Testimonial

We are writing to convey our satisfaction with the work that we had completed with Metro-Green Scape. We had a large project completed that consisted of clearing out and re-grading our back yard, irrigation system that covers front, back and both sides or our home, complete re-sodding of our front, back and side yards, and a large 15 X 24 plus paver patio. Darin and his staff worked very closely with us on all facets of the project from start to finish.

They were very patient with us when we had to trouble shoot various aspects of the project. With a project this size, there were going to be situations that needed to be addressed, and Darin was always willing to work through those concerns with a reasonable outcome that met out individual needs. His staff was always prompt, courteous, worked efficiently and professionally. The makeover of our yard was dramatic, and out neighbors, family and even strangers have commented on how great it looks. The sod came in wonderfully, and the areas that required special treatment, repair or replacement were taken care of without hesitation or question.

Due to our tremendous satisfaction with this phase of work completed, we are into a second level of project with landscaping renovation and shrubbery replacement. We look forward to the outcome of this project, and have complete faith that we will be equally satisfied. We highly recommend Metro-Green Scape to anyone who has a desire to transform their outdoor living space, whether it is a small or large project.

Thank you
The Beaudoin Family

Testimonial

Being first time homeowners, my husband and I didn’t know where to start when it came to landscaping. We did know, however, that we had a limited budget and wanted to achieve curb appeal. The first time you came to meet with us, you truly listened to our concerns and gave us practical resolutions. As we debated moving forward, you were patient with us. After we received other estimates and researched other work that your company had done, working with Metro-Green Scape was the best option. The best experience of all was going to the nursery with you. You allowed us to make the important decisions but gave the right level of guidance we needed. We can’t help but smile when our neighbors walk by and comment on how nice the yard looks. Thank you Darin and Team.

The Blairs.

Testimonial

Thank you for all of your hard work on our landscaping project. We appreciate your willingness to address our concerns. Thanks again for everything we hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Heather & Adam Collins

Testimonial

Darin,

The work was professionally done and in a timely manner. The backyard was returned to its original way and I was very pleased overall in the way the porch was put together. The colors go beautifully. Now all we have to do is get some patio furniture and we are ready for summer cookouts!

Thank you for everything you have done in the past and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,
Irene Saylor

Testimonial

Darin,

I just wanted to you to know how much I like the landscape. I can’t wait until all the grass comes in. I am looking forward to using the back yard quite a bit. Thanks again and tell your employees what a good job they did.

Wanda Howze

Testimonial

My new patio is beautiful and I thank you for making that happen.

Once I met Darin and heard his suggestions I was impressed. After doing some research, I was sure Metro-GreenScape, Inc would be my best choice even though their plan was not the least expensive. I chose them because I totally trusted them to do the best job.

When the date they finally came to start work, I already had a 4 day trip planned. I didin’t cancel my trip, because I was confident that everything would be O.K. When I returned, my patio was almost finished.

The crew who worked on my patio were very nice and efficient. I would highly recommend Metro-GreenScape, Inc. to anyone wanting landscaping done. You can rest assured that Darin & Heather will keep you posted on everything and if they say they will do something, they will do it

Iris Perez

Testimonial

I would like to thank Metro-GreenScape, Inc for an outstanding job on the installation of my new patio. You and your team have turned my patio dream into reality, the design and colors match perfectly the natural landscape of my back yard. Again, thank you for your wisdom and vision in exceeding all my expectations.

Bernard V McGraw
District Manager
Ford Motor Company

testimonial

Darin responded quickly to the initial call and offered excellent suggestions on laying out the initial design. Once the construction started, the job foreman proved to be extremely competent and pointed out on several occasions certain changes we needed to make in order to improve the finished product. All members of the crew were professional, easy to work with, and very skilled. The entire job was completed in one week. They cleaned up thoroughly. This was big project for us and not something we had previous experience with. We are very, very happy with our new back yard.

Mr. Walden

Testimonial

Someone came by today and finished a couple of last details on our project. I really appreciate the fact that they did not let anything drag on for any length of time.

Last week was honestly the most fun I’ve had in years. There is something neat about working toward a goal and being able to actually see the result when you finish. My job doesn’t give you the same tangible results after the fact. As I get older I seem to appreciate the difference even more.

I sincerely hope that you and Heather continue to have success and grow your company and achieve your goals. If we can be of help in offering referrals or showing the patio area to any of your prospects, we would be more than happy to do so. Just ask!

Please pass on my words of thanks to the crew. They were terrific. We feel very lucky to have Jose as a job foreman. His expertise, ideas and recommendations were great and his skills at laying the random pattern will provide us with enjoyment for a long time.

Well, that’s all I have to say. If anything comes up I will call. Otherwise, I will be in touch when it’s time to take on the next project!

Crews and Linda

Landscaping Is Cool!

Darin Brockelbank
Outdoor Living Expert
Metro GreenScape, Inc

13601 South Tryon Street

Charlotte, NC 28278
704.504.0980



Landscaping isn’t always just for show. A well-designed landscape will not only add beauty to your yard but it also can reduce your cooling costs. Sound far-fetched? Let me explain!

Every day, that sun is beating down on you and your home. The rays of the sun are absorbed through windows and roofs, making your home hotter and making your cooling costs rise. You can diminish your summer heating costs by populating your lawn with shade trees. They don’t have to be gigantic, they can be simple bushes or trees that block the sun from heating up your first floor or second floor windows.

Shading and evapotranspiration* from trees will lower surrounding temperatures as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit! Because cooler air moves lower to the ground, the air underneath your trees will be sometimes as much as 20 degrees cooler! Imagine what that can mean in a Charlotte August! Trees often tend to keep moisture under their canopies as well, so while it might be a tad more humid, your grass will survive a blistering drought better then your neighbors. Shrubs, and ground cover plants can also shade the ground and pavement, reducing heat in the air before it reaches your home.

Now to use shade trees properly, you should consult with an landscape expert about size, location, shape and most importantly – type of tree! There are several different types of tree that will work for any home in any region, but you should find the proper one for your land.

To help with your heating costs, trees and bushes can be a buffer from the elements too. Heavy winds sometimes pull out the heat from a home, and trees can act as extra protection during wicked winters.

So landscaping is... a very cool GREEN solution !

Now is the time to develop your landscape plan for the next year. Contact Metro GreenScape at 704.504.0980 to schedule your appointment today.

-Darin

*Evapotranspiration: the million dollar word of the day for the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor)

Testimonial

I want to thank you and your workers for the beautiful job you all have done to my lawn today. I knew nothing about your company and at random in the phone book I called and received prompt attention to my call and in fact, you all went out of your way to give me a beautiful yard for the Christmas holiday. You can be sure I will call on your company for the needs of my lawn and highly recommend your services.

Jeanie Reinsel

Testimonial

Thank you so much for the professionalism and follow up with me on the proposal you prepared for me. As I spoke to you last week, I did have a second proposal prepared and found that you were very competitive in your bid. Thanks again for the professionalism you showed me.

Jerry Neel

Testimonial

The wall is finished, it is not exactly what I had visualized, but now that is complete I love it.
Thanks so much. The guys that came to do the job were very nice and they cleaned everything
up. I was very impressed.

Thanks so much.

Donna Nielsen

Testimonial for Metro GreenScape!

Hello Darin,
Thanks for the great job Metro GreenScape did on our patio.

The enjoyment we get from it is made better by the fact that you gave us such a great price, and the construction process was quick and painless, with a absolute minimum of damage to the yard.
I have attached a couple of pictures.


Thanks again,
Rick and Pam Garcia

Testimonial

While preparing our Charlotte house for sale from Washington, DC, Darin with Metro-GreenScape proceeded with replacing our retaining wall in an outstandingly professional manner. Not having met face-to-face and at our geographic remove, Metro-GreenScape performed our desired work with alacrity, precision, conscientiousness, concern for detail, uprightness, and a handshake level of trust that’s all too rare these days. I give Metro-GreenScape my highest recommendation.

Milton W. Grenfell

Testimonial

Small world! Darin is the absolute best! He did a terrific job on a new listing I have. Not only was his price reasonable, but he showed up when he said and finished on time!

—almost unheard of!!

Catherine

Testimonial

Thank you Metro-GreenScape for the phenomenal job you did for us. Taking the “dead” area in my yard and designing a beautiful courtyard with a fountain is the focal point of my entry. Your crew did a quality job implementing the design and your rates were very competitive. You transformed my yard from looking like a construction site, to a beautifully landscaped yard. My “landscape dreams have come true.”

D & J

Testimonial

We recently moved into a new home that needed a lot of work done to the landscaping. It was pretty much bare. Metro-GreenScape came in with a very professional crew and worked our landscape design perfectly. We were able to communicate our desires, worked within our budget and they delivered a beautiful finished product. We will definitely continue the rest of our landscape design with Metro-GreenScape.

Mike and Michelle

Testimonial

I wanted to write to say “thank you” for the great work that you and your team did for me. My yard looks great now thanks to Metro-GreenScape. I would also like to say “thank you” for going that extra mile by replacing some parts of the sod that didn’t take root properly during the initial installation. Thank you very much for your time and commitment to excellence. I have already recommended you to several people who are looking to have landscaping and sod renovations.
Best of luck in the future. God Bless!

John Holloway

Testimonial

We are very pleased with the retaining wall and the stone steps that you constructed in our back yard and we wanted to sincerely thank you for all of your help regarding our landscaping needs. Your company is a pleasure to work with and we really appreciate the quality of service that you provide.

We have worked with several landscape companies over the years and you are by far the best company that will return calls in a timely manner and finished their work in the time period that was agreed upon. We will continue to recommend your company to neighbors and friends in the future and Metro-GreenScape will be the first landscape company that we call when we are
in need of landscape assistance.

Brad and Renee Deweese

COUPON: $50 off Fall Maintenance

The leaves are falling and the frosty nights are here. Don't get stressed about Fall Lawn Maintenance this year!


Fall Clean-up
Our Fall Yard Maintenance Services Go Way Beyond Leaf Removal!
It's that time of the year – Fall Yard Clean-up time! Metro GreenScape is your professional neighborhood landscape choice. Download our new Fall Maintenance Services Flyer by clicking here!

Get a FREE $250 Fall Maintenance Package when you sign a one-year lawn maintenance agreement with Metro GreenScape! Ask us about the details!

Fall Maintenance Services Menu
- Leaf Removal - Flower Bed Clean up - Outdoor Lighting & Irrigation Check-ups - Trimming Shrubbery

Fall Maintenance Plan Three: $250 if you schedule by Nov. 30, 2009!Pick one choice from above. Includes hauling of all debris. (4 hours)

Fall Maintenance Plan Two: $475 if you schedule by Nov. 30, 2009!Pick two choices from above. Includes hauling of all debris. (8 hours)

Fall Maintenance Plan One: $850 if you schedule by Nov. 30, 2009! Includes all services listed above and hauling of all debris. (16 hours)

“Good Neighbor” Team Plan: Team up with your next door neighbor and split a package between the two of you!

(Prices are based on a normal 1/4 to 1/3 acre yard.) Call us at 704-504-0980 to schedule your annual Fall clean-up and reserve the best times for you!

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Follow this LINK for $50 off Fall Maintenance with Metro GreenScape!
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Testimonial

Heather came out and did the initial estimate, patiently modified the plan and estimate several times as I requested changes. Darin and the crew came out and did the work to our satisfaction.
He had some dirt left over, but used that to add another area that was not in the original estimate.

When they left, my driveway was cleaner than when they arrived. They were also careful
not to damage any existing plants or trees. I definitely recommend them.

Tom Kelly

Testimonial

We recently built a new home and our lot was an undeveloped, wooded lot. Metro-GreenScape, Inc. transformed the lot to a well manicured, beautifully landscaped yard with green grass and natural areas, while maintaining the natural trees all around. It was amazing to watch the transformation in only a few short days. We couldn’t be more satisfied with the result. WHAT A HUGE DIFFERENCE! Darin and Heather really know their business. Every detail of the landscaping process was explained, so that we would know exactly what we were getting. Dealing with them was a real pleasure. Not only are they knowledgeable about landscaping, they are also punctual and very reasonably priced. The finished product was even better than we had expected.

Rick and Vick Burn

Testimonial

I really appreciated your efforts. Since our initial meeting, it has been a pleasure working with you and your company. After working with numerous contractors through the past few years, I have experienced inconsistent results. Your professionalism, consistency, quality, and timeliness helped me regain my confidence towards contractors. The patio met all of our expectations. It is absolutely gorgeous. From me and my family, thank you for the excellent work!

-AP

Testimonial

This company was a pleasure to work with. Darin tells you the truth; however painful it may be. He tells you what is the best thing to do, then delivers as promised. You don’t need a contract; his handshake is all the security you will need.

-Gary Canupp

Testimonial

I just wanted to see if you have heard anything about when our Double Knockout Roses will be here? Keep us updated :) By the way...everything looks lovely and we have received MANY compliments. We are so excited to see the final outcome and have green grass :)

Thanks.
Katie Culpepper

Charlotte Home Staging Expert: Marcyne Touchton

SELL YOUR HOME IN TODAY'S MARKET
Times are tough, but despite that, homes are selling. It is a buyer's market and we have an overflow of inventory of homes for sale. Your home has to STAND OUT and be set apart from the competition.

TOP 5 things you can do

CURB APPEAL

Driver-by's must be able to pass by your home with the thought, "that was a pretty home, I wonder what the inside looks like." Regularly cut the grass, trim the hedges, rake the leaves, sweep the sidewalks and power-wash the driveway if you need to. Have a few pretty potted plants for a pop of color. Make sure everything dead is pulled out or replaced. Don't forget to replace dead looking, brown pine needs - it's a cheap fix and gives you a lot of bang for the bucks.

DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER

According to Barb Schwarz, the pioneer and founder of Stagedhomes.com says, "clutter eats equity." Go through each room, with 2 boxes per room. Don't forget the family room, kitchen, and office, they are all considered a room. Label each box, "keep" and "Donate." Take everything off the shelves, tables, and start tossing into the boxes. Go back to the keep box and grab only a few decorative pieces you think you will use to "stage" the house room by room. Everything else in the "keep" box you end up not needing, pack it up so you will be ready for move day. It makes the moving process easier as well - and keeps your moving bill lower!

MAGIC OF THREE

You can have 3 items per hard area, but no more. If you have a lamp, plant, and book, on top of a table, that is well balanced. If you have 10 things, it would be overdone. The 3 things should be grouped together to make a triangle shape.

VIEWPOINT

The first impression people make is from the moment a person walks in to the home. Go to the doorway, and open your door as if you are a prospective buyer. Soak it in, them eliminate all the clutter that is preventing you from seeing the nice moulding, the wide hallway, the hardwood floors, etc.

"Q-TIP CLEAN"

This is something all ASP Stagers are taught from day one. A properly staged home should be immaculate - "Q-Tip Clean, " as Schwarz puts it. "It means getting dead flies out of your windowsill and going around the bottom of your toilet on the floor," she says. The purpose of ensuring the house is spotless is more than simply making it presentable. If a home is unkempt, a buyer will wonder what other, less visible problems may come with the property," Schwarz says. "They'll say, 'Gosh, if they live like this, what don't they take care of that I can't see?"

If you need further help and would like a FREE assessment, please do not hesitate to call Marcyne Touchton, ASP, ASPM, IAHSP. 704.905.6343. or email: marcyne@domainestaging.com

Testimonial

Thank you so much for blessing us with the “mulch.” Wow! Our yard and our planting beds look so much better. We appreciate your labor of love.

Billy Ginn

Testimonial

You showed real professionalism and energy to grow a promising business for your future. The estimate was well within by budget and the estimate was sent to me in a timely manner. Of the three landscapers I had come to by home, you were the only one that actually listened to what I wanted. Thank you and I will call you for future needs!

- Angie Seiber

Some Upcoming Metro GreenScape Events!

METRO GREENSCAPE AT DANIEL STOWE

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 Noon - 1 pm
Bringing Your Garden to Light
Location: The Wren Room at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Admission: Free with Garden admission!

Join Heather Brockelbank, Chief Designer at Metro GreenScape, for an exciting look at how the beautiful and dramatic impact outdoor lighting can have on your home and landscape. See how simple lighting principles can increase visibility and safety, and enhance your landscape features. Lighting projects will be presented to help you understand the design process.

Saturday, October 10, 2009 10 a.m. - Noon
Outdoor Lighting for the Home Landscape
Location: TBD at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Admission: Members $15, Non-members $18

Join Heather Brockelbank, Chief Designer at Metro GreenScape, as she shows you how outdoor lighting can do wonders for your home and landscape, bringing 'to light' its true beauty! Learn how to design outdoor lighting that not only adds beauty and is aesthetically pleasing, but adds value to your home. Also learn how to set up a low voltage outdoor lighting system that will keep your costs low, which type of lighting to use for your home, and more!

Listen to Metro GreenScape on the Radio!

LISTEN TO US ON WBT
Coming up, you can hear us on WBT on the Your Real Estate Today Program Saturdays 2-3pm 1110AM September 19, October 24, November 14, December 19.

Metro GreenScape has been on WBT several times in the past year. You can hear podcasts of these interviews by going to the WBT Website.

Metro GreenScape Fall Update

Hello!

Well, the kids are back to school and the days are getting shorter and here at Metro GreenScape we are starting to think about the Fall!

Fall Maintenance and Aeration services are especially important at this time of year, but it is also a great time for you to think about that patio or porch. If adding an outdoor living space is in your future--now is the time to get it started!

Also our next Green Life Event, "Bring Your Garden to Light" will be October 6th from noon-1pm at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Then on October 10th, we will be at Daniel Stowe again for a session on outdoor lighting. Details on both events below.

We look forward to seeing or hearing from you soon!

Heather Brockelbank
Chief Designer, NCLC#1624, CPP, CLD, NCGC
Metro GreenScape

Testimonial

Metro Greenscape was extremely professional, knowledgeable, trustworthy and responded in a timely manner. I will refer them to others that are in the market for landscaping and will call them in the future.

-RC

Testimonial

I would like to write a quick note to say “Thank you!” for the great service you have provided us in lawn care.

Rarely have I worked with someone with such professionalism in this field of service. You take great pride in what you do and that is very apparent in both the appearance of my lawn and your quickness in resolving any issue that has arisen. I appreciate your attention to detail even down to the dress and appearance of those in your employ.

You have been extremely honest and forthright with any questions or concerns that I have had and I find that very refreshing!

I will, of course, continue to recommend Metro-GreenScape to anyone in need of quality landscaping or lawn care.

-S. Worley

Testimonial

My personal experience was excellent. I found Metro-GreenScape to be informative, helpful, patient, and understanding of my needs and my budget. They came prepared to offer me suggestions of ways to accomplish what I wanted in my yard. They introduced me to different plant options and a range of ideas that would fit within my budget. More importantly they followed through on their word; they came to the appointments as scheduled and kept in touch with me as promised. I found that to be invaluable.

-Amy E. Simpson

Charlotte Area Fall Lawn Maintenance

IT'S TIME TO SCHEDULE FALL MAINTENANCE & AERATION!
Again this year, we are offering a full line of Fall lawn maintenance services for our clients with average yard sizes starting from $475!
Fall maintenace includes mulching, weeding, & cleaning and prepping of all beds, as well as installation of Fall annual color, and professional leaf removal! Please call us at 704-504-0980 to reserve your Fall maintenance and clean-up times today!

Aeration service alone from $75. Click here to see the complete details!

Testimonial

From the first time Darin mowed my lawn I knew that this was a lawn-care service I could depend on. He was courteous, dependable, and true to his word. And since then, as the business has grown, I have seen how careful Darin has been to bring into his service people of the highest integrity so as not to compromise what he has promised to his customers.

Last spring, I had the opportunity to invest in some new landscaping. Heather worked diligently with me to find out what I wanted, and carefully mapped out and itemized each phase of the project. And when the team arrived to dig and plant, it was like watching a close-knit family at work. I was consulted each step of the way as I watched my landscaping dreams become reality.

I continue to receive excellent service. My phone calls are returned promptly and courteously. It is with absolute confidence that I can recommend Metro-GreenScape.

-Brenda Miles

Upcoming MGS Daniel Stowe Events

METRO GREENSCAPE AT DANIEL STOWE

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 Noon - 1 pm
Bringing Your Garden to Light
Location: The Wren Room at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Admission: Free with Garden admission!

Join Heather Brockelbank, Chief Designer at Metro GreenScape, for an exciting look at how the beautiful and dramatic impact outdoor lighting can have on your home and landscape. See how simple lighting principles can increase visibility and safety, and enhance your landscape features. Lighting projects will be presented to help you understand the design process.

Saturday, October 10, 2009 10 a.m. - Noon
Outdoor Lighting for the Home Landscape
Location: TBD at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Admission: Members $15, Non-members $18

Join Heather Brockelbank, Chief Designer at Metro GreenScape, as she shows you how outdoor lighting can do wonders for your home and landscape, bringing 'to light' its true beauty! Learn how to design outdoor lighting that not only adds beauty and is aesthetically pleasing, but adds value to your home. Also learn how to set up a low voltage outdoor lighting system that will keep your costs low, which type of lighting to use for your home, and more!

Testimonial

My wife and I had a vision of having a patio added to the back of our new home here in Morresville. We obtained quotations from about three vendors but were not pleased until we called Metro Green Scape. Darin came to out home and assisted in drawing up plans fro the patio and a garden pond. The construction employees were exceptionally polite, proficient and hard working. Heather made many trips to the house to supervise constructions. My wife and I are very proud and pleased with the patio and pond and would not hesitate to recommend Metro Green Scape. We like to say they literally, “turned our landscape dream into a reality.”

Mr. & Mrs. Stone (Mooresville)

Testimonial

While being a home owner in the Charlotte area, I know that I have a variety of companies to choose from when it comes to lawn care. Recently, I hired Metro-GreenScape to place sod in my newly built backyard. Needless to say, I was extremely pleased with the results and their customer service. Darin and Heather run a top notch company. They met my budget, completed the job in a timely manner and went above and beyond to make sure I was pleased with the task at hand by stopping by for a house call.

One of the most endearing qualities about Metro-GreenScape is their accessibility. Whether it’s Ledna, Heather, or Darin, there is always someone there to answer your questions or needs. In today’s world of business, personal communication means everything and Metro-GreenScape understands that. That is why I highly recommend Metro-GreenScape to be your lawn care provider. If you are like me and desire a lush green lawn, then there is only one lawn care company to get you started in the right direction and that is Metro-GreenScape.

-JS

Testimonial

We have been pleased with Metro-GreenScape’s service thus far. They have done everything we have asked in keeping the lawn, deck, porch, and driveway tidy. As we only started with Metro-GreenScape this spring, we have not been through a full year’s service yet. We have not been able to see the results of the weed killing, aerating, and seeding, but we are looking forward to having this done this fall. We appreciate that Metro-GreenScape knows what is wrong with our lawn and works to fix the issues. Metro-GreenScape has been very pleasant to work with and we appreciate them!

-The Nagers

SOUTHERN IDEAL HOME SHOW

Metro GreenScape will be exhibiting again this year at the Southern Ideal Home Show on August 28-30,2009 at The Park (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart).

Stop by our booth and see our Spool, a small swimming pool that looks like a pond! Homeowners can enjoy the cool water in a clean, chlorinated pool, but at first glance this pool resembles a pond with large boulders and cascading water over a grotto! You may know Spool by another name, Swim Pond.

We also have free tickets to give away.

Just call us at 704-504-0980 for your free tickets! Click here to visit the Southern Ideal Home Show website.

Metro GreenScape Landscape Design Plans

The Metro GreenScape custom and professional landscape design plans with the current and future of your yard in mind. From use of your outdoor space to where power lines run to how to avoid damage from tree branches and roots as they grow--all trees for shade, and shorter varieties for privacy. We also always encorage our clients to invest more on rock or concrete materials that will last than pay less for those that tend to break down quickly.

Designing outdoor living spaces is a relatively new art and one we take very seriously! This is where a great deal of investment can come as there are abundant products and materials that can be included in the design. When designing outdoor living spaces, our designers include aspects like:

-->How will you use the space?
-->How many people will use the space at one time?
-->Do you want to use the space through all 4 seasons?
-->How much time will you spend using the space?
-->Do you want the outdoor space to mimic existing interior design themes?
-->What kind of hobbies do you pursue around your desired outdoor living space?
-->How important is shading or overhead coverage?
-->What type of plant life do you want to have?
-->Have you considered incorporating a water element into the design?
-->Would you like to use natural or synthetic product materials?

Our designers look at the entire picture of how you want to eventually use your new outdoor living space and plan for the future. If you are in the Charlotte, NC area, call 704-504-0980 to set up your Landscape Design meeting today!

Upcoming events from Metro GreenScape

On August 28-30 at the Park (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart), we will be exhibiting at the Southern Ideal Home Show. Details are below. We will be live on the Carolina Gardener radio program on WBT 1110AM talking about The Women's Show August 29th from 8-10am.

Then on September 16th we will be sponsoring an event to teach Realtors how their clients can get better down payment options with Home Services Lending.

Our next Green Life Event, "Bring Your Garden to Light" will be October 6th from noon-1pm at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Then on October 10th, we will be at Daniel Stowe again for a session on outdoor lighting. Details on both events coming soon.

Would you like more information on The Green Life or other Metro Greenscape Events?
Check our Outdoor Living Website.

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.

Ask the Expert: Home Staging

MARCYNE TOUCHTON

ASP(R), ASPM(R)

Founder of Domaine Staging, LLC

Many home sellers are now using the services of a professional home stager. When the house sits on the market for over 3 months, they realize that homes in our current market, with so much inventory to choose from, cannot be sold as is. Reduction in price won't guarantee a sale either, They see the value in staging a home, removing clutter and "de-personalizing" -because it is proven that a home that is staged sells faster, and gets top dollar. According to stagedhomes.com, a staged home sells in just 24 days versus the 177 days on the market of the average unstaged home. Yet too often I see homeowners-and even some professional stagers, forget about the first impression a house makes - from the outside.

My experience has shown me that staging a home should be done from the outside in. As a prospective home-buyer drives up to the property, they will form an impression of the house-and if the house is going to sell-that impression needs to be a good one! Simple things like new cushions on the lawn furniture, and a newly mowed lawn give the house a clean and fresh appearance. New mulch and landscaping assure the buyer that the yard has been well-cared for. And planters with blooming flowers or a seasonal wreath provide a warm welcome. Bigger improvements such as repairs to the driveway, or patio and new lighting can pay for themselves immediately in the higher offers that come through! Don't forget about the windows, it needs to be sparkling clean - free of cobwebs and check to make sure there is no wood rot on the windowsills.

A professional home stager will be able to look at the outside of the home with the same keen eye as we do the inside-looking for ways to declutter, tidy, and give the best impression. Everything from little touches to larger projects, such as a Metro GreenScape paver patio can increase the actual and perceived value, make it unique and sell that home quickly.

If you would like more information and/or to receive the Domaine Staging newsletter, email me at marcyne@domainestaging.com. You can also catch Domaine's tip of the day, become a Domaine Staging fan on Facebook!

* according to Stagedhomes.com. ASP, the only recognized designation by National Association of Realtors (TM).

NEWS: Metro GreenScape is a Top 100 Business!

Work with the best! Metro GreenScape Named to Top 100 Small Businesses in North Carolina!

Heather Brockelbank, Metro GreenScape president, today announced that Metro GreenScape was named a 2009 Top 100 Small Business in North Carolina and was ranked #63.

For the second consecutive year, Business Leader Media has ranked the Top 100 Small Businesses in North Carolina. These businesses were chosen from over 284 nominations and represent companies that have demonstrated significant business achievement and community involvement within the state of North Carolina.

Read More about Charlotte's own Metro GreenScape's Top 100 award!

The Top 100 rankings were announced at the 2009 Top 100 NC Small Business Event on June 17th at the Charlotte Marriott Executive Park.

June 11th Butterfly Garden Installed at McDowell Park in Charlotte

Metro GreenScape's celebrated Summer with McDowell Nature Park and the Charlotte Community!

The Green Life installed a new Butterfly Garden at McDowell Nature Center & Preserve Park on June 11th. Everybody had a good time and the butterflies are flocking to their new home. More photos from the day are on the Metro GreenScape Website!

MetroCHOICE - Charlotte's Organic Premium Lawn and Landscape Maintenance

Don't forget that Merto GreenScape now offers Lawn and Landscape Maintenance!

MetroCHOICE™ Organic Premium Lawn Care Program Your lawn and landscaping are generally the first views that people have of your home. What do they see? Is it what you want them to see? Is it what you want to see?! We are the experts in lawn and landscape maintenance.

And our MetroCHOICE™ Organic Premium Lawn Care Program is designed to give you access to experts on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually basis!

Programs start from $225 monthly for a typical 1/3-acre lawn.

Metro GreenScape
13601 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28278
704.504.0980

Ask the Expert: Curb Appeal

Ask the Expert: Curb Appeal
Rich Ferretti
Broker/Realtor, NC/SC

I work with home buyers all the time who make snap decisions about properties just based on what they initially see as we drive up. Things like recently mowed grass, fresh mulch and blooming flowers make a huge difference to buyers, who will sometimes refuse to even go inside a home if the curb appeal isn't there.If you are considering selling your home in the next few months, think about how your home looks to someone looking at it for the first time. Are the sidewalks, walkways, driveways and patios free of cracks? Are there colorful flowers and well-edged flower beds? Do the gutters need cleaning, or the siding pressure-washed?

Curb appeal is an important factor in home selling. It increases values and decreases time spent on the market. Nothing can make a bigger difference in the sale process than great exterior home staging, and no one does it better than Metro GreenScape!

Charlotte Exterior Home Staging

We are now offering Exterior Home Staging Packages:

Our Exterior Home Staging Team offers three different plans to help give your home that extra curb appeal!

Below are details about our Bronze Staging package (Typical 1/3-acre property size) This package includes a combination of the following exterior enhancements:

1) Six (6) flats of annuals, placed in pots on each side of the front steps or door, and the rest planted in the front to showcase the mailbox area.

2) Weeds pulled 20 feet on each side of the front door entrance way.

3) Re-edging of 60 feet of flower beds.

4) Pine straw distributed over 500 square feet of flower beds.

5) Removal of all yard debris and debris from our project.

6) Spot seeding of the front yard.

7) Cob webs removed from the side of the home.

8) Pressure washing of the walkway up to front door or front focal point.

9) Gutters checked for debris and clog checked at bottom spouts.

10) Trimming of up to ten shrubs if under 2 feet tall.

Cost for Bronze Staging Package is $750.00.

If you are interested in learning more about this, or our other available Charlotte area home staging packages, please call us at 704.504.0980.

Charlotte Spring Lawn and Landscape Clean-Up

Do you need assistance with Spring lawn and landscape maintenance?

Metro GreenScape is now offering maintenance and seasonal preparation services, including:

· Leaf Removal

· Weed Maintenance, Edging and Organic Fertilization for Flower Beds

· Fall/Spring Mulching· Seasonal Color & Bush/Tree Pruning

· Drainage & Grading· Outdoor Lighting & Irrigation

· Annual Lawn Maintenance Contracts including Fertilization

· Storage Shed Construction· Wooden Deck Construction

· Playground Setup

· Disease and Fungus Control

· General Labor for Household Maintenance, Repair & Odd Jobs



Metro GreenScape

13601 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28278

Call Metro GreenScape today! 704.504.0980

April in Charlotte Gardening Tips

April Gardening Tips:

Below are a few April Gardening tips to help you get ready for Spring in the Charlotte area:

1.) Prune and fertilize spring-flowering shrubs (azaleas, camellias, laurels, rhododendrons, wisteria) after they have finished blooming. Removal of dead flowers will enhance next year's bloom.

2.) Spring bulbs: When their bloom is over, cut off the flower stem and allow the foliage to mature and die gradually. This allows the bulb to rejuvenate for next year's bloom. Do not fertilize at this time; wait until fall, and again when the first spring growth appears. Summer flowering bulbs that over wintered in the garden should be fertilized when their shoots begin to break out of the soil.

3.) Tender bulbs such as cannas, caladiums, gladioli, and dahlias can be planted after the danger of cold weather has passed.

4.) Lawn care for fescue lawns, increase mower height to 3 ½". Mowing may be needed 2 times/week.

(c) 2009 Metro GreenScape
Charlotte Landscape Design and Build

Call today for more information! 704.504.0980

1st PLACE AT SPRING SHOW!

Metro Greenscape is proud to announce that our garden display at the 2009 Southern Spring Home & Garden Show was awarded 1st Place "Best of Show" and the coveted "Art Award" for creativity!

Our inside trade show booth earned 2nd Place in the "Commercial Display" division! We would like to thank our creative and hard-working staff and crews for their exceptional work in helping us present our company to our valued customers.

Be sure to call us at 704-504-0980 and schedule your in-person, on-site consultation with one of our outdoor living design experts this spring!

Metro GreenScape - Charlotte's Award Winning Design & Building Outdoor Living Experts!

Read Our Newsletter!

The Metro GreenScape Newsletter can now be viewed online!

If you would like to sign up for our email newsletter list, get coupons, and valuable outdoor living tips please send us an email at heather@metrogreenscape.com.

Thomas Kinkade’s Painting comes to Life at southern Spring & Garden Show

Last year, Charlotte outdoor living design + build company Metro-GreenScape brought home two of the three awards presented to winning gardens at the Southern Spring and Garden Show. This year they knew they had to do something really spectacular.

Inspired by Thomas Kinkade’s “Mountain Paradise,” the talented crew from Metro-GreenScape will transform exhibit space 2140, G-5B into a magical living work of art, filled with beautiful flowers, trees, and waterfall. You will be transported to this idyllic land come alive at the hands of skilled outdoor living specialists. Heather from Metro-GreenScape, Inc says, "I didn't think we could top last year’s display, but I think we achieved that! Come see our very creative twist of this painting. There will be nothing else like this display at the show."

The 49th annual Southern Spring Home & Garden Show will be at The Park (formally the Charlotte Merchandise Mart) March 4th – March 8th. The Show will host beautiful landscapes created by 26 top professionals, inspiring designer rooms from the Interior Design Society, exquisite displays of bonsai, Ikebana, and orchids, and over 300 companies with the best and latest in building and home improvement, outdoor living, kitchen and bath, decorative arts and crafts, green building, and interior décor.

Darin Brockelbank, owner of Metro-GreenScape, Inc says, "2009 is going to be an amazing year for outdoor living. With families interested in green solutions and ‘staycations’ what a great opportunity to come out and see how you can make your outside space an oasis with our creative inspirations."

The Metro GreenScape landscape design team invites you down to The Park to come see the Kinkade reproduction and become inspired to jump into your Spring Landscape projects!

We Just Launched a New Fall Maintenance Division!

It’s going to be another beautiful fall in the Carolinas! We are writing you to thank you for your past business and introduce you to some new services we are now offering.

Based primarily on existing customer requests, we are now offering special Fall maintenance and seasonal preparation services, including:

· Leaf Removal
· Weed Maintenance, Edging and Organic Fertilization for Flower Beds
· Fall/Spring Mulching
· Seasonal Color & Bush/Tree Pruning
· Drainage & Grading
· Outdoor Lighting & Irrigation
· Annual Lawn Maintenance Contracts including Fertilization
· Storage Shed Construction
· Wooden Deck Construction
· Playground Setup
· Disease and Fungus Control
· General Labor for Household Maintenance, Repair & Odd Jobs

The same care and professionalism that we displayed on the Outdoor Living & Landscaping project at your home will be available to you for all of these new services!

Please call me at 704-504-0980 for special discounts and pricing on our new line of Fall and seasonal services! We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again soon!

Earth Friendly Tips: Get your landscape off chemicals

Many homeowners wish to have lush green lawns all year long even in the heat of the summer. We use high concentrate chemicals packed with nitrogen to make grass green and grow at a fast rate. The more chemicals that are used, the more the nutrients from the soil are depleted. The high salt amounts draw moisture out of the soil and grass and causes the grass to burn. We think by adding more fertilizer to the grass that we will correct the issue. There are better ways to correct these problems and the following will give you a step by step program to revitalize your grass.

First, take a soil test. The soil test will give you the ph level of the soil and tell you what nutrients and too high or too low. This will give you a good guide so that you know where to begin with the revitalization. You can then add the correct nutrients and minerals to the soil to correct the issues. Make sure that you are adding organic matter to your soil. Another way to revitalize your soil, take up some of the grass and add native plantings. Plant shrubbery and trees that attract birds and bees that will pollinate plants and control insects. Try to avoid exotic plantings that will crowd out native plantings and destroy current ecosystems.

You will use less fertilizers and your lawn will be healthier if you mow less often. Let the grass grow between 2.5 to 3.5 inches before mowing. Also, the grass clippings are good for the soil. The grass that is being cut away is full of nutrients and once the clippings fall back down to the soil level, it will decompose adding that nutrients back to the soil.

When it comes to weed control, use natural products such as vinegar and water. Try to avoid using chemical products such as Round Up to remove the weeds. Some areas may be better to remove the weeds by hand versus a spray. Also, if you are going to use a weed barrier, find something that will be biodegradable instead of vinyl or plastic which will only cause problems in the future.

Invite nature into your landscape. Install a birdbath or birdhouse. Bats are very good to have around because they eat insects. Installing a bat house will attract them to your landscape area. Bats will help keep insects in control instead of using insecticides which are not healthy for the environment. Also, don’t waste precious natural resources. Compost leaves and fruit and vegetable peelings. These natural resources will break down over time, creating a very nutrient rich compost soil that can be added to planting beds. Capture water off gutters in a rain barrel and use the water to irrigate plantings. Creating nutrient rich soil will also reduce the amount of water that is needed on turf and landscaping because the soil will retain more water instead of the salt content in fertilizers which draw water out and dry the soil.

If you would like to learn more about green living, you may think about joining The Green Life. Check out our website, www.metrogreenscape.com, to read more about The Green Life, our E-newsletter, meetings, and much more.

(c) 2009 Metro GreenScape

How and When to Water Your Lawn

Proper use of irrigation water to fill the gaps between rainfalls is critical to a healthy lawn. Efficient use of this important natural resource will keep water bills lower.

How

There are two basic of sprinkler systems; automatic underground and portable hose sprinklers.

* Automatic lawn irrigation - The most efficient method of irrigating a lawn is through an underground lawn sprinkler system. It is a good investment in your lawn as well as the value of your home. A professionally installed system should be designed for complete and even distribution, have battery back-up for any timing devices, and a rain sensor to stop the system when rain occurs.

* Portable hose sprinklers - Sprinkler systems are less expensive than underground systems. Sprinklers may be either “portable surface” (the most common) requiring moving the sprinkler to each area of the lawn or “traveling sprinkler”, that follows the hose or a cable around the lawn. Both types of sprinklers need frequent observation to avoid mis-application and water waste.

How Much

As a general rule, keeping your lawn healthy requires 1 to 2 inches of water weekly- including rainfall. Water once every 2 to 3 days in dry weather (about ½ inch at each application). Heavy clay soils will require less water and less frequent applications than sandier soils. Water as deeply as possible without causing run-off.

To determine how much water you are applying, ask for our free SuperSod rain gauge. Place gauge midway between the sprinkler and the end of the coverage and check after a planned length of time- approximately ½ hour. Then calculate the total time needed to apply ½ inch.

When

Follow local irrigation ordinances or restrictions when watering your lawn. Drought tolerant lawn grasses will revive once rainfall occurs or irrigation restrictions are lifted. To be most efficient when watering your lawn, irrigate your lawn:

-->When the air is calm
-->In the early morning hours
-->When the lawn is showing signs of dry wilt-turns off color- usually a gray-green color

Remember…

When watering:

Water deeply and infrequently. Proper use of sprinkler water will result in a healthier and attractive lawn.

Consider spot watering localized dry spots instead of the entire lawn.

Avoid irrigating until water runs off the lawn surface and on to walks and roads.

Tree shaded areas may require more water to support both trees and turf grasses.

When landscaping:

Select drought tolerant varieties like zoysia, centipede and bermuda grasses.
Reduce steep slopes in lawns so that water does not run off rapidly.
Consider letting the lawn go dormant in drought conditions-zoysia, centipede and Bermuda grass lawns will regenerate once water is more available.
Remove thatch so that the water easily reaches the soil around turf plants.

When fertilizing:

Fertilize lawn at proper rate for your location and turf selection.
Aerate heavy soils to promote better fertilizer and water penetration to lawn roots.

When mowing:

Mow lawn only when needed and avoid scalping.
Always use a sharp blade.
Mow as infrequently as possible.
In drought conditions, mow at a higher cutting height with a sharp blade.

Watering your lawn is the most important part of a successful lawn care program.

Closely trimmed grass has served mankind for centuries. Evidence suggests that lawns were present in China more than 5,000 years ago and that the Mayans and Aztecs had lawns in the New World.

Healthy lawns produce benefits such as:

* Increased property values A well-kept lawn gives a pleasing appearance to residential and commercial properties. Lawns make sports fields and play areas safer.

* Cleaner air Lawns trap more than 23 million tons of dirt and dust annually. Lawns absorb global warming gases. A 50 foot by 50 foot turf are absorbs carbon dioxide; hydrogen fluoride gases and releases enough oxygen to meet the needs of a family of four.

* Cooler air around us The average front lawn provides more than twice the cooling effect if the normal whole house air conditioner fro the same house.

* Prevention of rainfall loss Healthy lawns guard against loss from water runoff and can help control erosion.

(c) 2009 Metro GreenScape