Tag Archives: Vicente Landscaping

7 Hearty Plants that Thrive in Prescott, Arizona

Close up top view of green agave plant in the gardens

When it comes to landscaping in Prescott, Arizona, it’s important to choose hearty plants that can survive the hot, dry summers and cold, frosty winters. With its arid climate, harsh weather conditions, and high elevation, the Prescott area presents unique challenges to gardeners and landscapers. However, with the right selection of hearty plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving yard that will flourish year-round. Here are some of the best hearty plants for your yard in Prescott, Arizona:

Agave – This plant is well adapted to the arid climate of Prescott and is known for its striking architectural shape. Agave plants come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and can add a touch of drama and elegance to any landscape.

Yucca – Another desert native, the yucca plant is a great choice for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant garden. With its spiky foliage and tall, showy blooms, yucca can add texture and interest to your yard.

Globe mallow – This plant is known for its beautiful orange, pink, and red flowers, which bloom in the spring and summer. Globe mallow is also drought-tolerant and can survive in hot, dry conditions.

Apache plume – This shrub is known for its striking white flowers and feathery plumes, which appear in the spring and summer. Apache plume is also drought-tolerant and can add a soft, airy texture to your garden.

Blue grama grass – This native grass is well adapted to the dry conditions of Prescott and can add a natural, prairie-like feel to your landscape. Blue grama grass also requires little water and maintenance.

Purple sage – This aromatic herb is a great choice for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant garden. With its striking purple flowers and gray-green foliage, purple sage can add both color and texture to your yard.

Desert willow – This small tree is known for its beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers, which bloom in the spring and summer. Desert willows are also drought-tolerant and can add a touch of elegance to your landscape.

Selecting hearty plants for your yard in Prescott, Arizona is essential for a successful garden. With the right plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving landscape that can withstand the harsh weather conditions of the Prescott area.

Agave, yucca, globe mallow, Apache plume, blue grama grass, purple sage, and desert willow are just a few of the many plants that can add color, texture, and interest to your garden while thriving in Prescott’s arid climate. If you’re seeking a reliable and professional landscaping company, call Vicente Landscaping at (928) 636-1601.

Why Do You Need an Irrigation Inspection?

The use of drip irrigation is an important tool for water conservation. To be efficient, however, drip systems need to be used properly and inspected regularly.

By now, your irrigation system should be up and running. If you started your irrigation system without a full inspection, it’s not too late to perform this step. In fact, this inspection should be performed periodically throughout the watering season.

When your system is turned on and charged with water, open the irrigation box or boxes and visually inspect the backflow preventer and the valves for leaks. The backflow valve is often located above ground, possibly under a cover.

If there are no visible leaks, run your system using the manual setting for each valve, one valve at a time. As the system is running, walk around the yard, checking for any wet spots in inappropriate areas. Move from plant to plant and tree to tree checking to ensure that water is dripping freely from each emitter. Pay special attention to the small lines running to each plant – animals seem to have an uncontrollable need to munch on these and often chew right through the lines.

Emitters come in various sizes and shapes but all serve the same purpose, gentle delivery of water to your plants. If water is shooting from the line, chances are good that the emitter is missing and needs to be replaced. If water is dripping too slowly from the line, the problem is a clogged emitter or mineral build-up. Remove the emitter and clean out any loose debris. If the problem is calcification, try soaking the emitter in vinegar to dissolve the mineral deposits.

In the course of your inspection, be sure to cap any lines that are no longer in use. This will help to conserve water.

The advantages to the use of drip irrigation are many. Water is delivered directly to roots so there is little evaporation or run-off. Prevention of run-off means that weed growth is minimized and less fertilizer is required. Most notably, plants will thrive with a regular, consistent watering schedule.

Monthly monitoring throughout the growing season is important to identify irrigation problems before it is too late. Your plants will often tell you when your irrigation system is not functioning properly. Yellowing leaves that drop prematurely and plants that droop, even when surrounding soil is moist, are usually signs of overwatering. Under-watered plants often show distress through wilted, brown or pale leaves. Pay attention when you plants are telling you that there is a problem.

Popular in the mainstream market in the past few years are “smart” irrigation controllers which use sensors and weather information to manage watering times and frequency. Smart controllers are irrigation clocks that automatically adjust irrigation run times in response to environmental changes. They have the ability to turn off your sprinklers automatically during rain, high wind or low temperatures. Irrigation systems run by smart controllers have been documented to use up to 25% less water than traditional systems. Results have been so impressive that some communities have mandated the use of smart controllers in all new landscapes.

If you would like help inspecting your own irrigation system, or if you encounter obstacles, call a licensed landscaping company. The professionals at Vicente Landscaping will be happy to perform the task for you. If you are interested in the savings provided through the installation of a smart controller, they would be pleased to discuss that, or any of your landscape needs. Call the office at 928-636-1601 to set-up an appointment.

Join Vicente Landscaping and Belgard Pavers!

Vicente Landscaping Partnering with Belgard Pavers

Join Vicente Landscaping and Belgard Pavers at the 2022 YCCA Home Show

Friday, April 29 – Saturday, April 30: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 1, Sunday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
3201 N Main St Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

The Yavapai County Contractors Association (YCCA) is hosting its annual Home Show Friday, April 29 thru Sunday, May 1, 2022 at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona. The event will host more than 200 vendors in the home and health industry to share their ideas, products, and services. No matter if you are a DIY person or would rather pay a professional, there is something you will want to check out at this free admission, indoor and outdoor event. Also, attendees may enter for a chance to win great raffle prizes. Raffle tickets are $1.oo each or buy ten and get three raffle tickets free. Stop by booths 27 and 28 for more information.

This year, Vicente Landscaping is partnering with Belgard Pavers featuring one of its largest displays. Vicente Landscaping is one of very few Belgard certified landscapers. At this year’s event, visitors will be the first to see the latest Belgard products; ARTFORMS™ and Geometric Pavers. ARTFORMS™ is a revolutionary system utilizes a large-format modular panel system to create infinite design possibilities with ease. High-strength concrete is mechanically fastened with stainless steel hardware creating little to no mess or disruption. Geometric Pavers offers dimension, style and a variety of colors that will surely improve the look of any home.

Don’t miss us at the 2022 YCCA Home Show – April 29, 30 and May 1. Friday and Saturday times are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Learn more at YCCA.org.

Save on Your Water Bill with an Automated Web-Based Irrigation Unit

At Vicente Landscaping, we can help you upgrade your irrigation system to help you maintain a healthy landscape while saving you money. The mobile-friendly irrigation management platform provides highly secure, comprehensive cloud-based control and monitoring features for efficient and reliable watering. The connectivity allows you to view a controller’s status, change settings, view forecasts, save water, and receive instant notification of important system alarms — all without costly and time-consuming travel and site visits.

“Every summer, our water bills are over $100 just to keep our small green area and flower garden healthy. Since installing the unit, our water bill has gone from $137 to $74!”
– Darlene K

Here are four reasons why you will want to upgrade today.

Manage your system from anywhere. You can gain convenient system access anytime from your smartphone, tablet, or the web for a range of remote management capabilities. Remote monitoring allows you to conveniently view, manage, and monitor your irrigation controller.

Save Water Advanced, web-based climate monitoring uses local forecast data including temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and other factors to automatically adjust your irrigation system to area weather conditions, ensuring plants remain healthy — rain or shine. No more wasted water. No more dead plants.

Protect Your Landscape Designed to manage different landscapes across various climate zones, Web-based irrigation unit prevents over and under-watering to ensure your plants get exactly what they need to remain healthy and flourishing.

Add Your Contractor Built-in flow rate and valve monitoring instantly alert us in the event of a problem, so you can be rest assured that your outdoor living space remains protected, and your irrigation system is in good hands.

Simple screens with intuitive controls put powerful adjustments and remote control at your fingertips. From the user-friendly dashboard, it is now easier than ever before to add alarm monitoring, location information, remote operation, and flow monitoring to compatible our controllers.

Schedule an appointment with Vicente Landscaping today to see how you can maximize your system’s performance to save on both water and money.

8 Tips for Fall Yard Clean-up in Central Arizona

Fall is the time of pumpkin spice lattes and piles of dried leaves! The amount of fallen pine needles, debris and dead leaves in your yard can be unsettling for homeowners. Residents of central and northern Arizona know the debris and dead leaves need tended to every Fall season. Here are 8 tips to help you with organizing and cleaning up the appearance of your yard:

Trim and Clean

Trim any broken or dead tree branches in the yard to keep them looking fresh and neat. Trim bushes that do not tend to flower in the Spring to maintain a manicured look through the winter. If you have a busy schedule, we highly recommend a top-notch yard maintenance company such as Vicente Landscaping.

Preserve Airflow

Preserve Clean up fallen leaves and yard debris as soon as possible. Fallen leaves can block sunlight and trap moisture, which can cause mold to grow below. Clean up fallen leaves and yard debris as soon as possible. Fallen leaves can block sunlight and trap moisture, which can cause mold to grow below.

Mow the Lawn

If you have grass in your yard, a regular mowing schedule can help. Due to the weather transition, grass can get rough and become dead at the edges. Also, consistently raking fallen leaves can help prevent soggy and decaying grass for the Spring.

Water your Plants

Due to the continual change in temperature from fall to winter, it is important to monitor the moisture level of the soil in your yard.

Take Care of the Vegetable Garden

If you have a vegetable garden at your house, it is time to remove the final harvest and clean out the old growth for the upcoming season. You can also add a layer of compost in the Fall season so that the soil will be ready for next year’s planting.

Clean out the Gutters

Not all Fall clean-up is for the yard. This is the perfect time to clear debris like pine needles, gravel, and fallen leaves from your gutter system. Take out as much waste as possible and clear the rest with the help of a hose.

Rake out the Mulch

Fallen leaves are the number one reason behind grass suffocation. Create mulch by raking up fallen leaves and shredding them. The leaf mulch can also be used in the beds to help protect your garden for the upcoming Winter.

Keep Cold-sensitive Plants Safe

Due to the unpredictable weather of central and northern Arizona, you must protect the cold-sensitive plants in your garden. Add leaves and pine mulch to the base of the plants and wrap a cloth barrier to prevent sensitive plants from freezing. You may also move these plants indoors for the winter. To avoid this step, plant only plants that are suitable for our zone 7 region.

Find more tips on our blog at www.VicenteLandscaping.com

Why Should You Fertilize the Plants in Your Yard in the Fall?

Fall is the perfect time to nourish your exterior plants, shrubs and trees around your home. By fertilizing your plants, you are preparing your beautiful landscape for the colder, drier winter months. Fertilizing doesn’t just help temporarily, it has lasting benefits that will stretch throughout the seasons. While you can fertilize your yard year-round, experts agree the most critical time to perform fertilization is in the Fall. Why? Because you are applying specialized elements to the soil before the active Spring season.

If homeowners take the opportunity and apply fertilizer just before winter, they can create a healthy landscape for the Spring and Summer for the coming year. In other words, if you fertilize your yard in the Fall, you will have a more vibrant yard when Spring arrives. This will reduce the chance of developing plant diseases through the winter season. By preparing your landscape now, you are ensuring your yard will be healthier for the start of Spring.

Some homeowners may choose to opt-out of a fall fertilization to save money. Be careful! Ignoring an opportunity to fertilize in the fall could actually cost you more money and time down the road.

We encourage fall fertilization as plants store food in the root structure. Your trees and shrubs will use their stored reserves to battle the harsher, colder months until the Spring season. Remember this tip, nitrogen promotes healthy foliage and leaves.

Phosphorus or Phosphate stimulate root systems, vegetable and bud growth.

If you live in the pines, fertilization will help to strengthen your trees to better protect themselves from the damaging effects of the central Arizona bark beetle population. Homeowners are encouraged to pay attention to their yards. Watch for any plants that appear to be struggling. Early intervention can be the key to saving a plant stressed by insects or disease.

If you don’t know where to begin, learn more at www.VicenteLandscaping.com.

Be Firewise. How to Create a Defensible Space?

A firefighter using a saw to cut some wood for a building to make it safe.

Living adjacent to Prescott’s National Forest is surely is a wonderful way to stay close to nature and enjoy solitude, but there is one drawback. Most of these areas, especially in central Arizona, are wildfire-prone. Given the dry weather throughout Spring and Summer, the local government, as well as the fire department, encourages homeowners to create and maintain wildfire defensible yards. The goal is to reduce your house’s vulnerability and minimize wildfire damage. If you firewise your house in the fall or winter season, this will help firefighters defend your property safely in the coming summer months.

Appropriate landscaping can go a long way in keeping your home safe. These tips help explain how you can minimize the risk of wildfire damage.

Use Landscaping To Protect Your Home

Experts recommended keeping the first 3 to 5 feet of the base area around the house free of plants. Avoid planting shrubs adjacent to the home as they can be easily ignited. Other materials such as organic landscaping mulch, pine needles, leaves, and straw bales should be removed as well. Installing weed fabric under landscape rock is a good idea – it keeps flammable weed at bay.

It’s extremely important to keep your lawn mowed and well-watered. For landscaping, use plants that aren’t highly flammable. The landscaping within 30ft of your home should not include more than just a few scattered plants. Make sure the trees and shrubs grown are all manicured.

Create and Maintain a Defensible Zone

A home’s defense zone is within 30 feet of the house. Remove all dead or dried vegetation, as well as any dead or dying plants, from this zone, and maintain tree branches at least 10 feet away from your chimney and other trees. Wood piles should also be removed.

The reduced zone starts 30 to 100 feet from the house or the property boundary. Make sure annual grass is clipped or mowed to a maximum height of 4 inches within this zone. Depending on the slope of the ground, create a horizontal distance between shrubs that is two to six times the shrub’s height. Depending on the slope of the land, space trees 10 to 30 feet apart.

Tree limbs that are less than 6 feet from the ground should be removed. Allow a clearance distance of at least three times the shrub’s height to the tree’s lowest branch if shrubs are growing underneath it.

Use Non-Flammable Hardscaping

This method will help build fire-safe zones close to your home, ensuring that your home is safe in the event of a fire. Stone, gravel, steel, concrete, and decomposed granite are some of the non-flammable materials that can be used for building retaining walls, planter edging, patios, walkways, and driveways.

Keep the Roof Clean

You may be taking care of all other things to firewise your yard and property, but do not forget the roof. Unfortunately, it is one of the most vulnerable structures of the house during a wildfire. Make an extra effort to remove leaves and other debris off the roof. Do check the gutters for needles and leaves since they can easily ignite.

Use fire retarding roofing material for protecting your roof and prevent fire. Keep tree limbs away from chimneys, power lines, rooftops, and other structures.

These are some great tips to keep your home safe, and we highly recommend you call the professionals at Vicente Landscaping. They can help with the more difficult tasks, such as tree-trimming and maintaining the exterior landscape areas around your home.

By preparing for a wildfire this winter, you are buying yourself and the first responders more time to effectively respond in case of a fire. By doing these simple things, it’s possible to create a survivable space and defend your house from fire damage.

Beautiful, Hearty Plants that Grow in Northern Arizona

Prescott, Prescott Valley, Verde Valley and Flagstaff Arizona

It’s that time of year again and you’re working on sprucing up your northern or central Arizona landscape. It can be a challenge to find plants that are hearty and that can live in our mile-high, four season climates. Here are some suggestions from our team at Vicente Landscaping.

1) ARTEMISIA LUDOVICIANA or ARTEMISIA SAGE BRUSH WHITE – Prescott, Prescott Valley, Verde Valley, Flagstaff – Deciduous, full, or part sun, Grows 2 x 3 ft

Artemisia ludoviciana is a North American species of flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae, known by several common names, including silver wormwood, western mugwort, Louisiana wormwood, white sagebrush, and gray sagewort.

2) BUDDLEIA DAVIDII or BUTTERFLY BLACK NIGHT – Prescott, Prescott Valley, Verde Valley, Flagstaff – Semi-Deciduous – Full Sun – Grows 6-10ft – Pollinator

Buddleja davidii is also called summer lilac, butterfly-bush and it is widely used as an ornamental plant, and many named varieties are in cultivation.

3) CEASALPINIA GILLIESII or BIRD OF PARADISE YELLOW – Prescott, Prescott Valley, Verde Valley, Flagstaff – Grows 6-10 ft – Full Sun – Deciduous

The Desert Bird of Paradise or Yellow Bird of Paradise, botanical name Caesalpinia gilliesii, is a South American native revered for its red stamens and soft yellow flowers. Its feathery-like foliage is a hummingbird attractor and can soften any arid landscape.

4) CALAMAGROSTIS × ACUTIFLORA or KARL FOERSTER GRASS – Prescott, Prescott Valley, Verde Valley, Flagstaff – 3’ x 2’ wide and 5’ tall – Full Sun – Semi Deciduous

‘Karl Foerster’ is the most popular of the hybrid feather reed grasses sold in commerce today. It is noted for its narrow-vertical growth of bright green leaves to 3′ tall and 2′ wide and feathery plumes of summer-blooming pink to purple tinged flowers on narrow upright stalks rising well above the foliage to 5′ tall.

5) COTONEASTER DAMMERI or CLUSTERBERRY LOWFAST – Prescott, Prescott Valley, Verde Valley, Flagstaff – Evergreen – Grows 2’ x 6’ – Full or Part Sun – Red Berry

This low growing evergreen is called Cotoneaster dammeri ‘Lowfast’ and grows to an average landscape size of 2′ high and spreading 8-12′, this ground cover spreads rapidly rooting in almost any soil it touches. Its tangled stems grow small elliptical, leathery green leaves that are peppered with small white flowers as spring arrives. Following its blooming season, small bright red berries emerge densely filling in the shrub with color.

6) COGGYGRIA or SMOKE TREE ROYAL PURPLE (Prescott, Prescott Valley, Verde Valley, Flagstaff) – Full Sun – Grows 8’ -15′ – Deciduous

Dramatic, long-lasting, pinkish purple, smoke-like airy seed clusters backed by reddish purple foliage create a prized small tree or large accent shrub. Foliage holds its color all summer, then turns scarlet red in autumn.

For more Northern Arizona landscape suggestions, contact us at Vicente Landscaping. Or, check out this Plant, Shrub and Cactus Guide (source) to find the right plants that will thrive in your region.

How to Keep your Landscaping Dog-Friendly

A beautiful lawn and a happy pooch is now possible

Can an attractive front landscaping and dog co-exist? Yes, they can!

It’s generally believed that dog owners can’t have an attractive yard. Not if your yard’s landscaping isn’t dog-friendly. To be certain that your pooch has a great time romping in the yard without ruining its beauty, you must provide your dog with all the amenities it needs.

Let’s find out all the great tips to maintain your landscaping and let your buddy make merry while he’s out there.

Grasses

To help you determine the best options for your situation, we recommend grasses, living ground covers and non-living ground covers, and provide a variety of tips for maintaining a yard that meets the needs of your dogs without sacrificing visual appeal or overall function.

Pavers

Covering the run with manufactured pavers allows you to eliminate the mess without harming your dog’s sensitive paws. Manufactured pavers are also easy to hose down, allowing you to eliminate pet messes, odors and bacteria with your garden hose.

Install wire cages

Place wire cages around shrubs and trees to keep the dog from urinating on the roots of the plants. The enclosure will keep the dog away from your favorite plants.

Provide a place to play

Dogs love open fields because they are able to play. Provide enough space in the landscape where your buddy can run and chase. He will be busy jumping and playing and you will have fewer problems.

Choose dog-friendly materials

The landscaping materials shouldn’t be too hot for the dog. They should be easy to walk on and shouldn’t cling to the dog’s fur and feet. Smooth rocks, pebbles, brick, flagstone, and concrete are all dog-friendly materials.

If you are particularly worried about hot flooring in summer, choose bark chips and mulch. They won’t heat up. The only catch is that you will have to replace them at least once a year.

Artificial turf is an attractive choice for lawns these days. If you’re planning to get it installed, make sure it doesn’t get too hot in summer and is tender for dog paws.

Watch out for toxic plants

If you are planting diverse plants in your landscape, there is a good chance you are growing something poisonous without knowing. You must learn more about all the novel plants you are planting. Their leaves, berries, and other parts shouldn’t be poisonous.

Install a water fountain or sprinkler

Freshwater is essential for the dog. Ideally, go for a splash fountain, sprinkler, or a stream so that your dog has a great time whenever he is out in the yard.

Another option is installing a small pond, especially if your dog loves water.

Provide a shelter or shade

Dogs can get sunburn or heatstroke. If planting large trees is not possible, then consider installing overhead tarps. If there is enough space, you may add a doghouse too. Your pooch will love it and this will serve as a nice addition to your yard’s design.

Install a sandbox

If your dog loves to dig, install a sandbox to keep the dog out of the flower beds. When installing the sandbox, place it in an unused corner and fill it with sand. Show your dog that this is the right place to dig. This is a great way to satisfy your dog’s needs while keeping the rest of the landscape safe.

While making the landscape dog-friendly, it shouldn’t go without saying that you will have to train your dog so that they quickly adjust to the changes in the landscape. As long as our dog respects the boundaries, your landscape will remain in top shape.

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Cleaning & Sealing Pavers with Techniseal Cleaner & Sealer

As urban landscaping has evolved, concrete pavers have become an irreplaceable part of the modern backyard or garden. The versatility they provide is a major interest point for pavers; whether you use them around a hot tub or in front of a house, they are a great way for homeowners to bring a clean and polished look to their property. These pavers can last for lifetime if taken care of correctly. Therefore, it becomes incredibly important to ensure that the pavers have been thoroughly cleaned and sealed so that they last longer. To ensure proper installation of your pavers you must know the following information on cleaning and sealing the pavers!

The Right Time for Sealing Recently Laid Pavers

Experts recommend waiting at least for a year before sealing a recently laid paving job, but that is no longer necessary. Because they can face a full weather cycle in a span of 2-3 months, a wait of 60-90 days should be enough before getting started. This will allow any natural efflorescence to escape from the pavers. It also enables the pavement work to attain an optimum joint-stabilization level.

Preparing Surface before finally Sealing Concrete Pavers

The most vital element of perfect pavement work is preparing and cleaning the surface properly. It becomes incredibly important to remove any visible stains with the help of proper organic stain removers. We recommend trusted brands like Techniseal to achieve best results.

Tools Required for Successful Sealing of a Paver Surface

The two most popular methods for sealing pavers are rollers and sprayers. Both provide similar results in the end, but the major difference is that the sprayers require more time spent on preparation. Whatever method you choose, it is important to keep the saturation level in mind while sealing the pavers. The best method is to apply the sealant generously and wait for 4-5 minutes until the surface absorbs it. You should do this until a small portion of sealant is left on the surface to ensure the task is done properly. You can give it the final touch by removing any excess sealant through “back rolling” over the remaining product. Sealing pavers is a task that demands high accuracy and attention to detail. It is not like painting a wall where you can apply a second coat if you messed up on the first. It is important to be highly careful while doing the sealing job!

Is Annual Maintenance and Touch-up necessary?

High-quality products like Techniseal paver protector have been designed to last longer, but we always advise an annual touch-up. If taken care of properly, pavers can go years before they need complete resealing.

To ensure durable sealing, we recommend that you take time to plan, be thorough, and use high-end products. If you need assistance with this, or any other landscaping services, please visit VicenteLandscaping.com. We would be happy to help!

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