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Tips For Improving Commercial Curb Appeal | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 17:27:01 EDT

Curb appeal. You hear all the time that it’s important, especially if you are trying to sell a home. So it’s easy to find plenty of tips online for improving your home’s curb appeal. However, your team at U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge knows that quality curb appeal is even more important for commercial property owners.

What do we mean by that? No matter what kind of commercial property you own, the outdoor appearance is a constant message to potential customers and colleagues. For landlords, mall owners, office building owners, storefronts, malls and practically every other kind of commercial business, proper attention to curb appeal will relay the message that you care about the small details.

What is it that makes good curb appeal for a business? Consider these top factors.

Make a statement with your entrance.
Are your visitors given a welcoming feeling at every entrance? Do your entrances utilize a nicely manicured and eye-catching pathway? Line the entrance with pretty flowers or shrubs and consider painting your door(s) in a contrasting color that makes a statement to onlookers.

Design to scale of the property.
When you decide to add new elements to your landscape for heightened curb appeal, it’s important to pay attention to the size of your property and scale those additions accordingly. Small properties need low-growing plants and smaller trees that won’t diminish the property. Larger properties will need more height to keep the trees and bushes in perspective.

Have a focal point.
And we aren’t talking about the entrances. Your property needs an aesthetically pleasing focal point. It could be a large tree, a pretty bench, a gazebo or arbor, or a beautiful sculpture that draws attention to your property. Keep in mind that a focal point also isn’t a lawn decoration. In most cases, lawn decorations only distract from your curb appeal.

Provide plenty of color and texture.
Don’t settle for a boring or drab landscape. That’s not the first impression you want to give your visitors. Your business grounds should offer interest. A secret to great curb appeal is living curb appeal, do don’t shy away from colorful flowers and bushes in a variety of textures which complement your building and hardscape. Breath some life into your business!

Isn’t it time to finally boost your commercial curb appeal? U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge is here to give you some of the very best attention to landscaping in town to draw in more clients and enjoy a winning first impression–every time. Visit our website today to request your free proposal.

Does Your Business Need Commercial Landscaping? | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 06:00:11 EST

When you’re running a business, it’s important to keep in mind that image is everything. When potential customers visit your website, read your brochures, or drive past your location, presentation matters from the start. We all know the saying first impressions matter, and it’s never been more true than in the world of business. U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge knows just how valuable your business image is, and that’s why we’ve built our business around yours.

Have you wondered who truly needs commercial landscaping? The answer is simple–it’s for any business with an image to maintain and a reputation to uphold. If you have a brick and mortar business which customers or clients can see, you need to make a winning first impression. That includes virtually every kind of business, including:

All sizes and styles of office buildings
Retail stores with an outdoor exterior
Shopping centers and malls
Homeowners’ associations
Any multi-location business
Multi-family living complexes and homes
Any government buildings or schools
Educational facilities like technical schools, community colleges or universities
Places of worship for every faith and denomination
Industrial companies or manufacturing plants
Non-profit organizations, clubs or associations
Boating marinas
Banks and other financial institutions
Private-practice professionals and consultants in every field
All restaurants from fast-casual to fine dining
Hospitality-based businesses like hotels, resorts and inns
Every type of hospital, clinic, or health facility

It’s true that the benefits of commercial landscaping begin with building a better first impression from the start, but they don’t stop there. A beautiful landscape makes clients and employees feel good on your property. Customers spend more money at a business that is well-maintained. A professionally designed landscape offers insulation in the winter and cooling relief in the summer. Commercial landscaping saves your business time and money in maintenance costs and even water usage. It also shows a commitment to going green–a value which today’s customers want to see more from the businesses they choose to support.

Businesses simply can’t afford to ignore the value of professional lawn and landscape care. At U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge, we are so pleased to offer you the quality care your business deserves. Visit our website today to learn more about our year-round services to benefit your property.

Get To Know Three Pretty Mulch Options | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 06:00:15 EST

How much do you really know about mulch in landscaping? Mulch simply refers to a variety of materials used as a soil covering on a garden bed. Using mulch over your soil can help retain moisture, prevent weed growth, and provide insulation. The right mulch can add significant curb appeal to your property. If you use an organic mulch, it will decompose and offer fertile nutrients to your soil. Inorganic mulch will not add nutrients to the soil, but it also won’t require as frequent replacement. U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge is here to help demystify your choices with a few of the most common organic materials.

Upon choosing your preferred mulch, you might be surprised to find there are dozens of options. Here are three favorite organic choices:

Cocoa Mulch
Why yes, we’re talking about the food. Cocoa mulch consists of chopped cocoa bean hulls. It lends a rich chocolate brown color to your landscape, and a delicious fragrance that lasts for a few weeks. Cocoa mulch typically lasts between one to three years and may be applied as a 1 inch cover. Do you have a dog? Take note that cocoa is toxic to your pet, but some brands use high heat remove the toxic compounds. Always check your bag to make sure your brand is safe for your pooch.

Compost
For those who happen to do their own composting, that means you have easy access to an inexpensive and nutritious mulch. Compost mulch will greatly enrich the soil for about a year before needing real replacement. Whether you use your own compost or obtain it from another source, keep in mind that compost should be turned–that means it’s been heated to kill off potential weed seeds and diseases.

Pine Straw
This one is easy, pretty and cheap. Fresh pine straw adds curb appeal to most any property with its terracotta color. Anecdotally, pine straw is believed to help hamper slugs which would otherwise cause trouble for your perennials. Pine straw is an economical choice that typically lasts one to two years before requiring replacement.

Now is an ideal time to start looking ahead to the landscape improvements you want to make this year. Remember, U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge offers year round professional care to not only maintain property curb appeal, but greatly enhance it as well. Anything your business needs–from winter ice management to warm weather irrigation systems and more. Contact us today to request your free proposal.

How To Love Your Landscape | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 06:00:16 EST

It’s February, the month for love! Roses and hearts are all blooming, and now is an opportune time to give your lawn and garden a little extra TLC before spring arrives. U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge has many helpful tips to keep your landscape looking fresh and well maintained. Read on to learn more.

Shrubs, Trees, and Roses
Now that we’re halfway through winter, you should continue to protect any tender trees and shrubs before a freeze. You can learn more about protecting your plants in the winter here. If you’ve also got roses on your property, be sure to prune them as soon as the buds start to swell. For winterized roses, keep them covered past any danger of hard frost. Winter storms can be a mess, so always promptly prune any trees or shrubs that have sustained storm damage. Zones 6 and 7 can begin planting bare-root trees and shrubs in February as well.

Bulbs and Perennial Plants
If you happen to store any tender plant bulbs for spring planting, be sure to inspect them every couple of weeks, and throw out any bulbs that may have gone bad. Withered bulbs can be rehydrated by lightly misting their packing with water. Not sure if your bulbs are still good to plant? Learn more about bulb shelf life here. You can also begin pruning or mowing your ornamental grasses at this time. If you have clematis on your property, you should prune group B and C vines, but hold off on pruning group A to protect the early buds.

Expert and Professional Care.
In the midst of managing your business, do you find lawn care to be a difficult burden? One easy way to give your commercial landscape extra love this February is to bring in the professionals.You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches, because with U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge, you’ve got a local team of experts ready to beautify your business for you. From landscape improvements to hardscape installations, regular maintenance to irrigation upgrades and more, we’ve got the knowledge and resources to give your business its best curb appeal yet.

Give us a call at (865) 280-1800 or fill out your free online proposal here.

4 Winter Lawn Care Tasks | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 06:00:15 EST

This winter, how much have you been thinking about lawn care? Chances are good that your lawn could use a bit of loving care, even in midwinter. The truth is that some lawn care is a necessity in winter, despite the dormancy of your lawn. Remember, proper winter care means your lawn is more likely to flourish this spring. And who doesn’t want a more beautiful landscape in the winter? U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge has rounded up a few winter lawn care tips you may not have known.

Do a weekly cleanup.
Even in the cold and dark winter months, there are still some routine tasks that should happen for your lawn. Leaves and debris will not only damage a lawn by smothering the grass, but they can also encourage pesky insects and rodents to make a home on your property–creating even further damage. To avoid such troubles, pick up any debris that gathers on your lawn at a once per week minimum.

Mow when you need to.
That’s right, you might actually need to mow into the early winter months to make sure your grass doesn’t end up being too tall when it finally goes dormant. If your lawn isn’t completely dormant yet, you’ll want to give it a trim. Keep mowing regularly until your grass is completely dormant and you’ll end up with a reasonable lawn through winter.

Keep your lawn hydrated.
Winter can be quite dry, but even a dormant lawn needs water. When your lawn is in dormancy, it’s getting all of its nutrition through the root system. Root systems need water, but they may not get enough precipitation in the winter months. So you’ll still want to water occasionally to keep your lawn from getting too thirsty.

Hire a professional.
Frankly, quality lawn care can be a challenge in any season. It’s even harder if you have a lot of property and a business to manage first. Hiring an expert like the team at U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge ensures you’ll enjoy optimized and expertly managed grounds without having to do all of that grunt work yourself. Let’s be honest–have better things to do!

How much could you use some help updating your business curb appeal this winter? Call on U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge for the expert care you need. You can visit our website today to learn more about our services and request your free proposal.

5 Great Plants For A Winter Garden | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 06:00:14 EST

When winter sets in, that cold and dry air can make a beautiful Tennessee garden seem impossible. For many flowering plants, a winter freeze is far too rough on them to allow for health or bloom. However, there are some flowers which are surprisingly hardy through the winter months, and U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge has made a list of some of our favorites.

Even better, these spectacular plants will also fit in perfectly for a festive holiday landscape.

Camellia
Who doesn’t love a winter evergreen? What makes Camellia so special is that it features rose-like flowers which bloom in the fall and last through the early spring. Plant them in a place where they can get decent sun exposure, and protect it from strong winds.

Holly
Virtually everyone can point out this festive plant. And shockingly, there are more than 400 varieties of holly to choose from! But if you’re interested in exploring holly bushes, let’s start with these 18. Between the bright berries and thick green foliage, they’re an eye-catching winter pick.

Winterberry
Speaking of holly, let’s consider its fascinating cousin. This one really stands out because it loses its leaves in the fall, but holds onto those brilliant red berries all winter long. For any bird watchers out there, you’ll love winterberry because it’s also a great source of winter nutrition for our feathered friends.

Red Twig Dogwood
Yes, as the name would suggest, red stems make this plant especially good for the Christmas season. You can pair it with evergreens for contrast. The color of its red stems lasts all year round and gets brighter with more sun. In spring and summer months, you’ll need to remove new leaves so the colorful stems remain visible.

Heather
Unlike the rest of this list, heather only flowers in the summer and fall months. However, with its beautifully thick foliage, it definitely belongs in a winter garden. For best results, heather should be planted during the winter in a space with as much sunlight as possible.

And if you want to learn more about winter gardening, consider these tips.

We hope you’re enjoying a beautiful winter landscape fit for the holiday season! Remember that anytime you need a hand in improving or managing your business grounds, call on the experts at U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge. Visit our website to explore our many services and request your free proposal today.

Resolve To Grow A Better Landscape In 2018 | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 06:00:16 EST

Here we are, facing another brand new year. As you reflect upon your business goals in this season of renewal, have you made any New Year’s resolutions for your landscape in 2018? U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge has gathered some ideas you can go through this month to help you better plan for the year ahead.

Start taking pictures.
When we look at the same landscape daily, we tend easy to overlook even obvious problems. To allow yourself to see your landscape with new eyes, walk around your grounds and take photos. Seeing your lawn and garden in pictures will make it much easier to identify problem areas and space for improvements. Take it one step further and commit to taking monthly photos to help chronicle the development.

Plant some color.
You, you can really plant bulbs in January! Just be certain that the ground isn’t frozen or you won’t be able to dig deep enough for healthy roots. Planting bulbs is a great way to make a quick change or add a pop of color. And of course, planting bulbs in container gardens makes the whole process of swapping and changing with each season that much easier.

Attend to winter cleaning.
It’s so sad, yet very true–most lawn and gardens need more than a spring and fall cleaning to truly thrive. Many different critters and the winter winds tend to make a mess of the landscape. Do your grounds a favor with a little post-holiday clean-up of woody debris, unhealthy plants, and any other messes that have accumulated beneath the winter foliage.

Control winter pests.
As your clean up your grounds after the holidays also the right time to watch out for unwanted winter pests like tent caterpillar eggs and bagworms. Tent caterpillar egg masses look gray and shiny–they usually form around twigs. Bagworms look almost like pinecones hanging from the end of branches. If you find any of these, remove them right away.

Did you know about the birds that can help keep your garden pest-free all year round?

Lay on the mulch.
A healthy landscape needs plenty of nutrients. Take some time to replenish the top-dressing with a thick blanket of organic matter for your garden beds. Compost, composted leaf mold or manure are very nutritious picks for the soil–especially if you’ve got a vegetable garden.

Get to know a variety of mulch options here.

If you can complete these five steps at the beginning of the year, you will be on your way to a better landscape for 2018. When you think you’re ready to make some big changes, or when you feel it’s time to get help with some of those lawn and garden tasks for your business grounds, please don’t hesitate to call on your team of professionals at U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge. You can give us a call or visit our website for a free proposal.

3 Tips To Protect Your Plants In Winter | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 06:00:14 EST

Part of Tennessee’s appeal is its mild winters and gorgeous scenery, however, winter damage to outdoor plants still occurs across the state in residential and commercial landscapes. The good news is that much of damage can be prevented. U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge has tips you can use to minimize winter damage and avoid the cost of replacing injured plants.

Consider proper plant placement.
A common error people make with their landscape is to overlook the environmental needs of a particular plant before planting it. Where you place plants matters, since it may mean they face greater exposure to the elements–like salt and excessive wind. Likewise, you want to keep in mind that your plants are hardy enough for our USDA zone 7 winters. Mild winters they may be, yet our plants must still be able to withstand below freezing temperatures. Certain types of plants are more temperamental than others. Luckily, there are plenty of hardy vine plants that are tough enough to make it through zone 7 winters.

Mulch and water.
We may appreciate that Tennessee winters don’t typically mean continual snowfalls with perpetually frigid temperatures, but it can be a pain to deal with the quickly changing weather. One day it’s sweltering hot outside and the next day it’s freezing. Adding a layer of mulch to tree rings and landscape beds before winter provides extra insulation for trees, shrubs and perennials in the varying temperatures. You’ll also need to water your plants during dormancy to help prevent them from drying out by what’s called desiccation. Thirsty plants are always more susceptible to damaging winds and injury in the cold weather. Most irrigation systems will be winterized to avoid freezing, but you can use a water truck to deliver moisture on days where the winter weather has grown warm.

Have a maintenance program.
No property should go without a proper year-round maintenance program to ensure the health and beauty of the landscape. However, the stresses of winter make it even more important to prepare your plants for the season and minimize ice damage. Freezing precipitation, in particular, can stress your trees and shrubs. Pruning your trees properly creates stronger branches to withstand winter winds and ice storms. You will also need to control pests and adequately respond to diseases throughout the year to avoid stressed plants. Because the winter season is a stress to virtually all plants, you want them to be as healthy as possible going into the cold weather.

Check out these pretty plants that are hardy enough to make it through the cold.

Here at U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge, we pride ourselves in bringing you the most beautiful landscapes throughout Sevier County. We know first-hand the time and effort it takes to manage a business, and that you need a professional to thoroughly manage your landscape. Contact us today to request your free proposal.

Simple Tips for Winter Garden Prep | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 06:00:14 EST

Does your landscape feature a garden? If so, it’s very important to prep that garden for winter survival. Preparing a garden for winter helps ensure its protection through the frost, and even readies it for the spring season too. Failure to prep for winter will mean a lot of extra work come spring. U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge has rounded up some simple steps you should know if you plan to properly care for your garden each fall.
Regarding plant hardiness, Pigeon Forge is in zone 7a. Zone 7 typically has a first frost date of November 15, and a last frost date of April 15.

Clear the weeds.
Fall is the time to clear the garden of any plants or debris that shouldn’t be there. You’ll need to clear out weeds, dead leaves, plant parts, as well as invasive or diseased plants. If you wouldn’t want in your garden during the growing season, you want to get rid of it now. Tackling this job is easier to do now while the roots are easier to see.

Protect new beds.
If you happened to add new plants or flowers this past growing season, you’ll need to also establish those new plants through their first winter. Basically, you want to give them extra protection while they’re still new. Add extra coverage over the winter with a garden cloche that drapes over the entire new garden area.

Plant bulbs before the ground freezes.
When planting bulbs, you need to dig several inches into the ground, so they have plenty of protection over the winter months and are ready to bloom come spring. If you wait too long, the ground will become too hard and you’ll struggle to plant the bulbs deep enough.

Give your garden a final watering.
It’s a good idea to turn off the outdoor water to avoid frozen water pipes in winter. But before you turn the water off, be sure to give your plants a proper drink one last time. If you can, do this a week or two before the ground freezes. And when you turn the water off, make sure you also empty and properly store your hoses, and other gardening supplies so they don’t freeze and crack in the cold.

Remove delicate plants.
If your garden has any tender bulbs or tubers like dahlias and elephant ear, you’ll need to get them indoors to avoid their winter demise. You should dig them up before the winter and store them in a dark, cool place. You can research the best storage recommendation for each plant online. For some, a basement is perfect. When spring comes, you will replant them. You can learn more about storing tender plants here.

Pile on the mulch.
Did you know that mulch offers many benefits during the winter? It adds organic matter to the soil, naturally deters weeds, and even helps to insulate and protect your plants through winter. A layer of mulch will help keep the ground frozen until spring, so your plants don’t thaw and grow too early.

We know that most business owners don’t have the time or energy to DIY their grounds, yet the value of a properly maintained property is too great to ignore. If you could use some help with your commercial curb appeal, don’t hesitate to contact U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge. We’re here to help you get your grounds looking their very best!

Simple Steps for a Healthy Christmas Tree | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 06:00:12 EDT

Can you believe how fast the holidays are arriving? A huge part of the season means holiday decor is everywhere–outside and indoors! Christmas trees will soon be gracing many of our homes and businesses. How many? As many as 30 million real Christmas trees are sold every year in the US!](http://www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/Education/Quick-Tree-Facts) But just like any other living plant, these holiday focal points need extra care to look their very best and last all season long. U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge has a few simple tips to make sure you get more life from your festive fir.

Proper Christmas tree care isn’t only about maintaining the physical beauty of your tree. It also aids in the prevention of any potential fire hazard. Assuming good maintenance, a healthy Christmas tree will last about six weeks. You can learn about the different varieties of real Christmas trees here.

Consider these easy tips to follow as you shop for your Christmas tree and set it up indoors:

Check for falling needles
When you are picking out your tree, beware of any trees with lots of dead needles. You want to steer clear of any Christmas tree that loses needles easily because it isn’t a healthy tree and it most likely won’t make it through the holidays.

Check the water level daily
A real Christmas tree absorbs about 32 ounces of water for every inch of its diameter. When you set up your tree, be sure to add water to the base of the stand right away. You can help better ensure that your tree is able to absorb adequate water by cutting an inch straight across the bottom prior to securing it in its stand. Finally, continue to add water to keep the cut end of the tree trunk covered–check it at least once a day to maintain the water level.

Avoid a loss of moisture
Once you get your tree home or into your business, you want to watch out that it doesn’t dry out early. A dry tree is also a fire hazard. To help prevent dehydration you need more than proper watering. You also need to keep the tree away from heat sources such as heat ducts and fireplaces. If your indoor air tends to be quite dry, use a humidifier to help further protect your tree.

Do you have any questions for us about the proper care of your real Christmas tree? Feel free to talk to your friendly professionals at U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge and get your holiday landscaping plans in order. Contact us today or visit our website to request your free proposal.

4 Fun Fall Landscape Ideas | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 06:00:12 EDT

The holiday season is upon is as we head into Thanksgiving, but have you considered decorating your landscape for the fall season before we get into winter and Christmas? U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge has a few ideas to help you get started with embracing fall seasonal decor, and we’re sure your neighbors or guests will all be able to appreciate your outdoor harvest style through the season.

Put up string lights.
We promise–sparkling string lights aren’t just for Christmas. String lights can be perfect for for fall too! There’s now many styles of outdoor string lights that are perfect for autumn–consider clear, orange, burnished metal or wicker-wrapped styles. You can wrap your pretty selections around your plants, shrubs or pathways to add a bit of seasonal charm. Get more tips about decorating with string lights here.

Put out fall-themed planters.
Looking for a quick and simple way to transform your landscape? Start using using seasonal planters on your property! Just fill a variety of planter containers with brilliant fall colors like burnt orange, goldenrod, brown and olive green. These can be custom arranged to complement your home and existing decor. Some of the most popular flowers and plants for fall include flowering kale, chrysanthemum, golden barberry, tequila sunrise and grape holly.

Wrap fall garlands.
Garlands are also no longer limited to winter or Christmas. You can decorate your outdoor spaces with a variety of gorgeous garlands designed exclusively for fall. Whether you select one made of fall leaves or greenery with harvest time accents like leaves and acorns, garlands are so easy to work with. You can wrap them around railings, along your porch, deck or doorstep. In fact, you can even create your own autumn garlands with ribbon, lights and fall accessories. While you’re at it, check out these autumn wreath ideas!

Go for bold colors.
What colors do you think of when it comes to Thanksgiving or the fall season? Autumn welcomes a very wide palette of hues, which means you get to enjoy picking out your favorite combinations to create a special look. You might select a monochromatic color scheme, a fiery palette of oranges, reds, and golds, or a neutral scheme of browns and creams.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we want to help make your holidays a little bit easier. Get some expert guidance with your own commercial landscape and U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge will take care of all the heavy lifting for your grounds, so you can focus on your business, family, and friends. Visit our website today to learn more about our professional lawn and landscape services.

4 Top Landscaping Trends | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 09:14:22 EDT

Beautiful lawns and landscapes are our passion here at U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge, and we enjoy discussing about all things related to landscapes, lawns and gardens. October is a very good time to consider some of the hot trends that have been taking over gardens across the country. Just check out these four popular ideas:

Natural Hardscape Materials
For many years now, modern minimalism has dominated today’s garden designs with the enormous popularity of clean lines. Lately, however, both landscapers and property owners have been adopting a much more natural and DIY look for their gardens and outdoor sources. Think more stone, rocks and wood or natural fibers, with less plastic and metal accessories.

Locally Sourced Plants
Much like the growing green and sustainable movement, many industries today are focused on going “hyper local”. Locally sourced ingredients are an increasingly mainstream expectation by both consumers in every area of business. In gardening, going local means selecting and planting more native or endemic plants. A native plant is one that grows locally in an area. Endemic plants are those which exist only in one geographic region or ecosystem. Learn more about the benefits of planting native plants. The local trend is so big lately, that even hardscaping materials such as rocks and trees might be sourced locally as well. Sourcing materials locally also helps reduce carbon emissions.

Lawn-Like Alternatives
These days, not everyone wants to go with a traditional lawn for beautiful grounds. Many property owners are choosing the perks of “faux lawn” turfgrass blends. Those who choose grass alternatives typically do so due to drought and water shortages, concerns about the environmental effect of fertilizing, and pest-control treatments. That said, there is some controversy over the environmental impact of faux grass, yet, the natural look is helping this trend gain more ground.

Natural Dye Gardens
Outdoor DIY projects such as edible gardens, chicken coops, and beehives are popular–even in urban spaces. They celebrate the backyard homesteading trend. The next big thing is now known as natural dye gardens–growing plants which are used to make dyes for textiles, yarn, and clothing. A natural dye garden typically includes vegetables, fruit trees, and pollinator-attracting flowers. Think about plants such as cosmos, Japanese indigo, marigold, blue cornflower, and purple basil. Learn more about the benefits of natural dye gardens here!

Would you like to update for commercial outdoor spaces? Consider some of these trends and keep in mind that U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge is knowledgeable of today’s hottest landscaping ideas and we can help you make a variety of improvements or take over maintenance so you can focus on running your business. Visit our website today to learn more!

5 Simple Tips for Better Fall Curb Appeal | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 06:00:24 EDT

Who’s ready for a new season? Now that we’re getting into autumn let’s talk about boosting your landscape for fall. U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge has got plenty of expert ideas to help you improve the curb appeal of your home or business in this change of season. Check out these bountiful tips for your property.

Start with maintenance.
Your first line of defense when it comes to proper fall landscape care is routine maintenance. The gorgeous autumn weather calls for clean lines, vibrant color and lush greenery. That means you’ll need to rake up fallen leaves regularly and promptly attend to any brown spots in your lawn.

Go for bold color.
Assuming that your lawn is getting the routine maintenance it needs, let’s liven up your outdoor space. In fact, each summer, once your flowers and plants begin to fade, go ahead and replace them with the bold fall colors which convey the autumn season. Garden mums and herbs are popular options, but you can plant any hardy plants in hues like orange, magenta and gold. Need more inspiration? Consider these top picks for the season.

Bring attention to your entrances.
A beautiful commercial landscape is all about boosting the image of your business–and of course, getting more clients through the door. That makes it a great idea to make your entrances the focal point of your building’s exterior. In the fall, choose a simple wreath of fall foliage or flowers.

Clear the gutters of debris and leaves.
Sure, it’s not fun, but during the fall season, it’s necessary to keep your gutters and downspouts free of all leaves or debris. This maintenance will not only make your property look cleaner, but it will also protect your building from water damage. Feeling up to some DIY? Check out these vital fall tips.

Select more subtle decorations.
Occasionally, there may be a temptation among business owners to go a tad overboard when it comes to holiday decor. Rather than putting up Halloween or Thanksgiving decorations which might come across as too cheesy, keep your decor classy with subtle and elegant fall colors.

Do you need more assistance with a fall makeover for your business grounds? Let U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge attend to the work for you, whether you need professional fall maintenance or a complete landscape transformation. Ask for your FREE proposal today!

Here's Why You Need A Managed Irrigation System | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 06:00:18 EDT

Here at U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge, your image is everything to us. If you’re a facility manager, property manager, or commercial real estate owner, we know you’re busy running your business–and far too busy to maintain your landscape yourself. Among the many needs your softscape has, proper irrigation management is the number one priority. Discover the difference between a softscape and hardscape.

You definitely don’t need to be an expert in irrigation for properly watered grounds. Your local professionals at U.S. Lawns will take care of it all. Why is irrigation management necessary? The quality of your lawn depends upon consistently receiving the right amount of hydration–something we cannot expect to leave to Mother Nature. Of course, watering by hand is hardly an efficient use of anyone’s time. Remember, the larger your grounds, the more time it will take to keep it hydrated by hand. Investing in an irrigation system will save you money as you avoid costly losses of plants and trees due to disease. Find out more about common lawn diseases..

Here are three main reasons why you need a managed irrigation system:

Prevent weeds and disease
A proper irrigation systems directs water right to the rootball, instead of submerging the entire lawn in water–which means fewer weed seeds get germinated. This means you’ll avoid common blight diseases which are caused by pooling water.

Preserve soil structure and nutrients
Irrigation systems emit smaller water droplets compared to a garden hose. A hose generally lets too much water sink into the soil. That means the vital nutrients will be leached from the grounds along with the water runoff. Using a garden hose also risks compacting the soil, so that your plants may wither or succumb to root diseases.

Preserve time and water
When you water your grounds with a hose, you must spend hours in the early morning before the heat of the sun peaks, and also in the evening once the sun goes down. That’s more time than any business owners have today. Modern irrigation systems use preset timers to reduce your water bill.

Contact U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge today to talk to us about your irrigation needs. We’ll come to your business to get to know your property. Then we will sit down with you to put together a your irrigation plan and responsibly manage your system to give your grounds a hydrated and healthy appearance your clients will love. You can visit our website today and request your free, no-obligation proposal.

3 Landscaping Trends That Are Here To Stay | U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge

US Lawns of Pigeon Forge — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 06:00:14 EDT

This year’s landscaping trends are all about balancing classic design with the latest aesthetics. The team at U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge wants to help you stay abreast of the hottest happenings in outdoor design to keep your business looking–and performing– at its very best. Here are a variety of features that are not only trendy, but also are guaranteed to stay in style next year too!

Green is everywhere.
Sustainable lawns are a big deal these days and the trend is only going to grow. One of the best ways to enjoy a more sustainable landscape is to protect the pollinators of your garden. That begins with planting species that help attract beneficial insects (like bees) and birds, and also using native plants. Some sustainable additions to your property might include LED bulbs in water features or your other outdoor lighting fixtures. You might also use upcycled materials for garden accessories, and select greener hardscape materials like composite wood.

Tasteful gardens are a hit.
Edible gardens continue to grow in popularity, even among commercial landscapes. It’s not just homeowners who can reap the benefits of growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Employers can use edible gardens to offer their workers a healthy reprieve, and landlords can help encourage their tenants to live healthier, too. The harvest can be used by your facility chefs, employees or residents–whichever applies. Property owners might also be surprised to discover how little space is needed for an edible garden–it can really be as simple or elaborate as you like.

Everyone loves some rock.
More and more property owners are enjoying the benefits of rocks over traditional mulch or straw. It’s a top pick because rocks don’t require so much maintenance, and harsh weather conditions won’t destroy them. Plus, the rocks can be selected in a wide range of colors to enhance the overall appeal of your property. Rocks are a smart pick for those seeking drought or wind resistant plant materials to encourage a healthy ecosystem.

What kinds of features would you like to use in your landscaping? Working with a team of professionals, like U.S. Lawns - Pigeon Forge will ensure you get the look you live without lifting a finger for maintenance. Give us a call today or visit our website to get started with an industry leader.