by Simpson Landscape | May 19, 2015 | Articles |
Raised beds and drainage systems protect landscapes from excessive rains While this spring’s substantial rainfall in North Texas has added much-needed water to the area’s reservoirs, it has also created surplus topsoil moisture and saturated the ground. Heavy rains, especially when they last over an extended period of time, place stress on plants in our landscapes. All plants need water, but there is harm in excessive amounts of rain that fill all the spaces in between the particles of the soil with water and displace the air. Roots of plants need both air and water; when the air spaces in the soil are kept filled with water, the roots are deprived of the oxygen that they need. If these oversaturated conditions persist, plant roots stop functioning properly and may begin to die. Although soil is filled with water, the roots are unable to absorb it, causing plants to wilt and making them more vulnerable to attack by fungal organisms in the soil that cause root rot. Root rot infections are highly damaging to the roots and are often fatal to the plants. Your Landscape with Raised Beds The best way to safeguard your landscape against the damaging effects of excessive rainfall and fungus in the soil that can cause root rot is to ensure adequate drainage. At Simpson Landscape, the primary way we achieve well-drained landscapes is planting in raised beds. Raised beds drain more quickly and dry out faster than ground-level beds. Whether we are planting shrubs, bedding plants, perennials or ground covers, the beds we prepare for them have added organic matter and are about 6-12” higher... 
by Simpson Landscape | Feb 23, 2015 | Articles |
Originally posted on HGTV. Cold temperatures and drying winds can wreak havoc on your landscape. Here’s how you can fix the damage and prevent it in the future. Hardy Trees Can Withstand Winter’s Harsh Conditions Snow and ice can be beautiful in the winter garden. It’s peaceful to observe the serenity with a cup of hot chocolate from the comfort of your living room. It’s fun to share photos of winter beauty on social media with friends. It’s not fun, however, to discover winter damge in your landscape. Take precautions before the cold weather hits to prevent winter damage to your valuable landscape plants. If spring arrives to show that something was overlooked, cold damage can often be mended with a little elbow... 
by Simpson Landscape | Feb 22, 2015 | Articles |
Originally posted on HGTV. Trendy bed head gardens are casual, effortless – even sexy. See if this fresh garden trend is right for you. Landscape designer Danilo Maffei defines a bed head garden as “an imprecise blend of structure, glamour and randomness, like…your mate who rolls out of bed, eyes droopy…hair cranked to one side, but her natural beauty shines through all the same.” Key elements include ornamental grasses, natives and drought-tolerant plants. This Pennsylvania garden, designed by Maffei, includes early and mid-season bulbs to keep the garden interesting throughout the growing season, since most of its native grasses will peak in late summer and... 
by Simpson Landscape | Sep 16, 2014 | Articles |
Originally posted on HGTV. Make a great first impression with your outdoor areas. Our Landscaping Planning Guide walks you through the basics, including how to assess your needs, set goals, find design ideas, and choose the right products. Getting Started A well-maintained lawn gives your home a welcoming feel and added value. When thinking about landscaping, consider important factors like your home’s architectural style and zoning laws. Setting Goals Assessing Your Needs Basic Considerations Planning Your Spaces Start by evaluating the current site, noting features that you’d like to add and what activities you envision taking place in the space. Taking Inventory Planning Questionnaire Ways to Add Curb Appeal Site Analysis Worksheet Tips for Creating Privacy Setting a Budget Developing a Master Plan Create rough sketches, deciding where to put what and the proportion of one space to another. Evolve these drafts into a detailed plan that you’ll use as your design road map. Public vs. Private Use Directing Traffic Flow Spatial Composition Tips for Hardscapes Creating a Concept Plan Designing a Scale Plan Choosing Materials Now that you have a well-thought-out plan for your outdoor space, shop for materials that will complete your design and enhance the look, from the plants to the cobblestone to the lighting fixtures. Plants Hardscapes Irrigation Systems Lighting Getting the Project Done One of the biggest decisions for a landscaping project is whether to hire a landscape architect, landscape designer or landscape contractor. Know which professional will work best for your project. Assembling Your Team Managing Expectations How to Hire a...