Month: July 2016

Landscapers in Centreville VA: Plant for Privacy

Many new homes are being built quite close together; as landscapers in Centreville, VA, we advise homeowners to “plant for privacy.”

By planting a row of trees or shrubs well inside your property line, landscapers can create a green privacy screen. Most times, landscapers in Centreville, VA, will use columnar evergreens; however, any narrow tree will work.

Things to Consider
There are a few things for homeowners and landscapers in Centreville VA to consider when planting for privacy. These are:

  • Space – the trees will subtract from the usable space you have in your yard.
  • Time – these trees take years to grow large enough to provide privacy.
  • Shade – as they grow, the trees may create a shaded area within your landscaping, which will need to be dealt with.
  • Roots – since the trees must be planted close together, as they grow, their roots will compete with each other and anything else (other plantings, utilities, and fences).
  • Pressure – as the trees grow, if they are planted too close to an existing fence, they can cause the fence to weaken or lean.
  • Maintenance – shaping the trees to limit vertical or horizontal growth can be time intensive for the homeowner (better to let your landscapers handle seasonal or yearly maintenance).

Neighbors
Anytime you plant something near your property line, you will affect your neighbors – for good or for bad. When you plant for privacy, you should consider how the bushes or trees will impact your neighbors’ property – now and in the future.

Your green privacy screen could affect your neighbor’s:

  • Property value
  • Overshadow their driveway, landscaping, deck, patio, or pool
  • Drop debris on their property

So it’s important, if you can, to discuss your plans with your neighbor. You may want to plant a lower privacy green screen.

For more information about planting for privacy from landscapers in Centreville, VA, please contact the experts at Premier Paving & Planting. Premier Paving & Planting, Inc. is a hardscape and landscape service company providing attractive, affordable, functional, and environmentally beneficial landscape design and creation. Working together, we evaluate the existing conditions of your property, determine your requirements, explore your desires, and develop an innovative landscape plan to create a practical, comfortable, long-lasting outdoor space.

How to Remove Stains from your Hardscapes in Vienna VA

Stains happen – so how do you remove stains from your hardscapes in Vienna, VA?

Before we get started, here are some general stain removal tips:

  • Always have a blue bottle of Dawn dishwashing soap on hand – you’ll need it for most stains – and be generous with it.
  • Some stains need warm water, some need cold.
  • Always rinse the area well with water.
  • Follow all safety directions, including protective glasses and gloves.
  • Do not add bleach to either dishwashing liquid or ammonia; this could create a deadly poisonous gas.

Food, grease, oil, and lipstick

  • Make a solution of dishwashing detergent and warm water.
  • Using a stiff brush, work the solution into the stain – or if it’s a bigger stain, use a stiff broom.
  • Rinse well with clean water.
  • If the spot is still there, add some ammonia to the dishwashing detergent and water solution, and repeat cleaning with a stiff brush.
  • Rinse well again.
  • If there is still some stain left, scrub with some mineral spirits.

Paint and candle wax

  • Using a butter or putty knife, remove as much paint or wax as you can
  • Scrub the area with a metal-bristled brush and cold water.
  • Rinse well with clean water.
  • If there’s still a stain, rub mineral spirits on the area.
  • If the stain is on concrete and these treatments don’t work, try aluminum oxide abrasive or an abrasive brick. (Remember, this is just for concrete.)

Blood, coffee, juice, feces

  • Remove the stain as soon as possible – don’t let it set it.
  • Make a solution of dishwashing detergent and cold water.
  • Using a stiff brush or broom, work the solution into the stain.
  • Rinse with clean, cold water.

Efflorescence

  • Using a wire brush, scrub the area to remove the white stain.
  • If this doesn’t work, contact Premier Paving & Planting, and we will advise you on next steps.

For more information about hardscapes in Vienna, VA, please contact the experts at Premier Paving. Established in 1987, Premier Paving & Planting, Inc. provides free estimates, and delivers a full compliment of high quality landscape services, including concrete work and lawn and garden services, along with installation and maintenance of permeable and non-porous paver and hardscape surfaces and structures. NCMA and ICPI certified, Premier Paving is licensed and insured, and carries an A+ rating from Angie’s List.