Olympic Lawn

Want the best looking garden on the block? Creating a healthy eco-friendly garden can be much easier than you think. Plus, it’s extremely affordable. With a little time and practice, making your garden stand out from the rest can be done by using the age old method of composting.

Potato peels are just one of the many food items you can use to compost.

In The Beginning

Composting has been around since the beginning of time, literally. The earth naturally composts what it produces. For instance, if you were to walk in a wooded area and start to digging under fallen leaves you would see the natural composting process occurring.

When dead leaves, twigs, and other nature artifacts decay into the ground, they begin to compost. And inside a compost is some of the most nutrient-rich matter you will find out there. These nutrients make gardens bright and vibrant. Composting is a natural fertilizer that does not contain any hazardous chemicals either. It is one of the most natural ways to produce a luscious lawn and garden.

What Composts?

The great news about composting is that it is extremely simple. Any work you do in your lawn, from mowing to pruning, even to pulling weeds can be composted. And most food, aside from dairy products and meat, can be sent to the compost pile, too. The best food items include:

• Banana peels
• Rotted fruit
• Veggie scraps
• Potato skins
• Tea bags

How to Compost

The first step in composting is to designate a small spot of your yard for the compost pile. Usually a corner area that is not extremely noticeable is best. As a Kansas City Landscaper, I know that most people think that compost piles are an eye-sore to their yard. But, there are now reasonably priced and nice looking compost bins out there that help create a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing area for composting. Finding a bin or just creating a space for your compost is a big decision in the composting process.

Outdoor Materials

After a spot is chosen it is now time to gather all of your dead leaves, grass clippings and pruned plants and place them in your composting spot. If you have large twigs, be sure to break them down so that they compost faster.

Indoor Materials

For food items, set up a container with a lid in your garage where you can throw your compostable foods. To avoid making multiple trips to the compost pile in a day, designate one time a day or one time every other day to dump your food container into your compost pile.

Up Keep for a Compost Pile

To keep your pile composting correctly and in a timely manner, be sure to mix the pile often. A simple way to mix your pile is to use a shovel and scoop the bottom contents to the top a few times. Also, make sure your compost pile is damp and not dry. A moist compost pile will allow the contents to decompose quicker. You can also buy worms to help in the composting process, but eventually worms from your yard will naturally make their way to your pile.

When your pile has a soil-like texture to it that contains small particles of leaves or food, you know that your pile is ready to use. Compost material can be used anywhere on your lawn. It will help plants in your garden grow and can also be used as a great fertilizer around your lawn.

When it is all said and done, not only are you making your lawn as luscious as it can be, which adds curb appeal, you are also saying thanks to Mother Earth by not sending more waste to the landfill.

Filed under: Composting, Natural Fertilizer by olympiclawn
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Only a few weeks left until pruning time begins. Why not assess your plants now and get a head start with some early pruning tips!

Late-winter pruning is just around the corner!

Why Prune?

Pruning may not be fun, but it can actually lengthen the life of your plants. Proper pruning can help mature a plant to its fullest potential. Giving your plant the most ideal situation for growth is also ideal for you because it increases your properties curb appeal. And this time of year is ideal for pruning.

Late-Winter Pruning

Pruning should begin in late-winter to avoid any winter injury to the plant. The ideal time to prune is just before spring growth is set to begin. Depending on your location, late February to early April are the best months for winter pruning.

Like all plants most of the life-giving energy is stored in the root system or at the base of the trunk or shrub, pruning the upper portion of a tree or a plant will not take away any energy the tree has stored up.

Fruit Trees

While it is healthy to do some winter pruning to almost all of your trees and plants it is actually very wise to prune any trees or plants that bear fruit. Pruning early helps the fruit bearing plants and trees to produce better shoots when they are ready to blossom in the spring. Strong sturdy shoots produce healthy fruit.

Greens

It is also very important for leafy shrubs as well as spruces and firs to be pruned just before spring. These vibrant green plants can often grow wildly during their active season. Thinning out these plants during their dormant season will help control their growth when spring arrives.

How to Prune

The first step in pruning is to come up with a pruning plan. A pruning plan will allow you to make wise cuts instead of and leaving your plants bare. To begin your plan remove all dead parts first, then evaluate if other pruning cuts need to be made for new growth.

Once you begin to prune make sharp quick cuts. Jagged cuts are not good on the plant. After removing dead branches or leaves evaluate if there are any tree limbs that rub together, if so, they will also need to be pruned.

It is best to make lateral cuts that are about 1/4 inch above a bud.

Pruning Tools

Pruning, looping and hedge shears are all important to have during the pruning process. A good pair of shears can last a long time.

Each shear has a specific function as it relates to your plants. For instance, Pruning shears work better for smaller plants, looping shears are good for hard to reach smaller branches and hedge shears are used best on hedge work.

Another good tool to have on hand is a saw. A saw can help you cut off larger branches that shears are unable to cut. Depending on the size of the branch, a hand saw or chain saw should do the trick.

Keep all tools sharp to make better cuts. Dull tools will create jagged rough cuts. Again, all cuts should be clean.

Start preparing to prune today! Not only will it highlight your landscaping design, your plants will thank you!

Filed under: Pruning Tips, Uncategorized, Winter Pruning by olympiclawn
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Spring is just around the corner and lawn and garden magazines are sharing all the hype on the newest trends for 2012. From big colors on small plants to textured leaves, the 2012 landscaping trends are in and its officially time to start planning your perfect 2012 lawn now!

2012 gardening is all about using your space wisely!

Better Homes and Gardens just released its Top Garden Trends for 2012, giving readers a chance to dream up some big plans. The great news is that most gardening trends are really easy to do yourself and very affordable if you are looking to hire a local landscaper. With a little planning and prep-work you will be on your way to a luscious lawn.

Less is More

One of the top trends in 2012 is utilizing your spaces wisely. To best accomplish this goal find smaller plants that bring big color to their space.

One way horticulturists are helping in this process is by introducing dwarf versions of popular plants. One such plant is the butterfly bush. This bush when purchased in the dwarf size allows you to add a lot of pop and color to a space without having to worry about it taking over the rest of the flower bed.

When you have a plant such as the dwarf butterfly bush you can create a scene of color that also attracts beautiful nature in a small space.

Textures

Along with adding some color to your lawn, try adding varying green plants with different textures, such as elephant ears. Texture is a big hit in 2012 because it is usually overlooked. But by adding in just a tad of texture to your color you can really make your garden grand! The curve of the leaves or wrinkles around the edges are sure to standout from the rest of your normal plants.

One of the best things about a textured plant is that it also lives longer than most of your other plants. Textured plants are durable and are a must in any garden this year!

Grill and Garden

One final big trend in 2012 is to liven up your outdoor patio with a taste of your garden. Use raised garden beds, potted plants and bird feeders to decorate the outskirts of your patio!

One of the biggest hits in the grill and garden trend is having a fire ring. Making the fire ring the center of your outdoor patio is a great way to add tremendous curb appeal to your backyard.

The perk to dressing up your patio goes along with the idea of small space landscaping. Small space landscaping is making a scene this year. Instead of making your entire lawn look uniform, small space landscaping allows you to break up your lawn into smaller segments. Decorating the patio, making a spot for the kids play area, or even creating a wild-life sanctuary in your back yard are all great ways to create small spaces.

So now that the trends are in, it is time for you to start making your plans. Think big and may your gardening dreams come true!

Filed under: Landscape Design, landscaping Trends by olympiclawn
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Hardy plants, look out! Even with mild winter weather this year, a quick drop in below-freezing temperatures can cause severe frost damage even to the toughest greens. As colder weather creeps in, it is imperative to keep Jack Frost away from your plants.

Preventing frost on your plants is a must this time of year!

Deadly Beauty

To the naked eye, frost is a thing of beauty. The shapes and designs that ice can make on a plant or on glass can be awe inspiring. But for your lawn and garden, frost can be a deal breaker for spring beauty. If proper plant protection is not taken, frost can do a number on your plants.

The Definition

Even on cold days your plants take in much needed heat from the sun. After the sun goes down your plant may frost if the temperature drops below freezing because it loses any heat it stored up throughout the day. As the temperature drops, dew forms from the moisture in the air. If the air is below freezing, then that dew turns into frost.

The worst kind of frost is one that makes its way to the plant cells. Penetrating the plant cells can put your plant in danger. Luckily there are simple steps that can be done to protect your plants from those frigid temperatures.

How to Protect Your Plants

All you need to accomplish these simple steps is a little bit of prep-work and a little landscaping TLC.

Mulch

Mulching can be as simple as sprinkling some pine straw about four inches thick around your plants. Make sure all areas of the plant are covered. You can also use hay or peat moss if you have some available. This protective layer will keep moisture in the ground around your plant. And the moisture will help retain the heat the plant takes in during the day.

Before you lay your first layer of mulch, go ahead and give your plant a good watering to build up the moisture before it is covered. On extremely cold nights be sure to give your plants a little bit of water before the sun goes down.

Prune

While most people know to prune their plants before winter arrives, did you know there is a proper way to prune? The density of your plant, how sensitive it is to frost, and if it is a fruit bearing plant will determine the best way to keep it pruned properly. Be sure to research each of your plants before you go to town with your pruning sheers. Proper pruning can go a long way in helping reduce the risk of frost on most of your plants.

Cover

Cover your most sensitive plants in cloth sheets or potato bags. Covering your plants in a material that has tiny holes is best. This allows your plants to breath. Be sure to remove your coverings first thing in the morning so that your plant can get as much sun exposure as possible. The covering helps lock in moisture and fight off any chances of frost.

Plan for the Future

Your landscaping design can actually play a vital role in protecting your plants from frost damage. For instance, when adding new plants to your landscaping, place weather-sensitive plants where less wind can get to them, such as under a tree or near a fence. Partial shade plants can be planted under a tree for more winter protection as well.

Another major factor in landscaping design and frost prevention is proper soil and water drainage. Does your yard have a slope or a does water pool in a certain space in your yard? Avoid planting in places that may allow water to gather and freeze quickly.

Doing just a few simple things this season can have a major effect on how your plants blossom in the spring. Frost prevention is for both the hardy and sensitive plants that call your yard their home.

Filed under: Frost Prevention, Winterization by olympiclawn
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In the Midwest, winters are hard for the garden enthusiast. But having cooler temps doesn’t mean planning and planting should be set aside, it just means more creativity needs to be involved. Winter is actually a great time to try new things in your gardening world.

Don't let the gloom of winter distract from the beauty of gardening now.

Winter weather can create a bleak outlook as the hobby of gardening comes to a halt for those with a passionate green thumb. But with a few helpful tips, your winter can be filled with creativity and anticipation for the spring days ahead.

The Snow Advantage

Unless you are a school-aged child, snow is not fun to deal with. But, fresh snow can actually help your landscaping. Utilize your snow this winter by placing what you shovel on top of your perennials.

The snow, as long as it is not contaminated with salts, can act as a natural blanket for your plants. This covering will protect your perennials from harsh temperatures that are still to come in the winter, especially wind and ice.

House Garden

While the ground outside is too cold for spring seeds, did you know that your house can be a great place to start the seed growing process? Creating a indoor seed garden can jump start the seeding processes before spring even comes.

Last Frost Date

The first step in indoor seed growing is to check for the last predicted frost date for your area. This will help you put together a game plan for when to move your growing sprouts outside.

Planting inside too early or too late may effect your plant during the transition to the outdoors. Having a general idea of the last frost date will help your seeds have the best possible chance at surviving and thriving.

The Transition

The key for transition is all about timing. When the temperatures are right, leave your sprouts outside for a short period of time before bringing them back inside. Each day leave them out a little longer. After a few days go ahead and place the containers with the roots in the ground in new fresh soil. And of course, water regularly!

The Best Seeds

The best seeds to transition from indoors to outdoors are vegetable seeds. These hardy seeds can withstand tough transition better than many other plants. Seeds used for seasonings and spices are great ones to try during your first time of seed transitioning.

Just like anything else, the longer you practice the art of transferring plants from indoors to outdoors, the better you become at it.

Keep a Garden Journal

Create a garden journal by going online and day dreaming. While planting season is still months away, your day dreaming season can be in full effect.

If your daily hobby in the summer is going outside and pulling weeds and picking off dead leaves from your plants, use this time of year to dream up big plans for next spring. Gardening as a hobby doesn’t have to end when the weather gets cold. There are plenty of gardening websites and magazines that are filled with ideas. Print off or tear out ones that you like and keep a collection in a gardening journal. Then, talk with a landscaper in your area to see if you can make your dreams a reality.

Dream Big for your Garden

This season, don’t let the cold weather keep you from dreaming up big dreams. Plan ahead, plant indoors and use the upcoming snow and ice to your advantage! Warmer days may just be closer than you think.

Filed under: Benefits of Snow, Gardening as a Hobby by olympiclawn
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This has been a very strange winter, to say the least, but just because most of us have had very mild weather doesn’t mean our plants should go without extra love and care. Some plants may even be tricked into thinking spring has sprung! As temperatures vary from warm to moderate to cold, it is vital to not only help your plants survive this winter but also to thrive!

A little extra love and care in your garden this winter can go a long way for spring blooms!

As a Kansas City landscaper and native I have to admit, this has been one of the strangest winters I have seen in a long time, especially for those of us in the Midwest. And while enjoying 60 degree weather in the dead of winter is nice once in a while, there is a slight danger for our lawns.

The Spring Effect

When the cold season starts to move in, the growth above the ground for most plants tends to die off. But for trees, shrubs and other perennial,s the root systems below are still alive but remain dormant until warmer weather arrives.

When multiple warm days occur, the ground may thaw and the plant may be fooled into thinking that spring has sprung.  This can cause serious damage to your plant by budding early and then facing severe weather. Luckily, there are a few easy things that can be done to protect your plants from this process and help them survive the winter.

Insulate Your Plants in Warm Winters

Insulating your plants is one of the best ways to protect them from harsh or mild winters. You really can’t go wrong with insulation. And the great news is that there are several things around your house that you can use for insulation.

Use a Christmas Tree for landscaping

Still have your Christmas tree in the house or in the wood pile? Use the branches from the tree to insulate your plants. Spread the branches near the base of your plant and create a protective shield with the branches, or pick off the needles from the branches and sprinkle them all around your plant.

Snow to insulate

If you do incur snow in your area, use the snow you shovel from your driveway, as long as it is free of toxic salts, and sprinkle it over your plants. The snow will act as a natural insulator from harsh winds and ice.

Containers

Old plastic glass containers in your house can also be used to insulate smaller plants. Just make sure that when using a container, it is large enough to cover the entire plant and a little bit of the grass our soil around it.

Prune and Water Your Plants in Winter

While insulation is key in protecting your plants and shrubs from varying winter temperatures, pruning and watering your plants should not be neglected, even in the winter. In fact, winter is a great time to cut back some of your old plants to make way for the new growth in the spring. Pruning dormant shrubs that are not growing in the winter can make a significant difference in their spring blossom.

And watering your plants at least once a month or once every other month will also help the frozen roots receive some much needed moisture. Luckily the watering doesn’t have to occur very often!

By doing small things around your lawn this winter you can help your landscaping survive the varying temperatures. And with all of your extra love and care, you will see big results when they thrive in the spring.

Filed under: Winter Lawn Care Tips, Winterization by olympiclawn
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When enjoying your post-Christmas coffee by the window, watching birds play and eat from a bird feeder can be one of the top ways to wind down. And to help make the view more enjoyable, there are a few bird house etiquette tips to enhance your experience.

Bird watching in the winter can be really relaxing and entertaining.

Most people tend to think that bird feeders are just for the spring and summer months, but did you know that some of the most entertaining feedings happen during the winter? Winter birds use bird houses as a safe haven during the cold days and nights. Bird feeding etiquette applies to both summer and winter feedings.

Keep The Bird Feeders Up

Many experts agree that having a bird feeder out all year is a plus for your bird watching experience, giving you a chance to see summer and winter birds. The best time of year to put out a new birder feeder is mid-March when the weather starts turning the corner to brighter days.

Keeping clean, fresh-looking bird houses and feeders in your yard is rule number one in bird house etiquette. Even something as simple as a bird feeder can greatly increase or decrease your landscaping curb appeal.

This time of year is great to shop for your new spring feeder of fix up one you have in storage. Choosing the right bird feeders and proper placement for those feeders is key to seed eating success.

Winter bird feeders

Bird houses are ideal for the winter. Houses provide a safe haven for the birds to keep warm. And they create a sheltered environment for birds to nest in.

Placement for winter bird feeders is very important. It is ideal to hang a bird house under a sheltered area such as a tree or shrub. A covered area protects the birds and the bird house from snow and ice. If placing under a tree, aim for a lower branch instead of a high branch.

Summer bird feeders

Bird houses are good for summer feedings as well, but having an open feeding station with a perch is best for viewing purposes. Many open feeders are now made to keep squirrels away, which is an added benefit!

Placing a summer feeder is easy. Look for a spot that is easily viewable from your window, or try to decorate your bird houses and feeders to match your landscaping.

Keep it clean

While it is illegal to tamper with bird nests, it is wise to make sure you are properly taking care of your bird house, especially if it is a homemade bird house. When old nests stay in a bird house too long, mites and other bugs are attracted to the nest. Along with these small bugs are parasites that can form in old birds nests.

The best way to keep your bird house clean is to check on it at the beginning of each season. Check for weather damages, old bird nests and use your check up as an opportunity to clean out all old food and replace it with new fresh seed.

Keep it Simple

The final rule of bird house etiquette is to keep your bird feeder simple. Birds don’t need a lot of flash and prestige, birds just need a place to perch and a good mix of seed to eat. In the winter they do need shelter, but the more your bird feeder blends in with the nature around it, the better.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying your bird feeders can’t be uniquely you, what I am saying is that your bird feeder shouldn’t take over your yard. Having a few bird feeders strategically placed around your lawn is ideal. Make sure to place your feeders in areas that are easily seen from your window for your viewing pleasure. You’ll be gazing at the beautiful cardinals, blue jays and more in no time.

Filed under: Bird Feeders, Bird Feeding Etiquette by olympiclawn
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This year in Kansas City we have been blessed with a fairly mild winter. But even with that said, weather here is always unpredictable and it is always best to be prepared for the worst!  And if you are a business owner, being prepared for ice and snow removal is invaluable.

Ice and snow could be just around the corner, which means slick streets and parking lots.

Have you ever pulled into a parking lot on a cold winter morning and did a 180 in your car because you didn’t know that it frosted over night? Or the worst is stepping out of the car on the way to the store and slipping on black ice. Too many unnecessary accidents have happened in parking lots over the years because store owners were not prepared.

As a professional snow remover in Kansas City, I have seen my fair share of ice covered parking lots. And I can’t say enough about clearing the lot to make shopping safer and easier on store customers. Having a plan for winter weather can save you and your customers many headaches.

The Plan of Snow Removal

For a business owner, having a winter weather plan is vital to success. The key to the plan is finding the right snow removal company to fit your financial needs.

Get an Estimate

Most Kansas City snow removal companies will take a look at your property and give you an estimate based on the size of your lot. Before the estimate is done, check to see if the estimate is free or if there is a charge. An estimate will help you determine what your budget should look like.

Be sure to get multiple estimates to find the best snow removal company for you.

Budget

After you have an estimate, work on a winter budget. Because snow can be hit or miss, it is always best to allot for unforeseen snow removals. Having enough room in your budget to make it till the first day of spring is wise.

Hire Early

After you establish your budget, choose a company as soon as possible. The earlier you can lock into a contract the better. Many snow removal companies fill up quick, so finding the right fit early is the best option.

On-Call

One crucial point of contention in finding and hiring a snow removal company for your business is finding one that is available for emergency removals. Snow and ice storms can be unpredictable, but having your snow removal company available 24/7 shouldn’t be.

Read all of the fine print before you sign a contract and make sure the company can be on-call for emergency weather.

After the Storm

Finally, look for a snow removal company who will do touch up services post-storm. Having your parking lot plowed after the initial snowfall is great, but inevitably when the temperature drops overnight, the lot could still have some slick spots in the morning.

Always remember that safety is the first priority. If you are a business owner, be sure to make wise decisions this winter when it comes to keeping you and your customers safe.

Filed under: Snow, Snow Removal, Uncategorized by olympiclawn
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You can tell a lot about a person by their lawn, but for those who don’t have a natural green thumb, making your lawn pop with its own uniqueness doesn’t have to be a hard task to accomplish. Concrete curbing and concrete applications can be just the thing needed to add some creativity and customization to your landscaping.

Stamping options for concrete walk ways are endless!

Most people think that concrete lawn products are only for flower beds and for borders around the house, but did you know that there are tons of other creative uses for concrete applications? From one dimensional logo designs to making your grill the focal point of your back yard, concrete can change the entire landscape of your lawn.

Curbing Designs

One way to make your lawn more reflective of who you are is to use customizable concrete curbing. The great thing about customizing it yourself is that you can choose designs and colors that fit your personality.

Logos Around Your Home

Want to show your Alma Mater you are still rooting for them? You can customize your concrete curbing in a one dimensional shape to resemble your favorite sports team logo. Big KU fan? Use the curbing colors, patterns and your own shrubs and flowers to create a design that is sure to impress other Jayhawks.

Trees Edged with Concrete

Are you more of simple elegance kind of person? Use curbing to edge your trees. Make it your own by choosing a stamping pattern and color that reflect you and your home.

Backyard Centerpiece

Creating a focal point in your back yard can do wonders for party hosting and even just family meals. A focal point is a space in your yard that you want people to notice and it can also give people a place to gather around when you are hosting an event. Concrete curbing can help you set your grill, fire ring or a play area as the focal point. Using a curbing application to make your focal point stand out, is an even bigger plus by adding style and landscape design.

The Patio

If you have a wooden deck, you know that it takes maintenance. Over time, the wood needs to be re-stained or even replaced depending on what type of climate you live in. If you are thinking about a new patio one solution is to replace the old wooden deck with a concrete patio. Concrete patios aren’t what they used to be either. With tons of different colors and stamping designs your patio can be high end without putting an end to your budget.

Stamping sets can even make the patio look like tile, brick or slate without paying the high prices for those materials.

Walk Ways

One fun ways to add a touch of style to your lawn is to add a concrete walk way in your front or back yard. This type of walk way can accentuate the outside of your home. With the same variety stamping and color choices as a patio, you can customize your walk way to match your home or garden.

If you are thinking about ways to add a little touch of “you” to your lawn this year, look into concrete options. From edging to large spaces, customization is the best way to make it your own.

Filed under: Curbing Applications, custom curbing by olympiclawn
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As soon as snow hits the ground, most people are ready to stay locked up indoors. But if you own a fire ring, enjoying the snow outside can be even more fun than just looking at it from the window. Since fire rings can be used year round, winter weather is a great time to utilize them!

Bust out the sleds and light up the fire ring for some winter fun!

Family Time with a Fire Pit

One of the great things to do as a family in the winter is to pack up and head to a Colorado lodge for skiing and marshmallows around the fire pit. These days though, you don’t have to travel further than your own back yard to have the same elegance of a winter lodge for a lot less money. This lodge-effect is occurring at social and family gatherings with the increase purchases of outdoor fire rings.

These things are fantastic, and they allow you to enjoy all your winter weather fun outside as a family. Have a hill in your back yard, grab your sled, dash through the snow then warm up by the outdoor fire. Want to grill out for dinner or roast a couple of marshmallows while looking at the starry night sky? Put the cooking grate on top of the fire pit and roast away. What a better way to spend time as a family than being close together around the fire.

Fire Pits Make A Good Investment

One of the best things about a fire ring is that it can be used all year round. Regardless of temperature, the fire ring is always ready to go. The materials used are not only durable, but highlight your patio design!

Fire Pit Construction

The fire ring is made up of high quality stone. This stone is easy to clean and there is little maintenance involved. Because the stone used is a high grade stone, the fire ring lasts a long time, allowing you to enjoy it for years and not worry about having to replace it all the time.

Curb Appeal

The fire ring can be used as the centerpiece for your patio. Creating a landscaping design with your patio in mind can totally change the layout of your yard. A fire ring can bring all of your landscaping together. This lodge-type effect adds curb appeal to your home.

Home Value

Adding curb appeal to your home increases the value of your home. Fire rings add elegance to the outside of your home and can create a warm and cozy atmosphere. And if you are worried about the initial investment of a fire ring, seek out a company that will do a free estimate for your patio.

If you own a fire ring, be sure to utilize it to its full potential this year. Enjoy some time with the family around the fire and warm up on those cool winter nights!

Filed under: Fire Pits, Fire Rings by olympiclawn
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