Fall Landscaping Mistakes to Know and Avoid
October 29, 2021Fall is upon us. Like most homeowners; you are getting your lawn ready for the winter months. In order to keep your outdoor space looking pristine; season after season, fall preparations can have a huge impact. It’s easy to get the general to-do’s; however there are some very common mistakes that homeowners make when preparing their lawns for winter.
Hardscaping is just as important as soft landscaping:
When referring to landscaping there are two common categories – soft and hard. Soft landscaping refers to anything living, has texture, and can be planted; such as grass, trees, and flowers. Hardscaping is defined as the man-made features of landscape architecture; such as walls, rocks, mulch, pavers, or pathways for safety, function, and beauty. Keeping your hardscaping maintained is just as important as pruning your living greenery. Power Washing and mold control can help keep your pathways looking fresh even during winter months.
Year-round pool maintenance
For homeowners with a pool; the end of summer symbolizes the time to stop putting effort into maintaining the pool. Think again! During the fall months the pool will need to keep its chemicals at balanced levels and fallen debris, leaves, and bugs will need to be cleaned out weekly. This Helps keep filters and your systems running smoothly. Keeping the pool deck and walkways clean is also overly important. Fall is the perfect time for additional issues to arise; to include black mold and mildew.
Fertilize your fall lawn
Fall lawns do not typically grow at the same speed as in the summer months. That does not mean that because you are not cutting as often that your lawn does not need additional care in preparation for the winter months. Like any landscaping maintenance; having a routine will help abstain additional damage to your outdoor space during the colder winter months ahead.
Not Having a Plan
Homeowners are always hearing that fall is the perfect time to start any landscaping project. It is not a myth. It is important to have a plan in place to help amend any pre-existing issues before adding anything additional. The experts at DiSabatino Landscaping can help. It is important to have a specific theme or look decided before the landscaping project is launched. No matter how small or large this project may be; evaluate how the hardscaping and soft landscaping elements will be affected.
3 Benefits of Having an Outdoor Fire Pit or Fireplace
September 17, 2021A fire pit or fireplace can be an instant attention grabber in any landscaping design. Imagine stepping out into your patio and having a custom made fire pit or fireplace be the focal point? Aside from being a showstopper, a fire pit or outdoor fireplace can serve many different benefits that many homeowners don’t necessarily consider when designing their patio or backyard space.
1. Ideal for Entertainment
One of the most obvious and greatest benefits to having a fire pit or outdoor fireplace is it provides an ideal spot for people to gather around and chat. Adding a warm ambiance tends to encourage guests to congregate in one area. This can equate to less work for you when it comes to entertaining guests, since rather than being indoors, everyone is outdoors.
2. Source of Warmth
Once the weather starts to change, having a source of heat in your outdoor space can be a challenge. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are an easy solution that not only provide instance warm on a cool evening but your guest can enjoy the outdoor space even when temperatures are really cold. This makes entertaining enjoyable even into the fall and early spring.
3. Ambiance
Creating the right cozy ambiance during the cooler months can be difficult. Adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace can add a relaxing atmosphere while generating natural heat to help add that cozy feel for your guests. The atmosphere created by a fire pit or fireplace is relaxed and informal, and the heat generated by the flame adds to the cozy ambiance. From a romance evening to a casual gathering with friends, adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace can add value to your home while providing the perfect ambiance to your outdoor space.
Don’t know what type of fire pit or outdoor fireplace is right for your outdoor space, ask the experts at DiSabatino Landscaping. Contact their expert team to help create that perfect custom outdoor fireplace that will enhance your outdoor space for years to come.
8 Great Additional Features to Upgrade an Outdoor Pool
June 21, 2021Create a perfect staycation in you outdoor living space by adding a custom outdoor swimming pool. Outdoor pools are a great way to keep entertaining simple and fun. Whether you opt for a custom gunite pool, fiberglass pool or vinyl liner pool, there are many great features to add for further enjoyment.
DiSabatino Landscaping specializes in adding beautiful custom pools and we like to share the many pool upgrade options available for inground pool designs. Once you get a feel for the custom features you’d like, compare the costs of each feature to their budget and prioritize the ones you really want.
8 Great Additional Features to Upgrade an Outdoor Pool:
1) Hot tub:Hot tubs or spillover spas that are raised above the pool level are therapeutic and a great additon to custom swimming pools.
2) Pool Bar: Make adult entertaining super imbibing cocktails while relaxing in a pool, a swim up pool bar might be a nice feature to add to your pool.
3) Waterfall: Built with Real or Faux Boulders, cascading waterfalls add a naturalistic element to custom swimming pools and one of the most popular water features around. These too are great aerators to keep water temperatures cooler.
4) Grotto: A cave or grotto is a great way to find protection from the glaring sun or the crowd. A peaceful meditation spot is a very popular water feature in custom pool designs.
5) Fountain: A cascading water fountain adds a peaceful ambience to custom swimming pools that are not only therapeutic but a great aerators that will keep the water cool.
6) Rain Curtain: Young and old alike enjoy the cooling curtains of water falling into the pool from a pergola roof or some other overhang.
7) Pool House: Want to keep everyone comfortable and close to all the amenities? Consider a pool house with changing and bathroom, refrigerator full of everyone’s favorite beverages and maybe even a comfortable sitting area to shelter from inclement weather.
8) Pool Slide: A custom pool slide will make your home the most popular in the neighborhood, adding life to any special occasion or just for a regular day of relaxation. There are a wide variety of custom designed pool slides available with different sized flumes.
SOME RELATED ARTICLES:
CREATE A STAYCATION IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
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302-764-0408 | DiSabatinoInc.com
The Landscape Experts
The Landscape ExpertsDiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. Give us a call today! 302-764-0408
Why Gunite Pools Are the Best Choice to Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space
June 9, 2021Gunite Pools Are the Best Choice for an In-ground Pool Installation
Gunite pools add value for a lifetime within any home for those thinking of installing an inground pool to their outdoor living area, . The superb look and design versatility will be a lasting upgrade to your property.
Gunite pools are extremely durable, stand up to all types of climate and can be style in a variety of free flowing shapes tailored to the landscape’s configuration. This gives a full spectrum of options for a pool design. A gunite pool can be installed anywhere, no matter the terrain.
Gunite is Versatile
A gunite pool can have full curves, square angled corners or a combination of both. A pool can begin at beach entry level and graduate to any depth desired when made with gunite. Most commercial and many residential pools are gunite. This is because gunite pools are built to last.
What is a Gunite Pool?
Gunite is a concrete blend of cement, sand and water that applied through a high-pressure hose to a structure fabricated of rebar. Once dry, gunite becomes a rock hard solid structure with a thickness that adds a tensile strength a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool will never come close to matching.
Adding Style to Match Your Taste
Once the gunite cures, a plaster application made from cement and marble becomes the final waterproof coating. Some opt for a colored quartz aggregate added to the plaster in order to increase durability and aesthetics.
Create contrast – add a pebbled or tiled finish to create a high-end look. Waterfalls, custom stairs, adjoining hot tub or spa added to the gunite pool design can meet the desired look.
Why Gunite?
A gunite pool adds the most value and durability when it comes to in-ground pools. The gunite shell handles all types of conditions due to its ability to contract and expand. No matter the soil changes that occur from season or climate, such as freezing and thawing, a gunite pool is best suited to endure.
The resilience and versatility of a gunite pool makes for a custom pool with free flowing shapes tailored to your backyard a reality. Whether you are looking to incorporate a trickling spillway, rock waterfall, fountain shelf or elevated spa, a gunite pool makes it easy.
SOME RELATED ARTICLES:
CREATE A STAYCATION IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
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12 GREAT FEATURES TO ADD TO YOUR SWIMMING POOL
302-764-0408 | DiSabatinoInc.com
The Landscape Experts
DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. Give us a call today! 302-764-0408
Should I Use Natural Stone, Decorative Concrete or Pavers for a New Patio Installation?
May 18, 2021If you are considering installing a new deck or patio installation, you will want to explore your options. Natural Stone, Decorative Concrete or Pavers are some of the top options of types of material available to create you outdoor living area. All have benefits and drawbacks. Some are more expensive, but last longer. While others are lower maintenance and easier to install.
Before starting a hardscaping project, it is wise to research the various options and materials available. Consider materials that are safe and blend or contrast nicely with your home and surrounding landscape.
When choosing your material, educate yourself on its longevity, aesthetics, install method, maintenance, and cost. An experience hardscaping contractor will be able access your unique needs and help you make the choices as clear and simple as possible:
NATURAL STONE
Natural stones, such as flagstone or slate are rich looking, attractive material that holds up well to the elements. Natural stone holds color better than most manufactured products and has a unique appeal. Slate and flagstone offers a classic or rustic aesthetic that would probably be well-suited to an older or traditionally styled home. It can be installed both with cement and polymeric sand joints. Versatility and looks make this material a great selection for any property.
Natural stone typically costs more because it has to be trucked in from a quarry. It can also take more time and effort to install, increasing labor cost.
CONCRETE PAVERS
Concrete Pavers have a more modern look and offer a more uniform pattern and coloring. They are typical lest costly than natural stone, yet still offer a similar aesthetic. There are a vast number of shapes, sizes, and colors available. Do your research when selecting pavers as not all manufacturers offer the same quality.
Installing concrete pavers are simpler that natural stone because of their uniformity & therefore are more wallet friendly. This does not come without drawbacks however. You will need to be more mindful in terms of maintenance if you want your patio to keep its original luster if you choose this material. Polymeric sand joints need repaired every 3-5 years so that weeds do not grow in, and sealers can help to reduce the fading that occurs over time.
DECORATIVE CONCRETE
DiSabatino Landscaping Designs Beautiful Patios with Pergolas
Decorative Concrete is an old concept that has benefited from new install techniques in the past couple of decades. Options range from brushed finish (typical sidewalks) and exposed aggregate (tiny pebbles) to stamped concrete with synthetic designs printed onto them.
If you want a traditional or authentic feel, this look may not be for you. One big benefit of decorative concrete is its durability and cost effectiveness. This option does not need as much maintenance as the other two options listed here.
3 Ways to Prepare Your Patio for Spring
At the end of the day, your patio must fit your style preferences and needs. No matter the type of material or method you decide on, be sure to have a reputable installer assist you with the process.
SOME RELATED ARTICLES:
CREATE A STAYCATION IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
7 GREAT IDEAS FOR CREATING A BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR LIVING AREA
FIRE PIT MAINTENANCE TIPS
302-764-0408 | DiSabatinoInc.com
The Landscape Experts
DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. Give us a call today! 302-764-0408
Create a Staycation Location in Your Own Backyard
May 11, 2021Thinking about investing in a staycation location in your own backyard?
It is definitely a good investment, as the cost to create an escape space on your own property could be about the same as a two-week vacation for a family of four. Divert those funds to improve your outdoor living space and create incentive for the family to enjoy the fresh air year round.
How About an In-ground Pool?
Having a staycation spot can help parents survive the summer months when school is out and kids are idle. Consider adding an in ground pool to help keep the kids entertained and moving.
With the pandemic still an issue this year, many families forgoing their summer vacation plans. That is why creating a perfect staycation in your own backyard just might be the solution to keeping everyone healthy and sane at the same time.
Outdoor Cooking at its Finest
Picture a summer of sunbathing by the pool with a icy cocktail while the children play and your stress melts away. Create a comfortable outdoor seating area with all the cooking amenities close by to make your life easier.
DiSabatino Landscaping, partnered with Esposito Masonry, offers the highest quality outdoor living area designs. We create superior water features, such as spas, waterfalls and grottos, to make your staycation unique. Add to that a full outdoor cooking area, fireplace, fire pit or pond. Check out our gallery below to get inspired:
If you are considering investing in a ‘staycation’ project this year, consider some of the latest hardscaping and landscaping trends.
SOME RELATED ARTICLES:
7 GREAT IDEAS FOR CREATING A BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR LIVING AREA
7 REASONS TO INSTALL A FIRE PIT
FIRE PIT MAINTENANCE TIPS
302-764-0408 | DiSabatinoInc.com
The Landscape Experts
DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. Give us a call today! 302-764-0408
What You Need to Know About Spring Fertilization
April 20, 2021Spring Fertilization is Best Applied After the Last Frost
When considering spring fertilization, many take a “more is better” approach. However, the way you apply spring fertilizer could make or break the difference in your plant growth come summer. Make sure you are following these guidelines for safe, effective fertilization.
1) Apply a Little Later in Spring
Fertilizing once in spring, twice during the growing season is a solid rule. However, don’t jump the gun and fertilize too early in the spring. Fertilizing too early runs the risk of unexpected snow or a late freeze, which can harm new growth in plants. It is best to wait until after the last frost for application.
2) Follow Application Instructions
Follow the suggested application instructions and avoid overdoing it. Too much fertilizer can result in excessive nitrogen. Start with the recommended amount and apply more in the summer if necessary. Over a few seasons, you should get a feel for the right amount of fertilizer that leads to healthy plant growth.
3) Consider a Five-Step Fertilizer Plan
Some experts recommend fertilizing every six to eight weeks after your first feeding. If you keep your first feeding a little later in spring, you will be fertilizing through October and into November. That is just fine for this area. To be honest, fall fertilizing is more important than the spring.
4) Time Your Fertilization with Forecasted Moderate Rain
Watering about ¼ inch along with fertilizer will provide optimum benefits. Timing fertilization to coincide with a moderate rain will make it easier and avoid using precious resources. Be sure not fertilize before a predicted heavy storm as much of the fertilizer will wash away before it has the chance to work.
5) Weed Killer Treatments May Have Fertilizers Added
Early herbicides aimed at controlling weed growth often contain fertilizer as well, to combat the herbicide’s negative effects on your garden. Be aware of what you are applying so that you do not over fertilize.
One important tip is to avoid over-fertilizing too early. If you do, your garden will not stay beautiful through the growing season. Seeking help from a lawn care professional will provide accurate answers to plant fertilizing questions in your area. For information about garden maintenance and fertilization services, contact DiSabatino Landscaping today.
SOME RELATED ARTICLES:
REJUVENATE YOUR PLANTINGS WITH SPRING PRUNING
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302-764-0408 | DiSabatinoInc.com
The Landscape Experts
DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. Give us a call today! 302-764-0408
Create an Outdoor Kitchen for Easy Entertaining This Year!
April 13, 2021This is the season that outdoor entertaining begins. At DiSabatino Landscaping, we believe creating an outdoor kitchen for entertainment will be a life changing experience for you.
Think on how easy it will be to socialize with guests while preparing a meal. Not to mention the added benefit of being able to meet the needs of the times by social distancing, yet still keeping relationships in tack.
Our custom outdoor kitchens make outdoor living spaces more usable and adds value to your home. They are a perfect addition to enhance your staycation with functionality, beauty and quality.
The past year has presented many unique challenges to residents around our community. With social distancing and mask wearing expected to be in place for the a little longer than expected, many are exploring ways to cope.
Enjoying the great outdoors and simplify entertaining by having an outdoor kitchen stocked and ready to go is a great way to adjust to our current climate. What better way than to improve your outdoor living area to include an outdoor kitchen?
Extend your entertaining outdoors where social distancing is easier and airflow more conducive. Natural stone floors and outdoor rooms with built-in outdoor kitchen appliances can make entertaining possible anytime.
Customize your outdoor cooking area to meet your unique style is key to getting the most out of your outdoor kitchen design. Everyone’s entertaining style is different, consider yours before deciding on what the focus of your outdoor kitchen will be. More into creating signature cocktails than food? Then maybe incorporate a showcase bar as your focal point.
There is a wide variety of ways to customize an outdoor kitchen to meet your particular style. Are your family and friends really into pizza? We highly suggest you consider building a wood fired pizza oven. Our stone masons are the best!
Really into grilling? A full fledged cooking station with all the bells and whistles would most likely suit you. More into an ambient location to sit and converse? How about a custom fire pit or fireplace with an inviting seating area.
A combined pool house and kitchen is a great way to supervise children while preparing a meal and having a changing location or bathroom nearby. Framing a scenic view with a strategically constructed pergola or pavilion will enable for hours of time spent appreciating nature.
Creating an outdoor kitchen to enhance your living space should start with a professional and experienced designer. DiSabatino Landscaping creates beautiful outdoor kitchens and has several decades of experience.
We have a well-earned reputation in Delaware and the Brandywine Valley with plenty of happy clientele to attest to our professionalism and quality of workmanship.
SOME RELATED ARTICLES:
7 GREAT IDEAS FOR CREATING A BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR LIVING AREA
7 REASONS TO INSTALL A FIRE PIT
FIRE PIT MAINTENANCE TIPS
302-764-0408 | DiSabatinoInc.com
The Landscape Experts
DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. Give us a call today! 302-764-0408
Outdoor Kitchen by DiSabatino Landscaping & Esposito Masonry
Outdoor Kitchen by DiSabatino Landscaping & Esposito Masonry
Rejuvenate Your Plantings With Spring Pruning
March 23, 2021What is Spring Pruning?**
As the temperatures rise, your landscaping begins to blossom and green up, we thought sharing a few of our spring ‘must do’ spring pruning knowledge might be helpful.
Do You Have Questions?
- What plants in your landscape need spring pruning?
- How do you go about spring pruning?
- How spring pruning beneficial?
We have answers! Read on for a quick guide and the answers to these questions.
Why Is Spring Pruning Beneficial?
Proper pruning can remove dead or diseased branches, as well as shape shrubs, bushes, and trees into more aesthetically pleasing forms. Some plants flower only on new growth, so pruning these plants promotes blooming and keeps overgrowth to a minimum. Other plants simply respond better to pruning during the dormant period of early spring, allowing stored nutrients to reach the actively growing parts of the plant.
What is Rejuvenative Pruning?
Spring pruning is advantageous in that it allows you to properly assess a plant’s shape without blooms and new growth so there are fewer obstructions to determining the plant’s final shape. Pruning in early spring also allows the wounds created by the cuts you’ve made to seal properly before the rapid growth to come with warmer days.
Trees
With many trees, such as birches, maples, oaks, elms and crab apples, you should only prune during the winter months, to prevent pests and diseases from accessing fresh cuts, or to prevent excess sap from bleeding out. Prune spring flowering trees, such as dogwoods, only after flowering. You can prune dogwoods down to only a few branches each year.
Evergreens
Both needled and broadleaf evergreens can benefit from spring pruning. Focus on the desired shape of the shrub and trim to fit. Remove overgrown new growth, dead, and unwanted branches, but avoid cutting into old wood since it may not sprout again.
Summer Flowering Plants
Spring is an ideal time to prune shrubs and vines that do not flower in spring, such as crepe myrtle, butterfly bush, and Pee Gee hydrangea, but you must prune before the plant pushes out new growth. Trim to the desired shape and remove excess growth and thickness.
Spring Flowering Plants
Do not prune plants that flower in spring, such as lilacs, most roses, forsythia, most hydrangeas, and rhododendrons, until after they’ve flowered in late spring. Since they bear blooms on wood formed the previous year, prune right after blooming to prevent removing the new growth that will produce blooms next year.
Questions about pruning? Contact us for a consultation at your earliest convenience.
**This is a re-post from a previous article published in the spring of 2019
DiSabatino Landscaping design experts can help you determine all the answers to these questions and help you build a beautifully landscape yard that is sustainable and rejuvenating from year to year.
DiSabatino Landscaping creates beautiful custom landscaping for residents in Delaware and the surrounding area. If you would like to find out what we can create for you, please get in touch
302-764-0408 | DiSabatinoInc.com
RELATED ARTICLES:
What is Rejuvenative Pruning
5 Steps to Prepare Your Landscape for Spring
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DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. We can help advise you what is best way to create outdoor living spaces Give us a call today! 302-764-0408
Why Build A Patio Under Your Deck?
March 10, 2021Spring is on the horizon and winter is slowly fading away. Many of us are chomping at the bit to get fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors. There is no better way to invigorate your soul than to soak in the warm rays of the sun with a soft warm breeze gently sending wafts of spring scents your way.
With how wet this past winter has been and the last dump of snow dosing our hopes for an early spring, outdoor living might not be front and foremost in our minds. It should be. In fact, optimizing your outdoor living space by adding an outdoor living area under a raised or second story deck is a great use of space.
5 Reasons to Add a Patio Under a Second Story Deck:
1) Increase Square Footage:
If your home is not large enough to entertain large crowds, building an outdoor living area under a raised deck is a great way to extend your home’s square footage and create a space that can be used year round.
2) Double Your Outdoor Entertainment Space:
An under deck patio gives you a second area to relax and enjoy nature at the ground level.
3) Gives You Cover:
Under the deck patios offer you protection from the elements, allowing for bringing some of the indoors outside, such as entertainment centers, fully stock outdoor kitchens and/or bars, fireplaces and more.
4) Better Functionality:
Because you can safely bring traditional indoor elements outside, thanks to the cover the second story deck provides, your outdoor living area provides better functionality. You can easily entertain outdoors without having to drag a bunch of things outside, because it is already there.
5) Extended Hours:
It is easy to create a patio with all the features such as lighting, heating and cooking capabilities that allows for extended entertaining into evenings, no matter what time of year it is.
A bit of advice is to determine what features you patio design should include by figuring out with what matters most to you. How do you plan to use your patio? How important is low maintenance? What specific features do you definitely have to have?
DiSabatino Landscaping design experts can help you determine all the answers to these questions and help you build a beautifully customized below deck patio that will fulfill your wildest dreams.
DiSabatino Landscaping creates beautiful custom-designed outdoor patios for residents in Delaware and the surrounding area. If you would like to find out what we can create for you, please get in touch
302-764-0408 | DiSabatinoInc.com
RELATED ARTICLES:
Designing Outdoor Living Spaces
A Guide to Outdoor Fireplaces or Fire Pits
Custom Outdoor Kitchens
DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. We can help advise you what is best way to create outdoor kitchens Give us a call today! 302-764-0408