Some Tips to Know Before Starting That Landscaping Project
By Angeline Sabo
With warm sunny days around the corner, it is time to think about sprucing up the yard and making it your own personal retreat. Before starting any landscaping projects, it is important to do your homework. Reading, researching, and asking lots of questions could save you time and help prevent major problems down the road.
Jeff Kleinboehl, one of three landscape instructors at Dakota Technical College, suggests having a soil test performed before starting any landscaping job. This will help determine what other additives may be necessary to grow healthy lawns, plants, trees and shrubs. Kleinboehl says, “Too little attention is placed on soils. That’s the basic building block for the landscape.” To have soil analyzed, Kleinboehl suggests ordering a soil kit from the University Extension Service. For about $15.00 dollars, the university will be able to tell what kind of nutrients are in the soil and will recommend additives which may be needed. Homeowners often look at their trees, shrubs, and lawn and think that they are not as healthy and vibrant as in seasons past. “Too many people use fertilizer as a quick fix,” said Kleinboehl. “It may or may not be needed.” He said this one reason why a soil test may be useful.
Many new homeowners or people new to the area have called the Dakota Technical College asking who they should contact or who should they deal with in regard to landscaping projects. Kleinboehl strongly suggests “finding Minnesota Nursery Landscape Association certified people.” He said these people have been tested within the state trade association. If they pass the tests, they will be certified as professionals in the field. “This shows they know a little bit more than an average hobbyist or what have you,” Kleinboehl added.
Landscape plans done at some smaller garden center could cost as little as $65.00 if you purchase plants and materials from the store. A good designer could range anywhere from $250.00 dollars and up depending on the job.
If you plan on purchasing and planting your own trees and shrubs, it is important to ask if they are guaranteed to grow and are they hardy for this area. Kleinboehl also said to ask if the trees are nursery grown. In some new housing developments, Kleinboehl said it is not uncommon to see a couple of guys selling trees out of the back of a pickup truck. Some of these trees could have come from the northern part of the state where they were grown in the wild and dug up. Digging up these types of trees and selling them is illegal in Minnesota. That is why it is important to ask questions beforehand to insure you are getting a tree or shrub that will grow and flourish for years to come. “All materials grown and sold in garden centers and even off the back of a truck should be inspected and pest free with no disease problems,” said Kleinboehl.
When planting trees, it is important to limit the amount of mulch used around them. Two to four inches of mulch is all that is needed. Any more than that can cause more harm than good. Kleinboehl also says “organic mulch is the best” such as bark.
Heavy clay soil is something to watch for since many trees such as spruce and pines are more acid loving. These trees also like a little bit of a sandy soil.
When to fertilize a lawn has many people scratching their heads. Since grab grass does not germinate until June, it is best not to put fertilizer down until mid to late may.
Don’t forget to water the lawn. Kleinboehl says about an inch of water is needed each week to maintain a healthy yard. Of course, if there has been a lot of rain, not as much watering will be needed.
Farmington and the Rosemount area used to be considered a zone three or four and were advised to use plants recommended for that particular climate. But now because of the warming trend we have gotten into, we are now split between zones four and five. Because of this, garden centers are now selling plants that once were not considered hardy enough for this area.
Now that you have beautiful trees and shrubs growing in your yard, how do you keep deer from destroying them? There are several thoughts in this area ranging from drilling a small hole in bars of Irish Spring soap and stringing them from trees to purchasing pins filled with garlic that is somewhat of a repellent. Also available from garden centers are a variety of repellent sprays such as hot pepper. If these repellents are to be effective, they must be reapplied periodically. Whenever it rains or snows, these repellents need to be reapplied for effectiveness. Deer get used to the scents of these products so it is necessary to “change up.”
If gazebos, sheds, swimming pools, patios or some other outdoor structures are on your wish list, be sure to contact the city or information on permits. Ken Lewis, the building official from Farmington says that structures such as sheds that are less than 120 square feet do not require a permit. Concrete or brick patios require permits in some cities as well. Lewis also said if you are considering putting in a new sidewalk, you “should get a survey from the city to make sure there is no encroaching onto the easement.” Stairs leading up to your house requires a permit and in some cases may require a railing.
Hot trends for this season’s outdoor living include maintenance free waterfalls that recycle the water and pergolas which are can be either vinyl or wood. Other Jarrin Barker, manager of the Landscape Depot in Farmington says, “Outdoor living has become very popular.” Pergolas, which are horizontal arbors often covered with grape vines, not only enhance the beauty of your yard but offer welcome shade from those hot steamy days of summer. Multi-level decks are very popular as well.
According to Barker, to increase the value of your property “Anything low maintenance is an asset. Outdoor living spaces are huge.” He also mentioned that “pavers and natural stone are used the most” when creating that perfect outdoor space.
Hydrangeas have become a popular flower for yards in the area. Prized for their large showy blossoms, they come in a variety of stunning colors and will add beauty to almost any landscape.
Don’t forget the hammock. With all that landscaping work that has been done, a little siesta under that pergola may be just what you need.