Category: Seasonal Tips & Tricks
3 Benefits of Adding a Pergola to Your Backyard
Pergolas are landscaping structures composed of four beams and a lattice top. Their primary purpose is to create a shaded area in your outdoor space, which is ideal for relaxing in the summer months or entertaining friends and family. If you’re considering renovations to your backyard to make it more functional, here are a few aspects to keep in mind.
Why Should I Install a Pergola in My Backyard?
Pergolas Make Up for a Lack of a Patio or Deck
Having a dedicated space for entertaining in your backyard makes for a more satisfying experience. If you’re without a deck or patio, a pergola is a great alternative. These structures are much easier to install, which means you can begin enjoying your outdoor space as soon as possible. They’re also far more cost-effective than building a deck in most cases.They Protect You From the Elements
Spending time outdoors can be difficult when the sun is at its peak during the day. With the right amount of shade, you can get the most out of pleasant summer weather without excessive sun exposure. Pergolas can be constructed in several ways so you can get the perfect amount of sun and breeze.They’re Aesthetically Pleasing
Along with their practical benefits, pergolas can also be an attractive landscaping element in your outdoor space. These structures can be made from a variety of materials in all sorts of designs, from rustic and simple to elaborate and ornate. You can also decorate your structure as you see fit. Some people string lights, hang flowers or plants, or add other elements to personalize their pergola.
Are you revamping an outdoor space in Clearwater, MN? If so, JK Landscape Construction is happy to help you enhance your home’s exterior. These landscaping professionals offer a wide range of services, including design and maintenance of lawns and gardens, as well as the installation of outdoor lighting. They’re also equipped to design and construct pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and many other structures. Visit them online for more information or call (320) 558-4445 today to discuss your project with this skilled team of designers.
Read More
5 Hardscaping Tips for Smaller Backyards
Hardscaping refers to the manmade or structural aspects of your outdoor living space, while landscaping typically only encompasses vegetation. Most yards need a blend of both to create a functional and attractive area. When space is limited, however, you may need a unique approach to fit in hardscape elements without overwhelming the property. Here are a few practical ways to outfit your smaller yard with hardscaping features.
Hardscaping Strategies for Small Outdoor Spaces
Incorporate Vertical Elements
While you may be limited in terms of what you can incorporate at ground-level, there’s always vertical space to leverage. For instance, you might use a trellis to showcase climbing plants. You can also hang garden lights around your perimeter to direct the eye upwards.Consider Raised Beds
Another way to make use of your backyard’s vertical space is to use raised beds for planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs. You may not be able to create a sprawling garden, but tiered rows of blooms and other plant life will still allow you to exercise your green thumb.Use Open Fencing
Solid fences can create a closed-off look, but you can still seal off your perimeter without sacrificing your aesthetic by opting for open fencing. Picket fences, wrought iron, and lattice designs all work well for smaller spaces. If possible, keep your fencing’s height short, which will also help to prevent closing off the space.Stick With One Paving Material
Even small yards can accommodate a little patio area, perfect for a bench or table and chairs. If you plan to incorporate any walkways or patios into your backyard, just be sure to use the same pavers throughout. Keep in mind, too many mixed designs can lead to a crowded, busy effect.Add a Water Feature
Water features add visual and audial elements to your space, creating a soothing atmosphere. However, if you don’t have space for a pond, you can still purchase a small fountain to bring your backyard to life.
No matter the size of your outdoor space, JK Landscape Construction is your source for quality landscaping and hardscaping in Clearwater, MN. Serving the community since 2006, they specialize in designing and constructing decks, pergolas, landscape lighting, and expert landscaping. Browse through some of their hardscapes online or call (320) 558-4445 to discuss your vision with a team member.
Read More
4 Ways Shoreline Restoration Can Be Accomplished
Owning a house on a lake is a pleasure, but it does require shoreline maintenance, which is far trickier than maintaining a regular lawn. If the shoreline at your lake house is just mud and dirt, and you’re struggling to get plants to root, calling a shoreline restoration professional is helpful. Below are three of the ways they’ll make your lake house beautiful.
4 Methods of Shoreline Restoration
Regrading the Slope
A steep grade on the land leading up to the lake increases the rate of erosion, making it difficult to get grass and other plants to take root. In some cases, a mild regrade will be adequate to limit topsoil erosion. On steeper slopes, a retaining wall can keep the earth from washing into the lake.Placing Small Boulder Rocks Along the Shoreline
Using natural boulder rock piled alongside the lake can act as a buffer between the shoreline and the water. This is known as rip rap, and not only is it a visually pleasing solution, but it also requires little maintenance. Sourcing and placing the stones is a difficult DIY project, and it’s better to leave this project to the pros.Adding Indigenous Plants
If you want a touch of the wild on your property, native plants do a fantastic job of holding the soil together and keeping it from being washed away by heavy rain. A robust mix of native plants also looks beautiful, but there is small maintenance to this as well. Visit our website for more instruction on how to maintain your native plants.Drainage Systems
If you prefer a neatly groomed appearance for your shoreline, but still want to limit erosion, manmade erosion control blankets help the soil stay in place during rains. On steep slopes, your shoreline restoration expert may also recommend a drainage system that will divert rain and keep it from running down the slope.
Need a shoreline restoration professional on your side in Clearwater, MN? JK Landscape Construction specializes in shoreline solutions, as well as water feature construction, landscape design, hardscaping, and patio installation. To learn more about their services, visit their website and call (320) 558-4445 to discuss your project.
Read More
4 Ways to Use Your Fire Pit Installation this Winter
Adding a fire pit installation to your home’s landscaping is a fantastic way to create more livable space and makes for a fun addition when hosting guests. Whether it’s in the backyard or situated on the patio, fire pits don’t need to be limited to fair-weather months. There are numerous ways to incorporate it into fun activities for yourself or a crowd even when winter arrives.
Fun Fire Pit Installation Uses in Winter
Easy Campfire for the Home
When the cold weather hits, fire pits are a great way to stay warm and enjoy the outdoors. Take the kids outside and use it to make s’mores and tell scary stories before camping back in the home, or invite friends and family to enjoy bonding time outside while still keeping the cold at bay.Make a Movie Night
Grab a projector and set up a screen to turn the outdoor areas into your very own movie theater. You can pop some popcorn and put on a favorite movie without noticing the cold weather because of the warmth the fire provides. Plus, it alone won’t create enough landscape lighting to overly illuminate the screen.Build a Snow Fort
After a heavy snow, have some fun with the family by building a fort with the fire pit installation right in the middle. Pile the snow into four “walls” surrounding the pit with an open area to enter and exit and relax with your favorite hot beverage. The fire’s warmth, combined with the wind-blocking ability of the walls, makes the cold weather a non-factor as you enjoy a beautiful winter day.Get Some Quiet Time
The quiet that comes with snow makes a great occasion to enjoy some alone time. Take a book or turn on a podcast and relax by the fire while enjoying the serenity that comes with a snowy winter day. It’s a fantastic way to feel rejuvenated and is the perfect personal escape.
A fire pit installation is the perfect addition to your home’s landscape design and can be enjoyed all year long, and the experts at JK Landscape Construction in Clearwater, MN can help you find the perfect one. For the past ten years, this locally owned and operated company has transformed local backyards with beautiful hardscaping and water features, and they have a great selection of fire pits that they’ll professionally install at your home. Get started by calling (320) 558-4445 or learn more online.
Read More
Common Questions About Grubs & Landscaping
During the hot summer months, many lawns throughout Minnesota aren’t as lush and green as they should be. One of the culprits behind the lackluster landscaping is grubs, which can wreak havoc on grass if left unchecked. Here are the answers to several frequently asked questions about these insects and how they can affect your landscaping.
4 FAQ About Grubs & Landscaping
What are white grubs?
They are the larvae of certain destructive beetles like the May & June, Japanese, and European chafer species. White grubs are small, pale, and plump, and they are often c-shaped. They live beneath the soil surface and feed on grass roots.How can I tell if my lawn has grubs?
One of the easiest ways to detect a grub problem is to pull sod away from the ground. If it moves easily, the grass root system isn’t anchored to the soil and may have been eaten by the larvae. Also, look for the grubs themselves. If you see more than 10 per square foot, you have an infestation.Can grubs damage my lawn?
Because these larvae eat grass plant roots, they can cause unsightly yellow patches to appear on lawns that resemble drought. Eventually, the grass will wilt, especially if there are a large number of grubs in the soil. The damage from white grubs may be more apparent if your lawn doesn’t receive enough moisture to accommodate both the presence of grass plants and the larvae. You can also sustain damages from birds or raccoons digging into the ground to eat the grubs.How should I treat a lawn with a grub infestation?
The best way to control grubs is to exterminate them before they hatch. Because they thrive during the early summer months and feed until mid-fall, it’s best to apply a preventative grub control product to your grass in the springtime. You can also contact landscaping professionals for additional treatments and to bring thriving green grass back to your yard.
If you’re ready to boost your home’s curb appeal and enhance the appearance of your lawn, don’t hesitate to contact the team at JK Landscape Construction. As the go-to landscaping company serving Clearwater, MN, they specialize in bringing their clients’ creative visions to life. Their services include everything from hardscape installations to softscaping and landscaping lighting. Call (320) 558-4445 to discuss your upcoming project with a helpful staff member or visit them online to learn more about their services.
Read More