When Is the Best Time to Start Landscaping Projects?

When is the best time to start landscaping projects? It’s a question many homeowners ask, especially now as the longer, warmer days of spring and summer get closer. Read on as we discuss why you should begin planning now, as well as the benefits of starting landscaping work in spring.

Begin Planning During Winter

Considering Minnesota’s climate, it’s no surprise that spring–fall marks the busy season for landscapers. For one, the snow and freezing temps present unhealthy conditions for new trees, shrubs, and plants to thrive. Additionally, frozen soil makes it extremely difficult to dig holes for landscaping structures and features.

However, winter is the perfect time to begin planning. Advantages of staying ahead of the busy season include:

• A more relaxed pace during the planning stages to ensure the design(s) match your vision.
• Submitting necessary permit and approval applications early helps ensure that you’ll be ready to be cleared when it comes time to break ground.
• Early planning provides access to a wider selection of plant materials before competition increases during the busy spring planting season.
• Landscapers tend to have more convenient scheduling options during the off-season, making it easier to book an appointment and get started.
• Planning and starting the project early allows for better timelines and earlier completion, allowing you to enjoy your new landscape sooner.

That’s not to say that some winter landscaping isn’t possible. In fact, sometimes it’s necessary. JK Landscape provides professional rip rap (AKA “rock armor) installation to repair and prevent shoreline damage, snow removal and ice control, and more. Contact us to learn more about our lakeshore winter services.

The Benefits of Spring Landscaping

With the snow and ice gone and the weather getting warmer, spring is the ideal time for work to begin. Generally, it’s best to start construction when temperatures remain above 45–50 degrees. Benefits of spring landscaping include:

• The ground has thawed and softened, making it easy to dig holes for new structures, features, and plants.
• Mid to late spring is considered “mulching season,” as the soil has had time to warm up following winter and allows time for the plants to establish throughout the summer and fall.
• Additionally, planting new shrubs, trees, and perennials early on helps ensure they have time to acclimate and establish a strong root system for surviving Minnesota’s harsh winters.
• As previously mentioned, planning in winter and starting construction early allows you to beat the rush. You’ll have better scheduling, quicker turnaround, and more time to enjoy the final product.

The Final Word: Get Started Today!

So, when is the best time to start landscaping projects? The real first step is planning, and the time for that is now. The design and installation specialists at JK Landscape have the experience and expertise to ensure success and satisfaction. We’ll make sure the soil is ready for optimal planting and plant care, work with you to create a design you’ll love, and then bring it to life with prompt and professional construction.

Browse our project gallery to see our exceptional services in action. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a meeting.

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.

What to Know Before You Get Cooking Outside

More and more, outdoor kitchens are becoming a popular backyard feature. Maybe you’re considering adding one to your yard. There are a few things to consider during your planning process. Here’s what to know before you get cooking outside with your newly installed outdoor kitchen.

Backyard Benefits

If you’re thinking about installing an outdoor kitchen, chances are you’ve already considered such an attraction’s many benefits. In addition to making and serving up tasty dishes for your family, an outdoor kitchen also allows you to:

• Add to your home’s value with this functional and practical landscaping.
• Expand your living space with another place to cook and serve meals as well as entertain.
• Save money on utilities, as you’ll spend more time outdoors.
• Keep the inside of your home fresh and fragrant, since meals will be prepared outside.

What’s more, there’s something to be said for the convenience factor. With an outdoor kitchen – depending on the options you include – you’ll save time and energy running to and from the house to grab this or because you forgot that. This cooking and gathering space has everything you need to stay put, entertain, and enjoy.

Fantastic Features

Now that you know some of the benefits, think about some of the features you’ll want included with your outdoor kitchen. With so many options for customization, the sky is the limit to create your space and get cooking outside.

You may want something simple, like a standard gas grill, a small countertop space for prep, and a refrigerator. But maybe you’re thinking long-term and big picture. You may want more than one grill or a large area for food prep and dining. Maybe you have your heart set on a full-size refrigerator or a wine fridge; storage for dishes, utensils, and nonperishables; or even a brick pizza oven.

Fashion and Formation

You know you want an outdoor kitchen, but do you know where in your yard you’d like it to go? Consider where things might best fit and what type of layout makes sense, based on the available space. How do you want your kitchen to look and feel? Make sure you have enough space for foot traffic as well as functionality.

And then consider the arrangement. Will your kitchen work best in a straight, galley-style formation? Maybe an L-shape will fit better with your backyard space and the features you want. You might have the room and wish list for a U-shaped layout, or maybe you want a center island in the mix. A design professional can help you determine the best options for your space and desired accessories.

Extravagant Extras

Depending on the time you plan to spend in your outdoor kitchen area, you may want to add some extra flair. Keep the entertainment going long after sunset with landscape lighting. Whether you prefer lanterns, hanging bulbs, sconces, or other types of fixtures, a little bit of light adds ambiance as well as safety and can really make your outdoor space feel cozy.

Like music? Who doesn’t? Adding outdoor speakers in or around your kitchen can help introduce a cool or relaxing vibe when you’re cooking, dining, or sitting at the outdoor bar.

Pick a Professional

Once you’ve covered what to know before you get cooking outdoors, you’ll want to hire a qualified team to carry out the installation of your new outdoor kitchen. The specialized designers, knowledgeable landscapers, and accomplished construction professionals at JK Landscape can transform all your ideas into reality. We deliver the most timely and superior service using the highest-quality materials, so you’re sure to fall in love with your newly designed outdoor space. Ready to get started? Contact us today.

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.

Waterfront Protection Made Easy

Owning waterfront property is a dream for many. The stellar views and relaxing echoes of nature take the crown when it comes time to purchase land. Make sure your lakeside acreage is meeting its full potential by staying on top of important maintenance and upkeep. Last year, we discussed the importance of protecting your shoreline, so now let’s take a deep dive into waterfront protection and what the professionals at JK Landscape can do for you.

What Is Shoreline Restoration and Why Do We Need It?

Shoreline restoration is imperative to the longevity of your property line. The best way to protect your waterfront square footage is by adding rip rap. Rip rap or “rock armor” is used to mend current shoreline deterioration and minimize any future problems. Lining your shore with rip rap will prevent damage from severe weather, ice, and destructive animals, as well as save you time and money down the road! Our specialists are trained to evaluate each individual property based on the steepness of the slope and speed of water movement to determine if additional erosion control methods are needed. Leverage this defensive “rock armor” to prevent future damage to your property.

Damage Free Restoration

At JK Landscape we provide barging services to lakefront homes and cabins. Lakeshore erosion control is made easy with our barging services as we transport all heavy equipment, supplies, and products across the lake without risking any destruction to your property. We take pride in our efforts to leave your property undamaged. Rest easy knowing your land is in the hands of JK Landscaping. 

If you have questions about potential erosion, contact the professionals at JK Landscape today. Our experienced team is happy to investigate your concerns and discuss an individualized plan of waterfront protection.