Choosing the Right Hardscape for Your Property: Flagstone vs. Brick Pavers vs. Concrete

Introduction: 

When it comes to enhancing your outdoor space, the right hardscape can make all the difference. Whether you’re considering flagstone, brick pavers, or concrete, understanding the pros and cons of each material is essential for making an informed decision. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences to help you choose the best option for your property.

Flagstone:

  • Pros: Natural beauty, flexible installation over uneven surfaces, blends well with natural landscapes, and allows tree roots to navigate underneath.
  • Cons:  Uneven surface can be tricky to place furniture on and hard to walk on for those in heels.  Weeding or weed control is needed between stones for best results.  Costs about the same as brick pavers.

Brick Pavers:

  • Pros: Classic and versatile look, durable, can be easily repaired if individual pavers become damaged or settle over time. 
  • Cons: Can be affected by ground movement such as tree roots and is more expensive than concrete.

Concrete:

  • Pros: Cost-effective, available in a variety of colors and finishes, quick installation, and low maintenance.
  • Cons: Prone to cracking over time, less flexible in adapting to uneven surfaces, and less visually appealing compared to natural stones.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right hardscape material depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the specific needs of your property. At Turner Design Group, we specialize in providing expert guidance and installation for all your hardscape needs. Contact us to schedule a consultation and transform your outdoor space today!

Ready to enhance your outdoor space? Contact us for a consultation and let us help you choose the perfect hardscape for your property!

Dive into Hydroseeding: Transforming Your Lawn with Green Magic

Introduction: Happy August, fellow garden enthusiasts! Summer is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to talk about one of our favorite lawn care techniques: hydroseeding. If you’re wondering what hydroseeding is all about and how it can turn your new build property into a lush green paradise, you’re in the right place!

What is Hydroseeding, Anyway? Imagine a blend of seeds, mulch, fertilizer, and water, all mixed into a slurry that’s sprayed evenly over your soil. That’s hydroseeding! It’s like giving your lawn a nutrient-packed smoothie to kickstart healthy growth. Unlike traditional seeding, hydroseeding offers better seed-to-soil contact, which means faster germination and stronger roots.

Why Choose Hydroseeding Over Sod? Sure, sod gives you instant gratification with its instant green carpet effect. But hydroseeding? It’s a game-changer for the long haul. It’s cost-effective, especially for larger areas, and it adapts better to your existing soil conditions. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and promotes healthier soil over time.

When’s the Best Time for Hydroseeding? Timing is everything in lawn care. Late summer and early fall are prime times for hydroseeding. Why? The cooler temperatures and frequent rainfall help new seeds establish without the stress of scorching heat. Planning ahead? Book your hydroseeding appointment now to lock in your spot before the schedule fills up!

Our Hydroseeding Success Stories Here at Turner Design Group, we’ve seen some incredible transformations with hydroseeding. From barren patches to vibrant green lawns, our clients love the results. Stay tuned as we share more success stories and tips in our upcoming blog posts!

Ready to Transform Your Lawn? Whether you’re dealing with bare spots or dreaming of a greener landscape, hydroseeding could be your answer. Reach out to us today for a consultation. Let’s discuss how hydroseeding can fit into your lawn care plan and get you on the path to a healthier, more beautiful lawn.

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July Gardening Tips: Keeping Your Landscape Thriving

Hey there, fellow gardening enthusiasts!

As we dive headfirst into July, our gardens are basking in the full glory of summer. It’s a time of vibrant blooms, lush foliage, and the occasional surprise visitor – like the infamous vomit fungus. Yep, you read that right!

In the midst of our peak summer maintenance, I want to share a few tips to ensure your landscape stays in tip-top shape throughout the month.

1. Keep Those Plants Hydrated

Just like us, our plants need plenty of water to thrive during the summer heat. Be diligent about watering your garden, especially during dry spells. And don’t forget about those thirsty container plants – they need a little extra love and attention.  On days with high heat, it is incredibly important to water the base of the plant only and not the foliage.  The foliage can evaporate water before the leaves can uptake causing accelerated wilting and actually hurt your plant!  When watering the base of the plant, the plant will uptake what it needs.

2. Beware of Fungal Intruders

Ah, yes, the dreaded vomit fungus and stinkhorn fungus. If you’ve ever encountered these unsightly fungus in your garden, you’re not alone. Triggered by humid conditions after heavy rainfall, these peculiar fungi can pop up seemingly overnight, resembling something straight out of a Tim Burton movie. While they may look alarming, rest assured they won’t cause any harm to your landscape. Simply trim them back or remove the fungi with a shovel and carry on with your gardening endeavors.

3. Test Your Soil pH

One often overlooked aspect of gardening in July is soil pH. Especially crucial for acid-loving plants like hydrangeas, knowing your soil’s pH level can make all the difference in your garden’s success. Whether you opt for a professional soil test or a DIY pH probe, understanding your soil’s acidity or alkalinity can help you make informed decisions about fertilization and plant care.

4. Embrace the Summer Vibes

Lastly, don’t forget to take a moment to simply enjoy your garden. Summer is a time of abundant growth and vibrant colors, so be sure to soak it all in. Whether you’re savoring the scent of blooming flowers or marveling at the symphony of buzzing bees, there’s no shortage of delights to be found in the summer garden.

So there you have it – a few simple tips to keep your landscape thriving throughout the month of July. Remember, gardening is all about embracing the beauty of nature and rolling with the punches, vomit fungus and all.

Until next time, happy gardening!

Trisha

Creating Your Dream Poolside Retreat: A Step-by-Step Guide by Turner Design Group

Introduction

Summer is here, and there’s no better way to embrace the season than by transforming your backyard into a luxurious poolside haven. At Turner Design Group, we specialize in turning your outdoor dreams into reality. A well-designed pool scape, with multiple entertainment possibilities, is at the heart of this transformation.

The Planning Phase

Every great pool landscape starts with a detailed plan. Our team at Turner Design Group begins by understanding your vision and assessing your space. We consider the layout, sun exposure, and your lifestyle needs to create a design that complements your home and enhances your outdoor living experience.

Choosing Materials

Selecting the right materials is crucial for both the aesthetics and longevity of your pool hardscape. We use high-quality, durable materials that withstand Michigan’s varying climate while adding elegance and style. From broomed concrete to modern pavers, we guide you through choosing materials that match your taste and budget.

Installation Process

Our experienced team manages every aspect of the installation with precision and care. We start by preparing the site to ensure proper drainage and a solid foundation. Next, the height of door thresholds, deck steps and the finished height of the pool must all work together. This is to prevent unwanted water problems and to ease accessibility. We meticulously design landscape plantings around outdoor rooms. This can create privacy or maximize open views depending on the function of the area(s). Our recent pool scape project showcases this process. We transformed a basic backyard into a stunning oasis, complete with before, during, and after photos to illustrate the journey.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your pool hardscape looking its best, regular maintenance is key. We recommend sealing outdoor surfaces to protect against stains and weather damage and weekly attention to garden beds through pruning and weeding.

Client Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from our satisfied clients who have experienced the joy of their own transformed poolside spaces.

From our first meeting, Turner Design Group was professional, knowledgeable and creative. They cleaned up the work area daily prior to leaving so we could still enjoy our new pool even though the project continued and worked diligently to solve any issues that arose during the process. Wonderful team to work with. They turned our mud (after our pool installation company left) into a beautiful space! Anne R, Brighton, MI

Conclusion

Imagine stepping into your backyard and finding a beautifully designed pool scape that invites relaxation and entertainment. At Turner Design Group, we make this dream a reality. Contact us today to start planning your summer oasis and let us bring your vision to life.