by Simpson Landscape | Jun 5, 2016 | Articles |
Trees are often the most valuable asset in the entire landscape of your commercial or residential property. Not only do they add character and aesthetic value to your property, trees also protect the land and help build a stronger, healthier and more sustainable landscape and nurture the surrounding environment. Trees that are well-planted and properly cared for improve the immediate and long-term image you want for your property. Whether you need tree trimming, limb removal, pruning, or full tree clearing services, summer is the best time to focus on tree maintenance and upkeep so that you have healthy trees and a safe landscape year-round. At Simpson Landscape, all our tree care techniques are intended to improve the health or aesthetic beauty and safety of your property by either removing or carefully pruning your trees. Here are some summer tree-care tips and services Simpson Landscape offers: Selection & Planting Although trees can be planted in the summer, the hot and dry conditions are not as conducive to transplanted tree health as are the more moderate temperatures in fall or spring. There is an increased chance the transplanted tree will be damaged or die due to the heat, so try to avoid planting in summer if possible. Watering The effects of summer’s hot, dry days can take a negative toll on tree health. It’s important to watch trees carefully for wilting, and water before they show symptoms of leaf curling or leaf detachment due to a lack of moisture. Setting up an irrigation system can ensure the landscape gets enough water. The best way to water trees is slowly and steadily with... 
by Simpson Landscape | Jun 4, 2016 | Articles |
Even with the recent rainfall the landscapes in North Texas have recently enjoyed, the triple-digit heat during the dry months ahead still threaten to keep our properties thirsty throughout the summer. Because of this – and the conservation-conscious districts that restrict water used for landscaping and irrigation – water management is an increasingly important aspect of property management. Irrigation Audits Irrigation auditors collect data, verify systems are working as designed and identify opportunities to improve water-use efficiency. Irrigation auditors also make maintenance recommendations to keep irrigation systems working reliably and cost effectively Effective auditors analyze water requirements and irrigation use in the context of each site’s unique conditions and then develop irrigation schedules based on water requirements, quality and availability. Checking that all seals remain intact, that heads are not broken and that correct heads are installed ensures that there is no water waste. The conditions of the soil, the slope of the ground and its exposure to the north, south, east and west directions should also be considered during an irrigation audit. Implementing innovative irrigation technologies, products and practices can conserve water and save property owners up to 20% in water and energy bills. Drip Irrigation Systems Drip irrigation is an efficient and economical method of watering, good for small yards or for watering individual plants. Drip irrigation conserves water by directing it where and when it is needed. This system delivers water measured in Gallons per Hour (GPH) and supplies one to four gallons of water per hour directly to the soil. The emitters slowly drip water into the soil at the root zone. Because moisture levels... 
by Simpson Landscape | Mar 1, 2016 | Articles |
These days, everyone wants a great outdoor space. More and more homeowners are realizing the benefits of creating well-designed and comfortable outdoor living spaces that extend the usable square footage of their homes. But backyard improvements can be expensive and time consuming, so it’s important to consider which projects will yield the best return on investment. So which outdoor projects add the most luxury and value to your home? These outdoor features will enhance your exterior space and pay off in more ways than one. Fire Pits A fire pit can enhance to the overall beauty of your lawn and value of your home. Homeowners choose fire pits made of glass, wrought iron, brick or stone – both attractive options. But, the sky’s the limit when it comes to different, creative styles you can use. Fire pits are one of the most popular outdoor additions for homeowners. Wood Decks A wood deck is a great feature that expands your living space and serves as a useful link between your indoor and outdoor spaces. According to Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 2016, wood decks also offer one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project. Add a 16-by-20-foot deck and include a matching built-in bench, planter and stairs. The railings and trim should provide for overall curb appeal to your outdoor living space by integrating the deck with the home’s color and architecture, creating a custom look. Outdoor Lighting Adding landscape lighting to your outdoor space is a great way to upgrade the exterior of your home. It meets the practical needs of your property and improves... 
by Simpson Landscape | Feb 16, 2016 | Articles |
By Michelle Slatalla for Gardenista Waiting for spring can make you as antsy as waiting for Christmas did when you were a kid. Will it ever get here? And then suddenly it does…and there’s no more luxurious time to scheme or dream. This year we’re looking at these last weeks of winter as a gift—precious time to prepare for spring. Barb Pierson, nursery manager at White Flower Farm in Connecticut, has 10 essential tips to prepare a garden for spring. We’re on it: Photography by Sara Barrett for Gardenista, except where noted. 1. See What’s Missing When trees are bare and plants are dormant is the best time to study a garden’s underpinnings. “In the winter, you can see what’s missing. Are there areas where you need screening because you suddenly you notice the air conditioning unit that looks horrible?” asks Pierson. Read the full article... 
by Simpson Landscape | Feb 1, 2016 | Articles |
Last year, North Texas experienced an exceptionally wet year due to the effects of an “El Nino” weather pattern. As a result, our drought was busted, but proper landscape drainage has never been more important to the health of your landscape and to the structural integrity of your home. A landscape design with proper drainage is especially important where, soils are dense, land is flat or the water table is high. Well-designed drainage systems can promote healthier planting areas, reduce surface erosion problems, and reduce the possibility of home or building foundation damage. Without proper drainage solutions for your property in place, water could collect and actually destabilize structures over time. It could also drown expensive plants and damage your landscape by essentially turning parts of your yard into a messy, wet swamp. Problem #1: Surface Water Solution: Surface Drainage Property sites that have clay soil can encounter problems with lingering surface water. In theory, the lot was supposed to be graded to drain so that the water in the backyard flows through a swale down the side yard to the curb or storm drain. But in reality, home builders can miscalculate their grades and water becomes trapped, causing muddy zones in lawns and planting areas. A surface drainage system consists of shallow ditches and should include land smoothing or land grading. When your landscape designer creates the new drainage plan, it may include surface grading to ensure there is enough of a slope to drain. If there is not, alternatives for drainage are available. The French drain (or weeping tile) is a trench filled with gravel or rock or containing...