Environmental Insights

What To Expect: The Residential Landscape Design-Build Process

Posted by Tim Lake on Jun 9, 2016 3:59:30 PM

You’re basically handed a blank canvas when you decide to buy new construction.

While that can be exciting, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Beyond the house, you also have to think about the outdoor living space.

What does your new home’s landscape need? What will look best in your outdoor space? How do you combine all of your design ideas with the space you have? And of course, who can answer all of these questions?

Instead of getting frustrated with the whole process, work with a professional to design and build the outdoor space of your dreams.

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Topics: Landscape Construction, Landscape Design

Safe And Sound? 6 Common Retaining Wall Design Mistakes

Posted by Tim Lake on Feb 4, 2016 10:40:26 AM

When it comes landscape devices, few are as versatile or as likely to add value as the retaining wall. Retaining walls have been used for thousands of years in the construction of patios, gardens, and terraces. They can improve access, turn a property into a visual showpiece, and even transform otherwise unusable properties into valuable real estate.

A well-built retaining wall is well worth the price of installation. However, if you are considering installing one you should know that retaining walls also are one of the most frequently-botched types of projects out there.

From design to installation, I highly recommend educating yourself about the most common retaining wall mistakes.

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Topics: Landscape Construction, Landscape Design

7 Purposes Of Retaining Walls On Commercial Properties

Posted by Tim Lake on Jan 29, 2016 3:22:35 PM

A retaining wall, briefly put, is a wall that holds back soil. It’s a simple concept, to be sure, but don’t let its simplicity fool you.

Retaining walls are actually pretty sophisticated pieces of engineering. And they’ve been used since ancient times to improve the usefulness, productivity and aesthetics of many types of property.

Commercial properties, especially, often benefit from the addition of one or more retaining walls. Let’s explore some of the purposes of retaining walls on commercial properties and ways this commercial landscape construction project can enhance the value of your site.

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Topics: Landscape Construction

Gas Vs. Wood-Burning Fire Pit — What's Best For My Outdoor Living Space?

Posted by Tim Lake on Oct 30, 2015 4:17:02 PM

Whether your idea of outdoor fun is s’mores and hot dogs with your kids and the family dog, or an elegantly catered event for a crowd, a nice fire pit will enhance the experience for everyone.

Fire pits are a versatile backyard feature that can come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your home and lifestyle. There are two types of fire pits, distinguished by the type of fuel they are designed to burn: wood burning and gas burning.

A wood burning fire pit is basically a campfire ring taken to the next level; it is meant for burning standard split firewood logs. Most gas burning fire pits run on liquid propane, but they can also be set up to burn natural gas.

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Topics: Landscape Construction, Landscape Design

How Much Does An Outdoor Kitchen Cost To Build?

Posted by Tim Lake on Aug 28, 2015 6:30:00 PM

Are you the kind of person who can’t wait to get outside? Do you love to cook? Do you enjoy entertaining in your backyard? Then an outdoor kitchen might just be the perfect thing for you!

Outdoor kitchens have taken the landscaping scene by storm in the last decade, and for good reason. For many people, having that extra entertainment space just out their backdoor opens up a whole new world of leisure — so much so that it’s not uncommon for them to forego elaborate vacations away in order to enjoy the comforts of home!

Outdoor kitchens can also raise your home value by up to 130%, according to the National Association of Home Builders. There is also evidence that homes with outdoor kitchens sell faster than those without.

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Topics: Landscape Construction, Landscape Design