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Getting started on any landscape project involves a lot of thought and planning ahead of time. A properly laid out landscape design plan can save you time, money and a lot of aggravation. Knowing what plants are hardy for your zone can save money that would have been wasted on plants that would only have died in your climate. Getting started the right way is definitely easier in the long run than having to fix flaws in your landscape plan later.If you are thinking about starting a major landscaping project then you might want to consider hiring a professional landscape designer. It is well worth the fees involved to be able to draw on a landscape design professional's expertise. And it may be quite surprising for a first-timer to learn just how much is involved in planning for your new landscape before the first shovel of soil is even turned.

All the necessary issues are sure to be covered in the landscape plan, and you won't likely find yourself hitting a gas line while you're digging a hole, or having five extra evergreen bushes because you measured your space improperly. Your landscape designer will take care of the grunt work, and you will be free to concentrate on the fun stuff, choosing plants and deciding how you want to use your landscape to it's fullest potential.

When you have your initial meeting with your landscape designer, you will be discussing the size of the project, your ideas of what you'd like to have done, and the kind of plants and architectural elements you have in mind. Your landscape professional will need a copy of your lot plan so they know exactly how much room they have to work with and where the boundaries are. Utilities will be marked on the blueprint to avoid interfering with them when planting begins. You should make it clear if any existing plants on the property are to be removed or incorporated into the new landscape design. Based on all the info gathered in this meeting, you and your landscape designer will set a budget for the landscape project.

Soil Preparation

No matter what you’ll be growing in your garden, it’s a good idea to work and amend the soil before you plant. An easy way to evaluate soil type is to check its color. Dark-colored soils are usually high in organic matter (good for planting, since plants need organic matter to convert into nutrients). Lightcolored or reddish soils are often high in sand or clay matter (not as good for planting). Sandy soils feel gritty and fall apart easily, while clay soils feel sticky or slick when wet. You can amend sandy or clay soils by adding organic matter to them. 4" to 8" of compost or composted manure will work well when added every year (for several years) and tilled to a depth of 8".

The soil’s acidity is also a concern. A soil pH kit makes it easy to determine whether the soil is acid, neutral or alkaline. Most plants do well in soil within a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. If you find that the soil’s pH is too low, lime can be added to raise it. And if the pH is too high, adding sulfur can lower it. With a little preparation now, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful garden later.

Water Features

The purpose of your water feature will dictate its location. For example, if you’re interested in an ornamental pool, do you want it to reflect surrounding plants, attract birds, or serve as a home for water plants and fish? Or, would you like a combination of all of these? And if you’ll be including a fountain or waterfall, how strong do you want the flow of water to be? Keep in mind that fountains work well in formal pools, but may look out of place in informal pools such as water gardens. In water gardens, a gentle waterfall usually works best.

Why Mulch?

The application of mulch serves several purposes. It helps hold in moisture, reduces weeds, aids in erosion control and keeps the soil cool. Shredded bark or similar mulch products can be used. Some of this mulch will decompose and add nutrients to the soil. Apply 1-2” over the soil making sure to leave 2-3” of space at the base of the plants. Mulch placed too close to the crown can cause crown rot.

Control Water Runoff

An attractive and effective way to target water flow on your property is through landscaping with natural stone, slate and rocks. Whether you need help to do-it-yourself or want it done for you, AMO, Inc. will work with you to help guide water how and where you want.

Decorative Landscape Rock

Landscape rocks and aggregates are available in an impressive variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Visit a landscape supply store to see all of your options.

Prep your Yard for Hydroseeding or Sod

The final result might be similar, but hydroseeding and sod each have their individual benefits. For hydroseeded and sodded lawns to establish and grow, conditions such as proper drainage and soil content need to be considered. This can be accomplished by adequately grading the site, and by making the nutrients available for your lawn through proper fertilization and soil reparation.

Choose the Best Type of Tree

Factors to consider when selecting a tree include the sun or shade in the planting location, the type of soil, the moisture content of the site, and the tree’s ultimate size.

It is also important to determine the tree’s function in your site. Will it be used in a windscreen or a soundscreen? Maybe you need an accent in the center of the yard. If you have a lot of dark green leaves in your yard, you may want a tree with a blue or yellow cast, or even red.

All landscapes should have a variety of trees for diversity of design and maintenance of tree health.

How to Water Trees Properly

The amount of water your trees and shrubs need depends on several factors including: plant species, current soil moisture, soil texture (sand, loam, clay), and drainage. The amount of air in the soil is as important as moisture. These must be kept in balance to ensure continued plant health.

Water plants carefully. Too much water, or not enough water, can harm plants and sometimes be fatal.




	Starting a Landscaping Project: Getting started on any landscape project involves a lot of thought and planning ahead of time. A properly laid out landscape design plan can save you time, money and a lot of aggravation. Knowing what plants are hardy for your zone can save money that would have been wasted on plants that would only have died in your climate. Getting started the right way is definitely easier in the long run than having to fix flaws in your landscape plan later.If you are thinking about starting a major landscaping project then you might want to consider hiring a professional landscape designer. It is well worth the fees involved to be able to draw on a landscape design professional's expertise. And it may be quite surprising for a first-timer to learn just how much is involved in planning for your new landscape before the first shovel of soil is even turned. All the necessary issues are sure to be covered in the landscape plan, and you won't likely find yourself hitting a gas line while you're digging a hole, or having five extra evergreen bushes because you measured your space improperly. Your landscape designer will take care of the grunt work, and you will be free to concentrate on the fun stuff, choosing plants and deciding how you want to use your landscape to it's fullest potential. When you have your initial meeting with your landscape designer, you will be discussing the size of the project, your ideas of what you'd like to have done, and the kind of plants and architectural elements you have in mind. Your landscape professional will need a copy of your lot plan so they know exactly how much room they have to work with and where the boundaries are. Utilities will be marked on the blueprint to avoid interfering with them when planting begins. You should make it clear if any existing plants on the property are to be removed or incorporated into the new landscape design. Based on all the info gathered in this meeting, you and your landscape designer will set a budget for the landscape project. Soil Preparation No matter what you’ll be growing in your garden, it’s a good idea to work and amend the soil before you plant. An easy way to evaluate soil type is to check its color. Dark-colored soils are usually high in organic matter (good for planting, since plants need organic matter to convert into nutrients). Lightcolored or reddish soils are often high in sand or clay matter (not as good for planting). Sandy soils feel gritty and fall apart easily, while clay soils feel sticky or slick when wet. You can amend sandy or clay soils by adding organic matter to them. 4" to 8" of compost or composted manure will work well when added every year (for several years) and tilled to a depth of 8". The soil’s acidity is also a concern. A soil pH kit makes it easy to determine whether the soil is acid, neutral or alkaline. Most plants do well in soil within a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. If you find that the soil’s pH is too low, lime can be added to raise it. And if the pH is too high, adding sulfur can lower it. With a little preparation now, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful garden later.	Water Features The purpose of your water feature will dictate its location. For example, if you’re interested in an ornamental pool, do you want it to reflect surrounding plants, attract birds, or serve as a home for water plants and fish? Or, would you like a combination of all of these? And if you’ll be including a fountain or waterfall, how strong do you want the flow of water to be? Keep in mind that fountains work well in formal pools, but may look out of place in informal pools such as water gardens. In water gardens, a gentle waterfall usually works best. Why Mulch? The application of mulch serves several purposes. It helps hold in moisture, reduces weeds, aids in erosion control and keeps the soil cool. Shredded bark or similar mulch products can be used. Some of this mulch will decompose and add nutrients to the soil. Apply 1-2” over the soil making sure to leave 2-3” of space at the base of the plants. Mulch placed too close to the crown can cause crown rot. Control Water Runoff An attractive and effective way to target water flow on your property is through landscaping with natural stone, slate and rocks. Whether you need help to do-it-yourself or want it done for you, AMO, Inc. will work with you to help guide water how and where you want. Decorative Landscape Rock Landscape rocks and aggregates are available in an impressive variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Visit a landscape supply store to see all of your options. Sprinkler System FAQ’S An automatic irrigation lawn sprinkler means ending forever the tiresome job of lawn watering. Like any permanent improvement, a lawn sprinkler installation will add appreciable value to your home or business. Prep your Yard for Hydroseeding or Sod The final result might be similar, but hydroseeding and sod each have their individual benefits. For hydroseeded and sodded lawns to establish and grow, conditions such as proper drainage and soil content need to be considered. This can be accomplished by adequately grading the site, and by making the nutrients available for your lawn through proper fertilization and soil reparation. Choose the Best Type of Tree Factors to consider when selecting a tree include the sun or shade in the planting location, the type of soil, the moisture content of the site, and the tree’s ultimate size. It is also important to determine the tree’s function in your site. Will it be used in a windscreen or a soundscreen? Maybe you need an accent in the center of the yard. If you have a lot of dark green leaves in your yard, you may want a tree with a blue or yellow cast, or even red. All landscapes should have a variety of trees for diversity of design and maintenance of tree health. How to Water Trees Properly The amount of water your trees and shrubs need depends on several factors including: plant species, current soil moisture, soil texture (sand, loam, clay), and drainage. The amount of air in the soil is as important as moisture. These must be kept in balance to ensure continued plant health. Water plants carefully. Too much water, or not enough water, can harm plants and sometimes be fatal.




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Water Features

Sprinkler System FAQ’S

Prep your Yard for Hydroseeding or Sod