Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Winter is Approaching!


As the leaves change and fall, and the temperature gets cooler, it's difficult not to feel that winter is rapidly approaching. With all the wonderful things winter does have to offer, it also means careful driving, bundling up, and having to shovel the snow off the walkway.

Wait, why worry about shoveling snow to get to work in the morning, when you could have it all done for you? Lawn Angels of Wayland can plow snow from your driveway, shovel your steps and walkway, and apply salt or sand on the ice. And for your company, we'll have that parking lot, ice and snow free by the time you pull in to work. That way, regardless of the storm, you can wake up late, head out to your car and be on your way to work, while all your neighbors are still digging their car out of the snow. Better yet? Use all that extra time to go skiing or skating with the family. Now that sounds like a fun winter to me.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Selling Your Home



It's a hard time to be selling your home. Many people I know have had to accept offers under the property's value, or haven't received any offers at all. That doesn't mean you won't be able to sell it, it just means you're going to have to fight to get your house seen and sold, and landscaping can be a big selling point.

Check your Appeal at the Curb
You have to sell your home from the second it's seen on the street and an intriguing landscape will make the home more memorable and appealing. After all, you want the first impression of your home to be inviting and well-kept.

The Power of Landscape
Believe it or not, high-quality landscaping can add from 5 to 15% to the value of your home. In fact, landscaping is one of the most effective and easiest way to increase the real estate value, better than most other home renovation projects. And it's the only home improvement that will actually improve over time. Studies have shown that mature trees can make the home more easily sold. Let Lawn Angels put some of these landscaping tips to work, and get your house sold!

Sweat the Small Stuff
Keep the grass mowed and bushes trimmed, make sure overgrown plants aren't covering your house number. Paint your house exterior and wooden fences. Get your windows power-washed and refinish the asphalt on your drive. Clean edges between the grass and mulch makes the property look clean. Fertilizing your lawn can make it greener and plenty of color will make your lawn look fresh. Create depth by scattering plants throughout the lawn to give that "away-from-it-all" feel. And give your home privacy by putting up a fence or planting trees or bushes.

Make It Memorable
Many buyers are attracted to a low maintenance landscape, so opt for the native plants rather than the overly exotic. Waterscapes, such as a pond, fountain or waterfall, can be very striking and soothing. Especially recently, people are loving the "outdoor room." A patio or deck to enjoy nice weather - when we have it in New England - is a great selling point. And as we approach the colder months, don't excuse your lawn, because a buyer won't. Hardscapes, such as retaining walls or evergreen trees, will maintain interest and depth to your lawn when colorful plants can't.

Desperate Times Doesn't Mean Desperate Measures
Speak to a Landscape professional who can walk you through the best sell for the exterior of your home in the price range you want. Look at it as marketing for your home.

Friday, October 3, 2008

It's So Easy Being Green


These days, everyone seems to be "going green." Light bulbs are using less energy, we're bringing our own bags to the grocery store, even cleaning has become better for the environment. But as I peer out my window, I think, what about that one thing in our lives that really should be green?

That's right, I'm talking about your lawn. It's probably not as green as it could be, and I don't mean the grass.

Getting a "Greener" Lawn

Did you know that specifically placed plants in your yard can make your home more fuel-efficient? Of that good irrigation can save you on your water usage? Landscape Construction owner, Andrew Blank, of the MetroWest Massachusetts company Lawn Angels of Wayland gave me some tips about "going green" with the landscape.


Use Plants Native to the Area

Native plants require less watering and chemicals to make them grow. Not only are they easier to maintain, but they will also cut your water usage. Low spots in your lawn, which tent to get muddy from rainwater, will benefit from native plants that can survive wet conditions, allowing the water to slowly seep back into the ground.


Irrigation and Gutter Downspouts

With the right irrigation system, you can collect rainwater to water your plants. What better way to water your lawn than the way nature intended? And the best part is, with a drip system, you won't even have to think about watering.


Get a Stone Garden

Stone gardens, popular in Japan, were part of Buddhist monks' spiritual practice. These easy-care gardens are the perfect combination of design flexibility, beauty and durability.




Plants Really ARE "Green"
Plants can cool your house in the summer by shading it from sunlight, and hold the heat in during the winter by blocking wind. Not to mention, plants will provide your property with cleaner air. Why not make your first step to "going green" be with your landscape?

We're Here to Help
Not sure what's right for your home? Call Lawn Angels today, or visit the website for a free estimate and information about how to make your lawn work for you.