy, protecting the environment by reducing carbon emissions as well as growing healthy plants.

 

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© 2023 Aztech Landscaping of Sandwich, IL provides landscaping services and decorative stone patios.
Popular service areas include: Lake Holiday, Oswego, Sandwich, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville. (see more areas)

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Learn About Ornamental Grasses

Learn About Ornamental Grasses

             Ornamental grasses add color, texture, and movement to your landscape all year long, and they do that with little effort from you. Once established, water them during a drought, maybe cut them back in the spring. The following are some of the most popular grasses (provided by Midwest Living) used for adding color to an autumn landscape and often throughout the winter.

Because of their color, texture and movement, ornamental grasses are wonderful additions to our landscapes. Even better, you get all this beauty for little work–once established, just water during drought and cut them back in early spring. And they withstand pests (even deer avoid them). There are many varieties available, so find one to suit your garden style and growing by discussing with our landscape designer for your next project.

Feather Reedgrass
One of the most popular ornamental grasses. Plants have dark green leaves and narrow, tan plumes in early summer. This variety tends to grow straight and upright, giving an architectural element to landscapes even in winter. They have tiny flowers in early summer; seed heads mature to golden tan by midsummer and remain attractive into fall.

Fountaingrass
A mounding plant with a lovely shape, its name refers to its graceful spray of foliage and late-summer plumes of fuzzy flowers. The white, pink or red plumes (according to variety) continue into fall and bring an informal look to gardens. Some Pennisetum self seed freely, which means they can become invasive. Although some species will reach 5 feet in height, the dwarf types like ‘Hameln’ generally stay below 3 feet. ‘Purpureum’ is grown as an annual in cool climates but has lovely purple leaves and crimson flowers.

Blue fescue
One of the smallest of the ornamental grasses (under 1 foot tall), which makes them perfect for many different uses in the garden. Plant them at the base of leggy shrubs, in masses as a groundcover, in rows as edging, as accents or in containers. Evergreen in all buts its northernmost range, the bluish foliage looks best in early summer. Seed heads turn tan when mature; cut them off to keep plants looking neat. ‘Elijah Blue’ has powder-blue leaves.

Blue Oat Grass
Refined and elegant, this grass has beautiful blue-gray, fine-textured leaf blades that grow in a mound. It is stunning throughout most of the season and combines well with most perennials. In fall, brownish spikelets reach for the sky.

Maiden Grass
Miscanthus cultivars are go-to choices in the ornamental grass market because of their sky-high, easy growth. Narrow, arching foliage makes a perfect backdrop to showcase other perennials. Silvery plumes look enchanting when the sun shines through them. This perennial’s dramatic plumes of spikelets rise above the foliage and last well into winter. Leaves range from green-and-white striped, yellow striped, dark green and greenish white depending on cultivar. Plumes emerge at different times.

Ravennagrass
Often called hardy pampas grass, this massive, fast-growing perennial commands attention when in flower in late summer because of its great height. It is a wonderful grass to add drama in the landscape or to hide an unsightly view. Just be sure to plant it where it can take center stage–not much else will stand up to this tower of beauty.

Hairgrass
Evergreen depending on climate, tufted hairgrass gets its name from the hairlike flowers that rise above the leaves. Its needlelike leaves form mounds, then this perennial sends out airy plumes in shades of golden, silver, purple and green.

Purple Moorgrass
Chose a variety based on your garden size, then plant in masses for impact. It has delightful mounding foliage that turns brilliant gold in fall. The tall, delicate panicles are beautiful. Dense tufts of arching leaves are handsome spring through summer and offer good fall color.

Japanese Forestgrass
This low-growing, mounding plant has bright yellow, green-striped leaves, making them perfect for brightening shady spots in gardens. From late summer to mid-autumn, it bears needlelike, pale green spikelets.

Cordgrass
A spreading prairie grass that thrives in moist or wet soils, it’s a good choice to plant along a pond or stream. Pale green spikelets top the arching green leaves by autumn.

All of the information herein is provided by Midwest Living for your convenience and not a recommendation of usage.

 

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885 Piper Way

Sandwich, IL 60548

815.786.7647 Office

815.786.6654 Fax

Office Hours:

M-F 8 am - 4 pm

Sat 8 am - 1 pm

 

 

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© 2023 Aztech Landscaping of Sandwich, IL provides landscaping services and decorative stone patios.
Popular service areas include: Lake Holiday, Oswego, Sandwich, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville. (see more areas)

website design by Willow Marketing Solutions

 

Preventive steps can be taken to help eliminate mosquitoes

Preventive steps can be taken to help eliminate mosquitoes

DID YOU KNOW? Preventive steps can be taken to help eliminate mosquitoes in gardens and outdoor space around your home. Mosquitoes are most likely to bite during the hours immediately before and after dawn and dusk. Plan your gardening to avoid the times when mosquitoes are most active. 

Efforts should be focused on preventing adult mosquitoes from breeding. During warm weather, mosquito eggs can develop into larvae and then into adult mosquitoes in water that has been left standing for seven to ten days.

Beginning in April until the first hard frost, weekly check your property, garden, alley, home exterior, and garage for any standing water or debris that might hold even the slightest amount of water. Household items might include cans, rain barrels, tires, buckets, garden tools, wheelbarrows, plant pot saucers, and children’s toys. The following precautions can also prevent the breeding cycle:

  • Repair outdoor leaky faucets to prevent small pools of water from forming.
  • Seal any hollowed areas of tree stumps.
  • Empty outdoor pet water bowls daily.
  • Repair torn screens or loose windows.
  • Clean gutters of all debris so rainwater never pools.
  • Check flat roofs for low spots that retain water.
  • Empty wading pools once a week. Store indoors when not in use.
  • Cover all larger pools if you are away for more than a week. Make sure pool covers do not accumulate water.
  • Change water in birdbaths at least once a week.
  • Install small pumps in ponds, aquatic gardens, or fountains to aerate water, or add larvae-eating fish. 
  • Empty outdoor fountains if you will be away for more than a week.
  • Check sewer drains, septic tanks, and downspouts for any pooling water.
  • Cover rain barrels with tight-fitting lids or 16-mesh screening.
  • Wear Protective Clothing
  • Wear socks and shoes, long pants, and long-sleeved, light-colored shirts when outside. Protect children and babies with proper clothing and mosquito netting.

Plan Your Gardening

Mosquitoes are most likely to bite during the hours immediately before and after dawn and dusk. Plan your gardening to avoid the times when mosquitoes are most active. If virus-infected mosquitoes have been reported in your area, consider staying indoors during their peak biting hours. Mosquitoes favor shady, moist areas of a yard and rest in dense shrubbery; they are active from spring to the first hard frost in the fall.

 

  • Above is for informational purposes only and provide by: source 

 

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Sandwich, IL 60548

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815.786.6654 Fax

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M-F 8 am - 4 pm

Sat 8 am - 1 pm

 

 

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© 2023 Aztech Landscaping of Sandwich, IL provides landscaping services and decorative stone patios.
Popular service areas include: Lake Holiday, Oswego, Sandwich, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville. (see more areas)

website design by Willow Marketing Solutions

 

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