How to Do Lawn Edging the Easy Way

Lawn edging is the easiest solution to keep your grass from invading your garden while making your lawn appear tamed and polished. While some people find the job complex which requires skills to take on the task. However, lawn edging does not come with a list of rules and guidelines. 

Moreover, edging your lawn will require your time, patience and creativity. If you’re not yet confident to show your skills and creativity, you can depend on a dedicated team of trusted lawn care and gardening services provider in Sydney. 

Easy Lawn Edging Tips and Ideas

Edging your lawn will not only highlight or define the structure of your garden or flower bed. It’s also a functional way of separating the flower bed away from the lawn and weeds. And as mentioned earlier, when it comes to lawn edging, it has no specific rules or guidelines.

Simply follow the shape or edges of your lawn coupled with flair with the use of your gardening tools such as the shovel. First, gather all your gardening tools and equipment to get you started. Let’s do lawn edging the easy way to keep your garden vibrant all year round.

1. Mark the area between the garden from the lawn

Mark the area to separate the garden bed from the lawn. By separating them, it will be easier for you to cut the soil where the garden bed meets the lawn. By allocating a portion between the lawn edge flush from the grass, mowing the lawn will be an absolute breeze. Make sure that the cut is deep enough to accommodate your road bases such as cement, sand or bricks. 

2. Apply pressure on the road base

As mentioned earlier, allocate a portion for the road base of approximately 50mm to 75mm. Apply pressure by compressing it with something heavy or walk over the newly formed trench continually until the base has settled.

3. Place your edging material

There are several options for your road base including bricks, concrete, sand, gravel and more. Simply go to the nearest local store where you can choose between plastic, metal or wood as your lawn edging material.

However, before you place all the materials especially the wet mixture, make sure that every joint and curve are placed even and nicely. This is the most important part of the lawn edging process thus requires you to implement them.

4. Mix the wet mixture

After placing your lawn edging materials on the base, prepare your wet mixture. Make sure to read the labels for proper and even consistency of the cement and water. Once the wet mixture is done and you’re happy with the placement of your lawn edging materials, this is the part where you need to roll the sleeves up. 

If you’re using blocks or bricks, lift them one at a time and apply a generous amount of wet mixture under it while spreading it evenly. Level the blocks or bricks with the use of a timber or steel float. Continue the process until you’re done.

Depending on your materials, don’t skip the first and second steps because these are the most important part of the lawn edging process. This lawn edging process is applicable for blocks or bricks as your lawn edging materials. 

You’re not going to need a wet mixture if you’re going to use sand, gravel, pebbles or stone. However, if you want these materials to stick on your base, then, the choice is yours to make.

Conclusion

Lawn edging will not only define the overall structure of your landscape but it will also keep your garden safe from foot traffic and weeds. It is the best solution to keep your garden away from the grass creeping into the flower bed.

Lawn edging may sound complex but if you know the most basic gardening skills such as shovelling coupled with your creativity, you can make this task easily. Depending on the area of your landscape, lawn edging requires time. This can also be a fun activity for your family or you can simply call a professional landscaper in Sydney to do them for you.

Trusted Landscaping Services Provider in Sydney

Do you want your landscape to look tamed and groomed? Trees Down Under is a team of professional arborist and landscaper that provides premium garden makeover across Sydney. We have an array of lawn care and garden makeover services at an affordable cost. Simply call us and let us know your lawn edging services need in Sydney.

Call us and book our skilled landscaper for your lawn edging service needs today at 0475 463 597! You can also count on us to come to your aid for an emergency tree removal service in Sydney. We are available 24/7 for all your lawn care and gardening services needs.

Lawn Drainage: How to Do It Right

Wet spots will not only cause inconvenience, but they are also considered as unsightly to the overall appearance of your lawn. Poorly designed lawn drainage leads to a multitude of problems such as fungal diseases, moulds, weed infestation, flooding, etc. 

Rainwater runoff is mainly the cause of the multitude of emerging problems in the yard including the boggy patches. Also, the excess rainwater is detrimental to your landscape’s retaining wall which can result in structural damage or soil erosion. To resolve and prevent these emerging problems, have your lawn drainage installed the right way. 

Different Types of Lawn Drainage

1. Surface drainage. As the name suggests, surface drainage will collect and redirect any excess water. The surface drainage will direct the water elsewhere to prevent from causing damage on your lawn. There several types of surface drainage including:

• Spoon drain – is a type of shallow drain made from concrete. It is often installed to redirect any excess water in the garden.

• Bioswale – is a type of vegetated ditch with slope sides which concentrates on redirecting rainwater runoff

• Rain garden drain – a cost-effective type of surface drain that reduces runoff water. This drain helps prevent soil erosion

2. Subsurface drainage. This type of drainage is buried beneath the ground or soil. It can be installed in the earlier stages of your landscaping construction. You can also have it installed to your existing garden.

Install Lawn Drainage Properly

Depending on the type of drainage, installing or creating lawn drainage today is no longer complicated nor expensive. With the wide array of off-the-shelf DIY materials available in the market, you can choose what type of drain you want to install. 

Check these simple and effective lawn drainage tips to prevent any excess water from causing damage to your vibrant landscape. Gather all the necessary lawn drainage materials, tools and equipment for your surface drainage.

Establish the drainage location

First, make sure to establish or set out the drainage location before digging a trench. Mark the area with the use of a string line or paint. With the use of a trench shovel, dig for about 130 mm deep and 250 mm wide, or enough to fit your piping system. 

Secure the piping and draining system

Once you have established and dug a trench, fit or attach the end caps to the drain and secure them simultaneously with a silicone sealant. Make sure to fit every end cap before connecting it to another drainage. Make sure to secure your drain before finalising it with concrete mix.

Install a subsurface drainage 

As mentioned earlier, subsurface drainage is a type of draining system that catches the water while dispersing it properly to the storm drain. Make sure to follow your local council regulations.  

Have a professional landscaper in Sydney do the job for you. Not only will it provide convenience, but it will also ensure that your lawn drainage is installed properly. However, if you insist on doing the job by yourself, check this guide for managing your drainage properly in accordance with the local regulations.

Conclusion

To prevent any problems with water drainage in the future, resolve it with a sustainable and efficient drainage system. With an efficient drainage system in place, any rainwater runoff will be diverted away from your garden. 

This will prevent any emerging problems while the excess water will be put to good use if you know how to divert any water runoff. Have a professional plumber or expert landscaper provide the necessary drainage solutions. 

Trusted Landscaping Services Provider in Sydney

Trees Down Under is a dedicated and professional arborist in Sydney. We provide a wide range of lawn care, garden makeover, tree care maintenance services and more. You can rely on our skilled landscaper to provide you with premium and quality landscaping services in Sydney. 

Call and book our arborist in Sydney today at 0475 463 597. Trees Down Under offers reliable tree removal in Sydney that is always available 24/7. You can depend on us to be there to provide a solution. Call us today!

5 Tips to Keep Your Flower Garden Vibrant

People have different inclination when it comes to gardening. Some prefer a serene surrounding while others fancy vibrant and bold colours in their garden. Depending on the person’s character and style, creating an environment where you can be comfortable is what’s most important. 

To achieve a desirable garden that you’ve always dreamed of, you have to follow a series of method or plan to achieve your goal. There are several ways to add colour in your garden including paving, pebbles and gravels, tiles and even ceramics. But the most popular choices are plants and flowers. Keep your flower garden healthy and vibrant all year-round with these efficient lawn care tips.

5 Tips in Keeping your Flowers Vibrant All Year-Round

1. Prepare your soil

Basically, the soil is the foundation of a healthy and vibrant flower garden because it provides your plants and flowers access to nutrients, air and water. These elements are the primary source of nourishment that keeps your garden healthy and strong. 

If you dismiss the idea of cultivating and preparing your soil for planting, you will regret them later on. However, if your soil is not conducive for growing your plants, there are plenty of supplies at your nearest gardening store. 

2. Stay on top of watering

Lack of water is the most common problem in keeping your flower garden vibrant especially during the summer season. Once the flowers start to wilt, it only means that you forgot to water them the other day.

Water is the most essential element in growing plants and flowers. Although the quantity of water varies drastically from one plant to the other, staying on top of watering your plants will keep your flower garden vibrant.

3. Feed your plants and flowers

In keeping your garden healthy and vibrant, nourish it with natural nutrients and fertiliser. Flowers depend on what type of nourishment you feed them to reach and maintain their peak bloom. Using your tried-and-tested supplies of fertiliser, give your soil an adequate amount of nourishment and reapply throughout its growing season.

4. Regular grooming, edging and weeding

Regular grooming, weeding and edging are a few of the most essential tips in keeping your lawn and garden vibrant all year-long. Tidying up your lawn will not only enhance the overall appeal of your garden but it will also allow your flower garden to stand out.

5. Regular trimming and pruning

Keep up with your gardening maintenance by snipping off spent flower heads. Regular deadheading, trimming or pruning promotes healthy growth while extending their blooming season. If you notice the flower or plant is dead, remove it to avoid spoiling the other plants. Also, prune your trees during its dormant season. 

Conclusion

Growing a healthy flower garden requires time-tested strategy as well as your time and effort. While others prefer to leave the lawn care and gardening maintenance to a professional arborist, others remain committed to giving their garden the love and attention. However, if you want to reinforce your effort in creating a lively garden, you can ask for assistance from a team of skilled gardeners in Sydney.

As spring comes into full bloom, are your plants keeping pace? While it’s true that most plants don’t fully come to life for the next few months after the first signs of spring. With these helpful tips, your flower garden will surely brim in vibrance all year long. Entrust your lawn care and gardening maintenance to a trusted arborist in Sydney.

Trusted Lawn Care and Garden Makeover Service Provider

If you can’t keep up with lawn care, garden maintenance and other landscaping services, Trees Down Under is here to save the day. We have a dedicated team of skilled gardeners and professional arborist that provides love and attention to your plants.

We provide comprehensive tree care services including trimming, pruning, edging and more landscaping services. Also, Trees Down Under provides lawn care and garden makeover from residential, commercial to industrial establishments. Connect with our friendly staff and discuss with us what kind of services do you need. 

You can depend on us to provide you with efficient and time-tested solutions to all your gardening problems. Book our fast and reliable team of gardeners and arborist in Sydney! We also offer 24/7 emergency tree removal service all across Sydney. Call us today at 0475 463 597! 

These Beautiful Australian Flowers Should Be in Your Garden

Flowers make everything bright and wonderful, don’t you agree? As such, to give your home joy, start growing your private garden paradise. With this garden paradise, only the best flowers and plants should make your slice of nature their home. There are many species of plants around the globe. You have millions to choose from. To make your gardens more optimal, there are certain Australian home-grown that bring out the best in your landscape. 

There are plenty of things you can do in your garden. You can start by planting Australian-native flora that can brighten your private space. Trees Down Under can give you a hand in that. We are a group of passionate people who want only the best shrubs in your garden. Many of these shrubs are straight from the Australian nation. Our professionals can guarantee only the best aesthetic you’re aiming for in your garden. 

Banksia (Banksias)

Banksias are native to Australia. As an original in the nation, they deserve a spot in your garden. Banksias come in shades of yellow, orange and red in their flowering season. They attract different insects and wildlife like bees and good insects. Banksias thrive well in the sun and they burn at extremely high temperatures. They are perfect as your summer plants in the yard to cheer you up. 

Australian Daisy (Brachyscome)

These beautiful purple thin-leaved flowers are one of the most popular in Australia. They can also come in shades of blue or white. Australian Daisies tend to grow in any setting. You can find them almost anywhere which makes them one of the most common species to grow in various spaces. As such, you should find them in your garden too. They grow best in full or half sun conditions. Make sure to have them in the summer to brighten up the mood of your garden at home.  

Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)

Kangaroo paws are far from the flower-shaped shrubs you see normally. These native grows in red tubular stems with tubular parts that hold different coloured flowers. The flowers of Kangaroo Paws can range from green, yellow, pink. They can also come in beautifully blended combinations of different warm colours. They grow well during winter up to spring. To add, the unique shape of the Kangaroo Paw adds a more exotic atmosphere to your garden.

Grevillea

If you want a low-maintenance friend in your garden, Grevilleas are your best friend. They can produce as much orange to pink-tinged flowers that can grow in varying heights. They are flowering shrubs around the year. This is perfect as an all-season kind of plant you can have around. There are plenty of species of Grevilleas that you can choose from. Pick one that suits your taste and water it from time to time. 

Australian Tea-tree

If you want a citrus smelling environment in your garden, this tall shrub is the one for you. Australian Tea-trees produce a lemon-like zesty smell that can instantly lighten up your space. They also produce white flowers that can brighten up your garden. To maintain your Australian Tea-trees around, prune it regularly with Trees Down Under. 

Wattle (Acacia)

Anything that represents the country is worth mentioning, at least. The Golden Wattle is the national flower in Australia. If you want the perfect tinge of yellow to gold hue in your garden, plant these around. They also produce a pleasant smell early in their lives. As Wattles are still trees, prune them well. Pruning your Wattles serves as its grooming and maintenance. Keep your wattles healthy by calling in your tree professionals from time to time.  

Conclusion 

Trees Down Under is your one-stop regular solution to garden concerns. We are a team with more than three decades of professional experience in making gardens and landscapes better. We can also work with you in putting in the Australian natives right in their place in your garden. Make your home bright and wonderful by adding these florae around. We work with only the best standards and quality in mind. Your garden is your little slice of paradise, let us help you with it.

To inquire about our garden services, you can contact us on our mobile 0475 463 597.  You can also send us an email or enquire with us here.

How to Prevent Aphid Growth in Your Orchard

One of the most bugging crawlers that can destroy your garden is aphids. These insects are also known as “plant lice.” Think, your garden is perfect. However, upon closer inspection, you see some black oblong-shaped insects under the leaves of your garden. They may not be only annoying. They can destroy your beautiful plants too. They leave honey-like dew in their path. More than resting in unwelcomed places, they invite ants to stay in too. 

To mitigate your problems, there are aphid-proof methods that can help your garden. Make sure you deal with them before they start multiplying. They can infest on your entire garden pretty fast. You can talk to the local arborist for the best treatments too. Trees Down Under is your partner in making sure that these pests can do no further damage to your landscape. Act on the aphids before it’s too late! These swarms of lice don’t need to destroy more of your garden. 

Organic treatments

One of the easiest ways to control or prevent the growth of aphids is organic treatment. There are various solutions made from extracts of plants and other shrubs that can get rid of aphids. Moreover, you’re not increasing any plantation harm from synthetic chemicals in the market. Some of the organic solutions you can use are as follows:

• Tomato leaf
• Garlic oil
• Vinegar and castile soap mixture
• Neem oil
• Some essential oils

Spray your orchard with any of these sprays on consistent schedules. This will prevent the start of any aphid infestation. Just make sure to do it often to maintain the health of your orchard.

Cultivate ladybugs

Other insects aren’t bad for your garden. Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds, aren’t only cute, red creatures that add a fresh vibe in your orchard. They also have a natural tendency to eat other insects. Plant crops that attract ladybugs and keep nursing these plants too. This natural methods of pest control can improve your orchard. Ladybugs especially stay in leaves of plants, targeting the annoying aphids in its wake.

The key plan is to put out decoy spots for the plants that can attract your ladybugs. These decoy spots can then be the breeding ground of your ladybugs. While the ladybugs are building their place in the decoy spots, they get to protect your garden from aphids too. Some of the flora species can invite the ladybugs over. Choose the one with your liking.

• Angelica
• Cosmos
• Marigold
• Cilantro
• Chives

Grow “anti-aphid” plants

Some plants can serve as a natural insecticide in the orchard. These species of flora emit strong scents that drive the aphids away. Plant these “anti-aphid” shrubs that can help in diminishing the population of aphids. As aphids multiply very fast, it’s important to halt their welcome in your yard. Swarms of aphid can grow resistant to pesticide too. Plant any of these shrubs in your orchard before aphids become an uncontrollable problem for you.

• Oregano
• Chives
• Onions
• Sage
• Plants with a strong odour

Prune the orchard regularly

You can do something to your plants in the orchard too. Give your orchard a regular pruning. Pruning prevents the growth of aphids in your plants by grooming your plants and trees. Pruning also keeps your flora healthy by cutting off infested or dead parts of it. Trees Down Under can help you in this aspect. We do pruning services for your orchard to stunt and destroy any growing swarm of aphids in your beautiful yard. 

Conclusion 

Before unwanted and harmful insects start making homes in your garden, take action! Preventions are always better than cures. Make sure to prepare your orchard first before any uncontrollable natural disaster can occur. We want to be by your side when you’re planning the preventive measures in your land. We are always here for you for all your garden makeover needs. Don’t hesitate to call us! We will take care of your orchard and make sure it’s never a good season for the aphids to grow.

We are Trees Down Under! Contact us on our mobile 0475 463 597. You can also send us an email or enquire with us here..

Types of Noxious Weeds Found in NSW and How to Deal with Them

You may find it odd to see plants in your garden that aren’t supposed to be there. Weeds are plants that grow arbitrarily. They aren’t planted nor wanted in any land because they multiply uncontrollably and compete with other plants for water and nutrients. 

The NSW council frowns upon noxious weeds, in particular, because of their invasiveness and ability to spread fast. These plants pose a threat to the economy, community, and the environment. As a result, it is imperative to control these noxious plants throughout NSW before they become unmanageable and disastrous.

Types of Noxious Weeds in NSW

The local council and agricultural experts consider a lot of weeds noxious in NSW. The Minister for Primary Industries regarded these plants as such because they are harmful to agriculture and plants, ecosystems, animals, and humans. Below are the types of noxious weeds based on their class.

Class 1 (State Prohibited Weeds) 

The entire state orders the eradication of noxious weeds that fall under this class and keeping of the state free of the plant. It is essential to notify the local council if ever you spot class 1 noxious weeds so that they can perform measures to control the said weeds.

Some examples of class 1 noxious weeds found in NSW include:

• Horsetail (Equisetum spp.)
• Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus)
• Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata)

Class 2 (Regionally Prohibited Weeds) 

The parts of the state that prohibits class 2 noxious weeds must eradicate and keep the region free of the plant. Like in Class 1, you should also notify the local council for any discovery of class 2 weeds so that they can regulate them. Some examples of class 2 noxious weeds found in NSW include:

• Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
• Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)
• Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)

Class 3 (Regionally Controlled Weeds)

The region should fully and continuously suppress and destroy class 3 noxious weeds to reduce and confine the negative impacts of the infestation. Some examples of class 3 noxious weeds found in NSW include:

• Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides)
• Boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera)
• Green cestrum (Chromolaena odorata)
• Pampas grass (Cortaderia species)

Class 4 (Locally Controlled Weeds)

The local community must control the growth of these noxious weeds to reduce their numbers, spread, and incidence and to inhibit their proliferation continuously. The locality should also aim to minimise the negative impacts of class 4 weeds on agriculture, community, and environment. Some examples of class 4 noxious weeds found in NSW are:

• Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg. species)
• Lantana (Lantana camara)
• Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma)
• Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)

Class 5 (Restricted Plants)

NSW restricts weeds that haven’t been established in the state yet or only have rare occurrences. The state also prohibits selling weeds that were initially garden or aquarium plants but have the potential to become noxious weeds. The MPI created this class to prevent the introduction and spread of these potential weeds throughout NSW. Examples of class 5 noxious weeds are:

• Dodder (Cuscuta spp)
• Artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus)
• Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)

How to Deal with Noxious Weeds. 

Since weeds can grow anywhere, it wouldn’t be surprising to find some in your garden. When these unwanted plants appear in your garden, you need to take measures to control their growth and proliferation immediately. Some ways on how you can deal with them are listed below.

Prevent weed growth

Preventing noxious weeds from growing in your yard is more straightforward and cost-effective than getting rid of existing ones. While it is impossible for you to avoid undesirable plants, you can still use weed killers to intervene during their early stages of development. Applying selective weed killers can hinder the growth and spread of noxious weeds while keeping the desirable plants safe. 

Cover soil with mulch

Mulching is an effective way to inhibit weed growth. Covering the ground with mulch hinders the seeds of noxious weeds from germinating due to lack of sunlight. It also helps nurture the significant plants since mulch allows moisture and nutrient retention as well as temperature moderation. 

Take the weeds out

The best way to get rid of noxious weeds is to pull them out manually. The trick is to pull the entire plant to take out the root so that the weed stops regrowing. You can ensure that you’ve included the roots by pulling from the base and digging the soil using a spade or fork. Watering the soil is also a good idea so that you can easily slip the weeds out. 

Cultivate high-quality plants

High-quality, desirable plants and weed-free crops can outcompete noxious weeds. These plants can hoard all the nutrients, water, and sunlight that the weeds also need, thereby preventing the unwanted plant from flourishing. 

Apply herbicides 

Chemical application of herbicides is a surefire way to kill existing noxious weeds in your yard. It is also an excellent treatment for your garden soil when you remove your old lawn. Just make sure that you read and follow the directions so that you can safely apply the chemical.

Conclusion

Noxious weeds are undesirable plants in your garden because they endanger other plants, animals, and people. Thus, you should remove them immediately if you notice any seed or sprout in your yard so that they don’t thrive. That is, however, an exhausting task. You may also find it frustrating to stop and limit the proliferation of weeds in your garden. More so when you notice your precious plants and lawn die of weed infestation. 

Trees Down Under can help you deal with weed problems in your garden. Throughout our more than 30 years of service in the Sydney area, we have remained to be your number one partner in garden and tree removal services. Our expert gardeners and plant experts have the right tools and expertise to ensure that your yard is free from any noxious weeds. Contact us now at 0475 463 597 to get a free quote.

How to Choose the Right Artificial Turf for Your Lawn

As climate change makes it difficult to sustain a lush garden, many households in Sydney opt for artificial turf. The extreme changing weather creates many brown patches and uneven colours to your greenery. But with synthetic grass, worry less to achieve a green yard all year round.

Installing artificial turf in your yard means less maintenance and no watering. Also, you don’t need to apply fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides to keep a perfect lawn. Beyond that, artificial grass gives you a wide array of options to beautify your home from its types, colours, shades and thickness.

Moreover, high-quality fabricated grass can last for more than 20 years— providing huge savings from costs and maintenance. Setting artificial turf in your lawn is a long-term investment; thus, it’s crucial to choose the best product in making a lush garden for decades.

That said, here are the factors to consider when opting for the right artificial greenery in your lawn:

Usage

As kids and even pets love to play on your lawn, it’s ideal to have a durable artificial turf. The fabricated grass should withstand your daily outdoor activities. If you don’t consider the frequent usage of it, your investment could wear out too quickly.

Quality

Choosing a high-quality artificial turf doesn’t necessarily mean buying the most expensive one. The healthy competition in the marketplace provides plenty of affordable, but quality-grade synthetic greenery. Also, you can check if it’s highly durable and other traits for your personal preference.

Here are some of the traits of a high-quality artificial turf:

• Soft to touch
• UV and stain resistant
• Well stitched turf
• Certified lead-free
• Consistency in colour

Pile Height

The pile height is the blade length usually measured in millimetres from the top of the backing to the turf’s tip. Residential lawns typically use more extended pile height as it is more visually appealing and soft underfoot. However, a very long blade will flatten out over time, making your artificial lawn weathered and flat.

On that, the recommended blade length is 30-37 mm. Such a short length will give you a natural-like lawn that looks fresh yet well-manicured. But it would help if you still swept it now and then, but not as often as you would with longer pile height. 

Density and Weight

When choosing a durable synthetic grass, opt to a denser product that has more fabricated yarns per square foot of turf. As for weight, heavier artificial greenery indicates higher quality. A thicker and heavier artificial grass is expensive. Still, such investment can last for 20 years or more when properly handled and maintained.

Colour

Selecting colours of your synthetic turf is a crucial decision, considering it will furnish your yard for a couple of years. Take a close look on your lawn, and you can see the colour isn’t uniform. With that, you can opt for varying shades of green to make your yard completely natural-looking.

The commonly mixed colours in synthetic grass are olive-green, dark green and lime green. Aside from the different shades of green, you can opt for a product with a few brown flecks. The minimal brownish touch in it can make your lawn look even more natural and full.

Artificial Turf Composition

Inspecting the composition of the synthetic grass can help you choose the right quality product. The C4 materials in fabricated greenery is a recycled polyethylene that is sensitive to temperature and potentially unstable to UV lights. The C4 turf is cheap, but it might end up costing you more visually and financially.

Meanwhile, you can opt for C6 as a high-quality material for your artificial lawn. Such composition means that your synthetic turf is more robust, less sensitive to temperature and softer to touch. 

Infill and Backing

The typically used infills are sand and rubber granules which provide weight and body to the grass while protecting the base of the yarns. However, rubber under extreme heat can produce minimal toxic chemical residue to your yard. On that, the installation company can help you use gravels and other types of infill to suit your changing needs.

Moreover, the backing of your synthetic lawn uses polyurethane or latex. The latex can expand and contract under extreme heat, but poly backed materials do not. Polyurethane-based products are ideal for installing in a scorching area, making sure your artificial lawn won’t expand and contract that might cause ripples and tears.

Non-Allergic Artificial Turf

Some designs of faux lawns deter allergens or hypoallergenic. It’s necessary especially if you’re installing artificial greenery for your children and pets. With that consideration, it’s better to always look for synthetic grass that naturally deters allergens such as pollens and dust.

Warranty

When choosing the right synthetic grass for your lawn, always ask for the warranties of the product. Consider how long it will last and what it covers. Most of the manufacturing companies give a 15-year warranty while products start to wear out after 20 or more years.

See to it that the warranty offers solutions when there are damages in your artificial lawn. You can also look for a product warranty that covers UV stabilisation or colour fade and the general integrity of the fake greenery.

Conclusion

Maintaining a lush natural lawn becomes difficult due to the extreme weather condition. As a result, artificial turf is ideal for making a perfect lawn without worrying from the damaging heat of the sun.  

Moreover, installing synthetic turf is a long-term investment. Thus, it’s crucial to have thorough speculation on what are the factors you should consider before choosing the best product for your lawn. Also, artificial greenery can last longer when you properly maintain and handle it.

At Trees Down Under, we offer the best gardening services in Sydney. Our expert team can remove damaged lawns and install your synthetic turf for an impeccable garden you aspire. We can also guide you from the installation process to finding the right artificial grass for your lawn.

For turf installation, please call us today at 0475 463 597. Trees Down Under will help you keep up the evergreen lawn for your outdoors. We are the perfect answer to your garden.

Is Artificial Turf Right for Your Yard?

A yard with lush grasses is an excellent outdoor spot to play with your kids and pets. As Sydney’s climate is getting warmer, you might see uneven colours and brown patches in your lawn. In effect, artificial turfs become popular as mainstream landscaping options in the city.

Artificial grass has become a realistic and affordable option to replace natural grass in lawns. It’s also more convenient to use when putting greens surrounding your pools, rooftops and decorative borders between patio pavers. 

Moreover, the synthetic turf has a good drainage layer compacted usually with gravel. It has recycled crumb rubber or sand to prevent the stiff breeze from blowing it. Also, it gives you a wide array of options in textures, finishes, colours and blade shapes.

But should you go for it? Before you can decide, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of having artificial grass installed in your property. With that, here are the factors to help you decide if artificial turf is right for your yard:

Lesser Maintenance

If you have a tight schedule, installing artificial turf can save you a lot of time. The artificial grass won’t require you to spend hours in mowing and trimming your yard. On that, you can spend your weekends to bond with your family more.

However, it doesn’t mean that synthetic grass is maintenance-free. You still need to clean and rinse the debris and dirt in it. Also, grooming your lawn is necessary to fluff the grass blades and keep it matted.

Reduced Utility Bills

Is your water bill too high, especially in summer? It’s because one-third of your bill goes to watering your lawn. With the artificial grass, say goodbye to your sprinklers and expensive water bill.

Opting for artificial turf means no mowing, which can cut a chunk from your electric bills. As natural grass requires mowing to maintain, the mower consumes a large amount of electricity. Aside from that, natural grass releases oxygen while mowing it contributes to carbon pollution— the by-product of burning fuels to produce energy.

Prevent Chemical Use

A well-maintained natural grass is somehow applied with fertilisers to boost growth. But with synthetic turf in your yard, you’re preventing the use of fertilisers. Also, you won’t need pesticides and herbicides to keep up a perfect lawn.

Eliminate Allergens in Yard

Artificial turf is ideal if you or someone in your family has allergies. Ryegrass and dust are the primary culprits of hay fevers in the months of spring and summer. Having synthetic grass installed in your yard means minimal dust and weeds— reducing those nasty allergens in your yard.

Durability

It’s no brainer that synthetic lawn won’t die in drought, making it green throughout the year. It’s less vulnerable to weeds, pests, heat, light and moisture than natural grass. Artificial turf is also extremely durable as it is dig-proof for dogs and varmints, withstanding any torture or damages.

Installation and Cost

Another factor in the decision-making of having artificial turf in your yard is how easy to install it. Before rolling out a synthetic turf, you need to prepare the ground, layout the base layer and apply a weed membrane. After that, installation can become very quick and may require you to seek professional service, which is the same with natural grass.

On the other hand, the cost is the most significant factor to consider when you want an artificial lawn. From the installation to the grass carpet itself, it is very pricey. But once you have it in your yard, it’s a long-term investment that can benefit you from less maintenance and cost for 20 years or more.

Safer Surface

Installing artificial turf to your yard is ideal when your kids love to play outdoors. The synthetic grass has a smooth and even surface that prevents your kids and even adults from tripping. Moreover, many versions of the fabricated lawn have increased shock absorption, which protects kids from falls as high as five feet.

Drawbacks of Artificial Turf

Nothing is perfect, and the same goes with artificial turf. When deciding to install the fabricated grass, it’s necessary to know what are the drawbacks of having it in your yard. Here are some of the disadvantages of artificial greenery:

Surface Heat

The biggest downside of artificial turf is it holds more heat than natural grass. With the blazing sun of Australia’s summer, it can melt slowly while radiating heat in its surrounding area. Burning charcoal can also melt the plastic grass, fortunately, it is repairable.

Odour Build-Up

Same with natural grass, you need to clean up messes in artificial greenery. It’s necessary to rinse it with water when there are droppings and other wastes. Otherwise, odours will build up and cling to the infill of the lawn.

Toxic Run-off Concern

The run-off from the crumb rubber infill is still a major concern for many people. Scientific studies have shown a minimal level of toxic residue from the infill can harm your family, pets, or the environment. As of now, many manufacturers are providing alternative infill materials to solve such an issue.

Ends Up in Landfills

The supposed life expectancy of the artificial turf is around 15-25 years. However, improper care and handling of the synthetic lawn can speed up the wear and tear it receives. Such damage might cause it to end up in landfills sooner than you expected. On that, proper handling is vital so you can look forward to using it for decades.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider before installing artificial turf for your yard. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of fabricated greenery can help in your decision-making. A synthetic lawn can help you reduce costs and maintenance in achieving lush greenery for your home.

Moreover, installing artificial turf depends on whether you like the appearance and aesthetics it brings to your lawns. Despite its minimal drawbacks, proper care and handling can help you enjoy the long-lasting benefits that synthetic turf provides.

Trees Down Under is always here to give the best makeover your garden deserves. Our expert team provides lawn removal and a wide array of options for your turf installation. With more than 30 years of experience in offering the best gardening services in Sydney, we ensure to upgrade your gardens at an affordable rate.

For questions or inquiries, please call us at 0475 463 597 or email us at info@treesdownunder.com.au.

Fun Gardening Activities for Kids

The future of our society relies on the kids of today. At an early age, it’s essential to teach them the significance of sustainable living through gardening. When it’s difficult to grab their interest in gardening, you can create fun activities to spark their curious minds. 

Getting out in the garden is a great way to bond with your kids. Apart from being physically active, gardening teaches kids about sharing, organising, creativity and responsibility. Beyond that, it helps them connect with nature and local wildlife.

As many children are into gadgets, letting your kids play a part in your garden provides a place for them to think, relax and recharge. No matter how big or small your garden is, there are plenty of activities that they can learn while enjoying.

At holidays and weekdays, you can grab your shovel and trowel with your kids. On that, here are the fun garden activities for kids of all ages.

Make a Worm Composting Bin

As early as it is, teach your kids on the importance of composting. If you don’t have ample space in your garden, you can do composting using worm bins. The generated compost from this activity is useful for supplying your plants with the nutrients they need.

Fill half of your container with newspaper strips and moisten it. Opt for red wiggler worms for your bin as earthworms from your outdoors don’t like to live inside the containers. Add food scraps into it, but never include dairy products, oil and meat.

Let kids participate in checking the bin regularly. Ensure that the container is not overly wet and not dry while placing an extra newspaper for bedding. As the castings build up after several months, only scoop the organic material and add it to the soil around your plants.

Planting a Family Tree

It’s beyond amazing to plant trees with kids. Let the kids participate in taking care of and watering the trees in your garden. Such activity will create memories and deep connections between trees and kids as time goes by.

DIY Hydroponics

Kids usually see plants growing on your flower beds and garden. But the non-traditional way of planting like hydroponics can capture kid’s attention and make them excited about gardening. As prefabricated hydroponic units are pricey, you can opt to do-it-your own activity that is ideal for creating active participation for the kids.

Cut the one-fourth top part of a soda bottle and invert the top of the bottle into the bottom. After that, place 2-3 seeds of lettuce in a small square of cotton balls or rockwool diluted with hydroponics solution. Once the lettuce seeds start to germinate, transfer it to your bottle filled with nutrient solution.

Wrap the plastic with aluminium foil or any dark plastic to discourage algae growth. Let your kids help you change the solution every two weeks or so. With such activity, kids will enjoy gardening more than ever.

Creating a Butterfly Garden

Butterflies always amaze everyone with its beauty, especially kids. Encourage children to create a garden consisting of a colourful array of nectar-producing plants. With the right planting materials, your garden will attract butterflies and offer plants to feed the caterpillar stage of their life cycle.

The best way to attract butterflies in your area is by selecting native plants. Also, make sure you planted flowers consisting of colours such as purple, red and yellow that inevitably draws in more butterflies. With this fun activity, it’s an opportunity to teach children about the life cycle of butterflies and understand each stage of growth in great detail.

Build Homemade Bird Feeders

Another fun and exciting activity you can do with kids is feeding the chirping creatures in your garden. Winter is the toughest period of the year for wild birds, so it’s the best time to create a bird feeder. Providing food for birds is an excellent activity for your kids in helping your local wildlife. 

Kids need adult supervision upon creating a bird feeder. First, melt the lard in the saucepan and add the bird seeds. Next, punch a hole in a yoghurt cup, place a long thread in the middle and then put the mixed ingredients in it. 

After putting it in the freezer overnight, the mixture is already set. You can cut away the pot and get ready to tie your bird feeder outdoors. On that, more birds will visit your garden providing a view that kids would enjoy.

Paint Stones for Decoration

Painting stones for your garden is possible for kids of all ages. Any kiddie paint will work fine in this activity. Try creating character figures in stones or applying colours in rocks. As you place the artworks of your kids to decorate the garden, it will make them proud and happy, which encourages them to enjoy and visit the area more often.

Make Your Vegetable Garden

One of the best adventures you want the kids to try is to grow food and vegetables in your garden. With this activity, children will love vegetables more as they understand the difficulty of cultivating it themselves. As children get involved in making a vegetable garden, they will feel the joy of reaping the real rewards of their effort.

Burying Time Capsule in Your Garden

There are many fun activities that kids can enjoy in your garden, but burying a time capsule is the most unique. Let your kids find special toys and objects they want to open in the next decades to come. Creating the time capsule is very special as it will let your kids reminisce good childhood memories once they get older.

Conclusion

Gardening can help kids develop lifelong values. Aside from the idea that gardening is fun, they must learn different things at the same time. Beyond learning and values, it guides kids to preserve and conserve the environment for a brighter future.

At Trees Down Under, we can help you setup and maintain your garden space that your kids will enjoy. Our expert team also offers tree removal and tree pruning services to keep your garden safe for your kids and family. After all the fun activities, we can collect and dispose of your green wastes to keep your outdoors spotless. 

Call us today at 0475 463 597 for a free estimate. Trees Down Under provides garden maintenance to make your dream garden perfectly vibrant and safe. We are the perfect answer to all your garden needs.

How to Properly Plant Flowers in a Flower Bed

The wonders of nature are evident anywhere. In spring, the vast numbers of plants blossom in gardens of many households in Sydney. As you plan to uplift the face of your outdoors, flowers are the best elements to create a vibrant garden that will stop anyone on their tracks upon seeing it.

Planting flowers in your garden promotes an active lifestyle. The multiple sizes and colours of petals never fail to create a relaxing and alluring garden. But incorporating these plants in your garden requires proper planning before the actual planting until its full growth.

Moreover, planting flowers is usually done in a flower bed. Before seeing your flowers bloom, good soil prep is your key to successful gardening. Most importantly, your creativity in matching flowering plants will set the picturesque view you wanted.

On that, this article will guide you on how to plant flowers in a flower bed properly.

Flower Bed Preparation

Before planting flowers, bed preparation is the first step to do. See to it that there are no utility or irrigation lines buried under the location you opt to build your flower bed. You can call your local council to solve this problem.

Here are the steps in preparing your flower beds:

Weeds Removal

If you have an existing flower bed, you don’t need to do this. But when you’re building a new one, it’s necessary to remove the existing vegetation. The common notion of weed removal is by using herbicides. Still, it might remain active in the soil for days after application.

If you’re removing a small number of weeds, it’s ideal to do it manually. Even if you remove these weeds, expect that some of them will grow after planting flowers. On that, you can do the next step, which is digging the soil.

Digging Your Flower Bed

A little moisture on the soil can help you dig it easily. You can use a tiller to turn the ground to a depth of 6-8 inches. If you have a shovel, then you can do a ‘double digging’ to a depth of 18 inches which is better for the plants.

Use Mulch and Weed Barrier 

Once you’ve turned over the bed, add mulch or organic materials into it. Opting for compost can add nutrients and improve the soil structure. Spread a layer of compost two to three inches thick over the bed and mix it with the soil. 

Moreover, avoid extremely fine compost as they tend to break down quickly. Applying thicker mulching such as bark products over your flower bed deter the growth of weeds. But if compost and other mulching materials are not available, you can use woven landscape fabric as the weeds barrier.

Planting Your Flowers

After preparing your soil, you’re ready to plant flowers. See to it that the land has enough moisture, but not too wet. A soil with poor water drainage can induce the rotting of the plant’s roots. Here are some of the considerations you need before planting your flowers:

Visualising Future Growth

Visualising the full growth of your plants is necessary. Flowering plants need ample space to strive and grow ideally. If possible, consider the spread and thickness of mature plants in providing spaces in your beds.

Light Intensity

Flower beds receive sunlight abundantly. Many flowers thrive well in full sun but not all. Do some research if the flowers your planting tolerate full sun to light shade so that you’ll be successful in creating an impeccable garden.

Seasonal Growth Cycle

The seasonal growth cycle of flowering plants is vital to determine when you should plant them. Aside from that, planting the flowers in the right condition and time will help them bloom fully. Combine these three seasonal flowers to create colourful beds at different seasons:

Annuals

Annual flowers grow, produce flowers and seeds, and die in one year. As they last for only one year, it’s best to know when to plant them before buying and planting the seeds. They are usually planted in summer and fall so they can bloom from spring to late summer. 

Planting annuals require a depth of the hole that is at least 6-8 inches while the spacing between each plant is between 4-5 inches. Soil that clumps easily like clayish ones is not good in cultivating annual flowers. Some examples of annuals are petunias, zinnias, coleus and begonias.

With such quick growth, annuals are effective in changing the colours and setting of your flower beds. 

Biennials

Biennial flowers take two years to complete its life cycle. In the first season, they grow from seeds to establish themselves. In the second season, they become larger and produce flowers. Some popular flowers that belong in this category are foxglove, angelica and varieties of evening primrose.

Perennials

The perennial flowers take years to establish and bloom in full beauty. When planting these in flower beds, it’s vital to place them in a spot where it will grow for the following years to come. Examples of perennials include colourful varieties of lavender, lobelia and datura that are useful for decorating your beds.

Follow the Layering Technique

The typical colour scheme in beds is the combination of blue, purple and gold flowers. However, matching the colour and texture will depend significantly on your style and taste. Aside from that, the proper planting focuses mainly on layering your flowers from front to back of your beds.

Use Low Plants at the Front

You don’t want to put flowers at the front covering the view of your entire flower beds. You can opt to plant fescue grass and Angelina flowers that grow low enough in the front row.

Use Middle-Height Plants for Middle Row

The flowers at the middle row need to be taller than plants in the front but shorter than the back row. The ideal plants to use here are salvia varieties including Victoria blue, May Night, Caradonna, Blue Hills and Royal Candles.

Plant the Tallest at the Back Row

The tallest flowering plants serve as the backdrop for your beds. You can plant Blue Star juniper, King’s gold cypress and Emerald n’ Gold euonymus shrubs in the back row. You can also grow particular plants at the back that interest you, but with the consideration that it is the tallest in your flower bed.

Water Deeply and Add Mulch

Proper planting includes the correct watering of your flowers. You can soak the soil around your newly planted flowers. If the flowers don’t receive enough rain, you can add 1 to 2 inches of moisture every week. It’s best to water your bed deeply but less often to avoid waterlogged soil which might cause the rotting of your flower’s roots.

Over time, the flower bed will run out of the needed nutrients for proper growth. On that, it’s essential to add mulch or compost twice a year to your flower beds. Adding a layer of mulch will also help slow down evaporation that will reduce how often you should water your flowers.

Conclusion

Flowers are part of the wonders of nature that never fail to beautify gardens. But planting flowers doesn’t end after you stick the plants on the soil. It requires proper techniques and thorough planning to create the perfect garden you wanted.

Moreover, preparing the soil and beds are essential to successful flower gardening. You also need to consider the shading, seasonal growth cycle and layering techniques as part of proper planting of flowers in your flower beds.

At Trees Down Under, we can guide you in building the best flower bed for your home. When you need to clear vegetation in creating beds, our team has the equipment and skills to remove trees and weeds. Our expert team can also tailor the designs and colours of flowers to uplift the scenery that your garden deserves.

Call us at 0475 463 597 today for a free estimate. We’ll help you maintain colourful and vibrant flower beds and garden. We are the perfect answer to all your garden makeover needs.