Mulch to do About Nothing...

Having a regularly and properly mulched landscape is important for a few reasons; mulching helps maintain moisture in the soil, deter weed growth and makes for a cleaner look in a landscape. There are several materials you can use to tackle this project – here are the pros and cons of each:

Pine Straw – This is probably the most common mulch used by landscapers and home owners. Installation is easy and it is the least expensive option, plus, it’s native (yeah, pine trees!). You can expect one bale to cover about 50 square feet so you will need fewer units to get the job done. Another pro is that it is a fine textured material, so it’s more likely to interweave and stay put in heavy rains. And the big, super pro about pine straw is that no trees are harvested to create the product. The one big con is that it doesn’t last as long as the other options and needs refreshing about 2 times per year.

Pine Bark/Cypress Mulch – This one gets the award for looks; most people like the way Pine Barks and Cypress Mulches look in their landscape. Other pros are that they come in a variety of colors – red, brown, black, natural – we’ve seen landscapes that use these colors in their designs and it looks pretty cool. The con is that it’s expensive and one unit only covers a few square feet (about 7-10), but, it lasts longer than pine straw, so you don’t need to replenish as often. PlaySafe ® varieties are certified for play ground use (less likely to splinter, etc). check out Stone Forest or contact us for some options

Rubber Mulch – Same as above, but it’s made of rubber! Again, comes in a variety of colors (even blue and green!). The biggest advantage is that it probably will never need replacing (which is why it’s considered a “green” product), but it’s expensive at the front end. Our experience shows that this is best used in a play ground or some kind of confined area; since the pieces never break down and “settle,” it tends to wash away easily – metal or timber edging will do the trick.

Aggregate – aka, Pea Gravel, Crushed Slate, etc – small rocks spread evenly to cover exposed bed areas. Ditto the Rubber Mulch – expensive at first to install (and a bit more time consuming, because it’s heavier), but you won’t have to replace. Just don’t change your mind – removing is a pain! There are many options besides the ever-popular pea gravel – check out Stone Forest or contact us for some options.

Its the Time of the Season - to Plant!!

Fall is traditionally a great time to plant – why? For a few simple reasons:

Cooler Weather
The lack of intense heat makes the job not only easier on install for the gardener, but also equals less stress on the plant. One big reason is that it needs less water overall and has more time to establish before the hot summer heat kicks in. Watering well upon planting is still key, but the likelihood of drying out is a lot less likely in this time of year. Proper soil prep and mulching is still required for ultimate success!

Plant is Dormant
You know how the doctor knocks you out for major surgery? Well, planting or moving a shrub or tree is stressful on the plant, so its best done while the plant is not in its aggressive growing season. Planting in a dormant period means less pressure on the plant to quickly establish itself in order to maximize its growing season. Basically, it just plain hurts less!

Your Landscape Will Be Waiting
Last, but not least, if you plant now, your landscape will be ready for enjoyment come Springtime! Happy planning!

Making a Statement with Color

Emory Hospital on South Cobb has been a client of ours for over a decade, and we are proud to have their business. While they specialize in providing quality health care for Smyrna residents, we assist in making their grounds looking welcoming and enjoyable. This year, Rocky DeVotie and his Maintenance Crews here at White Oak installed some of our best looking Seasonal Color – enjoy!

Its Always Sonny in Georgia!

In late March 2009, planning began for the landscape renovation of the Governor's Mansion in Atlanta, GA. With recent modifications to the exterior of the home, attention was needed for the landscaping elements. With the help of GGIA industries, local landscape companies, and Georgia plant nurseries, a cooperative effort was put in place to create a beautiful landscape all while using minimal water resources.

Once the plan was approved by First Lady Mary Perdue, plant ordering began from across the state. By May 26th, the materials began arriving, as did the volunteers. On May 29th, White Oak Landscape employees donated their help in installing water efficient irrigation systems at the Mansion. Meanwhile, FFA students from high schools across Atlanta learned proper planting techniques and the importance of a drip irrigation system.

The Georgia Governor's Mansion is now a showcase for a lovely southeastern landscape sustained by water smart technology. The garden will be a lasting testament of the beauty and benefits a properly designed and installed landscape can bring Georgia gardeners.

Click here for a PDF slideshow detailing the project.

Getting Even - How To Top Dress Your Lawn

Dips and grooves belong in the dance clubs - not your lawn! This unevenness causes improper mowing; when the wheel of the mower runs through the dip, it scalps part of the turf! How can you repair these dips, grooves and ruts? Keep reading for tips of doing it yourself!

Step 1:
Purchase sand, soil, or a mixture of both from your local landscape supply or home improvement store. You want enough to fill each groove in your lawn about 1/2" deep.

Step 2:
Mix even amounts of the sand and soil (if you bought both) and apply about 1/2" thick in each low area. You want to make sure the tips of the grass are visible after application.

Step 3:
Repeat this process as the grass begins to grow in the added soil. This process takes some time, but the result is a smooth, scalp-free lawn!

Option:
Filling a groove until it is even with the surrounding turf can be done, but the grass will take longer to grow over the patched area.

Note: Top Dressing is for summer turfs, like Bermuda and Zoysia.

Still not sure? Lawn too big to do it yourself? Give us a call, and we'll help! 770.427.0524

Tips on Planning a Pool Install

Even though its still a bit chilly outside, now is the perfect time to begin planning the pool of your dreams! Since the planning and installation takes a minimum of 6 weeks, in order to have your pool prepared for the hot summer months, begin your planning in late winter/early spring.

So, how do you begin?

Begin with a Pool and Landscape Design
White Oak Landscape, along with Christian Esmé of Watters & Associates, can visit your home for a Pool and Landscape design consultation. Who is Christian? He's been designing and installing pools for 19 years, and focuses on quality and service. He combines Eco-Friendly products and creative designs and techniques to produce the backyard oasis you've been dreaming of!

Its helpful to have some ideas of what you are interested in; cut pictures from a magazine, collect pool and landscape books from the local bookstore, or visit White Oak's project page for landscaping ideas, and Watters & Associates portfolio for pool ideas.

Some things to consider for pool design:

1. What is the primary use for this pool? Exercise (lap pool)? Entertaining (Spas, Waterfalls, etc)? Recreation (Children, Slides, etc).
2. What is the access like for the pool site? Will there be decking or patio needs?
3. Is there an interest to develop screening around the pool?

Installation Begins!
In our line of work, the Hardscaping is best completed first, followed by the plant materials. Therefore, the pool construction will start and finish before any trees or shrubs are installed. This is yet another reason to plan EARLY, since cooler months are better for plant installation.

Time for a Swim!
Not long after completion, your pool is ready for use!! Light the tiki torches, crank up the island music and slather on the sunscreen and enjoy the summer!!

Don't Forget to Maintain!
White Oak Landscape can provide the year-round maintenance for the landscape, and Watters & Associates can provide the year-round maintenance for your pool to maintain your investment.

CLICK HERE FOR SPECIAL PACKAGES ON POOL INSTALLS!

For more Pool Installation Information, Call Christian Esmé at 706.234.5482

Planning a Water-Smart Landscape

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink – or even water your plants! We remain a society of visual importance that finds value in care and beauty, hence, why we love our landscapes! However, the recent drought and water restrictions have made maintaining our precious plants, trees and flowers a bit of a challenge. The following are a few, simple tips you can employ to ensure a long, happy, and healthy life for your landscape:

Tip #1 – The Importance of Mulching
Applying mulch, whether its bark or pine straw, to the base of your plants is a great way to retain moisture. This layer of protection prevents fast water evaporation, erosion and even deters weed growth. The most successful mulches are those with a fine texture (like pine straw) because they interlock to form a protective barrier against the elements.

Tip #2 – Eliminate the “Needy” Areas
Turf represents the most “needy” area of your landscape in terms of water application. Why? We are constantly fertilizing, cutting and growing it. By diminishing these areas of your yard and planting trees and shrubs instead, you will save on water costs.

Tip #3 – Establish Plants at Install
Upon installation of your any plants and trees, it’s important to water them thoroughly and deeply. This is accomplished by saturating the soil over a period of weeks after install (watering for 10-15 minutes every other day). This activates deep root growth into the soil, where there is more water for the plant to drink. Plants with shallow roots dry out quickly, and will look wilted in a short time after watering.

Boxwood Cottonseed Meal Recipe

Now is the time of year to feed your beloved Boxwoods. Follow to recipe below to give your shrubs a boost for Spring!

• 8 cups organic cottonseed meal (6-2-1)
• 8 cups composted cow manure
• ½ cup of Epsom salt

Mix thoroughly together in a large tub or pot, depending on what you have on hand.
Feed the boxwoods in early March with organic cottonseed meal, using 1 cup for boxwoods up to 3 feet across and 2 cups for boxwoods measuring 5 feet across. You can adjust the amount based on the size of your boxwood. Six weeks later, sprinkle 2 cups of the Eve’s Recipe mixture around large boxwoods and 1 cup around small boxwoods.

In early June, you can give them another boost by applying 10-10-10 fertilizer, available in your local nursery, around the drip line of each shrub.