Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Searching for the Right Tree Service

Whenever a property owner has a problem with their trees, who should they call? Searching for the right tree service may seem daunting, and you may just go online to see what and who is available in your area. What it comes down to is do you just want a few tree limbs removed? If you don’t have the expertise to accomplish that, a tree service company should be able to help you. They may also be able to help you remove that ugly tree stump.

There are several reasons why you may hire the tree service company. Whether you want tree limbs removed that are a threat to your home or your neighbor’s, or if the limbs block your views, or you just want the tree to be trimmed they should be able to help you accomplish that task.

However when your trees appear to have problems, the tree service may not be able to help. There is a distinction between your local tree service and a certified arborist. Both services should be useful in maintaining a healthy tree, but the arborist is certified and educated in maintaining the health of your trees. The arborist will go a step above the average tree service company. The arborist or tree doctor should be able to identify and treat problems with the goal in mind to prevent those problems.

The arborist is not a miracle worker they may not be able to solve every problem especially if the tree has gone beyond the point of no return. However, when you first notice problems with your trees, and you call them in time to prevent further damage, they will be able to advise you on the best treatment.

To help you in searching for the right tree service and to find a certified Arborist Service, the following are organizations specifically for arborists and tree service members: The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), the National Arborist Association (NAA), and the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).

These organizations are the major professionals that help their members keep up to date on the latest knowledge in their field. The certified arborist will identify the problems and know the best treatment and prevention of disease and insect infestation. This knowledge along with their extensive training will be a key factor in preventing problems with your trees and other landscaping problems.

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape architect, landscape Orange County CA and landscape design Newport Beach.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Xeriscaping: Efficiency And Freedom

There many different types of gardening and landscaping projects homeowners can undertake in order to improve both the aesthetics of their yards and to improve the resale value of their home. Although there are a great number of popular projects one that often flies under the radar is xeriscaping gardening. In simple terms xeriscaping simply refers to low-water gardening and landscaping.

Xeriscaping is extremely popular in areas of the world where water restrictions are placed on homeowners. It's also popular with people who own homes in very hot and dry climates. As extremely hot and dry climates tend to kill plants quickly and make gardening/landscaping very difficult at best, professional landscapers began searching for an alternative to traditional gardening methods which resulted in xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping may work extremely well for homes that reside in hot and/or dry climates but in actuality most homes can benefit greatly from xeriscaping. Xeriscaping consists of plants that require low-water and carefully chosen spots for garden irrigation. Now there is a stigma attached to xeriscaping that has people believing xeriscaping consists mostly of cactus and other desert type plants though this is completely untrue. While some xeriscaping projects may include various types of cacti and other desert dwelling plants, many also include flora found in more temperate climates.

Xeriscaping can be used by homeowners as an alternative to those difficult to maintain lawns as well. In contrast to a single even lawn, homeowners can choose the xeriscaping add a colorful array of different plants to their front and back yards. The carefully planned and installed irrigation system will keep all plants within such a garden properly and efficiently hydrated. Perhaps best of all however when it comes to xeriscaping is that homeowners can take pleasure in knowing that they can leave garden unattended even the greatest of droughts or heat and return home to find it living and healthy. Xeriscaping is all about efficiency and freedom, something homeowners will find in abundance when they complete their project.

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape design, Orange County landscaping and Orange County ca landscaper.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Bring The Vacation To A Home

While vacations are a lovely idea in principle they aren't always practical for homeowners. Furthermore there are a myriad of reasons why homeowners are unable to take a much-needed vacation. Things like work, children, extracurricular commitments, and even some much-needed downtime on the sofa can keep a homeowner from enjoying even a small vacation.

Homeowners who find themselves in this type of scenario however needn't fret as there are ways to improve their home so as to facilitate the feeling and the atmosphere of "getting away from it all". A homes backyard offers homeowners a number of different opportunities. In a backyard a homeowner can have constructed, many of the amenities found on vacations or retreats.

The first option homeowners have is to have a new deck put in. This is a great option for homeowners who don't have pockets deep as they'd like them to be as construction of a new deck carries a relatively low cost when compared to some of the other options available. A new deck can offer a homeowner convenience, privacy, and an opportunity to sit outside, both day and night, in order to relax or even take in a good book. Beyond simple deck constructions there are there are also projects a homeowner can undertake that will see their simple deck converted into an outdoor living room or even entertainment room; complete with a kitchen and television sets.

The second option a homeowner has for creating a vacation like area around their home is to simply improve the landscaping in their backyard. A homeowner working closely with their contractor can have any number of different types of gardens set up. These include English gardens, oriental landscaping, woodland settings, and even a butterfly garden. There are a number of other options as well when it comes to a new garden that these remain the most popular and the most affordable. A new garden in home's backyard can be used to create a very specific mood and give the illusion that people are elsewhere in the world. When a homeowner is unable to visit other parts of the world they can simply opt to bring those parts to their backyard.

The third thing homeowners should consider is adding a swimming pool and/or a hot tub to their backyard in order to help them wash away the stress of a hard days work and relax for a bit. Many vacation spots and even cruises offer free swimming and spa usage as part of their package and if a homeowner is unable to afford a vacation why not bring one of the best parts of a vacation to their own home? There many different types of pools and spas that a homeowner can select. These range from simple and inexpensive fiberglass pools and spas to the much more expensive built-in pools and adjacent Jacuzzis.

While work is certainly important in the lives of homeowners, rest and relaxation is just as important. When homeowners are unable to take a vacation for any reason, financial or otherwise, bringing the best parts of vacation into their home will allow them to forget about things for a while and refocus. These simple little projects will also add tremendous resale value to a home and can help a homeowner keep guests entertained for quite some time.

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape design, Orange County landscaping and Orange County ca landscaper.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Ideas for Your Winter Patio

Whenever you think of your patio, you probably think of it only in the spring and summer months when the weather is warm, and the snow is nearly gone. Have you ever considered preparing your patio for the winter, and that doesn’t mean you’ll have to purchase everything again. By the time winter is in full swing, everyone in your family will be wishing to get outside and nothing will suit that purpose better than a winter patio.

So what would you need in advance so your patio will work in all seasons instead of one or two? To cut down on wind chill, plan to purchase floor to ceiling shades or blinds. Ones that roll up and down would be sufficient and when not in use can roll up and out of the way. They should attach to the ceiling and floor of your patio to remain in place when in use.

Next, you’ll want some way to heat the area. There are many types of outdoor electric heaters that work well in your winter patio. Outdoor wood burning fireplaces will bring the heat to the area inside the blinds. Just be cautious anytime you have a heat source that they aren’t crowded or touching anything that could cause a fire.

Lighting will be important, and you’ll want more light than the back porch single bulb light. Invest in smaller fixtures where you can aim the light to the right area. Lights on tracks could serve this purpose well.

Harsh metal or plastic patio furniture would be rather uncomfortable in the cold. Cushioned seats with waterproof covers would be preferred and used all year long. Anything that absorbs moisture should be stored away.

Outdoor kitchens work well in the winter especially if they are under a sturdy patio cover. A grill with counter space for preparing food would be sufficient. Many prefer to add other appliances like a small refrigerator, a gas burner, and storage areas.

Whatever you do, you don’t have to do it all at once. You could buy little by little while keeping the entire plan either in your head or drawn out. Buy the grill, then save for the table and chairs, but try to have them all in place before winter arrives.

Check online to find professionals who can help you design your own winter patio. But now you will call it the patio and omit the winter part because you’ll use it all year long.

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape design, Orange County landscaping and Orange County ca landscaper.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Dress Up Your Pool

When the deck around your pool looks like the sidewalk, it doesn’t need to stay that way. There are ways to dress up the entire area, and when money is the object, you can find ways to make it more attractive.

You can install interlocking tiles on top of the cement, but many are also laid on pea gravel or even on hard-packed surface. Before you install the tile on bare earth make sure the ground is level without bumps or holes. Then place a weed-controlled mat under the tile. There are many colors of tile you could use to match your home decor, or contrast it with a polymer base wood tile. For tile around the pool, use a jigsaw to cut the square tiles to conform.

Tile is not the cheapest, and another quicker way would be to use pool deck paint that’s manufactured especially for pool decks. Most pool deck paint is acrylic and cleans up with water. The paint protects your deck from the sun and other harsh temperatures.

The paints come in a variety of colors, and they normally come with non-slip or skid properties as well. If the manufacturer doesn’t supply it, you can also add sand or pumice to the paint before you apply it.

Whichever types of upgrades you use to dress up your pool deck, the ones listed are easy to achieve for most DIY’ers. Not only do they dress up your back yard, but they help to keep your yard looking good for years to come.

Another thing you could do would be to invest in pots or leave an area where you could add plants.
You’ve already spent a lot on the pool itself, so now finish the job so your yard will be complete. There are many professionals out there that can get the job done in a lot less time than you can. They may be able to give you more advice how you can make the area more usable and attractive and still be within your budget.

Go online and search for a local professional. Find one who will come to your home and give you a free estimate. They know the ins and outs of landscaping. They can tell you what works best in your area, and what won’t work. For instance you don’t want plants planted in dirt close to the pool area. They will also tell you the plants indigenous to your area. You can always use either or all of the ideas listed above, and you alone can needs to decide.

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County swimming pools, Orange County pools and Orange County ca landscaper.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

How to Design an Outdoor Bedroom on a Budget

We’re not talking about adding a room onto your home, but if your back yard is secure and private, this type of outdoor bedroom may be advantageous to you. It won’t take a great deal of money, and you may be able to use items you already have.
If you have a patio with a solid floor and roof, you’re already half way there. For the floor, you could purchase a colored turf grass or cork that outlasts inclement weather. During the summer months you may want to purchase mosquito netting, and then attach it to the patio roof. You can also attach outdoor curtains to the patio roof to give you privacy and keep out the bright morning sun. Then when not in use, tie them back around the patio support poles.

You could add an outdoor fireplace for cooler nights. Be cautious that none of the curtains or netting blow toward the open flames.

The best time of the year to purchase those items would be at the end of summer where you’ll find reduced prices.

You can find furniture for your outdoor bedroom at second hand stores, or discount stores, or your local furniture store that have numerous bedroom suites. They also may have suites purchased from hotels. Those beds and headboards are normally large with nice headboards and other furnishings.
Use unstained bookcases after you’ve stained them with all-weather stain. You’ll find you can save money because they’re cheaper than their finished counterparts. Store books and knickknacks in these pieces and be sure to protect them from the weather.

As you prepare to decorate the area, pick up pottery, baskets or even wrought iron items. You’ll find many ideas in outdoor catalogs or search the local hardware store shelves for good buys.

Many have moved their kitchen and living areas out into the back yard, so why not bedrooms? It takes a bit of ingenuity and planning, but think of the fun you’ll have when you explain to the rest of your family that you’ll be spending the summer in your bedroom in the back yard.

Turn the air conditioners off and enjoy the beauty that you’ve developed in the back yard, besides you’ll be sleeping under the stars. When cooler nights suddenly arrive, you could pack a couple of blankets in a trunk that you can use as a table. Once your family sees how much you’ve enjoyed your new room, they’ll want to join you. Or you could always add a tree house!

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape design, Orange County ca landscape and Orange County landscaping.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Benefits of Decorative Concrete

Yes, there really are benefits to decorative concrete, and if you’ve never heard of the process, it has recently become very popular among those who want to upgrade their property. The process is simple to achieve and in addition it is cost effective, and long lasting. Those who have had the decorative concrete added to the exterior of their home have also had it installed on the inside and use it for sinks, countertops, entryways, and possibly even walls.

There are a few different processes to rid your property of the ugly gray concrete. The transformation can take place on the old stuff and you’ll have a new eye-catching look complete with color decorative concrete. They add the color process with acid that stains the surface and creates a chemical reaction for the effect you’ve asked for.

Stamping is another process that adds the color to the surface of your existing concrete. They also add UV inhibiting materials that sets the color and prevents fading during the hot summer months.
Water based staining adds color to the newly stamped concrete. The transformation of the surface takes your home from the ordinary to the exquisite, and few can compare. The aesthetic appeal turns into a work of art, from a simple concrete walkway.

To achieve the visual effect the creative contractor uses dyes, sealers and stains. Every job they do is unique and stunning. They provide their customers with dozens of finishes and surfaces. Or you can design your own and work with them to achieve your original design and color.

When you ask aren’t there problems with the process? Does the color fade after one year? The weather plays a huge part in the time the color lasts, however if you apply a sealer every four years or so, the color lasts much longer. In harsh weather, you probably should seal it more often.
One of the most attractive features is that your new decorative concrete is resistant to mold, dust and other allergens so your family will once again live in a healthy environment.

How do you find a contractor that deals with decorative concrete? Thought you’d never ask. Go online and search for companies who want customers to show exactly how they can improve their property. Then call and set up an appointment to start your own upgrades.

Just remember, decorative concrete is durable, flexible, low maintenance, affordable, and beautiful all rolled into one. You can’t make a better decision to upgrade your property.

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape design, Orange County ca landscape and Orange County decorative concrete.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Designing An Outdoor Kitchen

Do you dream of getting out of the kitchen? Does your idea of an outdoor kitchen where the barbecue sits alone, bewildered and dejected? Have you seen pictures, or do you have friends who have an outdoor kitchen? Would you like an outdoor kitchen where you could spend every night sitting on the patio waiting for dinner to get done without heating up your entire home? Does your dream outdoor kitchen evolve with your husband or significant other doing the cooking? Will your new outdoor kitchen have the barbecue in the middle between countertops where you can prepare the meal and/or serve the food?
Dream no more, your ideal kitchen is on the drawing board. All you have to do is decide what you want and how much you want to spend.

All of these features are possible and not out of reach for the average cook and entertainer. Whether you decide to do the job yourself, or hire a company to do it for you, it is still available for you. Stop by one of the many businesses or hardware stores to see what they can do. Ask for prices, dependability, when they can start the job, and check their references.

Once you’ve taken that first step and they’ve answered your questions, take the next step. When you buy each feature including cabinets, barbecue, countertops, tables, chairs, you really can go to the next step and do the work yourself. If you already have the patio, decide where you want everything installed.

When you’ve decided on the professional contractor, tell them exactly what you want. You’ll want some type of utility, electricity or natural gas, and then you will need that experienced contractor so you don’t burn your house down.

It’s not difficult to work with the items you already have, and you don’t have to purchase the entire kitchen at once. You can buy the necessary items and store them until you can hire the person who will then install them following your designs. The contractor can install the countertop on cabinets just like the indoor kitchen. You can have sinks and plumbing, refrigerators, and plenty of storage space.

All of those things are available for you, every single detail. You’ll be the envy of your neighborhood. Whether you have a net for volleyball or a basket for basketball, your entire family will enjoy the entire process from designing to the dinner cooked in your outdoor kitchen.

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County ca landscape, Orange County landscaping and Orange County swimming pools.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Planning a Swimming Pool’s Size and Depth

Nothing is more discouraging than to have a beautiful pool on your property that no one uses. That is why before you even start to plan, you need to decide on the size and especially the depth before you buy it. Of course you know that the larger pools cost more money, and the depth figures largely in the costs.
If you want a pool where the kids can play games like Marco Polo, basketball, or many other pool games, a play pool may be best for you and your family. Any shape will do and remember rectangular pools cost a bit more than a curved one simply because the rectangular has more square footage.

A play pool, the minimum depth of the pool will be about 3 feet, with the maximum between 4 and 5 feet in depth. The slope of the pool would be slight when compared with the deeper pools. This size pool is desirable for young children, but they would still need supervision, and you should never allow diving. Jumping from the side of the pool could be allowed.

Those who plan to use their pool for exercise may prefer the pool to be at least 6 or 7 feet in depth with the shallow end around 3 feet. When competition enters the equation many choose a long straight pool about 25 yards in length with each end having a minimum of 4 feet in depth in order to turn properly.

Remember though, when the depth of the pool is larger in the deep end, the kids tend to stay in the smaller area where they can touch the bottom, and learn to swim. So allow for that otherwise your children may be fearful of the entire pool. The best defense against drowning is teaching them to swim.

There are many options in choosing a pool, and you may decide on an above ground pool. They are definitely cheaper and should last for several years. If you still have your heart on an in-ground pool you’ll still find many options as to size, shape, depth and accessories.

In your planning phase, search for a pool contractor, one who can plan, design, construct the pool, get the necessary permits, and install the pool filter, vacuum, heater,   and be there from start to finish. Just be sure to check the company’s references, and when you sign on the dotted line, be fair and pay a minimum down payment with payments during installation and the final upon completion. The contractor should have a printed contract with start dates and an approximate completion date. What’s left, is for you to enjoy.

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape design, Orange County pools, and Orange County swimming pools.

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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Orange County Landscape: Treat Your Deck Like Another Room

Do you try to hide your deck so no one can see it? Is it dreary and colorless? Would you use it if it had a bit of color? There are many ways you can update your deck and make it an extension of your home. Just like an extra room and who can’t use extra space?
So after you’ve decided to improve your deck, it first needs a good cleaning. Sweep off the dirt and grime of the winter months, and be sure to pick out the leaves and stuff that’s stuck between the boards. Summer’s coming so get ready now by washing it off. If that doesn’t provide the results you want try power washing.

Now after it’s clean, carefully check the entire deck and replace any loose nails, and repair or replace damaged boards. Some portions may need sanding and smoothed out before going on to the next step.
Does it need to be stained? If you choose to stain the wood, there are a variety of colors so you can match or contrast the exterior and/or interior of your home. Once the stain dries you’ll have to decide how you are going to use the deck. Will you prepare food and eat on the deck? You’ll need a table, and stools or benches could replace cumbersome chairs.

The size of your deck will influence what you place on it. Will you have room for a glider like swing or possibly a chaise lounge or two? A movable umbrella would be a good idea to shade a particular area especially if there is no awning.

Regardless of the size, the choices are yours to make of course and if you take the time to arrange it, in an attractive way, you’ll be happier with the end results. Try to keep the deck free of clutter, and put every inch to good use. For instance, you could have planters around the edge or even a picket fence to boarder the decking. A screened deck could be another choice especially in the evening when lighting would be necessary.

Whatever you decide the choices are yours to make and you’ll want the new deck to fit your way of life. Even if you have the furniture, you can brighten up the area with new pillows and throws. If you plan to entertain guests or use it strictly for family your new deck will be a welcome addition to your home.
  
Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape design, Orange County ca landscaping, and Orange County concrete staining.

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Orange County Landscape: A Few Simple Tricks to Upgrade Your Landscaping Projects

Whether you plan to landscape your entire yard, or a small area in your yard, you may want to follow a few simple tricks. First of all if a nursery is near, consider visiting it because they know the best plants and flowers that will flourish in your neighborhood.
Your neighborhood nursery will be able to inform you of some of the new plants and flowers available. They may use terms such as ‘compact forms’ ‘pest resistant’ ‘low maintenance’ ‘deciduous’  ‘dwarf plants’ and ‘proper plant spacing.’ We will try to explain some of these terms that will be available for your new landscaping projects.

First Compact Forms, and there are many favorite plants that you’ve seen around that fit into smaller gardens in your neighborhood. Your nursery can show you some and explain their use.
The Pest Resistant plants that have been developed to withstand the invasion of pests that normally invade that type of plant.

Dwarf Plants like Dwarf Japanese garden junipers, and they grow very slowly. The reason they are more expensive than their regular size plants is because the nursery has invested ten to fifteen years growing it.

Low Maintenance plants do just that and they don’t require a lot of care. Just water and feed them, then forget them because they grow very slowly and rarely need pruning.

Deciduous Plants, are plants that lose their leaves in the winter. They normally use them for borders and ground covers in cold-climates. The warmer temperature type should use the Compact Forms instead.
Proper Plant Spacing. If you tend to plant your plants close together within five years they, in all probability, outgrow their space. So to prevent this allow the space for them to grow naturally. You can always fill in with annual plants, but that takes away the idea of low maintenance.

Mulch is an effective deterrent of weeds that grow everywhere. When a weed grows through mulch, the roots usually come out easily. There is no need to replace the mulch yearly but if you do, take care that you don’t smother the plants. Apply just a light dusting at the beginning of the season.

If this is daunting for you, you might consider hiring a professional landscaping contractor. They will know the plants and flowers that will bring to your landscaped yard the very best treatment, and will outlast the season. There are many landscaping pros listed online and don’t be afraid to call more than one that’s in your area. Get a couple of quotes just to be sure.

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape design, Orange County ca landscaping, and Orange County concrete staining.

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Monday, April 23, 2012

Orange County Landscape Design: Pride in a Green Lawn

Do you think they got that green lawn by luck? Or they made the right choices? If that is what you think, you should probably hire a professional to plant your lawn. It takes a lot of hard work and planning before you’ll achieve that green lawn. When you want your lawn to turn green without the use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers, you’ll have to follow a few simple rules.

Before you plant the seed into the ground, you need to know the soil, and what will help to make your green lawn the pride of the neighborhood. There are those who know how to test your soil. They may call themselves the local extension agents and they will be able to guide you in the right direction. If you consider yourself the professional, then prepare the soil by topping it first with compost. Then plant the seed, water very gently and protect it from traffic.

If others planted your lawn, you can start at the first glimpse of spring. Professionals suggest that you reseed your lawn regularly because the new seed helps get rid of weeds that try to overtake your lawn. It will help your lawn by using pre-emergent herbicides like corn gluten meal and apply it in late spring. The organic meal works for approximately five or six weeks. There is a drawback because the herbicides will also prevent new seed from growing. You will have to make that decision whether to have weed control or seed growth, and you can’t do both at the same time.

Spray home brewed compost tea on your lawn as it grows and it will help your   grass. Even the purchased variety contains microorganisms that will feed the soil with the natural nourishment. The liquid works faster than the dry composts, and when you water it lightly will help the composts soak in.

Clover is another hint, and when they see clover in their lawns, they believe the weeds are taking over their lawns, even the four-leaf type. However clover provides nitrogen and will help your lawn breathe. Another thing gardeners use to achieve success is to pull out plugs and there are hand tools and also machines that help tremendously. So when you have the choice, buy grass seed that contains clover, and you won’t be sorry.

Not everyone in your neighborhood will have that beautiful lawn, but those that do either work hard to achieve it, or simply hire a professional. Decide which way you want to go so you’ll have pride in your green lawn.  

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape design, Orange County landscaper, and Orange County concrete staining.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Orange County Landscaping: Create a Driveway That’s Distinct

Unless you’re building your own home, rarely if ever will you be able to create your own driveway. If it’s asphalt, you can change it to concrete, or bricks and you may even design a circular drive instead of the simple straight driveway into your garage. To change or dress up the approach you may choose to plant shrubs, a hedge, trees or simply flowers to line the driveway that may give it the distinct look you’re looking for. Solar landscape lighting would enhance that look and be a welcome beacon on a dark night.

As you realize that your driveway is the pathway and the entrance to your home, you may not be happy with an ordinary every day common driveway. You have probably already checked out your neighbor’s yard, and chances are it looks just like yours. Go into other areas around your city and see the ones that attract your attention, the ones you really like. If you have no aesthetic ability but you know what you like, even though you don’t know how to go about achieving it, consider hiring a professional who will give you many ideas and choices.

Brick driveways are attractive and bring a distinction of their own. You can replace damaged bricks easily, and when you live in California where many small earthquakes damage concrete you will appreciate that option. Bricks demand a solid level foundation of sand and/or cement and a knowledge regarding the installation would be helpful. A driveway lined with bricks along each side is another option. A master mason can place the bricks in patterns that you’re sure to find fashionable.

Today you will also be able to choose concrete with a stamped or imprinted pattern and the choices are unlimited. Colors embedded right into the concrete will give it a unique look and when they add stone or aggregates you’ve enriched the project. However, if your driveway will be a place where your children play basketball and other games, you may decide on a simple uniform surface. If that is the case, then dress up the surrounding areas and you still have numerous options. Like we said before with vegetation along the side of the driveway you’ll gain the distinction you crave.

Regardless of the changes you make in your distinct driveway, apply your own original ideas that will shout to passersby that this is a unique house, and you made it your home.

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape design, Orange County landscaper, and Orange County concrete staining.

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Orange County Landscaping: Smart Landscaping

Believe it or not, smart landscaping will help keep you more comfortable and save you money in the long run. Your first thought when planting trees or shrubs may be for looks alone, but don’t let that be your only consideration. Smart landscaping that you plant around your home is also an efficient way to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

If you’re having trouble deciding on the best landscaping, keep in mind that indigenous plants and trees will work better in your area. If you live in a desert like community you’ll also want the ones that will not need as much water.

Take a look around your home before you even begin. Watch where the sun shines in mid-summer and mid day and where a shade tree would be more advantageous.

A tree needs to have a dense canopy and the best place to plant a tall tree may be on the south side of your home because it should shade the roof and keeps a great deal of the heat from entering your home. Trees should shade the windows as well. The majority of heat will come through your windows both heating and cooling.

Don’t plant trees too close to your home, and consider when they become fully grown. Remember the roots as well, because roots can damage foundations, sidewalks, and driveways. Try to keep the lower branches trimmed because they block the breezes and you defeat your purposes.

The same holds true of shrubs and plants because they need to breathe, so leave some space around them, and be sure to allow them to grow to maturity. Low-lying plants also cool the ground around your home. Trellises work well as you train your vines and possibly ivy to grow as they provide shade.

Choose trees and remember those fast growing trees offer shade in just a few years, but they aren’t as hardy as their counterparts. A tree that loses its leaves in the fall lets the warm sun in, in the winter.

Look around at your neighbors’ homes. When you compare your home with theirs, you may be
surprised that they hired a landscape architect to help in the design, arrangement, and choice. If you decide to take that same route your neighbors will certainly be admiring yours.

However you can do the job yourself and remember that the landscaping will change your property from just a house to a home. 

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape design, Orange County landscaper, and Orange County concrete staining.

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Friday, March 9, 2012

Orange County Landscaping is a Good Investment

If you think landscaping a property is an unnecessary expense, think again. Your landscaping can increase your home’s value by at least 20%. Depending of course on how much you invest and whether you invest in trees and shrubs or patio rooms, outdoor lighting, or even a pool.

Landscaping increases the curb-appeal of your home, and is the first thing people see when they drive by your property. If you have nothing around your home but dirt, people notice that too and drive right on by.

You’ve probably heard that landscape architectures are expensive and all they do is draw up plans for your yards. That may be true in some instances, but many of them do the work from start to finish. There are licensed professional architects and when certified they belong to ASLA and have a four-year degree. They know about things like botany, horticulture, design and engineering, but they also know about irrigation, soil, and property grading. They know more than planting a tree.

Home and Garden stores can help you plan and possibly will even sketch out a few basics, but may not know everything you need when you plan on installing permanent structures. A professional can answer all your questions, and ask a few you never considered.

When you plan on major improvements on your property, the landscape architect will know what will work so you don’t flood or damage your neighbor’s property by your improperly installed home renovations. They can also handle city hall to get you the proper permits and inspections.

Another advantage of the landscape architect is where and how to install outdoor lighting to give your home the best security and beauty. Many use their outdoor patios as additional rooms, giving the kids a place to play, and adults a place to get away for quiet time or conversation.

You may ask, “How much should I plan to spend to bring my property to its best advantage?” Some have said that 10% of the value of your property makes it a good investment. When you consider that the improvements will increase your property value by 20% of its present value, now that is a good investment.

As the price of gasoline climbs out of reach for many, some turn to their own homes to give them the added benefits by simply enjoying their family at home. The landscape architect will help you, and the cost will be worth the investment.

Millennium Construction specializes in Orange County landscape, Orange County landscaper, and Orange County concrete staining.

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