Category: landscaping

Why Do I Need A Bethesda MD Landscape Designer?

You may have just bought your dream home, and almost everything is as it should be. You, however, may not like how the yard looks. If the previous owner did not spend too much time taking care of the landscaping, you know that you must take the necessary measures towards making it to your liking.

However, you may not have too much time on your hands to work on the outdoor space. You might have approached some of your neighbors, and they encourage you to consider hiring a landscape designer. Still, you may have reservations about the cost, and might not be sure that you want to deal with the stress of contractors.

At East Coast Landscape and Design, we totally understand your predicament. One recurring question we always get is, “why do I need a Bethesda MD landscape designer?” This is what we tell our potential and existing clients.

Why you need a Bethesda MD Landscape Designer?

You Get Excellent Ideas

East Coast landscape and Design has been transforming outdoor spaces for over 40 years. You can imagine the type of experience we have and the different scenarios we have come across. We have so many excellent ideas to share with our clients. Some may have an idea of what they want while others do not. During the consultation, we listen to your ideas and give our suggestions.

Analysis of Your Landscape

For the untrained, coming up with a landscape design may seem so simple. Yet, the truth is that there are many different components that come into play. The types of soil, topography, climate, among others, have a big role to play. Professionals consider all these different aspects when coming up with ideas. A lot of research goes into determining the best solution for each unique space.

Planning and Implementation

Coming up with an idea is just the first step. Next, includes planning and implementation to achieve the vision you have in mind. A professional contractor knows how to save you money and time without compromising on the outcome. Most importantly, you can sit back and relax without the need to involve yourself in the actual work.

Project Management

We will have a project manager who will report to you about progress. You get to leverage their experience and expertise when transforming your outdoor space. You can expect your investment to increase your property value and also exterior design trends change much slowly than interior designs.

Call East Coast Landscape and Design Today.

Having been in the business for this long, we understand everything to do with transforming landscapes. We work at ensuring that you get a peaceful outdoor space that is aesthetically pleasing and functional. Forget about spending most times indoors, outdoors is the place to be, for tranquility, fun and exploration!

Posted on Author adminCategories landscaping

Manage and Use Fall Leaves in Silver Spring, MD Landscaping

Raking leaves on a day when you’d rather be doing anything else is tough – but the chore is done more easily, if you keep in mind that those fall leaves can be put to good use in other areas of your Silver Spring, MD landscaping.

Leaves are an important natural deposit due to the fact that they include 50 to 80 percent of the nutrients a plant extracts from the soil and air throughout the season. It’d be a shame to bag all those nutrients up and send them to a landfill.

Here are some methods to manage and use your fall leaves to benefit the landscaping of your Silver Spring MD home.

Trimming: if you’ve just got a light covering of leaves and you have a mulching lawn mower, you can leave the shredded leaves on the turf.

Mulching: is easy and reliable, utilizing your lawnmower with a bagging accessory to gather and shred the leaves. Take the shredded leaf mulch, and disperse it throughout your landscape. A 3 to 6 inch layer of shredded leaves around the base of trees and shrubs will work well enough – don’t go overboard, though – too much mulch will rot or mildew. With yearly and seasonal flower beds, a 2 to 3 inch mulch of shredded leaves is finest.

Improving soil: utilizing a till, work a 6-8 inch layer of leaves straight into the garden and flower beds. This will enhance the aeration of a clay soil, and will assist light sandy soil with maintaining water and nutrients.

Composting: with or without a bin, you can produce abundant composting for your landscape. You’ll have to layer 6-8 inches of leaves, then include an inch layer of soil, then spray some fertilizer. Repeat these actions and keep the garden compost moist.

For more info on landscaping in Silver Spring MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has actually been Silver Spring, MD’s leading certified landscape specialist.

Posted on Author mdlandscaperCategories landscaping, Silver Spring MD

Landscaping in Bethesda, MD: Consider these 5 Great Small Tree

Have a small space to fill in your home’s landscaping in Bethesda, MD? Consider these 5 great small trees.

  1. Amur Maple (Amur ginnala) – Mature height, 15-18 feet:
    One of the first maples to get their leaves in the spring, this tree has a wide-spreading canopy. It can either be a large shrub or a small tree, but it’s more often limbed up to show off its strong sculptural form.

  2. Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) – Mature height, 20-25 feet tall, 15-20 feet wide: A lovely small tree that produces bright yellow flowers in early spring. It usually branches to the ground, but can be limbed up effectively.

  3. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp.) This tree comes in a wide range of sizes, from dwarf (a few feet tall) to the typical tree, which is 20 to 30 feet tall. The mid- to late-summer flowers come in pink, lavender, rose, almost-red and white. Its bark, shown off on a multi-trunked form, varies from creamy white to gray to sandy brown to cinnamon, depending on the species and cultivar.

  4. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) Mature height, 15-30 feet tall and wide: multiple varieties from a weeping threadleaf form that looks like a broad mound or the upright form that makes a small shade tree.

  5. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) Mature height, 20-30 feet tall and a bit wider: welcome spring with an explosion of pink. Grows to 20 to 30 feet tall and slightly wider. The heart-shaped leaves of the species are bluish-green, but ‘Forest Pansy’ has burgundy leaves that fade with hot weather. Adapts to a wide range of soils as long as they’re not permanently wet.

For more information about great small trees for your landscaping in Bethesda, 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 Bethesda, MD, and surrounding communities.

Posted on Author mdlandscaperCategories Bethesda MD, landscaping

Landscaping Design to Preserve Water Pipes in SIlver Spring MD

Proper landscaping design can preserve the water pipes to and from your home in Silver Spring MD.

Tree roots are naturally attracted to water and sewer lines; these pipes are a source of water, nutrients, and oxygen that the trees need. When a root finds a leak in a pipe, it will quickly make its way into the smallest crack, making the crack bigger, and the root will be growing bigger as it goes deeper into the pipe. Eventually, the roots will stop up the pipe, and stop the flow of waste coming from your home.

Ever see those yards around town, with the front yards dug up from the house to the street? You can guess what happened – tree roots broke into and clogged up the pipes. The pipes broke, and thousands of dollars later, the homeowner has root-free pipes.

So what can been done to reduce the likelihood that tree roots will cause that kind of damage to your pipes? The right landscaping design, using slow-growing trees with less aggressive root systems, placed the proper distance away from the pipes at your Silver Spring MD home.

Trees to Avoid If You Want to Protect Your Water Pipes
Certain trees should never be planted near water lines, as they are often fast-growing with particularly aggressive roots.

  • Many species in the Acer (maple) genus
  • Populus species
  • Ashes
  • Sycamore
  • Several oaks
  • Willows, basswood
  • Tuliptree
  • Elms
  • Birches
  • Mulberry
  • Figs
  • Large eucalyptus
  • Beech


Root Barriers
In addition, some homeowners choose to create root barriers around their pipes to slow down or prevent roots from getting too close to pipes. Slow-release chemicals, such as copper sulfate and potassium hydroxide, spread near the sewer line will discourage growth into the area. Metal or wood barriers buried 6 to 12 inches deeper than the pipe and running vertically next to sewer lines can also stop roots from getting at the pipes.

For more information on landscaping in Silver Spring MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has been Silver Spring, MD’s leading licensed landscape contractor. Located in Montgomery County, Maryland since 1979, the company has designed, installed, and cared for landscape projects and irrigation systems.

 

Posted on Author mdlandscaperCategories landscape design, landscaping, Silver Spring MD

Landscaping in Rockville, MD: Small Trees and Shrubs, Less Aggressive Root Systems

If you’re looking to add small trees or shrubs to you landscaping in Rockville, MD – choose those with less aggressive root systems. That’s because aggressive root systems can cause some severe damage to your hardscapes.

The bottom line is that choosing slow-growing small trees or bushes with less aggressive root systems species for your landscaping in Rockville MD – along with properly preparing the planting site – helps to protect your hardscapes.

Site Preparation
You should plant your small trees or shrubs at least 10 feet away from your hardscapes. If you decide that you’d like to install a root barrier around your tree, the barrier should extend at least 2 feet below the soil surface. It should be at least 5 feet away from both the hardscaping and the tree’s planting hole and should extend along the entire length of the hardscaping near the tree.

Slow-Growing Deciduous Trees with Less Aggressive Root Systems
The following can be usually be planted 10 feet away from your hardscaping, without causing  problems:

  • Japanese maple cultivars
  • Ilex species
  • Several types of magnolias
  • Carolina buckthorn
  • Quince
  • Wintersweet
  • Acoma crape myrtle
  • Certain crabapples
  • Hoptree
  • Stewartia
  • Weeping Higan and Hally Jolivette cherries

    Slow-Growing Evergreen Trees with Maximum Height Under 20 Feet
    Certain slow-growing trees with a maximum height under 20 feet are unlikely to damage hardscaping and offer year-round foliage.
  • Boxwood tree
  • Dr. Hurd manzanita
  • Tea-oil
  • Yennan camelia
  • Mediterranean fan palm
  • Akapuka, variegatum Japanese privet
  • Evergreen magnolias
  • Some omanthus and photinia species or varieties
  • Cabbage palm
  • Awabuki sweet viburnum
  • Weeping blue atlas cedar
  • Chinese and Japanese plum yews
  • Fernspray cypress
  • Slender hinoki cypress.


For more information on landscaping in Rockville MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has been Rockville, MD’s leading licensed landscape contractor. Located in Montgomery County, Maryland since 1979, the company has designed, installed, and cared for landscape projects and irrigation systems.

Posted on Author mdlandscaperCategories landscaping, Rockville Md

How Important is Mulch to Your Landscaping in Bethesda MD?

Mulch is much more that just something that’s used on your yard for “looks.” Putting down the right mulch is important to the overall health of your landscaping.

Here are 5 ways mulch is beneficial to your landscaping in Bethesda MD:Mulch slows weed growth.

  1. Mulch slows water evaporation, reducing water loss from the soil.
  2. Mulch protects plant roots from temperature extremes and sudden temperature fluctuations.
  3. Organic types of mulch improve the soil quality as they decompose.
  4. Mulch ads color and texture to your landscape design.

So which mulch is the right mulch for your landscaping?
The answer depends on the needs of your landscaping, and can change based on those needs. For instance, what you mulch you use in one area of your yard, may not be the best choice for other areas of your yard.

For instance, areas in your landscaping that need soil improvement could do with an aged (partially decomposed) organic mulch. If you don’t need soil improvement, and just want to control weeds, then a fresh organic mulch will do.

Rocks, stones or gravel mulch can shore up low-lying areas in your landscaping that can get washed out during hard rain. Landscapers will also use stones or gravel to create French drains to help prevent flooding in your yard. (Note: rocks, stones, or gravel can get and keep heat easily, so don’t use them around tender plants or those with shallow roots.)

For more information about the most appropriate mulches for your landscaping in Bethesda MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. East Coast Landscape Design is head and shoulders above other landscaping companies in Bethesda MD. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has designed and installed beautiful landscape and hardscape projects around Bethesda MD and surrounding communities.

 

Posted on Author mdlandscaperCategories Bethesda MD, landscaping

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.

Posted on Author adminCategories landscape contractor, landscape design, landscaping, Maryland

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.

Posted on Author adminCategories landscape contractor, landscape design, landscaping, Rockville Md

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.

Posted on Author adminCategories landscape design, landscaping, Silver Spring MD

Landscape Contractor in Bethesda MD: Improve the Curb Appeal of your Home

The premier landscape contractor in Bethesda MD, East Coast Landscape Design, wants homeowners to understand that there are ways to improve the curb appeal of your landscaping.

Invest in your landscaping as you would any other aspect of your home. Your landscaping is the first thing you, your visitors, and neighbors see of your home. Any money spent on quality landscaping is money well-spent.

Think about all fours seasons, when you plan for landscaping. You want your landscaping to look great all year round, so you need to plan for that. Planting for four seasons, changes in outdoor lighting, and maintenance are key.

You also want to make sure that irrigation and drainage are well-managed all year round. Your goals here are to preserve your landscape investment, and save money and water with an irrigation and drainage system. Since we don’t have the same temps or water needs all year round,  these will have to be adjusted season to season.

You need to remember that your hardscapes are part of your landscaping. You could have gorgeous plants and lighting, but  a cracked driveway, sidewalk, or patio will make your home look unkempt.

For more information on the planning and maintenance of your Bethesda MD landscaping, please contact your premier landscape contractor, East Coast Landscape Design. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has been Bethesda MD’s leading licensed landscape contractor.

Posted on Author adminCategories Bethesda MD, landscape contractor, landscapers, landscaping