Outdoor Living

Contact the Crystal Springs Landscape team to learn more about the beauty and value an outdoor fireplace can add to your life!

Creekside Woods was one of our premier commercial installation projects of 2010. The landscape architect designed a beautiful and sustainable landscape. Some of the key features on this project involve the extensive storm water mitigation plan. This was a very sensitive site for the General Contractor but the CSL team was up for the challenge. With tight working conditions for staging material and a very strict erosion control policy we had our hands full, but in the end the installation went very well thanks to our great field supervisor and crews.

The proof is in the pudding and the engineers’ and architects design combined with Crystal Springs Landscapes installation has been put to the test with this extremely wet fall and winter. With this particular project the storm water is designed to exit the roof and non permeable surfaces in a way that is both functional and artistic. The water gets channeled into a complex swale system after splashing over column rocks. This creates the appearance of several small water features. The water is cleaned and filtered as it travels off the site and into an adjacent wetland buffer area.

Crystal Springs Landscapes is thankful for the great management by Walsh Construction and looks forward to watching this beautiful landscape mature over the years to come.

If you have a commercial project that needs a competitive bid and or costing and budgeting for your properties, we have the experienced staff to handle it.

As a landscape professional I think this is one of the most important times to have your yard looking it’s best. I often attend these gatherings and realize the weather is still nice enough that with a little forethought people could still be entertaining out doors, and in many cases they are. I bring this point up because it is a good reminder to continue your diligent attention to all things happening in your landscape.

Crystal Springs Landscapes has a vast list of services that we can provide. Whether you are in need of a fall clean up, irrigation winterization, color plantings, or just a general landscape construction project, we are here to meet your needs. Contact the pros and save time and money and get your yard looking it’s best for Holiday season!

• Front walks: The front of the house is usually the first place people want lighting. It adds safety to pathways and is a great way to say “Welcome.”
• Flowerbeds: Use ground lighting to define the outline of the bed. Highlight shrubs with some uplighting. Spotlight any sculptures or waterfeatures to enhance the focal point. Bounce light off of a fence back into the yard for security.
• Trees: Uplighting from a well light highlights the texture of the bark and the structure of the tree’s canopy. Larger trees that are a distinctive feature of the yard also bounce light back into the area surrounding it. Smaller and younger trees create focal points in the yard and look excellent lit up.
• Decks and Patio Lighting makes the space more usable and adds safety and security. If you have built-in seating, downlighting adds a subtle, candlelight feel. For flower beds adjacent to decks, ground lighting and uplighting accent borders and ornamental trees.

Different styles of light produce an array of effects. When lighting areas, avoid over-lighting: aim to create the look of moonlight falling in the garden.

Floodlights used for uplighting create a shadowy effect against surfaces like fences, retaining walls and the sides of buildings. You can use these to bounce light back off of a fence to light an area for added security.

Well lights are submerged into the lawn and help prevent a tripping hazard in the middle of the yard where activities take place. You can also mow right over the light. To install:

Indirect lighting is often hidden under a structure. When placing under built-in seating on a deck, you can bounce the light off of the deck’s surface to create a shadowy, candlelit effect. Pathway lights are meant to be seen. They are placed along walkways and near steps for safety.

Outdoor lighting lets you enjoy your yard and garden from dusk to dawn all year long. It turns a deck into an outdoor “green room” with a warm glow that can be enjoyed every night. If you want to create a different mood or effect around the yard for a special occasion, just put in different bulbs. Lighting definitely adds function, creativity and spontaneity to your nighttime landscape.

There is also some great new energy saving products being produced now using LED (Light Emitting Diodes). These fixtures produce some really cool feeling lighting and they use only a fraction of the energy that halogen or traditional bulbs use.

Be sure to contact Crystal Springs Landscapes, for an estimate for your outdoor lighting project.

Fall Leaf Clean-up

As a homeowner, it’s important to consider your landscape’s maintenance in the fall. Sure, as the weather cools and gray skies move into their dominant spot in the forecast, sometimes it’s hard to think about getting dirty out in the yard. However, fall landscape prep plays a pivotal roll in how well your yard bounces back next spring, and unfortunately for the “time-crunched” folks, this preparation involves much more than sending the kids out to clear the fallen leaves.

Just because the leaves are turning doesn’t mean your lawn is done growing. In fact you’ll want to make sure your lawn and shrubs are getting ample water until it goes dormant. Yes, it’s the Northwest but who knows, maybe we’ll get lucky with an Indian Summer. So how do you know when your grass has become dormant. Here’s a handy tip: Set the mower to 2 inches, keep mowing until there are few or no clippings after wards. This is the signal that the grass is done growing for the year.

You will also need to keep leaves off the lawn…and try not to dispose of them in the street since that will just create another mess (If you’re not sure what to do with your leaves check with your neighborhood community. Many neighborhoods and HOA’s set up leaf recycling programs for a nominal disposal fee).

Treating your yard with a pre-emergent herbicide is important to control weeds come spring. Once the leaves are gone and the trees are bare it’s time to fertilize the lawn. Basically it’s like sending a bear into hibernation with its belly nice and full…so that come spring it will awaken fresh and ready for healthy growth. which will encourage growth and thickness in the spring. Typically in the northwest, it is recommended to fertilize yards with 3 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn each year. Now each lawn is different so it’s helpful to know your turf’s composition.

Fall is also the ideal time to take a look at your perennials. October is the ideal month to plant It’s your spring flowering bulbs. If your considering new trees and shrubs, cooler temperatures make an ideal climate to create less strain and allow them to establish over the winter. For any new plantings this fall, it will be important that you cover the root systems with at least a good 2 inches of mulch.

Sprinkler system & irrigation winterization: This is a critical step and many times overlooked. By not winterizing your sprinkler system you’ll probably have a hefty repair bill come spring if we have a cold winter. Water in the lines during a freeze will mean cracked sprinkler heads and pipes. Your sprinkler system lines will need to be flushed out with an air compressor and shut down for the winter.

Ponds and water features are another important aspect of fall maintenance. Fish or no fish you’ll want to take this time to clean filters and vacuum all dead and decomposing material in the pond to avoid algae bloom come spring.

If by now your head is spinning and your landscape to do list is looking more like a full time job; don’t be shy about calling in a professional. Here at Crystal Springs Landscapes we specialize in fall landscape maintenance and winter yard preparation. Give us a call and one of our landscape professionals will gladly tour your yard and identify your landscape needs.

Beauty & Resale

The Visual Aspect: Concrete Pavers are an investment to your property! The first thing that comes to mind when people see pavers is beauty and elegance. It is simple: Concrete Pavers make a house beautiful! Although pavers look very expensive, you will be surprised when you find out just how affordable  a paver driveway or patio,  installed by Crystal Springs Landscapes, Inc can be.

Your driveway is the first thing people see when they arrive at your home. Have you ever heard of an asphalt or concrete driveway referred to as “beautiful”? Concrete and asphalt are functional but not attractive. A Concrete Paver driveway, walk, pool deck, or patio will impart curb appeal and make your home stand out from the rest.

Durability

Pavers have more than just visual advantages over concrete and asphalt: they are strong! At 9,400 psi, most Pavers are more than three times stronger than 3,000 psi poured concrete. Cracks and stains can be found on almost every concrete driveway, patio, pool deck, or walkway. It is the nature of concrete and asphalt to crack; a process virtually unpreventable and uncontrollable. Unlike concrete or asphalt, our pavers never crack. We guarantee it with a *Lifetime Limited Structural Warranty. 

Guaranteed for Life

It’s true, concrete is designed to crack. Pavers may settle a bit over time but if intstalled correctly this will be a benefit and major settling can be fixed much easier than an out of control crack in concrete.

 Call Crystal Springs Landscapes, Inc. to recieve a free quote on your new paver dirveway or patio.

Copper capped fence posts

Below is the copy of an article I recently read regarding fences and how a person should go about choosing the fence style they want.Crystal Springs Landscapes, Inc specializes in quality outdoor construction and we are capable of installing almost any fence your heart desires. Read the article below and then contact us for a quote.Enjoy!

Why do you want to build a fence?
The type of fence you choose will depend largely on why you want one. A white picket fence may look lovely, but not do much for your privacy or security concerns.

What are the by-laws concerning fencing in your area?
You may want to erect a 12-foot high fence to stop your nosy neighbor from peering into your backyard, but regulations may not allow you to do so. Find out early on to save yourself time and frustration.

What style of fence would best suit your home and neighborhood?
Although a chain link fence is cost-effective, it may look out of place in your upscale neighborhood. Likewise, a tall cedar fence may seem imposing on a small lot.

What is your budget?
There are a wide variety of materials available. Know your budget so you can realistically plan which ones you can use.

How willing are you to do maintenance on a fence?
If you are not someone who likes to do regular maintenance around the home, you need to be aware of this when choosing your fencing material. Instead of wood, you could opt for one of the many vinyl options now available. The look is great and the maintenance is virtually nil.

Another thing to consider, although it may make financial sense to share the cost of a fence with your neighbor, before you actually proceed with the plan be sure to get the details of your agreement down in writing. Circumstances change, people move, trees fall down, etc. You have no way of knowing what will happen in the future so make sure you have documented your plan.

The following are some fencing options:

Wood
A traditional favorite, wood offers a natural look and can be painted or stained to match other features on the property and suit your personal style. Cedar and redwood are two popular material choices.
The style of your wood fence will depend on its function. A picket fence is charming and welcoming. It allows people to see into your property and show off beautiful gardens. A privacy fence, on the other hand will be constructed using at least six- or seven- foot boards. A semi-private fence is not as tall, and often includes latticework at the top.

For added flair a stylish gate and ornamental caps in a variety of styles can be used on the posts.

Metal
Chain link fences are very reasonably priced and easy to install. They don’t, however, provide much in the way of privacy and are often seen as a “cheap” option. That being said, if safety and security of pets is your goal, a chain link fence may be exactly what you need.Wrought iron fences, combined with stone or brick, are classically elegant and stylish.

A wrought iron fence also provides a sense of security and safety — especially if it is tall with sharp points at the top.

PVC or vinyl
Nearly maintenance free and available in a variety of colors and styles, PVC or vinyl fences are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners. They are more expensive than some other options, but they have ease of maintenance and durability on their side.

Continue the discussion by contacting Mark at Crystal Springs Landscapes to talk about your fencing needs.