Signs of Spring

With the early warm weather here, our team has been actively visiting our client's properties to check on work in progress and to assess any site conditions. One of the benefits of doing this is that we get to see some of the beautiful plants that we care for in bloom. After all, we are plant people at heart. Here are a few of our sightings:

Daphne at a Chevy Chase, Maryland Residence

Camellia at a Chevy Chase, Maryland Residence

Saucer Magnolia at a Potomac, Maryland Residence

Got Mulch (It Does A Plant Good!)

Just as robins and daffodils are harbingers of spring, so are landscapers putting down mulch. A fresh application of mulch on one's gardens is a great way to sweep away the gray of winter. Besides appearance, what are the benefits of mulch?   

  

• Mulch keeps plant roots from drying out in dry periods. 

• Mulch suppresses weeds. 

• Mulch keeps roots cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 

• Mulch protects tree trunks and roots from damage caused by lawn mowers and string trimmers. 

• Mulch helps prevent erosion. 

• Mulch adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. 

So as you can see, not only does a fresh layer of mulch look great, it has a lot a benefits to offer your trees and gardens. Applying mulch can be done at any time of the year but it is certainly understandable that we all want to see a fresh look in the spring.

Your Landscape Will Thank You

Your Landscape Will Thank You 

What's the easiest way to a beautiful landscape? Just call us!

Allentuck Landscaping Co. has three programs tailored to the way you want your property cared for. They are simple. They are reasonably priced. And best of all, you do not need to do the work.

TotalScapes - For the customer that wants it all. Weekly mowing, pruning and weeding, Spring mulching, turf fertilization and weed control, leaf removal in the fall. This program is designed so that you do not need to worry about your landscape.

GardenScapes - We will take care of the mulching, pruning, weeding, plant fertilization and leaf removal. Your gardens will love you.

TurfScapes - For the nicest lawn around. Fertilization, weed control, fall seeding. A full, lush lawn is only a phone call away.

All it takes is one phone call to Allentuck Landscaping Co. to get the landscape care you have always wanted and get your weekends back at the same time.  

Give Eric Shostal a call today at 301.515.1900, email him at eric@allentucklandscaping.com, or simply click the link below:

                                                      

Meet Ron Gravish 

Most of you have met Ron but for those of you who have not, Ron is our very excellent Residential Maintenance Manager. He is responsible for the programs you just read about above.  

Ron has been with Allentuck Landscaping Co. for three years. He graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Horticulture. Originally from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, he now lives in Rockville with his wife Jen. In his spare time, on is an avid woodworker and, of course, a terrific gardener. 

You can reach Ron at 301.515.1900 or ron@allentucklandscaping.com.    

2012 New Year Garden Resolutions

A new year brings the opportunity for improvement and while most resolutions may go by the wayside, we are pleased to present some that you may want to consider for your landscape.

·         I will recycle my yard waste by composting.

·         I will install a rain barrel...or two.

·         I will spend more time with my family and friends in the garden.

·         I will put out bird seed this winter.

·     I will stop and smell the roses...and the hydrangeas...and anything else blooming in my garden.

·         I will water in the morning to avoid fungal growth.

·         I will plant a vegetable garden so I can eat healthier.

·         I will install some plants that will give my gardens more interest for the winter.

·         I will enjoy my yard.

·         I will have a happy and healthy new year. 

A Flagstone Walkway in Potomac, Maryland

Here is a video of a walkway we built this fall (2011) for a client in Potomac, Maryland. We used irregular Pennsylvania flagstone set on a CR6/stonedust base. The walkway ends at small patio which has a fire pit built into it. What a nice spot to spend a summer evening!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFLnFOt2v_I

Ugly, Ugly, Ugly           

Where did that ugly utility box come from? It wasn't there last month. It's soooooo ugly!

Actually, it was there last month. As was the electric meter, irrigation controller, and your, um, neighbor. Unfortunately, as leaves drop all that is left  is the bone structure of deciduous plants and some eyesores we may not have noticed in the warmer months.

Fear not, here are some excellent solutions to consider:

Evergreens - Plants such as Skip Laurels, Hollies and Arborvitaes offer year round beauty, seasonal interest and potential backdrops to shrubs and perennials. There are a lot of variety of plants to choose from.

Trellises - Adding an element such as a trellis can not only hide something you don't want to see, but can also become a point of interest in your garden. Always try to match the architectural style of your home.

  

Fences - Fences make good neighbors. Not only do they hide things you may not want to look at, they hide things your neighbors may not want to look at too! They also provide security and keep our pets safe. With so many styles available, there is a fence for hiding just about everything.

 With a little imagination, screening can be both functional and attractive.

Winter Is On Its Way

A nip in the air, longer nights, shorter days. We still have a lot of fall to go through but... winter is on it's way. Here is a checklist of tasks to get your home and landscape ready.

·         Pick up a bag of ice melt product to have on hand.

·          Shut off outdoor water spigots. Leave the faucet slightly open to drain out any remaining water.

·          Drain and store all garden hoses.

·          Have mower blades and pruners sharpened.

·          Add a little extra mulch around tender plants.

·          Move outdoor furniture indoors or cover with plastic.

·          Drain and cover fountains.

·          Replace furnace filters.

·          Replace batteries in smoke detectors.