Root vegetables are full of invigorating vitamins and minerals that are fortunately available year round. However, between the fall and spring seasons is when they are at their prime stage for consumption. During this in-season time frame, the flavor of the roots are richer, sweeter and juicier than those picked during the summer months. Grow your very own hearty root vegetables this winter to ...
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Blog Posts in 2016
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How to Grow Root Vegetables
December 29, 2016 -
Tree of the Month: Spruce
December 14, 2016 The majestic spruce tree displays individual needles, grey-green foliage, and purple/brown cones. Different from the needle clusters of the pine tree, these conifers sport a thick needle that will thrive in many climates, and that deliver easy-to-plant seeds from fragrant cones. Self-Reproduction While it is true that the spruce tree can be started by simply planting a seed from its cone - it is ...Continue Reading -
Keep Your Christmas Tree Alive Longer This Year
December 7, 2016 According to the National Christmas Tree Association , more than 25 million trees are purchased in the United States. It’s important to preserve the life of your tree for not only the physical appearance, but also to prevent any fire hazards. With the proper maintenance, a healthy Christmas tree can last around six weeks. Of course, water must be added to the base of the tree, and it’s ideal to ...Continue Reading -
Clear a Way For Santa!
December 1, 2016 December is touted as the most wonderful time of the year as it’s filled with holiday greetings and happy meetings when friends and family get together. Driveways and sidewalks buried in snow and ice can get in the way of holiday cheer if your guests get their car stuck in the snow or slip on icy paths! The Grounds Guys® offers professional snow and ice management services , and we’ve shared some ...Continue Reading -
Veggie Thanksgiving: Recipes for the Vegan at the Table
November 24, 2016 Happy Thanksgiving season from The Grounds Guys®! While we aren’t typically recipe experts, we are garden, landscaping and lawn care professionals, so vegetable-based topics are near and dear to our hearts! If you have Thanksgiving guests who embrace a vegan lifestyle and have NO idea what to prepare other than mixed nuts and crackers, we have found some fantastic recipes that meat eaters at your ...Continue Reading -
Fallen Leaves Décor
November 9, 2016 It’s been said, “leaves leave this world in beautiful fall colors and songs.” But you can give fallen autumn leaves new life as decorative elements for the season and holidays. The warm colors and rich textures of fall leaves will bring a beautiful touch of nature into your home. Here are a few creative, easy DIY crafts made with fallen leaves: Wreaths Adorn your front entrance with a leafy fall ...Continue Reading -
Declutter Your Gutters
October 27, 2016 When the rain starts pouring, how do your gutters respond? Do they function exactly as they should, or do they allow water to leak down the side of your home? It’s easy to take rain gutters for granted, but if yours are in bad condition or clogged with leaves and debris, poor gutter performance could have a detrimental effect on your landscaping and foundation. You may need to have new gutters ...Continue Reading -
Fall Foliage Destinations
October 12, 2016 For many people, fall is a time of vibrant hues in nature. Places that are usually gorgeous are even more breath taking. This fall, pack up your family and take a road trip or hop on a plane to some of these beautiful destinations that are even prettier in person. Here are a few ideas of places to visit: The Smokey Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee: This quiet little town will make you feel right ...Continue Reading -
Trim Trees to Get Them Ready for Next Year
October 5, 2016 Trees are definitely a vital part of our environment. They offer local wildlife a place to live, provide oxygen for us to live and keep your yard beautiful. Fall is the best time for preparing your yard for next spring and The Grounds Guys® has some great tips for trimming trees. Having trees in your yard that thrive does require some maintenance for it to truly thrive. Part of this upkeep ...Continue Reading -
Four Ways to Make the Front Yard Fun
October 1, 2016 Tailgating and fall outdoor party season is here! Enjoy this time of year with friends and family and enjoy the mild fall weather. The front yard is a great place to enjoy the outdoors without having to go far at all, so we’re sharing some ideas for fun yard games to make your party a blast: 1. Outdoor Pictionary/Chalkboard: For the crafty families out there, you can always make a DIY chalkboard ...Continue Reading -
Planning Your Landscape Lighting
September 29, 2016 The way your home looks in the day and how it appears at night are completely different. If you want more than a standard porch light to illuminate your home after dark, consider installing landscape lighting. Ideal for both residential and commercial applications, landscape lighting can shine your property in a whole new light, which provides many benefits you may not have thought of before. ...Continue Reading -
Tree of the Month: Elm
September 21, 2016 The Tree of the Month for September is the stately elm. As green summer leaves give way to fall colors, keep an eye out for the elm trees’ beautiful golden leaves. If you’re interested in adding this magnificent tree to your yard, learn more about it first. About Elm Trees Elms are adored for their graceful canopies and stately appearance, with branches that spread like fountains. These trees come ...Continue Reading -
Landscape Your Life for Self-Improvement Month
September 8, 2016 As only an estimated 8 percent of people typically keep their New Year’s resolutions, there are plenty of people who don’t! It’s Self-Improvement Month and that gives people another opportunity to focus on enhancing your life in some way. Much like landscaping your lawn, the landscape of your life impacts your outlook on things. Follow The Grounds Guys’ suggestions below to use this time to get ...Continue Reading -
Dethatch, Aerate, Seed: Bring Your Lawn Back Next Year!
September 6, 2016 With summer winding to a close, it’s time to concentrate on lawn recovery to ensure your grass returns with full force next spring. The best methods to accomplish this include dethatching, aerating and seeding your lawn. Once you learn why these steps are important and how to perform them, you’ll ensure a beautiful yard for years to come. Dethatching Your Lawn Most lawns experience areas where the ...Continue Reading -
Tree of the Month: Magnolia
August 26, 2016 Magnolias are the quintessential trees of the south. The evergreen broadleaves are hardy, attractive, and can grow more than 60 feet in height and 30 feet in width. Magnolia blossoms are fragrant and iconic and the trees can survive the oppressive heat of the American South with ease. About Magnolias Trees of the genus magnolia have been around for a long time, with fossilized blooms being dated ...Continue Reading -
Summer is the Perfect Time for Indoor Plants
August 22, 2016 The heat of summer is too much for many plants to bear. They stop flowering, become scorched, or even completely wither and die under the relentless summer sun. If you love growing things and can’t bear to watch your plants suffer in the heat, bring them inside to enjoy some air conditioned comfort. Here are some of the best indoor plants for summer. African Violet These flowers are easy to grow ...Continue Reading -
Get Smart About Trees
August 5, 2016 Depending on where you live, certain trees work better in your yard than others. If you’re thinking about planting one popular variety or another, it’s best to first learn whether that tree grows well in your region or not. It’s time to get smart about trees and find out which ones you should plant for the best results. Understanding Plant Hardiness Zones The simplest way to figure out where a ...Continue Reading -
Summer Staining: Wood and Concrete
July 27, 2016 When it comes to revitalizing the hard surfaces in your back yard, sometimes a fresh coat of stain is all you need. Pick a dry day this summer to stain concrete patios, wood decks and fences. Follow this guide to ensure your staining ventures are successful. How to Stain Concrete The most common concrete surface you’ll want to stain is the patio. The process is pretty straightforward – just follow ...Continue Reading -
Power Washing Your Outdoor Surfaces
July 22, 2016 If curb appeal is important to you, power washing could be the chemical-free answer to uncovering your home’s natural beauty . Power washing cleans up your home’s exterior and the hardscaping around the property, from algae-covered roof shingles to cobwebs under the eaves to bird droppings on the sidewalk. Whether you decide to hire a professional for power washing services or you want to attempt ...Continue Reading -
Tree of the Month: Apple Tree
July 20, 2016 Our featured tree for July is the apple tree! Having an apple tree in your backyard is a great way to take advantage of lush summer foliage, ample shade, and fresh fruit for canning, baking and snacking. To get the results you want, you must understand how to care for your apple tree. About Apple Trees Ironically, despite their association with American patriotism, apple trees didn’t originate in ...Continue Reading -
Improving Your Outdoor Space
July 18, 2016 This is the perfect time of year to improve your outdoor space with additions that may include an irrigation system, outdoor living area, deck and hardscaping features. By acting now, you take advantage of the chance to work in the warm weather while still getting to enjoy the additions you make for the rest of the summer. Looking for some inspiration? Here are four ways to improve your outdoor ...Continue Reading -
Health Benefits of a Saltwater Pool
July 13, 2016 A new trend in backyard pools is saltwater pools. Saltwater pools have many benefits over traditional chlorine pools. A saltwater pool can be good for your pool and backyard, but swimming in saltwater also has health benefits. History of Bathing in Saltwater Did you know people have known about the health benefits of saltwater and seawater for thousands of years? The ancient Greek physician ...Continue Reading -
Which Kinds of Grasses Survive the Heat the Best?
July 5, 2016 If you live in a warm climate, you probably understand the importance of selecting a warm-season grass. Unlike their cool-season counterparts, warm-season grass thrives in the heat. In fact, their peak growing season is the middle of summer when temperatures are at their highest. Many, but not all, warm-season grasses are drought tolerant, meaning they can survive periods of high heat and little ...Continue Reading -
Keeping Things Green This Summer
July 3, 2016 Everyone wants a lush, beautiful yard, but this can be difficult to accomplish during a water shortage. A NASA study on lawns found that grass covers 50,000 square miles of the U.S., and the Safe Drinking Water Foundation adds that between half and three quarters of all municipally treated water in North America is for watering grass. If you’re trying to save time and money by watering less, use ...Continue Reading -
Oversized Yard Games for the 4th of July
June 30, 2016 Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. The 4th of July in particular is a great holiday to spend out in the yard. If you’re hosting the festivities at your house this year, why not prepare some fun yard games everyone can enjoy? With these DIY tips, you’ll have plenty of fun without spending a lot on entertainment. Outdoor Twister Everyone likes a fun ...Continue Reading -
Plants That Keep Away Mosquitoes
June 28, 2016 Spring and Summer are known for the arrival of blooming flowers, fluttering butterflies and sandal weather. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when mosquitoes make their return. By including a few strategic plants in your garden to keep mosquitoes away, you can enjoy spending more time outside without having to wear mosquito repellent. Initial Considerations Keep in mind that ...Continue Reading -
Patriotic Gardens: Celebrating Freedom with Red, White & Blue
June 24, 2016 The Fourth of July is a day that represents American freedom. Our flag’s colors of red, white and blue hold significant meanings as well. White represents purity and innocence. Red signifies hardiness and valor. And the blue stands for vigilance, perseverance and justice. In honor of Independence Day, display your patriotism with a red, white and blue patriotic garden. Below are common red, white ...Continue Reading -
The Benefits of a Sprinkler System
June 22, 2016 It’s impossible to have a green lawn without water. Some places are lucky enough to receive exactly the right amount of water from rainfall. For the rest of us, sprinklers are the best way to deliver water to the entire lawn. How do you water your grass? If you currently drag a hose out into the yard with a portable sprinkler head attached to it, you may be considering installing an automatic ...Continue Reading -
Plants That Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies
June 21, 2016 While you probably maintain a garden because you love plant life, the ability to attract beautiful wildlife is an added benefit. There’s truly nothing like the vibrant colors and fluttering wings of butterflies and hummingbirds to increase the appeal of your garden this summer. Their pollinating habits can even help your flowers bloom more brilliantly. Here are the top four plants you should ...Continue Reading -
Irrigation Repair to Prepare for Summer
June 16, 2016 Summer is upon us, and that means your irrigation system is working hard to keep your lawn green. Unfortunately, a lot of things can go wrong with an irrigation system. If yours needs repair, take care of the problem before your garden suffers! Here are some common problems you might face and how to tell when you need a professional’s help. Slow Leakage When Sprinklers Are Off If you walk around ...Continue Reading -
Tree of the Month: Crepe Myrtles
June 14, 2016 If you live in the South and want to add a beautiful, meaningful tree to your garden, crepe myrtles are a great choice. The flowers, which have a crinkled appearance resembling crepe paper, have a rich history behind them. While their meaning differs slightly from culture to culture, myrtle flowers are typically associated with marriage, chastity, good luck and prosperity. About Crepe Myrtles The ...Continue Reading -
Smaller Farm Animals You Can Keep in Your Yard
June 9, 2016 When you think of farm animals, cows, pigs and horses may come to mind. While these particular farm animals are best left to farmers with plenty of room to graze, there are a handful of smaller farm animals you can keep in your yard. Many of these help with lawn maintenance and also provide useful byproducts such as eggs or milk. Consider Local Zoning Ordinances You may feel it’s your right to own ...Continue Reading -
Become a Gardener and Find Your Zen
June 8, 2016 Evidence has shown time and time again that exercising your green thumb is good for you. Gardeners live longer, and are far healthier in mind and body than their non-gardening counterparts. Take out your spade and pruning shears and celebrate this National Smile Month with a little tooth-flashing assistance from this uber-beneficial hobby… Gardening is good! It boost helps you stay healthy. Dirt ...Continue Reading -
Lawn Mowing Tricks No One Ever Told You
June 2, 2016 Mowing the grass is a pretty straightforward task, but are you unintentionally making the chore harder than it needs to be? Follow these 10 tips from Lowes to make mowing the lawn easier for you and more beneficial for your grass. Sharpen the Blades At first you may think this tip simply lengthens your to-do list, but sharp blades prevent you from having to make multiple passes. A quick investment ...Continue Reading -
Memorial Day: Remembering Our Heroes
May 27, 2016 Are you a military veteran? Have you had friends or family members serve our country? Memorial Day is all about honoring the brave men and women who have sacrificed their time, energy and many years of their lives to serve our nation. Many have even made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives to defend friends and family back home. At the Dwyer Group®, we recognize the contributions military ...Continue Reading -
Try the Trend: Succulents
May 26, 2016 Looking for a great way to add seasonal color to your landscape? Succulents are all the rage. Just why are these wonders of the plant world so popular? Succulents are beautiful and indestructible The perfect plant to grow in your home, on your patio, or in your yard, succulents are plants offering thick, fleshy (succulent) water storage in the leaves, stems, and roots. More than a cactus, ...Continue Reading -
Rainwater Harvesting
May 16, 2016 Unique Ways to Save on Your Water Bill For ages, we¹ve used rainwater for a variety of purposes including drinking, washing and irrigation. Although our rainwater may be too polluted to drink, it¹s still very suitable for other uses, like irrigation, washing and some indoor plumbing. The practice of using rainwater, called "rain water harvesting," is becoming more prevalent as water costs rise. It ...Continue Reading -
Tree of the Month: Crabapple
May 12, 2016 Attractive and fragrant, the crabapple tree is a wonderful addition to any landscaping design . Though the raw fruit is smaller and sourer than their apple cousins, certain varieties also offer a source of fruit for jellies and preserves. Colorful Beginnings Sharing their familial lineage with the common apple tree, crabapple trees are of the Malus genus and also of the rose family ( Rosaceae ). ...Continue Reading -
Creating a Beautiful Spring Lawn & Garden
May 10, 2016 As the weather warms, you may be excited to revive your dormant lawn and start gardening. Maybe you’ve been envious of your neighbor’s grass and flowers for a few seasons, and now you’re ready to learn the tricks for creating beautiful spring color on your own property. Here’s what your lawn and garden need to look their best this year. Creating a Beautiful Spring Lawn Your grass can look lush and ...Continue Reading -
Wedding Flowers That Make a Statement
May 5, 2016 Wedding season is upon us, which means flowers are in full bloom and weddings will have beautiful decorations. Weddings throughout time have been a symbol of love and a life ahead. However, many people do not know that flowers have deep meanings and can symbolize much more than just a beautiful decoration for the ceremony and reception following. When choosing the perfect flowers it’s important to ...Continue Reading -
10 Most Amazing Backyard Ponds
May 3, 2016 With the weather warming up, you’re probably looking forward to spending more time outside. Is your back yard ready for summer? Maybe there’s a bare patch that could benefit from the addition of a small pond. Or maybe you want to overhaul the entire back yard this spring and install a huge water fixture. Whether you’re thinking large or small, get inspired by these 10 most amazing backyard ponds. ...Continue Reading -
What You Need to Know Before You Install a Koi Pond
April 26, 2016 A koi pond is a great feature if you want a beautiful, natural setting to enjoy wildlife in your back yard. The addition of a waterfall adds the tranquil sound of falling water to your garden, making the space a true oasis you can retreat to after a long, hectic day. The benefits of a koi pond surely comprise the reasons you want to install one. However, before you start digging, you need to ...Continue Reading -
Recipe Pairings with Your Herb Garden
April 19, 2016 You did the research. You picked your herb plant varieties, found a place in your home and started your own home herb garden. You planted your seeds, watered them, and watched them grow. Now that you have shoots of greenery springing up around you, use them! Herbs are good for more than just their aroma, they’re great cooking ingredients! Here are some herb-filled recipes to get you cookin’: Basil ...Continue Reading -
Ultimate Spring Clean Up Guide
April 15, 2016 Did winter cause problems to your lawn or damage a few bushes and trees? Spring is the right time to clean up your yard and prepare it for the growing season. This ultimate guide will lead you through every step of the process to help ensure a beautiful lawn and garden this summer. Prune Trees, Shrubs and Other Perennials Heavy snow storms, high winds and frigid temperatures can damage or kill ...Continue Reading -
Back to the Roots: Everything You Need To Know About Composting
April 14, 2016 Begin by Collecting: Kitchen Scraps vegetable and fruit peelings eggshells coffee grounds tea bags Household Waste paper towels, napkins paper bags cardboard boxes coffee filters Yard Waste raked leaves grass clippings dead (not diseased) plants Use the Secret Recipe Speed up decomposition process by using four times as many “browns”, (such as dead leaves) that are high in carbon and “greens” such ...Continue Reading -
Spring Trends
April 12, 2016 Spring is in the air, and that means you’re probably thinking about how to prepare your yard for warmer weather. If you’re in search of some inspiration, consider these spring trends and the benefits they provide in your back yard. Landscape Trends Entertainment: If you often have friends and neighbours over on summer evenings, now’s the time to transform your backyard landscape into one designed ...Continue Reading -
Tree of the Month: Dogwood
April 5, 2016 Due to their manageable 20-to 30-foot height and unrivaled beauty in all four seasons, dogwoods are many homeowners’ ornamental tree of choice. They bloom profusely in late spring through early summer and sport gorgeous red-purple leaves and raspberry-like fruit in autumn. Learn more about dogwood trees to help you properly care for them into maturity. Choosing a Location The ideal location for ...Continue Reading -
Weeds: A Love-Hate Relationship
March 24, 2016 When it comes to keeping your garden tidy, it often seems as though you’re fighting a constant battle with weeds. These crafty plants often do more harm than good, but not always. In the love hate relationship you maintain with weeds, consider which ones can actually benefit your garden and the varieties you want to keep out at all costs. Weeds You Love Clover: This is one of the most beautiful ...Continue Reading -
Landscaping to Increase Your Home’s Value
March 22, 2016 Many homeowners are constantly on the lookout for ways to increase home value, especially when it’s nearly time to list it on the market. If you’ve already thought about renovating the kitchen, tearing down living room walls and adding a Jacuzzi to the master bath, it’s time to think outside the home and consider the garden. Landscaping has a surprising impact on your home’s value. It all comes ...Continue Reading -
Start Spring Landscaping Off Right
March 17, 2016 The first day of spring this year is March 20! While snow and frost are still threats beyond this date in many climates, it’s nearly time to start thinking about your spring landscaping. Start the season off right with these landscaping tips. Plan Ahead Before you pick up a trowel or purchase a single seed, decide how you plan to tackle your spring garden. You might want to break it up into stages ...Continue Reading -
Tree of the Month: Maple Trees
March 15, 2016 Maples are among North America’s most beloved deciduous trees . Whether you appreciate them for their tasty syrup, breath-taking fall colors or shade on a hot summer day, maples are certainly a good choice for many landscapes. You have a variety of maples to choose from, including slow-growing hard maples and fast-growing soft maples of varying heights and leaf types. Learn helpful planting, ...Continue Reading -
Mulch Madness
March 8, 2016 As you prepare your flowerbeds this spring, you may be facing a quandary: to mulch or not to mulch? Consider these pros and cons of this common garden add-on to decide if it belongs in your yard this year. Benefits of Mulch Mulch blocks the sun. This helps protect plant roots from heat damage and prevents weeds from taking hold. Freezing, melting and refreezing water can cause heaving, which is ...Continue Reading -
Is Melting Ice Dangerous?
February 25, 2016 Some people love winter and the magic of falling snow. Others want nothing more than to torch the white stuff and get back to warmer temperatures. No matter which category you fall in, you have to deal with ice and snow each winter if you live in a cold climate. Melting ice can pose some interesting hazards. Here are some of the dangers of melting ice and the solutions to help you avoid them. Ice ...Continue Reading -
Plan Your Spring Landscape
February 19, 2016 Does your backyard feel like wasted space? It doesn’t have to – you just need the right landscape design to suit your needs. Make plans now to transition your landscape this spring with the help of a landscape designer. Landscape Design Ideas Sometimes the hardest part about landscaping your yard is finding the right ideas you need to begin the project. Get inspired by these landscape design ideas ...Continue Reading -
The Dangers of Postponing Snow Removal
February 11, 2016 In most regions of North America, snowfall is a normal part of winter. Are you the type of person to jump on snow removal, or are you tempted to put it off? Learn the dangers of postponing snow removal and how hiring a professional may be a better option than attempting snow removal yourself. Safety and Liability Issues Snow and ice on walkways create a slipping hazard. If you or a family member ...Continue Reading -
Save Money on Energy Efficient Outdoor Lights
February 9, 2016 You have many options for illuminating your property at night, but energy efficiency is an important feature no matter what type of outdoor lights you choose. Consider some outdoor lighting products designed to make your yard look beautiful and save you money on electricity at the same time. Efficient Bulbs It was once a common practice to use traditional incandescent bulbs for both indoor and ...Continue Reading -
Preparing for Spring: Planting Annuals & Splitting and Replanting Perennials
February 4, 2016 Punxsutawney Phil in Punxsutawney, Pa., has spoken… we can expect an early spring this year! As onlookers witnessed at the annual Groundhog Day event, the beloved groundhog did not see his shadow. Whether Phil was spot on or a little off on his predication, it’s time to start making your preparations to have a beautiful and healthy spring garden. Do you need a little help getting started with your ...Continue Reading -
Snow Falls: Proper Snow & Ice Removal
January 27, 2016 The snow isn’t the only thing that falls in the winter. Once snow is on the sidewalk and driveway – melting and refreezing into ice – anyone is at risk to fall. Follow these tips for proper snow and ice removal to get rid of slippery surfaces and avoid injury the process. Effective Snow and Ice Removal Techniques Shoveling is the go-to option for many people, but you can try other snow and ice ...Continue Reading -
Winter Pet Safety: Keeping Your Pets Warm this Winter
January 27, 2016 Winter is among us and millions are battling the freezing cold weather. You’ve been told what to do to keep yourself safe and warm, but what about your beloved pets? Protect your pets from the harsh cold this winter with these tips. Keep your pet indoors Avoid the cold and wet outdoors to help keep your pet warm. For animals like dogs that have to be let out, keep a towel by the door to dry them ...Continue Reading -
New Year, New Beginnings
January 13, 2016 The month of January is all about starting fresh, about setting personal goals and business resolutions, and about enjoying new beginnings. Have you done the work necessary to allow your lawn to flourish in the new year? Here are a few things you can do to ensure your landscape, just like you, enjoys a fresh start in 2016: Pruning Dormant season pruning: Winter is the best time of year to trim ...Continue Reading -
Winter Storm Survival Guide: Stay Safe!
January 12, 2016 Winter storms are among the most severe you’ll experience all year. Are your family members, pets and plants prepared to weather the storm? Follow these tips to make sure the people, animals and plants that matter most to you make it through unscathed. Personal Winter Storm Safety Dress in several layers of clothing to help you stay warm if the power goes out. Be careful if you decide to light a ...Continue Reading -
Prepare Your Property for Frigid Temperatures
January 5, 2016 Every season has its unique challenges, but no other requires more preparation than winter. As nightly frigid temperatures become a reality, prepare your home and yard for winter with these helpful tips. Prepare Your Home for Frigid Temperatures Seal air leaks: Windows and doors are the most obvious sources of air leaks in your home. These create uncomfortable drafts and make your furnace work ...Continue Reading