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Stone Patio Maintenance Tips You Need to Read Before Summer

April 16, 2019

How to Clean and Seal Your Stone Patio

Installing a stone patio can add value to your home as well as beauty to your outdoor landscaping. Stone is much lower maintenance than wooden decking and can add more visual interest than concrete, all while providing you a place to barbecue or simply relax away from the heat of the day. While low maintenance, there is some work to do to ensure your patio stays beautiful and functional for years to come.

Cleaning Your Stone Patio

Because your stone patio is susceptible to everyday dirt and natural grime, it is important to clean it periodically.

Keeping your patio free of loose dirt and plant debris can help prevent scuffing and buildup. Remove all patio furniture and potted plants before sweeping the entire patio in one direction, then the opposite. This method ensures you remove any material trapped between the stones.
Use clean water from a hose to spray surface dirt and dried-on debris from your patio. If necessary, use a stiff brush to loosen any resistant patches, and repeat spraying to wash away residue.
Greasy stains near patio tables, grills, and barbecue areas can be treated with a solution of dish soap and water. Use a stiff brush to work the solution into the stain and rinse away with a hose. If there is remaining residue, clear the area of the soap solution and treat with an ammonia solution – ½ cup to one gallon of warm water. Ensure to rinse all the ammonia solution away before proceeding.
Treat any biological stains, such as mold and mildew, with a solution of ½ cup of bleach to one gallon of warm water. Scrub the affected areas with a stiff brush and remove any excess solution with rags or towels before rinsing with a hose. Allow stone to dry adequately before replacing furniture and plants.

Which Material is Best for Your Perfect Patio?

Sealing Your Stone Patio

Most stone patios should be sealed to prevent water stains and excess absorption of grease or biological stains. After you’ve thoroughly cleaned your patio, wait at least one day to allow your stone to fully dry before proceeding to seal.

Use an acrylic, water-based matte sealer designed for porous outdoor stone.
Choose a hot, dry day to ensure rapid drying of your stone.
Ensure your area is free of loose dirt, clean, and dry by following the steps outlined above.
Using a clean paint roller, roll the sealant on in large, generous strokes. Roll over each stone only once to avoid streaking.
Allow the sealer to dry for one hour – it should be dry to the touch before reapplying.
Repeat with another coat.
Allow the sealer to dry for 48 hours before walking on the surface or replacing patio furniture.

3 Ways to Prepare Your Patio for Spring

For more information regarding care and maintenance of your stone patio, contact DiSabatino Landscaping today.

DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. We can help build an outdoor living area that will have you enjoying the great outdoors in style! Give us a call today! 302-764-0408

Five Tips To Help Your Garden Grow!

April 3, 2019

Many clients consider spring fertilization with a ‘more is better’ mentality. However, the best way to apply spring fertilizer needs to be thought out properly to ensure a great and healthy landscape all season long. Make sure you follow these gardening guidelines for a healthy landscape this season!

1) Early Spring Fertilizer Application:

Always make sure you are fertilizing your garden after we are free and clear of freezing temperatures. It is recommended to start thinking about fertilizer applications in mid/late April to avoid possible freezing temperatures on new growth.

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2) Take Application Instructions Seriously

Here the ‘more is better’ mentality can do more harm than good. It is always advised to follow the instructions on your garden fertilizers very carefully. If you apply too little you can receive poor results and waste your investment in the fertilizer application. Conversely if you apply too much you run the risk of burning the fine root hairs on the ends of the root ball and can cause serious damage to the plant. Please always follow the instructions on the label; or give DiSabatino Landscaping a call so we may tailor fit a proper treatment plan for your home.

3) Consider a Five-Step Fertilizer Treatment Plan

We here at DiSabatino recommend the following treatment/fertilizer plan to ensure the best overall health of your home’s landscape.
Early Spring – Deep Root fertilizers to get the nutrients directly to the root ball.
Late Spring – Time release formula to get your landscape through the summer months.

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Early Summer – Plant inspection is KEY. Check your plants for insects, fungus, or damaged limbs at this time so they can be treated accordingly.
Mid/Late Summer – One final application of the time release formula and one additional insect or disease inspection.
Winterization – Treat ALL evergreens with an anti-desiccant and give all ornamental trees and shrubs; under 15’; approx. 10 gallons of water to reduce the risk of high water loss during harsh winters.

4) DO NOT Fertilize if the Plant is Thirsty!

It is very important to make sure the soil moist prior to any fertilization. Similar to over fertilizing; if the soil is very dry the root hairs on the main root ball are very weak and will burn when fertilizer is applied when the soil and root ball are dry. If the soil is too hard to get a small shovel into it easily please do quick thorough drench of the plants you intend to fertilize then come back the following day to apply the fertilizer.

5) Beware Combination Weed and Fertilizer Treatments

We here at DiSabatino Landscaping highly recommended AGAINST fertilizing with any combination treatments that contain both a fertilizer and a weed preventative. These combo products are very expensive and cause more harm than help in your landscape.

If you wish to combat the weeds while ensuring your gardens growth; always use products that are specifically attuned to your particular needs. A time release formula like Preen or Barricade is great to combat weeds during the growing season and can be applied easily. Whereas Miracle Grow or Shultz’s; landscape specific; fertilizers should only be used to enhance your landscape plantings.

For information about garden maintenance and fertilization services, contact DiSabatino Landscaping today.

Three Ways Over-Mulching Can Harm Your Trees

March 26, 2019

Are You Over-Mulching? It May Be Harming Your Trees

Chances are, you’ve heard about the benefits of mulching around your trees. Mulching properly can suppress weed growth, help the underlying soil retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and add nutrient value over time. However, improper application or too much mulch can be detrimental to your trees.

Look at your mulch for these classic signs of too much mulch:

1 ) Get Out the Tape Measure – Is Your Mulch Over Four Inches Deep?

Mulch should be no more than two to four inches deep throughout. Finely shredded mulch should be less than two inches deep. Ideally, moisture should soak through the mulch, and the soil beneath should stay sufficiently moist. If the layer of mulch is too thick, it can block essential moisture from reaching the roots of your tree.

The same goes for air. If your mulch layer is too thick over the root ball, air will not be able to reach the roots of the tree. If the problem continues, roots may grow up through the mulch in search of air and moisture. This condition, known as stem girdling, can be deadly for vulnerable trees.

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2) Are You Practicing Volcano Mulching?

Mulch should not touch the trunk or root flare of the tree. Piling mulch against the tree in a cone shape can hold moisture against the root flare and trunk bark, causing bark death, root girdling and more. Piles of mulch can also house pathogens, insects and rodents, which can damage your tree in their own ways.

Instead, start 12 to 18 inches from the tree. Start with about 4 inches of mulch, then work your way to a 2-inch layer as you move inward. Do not cover the base of the tree with the mulch.

3) Are You Using the Same Type of Mulch, in Large Amounts?

Using the same type of mulch season after season, especially while mixing that mulch into the soil, can cause pH imbalances and nutrient deficiencies in the soil. For example, pine bark mulch is acidic and can change the pH balance of the soil if used repeatedly.

3 Ways to Prepare Your Patio for Spring

Mulch should provide benefits for your tree, but over mulching can cause more problems than you may think. Consult with a DiSabatino arborist to determine the types of mulch that are best for your trees, as well as any recommendations for your area. If done properly, much can be a great addition to the aesthetics and the health of your landscaping.

Seven Tips for Integrating Bulbs Into Your Landscaping

March 12, 2019

Here’s How You Can Integrate Bulbs Into Your Landscaping

Nothing says spring quite like bulbs. Varieties like tulips, daffodils, and lilies are perhaps the quintessential marker that winter is over at last. There’s a great variety of bulbs beyond these three well-known classics, and knowing how to integrate them into your landscaping can keep your property looking beautiful all growing season long.

Work Bulbs Into Existing Landscaping

Likely, you have existing landscaping you’d like to improve. Bulbs can be a great way to add some extra color and interest to the landscaping you already have. Here are a few ways to incorporate bulbs into your current design:

Use clusters of color – plant bulbs in irregular clusters of 12 or more for the larger bulbs and as many as 50 or more with the smaller, less showy bulbs. Use pops of one color near shorter shrubs or larger clusters of two or three colors in more open areas between plantings.
Plant a border – use a border of low-growing bulbs like hyacinths to form a border around existing planting areas. Be sure not to plant straight lines of bulbs in ordered rows, which can look too formal for many gardens.
Plant with companions – plant bulbs with companion perennials of a similar size. After the blooms die off, the perennials will help disguise the remaining foliage.
Use bulbs to brighten tree plantings – early spring bulbs like crocus, early daffodils, and grape hyacinths do well under deciduous trees since they bloom before the tree’s full foliage develops. However, do not plant bulbs beneath evergreen trees – these produce too much year-round shade.

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Bulbs Can Be Beautiful Alone

Sometimes, unfilled spaces seem to be begging for a bulb garden. Luckily, the sheer variety of bulbs ensures a space full of bulbs will never get boring.

Arrange bulbs purposefully – plant shorter varieties near the front, with taller ones near the back. Keep in mind which bulbs will bloom when, so you don’t have entire sections of your bulb garden bare as one time.
Mass plantings – address mass plantings of one type of bulb and large groups of multiple bulbs similarly. Plant in natural-looking clusters to get a uniform texture. Also, consider mixing leaf types – mix variegated leaves with plain for a natural, creative look.
Try container gardens – use containers of bulbs to extend your landscaping onto your deck or patio. Plant containers in the fall, winter them in a garage and then bring them out in the spring for an early pop of color.

Check Out Our 17 Landscape Trends for 2019

10 Landscaping Improvements to Make this Spring

February 21, 2019

With all the artic weather that has hit our area these past few weeks, it may be hard to imagine that spring is upon the horizon. Just as the sun surely rises, so will the sunny warmer days of spring and summer be here soon.

That is why we thought a little talk about improving your landscaping this spring might be helpful for planning some improvements to enhance your home’s curb appeal.

10 Landscaping Improvements to Make this Spring:

1) Plan your landscape: Well before you break ground, it is important to plan your landscaping project. Are you going to hire a professional landscaper? Might as well get them involve from the beginning, as their knowledge and expertise will be a big help. Plan for the types of plants you would like to grow, the layout and what you need to complete the tasks. This will make your landscaping endeavor significantly easier in the end.

2) Know Your Options: The geographic location of your home should play a big part in landscaping decisions. Choosing plants according to the climate of your yard is crucial. If your yard is full of mature trees, you will want to select plants that thrive in shade. While a more open landscape will make those plants that thrive in sunny conditions a better option.

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3) Give Plants Room to Grow: Most plants have an estimated maturity height and width. Consider a plant will grow over time in order to space it properly and place in best area for growth.

4) Know Your Pests: Familiarize yourself with the pests in your neighborhood so that you can plan for ways to protect your landscape from them. Insecticides, wire mesh or fencing can keep wildlife and insects from destroying your new plantings. Your local nursery or department store should be able to help you find the tools you need.Consider Soil Conditions: The quality of the soil used will play a big part of your landscaping efforts. Adding mulch to your plantings not only adds to aesthetics, it will also help maintain the soil.

5) Consider Maintenance Needs: If you are not planning on spending the time or hiring someone to maintain your plantings, select plants that are lower maintenance to keep your landscape looking nice. Consider placing flowers in planters to add color and texture to the landscape while cutting back on need to weed.

5 Steps to Prepare Your Landscape for Spring

6) Style Your Landscape to Compliment Your Home: The specific style of your home needs considered when selecting plantings. A traditional style home with landscape that flourishes with sunlight is conducive to flowering plants and shrub, while a rustic or modern home might look better with cacti or ornamental grass.

7) Use Landscape Rocks: Rocks can provide a natural, textural element to any landscape and a great way to create focal points. Better yet, rocks are very easy to maintain.

8) Make a Blueprint: Once the types of plants are selected, map it out. Items such as walkways or decorative elements need to be added in order to see how the landscape project will work and the materials you need.

Check Out Our 17 Landscape Trends for 2019

9) Timing is Everything: Since many plants respond better when planted during a particular time of year, you’ll want to plan for that to give them every chance of flourishing year over year.

10) Spy on Your Neighbors: Look around your neighborhood to see what is working for them as a guide to what might work well for your landscape, as well. Talk with a local nursery to get professional advice on what types of obstacles or what is native to your area.

What Is Rejuvenative Pruning and Why Do You Need It?

February 5, 2019

Over time, your landscaping can become less sharp than it once was. Throughout the changing of the seasons, your shrubs and bushes can begin to lose their shape and look unhealthy around the edges. Fortunately, you can take a few steps to help give your landscaping a facelift. One of these is rejuvenative pruning.

Most shrubs benefit from annual pruning. The practice keeps them from becoming overgrown and producing branches that are unproductive or unattractive. Once a shrub is overgrown, it no longer responds to the typical methods of thinning and trimming. As a result, more drastic actions, such as rejuvenative pruning, become necessary.

Rejuvenative pruning is a good option for shrubs that have not been maintained with annual trimming. When performed correctly, it works as the name implies. It is like replacing the old shrub with a new one. Rejuvenative pruning, at its most basic form, requires cutting the shrub to a height between 6-12 inches and allowing it to grow. However, since it requires a certain technique to be successful, it is best not to attempt rejuvenative pruning yourself.

Hard Versus Gradual Pruning

Rejuvenative pruning, when done correctly, allows a plant to grow new, productive branches after cutting away any productive growth. Two main methods exist for rejuvenative pruning: gradual or hard. A hard prune is the act of cutting the whole shrub down and allowing it to regrow. Gradual pruning, on the other hand, involves the removal of unproductive branches over a period of three years.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of hard pruning is that it allows a shrub to rejuvenate more quickly, typically over a growing season. However, not all types of plants respond well to hard pruning, and attempting it on a plant that does not respond well could result in loss of the plant. Additionally, you may have to deal with the unsightly prospect of a bare stub until the plant rejuvenates.

Gradual pruning is a slower process than hard pruning, but it has the advantage of visual appeal. These plants tend to look better in your existing landscaping as they regrow, and are better for types of shrubs that do not respond well to hard pruning, such as caning shrubs.

Rejuvenative pruning can be a great way to improve your landscaping, but it requires help from an expert. The landscaping team at DiSabatino can help your shrubs and landscaping reach their full visual potential.

DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. We can help build a outdoor fireplace or fire pit to keep you warm over the winter months ahead. Give us a call today! 302-764-0408

Check Out Our 17 Landscape Trends for 2019

January 22, 2019

With every year there comes change, improvement and trends to access. At DiSabatino Landscaping we are always looking to learn new things and explore our creativity in order to deliver the best landscaping product or service to our clientele.

With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of landscaping and outdoor living trends to look out for and consider this year.

17 Landscape Trends for 2019:

1) Younger customers: As I get older, everyone else starts to look younger. Over my many years in the landscaping business, I have notice that we are getting a large amount of millennials contacting us for major landscaping and hardscaping projects.

2) Integrating technology: Landscaping companies are utilizing all sorts of technology to the benefit of their clientele. Whether it is the use of a drafting program during the design and build stage, retractable awnings or solar powered lighting; expect increased integration of technology.

3) Battery-powered equipment: Cordless-electric outdoor power equipment has gained more power and dependability to the point that is becoming a formidable competitor of gas-powered equipment. Keep in mind when purchasing several pieces of battery operated lawn tools that it might make sense to stick with the same brand so you can use the same battery for several different pieces of equipm ent.

4) Low-maintenance landscapes: People are working longer hours and looking for ways to cut back on home and outdoor maintenance. Low-maintenance plantings, cutting back on the amount of grass you must mow and installing automatic irrigation systems are just a few of the low-maintenance landscaping strategies you can take to lessen your workload.

5) Pollinator gardens: Many gardeners are stepping up to the plate to protect our native bee species whose population has greatly declined due to pesticides, habitat loss or other ecological changes. Create pollinator gardens with the best bee plants and nesting habitats according to the particular native species you are trying to help.

6) Asymmetrical design: Abstract landscaping or asymmetrical design is key to creating landscaping results that are pleasing, artistic and free form. This gives a more natural and relaxed impression that is less dependent on the shape of your garden and more concentrated on creating unity through the use of a variety of elements such as rocks, plant and décor.

7) Secluded spaces: Secluded Garden Spots or garden rooms are a great way to build an outdoor sanctuary to escape the everyday stress of life. A quiet place to sit and ponder or read can be soothing and reinvigorating.

8) Creating a “staycation” spot: More and more families are creating an outdoor oasis in their backyard where they can enjoy each other’s company, nature and extend the square footage of their home. Creating outdoor kitchens, dining areas, recreation or living areas is a great way to have a place to staycation every weekend!

9) Making backyard structures focal points: The ambience of sharing a nice bottle of wine while relaxing outside with a roaring fire is one of the best ways to wind up a long day. Creating an outdoor space to focus on you is going to be one big trend going forward.

10) Making a notable first impression: The entrance to your home is the first and often the most lasting impression friends and family will get when visiting. Many homeowners are investing in landscaping combined with hardscaping to make that impression a good one.

11) Including unexpected elements in your arrangements: Get creative! A café table set next to a lily pond, a lighted stone bridge leading to a welcoming sitting area, a tall urn fountain – these unexpected features will wow visitors and sooth the soul.

12) Including food in landscapes of all sizes: When planning your landscaping, include plants that provide food, cover and water for wildlife. This will ensure a lively and thriving garden while providing much-needed habitat restoration.

13) Giving back with gardens: The ‘Giving Garden’ is trending as a way to give back to the community. Many organizations are encouraging the giving garden as a way to foster sustainable community values while making an immediate impact on food security.

14) Investing in furniture that lasts: Outdoor furniture is subject to many abusive natural elements, such as the sun’s rays, high winds, pelting rains and sleet. Many homeowners are looking for more durable and sustainable features in outdoor furniture, such as concrete, stainless steel, synthetic wicker or teak furniture, which is a dense, close-grained hardwood with a natural oil content that makes if resistant to the elements.

15) Pergolas: A pergola can provide protection from direct sunlight, yet allow air to circulate freely. This makes them a welcome respite from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun. Making a pergola the perfect feature of an outdoor living space.

16) Pink hues Pink promises to be the most popular hue in landscaping this year. Picture a lovely English garden on a sunny spring day. Expect to see a lot of pink hued knockout roses, delphinium, carnations, dogwoods, hydrangea, foxglove and petunias.

17) Metals: Metal landscape edging, corrugated metal sculptures or tall privacy screens are finding a niche in the landscapes of today. Metal is durable and weathers well, why hasn’t this become a ‘thing’ much sooner?

5 Steps to Prepare Your Landscape for Spring

January 8, 2019

Winter is just beginning, but it is never too early to think about your spring landscaping. Taking heed of a few simple tips this winter can help you make the most of the warmer spring temperatures when they come. Prepare for your spring landscaping by taking these steps.

1) Clean Your Yard Periodically

One of the first things you will have to do when beautifying your lawn for spring is to clean up the debris, such as leaves and twigs that accumulated over the winter. If you do not attend to your lawn until you begin the process in April, the task can seem daunting. On the other hand, taking advantage of periodic thaws in the wintertime can help you stay on track all season long and help with the cabin fever we all begin to feel over the winter months.

For the more manicured preference, clearing of debris is the first step to the cleanup in preparation for mulching. If of the more naturalistic mindset, leaves and debris can be collected and composted or even further broken down and recycled as mulch.

2) Choose Your Mulches Now

It may not be time to lay mulch and other landscaping materials, but you can lay the groundwork. Edge out your beds, trim back any dead branches, and begin to research what kind of mulch you might want to lay in the spring. Hardwood mulches have become the norm for many homeowners due to color and longevity. Homeowners may want to consider natural mulching options such as bark and leaf mulch. Many public and professional gardens utilize natural mulches as these options successfully break down and contribute to plant health and soil biodiversity.

THREE WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR PATIO FOR SPRING

3) Examine Trees After Every Storm

In order to keep your lawn in the best shape (as well as protect the structures around your house), look for signs of dead or hanging tree branches after every winter storm. You should remove dangling limbs immediately for safety’s sake, and to save time on spring cleanup.

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4) Apply Pre-Emergent Controls

Late winter or very early spring (think February/March) is actually the perfect time to get a jump start on weed control in both your lawns and your landscape beds. Crabgrass control should be applied to lawns and pre-emergent should be applied when mulching landscape beds. Pre-emergent should be in the ground once thawed but before temperatures reach 55 degrees. If you wait too long to apply your pre-emergent, seeds will begin to germinate and it will no longer be effective.

5) Design Your Landscape Projects

Springtime may seem like a long way off, but it’s mere months away. If you are planning for any landscape or outdoor living projects or renovations for the upcoming season, now is the time to contact your landscaping design team. Take the winter to plan and coordinate details so that when spring rolls around, you ready and can enjoy the results of your project throughout the rest of the season.

Fire Pit and Fireplace Maintenance Tips

December 18, 2018

Winter is the perfect time to use that fireplace or fire pit. Letting the warmth of a nice roaring fire bask over you as you sip a hot toddy or yuletide drink while inhaling the brisk winter air is invigorating, yet soothing!

Don’t let you fireplace or fire pit sit idle this holiday season. Check out our video on fireplace and fire pit maintenance so you can safely enjoy the great outdoors this winter.

Fire Maintenance
Here are a few tips to keeping your fire burning this fall and winter.
Posted by DiSabatino Landscaping & Tree Care, Inc. on Thursday, November 8, 2018

Whether you are enjoying the warmth as you listen to the crackling of the fire, sipping on your favorite beverage or toasting marshmallows with the kids, there’s nothing like relaxing in the comfort of your own backyard.

The benefits of fire pits are many –they make the outdoors a year round gathering spot. The winter night sky is a beautiful thing and being able to gaze at the vibrant stars by the warmth of a roaring fire is perhaps the biggest benefit.

7 Reasons to Install a Fire Pit This Winter

CHECK OUT OUR PINTEREST OUTDOOR FIREPLACES AND FIRE PITS PAGE

Winter Landscaping & Gardening Tips

December 11, 2018

2019 is almost here. It’s time to reflect on the year gone by, as well as plan for the one ahead. There are plenty of things we can do in the Winter to keep up progress in our outdoor spaces. Here are some ideas for your consideration.

Winter Landscaping & Gardening Tips:

1) Pruning: After deciduous trees and shrubs drop their leaves we can shape them easier. A couple of dry, mild days and some clean, sharp tools is all you need to tighten up shapes in your landscape.

Winter Gardening Tips – Sunday Gardener
“The advice to clear snow from shrubs is good, sound, practical advice. In earlier years I have ignored it, thinking this advice was over complicating things when you could just stay indoors in the warm, but snow really does cause damages to the garden, especially shrubs.”

DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. We can help get your landscape ready to face the winter months ahead. Give us a call today! 302-764-0408