Transforming Your Backyard Oasis: The Art of Custom Landscape Design

A well-designed landscape does wonders to create a beautiful and relaxing environment. But the true joy of landscaping is designing a space that fits your needs and reflects your preferences. It’s an opportunity to express your personality and discover what environment best serves your lifestyle. And with the tools and materials available to modern landscapers, the possibilities are endless. Let’s dive into some of the options you have at your disposal for creating a truly custom landscape design.

Softscapes

The foundation of your landscape is its living elements, including grasses, plants, and trees of all kinds. But with so many different options, it can be difficult to choose what to plant. That’s where the experts at JK Landscape Construction come in. We have extensive knowledge of plant types and will examine your property’s climate, soil, and drainage to recommend the best plants for your landscape. Then it’s up to you to choose your favorites. Some people love trees that stay green all year round, while others love to watch the leaves change. Sprawling flower beds are popular for some, while others may want more room to grow their own vegetables. You can even add flourishes to your softscape with mulch, river rock, decorative boulders, and landscape lighting.

Hardscapes

Non-living elements, including stone, concrete, wood, brick, and metal, make up your hardscape. These materials provide a great way to add more accessibility and structure to your outdoor space. Your hardscape to softscape ratio is completely up to you and depends on what purpose you want your landscape to primarily serve. If you plan on entertaining often, you may want to install a patio of permeable pavers or concrete, perhaps with a fire pit in the center. Walking paths and steps can connect points of interest on your property, such as gardens, storage sheds, and docks. You also have the opportunity to build a driveway that suits your needs and heightens your home’s curb appeal. We’ll help you choose the right colors and styles to create the aesthetic you have in mind for your custom landscape design.

Outdoor Structures

The final layer of your landscape is where individual personalities often shine through the most. How do you like to spend your time outside, and what structures help you best achieve that? What feels most like home to you? A wooden or composite deck extends the comfort of your home into the outdoors, while a more sheltered screen porch can bring the fresh air and sunshine of the outdoors in. Outdoor kitchens are also growing in popularity as more people look to make the most of warmer months. A pergola can provide a bit of shade to any area of your landscape and add a touch of elegance.

Bring Your Dream Landscape to Life

You’ve done the dreaming, the brainstorming, and the visualizing. Now it’s time to put your plan into action. Reach out to the professionals at JK Landscape Construction. We’ll listen to your ideas and leverage our expertise to make your dream a reality. And if you’re not sure what you want your landscape to look like, we’re happy to help you discover that.

Here’s a testimonial from one of our satisfied clients:

“If you want your landscape project done right, hire JK Landscape! The crew exceeded our expectations in every phase of our project which included a total makeover on a new build lake shore site. Challenging aspects of the project included boulder retaining walls around the house and a steep lakeside hill. The fire pit and paver decking are also signature parts of the project. We couldn’t be happier with our landscaping project with JK Landscape.”

– Dwight G.

Ready to begin your own landscaping project? Contact us today to get started!

How to Incorporate Concrete into Your Landscape

Hardscapes, or the non-living elements of a landscape, play an important role in providing definition and cohesion with the natural areas of your outdoor space. And although materials like stone, brick, and wood are all popular choices for patios, walkways, and fences, concrete is a versatile option that can be fashioned into nearly any structure you could imagine. Known for its strength and durability, concrete can bear heavy weight and weather harsh elements for many years. It also requires little to no maintenance. Continue reading to explore how you can incorporate concrete into your landscape.

Patios

One of the most popular uses of concrete, a patio provides a structured space to relax, dine, entertain, or keep an eye on the kids. It can be an extension of your front walkway, adjoin to the back of your house, or center around a fire ring. You may even want to build a sunken patio for an air of elegance and comfort or concrete walls to ensure privacy for your gathering space. Take advantage of stamps and stencils to add a natural stone or brick-like finish without sacrificing durability.

Walking Paths

Connect structures and distinct areas of your outdoor space with concrete walking paths. They can lead from your home to a backyard study or connect your patio to a swimming pool. Provide a path to carry tools and equipment to and from your garage and a storage shed. If you have an extensive garden, a walking path can guide you and guests through your favorite areas. And for sloped properties, concrete steps provide safety and accessibility.

Outdoor Kitchens

We love to make the most of our summers in Minnesota, and an outdoor kitchen provides a wonderful space to enjoy the warm weather. Whether you’re preparing a gourmet meal, serving appetizers, or just relaxing around the table, you’ll love having this outdoor option for nice days. Concrete is a great material for counters, walls, and flooring to help your outdoor kitchen weather the elements.

Contact JK Landscape Construction

If you’re thinking of incorporating concrete into your landscape, reach out to the professionals at JK Landscape Construction. We’ll guide you through your options and discuss whether concrete or a different material such as stone or brick is best suited to your needs. We’re also proficient in removing and replacing old or unwanted concrete structures without damaging your property. Contact us today to learn how we can help bring your dream landscape projects to life.

The Benefits of Adding Outdoor Structures to Your Landscape Projects

Landscape projects are often focused on natural elements such as trees, flowers, shrubs, rocks, and mulch. But adding outdoor structures to your landscape can bring your project to the next level, increase your property’s value, and improve your quality of life. Continue reading to explore various types of outdoor structures and the benefits they can bring to your landscape.

Outdoor Structure Options

The experts at JK Landscape Construction are experts in building and installing many types of outdoor structures. We’ll help you choose the right design and build materials for a structure that is beautiful and practical. Here are some of your options:

• Pergolas are a great way to add a bit of shade and shelter to your outdoor area while also giving your landscape an elegant, sophisticated look.
• Decks are versatile structures that can be built at varying elevations and different sizes using wood or composite materials.
• Porches bring the comfort of the indoors into the fresh air and sunshine of the outdoors.
• Boathouses keep your watercraft and other items safe from the elements when they’re not in use.
• Railings can be installed on your outdoor structures in various styles, colors, and sizes for greater accessibility and aesthetic appeal.

An Extension of Your Home

Outdoor structures like the ones mentioned above extend your living space into the outdoor areas that you’ve put so much effort into perfecting. Structures like decks and porches allow you to work, relax, eat, and gather with friends and family outside. Your home doesn’t have to be limited to your house.

Easy Way to Enjoy the Outdoors

With outdoor structures on your property, there’s no need to travel to a park or public place to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and sights and sounds of nature. Just step outside your door and relax in the privacy of your own backyard. This is especially valuable in Minnesota, where we need to take full advantage of the summer months while they last.

Add to your Property’s Aesthetic Appeal

Outdoor structures can transform your property into an elegant, inviting landscape that is sure to increase its value and curb appeal. You’ll love coming home to a beautiful landscape, and you’ll have the perfect place to entertain friends and neighbors.

A Place for Outdoor Furnishings

With a deck, porch, or pergola, you’ve never had a better place for outdoor seating and dining. Protect that outdoor couch from the elements and provide some shade for your table or grill. You may even want to install a TV or sound system for outdoor entertainment.

When you partner with JK Landscape Construction to build an outdoor structure, the possibilities and benefits are endless. We’ll meet with you to determine what best suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Whatever structure you choose, you can rest assured we’ll build it with superior craftsmanship and the highest quality.

Contact us to get started on your next outdoor project today! We can’t wait to work with you.

5 Ways You Can Add Value to Your Home

If you are looking to add value to your home, a great place to start is with the exterior. After all, first impressions are crucial. Landscaping is one of the more cost-effective options for increasing value. Use these landscaping tips to boost your property value and curb appeal!

Healthy Lawn

Overgrown grass, weeds, and unruly shrubbery will surely drive down the value of your home. Exterior neglect can really send the wrong message to potential homebuyers, which is why it’s just as important to maintain and upgrade your yard. By setting up a fertilization schedule and regular mowing, your yard can be the greenest on the block!

Irrigation System

A beautiful landscape can also come with a laundry list of maintenance. Avoid the extra hassle of watering and grab the attention of buyers with a fully automated sprinkler system. Irrigation systems are now equipped with sensors that observe the water levels and only water your landscaping when necessary. Water smarter, not harder!

Planting Trees

Did you know trees can add between $1,000 to $10,000 to your home’s value? That said, make sure you plant trees as soon as possible, as it takes a few years for trees to mature and reach their full potential. Planting mature trees is an option; however, it may cost you an arm and a leg depending on the tree’s size.

Light It Up

Landscape lighting is both a design element and a safety feature. Illuminating the outside of your home creates an occupancy pattern that keeps intruders at bay as they tend to look for homes that appear to be empty.  

You may worry about an added electrical expense, but if you choose LED bulbs or solar options, they are bright enough to keep you safe and won’t run up your electrical bill.

Large-Scale Update

If you are looking for a complete landscape makeover, consider adding an outdoor living space. Not only will you extend the square footage available for gatherings, but you also appeal to a larger range of buyers. Whether you add an outdoor kitchen, swimming pool, deck, or pergola, you will entice many with the endless hosting possibilities.

Contact the professionals at JK Landscape today and we can talk through your home exterior renovations. Whether you choose to install a couple of trees or a full outdoor oasis, any of the additions above will add instant value to your home.

Taking Care of Your New Landscaping

After the pavers have been placed and the last shrub has been planted, your new landscape is vibrant. Although your yard has been transformed in a matter of days, the months and years following are what really matters. Continue reading our blog for the top landscape maintenance tips.

Watering New Plants

Watering freshly planted trees, shrubs, and flowers is important to the longevity of your landscape. The first 1-2 weeks is the most critical for new plants as the roots still need to be established in the soil. Even if your plants are close to a water source, they are only able to absorb water near their small roots. Direct watering at a low pressure will allow the plant to uptake the maximum amount of water.

Watering needs for plants vary depending on the type of plant, size of plant, and weather conditions. It’s important to check the soil condition before watering to avoid flooding the roots. If you are questioning the hydration of your foliage, check the soil. If the soil is dry 4-7 inches deep, that’s a tell-tale sign your plants need to be watered.

Fertilizing Your Yard

Fertilizing your yard is an important step to take to ensure continuous growth. This step should be done in the spring or fall to encourage new foliage growth. Remember, fertilizing should NEVER be done in the summer, as the new growth will hinder the ground from hardening, making your plants susceptible to damage.

Foliage Upkeep

Pruning is not only suggested to keep your yard looking immaculate, but it also protects your plants from many forms of damage. Before you start pruning, make sure you know exactly how and where to trim. Always trim branches at the base or collar of the branch. Open stubs leave the plant vulnerable to disease in the future.

Hardscaping

Hardscaping might seem like it can be installed and forgotten, but your pavers need some love too. Not only will moss, weeds, and cracks look unattractive, but they pose as a danger as well. You and your guests will be spending much more time outside during the warm summer months, which is why it’s important to keep it clear of debris and cracks. Take the time to weed around the pavers, scrape off any moss, and fill small cracks in the stone pavers. If you notice the cracks are becoming large and uneven, it may be time to call a professional to repair the stone or replace it.

If you have questions about landscape upkeep, contact the professionals at JK Landscape today. Our experienced team want to see your yard looking as great as the day your new landscaping was installed.