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.

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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.

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Top Landscaping Design Trends for 2023

As we head into spring, exciting new trends continue to emerge in the field of landscape design. Staying up to date with these styles helps ensure that your home’s outdoor space has the latest and most innovative solutions. Continue reading our blog to learn about the top landscaping design trends for 2023.

Sustainable Landscaping

Sustainability continues to be a major trend in landscape design. People desire eco-friendly and low-maintenance solutions that are kinder to the environment. We see this trend reflected in the use of native plants, rainwater harvesting, and the incorporation of edible gardens. Using permeable materials for hardscaping can also help with water conservation.

Outdoor Living Spaces

With people spending more and more time at home, outdoor living spaces have become a popular trend. These areas are designed to be an extension of the indoor living area, complete with comfortable seating, lighting, and even outdoor kitchens. Fire pits and water features can add a touch of luxury to these outdoor spaces.

Technology Integration

Technology has been making its way into outdoor spaces for some time now. We expect this trend to continue in 2023, with the integration of smart irrigation systems, lighting, and even sound systems. The use of mobile apps can also help homeowners monitor their outdoor spaces and adjust as needed.

Multi-Functional Landscaping

Multi-functional landscaping has continued growing in popularity. This trend involves designing outdoor spaces that serve more than one purpose, such as combining a play area with a vegetable garden and using a retaining wall as a seating area.

Bold Colors

This year, we see bold colors making a comeback in landscape design. Clients are looking for bright, vibrant colors that make a statement in their outdoor spaces. For example, homeowners incorporate brightly colored plants, furniture, and outdoor décor.

Contact JK Landscape Construction

Style and décor consistently evolve, and that includes the areas outside the house. Are you looking to incorporate these 2023 landscaping design trends into your home? At JK Landscape Construction, we offer a full suite of innovative design and build services to transform your outdoor space from ordinary to extraordinary. Our experts specialize in decks, outdoor living, landscape lighting, water features, and more.

Contact us today for our service!

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The Benefits of JK Landscape Barging Services

When you purchased your waterfront property, one of the factors that may have drawn you to that specific acreage could be the unique and beautiful terrain. But with steep or tree-populated landscapes, you’ve most likely also noticed its challenges. When the time comes for landscaping work to be done, many companies may battle to navigate the land and access the shoreline with large construction equipment, but not us. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of JK Landscape barging services.

What is a Barge?

A barge is a flat-bottomed boat used for carrying freight, typically on canals, rivers, and lakes, either under its own power or towed by another. At JK Landscape, we use our barge to transport landscaping machinery, equipment, and supplies right to the shore of waterfront properties. And thanks to a barge’s size and flat bottom, it can pull up close to the shoreline in shallow waters to unload materials with ease.

Damage-Free Landscaping

Working on a landscape with steep slopes, narrow property lines, and obtrusive trees poses a challenge for even the most experienced landscaper. You may notice many companies are not prepared to take on these challenging terrains, but we are. Thanks to our barging services, we are able to transport skid steers, bulldozers, excavators, and more across the water, straight to your shoreline—without risk of damage to your property.

Call the Landscape Professionals

Take your waterfront property up a notch with a custom landscape design from JK Landscape Construction. Whether you’re looking to add rip rap to your shoreline, a new deck to your outdoor entertainment space, or a paver patio for grilling, we look forward to bringing your dream landscape to life.

Contact the professionals today to schedule your upcoming landscape project.

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Green-up Your Yard This Season

We’re in the swing of spring, but your lawn still probably looks a little sad from the never-ending winter. Summer will be here soon enough, so now is the time to start gathering ideas for a lush lawn. The professionals at JK Landscape have just the thing. Keep reading for tips on how to green-up your yard this season.

All About Watering

The biggest keys to watering your yard is to properly know when and how to do it.

Morning is the best time for watering. The early hours allow enough time for the soil to adequately soak in the water before the later-day sun can dry it up. Excessive dampness from nighttime watering can damage your grass and may promote lawn disease or fungus.

Also, using hot water to quench your lawn can scorch the roots and potentially kill the grass. Be sure to roll up hoses after each use so the water empties from them. Keep hoses out of the sun to help prevent them from heating up and sprinkling hot water on your yard.

Another miscue to watch for is how you’re watering. Set up sprinklers so the watered area covers your lawn instead of the sidewalk, driveway, or road.

Develop Deep Roots

Some homeowners water their lawns every day. And while it helps keep the grass green, it may do a disservice to the foundation of the yard.

Rather than every day, water your lawn at regular-but-staggered intervals. Maybe soak it thoroughly a few times each week. Doing this will help the grass develop a deeper root system for stronger and denser turf.

Aerate for Better Results

A healthy lawn needs water, but it also needs to breathe. To ensure your yard is getting the air it needs, consider aeration.

The aeration process involves making small holes in the grass and soil to allow your yard to get the water, air, and nutrients it needs. The roots can extend further into the soil, allowing the grass to grow lush and green. You can do this yourself with a manual tool or machinery, or you can have a certified lawn care team do it for you.

Trim with Care

During summer months, keeping your grass longer will help keep it healthier. Raise the deck of your lawnmower to ensure an ideal trim height to prevent the grass from drying out and potentially being damaged by the sun.

Watering schedules and rain usually determine how often you need to mow. But try not to mow too often; mow just enough so your yard is neat and well-kept while allowing the grass to grow and flourish.

Call on JK Landscape

These ideas to green-up your yard this season should go a long way toward making your lawn one of the best on the block this summer. If you run into issues or need help, the lawn care experts at JK Landscape have the training, tools, and tricks to make your yard the stunning oasis that will make your neighbors jealous. Contact us today with your lawn care questions or concerns or to discuss landscaping projects to make your property stand out.

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