All posts by Mike Sperling

The Benefits of Mulching

May 8, 2019Garden, Lawn, Lawn & Garden, spring, SummerMike Sperling

Do you have lawn envy? You know, that feeling when you drive by a neighbor’s yard and see how thick and lush the grass looks, how the edging is precise, and how the mulch brings new life to the plant beds? Yeah, we get that. That’s why we offer spring cleanups and mulching services to get your yard ready for the season.

You are right when you see mulch and notice that it makes the planting beds, trees, or shrubbery look neat and well-manicured. However, this is not the only benefit of adding mulch to your landscaping. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of mulching your landscape this year.

Moisture Retention

Living in the northeast region means that we may have a wet-and-wild growing season, or a hot-and-dry one. One never knows which it may be. That’s why using mulch as a way to retain moisture is a good idea. Mulch serves as a way of stopping the evaporation of the water that is in the soil. That way, your bushes, shrubs, or plantings can retain as much water as they will need to stay healthy.

Reduce Weeds

Mulch has a hidden secret. It can serve as a barrier to the sunlight that encourages the growth of weeds. That doesn’t mean that your garden won’t need to be weeded, but there will be less to do weekly. Add a foundation of weed barrier fabric or cloth under the mulch and weeds will have an even more difficult time showing themselves.

Prevent Erosion

Depending upon the grade and location of your property, you may experience erosion after heavy rain. If so, mulch can prevent the rainwater from washing away your soil. This also means that after each rain, your soil’s nutrients are not washed away.

Pest Control

The natural oils that exist in mulch tend to deter pests from setting up shop. Some mulch types, such as cypress, cedar, or pine wood chips, do an excellent job of repelling ticks, gnats, and fleas. Talk to us about the type you would like to use and we can let you know which mulch scents will be a deterrent.

Adds Curb Appeal

Mulch can immediately make your lawn go from looking ho-hum to well manicured! Mulch can instantly add color and depth to your yard. Think of how nice a fresh layer will look around your shrubs, bushes, trees, along your foundation, and within your flower beds!

If you are considering adding mulch to your yard, call Arrowhead Landscaping. We are a full-service landscaping company based out of Danvers, MA that’s been in business since 1998. We pride ourselves on giving exceptional services to our residential and commercial customers. We specialize in hardscape design and stonework. No job is too small or too large.

The Benefits of a Spring Clean Up for your Yard

April 3, 2019Garden, Hardscape, Lawn, Lawn & Garden, Preventative Maintenance, springMike Sperling

It may not completely feel like spring yet but, believe us, it is on the way. The crocuses will begin to pop, the grass will green up and the trees will start showing buds. One of the more concrete ways to see the emergence of one of our favorite seasons, is to ready your yard. Not only will it make your yard look more attractive, but it will also strengthen your lawn against environmental stressors such as weeds and pests. Arrowhead Landscaping recommends several steps to clean up your yard this spring.

Remove Leaves, Twigs and Debris

After a winter of snow and wind, your yard may look a little worse for wear. In order to make your lawn look well-kept and allow for the grass to thrive, you will want to rake up all the leaves that were missed during your fall clean up, as well as twigs and branches that may have fallen during winter storms. Too many leaves may choke out the sun and nutrients that your grass is going to need in the coming weeks. A layer of wet leaves can also harbor fungal diseases. Removal of these items can benefit the health of your spring lawn.

Aerating

A step that many homeowners tend to ignore or forget is loosening the compaction of the soil that happens naturally over time or in high traffic areas. By loosening the soil, moisture and nutrients are allowed to get into the soil, right down to the roots.

Reseeding

If you notice that areas of your lawn are not greening up, but rather, looking brown, you may want to consider reseeding. There are several options depending upon the size and location of your browning areas. Sod, the most expensive option, will be an instant fix. Hydroseeding can be a fairly fast fix for larger areas or areas that are prone to erosion. Most homeowners choose rotary seeding for small areas that need help.

Edging and Mulching

Nothing make a yard look professionally manicured like a cleanly edged garden. Deep edges can help define the flower beds from the turf areas. In addition to edging, mulching adds fresh organic material the bushes, plantings or flowers as well as allowing for retention of moisture.

Trimming Shrubs and Bushes

The spring is a good time to trim back bushes that have gotten unruly. The trimming can be beneficial as it may improve the tree/bush health. It is also a good time to trim off broken areas that were caused by heavy snow or strong winds.

Irrigation Check

If your lawn is watered via a sprinkler system, now is the time for a “spring start up.” Professionals can check the irrigation system, make sure the heads were not damaged over the winter, and set the timers for the appropriate watering for this time of year.

Spring clean ups take a lot of work and can cost you a weekend or two if you go it alone. If you would like to have our team at Arrowhead Landscaping conduct your spring clean up, call our office at (978) 774-4487 or visit our website. We are a full-service landscaping company based out of Danvers, MA that’s been in business since 1998. We pride ourselves on giving exceptional services to our residential and commercial customers. We specialize in hardscape design and stonework. No job is too small or too large.

Fences Do Make for Good Neighbors

March 5, 2019Garden, Lawn, Lawn & Garden, spring, SummerMike Sperling

In the mid-to-late 17th Century, there was a proverb along the lines of, “Fences make for good neighbors.” At the time it was meant for livestock and farming equipment to stay on the right property during the growing season. However, this proverb is just as true today as it was during the agricultural years of long ago. Fences have numerous benefits to both homeowners and neighbors in the surrounding vicinity. At Arrowhead Landscaping one of our services is professional fence installation, so we know the value and benefit of adding a barrier to your property. Let’s explore how a fence can be an asset to your landscaping.

Security

First and foremost, fencing can be an excellent first layer of security. It can be a deterrent for malicious activity either from a would-be intruder or even wildlife that wants to gain access to your property. Privacy fencing can allow for controlled entry to your yard and garden. While it may not stop a thief completely, it will slow them down and make access just that more difficult. Put enough obstacles in the path of a thief and they may move on to another home.

For homes with a pool, the security of a fence may be a permit requirement from your local municipality. Whether your pool is in-ground or above, your city or town will have rules and requirements for the safe confinement of the swimming area.

Animal Safety

A confined space for a pet to roam and play is one of the top benefits of adding fencing to a property. Many homeowners would love to let their pet out and not worry about wandering or, worse yet, having an unknown dog or animal cross paths with your beloved family member.

Privacy

If you live in a neighborhood where the homes are closely situated, you may want to consider a fence for privacy. When having gatherings with friends and family, a privacy boundary will allow you to have fun while not disturbing the neighbors. This is especially true if you have a pool in your yard and would like to shield your swim from onlookers.

Property Delineation

After a plot has been surveyed, a fence is a clear indicator of where you can build, plant, garden, and mow. Even if you are best friends with your neighbor, a delineation line can help stop any future arguments about whose property is whose.

Aesthetics

With a wide variety of styles, colors, and patterns, fencing can be a beautiful addition to any property. It can be designed to match the overall look of your home. A fence can be the added frosting to your yard.

If you are considering adding fencing to your yard call Arrowhead Landscaping. We are a full-service landscaping company based out of Danvers, MA that’s been in business since 1998. We pride ourselves on giving exceptional services to our residential and commercial customers. We specialize in hardscape design and stonework. No job is too small or too large.

Planning your Spring Lawn and Garden Now!

February 5, 2019Lawn & Garden, springMike Sperling

Wednesday, March 20th, the Vernal or Spring Equinox, will mark the first day of spring. Just think, that is really just a few weeks away. Soon we will hear the birds chirping and homeowners out in the yard cleaning things up to start yet another spring and summer of lawn care. It is enough to make a landscaping company giddy. Let’s plan our spring lawn!

Given that we have a few weeks of Old Man Winter yet to go, this is the important time to start planning so you’ll get off to a good start to keeping your lawn and garden healthy as well as nicely manicured all season long. Here are a few things to consider when planning your spring lawn and garden now.

Depending on where you live in our region, freezing weather can still persist well into the first few weeks of spring. Homes closer to the coast will notice the warmth beginning to awake plantings first and then slowly the temperature changes push inland. Plan on some of these tasks and chores around your home for the first few warm weekends.

Cleaning up debris from the yard and last leaves that fell in the fall.
Pruning trees and bushes. Be sure to do your homework on what plantings you have as you do not want to prune too far or risk harming tender growth.
Examining planting beds to see if frost heaves have pushed out any of your bulbs.
Repairing containers or window boxes that will hold colorful blooms once the weather permits.
Raking (gently) thatch or debris out of the yard once the weather has risen above the freezing mark.
Testing soil for pH levels in order to feed it correctly as the season continues.
Repairing and/or cleaning all lawn equipment that will be needed for the growing season. This includes your mower, trimmers, edgers, leaf blower, and pruning shears.
Planning your veggie garden or annual plantings and possibly begin the process of growing indoors, if space allows.

Arrowhead Landscaping provides residential, commercial, and industrial services that can make any lawn look well manicured and sharp. We offer services such as lawn mowing, hedge trimming, mulching, planting, and spring/fall cleanups. We also design, plan and install hardscape specific to the unique aspect of your yard. Call us at (978) 774-4487 or visit our website.

The Importance of Professional Tree Removal

January 2, 2019tree removalMike Sperling

Remember the age-old saying, “If a tree falls in the forest does it make a sound?” Well, we may not know the answer to that, but we can be sure that if you have diseased or dying trees in your yard, you may have some problems with falling limbs or trees. As the Farmer’s Almanac predicts, the heavy snow and wind may pack a wallop this year in our region. Trees, unfortunately, bare the brunt of many storms here in the northeast from hurricanes, to Nor’easters, to blizzards. The combination of wind and precipitation can be tough on many types of trees. Read on to find out about having your trees professional removed by Arrow Landscaping.

Importance of Hiring a Professional for Tree Removal

Avoiding Damage

Tree removal may seem like a “do-it-yourself” kind of task but depending upon the size and type of tree, most are not. Tree cutting and removal takes specialized equipment and training to get the branches down safety without harming your home or the surrounding property.

Avoiding Injury

Mechanical saws, ropes, branches, and heights are all factors that come into play when cutting and removing a tree from a property. All these moving parts can be dangerous and have been known to cause many a homeowner a trip to the emergency room. Leave the climbing, cutting, and removal to the experts who have practiced and trained under many different scenarios.

Maintain the Health of your Trees

A well trained and experienced technician can examine your trees and tell you if it requires removal or trimming of the dead sections. For the health of your trees and the property as a whole, it is best to allow experts to examine your trees before starting the saws.

Snow and wind can cause severe strain on trees, so it is a smart idea to talk to our technicians should you find branches or entire trees have fallen in your yard. Contact Arrowhead Landscaping at (978) 774-4487 or visit our website.

Avoid Snow Removal Headaches by Hiring a Pro

December 8, 2018Snow, WinterMike Sperling

The Farmers’ Almanac says we are in for another whopper of a winter season in New England. And while the meteorologists are not always 100% accurate, we are pretty much guaranteed a few snow storms every winter that will test our resolve on living in one of the snowier regions of the United States. That’s why we offer our snow removal services here at Arrowhead Landscaping. There are many benefits to hiring our crew, including avoiding physical injury, protecting your hardscape, using specialized equipment, and saving you the stress and time of taking care of your driveway or parking lots at all hours. Read on to find out more about the benefits that come with handing off the snow and ice management to a professional.

Prevent Accidents

Driveways, walkways, and parking lots are prime areas for slips and falls, unless they have been plowed, shoveled, and treated for ice. Homeowners can prevent slips by family members and business owners can ensure that employees, clients, and customers can gain access to their business with our services.

Protect Hardscape

As landscape professionals, we know how to protect your hardscape through the winter from adjusting the plow angle to treating with less damaging chemicals.

Specialized Equipment

As a homeowner or business owner, you may not have access to heavy equipment needed to remove the snow after every storm. Sometimes even snow blowers are no match for the power of a two-ton truck and the manpower to back it up.

No Morning Stress

Seems like storms arrive at the most inopportune times in our region. They are either overnight so early morning shoveling starts your day, or at rush hour when we all just want to get home to our families. Regardless of when the snow hits, our crew can make sure your mornings become less hectic when you no longer need to plan for an hour or two of shoveling.

Immediate Results/Less Downtime

For businesses, snow can be the kiss of death. Not only does it mean fewer people are out working but if your walkways and parking lots are not cleared, it will deter clients from making the trip. With Arrowhead Landscaping, you can be sure that your walkways, driveways, and parking lots will be clear and safe for all who need to come and go.

Call Arrowhead Landscaping at (978) 774-4487 if you need snow or ice removal. We are happy to help.

Fall Clean Ups for a Healthy Lawn

November 27, 2018fall, Garden, Lawn & GardenMike Sperling

No one likes to think about the massive amount of work it takes to close down the yard and garden at the end of a fun outdoor entertaining season. Unfortunately, it does need to be done every year in order to keep your yard not only looking clean and well manicured but in order to keep your lawn healthy as well. Arrowhead Landscaping offers a fall clean up service that can make your lawn aesthetically pleasing and ensure a healthy start next spring.

Benefits of a Fall Clean Up

Avoid a Pest Haven – Fall leaves that have been sitting in the nooks and crannies of your yard for weeks are a perfect place for pests to set up shop. From a mosquito sanctuary to a nesting ground for mice, leaves are a haven of warmth and moisture if left around for the winter.
Avoid Bare Patches – Come spring when it is time to start caring for your lawn and garden again, areas where leaves and debris were left can spell trouble for the grass. A mound of leaves can smother and kill the delicate grass beneath. Avoid having to reseed large areas in the spring by removing your fallen leaves with Arrowhead.
One Last Feeding for the Lawn – With a comprehensive fall clean up, homeowners have one last opportunity to feed the lawn to make it through these tough New England winters. The grass may go dormant, but it will need nutrients to help it survive. In addition to the last feeding, many homeowners find that aerating the lawn can help get the oxygen, water, and nutrients down to the roots before everything freezes up for the winter.
Remove Debris from Gutters – Most of us think about the lawn and garden when we consider fall cleanups, but cleaning out the gutters at this time can mean avoiding ice dams and potential leaks caused by cluttered gutters.
Shut Down the Irrigation System – Given that New England can see some pretty low temps and snows measured in feet rather than inches, it is a smart idea to have your irrigation system professionally drained or “blown out.” This is a way to ensure that no trapped water can freeze in your pipes and cause damage underground where you can’t inspect.

If you need a Fall Clean up that will not only ensure your yard is looking clean and well manicured but also healthy and ready when the ground thaws, call Arrowhead Landscaping at (978) 774-4487.

Complementary Hardscape Design Elements

October 10, 2018fall, Garden, Hardscape, Lawn, Lawn & Garden, Masonry, Patio, Patio PaversMike Sperling

We are well into the fall season. The leaves are changing colors, the days are shorter, and the temperature is dropping. When raking up the leaves on your lawn, do you notice if your hardscape is lacking some complementary design elements? A hardscape is much more than a stone pathway, patio, or wall. It’s the surrounding area, too! Read on for tips on how to dress up your hardscape before winter sets in.

Autumn Plantings

Just because the temperatures have dropped doesn’t mean it’s too late to plant. In fact, there are a number of plants that thrive in the cooler temperatures. These include bulbs, garden mums, pansies, oakleaf hydrangea, Russian sage, and so many more. These plants would look beautiful above or below a wall, or along a pathway.

Lighting

Shorter days means that the sun is setting earlier each day. Soon enough, it will be dark out before you even make it home from work! A good idea to keep you and your loved ones safe while walking in the dark is to set up lights along your stone pathway leading to the house. This illuminates the path, so you can steer clear of any obstacles or debris that you would track into the house.

Building a Hardscape

Masonry is tough work. It’s made even more arduous when done in the heat of the summer. Fall is the perfect time to lay down stone, as the cooler temperatures offer a breath of fresh air to the workers. If you notice loose stones or crumbling concrete, or if you want to design and install a hardscape, do it before winter rears its ugly head. You’ll want to stay ahead of the snow. For tips on treating your icy hardscape this winter, refer to our blog post tips for ice and snow removal.

This fall, we can help you plan, design, craft, and install the perfect design elements to complement your hardscape. Contact Arrowhead Landscaping by phone at 978-744-4487, or visit our website.

Safety Tips for Fire Pits

July 5, 2018Hardscape, Lawn, Lawn & Garden, Materials, Patio, Patio Pavers, Summer, Sun, SunlightMike Sperling

Summertime means the days are longer, so many people try to make the most of their time spent outside. A common nighttime activity is huddling around a campfire in one’s backyard to wind down from an exhausting day. Some roast marshmallows and make s’mores, others just like to let themselves become entranced by the fire, getting lost in its “dance” among the burning embers. In any event, there are some basic fire safety tips to follow. Let’s take a look:

Fire Pit Materials

If you’re looking to construct a fire pit in your backyard, be sure to use the right materials for construction. Stone fire pits, such as cement or patio blocks, are a common option, as they are able to contain the fire without cracking or crumbling from the heat. At Arrowhead Landscaping, we specialize in masonry and hardscapes, so we have the materials and expertise to construct your ideal fire pit. We always keep the safety of your property and of your friends and family in mind when building fire pits for clients.

Location

Ideally, a fire pit should be no closer than 10 feet away from a building or a neighbor’s yard. Be sure it’s in an open area, with no bushes, trees, or other plantings above or nearby. A fire pit should rest on patio blocks or cement – never on grass.

Tending to the Fire Pit

Only an adult should ignite, readjust, and extinguish the fire. If kids are in attendance, adult supervision is obviously required. Never leave the fire pit unattended. A wire mesh covering can help calm the flames if it gets too high, and will keep children and pets from falling in. Before you light a fire, check with your state and local ordinances to see if you have to contact the fire departments and let them know you before you will be lighting a fire. To extinguish the fire, use a garden hose and aim it at the burning wood and embers. Never leave a fire burning, assuming that it will go out on its own, as coals can stay hot for up to 3 days. Always make sure to completely extinguish the fire with plenty of water. Don’t overfeed the fire with excess wood – only use what you need – and don’t use gasoline to start a fire.

At Arrowhead Landscaping, we specialize in masonry and hardscapes. We use trusted brands like Techo Bloc and Belgard, as they hold up better than other brands. If you’re looking to hire a specialist to build a fire pit in your backyard, contact Arrowhead Landscaping by phone at (978) 774-4487, or visit our website at http://arrowhead-landscaping.com/.

Preventative Maintenance for your Masonry and Hardscape

June 13, 2018Deicers, Dirt, Garden, Hardscape, Ice, Lawn, Lawn & Garden, Masonry, Materials, Oil, Patio, Patio Pavers, Preventative Maintenance, Rain, Rock Salt, Rust, Slush, Snow, Summer, Sun, Sunlight, Uncategorized, WinterMike Sperling

This past winter was a long one. Some days, it doesn’t even feel like it’s been over for three months now! We had some pretty heavy snowfall and, in preparation for the ensuing cleanup, many Americans used corrosive deicers, and now we’re paying for it. No, we’re not talking about damage to your lawn and garden. In this case, we’re talking about damage to your hardscape. I, too, am at fault in my de-icing methods; the rock salt I used throughout the winter effectively ate away at the concrete walkway leading to the front door of my house. It loosened the top layer of concrete until it was nothing more than a sand-like substance, ground down evermore with each footstep or sweep of a broom when I tried to clean up the mess. I recently had to get a new walkway installed, this time with higher-grade concrete. In hopes that this doesn’t happen again after the next winter season, let’s take a look at preventative maintenance for your masonry and hardscape:

What Is a Hardscape

First, we should define the term “hardscape”. A hardscape is the man-made aspect of landscape architecture, including walkways, paths, walls, patios, fire pits, steps, and so much more. It’s important to choose the right material, depending on your climate. At Arrowhead Landscaping, we typically work with patio pavers. We choose Techo Bloc and Belgard for our best brands, as they hold up better than other brands. We can take matters into our own hands and help you choose the right material based on hardscape design and the local architectural style of your area.

Winter in New England

Assuming your home or office is in New England, you know very well how messy the winter season can get. There’s snow, rain, slush, ice, and everything in between, not to mention all the rock salt and other deicing chemicals. Any combination of these can damage masonry work over time, so choosing the right material all depends on how much of a beating your hardscape will be subjected to (e.g., will it be a frequented walkway that sees lots of traffic every day, or will it be a wall in your backyard that’s rarely ever physically touched?). Patio pavers are very durable and can typically survive heavy snow. It’s persistent rain, however, that you have to worry about, as running water can wear down and even erode these otherwise durable blocks. It is not recommended that you use chemical deicers on patio pavers, as they can easily eat through the seal and damage the underlying concrete. Use salt instead, as it doesn’t scratch. It’s advisable to salt before water gets a chance to freeze. This is because salt lowers the freezing point of water.

Summer Is Nearly Here!

The heat and humidity in New England during summer is another extreme to be weary of. Furthermore, the sun can damage the aesthetic and integrity of pavers over time. For these reasons, it’s recommended that you seal your hardscape after installation, before the heat and sun have a chance to damage it. You should also clean your hardscape annually by power washing or using cleaning solutions to remove built-up dirt, oil, and rust. Reapply the seal every few years or as needed, as sunlight, heat, built-up substances, and the annual cleanup cause the seal to wear. Regular preventative maintenance keeps your hardscape and masonry looking like-new for years to come.

At Arrowhead Landscaping, we understand that your hardscape serves a double purpose: both functional and aesthetic. We also know that you want your hardscape to last. This is why we use only the highest-grade materials, as well as created this helpful guide to make caring for your hardscape as easy as possible. If you’re looking to install a new hardscape, or if you want to touch up and reseal your current one, contact Arrowhead Landscaping by phone at (978) 774-4487, or visit our website at http://arrowhead-landscaping.com/.