Preparing Landscape for Summer

Landscaping

April showers…well, you know.As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, but your yard has to be in good shape as well. Winter has definitely left its mark on nature this past season, and there’s a lot that needs to be done to get your yard back into tip-top shape. We here at Dudley’s Dew Right would love to make sure your yard is looking its best for the warmer weather.

As the weather gets warmer, you’re going to want to spend more time outside. If you’re spending time outside, you’re going to want to make sure your yard looks inviting for all of your warm-weather activities. We’re here to help you! Here is a checklist to get your yard up to par for outdoor activities.

  • Inspect your trees and shrubs
    Water damage can occur when melting snow and rainfall occur at the same time. You’re going to want to pay attention to your trees at critical risk (trees that look sick or frail). Signs of damaged trees include hollow trunks, small holes in the trunk, decay (cankers, cracks, fungi or soft, crumbling bark), bark with shallow pits and dead twigs and branches). Sound tricky? Don’t worry, give us a call today and we’ll take care of it for you!
  • Prune your dead branches.
    Healthy trees require proper pruning. Pruning protects trees from unsafe branches damaged during the winter. Dudley’s is more than happy to help you prune and jazz up your trees. And, if need be, we’ve got all the resources to remove those trees that came damage your yard.
  • Plant some new trees.
    Spring is a great time to plant new trees. If you need help choosing and planting, we know some people who can help you out!
  • Add mulch to your landscaping.
    As prior blogs state, mulching is a great way to help retain and conserve soil moisture all while controlling those pesky weeds! Check out our mulching services HERE!
  • Fertilize those plants!
    Applying a slow-release fertilizer on your trees and shrubs before peak growing season has plenty of benefits. Not only does it replace nutrients, it also helps to improve resistance to disease damages, insects and stressful weather.

Getting your trees ready for summer weather seems complicated, but have no fear! Dudley’s Dew Right is here to save the day. Give us a call today to set up a meeting to make sure your yard is ready for all those warm weather activities!

Storm Proofing Your Yard

Thunderstorm

The thunder rolls…but you need to protect your yard!

It’s officially spring time in Nebraska. One of the only places on earth where it can blizzard on Sunday, and then be sunny and 75 degrees the next. Spring in Nebraska also means the beginning of storm season, and we all know there can be some pretty severe ones here.

But what does that mean for your yard and landscaping? Downpours can wreak havoc on your property, damaging what you’ve worked so hard to create. But, there are some ways of protecting your home and yard from the heavy rains of spring. The following tips are from LotPlans.com.

You need to first be able to control stormwater runoff…but how? When you don’t have enough vegetation or porous surfaces (like rocks or mulch), the rain will quickly run over yards and streets. This runoff can carry pesticides and dirt into your water system. According to LotPlans.com, “Urban stormwater runoff is the leading contributor of water resource pollution, along with causing residential flooding.”

There are several eco-friendly ways you can deter storm drainage, and Dudley’s Dew Right would LOVE to help you out!

• Swales – Basically, swales are depressions in landscapes (existing or excavated) which direct drainage. Because swales direct flow rather than stopping it, you’ll want to make sure you’re directing it to an area where the water will be safely released. If the area is prone to flooding, direct your swale to a dry well or a garden bed with excellent drainage and high water tolerance. To make the most of swales, line the lowest point with rocks and add deep-rooting plants to the slopes – it slows down the water as it flows.

• Rain gardens – Rain gardens make a great addition to any landscape. You’re going to want to choose plants with the highest wet-soil tolerance for the middle of your rain garden. Native plants is definitely the way to go, if you can. They require the least amount of water between showers and make your yard more low maintenance. Give us a call today to talk about your rain garden ideas.

• Rain spouts – The smallest changes can make some of the biggest differences – like a downspout diverter. This is perfect to prevent flooding next to walls and to get water to lower ground.

Other ways to help divert stormwater is with green roofs and drainage driveways. Though green roofs may not be common in Nebraska, they’re growing quickly on the coasts, and a study from Portland, Oregon, found the green cover increases roof longevity. And, ecoroofs provide a better insulation which helps reduce heating and cooling bills. Another big contributor to runoff is driveways. For best results, get rid of your asphalt or concrete driveway and give gravel, spaced paving or even grass driveways a try!

Give us a call today, and let us help you storm-proof your yard!