Ask Darin: Bermuda Sod

Dear Darin: I have just layed Bermuda sod, it is browning up a little bit, and I am afraid it is going to die before it gets rooted. Can I fertilize? What is the best way of handling this?

ANSWER: You don't want to fertilize Bermuda sod until it has rooted which would take three weeks this time of year, you may be watering it too little or too much the way you can tell is to walk on the yard an hour after one water cycle, and if it feels squishy then cut back the amount of time and do more frequent watering. Remember there are no grass roots and every yard is different but you are want the ground moist--not soaked!

Metro GreenScape Newsletter Archive

Metro GreenScape is please to announce our new newsletter archive for back issues of THE GREEN LIFE. Check that out and learn more about outdoor living, living green and Metro GreenScape.

METRO GREENSCAPE: Best of Charlotte

We are proud to announce that Metro GreenScape won the 2009 Best of Charlotte Landscape Designers for the second year in a row by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Add a beautiful pergola to your outdoor living space

BEAUTIFUL PERGOLAS

Pergolas are a great way to bring the inside out. With a beautiful pergola your garden and entertaining area will become more intimate and comfortable on those days when you need to get out of the house or are having a few friends around.

Benefits of pergolas:
-->Add interest to a garden path.
-->Add structure for climbing plants.
-->Provide weather protection.
-->Improve the look of your house.
-->Screen out unsightly views.

The design of your pergola will depend on its function. Narrow pergolas emphasize direction and are best suited to paths and walkways. Entertaining areas should be wide and long. This allows for traffic flow around furniture and ornamental features. You could incorporate fixed seating into the structure or screening panels to create interest.
We recommend when possible, you choose cedar instead of pressure-treated lumber. Cedar is often more costly, but will maintain its shape and integrity longer. Labor for both types of construction are the same and the cedar is a better investment in your outdoor living space.

An open Patio with a Pergola feels like room within a room. Adding any vertical will give a sense of closure, filter sun, and bring comfort to your outdoor living space. If you want additional fun-filtering, you can add lattice or opposite 1x6 slate of lumber. You can even attach a fan to create a nice breeze!

You have many style options, including decorative ends. However, you should be aware that these ends should not extend over 12 inches from the structure to avoid warping.

Pergolas can be installed year-round in the Carolinas, so anytime is a good time to add one of these beautiful pieces to your outdoor space.

Check out our Pergola page on our website

Outdoor Living Consultations

If you are considering having work done on your outdoor living space, it is important first meet with an Outdoor Living Specialist to determine what will work best with your budget, property and needs.

A paverstone patio may make more sense in one place and not in another--a shade covering may be a better choice over a pergola (or vice versa!).

With Metro GreenScape, you are getting a wealth of experience and knowledge with will allow you to make the best decision for you, your family, and the investment into your home.

Consultations with an expert outdoor living specialist are available for $75. Call 704-504-0980 to set up your consultation today!

Ask Darin: There is fungus in my mulch!

Dear Darin: I have this fungus in my mulch and it is spreading everywhere, what do I do? It is sometimes yellow, white, black or brown, but it looks like dog throw up! Yuck!

ANSWER: We are seeing this fungus this year because of all the moisture we received this spring. The only way of treating this is to take a shovel to the effected area, carefully remove the fungus, put in a plastic bag and dispose. If you water it, step on it, or pop it, it will turn into a black powder and spread--not a good idea! Try to stay ahead of this and you will slow or stop the spread.