How to Incorporate Steel into the Landscape

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...

Plant a Tree to Celebrate Earth Day

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...

The Affect of Oleander Leaf Scorch on Your Landscaping

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...

DIY Projects Gone Wrong

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...

Bring New Life to an Old Patio

Spring has Sprung and it’s a wonderful time of year to be outdoors in Arizona. Is your patio looking dated? Or have you been considering making some changes but you aren’t sure where to start? Our team can help bring new life to an old patio with a few simple fixes. For instance, you can easily and inexpensively freshen up your patio with colorful pottery and complementary colored flowers, bright seat cushions, new curtains and fun outdoor lights around a covered patio. No matter what your budget, we’re happy to give you an estimate and provide unique concepts that will fit your home. Call us today to get started,...

Small Spaces, Big Transformations

McCormick Ranch residents, Scott and Susan wanted to transform their small backyard into unique space for entertaining. The 675 square foot space featured pavers and desert landscaping and they wanted to create a more inviting space that would be great for entertaining friends and their grandchildren. Landscaping by Andre was called in to help design and create a functional space. “This space immediately presented a few challenges,” said Lance Trowbridge, designer. “It was a small area with drainage issues, plus there was an interior atrium that we needed to work around. We also had to bring everything through the front doors because there wasn’t a gate or access to the backyard.” In the end, we created a beautiful space with turf for the dog and an outdoor seating area with pavers. We relocated the cactus to make the space more child-friendly and added a wonderful aloe tree to the indoor atrium. We also brought in several colored, urn style pots color that played off the clay tile roof. We added plants and flowers to give the space, so much needed color. Landscaping by Andre has been helping Valley residents design and create outdoor living spaces for more than 50 years. For help with your next project, call us at (480)...
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