Archive for the 'Landscaping - Orlando' Category

Published by admin on 11 Nov 2008

Landscaping Benefits Orlando, FL

landscaping benefitsLandscaping Benefits Orlando, FL -

Homeowners across the country are finding there’s more to a well-landscaped yard than simple curb appeal. Actually a well landscaped house sells by much more. After all, well-manicured hedges and strategically placed trees often add to a home’s resale value and reduce utility costs for the family that moves in. By planting a few trees in the front yard a homeowner may cut down on air conditioning and electricity bills, and it may become one of the home’s selling points.

Landscaping’s effect on home’s value varies. Aspects such as lot size, plant type, plant spacing and overall design all play roles in how much money homeowners reap from their beautification efforts at resale time. There’s evidence that homeowners that have added a lot of color to their yard have achieved a quick sale, and those who were more concerned about a long-term payoff focused on trees and shrubs that would grow over time. In either case, homeowners shall invest in a good landscape plan for added value.

Insurance agencies also put a great value on landscaping as it improves home security. They will pay large replacement values for trees struck by lightning. Thorny shrubs are often planted under windows to deter burglaries as well.

Put your home in the best hands! Call DEK-Designing Enviromental Kreations to find out more about Landscaping Benefits in Orlando, FL.

Published by admin on 28 Oct 2008

Landscaping Budget Tips

budget tipsLandscaping projects can be a big commitment of both time and money. But by carefully planning your landscape design, you can make it come in on time and on budget. Use the following guide as a starting point for your budget.

  • Sketch your landscape design on paper before you start planting and building. Knowing exactly what you need and where you’re going to put it helps avoid wasting money.
  • Decide how much design you want. It may be worth it to pay a designer to create a space that you can really use.
  • Professional advice is well worth the money if it saves you from costly mistakes later.
  • Buy in phases. Divide your project into phases, and pay as you go with funds on hand. Adjust plans before moving to the next phase.
  • Don’t assume cheaper is always better. Make sure you get the selection and quality you find at more specialized sources. A local specialty shop may provide more personal service, expert advice, and guarantees, which are all helpful.
  • Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a lush lawn. Accept cheaper when it’s good enough. Inspect plants closely, however.
  • Time your purchases. Lumber for outdoor projects is often cheaper during winter months. Save money on trees, shrubs, perennials, soil, and mulch by buying late in the season.
  • Catalogs and web sites expand your choices, especially for rare plants and specialized products. Shopping online or by phone is convenient, but don’t forget to include shipping costs when comparing prices with local sources.
  • Check alternate resources. Look beyond stores and catalogs for bargains. Arboretums and botanical centers often hold plant sales, and neighbors may have extra perennials to share. Some cities offer free mulch and compost, and construction and demolition sites can be sources of bricks and stones.
  • Being sociable and neighborly cuts costs. Share the rental fee for tillers, chippers, or other heavy equipment with others on the block, then take turns and save.

Your landscaping project deserves the best, DEK-Designing Enviromental Kreations can help.

Published by admin on 22 Sep 2008

Plant Selection

plant selectionWhen planning your garden or landscaping do a little homework along with our experts at DEK - Designing Environmental Kreations and learn a little about the plants before you choose them. Our experts will assist you to select plants according to your specific zone, type of plant, color, characteristics, by name, and so on.
A number of nurseries and garden supply centers carry plants that aren’t even zoned for their area but nobody tells you that.
Knowing your zone is very important in plant selection but often times there are different zones or micro-climates within zones. As a general rule, zoning maps are accurate but there are a few variations that could affect you.

Native plant selection is advisable. These plants are already adapted to your area and chances are they’re already growing right in your own back yard. This will mean substantial savings not only in plant purchases but in natural resources as well.

There are primary considerations for selecting landscape plants such as:

1. Height and Width are figured by the mature size a plant will reach in both upward and outward directions. Not calculating this can cause serious problems in the future.
2. Form is the shape of the plant and how it will occupy and accent space. Form and shape are considered as columnar, round, vase, weeping, oval, creeping, etc.
3. Texture is the fineness or roughness of plants. It can also be categorized in terms of leaf thickness and shade (light or dark) of plants. As a rule, plants with finer textures should be used in greater numbers than plants with coarse textures.
4. Seasonal interest and color are figured by the special features a plant has at different times of the year. Foliage, fruit, flowers, Winter color, changing colors, etc.

There are secondary considerations for selecting landscape plants as well:

Insect and disease resistance
Sun or Shade
Moisture tolerance
Drought Resistance
Soil Type

Published by admin on 15 Apr 2008

D.E.K. Service Area & Description

Landscaping - Orlando, FlWe have been proudly providing landscape design, landscape maintenance, landscape construction,  & landscape lighting in Central Florida with over two and a half decades of experience.  D.E.K. services most of Central Florida including Maitland, Winter Park, Winter Springs, Lake Mary, Heathrow, Alaqua Lakes, Oviedo and Tuskawilla.