Naperville Landscaping Services
Serving the Naperville Community and the surrounding suburbs
22 Jun 2017
professional lawn care service

Keep it Safe: 5 Plants to Avoid This Summer

Now that the summer days have arrived and the hot sun is inviting, everyone is bound to increase their time spent outdoors, whether on doing landscape work, playing with a pet or taking a walk. But we, the humans, are not the only ones that find the sun’s rays so beneficial to our health and mood; plants too enjoy the summer sun as many of them blossom all summer long. Since spending time in the yard is bound to become one of your favorite activities, it is of utmost importance to learn which plants can represent a threat to you, your family, your lawn or your pet.

With many unwanted plants growing in a hot sun, it means poisonous plants such as poison ivy and poison oak are due to appear in your garden. In the US and Canada, there are over 700 plants that are considered poisonous, so the odds of keeping your yard poisonous-plants-free without any professional lawn care service are not in your favor. If you think you’re not allergic to any plant, just think about it; over 85% of the world’s population has an allergic reaction when coming into contact with one.

The obvious solution is to avoid these dangerous plants. To do so, first you need to learn what do they look like so you can identify them if they suddenly appear in your yard. Here are 5 poisonous plants you might wanna avoid this summer to keep your yard healthy and safe.

Poison Ivy

Symptoms: blisters, serious itching, rash

The distinguishable three-leaf plant is the number one plant you need to avoid this summer. When you get in touch with a leaf of poison ivy, rest assured you’re getting a blistering rash and serious itching time. Whether as a vine or a shrub growing close to the ground or to a tree, each of those three shiny, toothed leaves is loaded with an oily resin known as urushiol and may cause an allergic reaction. In spring, the leaves are reddish, but in summer, their color is green. One important tip is to NOT scratch the area where you’ve got in contact with poison ivy but instead, use a wet compress.

Poison Oak

Symptoms: serious itching, red blisters, rash

Poison oak, commonly mistaken for poison ivy because of their similar three-leaf look, is also one of the worst enemies you can have in your yard. This tenacious plant can grow both as a vine in the shade or as a shrub exposed to the sunlight. Getting in direct contact with poison oak will immediately result in itchy red blisters on the infected area. Similarly, you should not scratch that area and use wet compress or cold water to ease the itching. When you see a green three-leaf plant with shiny, curved edges in summer, keep your hands off of it, no matter how inviting it may seem.

Poison Sumac

Symptoms: swelling, burning sensation, red blisters, rash

Those who have had a poison sumac rash are familiar with the uncomfortable allergic reaction this seemingly harmless plant can cause. While its appearance may hint that it is a plant that comes straight from Rivendell, the poison sumac can cause a lot of harm. It usually grows in the wild, but it is not as uncommon as one may think for it to appear in a garden. To identify a poison sumac, look for a plant that looks like a tall shrub and which leaves have clusters of seven to thirteen leaflets. Compared to poison oak and poison ivy, this one can cause a lot more severe rash. Interestingly, though, the most effective treatment is also wet compress or cold water.

Wild Parsnips

Symptoms: itching, discomfort, rash

Wild parsnip is a perennial plant that usually grows in dry areas, such as by the side of roads, inhabited fields or pastures. Although not very likely to find it in your landscape, it is important to know how to identify it, because it can give you a blistering rash. The chemicals this plant’s sap contains can cause discomfort and itching and if you expose the infected area on sunlight, it’ll double the pain. In summer, each wild parsnip produces a plenty of tiny yellow flowers. Once you see it, you can never forget it. Applying water on the area is a great relief method.

Stinging Nettle

Symptoms: discomfort, stinging, burning

While it is undoubtedly the least harmless plant on any list of plants to avoid in summer, the stinging nettle is one of the most annoying and most uncomfortable plants your skin could ever get in touch with. The stinging nettle is tall, thin and weedy plants with leaves that are green of color and have tiny, sharp stinging hair. When you rub your hand against this hair, this plant will inject the irritating chemical into your skin and immediately make it turn red and cause itching. What you can do to relieve the pain is wash the area with cold water. Aloe vera moisturizer may further help to ease the itching.

With the days getting longer, homeowners will increasingly start spending more time outdoors, handling all sorts of landscaping chores. One of those chores you should not overlook is to watch out for one of these five poisonous plants. If you think you’re unable to identify them or you’re never too sure of their presence, you can contact a professional lawn care service provider to inspect your yard thoroughly and ensure if it’s all safe and sound.

16 Mar 2017
When Tree Removal is the Best Option

When Tree Removal is the Best Option

Cicero once said “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need”, and I think rarely would one disagree with this. While books are food for the mind, a beautiful yard is definitely the most wonderful food for the senses. Not to mention how a beautiful landscape can add to the value of your home. But tending a lawn that excites with rich scents and fresh colors is a demanding task many have failed at. That’s where landscapers come into play. They use their extensive knowledge in plants and soil to make the lawn a functional space, and their refined design talents to transform it into a living piece of art.

But not always a landscaper will have the role of a creator. Sometimes he will need to step in and do some destruction. When a certain pesky and stubborn tree starts hindering the trimmed, immaculate look of your front lawn, a landscaper can save the day by removing it promptly.

Trees do add a certain forest charm while also creating shade in hot summer days, but sometimes they can be the greatest disturbance factor in a yard’s balance. You can trim them and keep them neat on the outside, but below ground their roots can grow uncontrollably. And roots that run wild can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation. This is where tree removal can prove to be inevitable.

Another dangerous trait of trees is that sometimes their branches can dieback and fall on passers-by or on top of an object in your lawn you hold dearly. This is a sign that the tree is unhealthy and it’s best you ask a landscape professional to make a risk assessment of whether a tree removal is needed.

Having in mind Chicago’s unpredictable weather, there’s always a high chance of a severe storm to occur affecting the likelihood of a tree being struck by lightning. Depending on its age and species, a tree may survive or succumb the damage caused by lightning. The latter is more likely to happen however. Especially if the trunk is split or the bark is torn off. In such case, it would be very difficult for the tree to compartmentalize wounds, heal and eventually recover. Moreover, hanging broken and unsupported branches pose a serious threat to your safety. In such case, tree removal is the best option.

However, not always does a tree have to be a risk factor or damaged beyond repair in order to be considered undesirable in your lawn. If your tree is quite large, it can block the view from your house and take up a considerable amount of space and ruin the functionality of your front yard. Sometimes it can get in the way of the nice little flower bed by destroying the plants’ order with its growing root. Additionally, depending on the species, certain trees naturally “bleed” a large amount of sap damaging grass below. Excessive sap dripping can also lead to the withering away of surrounding plants. Hence it’s best to have the tree removed.

Whatever reason you may have, do not by any means undertake tree removal on your own. It’s risky for anyone without the proper equipment or knowledge. The advantage of hiring professional tree removal services is getting the job done right, and in the most safest and efficient way. Plus, removing an unwanted tree can create a big mess in your yard. Tree care professionals know how and which tools to use to prevent property damage. With their help, the front of your house will soon be the dreamy refuge of flowers and greenery it was before the tree problem.

16 Mar 2017
Make a Great First Impression With a Gorgeous Front Yard Landscape

Make a Great First Impression With a Gorgeous Front Yard Landscape

Sometimes to make the home pop, all you need is an entryway display that really packs a punch. So if you want a beautiful front yard landscape that renders relaxed outdoor living, you should treat the grassy area around the house to a little TLC this spring. After all gorgeous lawns don’t create themselves. Plus, your lawn will surely take a beating this summer. The heat and drought along with playing games with your kids or fetch with your dog will most likely take a toll on turf. It’s best you revitalize it now so you’re rewarded with a lush grass.

But DIY-ing your landscape can pose quite a challenge. It requires skills, time, different landscaping materials and knowledge. Even the simplest of tasks like watering can be daunting. This is where landscape professionals can prove to be valuable. They have the resources and landscaping materials that will help you create the swath of green you have in mind. Moreover, professional landscapers are well-versed when it comes to soil type and quality, water usage and more. If however you prefer to give your front yard a makeover yourself, remember, a beautiful lawn starts with strategic planning and right landscaping materials.

The Dirt on Soil

Soil, one of the most important landscaping materials, is the foundation for greenery. The good soil encourages strong root growth, proper drainage and holds nutrients that feed plants. The wrong soil can result in plants failing to grow even if you’re born with a green thumb. Hence it’s best to try to learn more about different types, texture, mineral and nutrient content and acidity to ensure you choose right.

Some of the most fertile types of soil are sand, clay, silt, peat, loam and chalk. Each type is made up of different particles and organic materials which is what determines the texture and whether the soil holds nutrients and moisture well. Also, some types are more alkaline than others.

Why Soil Loves Mulch

Mulch is pretty much a top dressing for soil. It can either be organic (wood products) or inorganic (rock products) and helps reduce soil compaction; protects against soil erosion, prevents weed growth and defines areas. Quality mulch can also help minimize the spread of soil borne diseases and can even serve as an insulator keeping the soil cool during warmer months and warm during winter. Of course if used correctly, therefore, knowing which type to use is important. The most common types of mulch used nowadays are wood chips, pine needles, grass clippings, nutshells, riprap, decomposed granite and even crushed concrete. Depending on whether organic or not, some mulches are permanent while others need to be replaced over time, but all can help create beautiful landscape designs.

Drip Irrigation System: Watering Made Easy

Drip irrigation systems are becoming one of the essential management tools as they provide consistent water to the roots. This not only minimizes water loss but also helps prevent the spread of fungal diseases and weeds from growing. The beauty of drip irrigation system is that it’s designed to complement your lifestyle. It helps ensure your plants thrive in any condition with almost no fuss. If installed properly that is. The right irrigation system (installed right) will help prevent over and under-watering what can encourage fungus and diseases and lead to increased bug activity, respectively. A professional landscaper can set up the most appropriate irrigation system, which can reduce your water bill, and ensure complete coverage for your lawn.

FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY A LITTLE HARD WORK WE CAN ALSO DELIVER MANY LANDSCAPING MATERIALS.

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