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Aeration
Fall is the best time of the year for establishing the
lush green lawn that will make you the envy of all you
neighbors. Call to compare our prices to that big money
company. We guarantee that lush green lawn you have always
dreamed of and keep it that way.
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IA Refines Strategy, Standards
The Irrigation Association has refined its mission statement and
strategic initiatives following its July meeting of the Board of Directors.
This includes the addition of “standards” as a new strategic initiative,
which will focus on establishing product and practice standards that drive
efficient irrigation.
Mission Statement: Promote efficient irrigation
technologies, products and services.
Strategic Initiatives: Education, certification,
government/public affairs and standards.
“At its core, the Irrigation Association is a trade association, so the
mission statement was refined to ensure it reflects our industry knowledge
and expertise,” said IA President Mike Harrington. He emphasized that the
organization’s unifying statement – to ensure water is available for
irrigation for future generations – remains the same.
IA’s Board of Directors also updated the organization’s strategic
initiatives, defining a new focus on standards.
“Government entities, businesses and the public are becoming increasingly
cognizant of water’s value and finite state, so the ability to prove our
industry’s efficiency is going to be pivotal in our continued growth,” said
Harrington. “Therefore, IA has chosen to add a strategic focus on
establishing product and practice standards that drive efficient irrigation.
“Our strategic focus on influencing public policy remains unchanged;
because certification and education have increased in importance, the Board
felt that each category should stand alone as a strategic initiative.” IA’s
marketing/communications efforts will continue to support all initiatives
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Ground Cover
From a purely practical point of view, groundcovers offer alternatives
to turf in hard-to-mow sites and reduce the need for watering and other
maintenance. Groundcovers conserve moisture, maintain even soil temperatures and
stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas.
Groundcovers can create visual pathways to help direct foot traffic and
can help link ornamental plants or provide transitions among outdoor spaces.
Many groundcovers spread quickly to form dense plantings, which can help to
inhibit weeds.
Selection
When selecting groundcovers, consider their spread, height, location,
function, foliage texture and color. Since no single species of plant works
for every landscape situation, pay attention to soil conditions, light and
moisture requirements. Some plants prefer partial shade, while others thrive
in deep shade or full sun; a few tolerate a wide variety of light
conditions. The most effective selections are chosen with an eye for how
plant sizes relate to the intimacy or expanse of particular landscape sites.
When groundcover will be used to prevent soil erosion on a steep slope, it
should have an extensive root system and vigorous growth habit. Some
groundcovers do not withstand excessive foot traffic. Before planting
anything, create a walkway through areas intended for pedestrians
Soil Preparation
A key to successfully establishing groundcovers is proper soil
preparation. Before planting, eliminate weeds and turf from the area. For
large areas, use a sod-stripping machine to clear turf. For weed control,
consider a glyphosate herbicide or soil solarization. The process of
solarizing uses the heat of the summer sun to raise soil temperatures high
enough to kill harmful organisms and seeds in the ground. Solarize soil by
laying strong transparent plastic over cleared and moistened soil. Seal the
edges with soil and leave plastic in place for four to six weeks.
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Free Counsulaton
One of the most economical ways to
make your home safer and to highlight architectural features and landscaping
is to install low voltage outdoor lights. Low voltage systems are safe for
use around children and pets.
The acceptance of outdoor lighting by the average homeowner, however, has
been hampered by flimsy kits that break down soon after they are installed
and the marginal performance of low-voltage solar-powered outdoor lights. In
recent years, though, there has been steady improvement.
Better-quality fixtures at lower costs, longer-lasting bulbs and easier installation techniques are just some of the reasons that low-voltage lighting is catching on.
Another change that has helped is an industry wide shift in design philosophy. Chris Primous, product manager for Progress Lighting
(www.progresslighting.com), says that in the past only the light was meant to be visible, while the fixtures were hidden or unobtrusive. "Today many fixtures are made to be seen," Primous says. "They can be playful. For example, there are turtle fixtures with Tiffany glass shells and flower fixtures with leaves that blow in the wind."
Locklin, on the other hand, advises homeowners to put the emphasis on light quality. An attractive, though dim, light doesn't serve its purpose, he says, adding "you shouldn't have to strike a match to be sure it's on."
Regardless of the design, installing landscape lighting enables a homeowner to enjoy his yard at night-entertaining on the deck or viewing it from the family room. Lighting also increases safety by making darkened steps and paths more visible and, when equipped with motion sensors, it can improve a home's security by revealing intruders.
Do you want outdoor patio lighting,
or perhaps want to light up your driveway? The experts at ACME can explain
which outdoor lighting solution will work with your landscape design. There
are many types of lighting choices available, and ACME will guide you
through the process of choosing the right illumination to incorporate into
any area of your yard. Tree lighting helps brighten the front or back yards
while subtle low voltage lighting around your flowering plants enhances your
gardens appearance. Do you have a walkway or pool area that you want to
highlight? Perhaps you want some delicate lighting around the water garden
area. Whatever your needs are, we can provide a selection of different
lighting options for the fixtures that you choose. Let ACME
lighting specialists handle the design and installations of your
landscape lighting, while you enjoy the extraordinary end results; a
beautiful and safe yard. Call Today to discuss your Landscape lighting
needs. We offer FREE lighting consultation and design.
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