Make no mistake, autumn is here!  While September in the Chicago area has been unseasonably warm and dry, the days are getting shorter and nights are getting cooler.  Football games are on TV and the kids are deciding on their Halloween costumes.

It is time for the Fall Yard Cleanup.

Paying attention to your outdoor spaces before winter will save you time, energy and even money.  Here are some things to do to in the Fall that will pay big dividends next Spring:

1. Mow the lawn one more time. Setting the mower to a low setting to give the lawn a short cut in the fall will help the soil dry out in the spring, which makes for a healthier lawn.
2. Pay attention to perennials. This was a good year for many perennials. Cut back the dead leaves to give them the best start in the spring. Dividing them and adding them to bare spots in the garden.  This will not only add beauty to your yard, but save money on new plants. For the bulbs that need to be removed for the winter (e.g. canna lilies and dahlias) make sure they are carefully stored in a cool, dry place – ready to be replanted next year.
3. Remove dead branches and/or dead trees. Winter weather with heavy snow and ice build-up can be hazardous when allowed to build up on dying or dead branches or trees that could fall on your house – or you!
4. Prune trees and shrubs. It is time to cut back those bushes that are blocking the sidewalk, or are too close to the house.
5. Rake the leaves and clean the debris. Leaves left on the lawn can suffocate the grass. Fallen leaves, weeds and dead plants are not only unsightly, but can harbor unwanted insects and animals.  Cleaning up in the fall will save a lot of time and energy next spring.
6. Aerate the lawn and the garden. Breaking up the soil will help nutrients reach roots over the winter.
7. Fertilize. Adding the nutrients your lawn needs will help it survive the longer winter and encourage new root growth.
8. Call American Artists Landscapers to do all the above and more… They understand your yard and will keep it in the best shape through all four seasons.

Retaining Walls – Not Just For Sloping Lawns

July 31, 2017

While people living in Northern Illinois towns like Batavia and Wheaton think of themselves as “flatlanders,” the truth is, many of our homes are built on sloping areas and could benefit from a retaining wall.  However, even for areas that are perfectly flat, a “retaining” wall can add a layer of texture, function and beauty to any property.

For sloping properties, finding an area for a pool, patio or garden can be challenging.  Retaining walls can maximize your space while preventing dirt and debris from washing down the slope.  When done correctly retaining walls can maximize space, prevent erosion and add to the overall function of the yard.

While retaining walls have traditionally been built around sloping areas to prevent dirt from washing away, even on flat areas, retaining walls can add a layer of aesthetics. They can define a patio and might be added as a place for guests to sit.  Retaining walls also add a touch of class to the front of a home to set the lawn apart from bushes, flowers and other decorative features around the home.

The same material used for the retaining wall can also be used to build stairs, fire pits, fountains and other structures.

When deciding on adding a retaining wall or other hardscape feature, it is important to work with a hardscaping professional to decide on the size and location of these features.  For example, having a very large walled patio on a tiny lot may spoil the aesthetics of the entire property. A planting space at the front of a home that is too small or too close to a larger home will detract from its overall appearance.  A professional will also use the right materials for the job, keeping in mind the style of the home and the goal of the project.

If you want to beautify your home, protect its integrity and increase its value, call American Artists Landscaping. They have professionals that can plan and implement the perfect project.

Branding Your Business with Landscaping

July 1, 2017

No one can change a first impression.

The outdoor space of any facility is first thing customers, tenants, employees and/or visitors see when approaching any facility.

Make no mistake, your landscaping is a part of your brand.  If you want to convey that you are selling or manufacturing high quality products, offering top-notch office space or providing inviting living spaces, you must consider how your property looks to anyone approaching it – from any side.

The right combination of landscaping and hardscaping communicates your brand’s sense of quality, style and attention to detail.

Softscape

A well-planned commercial landscape can help create an inviting feel for visitors, ambiance for employees, and shows a level of success. There are many trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and grasses that will create an elegant and beautiful commercial landscape. And while it is important to choose the right varieties for the level of maintenance required and the climate, it is also important to convey the right “look” for your brand.  Choose colors that coordinate with the buildings and other features. Add varieties that fit the building style. (For example, plantings that fit well with a low, modern building may not fit the look of a tall, more traditional one.)

Hardscape

A building’s façade sets the tone for both landscaping and hardscaping.  Adding the right hardscape elements will improve the look, feel and accessibility of any property.

Elements like low walls and lighted walkways to control the flow of traffic, patios with benches for visitors and employees to enjoy, and stairways that help people navigate steep grades are all features that can enhance any property. Using different hardscapes (for example using one material for a patio that coordinates with a different material for nearby retaining walls) will result in a truly unique and artistic landscape that will not only brand your business, but also enhance your standing within the community.

American Artists Landscaping can help with you brand your business with the right landscaping design ideas. Call today for more information (815) 931-3993

Branding Your Company with Landscaping

June 1, 2017

People make decisions about who to do business with based on many factors, but one of the first things they notice is how the property is landscaped and maintained.  The market value of any commercial property is affected by how much attention the owners have paid to the overall appearance of the property.  Employee morale has been shown to be greater when attention is paid to how its property is maintained.  A company that invests in branding, marketing and attracting an excellent workforce should also consider investing in superior landscaping.

Here are four landscaping enhancements that will brand your company as a place that people will want to visit:

1. Plants. Plants soften the area, presenting a welcoming atmosphere.  Shade trees can provide welcome shade during our hot Illinois summers.  Flowering plants can create visual interest and beauty.  Bushes and hedges can add privacy and cover architectural flaws.
2. Hardscape Design.  Walkways and attractive walls direct the flow of foot traffic while enhancing the overall look of the property. Adding a pond, fountain or other water feature cam make the property feel like a welcoming oasis.
3. Lighting.  Lighting adds a level of safety to the property. Lighting can be used to focus attention on landscape details. It can light walkways and parking areas. It can also be used to highlight architectural features, while leading people to the front door.
4. Irrigation system.  Adding an automated irrigation system will keep the grass green and plants healthy.  Besides keeping the property beautiful, these systems will save water, money and time.

A well-maintained property shows people your level of dedication to the property and to them.  The first impression is most important.  American Artists Landscaping works with you to make sure your landscaping has the WOW factor it deserves.  Call us today to hear more.  (815) 931-3993

Landscaping a “big lot” Plainfield Home

May 1, 2017

An important selling feature for many homebuyers in Chicago suburbs and more rural areas like Plainfield, is the fact that many homes come with large and open lots. These lots can give the impression of a mini-estate. However, tackling landscaping for this type of lot can be a challenge. While one option is simply planting grass for a large, open expanse, this can make the home look rather lonely and stark. Figuring out how to make the property look more “finished,” can be a challenge.

Just as having a blueprint for a new home that shows how the rooms, plumbing and other mechanicals will fit into the overall design, planning a successful landscape design also starts with a carefully thought out plan.  Before planting a blade of grass, existing natural and man-made features must be considered, including topography, drainage patterns, sitelines and view framing. The lifestyle of the residents is also important – whether there are children who need play space, adults who will be doing a lot of entertaining, or families who just want a space to hang out and relax.

While curb appeal is important to how the home shows its face to the public, the back yard is the area that will be most used and enjoyed by family and friends.  Both areas should present a cohesive look. However, each should contain elements that will make it both functional and beautiful.

Here are a few features to consider in the overall plan:

• Trees and shrubs - Whether working with a totally new space or adding to an existing plan, picking the right species of trees and shrubs can make a huge difference in the look of the property.  Finding trees that thrive in our Chicago area climate is job one.  After that, consider the shape and size of the tree or shrub – in winter and summer.  Colors of the leaves and flowers through the seasons will make an interesting statement and should enhance the color and style of the home.
• Hardscape - Adding non-organic features can make a home feel formal or casual. It can also define areas for playing, entertaining or relaxing.  Some of the features that can make a real “statement” include:  Brick patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls, terraced planting pockets, water features and fire pits.
• Grass - While most of us think “grass is just grass.”  There are many species of grass. How a yard is to be used will dictate which species is best. It is also important to consider how short the lawn should be mowed.  Little used areas should be shorter than areas used for children’s play, and shady spots should be kept longer in order to stay healthy and green.

To hear more about designing, installing and maintaining your property in Plainfield or other Chicago suburbs, call American Artists Landscaping. They can help you plan and implement a design that will not only increase the pleasure your friends and family derive from the space, but also increase your home’s value.

How Neighborhoods affect Landscaping Designs

April 10, 2017

The aesthetics of an established neighborhood in Wheaton can be very different from those of a newer neighborhood in Batavia.  One of the principles of landscape design is to understand the space.  Professional landscape designers understand that the world consists of three different planes that affect the human experience.  The planes are horizontal, vertical and overhead.  The differences in these planes affect the way we experience our homes and even our commercial and industrial buildings.

For example, the dense canopy of trees often found in Wheaton neighborhoods make the atmosphere shady and darker than the sunnier and  more open feel of a new subdivision in Batavia, whose plantings have not matured.

When developing and implementing a landscape design, all aspects of the property must be considered.  Certain plants and flowers will thrive in a sunny space while other varieties of plants and shrubs can brighten a shady spot in any lawn.

Considering the vertical, horizontal and overhead planes of any property will not only enhance the beauty of the property, but also increase its functionality.  The more clearly defined a plane is, the easier it is for people to understand it. For example, a brick walkway shows people that this is a walking surface.  In order to keep people on the path, the vertical plane might contain a wall, a fence or even tall plants.  Using both the vertical and horizontal planes of the grounds will encourage visitors to stay on the right path.

A seasoned landscape designer understands that when the plantings and hardscape features are carefully planned and beautifully designed, the property will become more appealing and functional.   He will also consider how the plants will grow and thrive.  Because he knows that even the smallest trees on a new Batavia parkway will one day grow to the size of the biggest Wheaton trees.

Whether you are landscaping a new home or re-thinking an older more established one, American Artists Landscaping can show you how to maximize your space. Call today to hear more.

Dead Trees and Staying Warm This Winter

November 18, 2016

While the weather has been more like September than November, we all know that winter is coming.  Before the snow falls, it might be time to clean up your property.  Trimming dead branches or removing dead or dying trees can save costly maintenance costs during the winter. Consider that one ice storm or heavy snowfall could break already weakened branches. Strong winter winds might also blow a dead tree down, not only costing money in property damage, but also endanger lives.  The good news is that American Artists Landscaping is offering 30% off tree services during November. Call now to get in on this great deal!

Our long winter nights make it a perfect time to cozy up your house with a roaring fire in the fireplace.  American Artists Landscaping has a mix of hardwoods available for your winter fires – at a 20% saving.

Clear the tree hazards on your property AND stock up on firewood.  It is a great time to save on both.

Also, remember American Artists for your snow removal and salt needs!  See our website for information about our snow plowing services and our innovative salt swap program that can save you significant money on your winter salt needs.

Landscaping Care For Hot Chicagoland Summers

June 21, 2016

If you have spent any money on landscaping your property, it makes sense to take care of it.  The hot, dry Chicagoland summers can wreak havoc on even the most beautifully landscaped properties.

While your lawn will go dormant and may turn brown even without watering, careful mowing to the right height will assure that when the rains come, the grass will turn green and lush again.

However, in order to keep your plants healthy, they need plenty of water. While a layer of mulch will help hold moisture in and keep weeds out, the importance of proper watering cannot be under estimated, especially for annual flowers or any new plantings.

The good news is that if you water correctly, flower beds and gardens can be adequately maintained with only 1-2 watering sessions per week.  The rule is to water thoroughly and deeply, and then let the soil dry out a bit. This will encourage deeper roots and healthier plants.  Water needs a little time to soak into the ground, so don’t “drown” the plants, instead, water the entire garden and all planting areas and then go back and repeat. That way, less water will be lost as run-off.

Watering late in the evening or early in the morning will help conserve water, as less water will evaporate than when watering in mid-day when the sun is high.  It is also important to keep the entire area moist. That means you should target the plant, but make sure that the entire area is uniformly moist.

Finally, a word about potted plants. Plants in containers lose moisture must faster than plants in the ground.  In the hot, dry months, potted plants may need to be watered daily (sometimes twice a day) in order to keep them colorful and healthy.  The plants should be watered in the morning and evening.  If there are drainage holes, water until the water drips from the drainage holes.  Take care to water only the soil in the pots, as wet foliage can lead to fungal disease if watered at night or scorched leaves as the water droplets heat under the sun.

For all of your landscaping needs, call American Artists Landscaping.  We can maintain your property to keep it healthy and beautiful.

Residential Landscaping

March 29, 2016

American Artists Landscaping takes a holistic approach to a home’s outdoor space. We work with the home’s residents and consider and install both the plantings and “hardscape” features that will give them both beauty and functionality.

From installing and maintaining the lawn and garden to adding brick driveways, retaining walls, patios, fountains and ponds, American Artists Landscaping can give any home the look it deserves. We then plant and maintain bushes, flowers and trees.

A few things we consider before planting a blade of grass:

Existing natural and man-made features

Topography and drainage patterns

Sitelines and view framing

Overall Curb appeal

After developing the plan, our professional crew installs the materials and creates the perfect design:

Lawn Installation

Trees and shrubs

Irrigation installation

Sprinkler Systems (Hunter)

Perennial and Annual plants and flowers (Locally Grown)

Hardscape elements including walkways, retaining walls and entrances (Unilock and Belgard)

Seasonal plantings to improve the site throughout the year

Container Planting and Placement – Indoors and Outdoors

Water Features (Pondmaster)

Call us today to hear about our affordable residential maintenance packages.

St. Charles Stone Patio Project

August 19, 2015

The goal was to give the homeowner a quiet oasis where they can enjoy their outdoor space.  We started with a free-form stone patio and added curved stone steps to add interest.  The area around the patio was graded and prepared. We then completed the look with plantings – decorative grasses, shrubs and bushes.

Landscape Design for a Commercial Building in St. Charles

July 30, 2015

Curb appeal was the main goal of a recent strip mall landscaping project in St. Charles, Illinois. The large commercial building is on Main Street and the owner wanted to provide the type of curb appeal that is so important in this charming Fox River Valley town. The new landscaping design has made accomplished the mission. The building houses offices behind a strip of retail businesses. It dominates the corner of Main Street and Barbara Avenue.

The building already had an attractive façade, but needed a good landscape design. The permanent features, including the awnings and signage were augmented using complementary colors in the plants and planters. The design and use of the building were also considered when adding plants and stone features to the area. The plants will have to thrive in a very busy environment with a lot of vehicle emissions. The area also has to be very low maintenance. Of course, it will have to withstand our cold and snowy winters with the attendant snow melting products that are bound to be plowed onto the area.

But the front of the building is only the beginning. The building’s environment also takes employee comfort into consideration with an outdoor break area in the back of the building that will accommodate a picnic table and colorful planters. Plantings and mulch down the side of the building complete the look.

In order to assure that excessive water flows away from the building, a linear drain line was added with a centered dry well that will disperse the water and prevent any back flow.

As the plantings settle in and fill out, the area will be colorful, beautiful and provide the right ambiance for any business that signs a lease here.

Backyard Water Features — Relax and Connect with Nature

June 14, 2015

A few years ago my neighbor told a story about a pond she had installed in her back yard.  The pond was shallow with a small waterfall to aerate the water.  One day she walked out to the pond to find two dead goldfish floating there.  She knew they had not been there the day before – where did they come from?  Was it raining goldfish?

The mystery was solved when her son and his friend walked up. They told her that they had “freed” the friend’s goldfish to swim in the pond.  Unfortunately, since the pond was shallow and the sun quite hot that day, the fish had “cooked.”

There is no doubt that a water feature is a wonderful way to connect with nature and add peace and tranquility to a yard or garden.  However, if you want to have fish, it is important to make sure that the pond environment can support them.

Landscapers like American Artists Landscaping can help.  Whether you are looking for a small fountain, a large pond or even a stream or waterfall, a landscaper will help design and build the perfect water feature.  They will evaluate the space, help you decide on the location and size of the pond or fountain and even make sure that your goldfish (or other species) and water plants will survive and thrive.

No matter how large or small your yard … or your budget … there is a water feature that will enhance your space without breaking the bank.

Fountains are probably the easiest way to bring style and grace to a space, giving you a perfect focal point for your yard.  The landscaper will employ a plumber to install a water pump that will recycle the water through the fountain.

However, a professionally installed pond can give any yard a feeling of elegance and increase the ambience (and property value).  A waterfall feature will make the pond sound as relaxing as it looks, and aerating the water will assure that any plants and fish you add will have enough oxygen.  Moving water also protects against breeding mosquitoes and ugly algae.

Finally, when the warm season is over and winter encroaches, fish and plants can be moved indoors and the landscaper can winterize the pond, and then return in the spring to open it up and give you yet another long season of enjoyment in your back yard.

American Artists Landscaping employs certified architects, machine operators, masonry installers and plumbers, all of whom can work together to make your backyard water feature a thing of beauty for years to come.  Call today to hear more.

May Gardening Tips from American Artists Landscaping

May 16, 2015

To a landscaper, the areas around any home of commercial building are like blank canvas. And just as an artist plans his painting, a landscaping artist plans his project.  He begins by evaluating his “canvas.”  What type of building is on the property?  Are there large trees that shade the property?  Is the area rural or will the landscaping have to contend with a lot of traffic and gas fumes?  What is the soil type?  How much time will the owners (or the landscaper) need to spend on upkeep?  Will hardscape elements be included (e.g. patio, driveway, sidewalk, water feature)?

Once the original plan is made, it is time to consider he finished project. There are several elements to be considered in order to deliver a pleasing overall look – in other words, great curb appeal:

Balance
Architectural features, including the size, height and style of the building will dictate the plants, size and color that are chosen. Some areas will need more weight and “presence.”   Features such as driveways, walkways and parking lots will figure into the equation, as well as existing trees and bushes that will remain part of the overall design.

Layers
Just as an artist considers the size and placement of elements in a painting, layering of plants of varying sizes, textures and colors makes a yard more interesting and provides a pleasing composition.

Four Seasons
It would be nice if we could look at our beautiful flowers all year, but the truth is that with any landscaping project in Northern Illinois, four distinct seasons will have to be considered.  Landscaping that looks great in the late spring and early summer may look worn out during the hot, dry months of July and August.  Including plants that are resistant to drought have pretty colors in the fall, and interesting branches when the leaves are gone all figure into the overall design of a well-landscaped property.

Rhythm
Whether you are aware of it or not, paintings have a certain rhythm or feeling of movement.  The use of various heights, repetition of color and texture, as well as attention to the general “line” of plantings will help lead the visitors’ eyes to the focal points you want them to see.  For example, good landscaping will lead the eye towards the welcoming front door – of a home or office.

Spring Yard Cleanup

March 24, 2015

While we can’t promise that we won’t have another late season snowstorm this year, spring really is here, and we know that no matter how many inches of snow we get one day, it will start to disappear the next.  The days are getting longer and sun is getting warmer.  Winter is over!

But when the snow goes away, we can see how much work we have to do in order to get our outdoor spaces ready for the warm weather.  This winter has been particularly hard on lawns, plants and even trees – some of us have seen tree limbs break from the weight of the snow and ice and some of our bushes did not survive the cold weather.

Whether you own a commercial establishment or are a busy homeowner, it might be time to find a landscaper, who understands how to prepare your property and do a spring clean up in order to have a beautiful spring and summer season.

American Artists Landscaping can help you get ready for a bright and beautiful spring and summer.  Here are a few things they can help with:

1. Prune dead and damaged branches on trees and bushes. They will take special care to prune summer flowering shrubs before buds form, but wait to prune spring bloomers until after they have flowered.
2. Cut back and divide perennials. Cutting ornamental grasses and other plants back will encourage new growth.  Dividing crowded plants will keep the plants healthy. The bonus that the divided plants can be planted in sparse areas, saving money on new plants.
3. Rake fallen leaves and dead foliage. This will not only make the area look neat, but prevent damage to the viable plants underneath.
4. Fertilize with a formulation tailored to the existing plantings – giving spring rains a chance to carry it to the roots.
5. Edge the beds to give a tidy appearance to your yard.

If your yard needs a spring spruce-up or a complete landscaping makeover, it’s time to have our landscape professionals evaluate the best way to make your outdoor space a pleasant and inviting area that you will be proud to show off – and to enjoy.

 “Daffodil Blooming Through The Snow” Image Courtesy of Serge Bertasius at Free Digital Photos.net