News – Page 6 – American Landscape

How a Green Roof Could Improve Your Building

January 15, 2019/in News, Sustainable Landscaping, Green Roofs/by American Landscape

A green roof is more than just a roof—it’s a natural-looking, beautiful way to support the environment in a developed area. The times of grey, rock-bedded roofs and blacktops are being overtaken by more environmentally aware efforts, and the results are worth it.

From its start in ancient Egypt to evolutionary phases in Europe, green roofs have come a long way. And the ecological benefits they can provide are needed now more than ever. Which is probably why there are more green roofs in Milwaukee now than ever before too, like this one on the Milwaukee Public Library.

If you are thinking about getting a green roof, understanding the benefits and considerations should be your first step.

What Are the Benefits of a Green Roof?

They Reduce Pollutants in Water

Because green roofs absorb rainwater, they reduce wasteful runoff, which promotes healthier soil and water.

According to research from Michigan State University, 60%to 100% of stormwater is absorbed in green roofs. Reducing runoff into existing soil and water sources reduces the flow of pollutants, which improves soil and water quality. And that’s not all—green roofs also lower energy use.

They’re Energy Efficient

Green roofs provide natural insulation that can reduce energy emissions and, subsequently, a building’s carbon footprint.

According to the British Columbia Institute of Technology, in the colder months heat is retained and in summer the vegetation absorbs the heat from direct sunlight. Just how much can a green roof save you? The National Parks Services estimates that green roofs can save $200,000 over a 40-year span, with two-thirds of the savings coming from reduced energy.

They Support Agriculture and Vegetation

Giving your roof a platform for growth breathes new life into the atmosphere, literally. The EPA’s study on reducing heat islands illustrates that allowing vegetation to grow on your roof promotes plant growth while reducing pollutants.

Here’s how it works: The most common pollutants emitted from buildings are carbon dioxide and monoxide. And, as you may or may not know, plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. So, by having a green roof on your building, you can effectively prevent the emission of this pollutant into the atmosphere. This is great for the plants and the atmosphere.

Considerations for Green Roof Installation

According to an article from Forbes, a leaking green roof is a common myth (among many). In fact, in a well-planned green roof, the root barrier absorbs water, so it’s unlikely to leak. True, a missing root barrier could lead to leaking, but if the roof is properly planned and maintained, it shouldn’t. This is why it’s important to work with a qualified and experienced green roof landscaper and installer. Neglecting to do so could mean long-term structural damage to your property.

A few other things you will want to keep in mind include:

There are three types of green roofs you can choose from: extensive, intensive, and semi-intensive.
An extensive green roof is considered the most cost-efficient.
Extensive green roofs consist of small grasses, sedums, and herbs that require low maintenance.
Intensive green roofs are larger in scale but offer more room for vegetation, as well as increased biodiversity.

Which is right for your building depends on your space, goals, and budget.

Contact Us for a Consultation

No matter the type, a green roof can have a positive effect on the environment and your property. Whether you’re hoping to improve your property’s looks or carbon footprint, a green roof can help. And there are plenty of other sustainable landscaping options available too.

If you’re ready to learn more, contact American Landscape. We’d love to help you bring your roof to life!

Winter Landscaping: Planning Your Landscape for Snow Removal

December 5, 2018/in News, Landscape Design, Winter Services/by American Landscape

In the immortal words of Ned Stark, “Winter is coming.” You might be rejoicing right now that you no longer have to mow your grass, but pretty soon you’re going to be outside with a shovel or snowblower—and maybe wishing you were pushing a mower instead!

Before the white stuff starts really hits, make sure you and your lawn are prepared for the inevitable snow removal. Here’s how to winterize your landscape so that winter takes a minimal toll on it.

Protect Your Plants From Salt

Rock salt is an effective snow melting agent, but it can also wreak havoc on your grass and other plants. It can cause your plants to suffer from dehydration and will inhibit their growth once the warmer weather returns. Take precautions to protect those plants now, before the snow starts to fall.

Wrap trees, shrubs, and other plants around the base with burlap or plastic to prevent snow from seeping in. When it comes time to apply salt to your driveway or walkways, take care to keep from strewing it on the grass or plants.

You might also want to cut the salt with sand. This stretches it and dilutes its effect on greenery. Alternatively, switch to sand or kitty litter altogether. These don’t melt the snow and ice as effectively as salt, but they do provide traction on slippery walkways.

Prep Your Property for Snow Removal

If you contract with a plowing service (or even if you do it yourself), mark your driveway with reflective poles. This can prevent your yard from being damaged if the plow operator can’t tell where the driveway ends and the grass begins.

In general, a snowblower is a gentler way to clear snow than shoveling. A snowblower also makes it relatively easy to direct the snow into an area where it won’t cause damage, like the end of the driveway, for example.

If you do shovel, shovel early and often. When you wait until the end of a storm to commence clearing away the snow, it will be harder to remove. A buildup of snow also obscures the dividing line between sidewalk and lawn.

When shoveling, try not to pile the snow onto bushes, shrubs, or grass. Heavy, wet piles of snow damage plants of all types. Sometimes, of course, there’s no other place to pile it. If this is the case with your property, take advantage of sunny spring days by spreading the melting snow evenly across the lawn. That way, no one area risks incurring all the damage.

Don’t Forget Your Hardscaping

Fountains, statues, and outdoor appliances like grills can be damaged by snow and ice. Prevent problems down the line by bringing them inside, if possible, or securing them with heavy plastic or taps.

If you’ve recently had a driveway or walkway makeover, double check that it’s protected by a sealant. It’s also a good idea to inspect paths for loose or uneven bricks or stones, or any type of hole or crack. These can catch shovels’ blades or make for a tripping hazard.

Before the winter hits, take a good look around and patch up any problem areas.

Protect Your Winter Landscaping and Enjoy the Season

Once you have taken precautions to protect your lawn, garden, and hardscaping from damage caused by snow removal, you can sit back and enjoy the winter! Skiing, anyone?

Of course, you can always leave the hard work to the experts and call us for safe, effective snow removal services instead. Contact us today!

How to Choose the Best Cold Climate Plants for Milwaukee Gardens

November 21, 2018/in News, Landscape Design, Sustainable Landscaping/by American Landscape

Planting a beautiful garden in a place like California is a no-brainer. The weather is nice year-round and you can tend to it 365 days a year. The same can’t be said for Milwaukee.

Milwaukee winters are a challenge. Most days have a high below freezing from late November to early March and as little as nine hours of daylight. So, how do you create a beautiful garden? The answer is cold climate plants.

Not sure what plants are suited for Milwaukee’s climate? No problem. Read on to learn everything you need to know!

Choose Cold Climate Plants Suited to Your Hardiness Zone

The United States Department of Agriculture produces a map of the US that divides the country up into hardiness zones. These are zones that are optimal for specific plants to grow. It is updated every year to reflect any potential changes in climate throughout the country.

Milwaukee is firmly within hardiness zone 5b. When you consider whether you want to place a plant in your garden, be sure to check its hardiness zone. Most have a range of zones in which they can grow.

So, what plants are best for hardiness zone 5b? A lot!

Perennials

There are plenty of perennials that work very well for zone 5b gardens. A perennial is a plant that lives longer than two years. In fact, most live longer. Perennials that work well in 5b include echinacea, poppy, peony, and lavender for ground cover.

Trees and Shrubs

If you’re looking for seasonal color in your garden, try deciduous trees like the Autumn Blaze maple, Pin oak, or Cleveland Select pear tree. Gingko trees are also a great option, but be sure to look for male trees so you don’t have to deal with a stinky garden.

If you prefer evergreen, plant trees like the Colorado Blue spruce, white pine, or hemlock. Look into juniper, boxwood, or yew for shrubbery.

Go Native

Native gardens are a great way to pay homage to the land on which you live. Native gardens consist of plants, trees, and other vegetation that grows wild where you live. These plants are well adapted to your area, and in fact, thrive there.

In Milwaukee, a native garden means that you have a miniature prairie around your home. These low maintenance plants include grasses like prairie dropseed and little bluestem. For flowers, look for purple coneflower, prairie blazingstar, cream false indigo, and smooth aster.

Native garden bonus: Native gardens are an excellent way to attract wildlife like hummingbirds and butterflies. In fact, they are very beneficial to wildlife that is rapidly losing habitat.

Check Out Our Blog for More Info About Landscaping in Milwaukee

Cold climate plants a great solution for anyone who wants a beautiful garden in Milwaukee. Whether you select plants that are suited to Milwaukee’s climate zone or plants that are native to the area, you’ll end up with a beautiful garden you can be proud of year-round.

Need more tips about gardening in Milwaukee? Check out our blog for information about everything from winterizing your garden to attracting wildlife. Happy gardening!

5 Tips for Winterizing Gardens Against the Milwaukee Chill

October 3, 2018/in News, Winter Services/by American Landscape

Did you know that the coldest temperature ever recorded in America is -66? F? No human would want to be outside when it’s that cold, and neither do your plants!

Luckily, winters aren’t nearly that cold for most of us. However, your plants could be in trouble any time the thermometer dips below freezing. If you want to keep your plants safe this winter, there are several steps you can take.

Here are the five best tips for winterizing gardens to protect your garden all winter long.

1. Move Potted Plants Indoors

Protecting your garden in the winter becomes much easier when you have a lot of potted plants. All you have to do is move any delicate plants indoors. If you have access to a greenhouse, that can be an even better location.

Remember to make sure each plant has enough water and sunshine to survive the winter months. It’s also important to ensure each plant has adequate drainage. If your potted plants get too soggy, the roots can rot and die.

2. Winterizing Gardens with Pruning

During the fall, it’s always a great idea to prune your trees and shrubs to prepare for winter. Scan each plant to look for any stray, sickly, or dead branches. When you properly maintain your trees and shrubbery, you can prevent structural damage to your garden.

3. Lay Down Some Winter Mulch

One of the best steps you can take when learning how to protect plants in winter is to lay down some mulch. Not only will mulch provide extra nutrients to your garden, but it can also act as a protective barrier against snow and frost.

If you live in a windy area, a layer of mulch can also prevent any plants from being ripped out of the ground.

4. Keep an Eye on the Snow

Mulch can help protect the roots of your plants, but snow can damage the surface areas. After heavy snowfall, it’s wise to go outside and wipe off any snow that has accumulated on your plants.

If you don’t want to be bothered with this upkeep, you can also invest in some winter plant covers. These covers will help insulate your plants and prevent the snow from damaging their structure or health.

5. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Writing a to-do list and creating a schedule are the best ways to ensure that you are fully prepared for winter. Lots of people fail to keep their gardens alive through the winter because they procrastinate until the first snowfall. By then, it’s unpleasantly cold outside and the soil has hardened.

Getting these chores done during the fall will give you plenty of time to properly tend to each plant in your garden.

Want More Gardening Help?

Now that you know how to protect your garden this winter, you can start preparing. If you live in the Milwaukee area and need more help with winterizing your gardens or other landscaping needs, American Landscape is here for you.

If you have any questions about the services we offer, please contact us.

6 Small Garden Landscaping Ideas for Your Menomonee Falls Garden

September 5, 2018/in News, Landscape Design/by American Landscape

Just because your garden is small doesn’t mean that you need to compromise design. While you may not have room for sweeping beds or a grove of trees, there’s plenty of ways to make a tiny garden feel larger.

Keep reading for a few small garden landscaping ideas that can help you do just that.

1. Add a Small Greenhouse

If you’re dreaming of raising exotic plants year round but Wisconsin’s cold winters have you thinking twice, a greenhouse is an obvious choice.

Many greenhouses are far too large for a backyard garden that is tight on space. Luckily, there are plenty of miniature versions.

A tall, cabinet-style glass greenhouse allows you to utilize vertical space, which means you won’t be wasting any space you could use for gardening.

2. Extend Your Space With Walls and Tiers

If your backyard doesn’t leave you with much vertical space for creating a garden, you can create your own space using walls and tiers.

Raised beds make it easier to separate your plants and attend to them. Plus, if you create those beds with concrete walls, the walls can double as an easy sitting area for working in or enjoying your garden.

3. Create a Living Wall

If your backyard isn’t even large enough for raised beds, you might think it’s too small for a garden. Think again!

Living walls are one of the latest trends in small backyard landscaping ideas. They utilize wooden planters stacked vertically along a wall.

Once your wall is in place, you can use creeping or draped plants to give your stacked garden a more natural look. Or use it to grow herbs for a simple, space-saving kitchen garden.

4. Give Yourself a View

When you’re perusing landscaping ideas for small yards, you’ll find plenty of ideas for creating plots or choosing the right plants. But none of those tips will be any good if you don’t also create a space for yourself to enjoy your garden.

When you’re plotting your landscaping design for small yards, be sure to put a focus on integrating a seating area. Position it so that you can see a large part of your garden.

5. Paint Exterior Walls White

One simple tip for making your backyard garden look and feel larger is to minimize distraction.

Dark or even lighter patterned exterior walls can draw eyes away from your garden, making it look even smaller. To minimize this effect, paint exterior surfaces white.

6. Use Lines to Create an Illusion

While a professional gardener will have a number of tactics to landscape small backyards and make them look larger, there are a few you can utilize on your own. For instance:

Plants arranged in clean, straight lines can help lend the illusion that a space is larger than it is.
Use your space to create the longest possible line with your plants to make your space look as large as possible.

Putting Small Garden Landscaping Ideas to Work

While these small garden landscaping ideas are great for making the most of your space, a professional landscaping service is able to do much more.

With the right tools and know-how for maximizing any garden, pros can help you create a space that looks and feels much bigger than it really is.

Contact us today to see how we can make a difference in your backyard. We offer garden design in Menonomee Falls and Milwaukee.

5 Gorgeous Zone 5 Perennials to Liven Up Your Landscaping

August 8, 2018/in News, Landscape Design, Sustainable Landscaping/by American Landscape

We don’t see grand garden landscapes today the way we once did. No one plots acres of hedgerows or fields dotted with a hundred different types of rose for their own backyard anymore. Today’s garden is smaller and more manageable—but it doesn’t have to be less beautiful than the aristocratic roaming grounds of a bygone age.

If you want your little slice of Menomonee Falls to rival Alnwick and Versailles, you should first explore your own climate. A garden in southeast Wisconsin will not nurture the same plants you might find in the hills of Texas or the swamps of Louisiana.

Plant hardiness zones indicate which plants will thrive in your backyard. Wisconsin is in zone 5, where temperatures may reach a cold extreme of -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re not sure what plants are appropriate for your neighborhood, here are five zone 5 perennials that will thrive in a Midwestern weather.

Yarrow

This flowering plant, whose blooms cluster together in bursts of yellow (and sometimes red or pink), is hardy and eye-catching. It’s an ideal pick for zone 5 gardens. Yarrow is drought-resistant, insect-resistant, and has a bitter taste that discourages wildlife from nibbling at it.

If you like your plants to come equipped with fun facts, you can entertain visitors with some of the historical uses for the yarrow plant. Ground yarrow mixed with water was once used as a paste to heal sunburns!

Allium

Allium blooms tower above garden beds, and they are useful if you want to feature some taller specimens among your flowers. Their flowers are usually a vibrant purple, and exposure to full sun will ensure they stand tall to greet passers-by.

And here’s a secret: Allium is a type of onion! Because of this relation, their blossoms give off a mild scent that acts as an animal repellent. If your garden contains flowers likely to tempt the local wildlife, a few allium bulbs could save you a headache.

Potentilla

If you’re in need of ground cover but you’re bored with plain, old green, potentilla is an excellent option. This shrub typically has small white or yellow flowers. One variety even features a variegated, dark orange blossom that lightens to yellow at the edges.

In the winter, the leaves and flowers fall away to reveal reddish stems. They peel slightly throughout the season, giving your winter garden a little color and interest.

Russian Sage

This aromatic member of the mint family adds delicate hints of blue and lavender to a garden. It can grow quite tall, and it is a great addition to a rustic gardenscape. Russian sage enjoys direct sunlight and is drought-resistant.

Russian sage (which is neither from Russia nor sage, by the way) is popular with pollinators, including bees!

Peony

Peonies are a great choice if you want to be able to walk through your garden and collect flowers for a vase on the dinner table. These zone 5 flowers are showstoppers and last up to a week cut.

Peonies are slow growers, so it can take a few years for a plant to mature and bloom. They also require more maintenance than some other plants on the list. The soil in which peonies are planted may need fertilizing, and they should be deadheaded to encourage a healthy bloom.

Enjoy Your Zone 5 Perennials Gardening Adventure

Armed with your list of zone 5 perennials, there’s little stopping you from planting the garden of your dreams. Now you just need a great landscape design to pull it all together!

If you need help with the initial design or ongoing maintenance, let us know. We offer garden design and ongoing maintenance for landscapes throughout Milwaukee and Menonomee Falls.