May 16, 2012

From Concept to Completion, it all starts with a design that creates a realistic vision of what your landscape will become.  We use a combination of software products that will offer you a “true view” of your design.  These programs provide us the capability to show all dimensions and aspects of your landscape project in 2D and 3D layouts.

Dynascape is a CAD based design software that allows us to produce hand drawn quality designs in a fraction of the time it takes to actually hand draw them.  It also allows us to make changes with a few clicks of the mouse.  We use this product in conjunction with Uvision 3D, which enables us to give you a realistic three dimensional view of how your space will lay out.

A combination of this technology and our experience will assist you in creating that first step toward forming a true extension of your living environment into your outdoor space.

May 15, 2012

Pruning – It’s a Timing Thing

Generally speaking, pruning objectives for young deciduous (trees that lose their leaves in the winter) include development of a disease-free symmetrical plant.  Pruning of trees correctly when they are young eliminates many problems encountered by owners of middle-aged and/or mature trees. Thus, when the pruning takes place, timing is critical in two respects: time of year and time in the plant’s life.

The following 8 rules help to achieve these goals:

1. Start pruning when the plant is young
2. Maintain a central branch leader
3. Eliminate narrow V-crotches
4. Remove dead and diseased branches
5. Eliminate insect infected, rubbing, deformed branches
6. Make cuts 3/8” above bud when pruning to a bud
7. Make cuts to the branch collar, eliminating stubs
8. Select well-spaced, broach angle scaffolding branches to remain.

Pruning can also be done by contacting the professionals at Twin Oaks Landscape.

April 24, 2012

Encouraging and Nurturing Your Lawn’s Environmental Qualities

Practice preventive turf health care today. Here are a few pointers:

Soil — Consider having your soil sampled and analyzed. Work with a professional to amend the soil to the correct pH level and key nutrients for healthy growth.

Grass — Planting the proper grass variety adapted for your climate is vital to lawn success. Contact your lawn care professional for appropriate local information.

Mowing — Mow at the highest recommended height (usually 3 inches) and mow frequently: every five days when the lawn is growing fast, and up to 10 days when it is growing more slowly. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf surface. Keep lawn mower blades sharp and leave clippings on the lawn (grasscycling) when you mow. This allows nutrients to return to the soil. Make sure you don’t leave clippings on the pavement where they can wash off into a water source and contribute to water pollution.

Watering — Water deeply every 5 – 7 days in the early morning. In general, watering should moisten the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. This requires applying a half-inch of water on coarse, sandy soil and 1 inch on heavy- or fine-textured soil. Too much water can cause water quality and grass problems, which increases the chance of fungus, runoff, and leaching of nutrients. It’s also a waste of our precious water resources.

Fertilization and Pest Control — Apply the right amount and kind of fertilizer and pest-control products at the right time, and only when needed. Follow all label instructions and precautions. Work with a lawn care professional to create an effective program specific to your needs.

April 13, 2012

Let’s Party, It is Spring!

By Steve Scheuring, Horticulturalist, Twin Oaks Landscape

As spoken so well by Mr. Robin Williams, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, let’s party!” Spring is an exciting time to be in the great outdoors, blossoms are budding everywhere, the grass is waking up and Michiganders are stepping outside - ready to enjoy the warm season.   So, let’s get outside and enjoy the colors and smells Michigan offers us every spring.

I’ve spoken with many people interested in enhancing and maintaining their landscapes and most have the desire, but lack the knowledge to complete the tasks properly and efficiently.  The following advice may guide you in the right directions to be the envy of your neighbors.  Of course, if anything is beyond your level of desire, knowledge or ability, contact a reputable landscape company with the experience, knowledge and education to assist you in acquiring all your desires for your outdoor living space.

• Cut back ornamental grasses and the remaining perennials.  New growth on ornamental grasses and perennials will benefit from not having to compete with the previous year’s growth and it will limit the possibility of allowing the new growth to get pest or diseases that were harboring on the rotting material.  Also, that material is typically unattractive.

• Redefine the landscape beds with natural edging and add a fresh layer of mulch to all landscape beds and tree rings.  Keeping a nice edge will limit the spread of undesired weeds that spread through underground rhizomes which enter your landscape beds.  Applying a 2-4” layer of mulch will limit the germination and establishment of new weeds.  Mulch also keeps the soil moisture and temperature more constant, which in turn, limits stress to desired plant material.  New mulch is like putting a new coat of paint on your landscape!  Before you mulch, apply a slow release fertilizer to all your perennials, shrubs and trees, following the application rates on the package. 

• Pruning can be one of the most difficult, time consuming and over-loo ked task in the landscape.  Unfortunately, there are few landscape companies in the area that have the proper knowledge, equipment or manpower to complete this very important landscape maintenance service.  At any time of the year, it is important to remove dead, diseased or broken branches.  This will limit the transfer of pest and diseases to healthy and new branches.  Prior to leaf budding in the spring, structural pruning, such as removing crisscrossing branches will be easiest.  You may lose a few flowers, but the plant will benefit from it in the long run.  To optimize flowering, the rule of thumb is to prune immediately after blooming.  Each plant has an ideal time and manner of pruning, but hedge shears are rarely the best way.  Done properly, pruning will help with the overall health, appearance and longevity of your plant material.
• Test the sprinkler system and repair any leaking or broken heads.  Limiting water loss will reduce water bills and problems from too much water.  There is technology available that can retrofit existing systems for better water management.  Proper irrigation is imperative to maximize the chemical applications applied to the lawn areas, as well as minimize stress from heat and drought.  Once stress occurs on plant material, it could be too late.  The timer may need to be adjusted multiple times throughout the season for everything to be watered appropriately.  New technology allows for automatic water adjustment for your irrigation system.  A well designed and maintained irrigation system will assist in optimizing the overall appearance of the landscape.

Landscape work can be very rewarding, hence it is one of the top five American hobbies, but it can also be very labor intensive and tiring.  If it ever becomes overwhelming, please feel free to contact me.  Have a Spring to remember!

April 03, 2012

We had our most successful home show to date this past weekend.  We met so many people that wanted to create outdoor vacation spots in their own backyards, it was very fun and exciting.  We showcased a unique Shade Sail (see www.tenshon.com ), which is a great alternative to traditional awnings and table umbrellas, as it allows air movement through, while blocking the sun’s rays.  In addition, we partnered with Big George’s Appliances for our custom gourmet kitchen, including a grill and bar fridge.  Unfortunately, we weren’t permitted to serve beverages, which would have completed the party ensemble being that it was St. Patty’s day.  Look for more details from the show coming soon, including our Free Design Raffle winner!

March 22, 2012

We had our most successful home show to date this past weekend.  We met so many people that wanted to create outdoor vacation spots in their own backyards, it was very fun and exciting.  We showcased a unique Shade Sail (see www.tenshon.com ), which is a great alternative to traditional awnings and table umbrellas, as it allows air movement through, while blocking the sun’s rays.  In addition, we partnered with Big George’s Appliances for our custom gourmet kitchen, including a grill and bar fridge.  Unfortunately, we weren’t permitted to serve beverages, which would have completed the party ensemble being that it was St. Patty’s day.  Look for more details from the show coming soon, including our Free Design Raffle winner!

March 20, 2012

Twin Oaks Landscape in Ann Arbor is a full services outdoor lawn maintenance and landscape design company that also specializes in engineered drainage systems. 

March 14, 2012