Tag Archives: Vicente Landscaping

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) BUXUS MICROPHYLLA or BOXWOOD WINTER GEM – Prescott, Prescott Valley, Verde Valley, Flagstaff – Evergreen, Full or Part Sun, Grows 2-4 ft.

The species is grown as an ornamental plant, both in its native area and elsewhere in temperate regions around the world. It is particularly suitable for topiary or low hedging.

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) 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 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!

Tags: Prescott AZ, Prescott Arizona, Vicente Landscaping, Northern Arizona, Landscaping Company, Landscaping, Techniseal, Pavers, Sealing, Sealing Pavers, Paver Surface, Concrete Pavers, Organic Stain Removers, Backyard, Driveway

Pretty Up Your Yard for the Summer!

Are you a nature lover? Do you love to spend time in your backyard during the summer? Spring and summer are the times when you can make the most out of your backyard. You can make it your cozy escape with loved ones, or a delightful garden retreat where you can enjoy peace and solitude! Implementing a few of these ideas can transform your boring backyard into an at-home getaway. Read on to learn more!

For Greener Grass Water Deeply, But Not Too Often

For those Prescottonians who sport a green, grassy yard. When you water your grass regularly, but only for a short period of time, the roots will not grow deep enough into the soil. This prevents grass from getting enough nutrients from the soil, making it more probable to die if you skip watering for a span of 2-3 days. However, when you water your grass deeply but not too often, the roots go as deep as 4-6 inches, causing them to get almost all the required nutrients and water from the soil, resulting in a lush green and delightful lawn!

Apply Weedicides in Mild Weather Conditions

Weedicides are absorbed through the leaves and then transported throughout the plant. When the weather is cold, weeds are generally dormant so the weedicides would produce negligible effects on them. The best time to use a weedicide is during mild weather, because this is the time when weeds are growing, and weedicides can eliminate them properly! Apply the weedicides when it is least probable to rain, so it does not wash away the weedicide before it can work!

Get Creative with the Vines

If directed properly, some vine plants can transform the look of your backyard completely. You can use vine supports to assist vines in growing where you want them to.. With a little creativity, vines could transform your whole backyard into an inviting, natural retreat.

Flower Bed Stones- The Game Changer!

Want to add a finishing touch to your garden’s landscape? We recommend lining the border of your flower bed with stones. Bed edging helps with defining and containing, making your garden more visually appealing, and protecting your garden from movement, wind or rain.

Custom Decorations and Designs

Want to make out the most of your backyard this spring and summer? There are so many other things that can be done to transform your outdoor area into the backyard oasis you deserve! If these tips seem overwhelming, or if you do not have the time/skills/expertise, then we recommend hiring a professional! Vicente Landscaping can offer a unique design for everyone in every price range. Visit VicenteLandscaping.com today if you want help preparing your backyard for summer!

Tags: Prescott AZ, Prescott Arizona, Vicente Landscaping, Northern Arizona, Greener Grass, Grass Maintenance, Grass, Summer Yard, Flower Beds, Weedicides, Vine Plants, Landscaping Company, Landscaping, Irrigation Zone, Water meter, Irrigation Lines, Spring Irrigation Maintenance

Fertilizing Plants – Wake Them Up for The Spring!

Is the garden-enthusiast in you excited about spring?! Lighten up the landscaping of your Prescott, AZ home with a delightful spring garden. Gardening is a task that requires thorough attention to detail, especially when it comes to working with fertilizers. We are here to educate you on the proper use of fertilizers to wake up your gardens and get a perfect spring blossom!

Why do the proportions of fertilizers matter?

Fertilizers are useful for your plants only if used in the right quantity. If used in excess, these fertilizers may cause environmental damage! This is where it becomes highly important to know about the fertilizers you are using, and the right way to use them.

The numbers and letters mentioned on the fertilizers may seem foreign, but they are important when it comes to understanding and making choices on how to fertilize your spring garden. This may seem complicated, but don’t worry! It is not rocket science, and we will be explaining it in a way that everyone can understand and benefit from. You would need to know about the following things before you can choose the right fertilizer. So, let’s dive in!

1. What Does the NPK Mean in The Fertilizer Context

While many of us have learned about soil structure in science class, it can be easy to forget the complexities when it is not something we are consistently practicing. We can help you brush up on this knowledge and better understand how to care for your plants this season, and in seasons to come.

First we will cover NPK. NPK is an acronym that stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium, all of which are vital nutrients for plant growth. This is the most common combination of ingredients in most fertilizers, with varying ratios of each. Let’s break it down:

Nitrogen – Plays a major role in protein supply and imparts the green color to the plants.
Phosphorous – Important for plant and root growth.
Potassium – Helps with food manufacturing and water transport.

Keeping in mind the hot and dry conditions of Prescott, AZ it becomes highly important to make a good selection of fertilizers which have NPK in the correct ratio.

2. What do the 3-Number Ratios Tell Us?

Fertilizer companies denote the NPK elements in the 3-Number Ratio form. This set of numbers tells us the percentages of NPK. For instance; a 10-20-10 ratio means that a 100-pound bag of fertilizer contains 10 pounds of Nitrogen, 20 pounds of phosphorus, and 10 pounds of potassium; which gives us up to 40 pounds of nutrients.

The Right Combination of Fertilizer Numbers for Spring

Fertilizing your garden is the best way to wake it up from its dormant state after a long winter. Proper fertilizing prepares your garden for the growth season. We are broadly classifying these gardens in three categories so that we can provide the best insights for you:

1. New Gardens- These generally require more care. Don’t ruin them with over-fertilization, but instead take a gentler approach. As they have probably stood for a long time without any major vegetation, they are already rich in nitrogen. When determining what fertilizer to use for new gardens, look for something with an NPK ratio like, low-high-high.

2. Established Gardens- As these gardens have stood the test of time, they may require more nitrogen in order to maintain their lush, green look. We recommend going for a fertilizer option with an NPK ratio of high-low-low to offer the maximum amount of benefit.

3. Damaged Gardens- If your garden has faced a long span of dry/cold winter conditions, then you can replenish it with an NPK ratio of high-low-high.

Final Note of Advice for Getting the Best Out of Your Garden for Spring

A beautiful garden is usually well-managed and planned. You can get the best out of your Prescott garden this spring by availing highly efficient and cost-effective landscaping services provided by Vicente Landscaping services; who have proved their legacy in landscaping over the 25 years of their golden service!

Tags: Prescott AZ, Prescott Arizona, Leaks, Irrigation, Irrigation Systems, Cracks, Spring Cleaning, Cracked Pipes, Vicente Landscaping, Northern Arizona, Valves, Landscaping Company, Landscaping, Irrigation Zone, Water meter, Irrigation Lines, Spring Irrigation Maintenance

Turning on Irrigation – Check your System for Leaks!

The main component of any well-managed garden or yard is the irrigation system. These irrigation systems stay almost invisible most of the time, but it is incredibly important to check these systems for leaks. Checking or fixing these systems for leaks not only just saves you money, but also helps to avoid wasting water.

Ready to Check Your Systems for a Possible Leakage – Let’s get Started!

In areas like Prescott, Arizona where the spring climate is dry, it is especially important for homeowners to prevent water wastage due to irrigation leaks. The most primal step of checking any water leakage is to check your water meter. Now look at the low flow indicator carefully and observe if it is moving (when not using water) inside and outside. If it is moving in the given test condition, then there is a high possibility that your irrigation system has a leak. The next thing to do would be to find the main sprinkler system’s valve and shut it off. This valve can be anywhere, maybe it is inside your home coming off the main water line, from your water meter, or it can be outside your home near your water tap; in any of the cases try to shut off the valve as soon as possible. Now take a look at the indicator, and if it keeps moving, then the leak is most likely inside your home. If the indicator stops moving, the leak is likely in your sprinkler system’s pipe.

Determining the Point of Leakage

For determining the irrigation zone that may have a possible leak, you may use the following steps:

Go to your controller and turn on water for one of the irrigation zones
Observe the following factors – do you hear the water moving? Do you see water bubbling up from the ground? Or do you see any wet spots or water pooling on the ground?
If any of these criteria are met, that zone likely has a water leakage that should be fixed as soon as possible.
Repeat this process for every zone to ensure proper functioning of your irrigation systems.

If in the above process you find a leak in your irrigation system, we recommend contacting a certified professional. If you are located in Prescott, AZ or the surrounding parts in Northern Arizona, please consider Vicente Landscaping for these services!

Measures to prevent Irrigation System Leakages

Exposed pipes may develop cracks, causing possible leakages. Keep an eye on these or take steps to properly cover them.
Be careful while mowing your lawn, as lawn mowers may cause damage to your irrigation systems if not used properly.
Check your system for loose fittings. Sometimes simple measures like tightening the joints between pipes or tightening sprinkler heads is enough to stop or prevent a leak.