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Gardening Essentials for Fall

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 13:00:19 GMT

Fall is just around the corner, and while the leaves are changing color, it's time to get your yard ready for winter. If you're looking for some gardening essentials this fall, then look no further! We've compiled a list of items that will help you with all your outdoor needs.

Here are some of our favorite gardening essentials for fall:

Hand Rake

There's nothing worse than having a beautiful garden that looks like an absolute mess because of leaves. A hand rake will make quick work of your leaf problem by gathering them up quickly and efficiently with its tines made from sturdy metal. Having a hand rake around will help you keep your garden looking its best.

Wheel Barrow or Garden Cart

If you're hauling heavy loads, then a wheelbarrow or cart is just what you need to transport materials from one place to another without straining yourself. Wheelbarrows are great for small projects, while carts can hold more materials. Plus, they are both easy to assemble and store away when not in use!

Garden Trowel

A garden trowel is a must-have for your gardening essentials list! This tool will help you dig holes without straining yourself. The long handle makes it easy to get the job done, while the sharp teeth make digging in hard soil much more effortless. A quality garden trowel will last you for years!

Water Hose

With the temperature dropping, it's vital to ensure your plants are adequately hydrated. Water hoses are an excellent investment because they are lightweight and easy to use - no one likes dragging around heavy hoses when watering their garden or lawn. Plus, there are so many different types of hoses these days that you're bound to find one that suits your needs.

Good Gloves

You can do all kinds of damage with your bare hands when working outside. That's why it's essential to wear protective gloves when gardening (and landscaping). Look for gloves that are lightweight and breathable with a snug fit. They also feature an anti-slip grip so you won't lose your footing while weeding or planting new flowers!

Spading Fork

Spading forks are great for turning or breaking up soil to aerate your garden. They feature four sharp prongs that penetrate the ground easily, making it easy for you to get deep into your gardens where necessary. These forks are great gardening essentials because they're super strong and built to last!

Hand Pruner

Hand pruners are great for cutting small branches, twigs, and thin stems. This is one of our favorite gardening hacks because it will make your life so much easier when caring for your garden or lawn during the fall season! Plus, these hand pruners include a safety lock feature that prevents accidental closing while in use - perfect for kids.

Garden Kneeler and Seat

If you have a lot of garden work to do, it's best to make yourself comfortable with a kneeling seat. This is one of our favorite gardening hacks because the padded cushion will help relieve pressure on your knees and legs while working outdoors. Plus, its lightweight design makes for easy storage! Since it can be very tiresome to kneel for long periods, this seat can help you get through your projects with less fatigue.

Fall is here, but that doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to gardening. If anything, the cooler weather makes it easier for some plants and flowers to grow. You can still get plenty of outdoor time in with fall's changing colors. Plus, we're always here, ready, and waiting to help if you need any landscaping or garden design assistance!

Best Gardening Books to Read This Fall

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:00:12 GMT

The best time to start planting for the fall season is now. The cooler summer nights and shorter days are perfect for getting out in the garden, digging your hands into rich soil, and having some fun! This blog post will give you a list of books that will help turn your gardening endeavors from a chore into an enjoyable experience.

Best For Flower Gardening: The New York Times Guide To Gardening by Tom Christopher

The best time to prepare flower beds is now, as flowers are more likely to grow throughout Fall than during spring planting season. This comprehensive guide will give you expert advice on how to plant beautiful colors that will last all winter long so you can enjoy your blooms well into early summer next year!

Best For Planting Trees: Tree & Shrub Gardening by Lewis Hill, Ph.D., and Arnold Mallis

Planting trees is among the best ways to ensure that your autumn garden will continue to grow year after year. This publication tells you how to get started with planting all types of trees, including fruit-bearing varieties! It's an excellent choice for any gardener looking to make their yard greener in this lovely season of Fall.

Best For Backyard Orchards: The Fruit Gardener's Bible by Lewis Hill, Ph.D

The best time to plant fruit trees is now since it will be easier for them to take root in the rich soil, and they'll have more of a chance at growing big and strong before winter sets in later on this year. This comprehensive guide explains how you can add beautiful flowers without needing too much effort or money so that your garden continues bringing pleasure throughout Fall and well into summer next year!

Best for Small Spaces: All New Square Foot Gardening II by Mel Bartholomew

For those of you who prefer growing in small spaces, this book will teach you how to create a nutrient-rich garden using square foot gardening techniques with detailed instructions on what to plant where. It's the ideal resource for any gardener looking for new ideas on how they can make their yard more attractive during autumn!

Best For Container Gardening: The Plant Propagator's Bible by Lewis Hill, Ph.D. and Arnold Mallis

Container gardens are easy to add color that doesn't take up too much space or require too much effort either! This publication tells you everything there is to know about container planting, including tricks for making your containers look better than ever before so that your home looks colorful without even needing to make too much of an effort!

Best For Organic Gardening: A Way Of Garden by Eliot Coleman and Barbara Damrosch

This book is filled with expert advice that will teach you all about organic gardening, including selecting the best soil for your yard, what types of crops are easiest to grow, and valuable tips on incorporating new varieties into your garden. It's a great choice if you're looking for easy-to-use ideas on making your autumn garden look better than ever before without requiring too much time or money!

A new season means it's time to start thinking about your lawn and garden. Here are the best gardening books to help you get started with all of your fall landscaping needs. If you're not sure where to begin, see us for our consultation services. We'll walk through step-by-step instructions on how to create a thriving landscape this Fall!

Indoor Landscaping

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 10:54:59 GMT

Indoor Landscaping

Why reserve landscaping for your outdoors? Bring nature into your indoor space and intimately commune with your choice of plants. Their vibrant colors and scents make for a welcoming environment and soften the concrete and wood of human structures. No need to stop nature at your front door. Unused space can be transformed to become colorful and relaxing while you share your habitat with Mother Nature and her lovely creations and add natural beauty to your home.

Utilizing proper planning and the right plant selection will transform your home and add color and scent to your surroundings. Extend your landscape through your living room, bedroom, and beyond.

About Indoor Landscaping

Indoor landscaping is not much different from outdoor landscaping. The same ingredients like the right plant, right place , lighting, and appropriate plant care as far as watering, fertilizing , dividing, and transplanting are the same. Take care of your plants and they’ll shower you with their joy.

Indoor plant landscaping could be more extensive than placing a plant on a windowsill or a table. Use your imagination to actively plan your indoor landscape to make your home more welcoming, just like you did in your outdoor landscaping. Take the time to consider what plant shapes, sizes, and type of leaves appeal to you. Consider lighting choices that match your décor. Pot selection is important. Get creative with your layout. Imagine the plants as parts of one canvas.

Summery

Use the skills you’ve learned in creating your outdoor landscaping. Have fun and take pleasure living in your landscaped home. Bringing nature indoors is key to balancing our environment. I hear that plants like listening to Mozart. Try it. If nothing else, listening to Mozart will be good for you!

The Best Seeds to Plant During Autumn

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 13:00:06 GMT

Fall is a time to harvest the crops from your garden, and it's also an excellent time for planting new seeds. What seeds should you plant during autumn? Many different types of plants grow well in the fall season, so here are some of our favorites!

Sweet Peas

If you love the scent of sweet peas, then this is a great plant to grow in your garden! These plants can be produced from seeds and will bloom within fifty days. They work well when planted around other flowers or vegetables because they attract bees that pollinate them, increasing their growth rate even more! Sweet peas also add a lovely touch of color to your garden, and they come in a variety of different colors!

Runner Beans

Runner beans are another great plant that you can plant during autumn. These plants grow quickly and produce delicious vegetables within just fifty days. They're also known for being very easy to grow from seeds which are perfect if you have little experience with gardening! Runner beans work well with other flowers such as sweet peas, and they're a great source of protein, fiber, and iron!

Hardy Annuals

If you're looking for a hardy plant that can survive the harsh winter, then look no further than annuals! Annuals are an easy-to-grow type of flower, and they do not require much attention. However, if you want to care for them properly, we recommend using compost or fertilizer, which exponentially increases their growth rate! Annuals work well with other flowers and vegetables, and they're a great way to beautify your garden during the winter season!

Spring Cabbage

If you love cabbage, then this is the plant for you! Spring Cabbage grows quickly and produces delicious vegetables within just forty days. As well as being very easy to grow from seeds, these plants work well with other flowers such as sweet peas or runner beans, which will increase their growth rate even more. Spring cabbages are an easy plant to grow from seeds during autumn, so we recommend them for first-time gardeners. This type of vegetable is also great for feeding your family and friends, as it tastes delicious when used to make various recipes!

Garlic

Garlic is a great plant to grow during the fall season as it requires little attention and can survive even in harsh weather conditions. These plants are easy to grow from cloves, but they need you to pay close attention when planting them. It would be best if you planted each clove only one inch deep and spaced out your garlic at least two feet apart from one another. After planting the garlic, you should cover it with a layer of mulch to help protect them throughout winter.

Garlic is an excellent plant for both beginner and experienced gardeners because they're very hardy! They work well when planted near other flowers or vegetables, such as spring cabbages. If you love garlic, then it's worth growing during autumn!

With the fall here, it's time to start preparing for winter. If you need help planting your best autumn seeds this year, don't hesitate to reach out! We can offer advice on what type of plants are perfect for autumn and how to plant them. At Cashman Landscaping, we specialize in all types of landscaping needs, so give us a call today if you want more information about our services or would like to set up an appointment with one of our experts.

Winter Landscaping

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 10:42:52 GMT

Tips For Winter Landscaping

Winter is at our doorstep. Leaves have fallen and turned brown. Vibrant autumn colors fade into gray. It’s time for your winter landscape plan to kick in. Caring for your landscape in winter will help it look better when spring comes around. Learn how to keep your yard looking good in winter.

Clean Up Your Yard

Keep your lawn clean of leaves and debris. This will allow your lawn to stay as healthy as possible during cold months. This is also a suitable time to trim trees and shrubbery. Remove any dead plants as well.

Spread Mulch

Spreading mulch around vulnerable plants helps protect their root structure from frost damage. Mulch allows water to drain into the soil better and keeps the base root structure from freezing. Fresh mulch also looks great and provides much-needed color to your yard.

Construct Borders To Liven Your Landscape

By adding borders like natural stone or brick barriers, you’ll add a clean look to your yard. Borders also differentiate various parts of your yard, which adds a cleaner look to it. Borders around flower beds can be visible from the street and stand out. They also create order and symmetry throughout your yard.

Plan Ahead to Spring

Plan and determine what you want to do. By preparing now, you’ll make sure your yard looks good next season. Aerate your lawn so it has proper drainage to ensure the soil is ready for spring. Keeping your lawn clear of leaves and debris will also allow it to thrive and better absorb water. If you’re adding new plants to your landscape, make sure they’ll fit in and thrive in your landscape.

Summary

Follow these tips to keep your yard looking healthy year-round. Create landscapes and living spaces for enjoyment to last a lifetime.

Trees Great For Shade In the Summer

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 13:00:03 GMT

Many people don't realize that trees are a great way to provide shade in the summer. This is especially important for those who spend lots of time outside and want to avoid getting sunburned! Trees also make your yard look nicer and help cool down your home with their leaves and branches, keeping it cooler on hot days.

Whether you are looking for a tree to provide shade or just something pretty, there are plenty of options out there for any budget. These include:

Quaking Aspen

The Quaking Aspen is one of the most popular trees in North America. It's also fast-growing, which means you'll have a nice amount of shade quickly! The leaves are typically green with white or yellow undersides, and they turn to gold during the autumn months. They grow tiny seeds that look like cotton balls on their branches, though be forewarned- these can cause allergies if people come into contact with them often!

Red Maple

The Red Maple is an excellent option for those with space constraints or if you want something fast-growing. The leaves are bright red in the spring and turn yellow during autumn months, providing lots of shade if planted together! They grow quickly but don't tend to be as large as other trees, typically around 40 feet high at most.

Northern Red Oak

The Northern Red Oak is a favorite in the Eastern United States. They grow at about half the speed of other trees but can still reach around 80 feet tall! The leaves are large and green with white undersides, though they turn red during autumn when they fall to the ground below.

Black Walnut

If you're looking for something that will be larger than most options out there, try planting an American Black Walnut tree instead! These are especially popular in areas where squirrels live since these critters love munching on their nut-like seeds. As far as size goes, this one grows up to 150 feet tall, so it won't fit in your yard if it's too small! It typically produces greenish-yellow flowers during the spring and large green leaves. This tree can provide a lot of shade, but keep in mind that its roots are known to cause erosion issues, so you may want to avoid planting it near waterways or other areas where this might be a problem.

American Sycamore

The American Sycamore is another popular choice for those who are looking to plant a big tree. It can grow up to 100 feet tall and provides lots of shade during the summer months! This one grows green leaves on top with silvery-white undersides, turning yellow or orange in autumn before falling off completely.

Weeping Willow

The Weeping Willow is an excellent choice if you want something fast-growing and with lots of leaves. The branches droop down, making it look like they're crying! These typically reach about 60 feet high and provide large green leaves that turn yellow during autumn months before falling off completely. They also produce brown seed pods instead of seeds, which means less mess for those who don't like raking up the fallen leaves each year.

Trees are a great source of shade in the summer, but they can also improve your home's aesthetic. If you're looking to add a tree to your property or need help with other landscaping services, our team is here to take care of all your needs. Stop by one of our locations today, and we'll get started on making sure that everything looks perfect for this season!

With Indoor Landscaping You Can Grow Beautiful Plants Year-round

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 14:54:06 GMT

Utilizing proper planning and the right plant selection will transform your home and add color and scent to your surroundings. Extend your landscape through your living room, bedroom, and beyond.

About Indoor Landscaping

Indoor landscaping is not much different from outdoor landscaping. The same ingredients like the right plant, right place, lighting, and appropriate plant care as far as watering, fertilizing, dividing, and transplanting are the same. Take care of your plants and they’ll shower you with their joy.

Summary

At Home Tips for Winter Landscaping

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 14:42:42 GMT

Clean Up Your Yard

Spread Mulch

Construct Borders To Liven Your Landscape

Plan Ahead to Spring

Summary

Follow these tips to keep your yard looking healthy year-round. Create landscapes and living spaces for enjoyment to last a lifetime. Please contact Cashman Landscape at office@cashmanlandscape.com for more information.

Flowers That Will Dazzle Your Home All Year Round

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:00:04 GMT

The first thing that pops into my head when I think of flowers is the sweet scents they give off, but there are so many other things to love about them too! Flowers can be used in various ways - from adding some color to your home decor to making someone feel better with bouquets. But did you know that certain flowers will continue blooming all year round? If you are looking for some great flower ideas, then read on.

Sweet Pea

The sweet pea is one of the most popular flowers in England for weddings. They are considered a symbol of good luck and happiness so that they would make an excellent wedding favor. These pretty purple petals look amazing all year round because their color won't fade with time or if you expose them to harsh conditions like extreme cold weather.

Petunia

The petunia is a classic flower that will look beautiful in any home. You can use them to add some color or beauty, and they'll even attract butterflies! Petunias come in many colors like purple, pink, white, and yellow with dark centers. They're easy to maintain because they don't need much water at all.

Stocks

If you're looking for something that will last all year round, then consider getting some stocks. You can use them in so many different ways, like decorating your home or even as a gift! Stocks come in bright colors and are easy to maintain because they only need indirect sunlight. If you want to keep the flowers for a more extended period, then consider getting some potted stocks.

Calibrachoa

This is a great plant that doesn't need too much attention. It comes in bright colors, and they're perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or window boxes! Calibrachoa will bloom all year round because they can adapt to most growing conditions. And if you want your flowers to look fuller, consider getting multiple calibrachoas so they will cover each other.

Pansy

These flowers are great because they come in so many different colors like red, yellow, pink, and purple with dark centers that will stand out to make your home look more vibrant! These pretty blooms only need indirect sunlight to grow well, and you should consider getting potted pansies if you want to keep them for longer.

Nasturtium

These flowers are perfect for adding color and life all year round. They are easy to maintain because they only need indirect sunlight, and their bright orange petals look amazing in containers or window boxes! These colorful orange flowers are perfect for adding some color to your home. They only need indirect sunlight, and their stems will provide a nice contrast when you put them in flower pots or window boxes! Nasturtiums also come with cool-looking seeds but don't worry about them falling all over the place because they are attached to little tendrils that can grasp on whatever surface they touch.

Our mission is to help you beautify your home and garden with stunning flowers, plants, and trees. We offer various services, including landscaping design, installation, and maintenance; we will make sure that the colors in your yard change with the seasons. If you're looking for an expert company to care for your lawn or landscape needs, visit us at Cashman Landscape!

Save Money With These Lawn Care Hacks

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:00:07 GMT

It's no secret that, in this day and age, the cost of living is skyrocketing. We all know it, but sometimes we need a little reminder to help us stretch our dollars further. If you're looking for some simple ways to get your lawn looking great without breaking the bank, then read on!

We have compiled six tips that are easy enough for anyone to do - even if they've never mowed a lawn before. This article will show you how to save money on your yard work while maintaining an attractive landscape.

Keep Those Newspapers for Your Weeds

If your weeds are already sprouting up all over the place, don't just give in and start spraying them immediately. Instead, try digging them out if you can or smothering them with a thick layer of newspaper. The paper should be wet before it's applied to help hold everything together, as well as make sure that there is no light getting through whatsoever. In a week or two, you will be able to kill off all of your weeds without having spent any money at all on weed killers!

Use Natural Repellents for Other Pests

If snails and other pests are troubling your garden, then try using natural pest repellents to keep them away. You can make your own by mixing natural dish soap with water and adding some garlic powder to the mix for good measure. If you don't like using any chemicals, this is an excellent alternative to use instead!

Cayenne Pepper - Animal Repellant?

If you've tried everything else and your animals are still coming over to munch on the flowers, try planting some tall bushes. There's a good chance that they will just eat those instead! Another alternative is sprinkling cayenne pepper around - it works wonders for keeping off squirrels and other rodents since taste matters to them.

Use Boiling Water on Those Weeds

If you're trying to get rid of weeds growing in your lawn, all you need is a kettle and boiling water. Just pour it right over the top of them and watch as they wither away to nothing! It's important not to use cold or lukewarm water because this could help promote growth instead of hinder it.

Create Your Compost

If you want to save money and do your part for the environment, start composting! You can make a few bins out of some cheap materials and then just dump all of your vegetable scraps into it. After about six weeks or so, this will decompose and create some rich soil that you can use in place of fertilizer. Composting is a great way to keep the waste out of landfills and reduce your reliance on chemicals.

Using Drip Systems to Save on Water

One of the most significant ways to save money is by reducing your water usage. One way that you can do this is with a drip irrigation system. These are relatively cheap and easy to install, even if you don't have much landscaping knowledge or experience working with tools. Drip systems use less water than sprinklers, but they also help reduce waste, and they can be very effective for delivering water right to the roots of your plants.

When it comes to saving time and making your yard look great without spending too much, these tips will come in handy. Call us today for all your landscaping needs, and you will not regret it.

How to Seed and Reseed this Spring

Fri, 07 May 2021 15:33:38 GMT

Most words beginning with the prefix over- carry a negative connotation; they tend to refer to doing too much of something. Overseeding, though, is not at all a bad thing. In fact, it’s a critical component of a healthy lawn. Also known as reseeding, overseeding is planting new seeds over existing grass. It results in new growth that replenishes and thickens the lawn. In turn, healthy lawns with thick grass are more resistant to weeds and insect pests.

Reseeding in the Spring

Most lawn-care experts agree that the best time to reseed is in the fall. There are several reasons for this:

The summer heat, which is really hard on new grass, is behind you.
Prime season for weed growth is behind you as well.
Growing conditions are ideal.
The new grass has a great head start when spring returns.

Planting grass seeds in the spring and seeing them make it can be a challenge because if the new grass doesn’t mature and strengthen before the summer heat, there’s a good chance it will die, and then you can end up with thin or bare spots ripe for takeover by weeds.

Seeding in the spring is, however, sometimes exactly the right thing to do. If there are just a few bare or damaged areas, then spot seeding is in order. When large sections of lawn are thin but not bare, reseeding is the way to go. Either way, you are addressing an immediate concern because if you don’t, weeds and bugs will, and in a way you won’t like.

Spring seeding is effective if you plant early enough that the new grass has time to grow strong enough to endure the summer and if you follow a schedule of frequent light watering. Ways to bolster that new growth include aeration, fertilization, and weed control (feel free to ask us about any of these services and how they help).

How to Reseed

Once you’ve determined that seeding is necessary and you know when to do it (in early spring, go for it; otherwise, it’s probably best to wait until fall, but talk with a lawn-care expert to be sure), there are some other things to consider so that your seeding will be a success.

Mow the lawn short and remove the clippings. This will help ensure that the new seeds get maximum sunlight and water.
If there appear to be problems beyond just thinning, find out what they are and correct them. Good lawn-care companies can help you with both.
Get the right seeds for your region and climate. Cool-weather grasses or warm-weather ones? If you’re not sure, talk with an expert; lawn-care mistakes can end up being messy and expensive.
Spread the seeds with recommended equipment, fertilize, and water properly. Watering schedules depend on the season and the climate. In general, watering tends to be most effective early and late in the day (but not at night-- mold can grow), Again, consult a pro if you’re not sure.
Perform regular lawn maintenance according to seasonal and regional needs so that the grass not only grows well but also stays healthy and strong.

Save Time, Hassle, and Money with Expert Care

Proper lawn care requires a lot of time and effort. Many people simply don’t have the time and energy for it because their lives are so busy already. Those that do find the spare time might understandably want to spend it doing something else.

Professional lawn care by Cashman Landscape Management & Design might be just what you need. Since 1996, we’ve been helping residential and commercial property owners in and around Morris County save time, work, and money by delivering industry-best care that protects their property values and lets them focus on other aspects of their lives.

Need to learn more about our services? Want to request a quote? Contact us today!

Spring Pruning Tips for you Garden

Fri, 07 May 2021 15:27:55 GMT

Pruning is the removal of select parts of a plant, and it’s something people often neglect. Cutting back a plant might sound counterintuitive. Maybe you lack the proper tools and know-how. Or maybe it looks like a huge job you can’t take on.

Done correctly, though, pruning isn’t the huge task it appears to be, and it can prevent problems and save you both headaches and money.

Why is pruning important?

There are several reasons to prune shrubs, from appearance to safety.

It can increase the production of flowers or leaves.
Shrubs overgrowing their space in a lawn or garden can crowd out other plants and interfere with their growth.
Good pruning can help restore good growth patterns when overgrown shrubs stop growing properly.
Removing dead or diseased parts improves both the health and appearance of a shrub.
Clearing out old buds after flowers have wilted makes room for new buds to appear the following season.
Pruning is a way to cut a shrub into a particular shape for decorative purposes.
Overgrown shrubs that encroach on sidewalks and driveways present a risk of scratching and harming people and cars. They can also obstruct visibility for drivers pulling into or out of driveways. In the cases of larger shrubs and small trees, weak or damaged limbs might fall on people or objects below them.

Exactly how to prune a shrub depends upon the type, its age, its condition, and the results you want, but here are some general guidelines and best practices:

Prioritize. Dead, damaged, and diseased branches need to go first before they can cause harm to the rest of the plant. After that, you can prune for shape and size.
Pinching is just what it says: with the thumb and forefinger, you pinch off the bud at the end of a stem. This promotes bushy growth by preventing the stems from getting longer.
Thinning is mainly for maintaining a plant’s appearance. By cutting a whole limb or shoot back to the point where it originates, you have better control over the length of limbs, how much sunlight penetrates into the interior, where growth goes, and the visibility of attractive features.
Heading involves removing the terminal portions of limbs and shoots. As a result, growth is vigorous, compact, and thick, and it’s free to go in new directions. Density increases as well.
Shearing is a heading cut that doesn’t go back to the buds. Instead, it stimulates multiple buds to grow, meaning a great deal of new growth (and likely more pruning).
Light pruning removes diseased stems and allows the center to remain open and airy. You’ll cut back a quarter to a third of a stem, leaving either a pair of strong buds or a bud that faces away from the center. This is routine maintenance that keeps growth the direction and length you want.
Hard pruning, by contrast, leaves just 2 or 3 buds close to the base of the stem; all the rest of the stems are removed. You’ll also take out up to a third of the stems that are the least healthy. Hard pruning isn’t routine; it’s for when a plant has become overgrown or has lost its desired shape.

When to prune

Timing can be everything in lawn care, and that includes pruning. If a shrub blooms in spring, it’s best to prune right after flowering. For shrubs that bloom during summer, prune in late winter or early the next spring. You don’t have to stick to a particular time for shrubs that don’t flower at all, but remember to prune anytime you see signs of damage or disease.

Know you r plant and know what result you want before you start.
Make sure you have the right tools for the job. Using the wrong tools can cause damage. Keep your tools clean while pruning and also in between jobs; this can help prevent the spread of disease or other harmful agents from one part to another or from one plant to another.
Look and look again before you cut. A cut takes seconds; damage can take a lot longer to fix. Before you cut, make doubly sure you’re cutting in the right place and will be getting the result you need.
Prune a quarter to half an inch above a node (where a stem and leaf join). Dormant buds reside in the node, and new stems will grow from them.
Pruning below a node or between nodes leaves a stub. New stems won’t grow there, but infection and rot can set in.
To avoid cross branching, prune to nodes that have buds facing away from the plant’s center and in the direction you want growth to go.
Don’t cut a branch so that it’s flush with the stem. Tissue called the collar is here, and it’s important to protect this special tissue for the health and growth of the plant.
Be safe! Always wear gardening gloves, and use other protective equipment as needed.

When in doubt about anything here, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. Mistakes in DIY landscaping can be messy and expensive!

Professional Design and Care from Cashman

In Northern New Jersey, Cashman Landscape Management & Design is one of the premier services ready to handle all your landscaping needs. Since 1996, we’ve been helping residential and commercial property owners in and around Morris County get the most from their landscaping, increasing appeal and adding value. In the process, we also save them a lot of time and hassle.

To learn more about our services or to request a quote, contact us today!

Cashman Cleaning Tips Spring 2021

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:52:56 GMT

The spring season is officially upon us and summer will soon follow. This means that today is the perfect day to start your spring cleaning. Your house will thank you, but so will your yard. Many don’t clean their yard but doing so is great for clearing away pests and helping your grass grow healthy and green. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Start with the Obvious

Instead of worrying about the details right off the bat, start with the bigger stuff. Litter and debris will need to be picked up, whether it’s naturally there or manmade. You should wear gloves during the first comb through to make no germs get onto your hands. There are also some sharp objects which you should watch for on your first go around.

Use a Rake

Instead of taking a once over and moving on, it can be great to use a rake on your yard. Rakes are great for removing not only leaves but a plethora of other dead plants and other unsightly and unwanted debris. Combing your yard with a rake will keep your grass growing all year long.

Pay Attention to Your Garden Beds

Once you’re done with your yard overall, turn to your garden beds. You can use a pair of scissors or small garden shears to pick away at the dead leaves and other debris within your beds and help nurture whatever you have growing. You should also fertilize this area and ensure everything is in tip-top shape for the spring and summer months.

Check your Tools

Your yard and garden aren’t the only things which need to be inspected. You should take a close and thorough look at your tools to make sure they’re still in perfect working order. Look over your lawnmower, hedge trimmer, and whipper-snipper to make sure everything is in peak condition and won’t need to be replaced.

Prune Thoroughly

Your trees and other plant life will always have some dead or dying branches after the winter months. These dying pieces of your plants should be pruned and trimmed so that the overall health of the plants is not affected. Don’t trim to much of the trees or too close to any buds, as these actions may inadvertently kill the plants instead of saving them.

Keep Up with Your Shed

Take a look through your shed and make sure you still have space for all of your tools and that they’re neatly arranged. You can even look into what it takes to build a new shed for next year. Whatever you choose, make sure your shed is meeting all of your yard work needs.

Best Practices for Preparing Your Winter Garden

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 17:33:27 GMT

With the changing of the seasons, so does the need for being prepared for the conditions and temperatures to come for your garden. Winter is probably the most important of the seasons for your garden to be ready for. So, let’s go over some keys to ‘winterizing’ your garden.

Weed and clean up your garden

Your garden should be as weed free as possible regardless of the season, but it’s particularly important prior to the onset of winter. Weeds, invasive plants and other dead or sick plants provide the perfect cover for insects to lay their eggs and survive the winter. Chop, cut and clip spent stalks and branches. Furthermore, keep the soil aerated to create a nice fresh layer when spring arrives. Doing these odd jobs before winter sets in will free up your time when spring arrives to plant new things in your outdoor sanctuary.

Protective Layering

Many plants will need cover from the extreme conditions of winter. Tarps or garden fabrics are best for bushes and foliage to protect from frost, and it will also effectively insulate your soil and vegetables.

Providing compost, mulch or leaf mold layers over beds will help protect the soil and make your spring that much more enjoyable in your garden.

Creating a windbreak for exposed evergreens is also strongly suggested. Erecting a 3- stake V-formation around plants and trees you want protected (you don’t need to totally enclose the plant with a four-sided structure) will go a long way to helping that treasured plant survive the brutal winter cold.

Water Features

Check that the water pump in these fun little garden focal points will survive the winter cold. If not, remove them before the winter really sets in.

Find and Store Bulbs

It may be time to find bulbs for some plants and flowers that may have gotten crowded throughout the year and can be replanted in the spring. Be careful seeking them out in the soil. Lift them out gently, separate the bulbs and take them to a more warm location in your garden.

So there you have it. A few small chores prior to winter will go a long way to save your much-loved plants, even in the most brutal winter.

Using Your Outdoor Kitchen All Winter Long

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:36:53 GMT

Your backyard should be a peaceful retreat for your family all year long, including the cold winter months! With some simple planning, your outdoor kitchen and backyard fireplace can remain a lively center of activity throughout the winter. Enjoy the brisk winter air and make memories all season long with your outdoor kitchen and fireplace.

Protection From the Winter Elements

When the days turner shorter and the nights grow colder, it’s time to think about winterizing your outdoor kitchen. This space is an investment in the long-term value of your home, so make sure to protect your grill, range, fireplace, and any other appliances during the winter cold.

If you expect hard freezes over the winter, it’s vitally important to prepare your water lines. Turn off water lines, drain all pipes, and check your drain valves. Don’t forget lines that run into appliances such as refrigerators or ice makers.

However, most parts of your outdoor kitchen can be safely used in their usual fashion all season long. It’s a good time to clean your grill, barbecue pit, pizza oven, and other cooking surfaces in preparation for the coming season. Check your heaters, fireplaces, and other fire elements you haven’t used over the summer to make sure they’re still working properly. Don’t forget to stock up on firewood or propane!

Cozy Up to Your Outdoor Fireplace

Your outdoor fireplace is the perfect way to spend cold winter nights as a family. Use the extra hours of darkness to stargaze, toast s’mores, sing holiday songs, and form lasting memories around a warm and crackling fire. From rowdy evenings with the entire family to romantic date nights at home, your outdoor fireplace offers endless options for winter entertainment.

Plan ahead to make the most of your outdoor fireplace this winter. Consider covers for your outdoor furniture. Furniture covers are simple additions to your outdoor space, but they help protect your couches and chairs for years to come. A waterproof storage box can help keep cushions and pillows dry when not in use.

Is your outdoor kitchen covered? If your fireplace isn’t already under a patio, consider adding a structure to help trap the heat. A covered pergola or even a tent will keep your fireplace’s hot air circulating. Your family will stay warm and comfortable under your cozy covering.

The Joy of Using Your Outdoor Kitchen

Thanks to your outdoor kitchen, you can enjoy the mouthwatering smell and delicious taste of grilled food all year long. Don’t save barbecuing just for the summer days! Treat yourself to freshly cooked burgers, ribs, potatoes, and more throughout the winter. With only a few steps, your outdoor kitchen will be just as welcoming during cold weather as it is throughout the rest of the year.

The grill’s heat will help the cook stay warm, but consider their comfort during the winter. Add a temporary windscreen to protect from cold gusts at the barbecue. A stand-alone gas heater offers an additional touch of warmth. Don’t forget to maintain a safe walking path with anti-slip surfaces.

Prepare For Winter with Cashman Landscaping

Winter will be here before you know it, and Cashman Landscaping is here to help you get ready! Imagine spending a memorable, safe, and comfortable season in the fresh winter air with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace of your own. Contact Cashman Landscaping to start planning your outdoor winter space today.

Tips for Planting Vegetables in the Fall

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 16:00:02 GMT

Summer is a great season for planting and harvesting vegetables: zucchini, tomatoes, basil, all great and tasty to put on your table every night. But summer is not the only season for planting and harvesting vegetables. There are a number of delicious veggies that can be planted when fall time rolls around, including beets, garlic, and asparagus. While it’s certainly trickier to grow a bountiful during the fall season, you should absolutely try your hand at growing during the fall months.

These veggies will simply take a little more time to grow because of the reduced sunlight, meaning your veggies should be picked in late September or early October. In milder climates, like the Pacific Northwest, these crops will survive throughout the winter and can be picked when spring rolls back around. Here are a few simple tips to planting and maintaining a bountiful fall garden.

Be Proactive and Start Early

A great fall garden needs to be started early. Plan ahead for what you want to plant and where, as by the time most start to think about their fall harvest, it’s too late. A successful fall garden relies on planting late-season crops in the peak of summer. Yes, you should actually plant in early and mid-August at the peak of heat and humidity for crops you want to pick all the way in October. This early start will give your crops time to grow to an adequate size while conditions are still viable.

There are a few exceptions; some fast-growing crops like lettuce and radishes can be planted into late September, but generally, fall crops should be planted in August. Broccoli, carrots, and other desirable fall crops need several months of perfect conditions to mature before frost and lower light intensities become an issue. If you’re on the fence about when to plant your crops, it’s almost always better to plant early.

Be Aware of Fall Crop Grow Times

The great thing about buying seeds from a retailer is that you’ll know exactly how long you have to wait until your crops grow to maturity. Each crop has a predictable lifespan which will be printed on the seed packaging or plant tag when you first purchase it. This lifespan is known as “days to maturity” and is a measurement of how long the crop will take to reach a harvestable size.

Although days to maturity will be slightly different depending on different planting and environmental conditions, the number will be generally accurate no matter where you are which soils you choose to use. A great rule of thumb to use is that you should plant your crops with enough time remaining that they have time to reach maturity before the first frost kicks in. Of course, frosting occurs at different times in different regions, but you can look up frost dates online.

Harvest Your Summer Crops Immediately

Growing crops at all time of the year is great, but you must harvest your spring and summer crops before planting those which will grow during the fall months. Space is limited in most gardens, so you have to manage it carefully; spring and summer plants which are still growing will not give you enough space or soil density to allow fall crops to grow. Early-season crops should be planted, harvested, and removed well before you plant the first seeds of your fall-time crops.

Clearing this space will ensure your soil is healthy enough to support other types of crops and has adequate nutrients and mineral distribution for your newly planted seeds. There are several crops which should be finishing the maturing process by midsummer, including: garlic, onions, potatoes, carrots, beets, cauliflower, and cabbage. Many spring salad greens will also be ready for the picking at this time.

Vegetables to Plant in a Fall Garden

Here’s a handy list of the best vegetables to plant in your fall garden:

• Beets

• Carrots

• Onions

• Broccoli

• Salad Greens

• Asparagus

• Garlic

• Scallions

All of these vegetables can survive the harsher conditions of all like low light and colder temperatures. Some will be ready to pick before the harsh winter sets in while others will easily survive the freezing of wintertime. Always check the back of your seed packets for more detailed harvesting information.

4 Tips for Clearing Leaves

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 18:39:30 GMT

Fall is upon us, and that means it’s almost time to clear your yard of leaves and other falling plant debris. This process is simple, but it’s made even easier by following four pieces of advice

1. Have the Right Tools for the Job

Gathering leaves by hand is fun for kids but not an efficient way to clean your yard after a long night of falling leaves. The best tools for the job are a rake or blower. Using a bigger, sturdier rake will make your job much simpler than trying to use one which is too smaller or flimsy. Blowers are also an essential tool to remove large quantities fast and may even come with a vacuum function. Twigs and other pointed debris can damage the inside however, so you’ll want to pick those up ahead of time.

2.Using a Trap

Many people assume tarps are worthless when picking up leaves, but this is a misconception. Using a large, sturdy tarp can save you hours of time collecting leaves and it’s easy to move and store once the job is done. You’ll want to set the tarp down before you begin the raking process. Rake the leaves onto the tarp, making sure to pile them near the center. Simply fold the tarp, carefully securing the leaves, and carry it to wherever you plan to dispose of the leaves. The tarp will be unwieldy but light, easier to carry once than making several trips with a vacuum or rake.

3.Don't Forget Your Roof

Leaves and moss are a silent killer of rooves, as they can trap water and cause premature deterioration. Try your best to blow the leaves off with a low-pitched blower or pull them with a broom. Also make sure to trim any branches close to your roof to ensure leaves don’t fall off during the days and nights and clog your gutters. If there’s mold on your roof from excess water stored by fallen leaves, there are severe chemical treatments you can use to remove it. A diluted bleach solution should be enough to take care of any mold but be sure not to get any on the ground, as the solution could kill your grass and plants as well.

4.Turn Leaves in Fertilizer

By mowing your lawn with a specialty mulching mower, you can turn your leaves into fertilizer your grass will love. Simply go over the affected areas two or three times with a mower, making sure all leaves are properly shredded and won’t inhibit future grass growth. It’s recommended to mow the area three times for thorough peace of mind and guaranteed results.

Don’t let falling leaves clutter your yard and prevent grass growth. Use these four tips to remove leaves and leave your yard the cleanest in the neighborhood.

Tips for Lawn Seeding

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 18:34:17 GMT

A great looking lawn doesn’t happen by accident; it takes a reasonable dedication in terms of effort and time to create a lawn that neighbors will envy. Hiring a professional will certainly ensure you have a quality looking lawn, but professionals can be expensive, and the process is not difficult to take on by yourself. There are simple steps you can take to achieve the lawn you’ve always dreamt of.

Preparing Your Lawn for Seeding

This is the longest step and the one which requires the most physical effort on your part. First, your soil will need to be loosened. Grass can’t grow in compact soil, so you’ll need to pay careful attention to your work and ensure you’ve adequately removed any weeds and rocks from the area you want your grass to grow. If your soil is moist already and there are few weeds and rocks to be removed, this should be a simple, quick step. If not however, use a shovel and a hard to rake to break up the soil. You’ll want to reach about four inches into the soil to adequately remove any obstacles to your grass’ growth.

Once the soil is prepared, it can always be improved; dump some compost evenly on the prepared soil and rake it until it’s thoroughly mixed. Don’t simply leave the compost on top of the soil, as this will inhibit grass growth. Now you can seed, but there are still factors to consider. First, think about the grass type which will grow the most efficiently in your area and which type will look most aesthetically pleasing to you. The timing of your seeding is also heavily dependent on the type of grass you want to plant.

Lawn Care Tips

Your lawn is ready to be seeded. This is a simple and self-explanatory process, simply go over your lawn with a seeding tool, making sure the seeds are evenly dispersed and careful not to miss any patches. After your lawn is seeded there are several ways to maintain the look and feel of your newly seeded area.

First, you can mulch the newly seeded area lightly with straw, covering about three-quarters of the ground. This straw will hold moisture and prevent seeds from blowing away. Next, you’ll want to irrigate the soil regularly, keeping it moist at all times. Be careful not to wash away the seeds you’ve just spread and keep in mind that different grass seeds require different amounts of watering. Bermuda grass, for example, should be watered four times a day but perennial rye need only be watered twice a day. You’ll want to check your packaging and water with a hose until the seeds germinate.

That’s it! You now have a seeded lawn which will grow into a beautiful green marvel that will be the talk of the neighborhood in only a few weeks’ time.

Tips for Keeping Your Decorative Landscaping Safe During Harsh Winter Temperatures

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 01:12:05 GMT

You’ve spent a lot of time and money on your decorative landscaping, so the last thing you want is for the harsh winter temperatures to damage all of your gorgeous shrubs and trees. Fortunately, there are several different things you can do to protect your landscaping, even if the temperature drops to record lows in your area.

Know What to Plant

The first step is to understand which flowers, shrubs, and trees can not only survive, but also thrive in your environment. If you know you tend to have long, harsh winters, be sure to landscape using plants that can withstand those temperatures. Typically, you can find this information online or on the plant tag itself. Refer to the plant hardiness zone map to find out which zone you are in and which plants will survive in that given climate.

Keep Your Landscaping Healthy

Don’t stop fertilizing in the fall. Keep it up until the first freeze. In fact, there are specific fertilizers high in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous that are designed to help get your yard through the winter.

Put Down Mulch

Keeping a layer of mulch over the roots of your plants will protect them from the cold. Mulch not only gives the landscape beds a finished look, but also acts as a warm winter blanket when the temperatures dip down low.

Protect Roots from Road Salt

During inclement winter weather, your town will salt the roadways which can also reach some of the plants on your property. Also, when you or your snow contractor spreads salt or calcium chloride, it is inevitable that the plants will receive some of the overspray. In areas where this may be a possibility, try to choose plants that are salt tolerant. Also, choose plants that are considered hardy and can withstand piling of snow from shoveling or plowing. It is always a better practice to use calcium chloride rather than salt on all pavers, natural stone, etc.

Mow Before Winter / Remove leaves

When the temperatures start to fall, mow your yard one last time with your mower set to its lowest setting. Cutting the grass as short as you can helps protect it from snow mold and frostbite, plus it will keep rodents and other pests from building nests in your yard.

Remove leaves

Remove all the leaves from grass areas, planting beds, and paved surfaces. Allowing leaves to accumulate on the lawn will prevent the lawn from breathing and you will end up with bare spots in the spring. Remove all of the leaves from paved surfaces as the leaves will stain which may be very difficult to get clean.

Winter Gardening in New Jersey: Know Your Hardiness Zone

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 21:07:26 GMT

Whether you’re new to gardening or have been gardening for some time, it’s always good to know what your hardiness zone is and what that means for your gardening endeavors. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides an online map of hardiness zones to help you not only know which plants can thrive through New Jersey winters, but also to see how winter gardening fluctuates throughout the country based on an area’s average minimum temperature.

Understanding the characteristics of New Jersey hardiness zones can help you feel more confident about which plants to choose for adding long-term interest or annual color to your garden. It’s also recommended to contact your local ag extension office to ask about the first and last expected frosts for the year.

Get to Know Your New Jersey Hardiness Zones

The New Jersey hardiness zone map shows 2 main hardiness zones that extend into the state: 6 and 7, or more specifically, 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b. New Jersey plant enthusiasts are blessed to have such a relatively temperate climate, as so many plants can be grown here, even throughout the winter.

Hardiness zones are meant to be a general reference and you may find that you live in a small area that experiences slightly different weather conditions than the surrounding ones. Meaning, you may be able to grow some plants that are recommended for your hardiness zone, but some you may not be able to grow as successfully. That being said, most plant enthusiasts welcome an element of troubleshooting in their gardening.

Gardening in Zone 6

Hardiness zone 6 is characterized by a medium-long growing season, and you can successfully grow most fruits and vegetables, a multitude of flowers, reliable perennials, numerous shrubs and fruit trees, as well as several structurally interesting ornamental trees in this zone.

Annuals : Calendula / Ageratum / Cosmos / Dianthus / Dahlia / Fuchsia / Zinnia / Lobelia / Petunias

Perennials : Delphinium / Coneflower / Dianthus / Campanula / Hellebore / Geranium / Vinca / Viola / Japanese Primrose

Bulbs : Tulips / Tuberous Begonia / Iris / Narcissus / Gladiola / Hyacinth / Canna / Crocus / Caladium

Shrubs : Azaleas / American Beautyberry / Lilacs / Hydrangea / Hummingbird Plant

Vines : Trumpet Vine / Jasmine

Gardening in Zone 7

Hardiness zone 7 has a slightly longer growing season than zone 6 and an average lowest temperature that is 10 degrees higher, as this average increases by 10 degrees each time the number of the zone increases. Like gardening in zone 6, there are a wide variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables to grow during the New Jersey winters, as well as certain varieties of citrus trees.

Evergreen Shrubs and Vines : Abelia / Camellia / Rhododendron / Crossvine / Winter Jasmine / Creeping Phlox / Bergenia / Heuchera / Lilyturf / Lenten Rose / Lavender

Deciduous Color : Dogwood / Hawthorn / Ninebark / Burning Bush

River Birch / Coral Bark / Maple / Oakleaf Hydrangea

Conifers : Conifers are a staple in New Jersey gardens, but can thrive in almost every hardiness zone. Spruce, juniper, pines, and false cypress are some of the conifers that flourish in both zones 6 and 7.

These are only some of the lovely plants that New Jersey gardeners can plant and nurture in their gardens. Certain varieties will work best in the specific area that you live, and your local nursery or landscape service will be able to recommend plants that will set you up for success.

Remember to keep your gardener’s spirit with experimentation and discovery. There may be more to winter gardening in New Jersey than you ever thought possible. Are you ready to get in on some winter gardening action? Cashman Landscaping New Jersey can help you choose the plant varieties that will work for you. Contact us to offer you an estimate for any of our garden design or maintenance services.

Winter Plants for New Jersey Gardens

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 14:09:13 GMT

Winter in the Garden State is a time when even the most dedicated gardener may view this as a time to put away their tools for a long winter’s nap. The weather is potentially severe, and many may feel they have no viable options for planting in their gardens, especially when it comes to flowering plants.

On the contrary, there are a surprising number of plants that showcase their blooms in winter and can boost your curb appeal and liven up your backyard. There’s still time to prep your beds for winter planting, so no need to wait for spring to make your landscaping pop.

There are many shrubs and trees that are known for the winter interest even more than their Spring, Summer or Fall Interest. Take the Red Twig Dogwood for instance. This hardy shrub has bright red branching giving it a beautiful appearance when the snow falls. The White Birch is another tree known for its winter interest.

If you enjoy the appearance of outdoor lighting, winter is one of the best times of the year to showcase your Ornamental Trees. Without their leaves, trees such as Kousa Dogwoods, Birch Trees, and Bloodgood Maples truly look amazing.

Prepping Your Beds for Winter Planting

When it comes to gardening in New Jersey, fall is generally a time of cleaning up your landscape and prepping the soil for spring, or in this case, winter. Fall gardening tasks can include raking and blowing leaves from your lawn and garden beds and inspecting plants thoroughly for diseases and pests that could spread to new plantings. The autumn months are also the perfect time to amend your beds with compost. It is always recommended to spray all of your evergreen trees and shrubs with an anti-desiccant spray when temperatures are in the 40’s.

Hardy Winter Blooming Plants

Here are a number of winter-hardy flowering plants with varying features to consider for your winter New Jersey garden.

Winter Pansies

Winter Pansies are a beautiful choice for early spring color, but they can also add beauty to your winter garden. Their delicate, but cold-resistant blooms come in purple, orange, blue, red, pink, white, and yellow, and the plant has a tidy growth, generally not growing more than a foot tall.

Hellebore

Another plant that blooms in both winter and spring is Hellebore, also known as a Lenten or Christmas rose. This plant grows to anywhere between 1 and 8 feet and has lovely yellow, pink, burgundy, or white flowers, some of which are speckled.

Witch Hazel

An understated and subtle addition to your New Jersey garden is the Jelena variety of Witch Hazel, which blooms muted hues of orange and yellow.

Winter Jasmine

Winter jasmine is a lovely addition to your winter garden, with its graceful vines and golden yellow blooms. This plant also produces stunning blue berries that contrast nicely with the flowers.

Shrubs and Trees with Superb Winter Interest

Here are a number of trees and shrubs that will provide beauty in any winter garden.

Holly

Who can forget the holly for winter gardens in New Jersey? The combination of dark evergreen leaves and bright red berries just screams the holidays.

Red Twig Dogwood

Known for red branching, this is a must for anyone looking to add color to their winter gardens. The red branching provides amazing contract against the snow covered ground.

Yellow Twig Dogwood

Known for yellow branching, this is a must for anyone looking to add color to their winter gardens. A really stunning plant.

Birch Trees

The white bark of this large multi stem tree is a classic for a winter garden.

Evergreen Trees

Whether it’s a Spruce, Fir, Hemlock, Juniper, or Pine tree, all large Evergreen trees provide color and size to your landscape. Nothing is more appealing than the look of snow covered Evergreens

Walking in Winter Wonderland

Not only do you still have time to prep your beds for winter planting, you also have time to incorporate the holidays into your landscape. As you plan and prepare for winter planting, look at the framework of your existing gardens and do any necessary pruning to make way for winter color. In addition, consider hardscape features that can accentuate a winter garden, such as an arbor or landscape lighting.

Are you ready to create a winter wonderland in your own backyard and boost your home’s curb appeal for the winter months? Cashman Landscaping New Jersey offers many services related to fall cleanup and seasonal planting. Contact us to provide you with an estimate for all your landscaping needs.

5 Summer Watering Tips to Help Your Garden Beat the Heat

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 17:22:34 GMT

Summer is finally here, and that means two things: sunny days and sweltering heat. While your plants will definitely appreciate the sun, the hot temperatures of the summer months can make maintaining your garden more difficult. Heat makes plants thirsty the same as us, and making the necessary adjustments to your watering is something even experienced gardeners struggle with. Here are our top tips for keeping your plants looking cool when it gets hot.

Water Early

One of the most common questions is when the best time is to water, and thankfully it’s one with an easy answer. If you want your plants to be able to properly soak up the water you’re giving them, you should be watering them early in the morning. This gives your plants plenty of time to fully absorb the water and very importantly makes sure they have water before the day gets to its hottest.

Avoid Watering the Leaves

When most people water their gardens, they do so in a broad sweeping spray of their plants. Watering like this is definitely fun, but it’s far from efficient, and can potentially even be harmful. While it’s not possible to completely avoid getting the leaves of your plants wet, you should aim to avoid it as much as possible for two major reasons. The first is that it won’t actually give your plants much benefit, as a plant’s leaves are mostly unable to absorb nutrients from the water. The second reason is that excess water invites the possibility of fungal infections and other diseases that thrive on moisture.

Water Better, Not More

Something very important that people often don’t realize is that even in the summer, overwatering is a very real problem. Watering your garden too much or too often can result in the soil becoming waterlogged. This can prevent oxygen from reaching your plant’s roots, choking your plants and preventing them from being able to drink up. A good way to prevent this is by watering your plants more deeply so they get what they need with less water. For the best results, moisten the soil a good 5 to 6 inches down, and be sure the water is penetrating deep enough that the roots are being directly watered.

Make Sure Your Plants Need the Water

Another way to make sure you aren’t overwatering is to first make sure your plants actually need to be watered. There are a couple of ways to do this. The easiest way is to check how moist the soil is beforehand. Using your finger, determine how wet the soil is and how far down the moisture goes. If the soil is properly wetted for a few inches down, watering most likely isn’t necessary. Another way is with indicator plants. Monitor your garden for plants that react the quickest to drying out, and water as often as is necessary to prevent signs of dehydration in those plants.

Conserve Water Through Proper Mulching

With your lawn properly watered, it’s time to keep it that way, and one of the best things to help with that is mulch. Applying a thin layer of mulch to the soil greatly helps to retain water by minimizing the evaporation of water in the soil and helping to prevent runoff when watering. Just make sure to not put on too much, as that can make it harder for water to go deep in the soil. If you’re looking for high-quality mulch, Cashman can help apply the perfect one for your plants.

The summer season can be tough on plants, but when properly cared for it can also be a time where they really shine. Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your garden as hot as the weather this summer. And if you need a hand with any lawn, garden, or landscaping maintenance this summer, remember that we’re always ready to help here at Cashman Landscape Management & Design!

Plant Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Summer Landscaping Looking Hot

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 17:18:10 GMT

With lush, deep greens, vibrant flowers, and even vegetables, there’s no denying that summer is a time for some absolutely stunning landscaping. However, beautiful landscaping doesn’t just happen on its own, and to keep your greenery beautiful regular maintenance is almost certainly required. If you want landscaping that looks and stays stunning throughout the summer and beyond, then here are some pointers we recommend.

Mind Your Mowing

Mowing is a necessity in almost every season, but in the summer it’s especially important. The warm weather makes grass grow quickly, making some lawns require up to weekly mowings to keep from getting too unkempt. When mowing, however, be mindful not to cut your grass too short. Taller grass helps cool down your soil and promotes quicker root growth, so taking too much off in one mowing can do more harm than good. As a rule of thumb, never cut more than one-third of your lawn’s height when mowing.

Watch for Insect Damage

Plants love the summer, but unfortunately, so do insects. Insects love to build nests in and around landscaping and gardens so that they and any offspring can have a ready supply to food. Unless you want your beautifully designed garden to be their lunch, make sure you are regularly monitoring for any damage caused by insects. This is especially imperative if you’re growing any fruits or vegetables because nothing ruins a harvest like bug-eaten crops. The steps to take to rid landscaping of bugs can vary, but rest assured there are a number of methods that use limited or pesticides such as integrated pest management.

Pruning and Deadheading

More and larger leaves and branches mean more surface area for your plants to lose moisture from, making an initial summer pruning an important thing to do. At the beginning of the summer, or ideally even a little bit before, you’ll want to trim any plants that grew a little bit unruly during the spring. In addition, you should also be removing any dead or dying branches from shrubs and trees and deadheading flowering plants after the blooms begin to fade.

Fall Prep

Finally, the last important thing you should be doing with your summer landscaping is getting it ready for the transition into fall. Cold weather comes faster than you’d expect and can wreak havoc on ill-prepared landscaping, making fall prep a necessity. The deadheading we just discussed is a part of this, but there’s more to it that you’ll want to keep in mind. Weeding, fertilizing, and additional pruning of overgrown plants are all big parts of preparing your landscaping for fall. In addition, you’ll want to replace any annuals or plants which won't last in the cold for hardier alternatives.

Maintaining your landscaping in the summer is hard work, but the pay off is nothing short of spectacular. If you need a hand tending to your landscaping this summer, Cashman Landscape Management & Design can help! No matter what kind of maintenance your lawn or garden needs, our team has the drive and the know how to keep it looking great.

The Most Important Healthcare Tips to Keep Your Lawn Beautiful

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 17:16:25 GMT

Everyone wants a beautiful lawn, and for good reason! The lawn is one of the cornerstones of any property. It sets an important first impression, and a poorly maintained lawn is one of the first things someone will notice about a property’s landscaping. But if you want you home to have the stunning look that a well-kept lawn brings, it’s going to take some real work. That’s why we want to share some of our tips for keeping your lawn looking great year round!

Use the Right Tools for the Job

It should go without saying, but you can’t give your lawn a proper mowing without the proper equipment. Making sure your mower is up to the task should be your first step in making sure your lawn care is getting done right. Check the sharpness of your mower blades and sharpen them if they’re seeming dull. A dull blade will cut your lawn unevenly, causing it to look worse and give more openings for pests and diseases. In addition, you should be regularly adjusting your mower’s height to ensure you aren’t taking too much or too little off your lawn with each mowing.

Recycle Your Clippings

After mowing, it’s a good idea to leave your grass clippings on the lawn. This “grasscycling” as it’s often called has benefits beyond just saving you time bagging lawn clippings. These clippings will naturally break down and return nutrients and moisture to the soil that would otherwise be lost after mowing. This lets those grass clippings that would otherwise be thrown away serve a valuable purpose as free fertilizer for your lawn. This practice works best with frequently mowed lawns, meaning the more you mow, the more results you’ll see!

Mix Up Your Mowing Pattern

It’s very easy to fall into a routine during your weekly mowings, and while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, sticking to it too closely can be. Mowing in the same direction and pattern might not seem like a big deal, but over time it can have a significant negative impact. This is because mowing your lawn in the same way over and over can cause the soil to compact or form ruts. Both of these soil troubles lead to an overall decline in your grass’s health, and compacted soil, in particular, is prime ground for weeds.

Care For Your Turf

Speaking of soil, there’s more to maintaining a healthy lawn that just maintaining the grass. For grass that has the growth, color, and thickness your lawn needs to really stand out, proper turf care is an absolute must. The turf and soil is the foundation of any lawn, so the right balance of fertilizer, organic materials, and pest deterrents is something that your lawn can’t truly shine without. Turf care can be a complicated part of lawn healthcare, and one that’s imperative to get perfect, so getting professional assistance for turf care is very worthwhile and something we recommend.

For landscaping with maximum curb appeal, your lawn simply can’t be ignored. We hope the tips provided here can help give you an idea on how you can help give your lawn the care it deserves. And if you need a helping hand, Cashman Landscape Management & Design offers a wide variety of services for both fresh lawn installation and continual lawn maintenance.

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Gardening Essentials for Fall

Hand Rake

Wheel Barrow or Garden Cart

Garden Trowel

Water Hose

Good Gloves

Spading Fork

Hand Pruner

Garden Kneeler and Seat

Best Gardening Books to Read This Fall

Best For Flower Gardening: The New York Times Guide To Gardening by Tom Christopher

Best For Planting Trees: Tree & Shrub Gardening by Lewis Hill, Ph.D., and Arnold Mallis

Best For Backyard Orchards: The Fruit Gardener's Bible by Lewis Hill, Ph.D

Best for Small Spaces: All New Square Foot Gardening II by Mel Bartholomew

Best For Container Gardening: The Plant Propagator's Bible by Lewis Hill, Ph.D. and Arnold Mallis

Best For Organic Gardening: A Way Of Garden by Eliot Coleman and Barbara Damrosch

Indoor Landscaping

Indoor Landscaping

About Indoor Landscaping

Summery

The Best Seeds to Plant During Autumn

Sweet Peas

Runner Beans

Hardy Annuals

Spring Cabbage

Garlic

Winter Landscaping

Tips For Winter Landscaping

Clean Up Your Yard

Spread Mulch ﻿

Construct Borders To Liven Your Landscape

Plan Ahead to Spring

Summary

Trees Great For Shade In the Summer

Quaking Aspen

Red Maple

Northern Red Oak

Black Walnut

American Sycamore

Weeping Willow

With Indoor Landscaping You Can Grow Beautiful Plants Year-round

About Indoor Landscaping

Summary

At Home Tips for Winter Landscaping

Clean Up Your Yard

Spread Mulch

Construct Borders To Liven Your Landscape

Plan Ahead to Spring

Summary

Flowers That Will Dazzle Your Home All Year Round

Sweet Pea

Petunia

Stocks

Calibrachoa

Pansy

Nasturtium

Save Money With These Lawn Care Hacks

Keep Those Newspapers for Your Weeds

Use Natural Repellents for Other Pests

Cayenne Pepper - Animal Repellant?

Use Boiling Water on Those Weeds

Create Your Compost

Using Drip Systems to Save on Water

How to Seed and Reseed this Spring

Reseeding in the Spring

How to Reseed

Save Time, Hassle, and Money with Expert Care

Spring Pruning Tips for you Garden

Why is pruning important?

When to prune

Professional Design and Care from Cashman

Cashman Cleaning Tips Spring 2021

Start with the Obvious ﻿

Use a Rake

Pay Attention to Your Garden Beds

Check your Tools

Prune Thoroughly

Keep Up with Your Shed

Best Practices for Preparing Your Winter Garden

Spread Mulch

Start with the Obvious