by admin | Nov 3, 2016 | News
Did you know that the proper landscaping can improve your home’s security? In addition to helping beautify your home, the choices you make can directly impact the security of your home. Keep these tips in mind when considering landscaping: Plants shrubs with thorns under windows These spiky plants make it less easy for criminals to hide in your yard. Plant them directly under windows as an extra layer of protection. Law enforcement agencies recommend that you also keep bushes to a maximum height of about three feet so that people can easily see into your front yard. It is also important to plant trees far enough away from the house so they don’t provide burglars access to your upstairs. Get rid of hiding spots Burglars are generally attracted to yards with plenty of cover. Help discourage these unwanted visitors by getting rid of obvious hiding spots on your property. Keep foliage short. Trim overgrown trees and plant small shrubs rather than giant bushes. Overall, make sure entryways are as open and visible as possible. Any doors and windows that are easily visible from the street or a neighbor’s house are less likely to be targeted by criminals. Install motion sensitive lights In the same spirit as keeping a clear and open yard, motion-sensitive lights are an important component of a safe entryway or lawn. Install lights near key entry points, like doors or ground-level windows. Many criminals are hesitant to attempt breaking into a home when a pair of bright floodlights easily detects their presence. Landscape lights that illuminate the pathway to your front door will also help your guests...
by admin | Sep 26, 2016 | News
Have you ever received a bid from an unlicensed contractor and it’s much lower than those from licensed contractors? It can sound appealing to save money for similar workmanship, however many consumers fall into that trap. Hiring the cheapest contractor can often cost you more money in the long run. Often, unlicensed contractors offer lower bids because they don’t pay a licensing fee, obtain a bond to protect their work and don’t have liability or workers compensation insurance. Here is why it’s important to find a licensed contractor: • Basic protection – A license in a specific fields shows that the person has a minimal level of competence in that field. • Protecting property values – Many home projects require permits and unpermitted work, if it’s not to code, that could impact the property value at the time of a sale. • Injury protection – A homeowner becomes the employer in the event of hiring an unlicensed worker and if that worker sustained injuries on the job, the homeowner could become liable. • Protection from damage to third parties- Unlicensed workers that are negligent of a neighboring property, a passerby or other property that is damaged may result in the homeowner being responsible for their actions while employed. In Arizona you need a license to bid on any job over $750. The state issues separate licenses for commercial and residential work for each particular trade or construction field. Licenses are good for two years. For more information on finding a licensed contractor, visit http://www.azroc.gov. We’re also happy to provide you with a complimentary consultation. Call us at...
by admin | Sep 15, 2016 | News
One Scottsdale resident was in need of a major replanting at their home. Many of the plants they had where overgrown and hiding beautiful architectural features of the house. Landscaping by Andre removed approximately 90 percent of the original plant material from the front and installed plants that are more appropriate to the landscape and architecture of the house. The homeowners hosted a wedding last weekend and wanted the front and back yard to be complete for the ceremony. The before and after pictures show how we are able to make a huge difference with some replanting. If your home or office is in need of a make-over or replanting, feel free to call us at 480-483-8088. We’d be happy to give you a free consultation! Before pictures: After...
by admin | Sep 9, 2016 | News
We recently completed a project at Wink 24 in the Biltmore shopping center. The new owners wanted to dress up the outdoor space and asked our team to design a planting plan. They had recently completed some metal work and wanted to use plant material around it to provide some privacy on the patio. Wink 24 wanted something that would be low maintenance, safe for their guests (no thorns or plants that would be messy) and plants that won’t require a lot of watering. Lance Trowbridge, Lead Designer at Landscaping by Andre opted for Lady Slipper to act as the screen, next he added some small aloes along the bottom to add interest and color. As for the beds that contained the new metal sculptures, he chose a rare agave that has a lime green flesh that matches the lime green color of the metal. “The agaves needed to be a statement piece,” said Trowbridge. “We wanted them to be substantial in size to make an impact as customers walked up to the patio/seating area. We also added a White Granite that acts as a stark contrast between the green plants, while providing a classy, upscale feel. Overall the new space looks great! It’s warm, inviting and easy for the restaurant to maintain.” Ruggero Borletti, owner of Wink 24 added, “Landscaping by Andre did a great job coming up with a plant design that matched the eclectic and unusual outdoor patio design of the rings and planters.” Next time you are in the mood for pizza, consider trying Wink 24 at the Biltmore. You won’t be...
by admin | Aug 23, 2016 | News
We’re seeing many homeowners and office buildings consider synthetic turf instead of grass. With the spike in demand, Steve Bollinger breaks down the pros and cons of grass vs. turf. “Synthetic turf can be a great option for homes with mature landscaping,” said Steve Bollinger, owner, Landscaping by Andre. “Often times, homeowners have problem areas that simply won’t grow grass and artificial turf can be a great alternative for them. It provides a beautiful curb appeal and low maintenance.” What are the benefits of synthetic turf? Beautiful curb appeal year-round Low water requirements Minimal maintenance Less chance of insect infestation Great for pets and children What are the benefits of grass? It can be cooler. Turf is comparable to rock and concrete, so it can get hot in the summer months in Arizona. However, hosing it down prior to usage will cool the infill. The initial investment on grass is less. Turf can be expensive to install, but the ROI pays off within 2-5 years because you will have much lower watering bills and little to no maintenance. Synthetic turf can also be used to create putting greens, sport fields and more. It’s very durable and safe for children to play on and you won’t have to deal with grass stains, allergens or sand filled shoes anymore. It’s very easy to maintain, you simply use a brush or broom to sweep (against the grain) of the artificial grass every few months to help revitalize the grass blades and bring small foreign objects to the surface for removal. You can disinfect your artificial grass semi-annually to ensure it stays clean and looking great year round....
by admin | Jun 3, 2016 | News
Agaves and yuccas are beautiful ornamental plants that are often used to accent xeriscape gardens. For the most part, they do not have serious pest problems. However, it’s fairly common for them to become infected with agave snout. What is Agave Snout Weevil? The agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) adult measures about 1/2-inch long, has a dull brownish-black body and a characteristic long snout. The adult females chew their way into the agave plant base and lay their eggs while also introducing microorganisms that cause decay. These eggs hatch into legless grubs that have a cream-colored body and dark head. The larvae feed, burrowing further into the decaying agave before pupating and emerging as adults, which then spread to infect nearby agaves and sometimes yuccas. The entire agave snout weevil life cycle can be completed in 60 to 90 days. Agave snout weevil feeding may not be apparent until damage is already very extensive. Small holes may first be visible at the base of the agave. The plant will collapse rapidly, with its lowest leaves shriveling first. The center of the agave may have an unpleasant odor and the specimen may be loose and wiggle easily if tugged. Agave plants that are weak or about to flower are especially vulnerable. The agave snout weevil can attack any agave, but larger specimens with broad leaves such as the century plant are particularly attractive to the weevil. How to Prevent Agave Snout Weevil? The best way to avoid agave snout, is to only purchase plants from a reliable source and inspect bare-root for any signs of weevils. You can also use preventative chemical treatments...
by admin | May 3, 2016 | News
In the desert southwest, the use of rusted steel in the landscape has become more and more popular. The oranges and reds in the rusted metal fit in well to our desert landscape and play off the colors in our surrounding desert landscape. The easiest way to incorporate steel into the landscape is either edging to separate planting areas from grass or walkways, or to build raised planting beds. What’s nice about steel is it’s easy to customize too. Things to consider: 1. Steel will rust and can stain existing walkways 2. Any cut edges need to be ground down to eliminate any sharp edges 3. The appropriate gauge of steel is necessary to avoid any unwanted bends in the steel Landscaping by Andre is available for free consultations on any design or construction projects you may be considering. Call us at 480-483-8088 to get started...
by admin | Apr 20, 2016 | News
Planting trees is one of the easiest ways to combat climate change and celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Research indicates that a prevalence of trees is linked to safer neighborhoods, less urban heat and increased property values. In addition, trees produce oxygen to help clean the air, provide a wildlife habitat and reduce storm water runoff. Selecting the correct location for a new tree is important both for the success of the tree and energy conservation. Locate trees to provide summer shade to the west and east windows. Plant trees to provide summer shade for patios, driveways and air conditioners. Use deciduous trees on the south side of buildings as the bare branches of these solar-friendly trees allow the most winter sunlight to filter through. Before you plant your next tree, call 480-483-8088 and we’ll help you select the most appropriate tree for your yard and make sure it will last for years to...
by admin | Mar 10, 2016 | News
We have begun to notice that some Phoenix area Oleander’s have contracted a bacterial disease called oleander leaf scorch. This disease is the reason the leaves on these long-lived shrubs are drooping, turning brown and dying. As the disease progresses, more branches of the plant are affected and the plant dies. Symptoms can be expressed year-round, although they may be more noticeable in late spring and summer; they develop more quickly in warm weather. It can take three to five years from the time symptoms are spotted for an oleander to die. Cutting off affected branches may slow progress of the disease, but won’t stop it. Fortunately, the bacteria that causes oleander leaf scorch does not survive in the soil where the plant was growing. Thus other shrubs and trees can be planted in the same spot. In some cases, the oleanders’ demise can be an opportunity to bring new and unusual plants to the landscape that will serve the same purpose and are equally drought tolerant! Be sure to use caution when removing dead oleanders because of their poisonous state, or call Landscaping by Andre to assist with the removal. For more information on oleander leaf scorch or to have us evaluate your oleanders, call us at...
by admin | Mar 2, 2016 | News
DIY projects can be great, but don’t forget some basic tips to make your landscaping project successful. Don’t plant trees too close to each other, or too close to a pool Do make sure your irrigation systems is properly set up Don’t overloaded lighting systems by adding too many lights to an under-powered transformer Don’t use duct tape (which is conductive) to connect two landscape lighting wires Be mindful of planting tropical plants in the desert Don’t forget about LED lighting, it’s a great way to save money and time (you don’t have to change the light bulbs as often) As always, if you have a project in mind and need some assistance, don’t hesitate to call us. Our team has decades of experience in constructing, designing and maintaining homes and office buildings. To schedule a free estimate, call us...
