Land Design Landscaping

Author: sbpogge

11 Dec 2018
By sbpogge Uncategorized

Does my Rochester, IL home need a retaining wall?

Everybody loves fancy landscaping, but having your home done in the style of a million-dollar mansion costs a lot of money. That’s why it’s important to narrow down your landscaping choices to the things you really need.

Have you been thinking about getting a retaining wall? A lot of people who don’t think they need one actually do. Here’s how you can know whether or not you need a retaining wall for your Rochester, IL home.

What Do They Do?

You’ve probably seen retaining walls in fancy landscaping of houses on hills, but did you know they actually serve an important purpose? As you put more weight on a sloped surface, such a house, a driveway, and parked cars, you need to add something to keep the slope from collapsing. Retaining walls essentially prevent the effect of gravity to keep this from happening. It can also help redirect water runoff and make a chunk of land more usable.

In addition to this, retaining walls can be used as a stylish addition to your home. They come in a variety of styles and have a nice, clean look that’s great for accentuating gardens and fences.

Do I Need One?

Whether your Rochester, IL property needs a retaining wall or not depends on many factors. As the biggest purpose of a retaining wall is to add reinforcement to a piece of land, an unstable piece of land is the number one qualifying factor for a retaining wall.

If you have a sloped piece of land that has problems with erosion, adding a retaining wall can keep the soil from eroding too much. For homes that are on a soil fault line, a retaining wall can serve as protection in the event of an earthquake or some other natural disaster.

Retaining Wall Options

You have a lot of options when it comes to retaining walls, each with their own benefits. Wooden retaining walls are the cheapest of the bunch, but they don’t last as long as other options. Poured concrete or natural stone retaining walls will last quite a bit longer, but you’ll have to make a larger investment upfront.

If you’re still wondering whether or not you need a retaining wall or you’re ready to have one installed, call the landscaping experts at Land Design Landscaping.

11 Dec 2018
By sbpogge Uncategorized

What are hardscapes? How do I add them to my Springfield, IL home?

Find out what hardscapes can add to your landscaping

When you think of landscaping, you probably picture healthy green grass, towering trees, tidy shrubs, and colorful flowers. While these elements, referred to as softscapes, are an important part of landscaping, they don’t provide the whole picture. Hardscapes provide an equally important aspect of landscaping, adding a sense of balance and giving your outdoor space an anchored appearance. Here is everything you need to know about adding hardscapes to your Springfield, IL home.

What Are Hardscapes?

As the name suggests, hardscapes are the hard, inanimate elements of landscaping. These include walkways, pavers, retaining walls, gazebos, decks, driveways, and more; generally speaking, if an element of your landscaping isn’t a living thing, then it’s likely hardscape. Hardscapes can either be manmade, such as an outdoor structure like a pergola, or natural, like stone. Hardscaping enhances your yard’s usability and privacy while providing needed balance to your softscaping elements.

Adding a Hardscape Feature to Your Yard

As with any landscape feature, before you add hardscape, you want to consider the form and function you ultimately want it to achieve. Generally, hardscape elements serve a purpose, providing a bridge between a larger structure, such as a house or a garden shed, to a smaller landscaping element like a garden or a pond. Therefore, you should think of hardscapes as transitional elements, rather than as focal points that get all the attention.

It’s important that the hardscaping element complements and blends in with your outdoor décor. When it comes to choosing a hardscaping element, let your existing architecture be your guide. For example, a granite retaining wall would look out of place next to a rustic cabin dwelling, and an elaborate fountain would provide an unwelcome contrast to a quaint beach cottage. Choose materials and styles that will fit in and enhance your outdoor space.

Creating an inviting outdoor space that reflects and accommodates your needs and lifestyle requires experience and knowledge, and striking the right balance between hardscaping and softscaping elements can be a big challenge. At Land Design Landscaping, our experts are here to help you choose the hardscaping and softscaping solution that will increase the beauty, comfort, and value of your Springfield, IL home.

Contact us today at (217) 793-3920 to learn more about the services we provide and to schedule a consultation.

17 Oct 2018
By sbpogge Landscaping, Patio

Unique patio ideas for your Chatham, IL home

When summer rolls around, there’s no better place to be than your patio. It’s a great place to soak up some sun, enjoy a few drinks, and grill up a delicious dinner. If you’re looking for some ways to upgrade the patio of your Chatham, IL home, we’re here to help.

Beyond the Boring

A lot of people choose a simple poured concrete slab for their patio, but that’s the boring route. Try a different shape or pattern for your patio; even adding a square pattern to your patio will make it look leaps and bounds better.

Upgrade Your Walkway

Does your walkway look like a smaller version of a sidewalk? If so, you’re missing out on tons of great possibilities. By upgrading the walkways that extend out from your patio, you can give your patio a fancier, middle-of-a-garden look. Add curves, use stepping stones, and edge the lawn around your walkways to give your patio a slight boost.

Add Features

At the end of the day, your patio is a place for people to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can make it an even better space for this by adding more features to it. Furniture, awnings and other accessories make your patio a more comfortable area.

Lighting is also an easy way to upgrade your patio. You can buy a decently long string of lights for a pretty cheap price, and they’ll look great if you use them to trace the pattern of your patio about 10 feet off the ground.

Vegetation

One of the quickest and easiest ways to take your patio from good to great is adding vegetation. You don’t need to have a beautiful garden surrounding every part of your yard—even simple low-growing hedges will make a great accent for your patio or walkway.

You can also use vegetation to add color to your patio. Bushes or flowers with bright colors can be used to create a color scheme, accentuate the colors of your home and patio, or add some life to your yard.

If you need some help getting your patio ready for the spring and summer cookouts, we’re here to help. Contact Land Design Landscaping for a consultation and more information on why making your patio look good is important.

17 Oct 2018
By sbpogge Decks, Landscaping

What Are the Benefits of Adding a Deck to My Springfield, IL Home?

Creating an outdoor space that is designed for relaxation and entertainment is becoming an increasingly common trend among Springfield, IL homeowners. Installing a deck is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to create more living space for you and your family to enjoy.

Whether you’re considering putting in a natural wood deck or you’re exploring some of the lower maintenance composite decking materials that are available, adding a deck is a worthwhile investment. Here are some of the top benefits of adding a deck to your home.

Ideal for Entertainment

When Springfield’s warmer months are in full swing, residents enjoy taking their entertaining outdoors. A deck provides a defined space for hanging out, offering room to grill, socialize, and relax in a living room-style setting.

More Space in Your Yard

A deck is ideal for corralling everything, from potted plants to lawn furniture and grills, into one place. Raised decks also provide additional storage underneath, which is great for storing bulky lawn furniture, gardening equipment, and even your grill. The result is a yard that is an empty canvas, ready for planting a garden or creating a play area for kids.

Enhances Your Home’s Aesthetic Appeal

Decks are highly customizable, meaning that no matter your home’s size or architectural style, you can enjoy a deck that enhances your home’s appearance. Build a deck that complements the shape of your home or stain it to match your fence or shutters.

Adds Value to Your Home

Today’s homebuyers are as interested in a home’s exterior as they are the inside of the home, and a defined outdoor living space gives them an opportunity to imagine themselves living in and using that space. A high-quality deck increases the value and desirability of your home, making it more appealing to homebuyers. Even if you’re not currently interested in putting your home on the market, a deck is an inexpensive but valuable addition to your property.

At Land Design Landscaping, our experienced landscaping professionals help Springfield homeowners create the outdoor space of their dreams. We work with you to identify your goals for your space and help you choose the landscaping solutions that fit your lifestyle and budget. To learn more about deck installation or to set up your consultation, contact us today at (217) 793-3920.

06 Sep 2018
By sbpogge Gardening, Landscaping, Riverton Illinois Landscaping

Easy-to-maintain landscaping for around your pool in Riverton, IL

Installing a backyard pool is a good way to make your home in Riverton, IL a better place to hang out during the summer. However, homeowners sometimes struggle to decide how to design the landscaping around their pool. Working with local landscaping contractors can be a good way to create the outdoor space you have always wanted. Discuss the following landscaping ideas with your landscaping contractors to find the perfect design for your backyard pool in Riverton, IL.

Paving Stones

Paving stones can create a smooth and stable path around your pool. This landscaping option is practical, attractive, and easy to maintain. All you have to do is clean the paving stones occasionally with a pressure washer to keep them free from moss, as well as pulling out any weeds that force their way between the stones. If you like the idea of having a break from mowing grass or tending to plants, paving stones could be the perfect poolside landscaping option for your Riverton yard.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses give a backyard pool a sophisticated style. They are also extremely easy to care for compared to most plants. As long as the grasses do not completely die off during winter, they should come back every year. During summer, they require little maintenance as they are very hardy and drought-tolerant plants. Ask local landscaping companies about ornamental grass species that would be suitable for your location and soil type if you decide to use this landscaping idea.

Rock Garden

A rock garden is an ultra-low maintenance option for landscaping around a backyard pool. Landscapers can source colorful rocks that suit the style and location of your Riverton, IL environment and install them around your pool. They can also select hardy plants that can thrive in this rocky environment with very little care from you. Rock gardens are the perfect choice if you are not able to water your backyard plants frequently as they are designed to be a drought-tolerant solution.

Choosing the Right Easy-to-Maintain Landscaping for Your Poolside Area

To discuss your landscaping ideas, get in touch with a local landscaping company in Riverton, IL today. Landscapers can help you develop your poolside designs into a beautiful outdoor area that the whole family can enjoy.

16 Jul 2018
By sbpogge Chatham Illinois Landscaping, Landscaping

How landscaping can increase the value of your Chatham, IL home

Curb appeal is of the utmost importance when it comes to the value of your home. Passersby see the outside of your home before anything else, so anything you can do to make it look better from the street is a plus. Here’s how landscaping can help increase your home’s value and attract buyers.

Leverage Your Lawn

If you think of the curb appeal of your home as a framed picture, the lawn would be a big portion of that picture. A messy lawn can make a nice home look like it’s not properly cared for, and a nice lawn can transform just about any home.

Take care of your lawn by mowing and edging it regularly. This will give it a uniform shape and look and make it healthier. The result is a beautiful, bright green lawn that makes your drab home look fabulous.

Flower Things Up

Do you have any flowerbeds around your home? If not, you’re missing out on a big opportunity to boost its curb appeal. You can brighten up your house and make it look like a true home by adding a few simple flowers and bushes here and there.

If you don’t have a green thumb, or you’re not interested in putting the time in to plant and care for a garden, you can always call a landscaping professional in Chatham, IL.

A Clear Path

One often underestimated part of landscaping is stone and concrete work. Many people have a basic pathway that leads through their yard, but they get worn out, misshapen and cracked over time. Redoing the walkway that leads through your front and backyard is another way to increase the value of your home with landscaping.

Plus, if you’re already having your walkways redone, it’s a good opportunity to go with something a little more creative. Skip the standard square sidewalk-style walkway and go for something with a little more flair. You can even accent parts of the walkway with low-growing hedge plants or small stones.

Helping Hand

Landscaping can be tough, which is why we’re here to offer some help. Contact Land Design Landscaping today to request a free consultation and learn more about how improving the landscaping around your Chatham, IL home can increase its value.

11 Jun 2018
By sbpogge Fire Pits, Landscaping

Fire Pits that will dazzle this 4th of July in Chatham, IL

There are a lot of great holidays, but nothing compares to 4th of July when it comes to enjoying everything the summer has to offer. 4th of July is a great time for fires, barbecues and beers. If you’re looking for a fire pit in Chatham, IL that will stun your guests this 4th of July, here are some great ideas.

Unique Shapes

One of the easiest ways to make sure the fire pit you’re getting will knock the socks off your guests is to get one that’s got a unique shape. Fire pits are often shaped in a simple circle or square, but you can have a fire pit in just about any shape you want.

A bowl-shaped fire pit is a simple way to add a bit of flair to your fire pit without going with a shape that’s too unorthodox. You can also go with any of the other shapes, such as a hexagon or octagon. This gives your fire pit a unique look without sacrificing function.

Bonus Features

Most people use their fire pits to make a fire for warmth, but they’re capable of so much more than that. Take advantage of the fire in your fire pit by adding a little something extra to it. You can make a surface above your fire pit to make it suitable for cooking a small snack or boiling some water for a pot of coffee or some tea.

Your fire pit doesn’t have to have these features, but they’re definitely an added bonus. With the amount of boring fire pits you can buy at stores and online, a custom-designed stone fire pit with a cooking surface seems pretty impressive.

Forget the Pit

The term fire pit implies that your fire pit has to be dug into the ground. This is far from the case. In fact, you can make a great fire pit that sits a few feet off the ground. This makes it easier for you to deal with the fire and allows your guests to see the entire outside of your fire pit for added aesthetics.

Are you looking to have a custom stone fire pit built on your property? Contact the professionals at Land Design Landscaping ((217) 793-3920) to learn more about how a good fire pit can transform your backyard this 4th of July.

14 May 2018
By sbpogge Landscaping, Springfield Illinois Landscaping

Tips for Choosing a Color Scheme for Your Springfield, IL Garden

A beautiful garden not only adds value to your home, but it also provides a serene place to relax and entertain guests all season long. The right color scheme can boost your home’s curb appeal by accenting your home’s exterior design. Here are a few tips for choosing a color scheme for your garden.
Use the Color Wheel

As a gardener, the color wheel is your friend. This tool makes it easy to see color relationships by dividing them into 12 basic hues and dividing cool colors and warm colors. Use the color wheel to choose complementary colors that will work well together by pulling colors that are across from one another on the wheel (such as blue and orange), or choose hues that are next to one another on the wheel for a harmonious look.

Pay Attention to Your Garden’s Size

Your goal is to provide variety in your garden without creating a cluttered, busy look. If you have a small garden, limit your color scheme to three to four colors. A large garden may be able to handle as many as five shades of color.

Look at the Whole Picture

When choosing your garden’s color scheme, it’s important to look at how the colors of your garden will play off of the color of your home, trim, and fence. For example, if you have a pastel-colored house, then a brightly colored garden filled with vibrant reds and vivid yellows may provide an unwelcome clash. Your home is the backdrop for your garden, and your garden’s color scheme should harmonize with it.

Use Restraint

Finding and sticking to a color scheme prevents a cluttered design in your garden and provides a calm, cohesive look. However, sticking to a color scheme will undoubtedly require that you forego some of your favorite plants for the sake of your design. If you want to create a pastel garden, then don’t add in your favorite bright red poppies in a moment of weakness. Stick to your color scheme, and find another place to work in your favorites.

Need some help in achieving your dream for your garden? At Land Design Landscaping, we specialize in providing Springfield, IL homeowners the guidance and service they need to have a garden that they’ll enjoy for years to come. Call us at (217) 793-3920 to learn more about the services we provide and to schedule your consultation.

17 Apr 2018
By sbpogge Retaining Walls, Riverton Illinois Landscaping , , ,

What type of retaining wall does my Riverton, IL home need?

Retaining walls are used to prevent soil erosion and landslides, but you can also build a retaining wall to create more useful areas in your yard. For example, if your Riverton, IL home has a backyard on an uphill slope; you can build a retaining wall to give you enough space for a nice patio, a flat play area for your kids, or to create walkways. Before you hire a landscaper, though, you need to decide what type of retaining wall you need. Read on for details about the different types of retaining walls!

Concrete Block Retaining Walls

Concrete block retaining walls are extremely durable, so they are able to endure the seasonal changes in Riverton, IL. However, they can only be used to build retaining walls that are four feet tall or lower.

Concrete block retaining walls should be designed by professional retaining wall builders to ensure proper irrigation and support. Lack of support can affect the durability of the wall. However, these walls are easy to maintain — the concrete blocks only need to be cleaned once per year — and they come in a variety of modern styles and designs. Flexibility means they’re easy to incorporate into your landscape design!

Stone Veneer Retaining Walls

Landscapers use stone veneer as a decorative covering for retaining wall surfaces. Basically, it’s purely an aesthetic element, so it needs a strong core design to work well. Most cores are made using CMU blocks. Then, the stone veneer covers the blocks, creating a luxurious design.

The stone core is a powerhouse and lasts for a long time. Also, the stone veneer covering is a really lightweight material, making these types of retaining walls easier for landscapers to build. Stone veneer is made to resemble a variety of different types of natural stone, so you can choose the exact look you like best.

Poured Concrete Retaining Walls

Poured concrete has a greater density than concrete block walls, which makes it the more durable option. Concrete can also be poured in any design form imaginable, making this a great option for anyone who wants an elaborate landscaping design. The material is also really flexible, so it’s easy to incorporate different architectural elements such as drainage systems.

Brick Retaining Walls

Brick is also a popular material for retaining walls. It’s a very low-maintenance material and provides a more natural look. The material is also really durable. It’s able to easily withstand harsh weather conditions and fires, which makes it a good option for anyone who wants to incorporate a brick fireplace or barbeque into their patio design.

Regardless of the type of material you choose for your retaining wall, it’s important to choose the right retaining wall builder. When you’re ready to start the building process, contact reputable Riverton, IL, landscapers to get the job done – contact Land Design Landscaping!

16 Mar 2018
By sbpogge Illinois, Rochester Illinois Landscaping , , ,

Three reasons it pays to hire a professional landscaper in Rochester, IL

With Spring just around the corner, it’s about the time that people start thinking about landscaping projects to complete before the summer heat sets in. There are a lot of jobs that you can do on your own if you educate yourself and put some elbow grease into it, but there’s no replacement for the skills of a professional landscaper when you’re undertaking a major overhaul, especially when it comes to landscaping.  Sure you can plant a few flowers yourself, but you’ll want to leave the big stuff to trained landscapers that have a reputation for quality – here’s why.

Professional Landscaper’s Touch

When it comes to landscaping, you’re best off hiring someone that understands the principles of good landscape design. However, it’s the small details that make it really worth the money to hire a professional. From colors that blend seamlessly to precise edges – a professional takes pride in their work and ensures that all these little things are done with the utmost care.

Done right the first time

There’s nothing worse than doing a job only to find out you did it wrong and will have to re-do it later. When you hire a professional, you can count on the job getting done right the first time – why else would you pay money to have it done?

Attempting a landscaping job on your own is risky. There are mistakes, forgotten materials, wasted hours, progress ruined by weather, and other pitfalls to be wary of. Keep in mind that a professional is being paid for their time, so there’s no reason to waste it by doing poor or lazy work.

Satisfaction guaranteed

You don’t have any obligation to do a great job when you do your own landscaping. On the other hand, every job a professional landscaper does is a risk to their reputation. If they don’t do a good job, they’re not going to be able to get more jobs in the future.

Additionally, many landscapers provide some sort of guarantee to fix the work if it’s not up to your standards or correctly done the first time. In fact, if the person you hire isn’t only worried about your satisfaction, you probably shouldn’t have hired them in the first place.

Whether you’re looking to have your yard maintained regularly or looking to completely transform your property with clever landscaping, you can’t lose when you hire a professional landscaper. Consider Land Design Landscaping for quality you can count on in Rochester, IL.