(Newswire.net — December 8, 2019) — Several regions throughout Colorado suffer from poor soil and infrequent precipitation. Colorado Springs, for example, averages approximately 18 inches of rain per year, whereas the US national average is significantly higher at 38 inches per year. Most homeowners have a fixed budget when it comes to home improvements, such as landscaping, and may not have accounted for the additional expenditures required to combat their city’s climate.
Thankfully, experienced professionals like Peloquin Sprinklers & Landscaping have been operating in the landscape and irrigation industry for over thirty years and are well versed in their trade. Below, the experts at the family-owned company based in Colorado Springs highlight a few professional tips that they’ve learned over the years to help you make the most of your landscaping project without breaking the bank.
1. Soil
The soil in Colorado often requires a little help since it lacks essential organic matter and is somewhat alkaline. Soil types that fall under the alkaline category are clay-based and have a high pH. In other words, the natural dirt on residential properties may be problematic for homeowners hoping to incorporate plants into their Colorado Springs landscaping.
To help ensure that your lawn and plants thrive in the future, Peloquin Landscaping recommends taking the time and resources to prepare the soil adequately. Typically, this is achieved in a two-step process:
- Add organic amendments, such as Tri-Mix III, to the existing soil. Tri-mix is composed of topsoil, cow manure as well as compost (class I).
- Next, use a rear tine hydraulic rototiller to mix the amendment into the existing soil. This specific type of rototiller will ensure that you thoroughly mix the materials as deep as possible.
Properly preparing the soil may slightly increase your landscaping budget, but it pays for itself in the greater scheme of things by helping you avoid problems with your plant material in the future.
2. Hardiness Zone
After analyzing and preparing your soil, the next item you should consider is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. North America is divided into eleven zones, and knowing which sector your city falls under will help you determine the types of plants that will thrive in your yard.
Colorado Springs is in Zone 5 and dwells along the Front Range, which means liberal amounts of snow and wind are common for an ample part of the year. A few plants that are proven to thrive in these conditions are the Colorado Blue Spruce (tree or shrub), Barberry bushes, Potentillas, and of course, Colorado’s state flower, Columbines.
3. Curved Lines
Edging, whether it’s steel or stone, defines borders in landscaping and ultimately guides the overall look of your landscaping design. The most common material is steel, which comes in a variety of styles depending on your preference and budget. Peloquin Sprinklers & Landscaping prefers safety steel edging for its durability, flexibility, and rollover top to ensure the safety of children as well as animals.
Not only are curves more elegant, consider Fibonacci’s Golden Spiral, but they can also help a yard appear bigger than it is. Ever wonder why so many bars have mirrors behind them? It makes the bar space look larger by tricking the subconscious. A similar principle applies here for landscaping. The human mind can estimate the distance of a straight line, but it becomes much more challenging to calculate the length of a curve.
4. Diversity
Naturally, personal preference should take priority, but if you want your landscaping in Colorado Springs to stand out in your neighborhood truly, you should incorporate several different materials. While some homeowners may lean towards a sizable lawn or a xeriscape design constructed primary of rock, these styles often leave the eye with something to be desired.
Instead of settling on a single landscaping material, challenge yourself or your landscape professional, and integrate the following products into your final plan:
- Decorative Rock: Easily adds color and texture to your yard.
- Mulch: Perfect for planting beds and can spice up your color palette.
- Sod: Who doesn’t love a lush green lawn? Kentucky Bluegrass is the most common sod installed in Colorado.
5. Accents
Adding dimension to your landscape design, especially if your lot is relatively flat, is essential. Conveniently, this can be achieved in multiple ways.
Since you’ve chosen to take advantage of soil amendment, planting trees, shrubs, and perennials shouldn’t be a problem. Trees add height as well as shade to the yard and can even provide color year-round if you install an evergreen, but why miss out on the beautiful Autumn leaves of deciduous trees? Plant one of each. If you’re concerned about size, consider investing in an ornamental tree.
Shrubs are available in a variety of sizes and colors and help add dimension to your yard. Pair them with perennials to achieve color year-round.
Lastly, try adding a decorative boulder to add a bit more foundation and strength. You’ll be surprised at the hue available in stones such as Indian Sunset.
Conclusion
Soil, climate, curves, diversity, and accents are all integral aspects of exquisite landscaping design. With a little additional research and by utilizing the professional tips outlined above, you’ll be an expert in no time and well on your way to designing and installing remarkable landscaping in Colorado Springs.
About Peloquin Sprinklers & Landscaping:
Peloquin Sprinklers and Landscaping is a full-service irrigation and landscaping company in Colorado Springs, CO. Family-owned and operated since 1985, the company specializes in sprinkler repairs, new sprinkler system installations as well as landscape design, xeriscape, and much more.