Month: March 2020

Basic Deck Ideas to Transform Outdoor Spaces

On By Brendan WetzelIn DeckingLeave a comment

Brendan Wetzel owns and manages Yardley Landscaping and Paving Company, which he established 10 years ago to serve customers in and around Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Brendan Wetzel has developed in-depth knowledge about the best lawn-care techniques and can also assist homeowners seeking to install water systems, build garden structures, or add a deck.

A well-designed deck will not only enhance the beauty and interest of a yard. It can expand a home’s living space and offer an ideal spot for entertaining or relaxing. Adding a deck is typically one of the most cost-effective home renovation projects.

A wide range of deck designs are available, and these can be customized to suit individual needs. A basic deck offers a solid floor and shaded overhang, both of which can be constructed in multiple shapes and sizes.

For example, the popular open-lattice structure offers privacy while letting in a pleasant breeze. A latticed deck roof similarly provides both sun protection and breeziness. The option of adding climbing vines can enhance a structure’s attractiveness.

Moreover, a deck’s railings can ensure safety and enhance visual appeal. They can be fashioned from wood, tubular piping, resin, and many other types of materials in shapes that are built to suit your space. Adding tempered glass panels provides another level of comfort and style.

Preparing Soil for Planting in a Garden Bed

On By Brendan WetzelIn AgricultureLeave a comment

A resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Brendan Wetzel leads the corporate and residential landscaping business Yardley Landscaping and Paving Company. Through his business, Brendan Wetzel assists clients with everything from hedge trimming and fertilization to garden bed installation and maintenance.

Poor soil quality in a garden bed can have a significant impact on the overall health and growth of the plants in it. Yet, many gardeners fail to realize how important soil quality truly is.

The first step in improving the soil quality is to evaluate what type of soil is in your garden bed. This involves considering the texture of the soil, its density, and its propensity to clump together. Depending on how your soil behaves, you can figure out its general particle mixture. For instance, clay soils are dense and hold moisture better, while silts are tightly packed and impede air circulation.

After you have identified the type of soil you have, you can add in the minerals and nutrients that the soil is lacking. For clay soils, mineral particles found in sandy soils and silts must be added to create a more balanced mixture.

Beyond balancing the soil mixture, you must break the soil up using a hoe or tiller. These tools loosen the top layers of soil and enable water, fertilizer, and air to reach further down. Tilling the soil also encourages the roots of the plants to grow deeper. You must break up about 6 to 8 inches of soil to mix in any added organic materials, as well.

Selecting the Right Deck Color

On By Brendan WetzelIn DeckingLeave a comment
Brendan Wetzel has served as the president of Yardley Landscaping and Paving Company in Pennsylvania for more than a decade. Throughout that time, he has provided numerous landscaping services to residential and commercial clients in Bucks County. Brendan Wetzel also offers paving and deck building services to clients.

Beyond choosing the right decking material, you also need to pick a deck color. Selecting a deck color that complements your home can significantly improve its curb appeal. If you are trying to decide which deck color would ideally complement your home, it’s important to consider a few factors. Look at the exterior colors of your home, and choose a deck color that seamlessly fits this palette.

You should also keep in mind that other materials, such as wood and composite, can be stained to match your home. However, others, such as brick cannot be stained. Therefore, if you don’t like the natural color of the material that you are considering, then you may want to choose a different one that offers greater flexibility. Furthermore, certain colors require more maintenance than others. Any finish will necessitate regular upkeep and reapplication. So, if you want to keep maintenance to a minimum, then it’s a good idea to select a color that requires minimal upkeep.

Lawn Overwatering – Signs and Solutions

On By Brendan WetzelIn Brendan WetzelLeave a comment
The owner and president of Yardley Landscaping and Paving Company in Pennsylvania, Brendan Wetzel provides a range of services to residential and corporate clients in Bucks County. In addition to offering seal coating and paving services, Brendan Wetzel’s company provides lawn beautification services and drainage solutions.

Despite what many homeowners may think, it is possible to overwater a lawn. In fact, too much water often results in similar issues that can occur when a lawn is underwatered. These issues can include dry patches and yellowing grass. Also, soggy spots on a lawn signify that there is too much water for the lawn to absorb and can even lead to the growth of more weeds.

Once homeowners notice these issues, they can work on improving the overwatering situation. These steps may include cutting back on lawn irrigation to ensure a lawn is sufficiently hydrated without overdoing it. Lawn treatment services that correct yellow patches or thatching may also be necessary, as well as aeration of a lawn to minimize soil compaction and promote root growth.

Finally, leaving the lawn slightly thirsty is better than overwatering it. The lack of moisture encourages the grass to grow deeper roots in search of nutrients, thereby creating a healthier and more resilient lawn. Most lawns only need about one inch of water every week to stay healthy.