Author: Hively
Think Spring! Deck vs. Patio Installation
December 5, 2018Winter weather is definitely here, and it’s got the folks at Hively daydreaming about spring! One of the best things about spring is enjoying time outside on your patio or deck. But what if you don’t have a patio or deck? Now may be the time to start considering it!
The difference between a deck and a patio is fairly obvious: one is raised above ground level, and the other is flush to the ground. However, the questions raised become what are the differences between their installation, and which one is best for your home and landscape? Today, we want to put together a list of installation differences between decks and patios, as well as possible benefits and drawbacks of each.
Commercial Snow Removal Budgeting: Avoid Getting Buried This Winter!
November 28, 2018As winter looms closer, snow removal becomes a more immediate concern – specifically, snow removal for your commercial property! Commercial snow removal can be a big expense, especially if it’s a long, cold winter.
However, safety is a top priority for you as a business owner; here are some great ways to maximize your snow removal budget and keep your property clear and safe all winter long.
Planting Fall Bulbs: What to Know and Expect
October 22, 2018With the cold weather starting to present itself, it seems like a strange time to be thinking about spring flowers! However, fall is the ideal time to plant those flower bulbs and give them a great jump-start for next spring. The folks at Hively Landscaping wanted to bring you some tips and tricks for maximizing your beautiful flowers in the springtime by preparing right now.
Invest in Quality Bulbs
Planting high-quality bulbs in the fall is an easy way to kickstart your spring flowers. While the bargain bulbs look enticing, they are often the weaker, smaller bulbs that either won’t flower come springtime, or will look rather pitiful next to your other blooms.
When choosing bulbs, look for a large size and firm texture. Small, mushy bulbs often yield small, weak flowers, or even none at all. You’ll pay more for good quality bulbs, but they are much more likely to come up strong in the springtime and flower more than the cheaper bulbs.
Benefits of Fall Fertilizing
October 17, 2018Fall is officially here: time to fertilize! Wait, what? Why now? Fall is the ideal time to fertilize your lawn and garden to give it a strong, healthy start come spring. At Hively, we know the benefits of fertilizing your lawn during the cooler fall months; here are some great reasons to invest the time into your lawn now, so it looks great and requires less effort in the spring.
The Weather is Perfect
Cool mornings and evenings provide the perfect conditions for fertilizing. The fertilizer does best in cooler temperatures, and by avoiding the midday sun, your lawn will allow maximum absorption in the shortest time.
Fall is For Overseeding
October 1, 2018
If you’re like us, you appreciate a great-looking lawn surrounding your beautiful home. Maintaining that lawn takes a lot of work, and the steps you take in the fall can help ensure you’re greeted by a lush, green lawn next year.
If you’ve already followed our advice on the benefits of aerating your lawn, the next step to fall lawn care is overseeding. Fall is the perfect time for overseeding your lawn if you’re looking to repair thin or bare areas. Overseeding in the fall is preferred for several reasons, including:
- There are shorter, milder temperature days
- Seed better retains moisture and avoids drying out
- There is less competition from weeds
5 Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn
September 21, 2018One of the most beneficial treatments you can provide for your lawn is aeration. Core aeration is the process of removing small plugs of soil from the lawn, which reduces the compaction of your soil and promotes root growth. This is the preferred method among landscape professionals like Hively; the alternative, spike aeration, simply pokes holes, which is much less effective and can actually cause further soil compaction.
In the fall, when your turf switches gears from top growth to root growth, aeration provides water and nutrients better access to these roots, which helps it grow thicker and healthier. If you overseed this time of year, aeration also helps maximize soil-to-seed contact, which means you’ll be seeing more of your freshly planted seed sprouting.
If you’re considering aerating your lawn, there are several benefits we want to bring to your attention that may help illustrate the importance of this service.
Trimming vs Edging
September 10, 2018Trimming and edging are two different techniques that are often improperly defined as one in the same. Today, we want to help you understand the differences between the two and share a few tips on getting the most out of each of these handy landscape maintenance tasks.
Trimming
Trimming performed with a string or line trimmer (a “weed whacker” to some) is recognized as horizontal cuts made to eliminate any unnecessary grass or weeds. Most commonly, you would perform trimming on any areas of your lawn that the mower can’t easily reach, such as around mailboxes, along the home’s exterior or fences, or near delicate trees and shrubs.
Help! There Are Mushrooms in My Mulch
September 6, 2018
Why are there so many mushrooms in my mulch and grass?! We’ve heard this question A LOT this year and the short answer is; its been really wet and rainy! While harmless to plants, mushrooms can be an ugly addition to your flower bed; if eaten by a curious child or pet, it could make them sick.
The good news is that there are several ways to get rid of these unsightly additions. The experts at Hively have put together a list of the most effective ways to combat mushrooms appearing in your mulch beds. Follow the advice below to win back your beds!
Tips for Dramatic Outdoor Lighting
August 15, 2018Outdoor lighting is a great way to improve the appearance, safety and accessibility of your home and landscape. Whether you have simple a simple walkway or a large outdoor living area, your outdoor space will benefit from being in the spotlight. Like many projects, outdoor lighting can seem overwhelming but you don’t need to be afraid of the light!
Here are several things we consider when designing a new lighting project, they’ll help you, too.
Team Spotlight: Jeff Barker
July 24, 2018
We wanted to help you get to know the team behind the great reputation at Hively Landscapes with our team spotlight series. Jeff Barker, Senior Crew Leader/Yard Captain, was kind enough to join us on the hot seat and answer a few questions.
Learn more about what Jeff had to say below!
Q: What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
A: The one thing I couldn’t live without is my family.
Q: What’s the coolest (or most important) trend you see today?