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Showing 11-20 of 25 articles.

Grub Infestations: How to Tell if Your Lawn Has One

Grub Infestations: How to Tell if Your Lawn Has One

Grubs are the larvae of various beetles and can be a big problem for your lawn in Virginia. If you suspect that grubs have infested your turf, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for. One way to tell if your lawn has a grub problem is when it feels spongy when you walk on it and lifts up like a carpet. Another sign is when you notice irregular patches of brown grass across your lawn. An increased animal presence on your lawn could also indicate a grub infestation because animals such as raccoons and birds feed on them. If you think your lawn is infested with grubs, contact professionals immediately so they can apply curative treatments to eliminate them!


Your lawn feeling spongy when you walk on it and lifting like a carpet is a sign of a grub infestation.

One of the most noticeable indicators of a grub infestation is when your lawn feels spongy when you walk on it. This happens because grubs feed on the roots of your grass, weakening its tether to the soil. As a result, it will no longer anchor itself down, making it feel soft and spongy underfoot. When you lift up a section of your lawn, it should feel firmly rooted into the ground. However, if it lifts up like a carpet, it's likely not anchored anymore, which means the roots have been damaged or destroyed by these pests. To check whether this is indeed what happened, gently tug at an affected area. If the grass comes up easily, it's a clear indication that the roots have been compromised.

If left...
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Consider These Factors Before Selecting Plants for Your Landscape

Consider These Factors Before Selecting Plants for Your Landscape

When selecting plants for your landscape, there are a few factors that you'll want to consider. First and foremost, you will need to ensure that the plants you select for your landscape in Virginia will thrive in the soil conditions of your property. You also need to consider how much sunlight they receive so you can choose those that require similar amounts of sun exposure. Additionally, it's important to consider how much maintenance you are willing to commit to for the plants you choose. Lastly, you should think about what colors complement each other and if you like how they look together before planting them.


Consider Your Soil Conditions When Selecting Plants for Your Landscape

The first factor to take into consideration when choosing plants for your landscape is the type of soil on your property. The condition of the soil plays an important role because different types support various plant growth. For example, some thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soils, while others prefer dry, sandy soil. By identifying the specific needs of the plants you wish to incorporate into your landscape, you can ensure that they will have the ideal environment in which to flourish!

Some common plants that grow well in Virginia include liriope, daylilies, salvia, catmint, and more!

Consider How Much Sunlight Your Landscape Receives to Choose Plants That'll Thrive

Small corner landscape bed in Bristow, VA.

Another factor to consider when picking plants for your landscape is how much sunlight it receives....

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Concrete Pavers Are a Great Material Choice to Use for Patio Construction

Concrete Pavers Are a Great Material Choice to Use for Patio Construction

Concrete pavers are a great material choice to use for patio construction because they are highly durable and long-lasting. They can withstand the test of time without cracking or breaking, which makes them perfect for any property in Virginia that sees heavy foot traffic throughout the year. Additionally, concrete pavers are low-maintenance and easy to clean, requiring minimal effort to keep their pristine condition. What’s more, repairing concrete paver patios is straightforward since you only need to replace the damaged piece rather than uprooting the entire feature. With various design options like patterns, colors, shapes, and sizes available, it's no wonder this material is so popular for patios!


Concrete pavers are highly durable and long-lasting, making them great for patios.

A concrete paver patio in Bristow, VA, with a seating wall.

When constructing a new patio, durability and longevity should be high on your list of priorities. Fortunately, that's where concrete pavers shine! These paving stones are made from high-quality materials with exceptional strength and resistance, meaning they won't crack or break easily over time. Concrete pavers also have impressive strength, meaning they can stand up to wear and tear while still retaining their shape and structural integrity.

A patio expands your outdoor living space and enhances its functionality by providing a stable surface for furniture and other features!

Concrete pavers are low-maintenance and easy to clean.

One of the biggest advantages...

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Choosing Between Fire Pits & Outdoor Fireplaces - Which Should You Choose?

Choosing Between Fire Pits & Outdoor Fireplaces - Which Should You Choose?

When choosing between a fire pit and an outdoor fireplace for your property in Virginia, there are a few things to consider. First, you'll want to think about how much space you have on your property. An outdoor fireplace takes up more room, so bigger properties will likely be able to accommodate one better than smaller ones. Also, if you plan to enjoy your new feature with a lot of people or just a few, an outdoor fireplace only provides warmth in front of it, limiting the number of people who can stay warm at once. Finally, you should consider what your design goals are. If you want something that makes a statement, an outdoor fireplace is a great option. However, if you prefer something more subtle that blends in with your existing landscape, then a fire pit is the way to go.


How much room do you have on your property for a fire feature?

Outdoor fireplace made of stone in Bristow, VA.

One thing to consider when deciding whether to install a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace on your property is how much room you have available for your fire feature. An outdoor fireplace takes up a lot of space, so you'll need to make sure your property will be able to accommodate one if that's your preferred choice. On the other hand, fire pits take up a lot less space and are the better option for smaller properties because they won't require as much room!

Outdoor fireplaces take up a lot more room than fire pits do.

Do you want to enjoy your fire feature with a lot of people or just a few?

Another factor...

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What's the difference between landscaping, hardscaping, and softscaping?

What's the difference between landscaping, hardscaping, and softscaping?

When you are deciding on what elements to add to your yard in northern Virginia, there are many options to choose from when it comes to landscaping. When you meet with a landscape company, you may start to hear the terms hardscaping and softscaping as well. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are actually different things.

Learn the difference between landscaping, hardscaping, and softscaping so you will know what your landscape experts are talking about when you meet with them to plan your outdoor living space in Haymarket, Bristow, Manassas, and surrounding cities in northern Virginia.


Your grass, shrubs, trees, and any organic materials make up your softscaping.

Softscaping is a term used in the landscape industry that makes up all of the organic materials on your property. In other words, if you hear someone use the word "softscape," they are talking about your lawn, plants, shrubs, trees, flowers, mulch, and other items in your planting beds. Custom softscapes are always designed to complement the rest of your property and are often used to accentuate your hardscaping features.


Anything in your yard that needed to be built or that is inorganic is part of your hardscaping.

Custom paver patio and seating wall built at a Haymarket, VA home.

Essentially, hardscaping means that you are adding in elements that need to be built or that are made up of inorganic materials. These items usually have a long lifespan and need to be installed by professional contractors....

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3 Critical Questions to Ask a Tree Removal Company

3 Critical Questions to Ask a Tree Removal Company

When you decide to hire a company to remove a tree from your property, you need to make sure you are choosing a company that is both reputable and has the proper insurance--otherwise, it can spell disaster for you if something goes wrong on your residential or commercial property.

Learn about three critical questions you should ask a tree removal company in northern Virginia areas such as Manassas, Haymarket, Bristow, and neighboring cities.


1. Do you have the proper insurance and can you provide a certificate?

Ensuring that the tree company you hire has proper insurance in hand is paramount. Do not just ask and take them at their word, either. Make sure they can show you a valid certificate of insurance. As a property owner, you need to protect yourself. Hiring a tree removal company without insurance can be disastrous for you if any of the workers happen to sustain an injury while on your property.

They can sue you for compensation, and your insurance policy can refuse to cover you in this case. So while an uninsured company may provide you with a lower price tag, know that the lower price tag might come with more severe complications and costs down the road.


2. Do you use subcontractors or do the work yourself?

Tree stump being ground down near Haymarket, VA.

Many landscape companies subcontract out certain portions of jobs, including tree removal. When you contact a company to remove a tree from your property, you have chosen them for a reason, whether it be their online...

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Natural Stone or Concrete Pavers: Which Is Better for Patios?

Natural Stone or Concrete Pavers: Which Is Better for Patios?

Adding a custom patio to your property is an exciting decision. It gives you more space for patio furniture, to grill out, and to entertain guests, friends, and family. It can be a big investment and you want to ensure that the patio you choose is right for your family and will last for a while.

Building a patio in Haymarket, Bristow, Manassas, and nearby areas of northern Virginia requires durable materials that can handle all types of weather. Learn if you should choose concrete pavers or flagstone for your new patio.


Concrete pavers come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

Concrete paver patio design with seating wall near Haymarket, VA.

A custom paver patio will provide you with endless design options. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, as well as many shapes and sizes. With all these choices, you are able to create a beautiful patio that is tailored to your specific property. Choose a color that will complement the exterior of your home, or pick bright colors that we can arrange into an eye-catching pattern for you. if you are concerned with the upfront costs, pavers are cheaper than flagstone or natural stone. Other aspects to consider about choosing a paver patio include:

  • Pavers do need routine maintenance. Generally, your pavers should be sealed and cleaned every 3-5 years depending on the weather and other environmental factors.
  • Pavers can last for 50-100 years. With the right maintenance, the concrete pavers you choose can last for a long time.
  • Pavers will crack...
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Does Landscaping Increase the Value of Your Home in Virginia?

Does Landscaping Increase the Value of Your Home in Virginia?

Owning a home comes with a long list of challenges and things to consider. Should you improve the roof? What about adding a pool? If you do not want to make a large, grandiose adjustment, then maybe consider installing some landscaping elements to your property.

Landscaping projects are beautiful, increase your curb appeal, and are some of the most likely additions to help boost your property's overall value. Find out what types of landscaping can provide the greatest return on investment and add to your northern Virginia's property value in Bristow, Manassas, Haymarket, and other nearby areas.


Custom landscape beds can increase your home's value.

New landscape bed installation with fresh mulch near Bristow, VA.

Adding new landscape beds or renovating your existing ones can really add to your curb appeal, but more importantly, it can increase your home's value. If you are thinking about selling your home at some point, custom landscaping is a great way to differentiate the home from others on the market.

According to Realtor Magazine, landscaping has the potential to add 6-7% onto your home's value.


Planting small or mature trees may add thousands of dollars to your home's sale price.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, planting a tree in front of your home can increase the sale price by a little more than $7,000 on average. Along with that benefit, trees can provide extra shade which helps to cut down on your monthly energy bills. When trees are planted on the...

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5 Critical Lawn/Landscape Tasks You Must Do During the Spring

5 Critical Lawn/Landscape Tasks You Must Do During the Spring

Once the growing season begins in northern Virginia and plants and grass start to come out of winter dormancy, it's time to start maintaining your lawn and landscaping with mowing, lawn care, and much more.

Learn about five tasks that are critical for your lawn and landscaping in spring in areas such as Bristow, Manassas, Haymarket, and surrounding communities in Virginia.


1. Clean up your landscape beds by pulling weeds, trimming plants, and more.

Landscape bed with dark mulch and weed control in Haymarket, VA.

One of the most important steps is to prepare your landscaping for the spring. By removing debris that accumulated over the winter, your plants will be able to breathe. It is also important to trim and prune your plants at this time to shape them and get rid of any overgrowth, but note that flowering shrubs will need to be pruned after they have bloomed. It's also key to pull any weeds and spray for them.


2. Schedule lawn mowing services to cut your lawn every other week.

Routine lawn mowing should be done everyother week. By scheduling these services, you'll know that your grass will be well taken care of throughout the growing season. This keeps your grass blades at the proper height for maximum photosynthesis and ensures it will be in top condition.


3. Apply the first round of pre-emergent weed control and fertilizer treatments.

Home lawn in Bristow, VA with weed control treatment.

Start off your lawn care for the year by applying the first round of pre-emergent weed control and fertilizer treatments. These will...

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What Times of the Year Your Yard Needs Lawn Care Treatments

What Times of the Year Your Yard Needs Lawn Care Treatments

As a property owner, you may be under the impression that your lawn only requires fertilization in the midst of summer. The opposite is actually true: your lawn can benefit from year-round lawn care treatments.

Our lawn care company offers comprehensive fertilization services for residential and commercial lawns in Manassas, Haymarket, and Bristow, VA. We have created a 9-step lawn care program to help your lawn look its best no matter the season.

You must space your fertilization and weed control schedule out properly. You don't want to overload your grass with fertilizer at some points during the year and completely neglect it at other times. Check out what times of the year your lawn needs lawn care treatments and how our team can help.


Your lawn requires weed control treatment in the spring to control crabgrass.

In Virginia, crabgrass is one of the most prevalent weeds in the spring. In early spring, our professional weed control company applies a pre-emergent crabgrass control treatment to curb its growth as much as possible.

As the soil temperature begins to heat up later in the spring, we will apply a post-emergent crabgrass control treatment. This is meant to kill off any crabgrass that may take root in your lawn, as this pesky weed thrives very well in warm soil conditions. We also apply a fertilization treatment in spring, both early and late in the season.


In the summer, we introduce insect, grub, and nutsedge...

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