Crofton MD Drainage

People living in Crofton, MD know that drainage and erosion problems are real. Drainage and erosion problems can damage your home and destroy landscaping. The excess water run-off can cause erosion. Constantly standing water can result in the need for expensive repairs to the home’s foundation. East Coast Landscape Design is familiar with Crofton, MD and it’s unique drainage and erosion issues. East Coast can create a solution that will manage your home’s drainage and erosion – and prevent water from pooling on the ground.

East Coast Landscape Design can install downspouts that connect to drainage lines. Then, redirect the water run-off away from your home. Our experienced staff can also use topographic grading to control excess water and stop further damage to property in Crofton, MD. Other Crofton MD drainage and erosion solutions include;

  • French Drains
  • Below-Grade Drain and Pipe Systems
  • Storm Drains
  • Dry Stream Beds
  • Stone Drainage Swale Areas
  • Waterproof Foundations (commercial and residential)

The professionals at East Coast Landscape Design can also relieve the pressure on retaining walls – creating an affordable solution to improve drainage underneath hard surfaces.

With more than 35 years of experience, homeowners in Crofton, MD with drainage and erosion problems know that East Coast Landscape Design will be able to help them find a solution that meets all of the requirements of the state.

Our Senior Geotechnical Engineer is familiar with the drainage and erosion problems unique to Maryland, and every job completed by East Coast Landscape Design is backed by NDS for assured customer satisfaction.

If you are having drainage and erosion problems, you can contact East Coast Landscape Design for a consultation. The experienced staff will find a solution that can increase the home’s value and keep it dry.

Landscaping in Rockville MD: Tall Fescue Maintenance and Mowing

You may have heard that Tall Fescue is the best cool-season turf grass for landscaping in Rockville, MD. Cool-season turf grasses have their maximum growth during cool spring and fall weather, and may become semi-dormant during hot and/or dry periods of summer.

What makes Tall Fescue grass the better than other cool-season grasses? In general, Tall Fescue grass requires less maintenance (mowing, fertilizer, and watering) and is more environmentally-friendly than other cool-season grasses used in landscaping in Rockville, MD. (Please note that each fescue grass variety will require it’s own maintenance schedule, according to the variety that is used, and the conditions under which the grass is grown.)

Watering Tall Fescue Grass
During most of the year, Tall Fescue needs 1 to 1 1⁄4 inches of water every week (and it’s better to spread this out, and not provide all of that water at one time.) Using a screwdriver, you’ll want to check that you are watering enough so that the soil is wet to to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.

How you water will depend on your soil type. Sandy soils require more frequent watering (about 1⁄2 inch of water every third day). Clay soils accept water slowly; therefore you just want to water until runoff occurs, wait until the water has been absorbed, and begin watering again. Continue until the desired depth or amount is applied. Proper irrigation may prevent or reduce problems later in the summer. Watering between 2 and 8 a.m. decreases the incidence of certain diseases.

In the summer, either water as needed to prevent drought stress or allow the lawn to go dormant. Dormant lawns must be watered once every 3 weeks during a drought. A dark bluish-gray color and wilted, folded, or curled leaves indicate that it is time to water.

Aeration of Tall Fescue
Tall Fescue should be aerated in the fall, but usually does not require thatch removal. This is especially important if you have clay soil.

Overseeding Tall Fescue
Tall fescue should be overseeded as needed in the fall or spring for thicker sod formation and to repair thinning areas. (If aerating, aerate first, then put down seed.) Heat stress, insect damage, diseases, or other factors play a role in the lawn becoming thinner over the course of the year.

Mowing Tall Fescue
From March – May, you will want to mow to 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches. From June – August, you will need to mow to 3 ½ inches, before the grass gets taller than 5 inches. September – November, mow to 2 ½ – 3 inches, and remove leaves and other debris. December – February, mow to 3 inches, and remove leaves and other debris.

For more information about Tall Fescue for your landscaping in Rockville, MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has designed and installed beautiful landscape and hardscape projects around Rockville, MD, and surrounding communities.

Water Features in Silver Spring MD: Outdoor Fountains

Homeowners are adding water features to their landscaping in Silver Spring MD, and the most popular water features are fountains.

And there’s a few good reasons why: fountains are soothing, block out noise from neighbors and traffic, and add an interesting element to your yard. They also come in all shapes and sizes, and you are only limited in your selection by your available space and budget.

Here are some outdoor fountains for you to consider:

Wall Fountains
Wall fountains come in a number of natural materials, including copper, slate, and bronze. They can be created with one or more panels, and can be scaled to the size of the space available. When using blocks or bricks, these are called sheet fountains.

Freestanding or Floor Fountains
Floor or freestanding fountains come in a variety of materials, such as stone and glass, are self contained, and require no installation.

Pond Fountains
Fountain jets stand in a pond or water feature and spray streams of water in a variety of patterns and strengths, from bubbles to sprays.

Rock Fountains
The smallest rock fountain (aka rock bubbler) is a boulder with a hole or holes drilled into it, creating a bubbling fountain. This natural looking fountain appeals to many homeowners.

On a larger scale of the rock bubbler, there rock column fountains; these are usually installed in sets of 3 nearby to each other. The water circulates amongst the 3 fountains, and they require a lot more space, planning, and budget to execute.

For more information on fountains and other water features for your Silver Spring MD home, please contact the experts at East Coast Landscape Design. The East Coast Landscape Design team utilizes 3 decades of experience along with safety- tested protocols to create create water features in various types of landscapes in Silver Spring Md, and all throughout suburban Maryland.

Plan Your Low Maintenance Maryland Landscape

A lot of people have taken an interest in landscaping, and many have learned that they enjoy working in the yard. Others have also discovered that they hate working in the yard. Just because you don’t like working in the yard does not mean you cannot have a great looking landscape.

Planning the best landscape for your home will take into consideration the amount of maintenance that can be provided. Doing some of the maintenance work yourself may save some money, but there is a time cost involved.

Hiring someone to do all the maintenance on a high maintenance landscape design can be expensive. Finding the perfect balance is what an experienced landscape designer does.

The landscape designer can help you make choices of plants and shrubs that look great and fit the maintenance you want to offer. Maybe you have allergies and want a yard that will require fewer mowings or has less tree pollen. Be sure to discuss this with the landscape designer.

If you need to talk with an experienced landscape designer to see what is possible, be sure to call the Maryland landscape design experts at East Coast Landscape Design.

Where To Start When Landscaping Your Maryland Home

If you are just starting with the landscaping at your Maryland home, be sure examine the older trees on your property to ensure they are safe and are not in danger of falling down. If you are unsure of the condition of your trees, you may want to contact us here at East Coast Landscape Design, so that can you ensure the safety of the property.

Once the safety concerns are taken care of the next item to consider is the overall design of the landscape and what use you want out of it. Want grassy areas to entertain guests? You will need a grass that can stand lots of foot traffic. Want an outdoor kitchen, or an area free from the pesky insects? This is what needs to be addressed during the initial planning stages.

If the project seems overwhelming to you, landscaping can be done in stages. The planning of the project is even more important when done in stages. You don’t want to put new grass in, and then need to drive a heavy truck across the new grass to deliver a load of stone for an outdoor kitchen and patio.

If you need help with the planning of your new landscape in Maryland, contact the landscape design experts at East Coast Landscape Design, we can help you get the yard of your dreams.

Make A Great First Impression With Your Maryland Landscaping

Many people put most of their landscaping efforts into their front yard. A front yard is noticed by more people, and it gives people their first impression of both the home, and the home’s owners.

A well-designed front yard landscape will not only showcase your home, it can also enhance the physical appearance of your home. Depending on the design and choice of plants, landscaping can be either high or low maintenance.

If you would like lots of color, but want as little maintenance work as possible, consider wildflowers for your yard or garden. You can purchase wildflower seeds at home improvement stores then scatter them over a large area or where planting other items might be difficult. This strategy results in many different colors and types of beautiful flowers. Additionally, you can turn them into delightful bouquets.

Your choice of which grass to use is dependent on the climate. In Maryland, some areas are very shady, some are very sunny. Also, some areas seem to collect water and be damp most of the time, while other areas are quite dry. Be sure to choose the right grass for the conditions at your property.

Want some help deciding which plants or what grass to use at your property? Contact the Maryland Landscaping experts at East Coast Landscape Design, we can help you plan the best landscaping for your home.

Maryland Commercial Landscaping: Make A Great First Impression With Your Business Appearance

Landscaping is an art form that requires a balance of artistic flair and technical know-how to do well. The canvas is the area around your business. Knowing what plants complement each other – not only with color but also bloom times and environmental needs. The way your business looks is the first impression you can make on your clients – be sure to make the best impression possible.

Here are some tips for you to consider when planning your businesses’ landscaping

Plant companion plants. These plants naturally work together to help each other repel pests and diseases. This can help you to have a healthier garden without the use of pesticides.

Use balance, not symmetry. A balanced distribution of plants creates a focal point, but the landscaping should never be symmetrical. For example, a large tree to the left of the garden can be balanced by two smaller trees to the right. This creates a much more desirable effect in the garden, whereas a symmetrical look appears completely unnatural.

Using peat moss is an excellent way to ensure your plants survive. This allows you to give nutrients to your plants that they potentially lack. Peat moss, when used as mulch, contrasts beautifully against the foliage of your plants.

Unsure if you want to chance the look of your business? Contact the landscaping experts at East Coast Landscape Design. We know Maryland’s climate, we know the plants that work best here in Maryland, and we are experts in helping you design the perfect look for your Maryland Commercial Landscaping.

How To Use Plants That Work With Your Silver Spring MD Landscaping Year-Round

You might have heard that home landscaping can improve your home’s value, and can even be fun, but maybe you have been afraid to try it because you don’t have the skills to do home landscaping. The most crucial part of landscape design is understanding the proper techniques. With some pointers, you could quickly make a Silver Spring MD landscape that you are proud of.

Try to use native plants when landscaping in Silver Spring MD. This involves incorporating flowers, trees, and bushes that are local. Native plants have the best chance of surviving in the toughest of weather conditions.

Before you begin your landscaping work, be sure to plan your goals and assess your budget. This will ensure that you have a solid plan in place so that you do not run out of materials before the job is completed. It will also give you a better idea of your design needs.

Make sure you plan thoroughly before you begin landscaping. It is a great idea to sketch out your landscaping design when it’s still a plan, so you can get a good mental idea of what it is going to look like. Make notes of the plants, flowers, shrubs, etc. that you plan on using to improve your landscape.

A great landscaping tip is to make use of the available spaces that you have. One particular helpful tip is to place bushes in areas where outside noise is a problem as the bushes will help drown out any unwanted sounds. Just make sure that you plan out your spacing carefully.

Now that you’ve learned more about Silver Spring MD home landscaping, hopefully, it doesn’t seem so complicated. If you ever do feel stuck – just give East Coast Landscape Design a call When your neighbors ask who did your landscaping, you’ll be able to proudly tell them that you did yourself (with a little help from East Coast Landscape Design).

Great Rockville MD Landscaping Tips For Your Home!

Landscaping a home has become one of the biggest desires that people have in today’s world. With all of the new techniques and progression over the past decade, some homes need a new look. If you are one of those people who feels like they could use some help landscaping their home, then you’re in luck. This article has a lot of advice that you can apply towards changing your Rockville MD landscaping.

Landscaping is more than just planting grasses and trees. To add texture and substance, look for opportunities to include wood, cement or iron structures. Elements like pergolas, retaining walls, fountains, and trellises are an easy way to add instant dimension to your Rockville MD landscaping. You can purchase these in many different price ranges to accommodate your budget.

You can save money by timing your purchases. Wait until winter to buy lumber and wait until later in the season to buy shrubs, mulch, or trees if possible. As new plants become available, wait a couple of years before purchasing them, so the prices will be lower.

Landscape according to how much time you can commit. While an elaborate landscape might look good on paper, remember that it requires constant upkeep. When designing your Rockville MD landscape think about your available time, your physical condition, and your budget. Only take on the responsibilities of a landscape that you can easily cope with.

Find alternative ways to get your materials. You can simply pick up stones on natural sites or purchase bricks from demolition sites. Some cities give out free mulch or lumber.

Now that you have a good idea of where to begin with your Rockville MD landscape or where you can improve on it, you should start writing what changes you want to make down. You want to have a clear understanding of what you want to change and then, gradually change your home’s landscape, until you’re pleased with your home’s appearance.

For more information on landscaping in Rockville MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has designed and installed landscape projects.

What Should I Do When I Landscape My Silver Spring MD Home?

Proper landscaping can add tremendous value and beauty to your Silver Spring MD home. The key to proper landscaping is education. If you ever feel that you need help, give us a call. We are here to help.

Choosing Plants in Silver Spring MD

Be careful when it comes to selecting your plants, this can have a huge effect on the success of your landscaping. Avoid placing plants in shady areas if they require a great deal of sunlight. Don’t plant a tree in an area where it can’t grow to its full capacity. A little extra effort means that you will have beautiful, healthy plants and an easily maintainable landscape.

Consider the Design

Think about whether or not you need to have a design for your Silver Spring MD project. You might save money in the long run by buying only the plants and materials you really need to achieve the landscaping you want – as specified by a good design.

Add Some Needed Silver Spring MD Walkways

If you are tired of seeing your beloved plants trampled by visitors, consider adding a footpath. Use brick, stone or wood to create a path that extends well beyond the boundaries of the area you wish to protect. A well-defined, wide path makes it clear which areas are safe as well as, which should not be trodden upon.

Maintain, Maintain, Maintain

Try to make sure that the height of your Silver Spring MD lawn is always between 2 and a half to 3 inches. Having your grass at this height will help protect it from sun and heat damage. Also, at this height, moisture will not evaporate as much as it would if it were taller.

For more information on landscaping in Silver Spring MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design, the Washington D.C. area’s leading licensed landscape design company. Located in Montgomery County, Maryland since 1979, the company has designed and installed landscape projects, including patios, outdoor kitchens, and driveways in Silver Spring MD.