Tag: tips

Tips for Getting Rid of Weeds Without Harming Your Lawn

On By Brendan WetzelIn LifestyleLeave a comment

  Pennsylvania resident Brendan Wetzel oversees the operations at Yardley Landscaping and Paving Company as owner and president. Serving residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Brendan Wetzel recognizes the importance of maintaining beautiful landscaping at residential and commercial properties and provides such services as weed control.

Similar to other plants, weeds grow and thrive if given the chance. Because of this, it is essential that all lawn caregivers take the proper precautions when it comes to weed control. Often times, this requires good preventative measures that begin before weeds start growing. Such things include keeping the grass longer, which shades the ground and slows weed seed germination. Fertilizing the lawn every six to eight weeks also limits weed growth, as does watering the lawn deeply or placing some landscape fabric over the area.

If weeds have already started growing, lawn caregivers must look at the lawn to determine what type of weeds they are dealing with. This knowledge allows people to choose a treatment based on the specific type of weed growing and it’s age. Established weeds usually need post-emergent weed killer, most of which does not harm grass when used properly.

However, it will kill other plants, so it’s important that it’s only used when there is no wind to blow the particles to other areas of the yard. Pets and people must also keep away from treated areas for a few hours so it can dry properly without disturbances.

Good Tree Choices for Your Yard

On By Brendan WetzelIn LifestyleLeave a comment

  Brendan Wetzel has served as the owner and president of the Yardley Landscaping and Paving Company for the past 10 years. In this position, Brendan Wetzel oversees a variety of landscaping and seal-coating services throughout the region of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The services of Yardley Landscaping and Paving range from driveway sealant application to tree and shrub planting.

Choosing the correct tree to plant in your yard is an important decision. The aesthetic appeal of individual tree species is a matter of opinion. However, the maintenance demands and benefits or drawbacks of each tree should be considered by homeowners before planting.

Tulip trees represent a good start in the consideration of trees for the yard. Tulip trees have tulip-like blossoms in the spring and striking yellow leaves in the fall. A fast-growing hardwood, tulip trees can quickly offer homeowners a shady respite in the summer. Tulip trees are easily manageable in most climates, though homeowners should consult with landscaping professionals about pests and height issues.

Arborvitae trees, sometimes known as green giants, are a good addition to a yard in need of privacy. These trees can form natural barriers between properties. Further, green giants can thrive in virtually any kind of soil and are a hardy species.

Additional trees to consider include Sun Valley maples and prairifire crabapples, which are especially suited to small properties.

Tips for Cleaning Your Newly Paved Driveway

On By Brendan WetzelIn Brendan Wetzel, Lifestyle1 Comment

A cum laude graduate of Rider University, Brendan Wetzel has spent 10 years as the owner and president of Yardley Landscaping and Paving Company in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. As such, Brendan Wetzel manages not only a multitude of landscaping services, but also driveway work that includes seal coating, paving, power washing, and black top work.

A newly paved and sealed driveway can provide homeowners with peace of mind for years to come. There are a few tips individuals can take to maintain a clean driveway in between sealant applications, which should occur, on average, every three to five years.

When it comes to dirt or mud that has been brought in on car tires or by weather, homeowners can make use of a standard power washer. Those without a power washer can remove dirt and mud from their driveway with a hard-bristled broom and garden hose. To remove dirt and mud from the asphalt completely, individuals should be liberal with water throughout the cleaning process.

As for leaves, mulch, and other organic matter that may spill onto a driveway, homeowners are advised to act quickly and clear the debris before brown tannin stains set in. If stains do form, they will dissolve on their own, though individuals can expedite the process with an application of liquid dish detergent and hot water.

Lastly, if latex paint spills on a driveway, a combination of water and common scouring powder, along with a stiff-bristled nylon brush, often does the trick. Oil and acrylic paints, meanwhile, pose more of a challenge. In the case of an asphalt driveway, it is sometimes easiest to reseal the area, as any solvent capable of dissolving these paints would damage the underlying driveway.

Tips for Winter Yard Maintenance

On By Brendan WetzelIn LifestyleLeave a comment

For homeowners in parts of the world that experience all four seasons, the do’s and don’ts of yard maintenance can vary considerably throughout the year. In some ways, winter provides a respite from ongoing yard maintenance, as plants do not grow and the yard may be blanketed in snow. That said, homeowners should always consult their winter yard maintenance checklist to make sure they have not overlooked anything.

Several important yard maintenance tips should be followed before the start of winter. Prior to the first frost of the season, for example, homeowners should fully aerate and re-fertilize their lawns, allowing the yard to breathe and settle before going dormant. Fertilization is especially important, as the nutrients stored over winter will facilitate healthy growth when the warm months return. Without these steps, homeowners may encounter weeds and pests in the spring before they see any green grass.

Similarly, homeowners should go into winter with clean yards. Allowing piles of autumn leaves or discarded kindling to sit for several months is essentially inviting disease into the lawn and any surrounding flowerbeds.

Another important step toward maintaining lawn integrity during the winter involves minimizing yard traffic. Even the healthiest lawn is vulnerable during the cold winter months, and excessive foot traffic can weaken grass and plant strength going into the next season.