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The Differences in Pergolas, Arbors, and Trellises

One of the best things about landscaping structures is the choices you have.  That having been said, many are confused about exactly what pergolas, arbors, and trellises are, and often use the terms interchangeably.  The first step in designing the exact landscape structure you want is knowing what it is called.  Pergolas, arbors, and trellises each have their own unique features and can be clearly identified with some tips.

Pergola

By definition, a pergola is a garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway, or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice.  It can be free-standing or attached to your home or other structure.  Today, a pergola consists mainly of four posts or columns and is used to define a space.  It can be topped with beams, retractable canopies, pergolaor woody vines.  Another option is open rafters.  A retractable canopy provides protection from sun and rain.

A pergola can add architectural interest to a flat landscape and provide shade during the summer.  Fruits and vegetables can be grown on a pergola or you can string up a hammock and relax.  You can also add lights, heaters, and sheer curtains to create a type of outdoor room using a pergola.  There really is no limit to how you can design your own pergola and, best of all, it is easy and inexpensive to build.

Arbor

arborAn arbor is typically an open, free-standing structure using interwoven lattice pieces and sometimes having an arched top.  It is common for arbors to define an entry point such as the entrance to a garden.  Arbors are also used as dividing spaces along a pathway or simply erected over a walkway.  The main difference in a pergola and an arbor is the size.  An arbor is usually much smaller than a pergola.  Additionally, a pergola usually has open sides, although some have curtains or lattice work.

Arbors can also be incorporated into hedges (as shown) using wood, metal, stone, or a mixture of materials.  Topped with flowers or climbing with vines, an arbor can be truly stunning regardless of its size.

Trellis

 A trellis is a one-sided piece of woven latticework that is typically built to support climbing plants, vines and flowering foliage allowing them to grow longer, higher, and fuller.  As it has no roof or sides, the sunshine is always able to penetrate the foliage.  It does not provide trellisprotection from rain.

The versatility of a trellis makes it very attractive. It can be attached to the side of a house or building, but it can also be freestanding in a yard or garden.  Today, trellises are made of many different materials, including treated lumber, wire, copper, and even the side of an old crib.  A trellis is usually not placed in the ground and can be relocated if you choose to do so.

Hints to Help

Now that you know the difference, here is an easy way for you to tell the difference. Memorize a word that fits each one.  Here is a simple way to remember:

  • Pergola = people
  • Arbor = arched
  • Trellis = less

When you think of a pergola, remember that people can fit under it.  Typically, an arbor is arched.  A trellis is less because it is one-sided.  There you go!

Pergolas, arbors, and trellises add beauty to your landscaping. If you need help designing or building a pergola, arbor, or trellis for your landscape, contact Hyatt Landscaping, Inc. at 704-888-5390.  With 30+ years in the landscaping industry and an outstanding reputation based on trust, dependability, and superior work, we are more than happy to help you design the landscape structure that is perfect for you.

 

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Top 5 Reasons to Have Trees Installed in Your Yard

With the sight and smells of fresh spring, air comes the chores of landscaping. Spring is a great time to design and create a whole new oasis of lawns and gardens. If you’re going to be doing some landscaping projects this spring, consider planting some trees in your yard. You may think of trees as annoyances (think raking in the fall), but they actually have some tremendous benefits. Think of trees as the lungs of the planet. If you don’t want the chore of doing it yourself, you can contact your landscaper in Charlotte, who has the experience and expertise to help.

  1. Reduce your carbon footprint: Planting trees has an extremely beneficial effect on the environment. Without giving a major science lesson, trees trap CO2, which is a major contributing factor of the greenhouse effect; this substance is then converted to carbohydrates, which is used for plant growth. Mature trees can absorb approximately 42 tonnes of CO2 a year. What does that all mean? It means cleaner air for everyone, better plant growth and a reduced carbon footprint.
  2. Save energy: Planting trees around your home will give you shade and protection from the sun. This will not only give you a beautiful breeze through the open windows but cut down on humidity and heat. That means your AC will run less, saving you money throughout the season. If you plant the trees on the west side of your home, you can save up to 12% in energy costs in 5 years once the tree has grown or matured.
  3. Free food: Imagine being able to pick an apple or peach anytime you get hungry for a snack! Fruit trees are a great way to save on groceries throughout the spring, summer and fall. Fruit-bearing trees not only help feed you, but they are also organic, giving you a healthier diet overall. Pick some apples for a pie, or some pears for a cobbler; you’ll be able to feast on desserts all season long.
  4. Aesthetically pleasing: There is nothing quite like a big willow tree in your yard (if you have the room). For smaller yards, there are dozens of smaller trees, like Ash, Japanese Maple, Birch and Pine. These make a great addition to any yard; some realtors believe that a well-tended yard with trees can raise the value of your home by at least 5%.
  5. Reduce noise pollution and absorb sound: Planting trees around your property can reduce noise pollution by almost 10 decibels. This is especially important for those who live near very busy streets or freeways.

A Charlotte custom landscaping company can help you decide what types of trees to plant, and where to plant them. They can be purchased at almost any nursery or home improvement store. You can also purchase them from a landscaping company if you’re concerned about quality. With proper care and maintenance, your trees should last for generations to come. A tree can be a place of solace, rest and peace. So go ahead and get planting!

Hyatt Landscaping can help you with all of your landscaping needs. Call or visit the website today for more information.

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4 Tips for Deciding on Plant Types for Your Yard

When you become a homeowner, everything that you place your hand on to improve its look should be to your liking. From colors to materials, everything should look the way that you envision your domain the way you dream of! From the interior of your house, to the yard that everyone can see, your house should be you to a T.

When it comes to decorating your yards, plants are usually the easiest additions that are easy to maintain, and can add to your home. With many different shapes, colors, growth patterns depending on seasons, and allergies that they give, plants can be molded to your specific needs. Here are 4 tips for deciding on plant types for your yard

First you have to look at the amount of space you have for the plants you would like to bury. Many plants can be cut and shaped into different space fillers. With the many different plants growing in different shapes, the amount of flower or leaves on each branch can determine what can fill the right space. If you are decorating for a pathway, know that there are plants that can be dome shaped enough to cover that amount of grass that you do not want to show.

Due to the nature of, well, nature, plants come in all colors and can even be made into a specific color through some sort of artificial insemination. Choosing what color to add to your home can be an amplification of your personality. Many people like to have vibrant colors to stand out, while others like to have more earth tones type colors to blend in with their environment better. Those also call less attention, so a small mess up or mother nature not wanting to participate will not be noticeable.

While there are different ways to shape a plant, as mentioned above, there can also be different functions for your plant. Some plants can evolve into trees and bushes. Bushes are the most common use for certain plants to grow into, for privacy purposes. For something that can allow you cover your pathway to the front door, you would get a small shrubbery. There are times that home owners get shrubbery for the protection of windows from those unwanted visitors. The trees that grow from these smaller plants can also be used for shade in specific spots of your front or back yards.

The smell of a plant could be something that triggers allergies. Not that you would want to do that out of spite to someone that you do not like, but it can also freshen the air with a certain smell that is release by the bud of the plant. These smells can over take a lot of other strong smells so that your yard can be a pleasant place of zen.

At Hyatt Landscaping, we strive to assist our customers with the right plant for the right occasion or look. Come check us out at http://www.hyattlandscaping.com.

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Tips for Keeping Your Yard Healthy During the Winter Months

All of the four seasons that everyone around the world experiences can have an effect to all living things. Humans, animals, and plants al suffer from the changes of weather and temperature. No matter your belief, there is definitely a higher power that knew what they were doing when they created everything that is visible to the naked eye.

Animals have a way to protect themselves from their weather, thus most animals are only placed in selected areas. Polar bears and grizzly bears both hold a different type of threshold for the cold weather. Dogs also have the same form of protection with different types of fur, thus they shed their fur more in the summer than the winter times, to keep their winter coats.

However, unlike them and us, who are able to cover and uncover ourselves as we see fit to the weather around us, plants do not have that capability to be able to protect themselves from the cold or the heat. Also they are self sufficient while they are still planted, plants more often than not, require our assistance to survive. With that being said, here are some tips for keeping your yard healthy during the winter months.

First I would suggest to do a google search into the type of plants and grass that you have in your yard. Unfortunately, not all plant forms are made to last every bit of abuse from mother nature. With new homes being constructed every day, different home building companies are now offering different types of grass for you to pick as an option. In these cases, if you are the original owner, you will have a heads up to what type of grass you are dealing with and what to do. However, if you are not the original owner and the house has been standing for decades, you will not know what to do with your grass. Once again, your best bet would be to look up the type of grass that you may have or contact someone with knowledge of landscaping.

Another one of the ways that we can help plants survive in the winter months is by covering them with a blanket. I know, it seems like a no brainer and like how a child would be treated, but in the end, by treating a plant with love and affection, the plant will actually react and be healthier. It sounds crazy, I know, however if you ever see a retired person treat their plants with conversations of their days as an active member of society, you will see that a plant will appreciate that and grow brightly.

Another way is to actually keep watering your grass. Will the grass freeze? Can the grass die from the excess of cold water? While these are great questions, the truth is that watering grass during the cold will still allow for the grass to get its hydration whether at the moment the water lands, or when it melts.

Come check out different options that we offer our customers for lawn maintenance during winter times. Visit our website at http://www.hyattlandscaping.com for more information.

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The Landscape Design Process | Charlotte NC

Landscaping is an integral part of any home. Whether you are designing a landscape for your front yard or backyard, the design needs to be impeccable. This is because the yard compliments the appearance of your home’s interior. You may select a beautiful design for your landscaping, but it also needs to be unified with the interior design of your home. On the other hand, a simple landscape design can enhance the appearance if done right.

Here are a few things to consider when designing the landscape:

Hire a Professional Landscaper

The best way to set up a landscape for your home is to call a professional landscaper. There are quite a few reasons for this. The main reason for this is that they will be able to create a design to meet your needs. Landscaping professionals are trained in this aspect. They will analyze the appearance of your home and suggest design ideas accordingly. Discuss your ideas with the professional designer to create a custom landscape design. If the design can be incorporated into the landscape, the professional will guide you on how it can be done. (Hyatt Landscaping has been serving Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas for over 30 years. They are experts in landscaping design and can help you with your landscaping needs. Use the form on the right to contact them now.)

Size of Yard

Another thing to consider when designing a landscape is the size of your yard. While most landscaping designs can be scaled down to fit smaller yards, some cannot. There are some designs that are specific to large yards. If such a design is scaled down and used for a smaller yard, it will not compliment the yard as it should and can adversely make it look even worse. This is where a professional can guide you.

There are many other factors that go into determining the right landscape design for your home. The best way to look at the options available is to contact a professional landscaping company in Charlotte NC, such as Hyatt Landscaping. Use the form on the right to get started on your project today.