Stay Safe this Summer

You'll likely be spending more time outside this time of year, and it's important you are being safe while outside. The nice weather also brings out more pests, some who can bite or sting. Here are some things to keep in mind to make sure you're staying safe this summer. These tips were provided by experts in landscaping in Surfside Beach SC.

• It takes about 12-48 hours for symptoms of poison ivy to show. This leaf of three can give you a red rash, but not quickly after you touch the leaf. If you know you've come in contact with poison ivy, you should wash the area with dish soap as soon as possible.
• Most people think poison ivy is a green, three leaf plant. This is the most popular form of poison ivy, but during the fall, poison ivy can turn red and green too! Be aware of this next time you take a hike in the park!
• Summer time means backyard bbqs! One of the best bug repellents around is lavender oil. This will help keep away mosquitoes, flies and other annoying insects that could ruin your night! Don't forget to use lavender candles as well!

Incorporate Fruit Into Your Landscape

This warm weather has got us craving some fresh fruit, so we thought we'd write a post about that topic. Incorporating fruit into your landscape makes your landscape much more colorful and also provides you with some great food. Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to add some fruit to your landscape. This info was provided by experts in landscape maintenance in Rhinebeck NY.

•    Consider the need for pollen. When deciding which tree is right for you, don’t forget pollination is necessary to produce fruit. Some fruit trees, like apple and plum, require cross-pollination and can only thrive when paired with a mate. Others, like nectarine trees, are capable of self-pollination.
•    Check the soil. Soil can be tested before or after your fruit tree is planted to determine if additional nutrients should be added to the soil to promote healthier growth. If additional soil nutrients are necessary, consider consulting a professional for recommendations on the best fertilizers for your situation.
•    Know when to prune. The best time of year for major pruning depends on each species’ grow season. Pruning a fruit tree at the wrong time of year could prevent it from blooming and producing fruit.

DIY Landscaping Projects

We have a special place in our heart for DIYers. Now is a great time of year to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. Make the most of this time by working on your landscape, so it can thrive all summer long. Here are some great DIY ideas provided by a Caledon ON landscape services professional.

• Create a Rock Garden: If there is a patch of your lawn that continually dies, consider a rock garden. Fill the space with various sizes and colored stones. Add a few drought-resistant plants for added style.
• Repurpose old tools. Consider a wheel barrow or old paint cans to create a small gardens. Drill a few holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain and fill will soil.
• Create a homemade weed killer. Instead of using store bought chemicals, try using apple cider vinegar, salt, and dish soap. This combination has been proven to kill weeds.