ABC Blog

Christmas Light Ideas for Your Outdoor Spaces

christmas lights

The holiday season is a joyous time, and one of the best ways to welcome it is by decorating your outdoor spaces with holiday lights. You can take your outdoor decor in several directions, from simple and classic to bold and whimsical.

For example, elegant all-white string lights can create a timeless look on your front lawn. Mix multi-colored lights with fun inflatables to add more pizazz to your decor. Keep reading for a complete list of Christmas light ideas for your outdoor spaces.

The best way to create a cohesive outdoor decor look is to choose a theme you want your decor to follow. The options are endless. The fun thing about choosing a theme is mixing it up every year for variety or adding to your existing theme to expand your decor.

Finally, practicing safety procedures is important when installing outdoor holiday lights. It’s easy to mix up outdoor and indoor … Read Full Post »

Native Trees for Your San Antonio Yard

cedar elm tree

San Antonio doesn’t just boast a rich heritage and enviably mild winters. The city is also alive with a variety of native trees that can make any visitor green with envy. San Antonio residents are spoiled with choice when it comes to trees they can plant in their yards, including hardy deciduous varieties, evergreens and flowering ornamentals.

If you want a luscious yard you’ll be proud to show off to your neighbors, here’s a guide to the most common native trees in the area. Arborists can help you find the best spots for them on your property. They can also create an optimal pruning schedule for your trees and ensure they grow strong and healthy.

These Native Trees in San Antonio Are Perfect for Your Yard

Given the wide variety in San Antonio, choosing trees for your yard can be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve narrowed it down to the nine most … Read Full Post »

How to Fertilize a Tree

a tree in a yard

Trees are worthwhile investments, bringing your property to life and boosting curb appeal. But if you want them to thrive and keep looking their best, you have to give them the TLC they deserve. That includes fertilizing them. Fertilizing trees requires technical know-how because different trees have unique requirements. It helps to know what fertilizer to use, how much to apply and how often.

If you’re unsure of how to fertilize a tree, here’s an in-depth guide to help you. However, it’s better to get tree care specialists to assist you with tree maintenance for the best results. They will identify the trees on your property and fertilize them according to their needs.

How to Fertilize a Tree: Fertilizer Types, Correct Amount and Application

There’s no need to worry if the soil on your property is short on nutrients. Fertilizers can compensate for that, providing the necessary nutrients for trees to flourish, flower … Read Full Post »

What’s Involved in Building an Outdoor Fire Place?

an outdoor fire place

Adding an outdoor fireplace is one way to spruce up a backyard. It can completely change the ambiance and be a great place to bring your family and friends together. Not only will a fireplace light up the space and make it cozier, but it will also give your property a value boost. It can even give you added privacy, letting you enjoy your barbecues in peace.

If you want to level up your outdoor living space with a fireplace, let a professional help. A landscape specialist will prepare your space and a solid base for the fireplace, and then build the outdoor fireplace of your dreams. This professional has the tools and expertise needed for the job, so all you have to do is sit back and relax.

Steps to Building an Outdoor Fireplace

It might seem like outdoor fireplaces are built from stacked river rocks or ledger stones, but that’s all … Read Full Post »

Best Season to Prune Trees

pruning trees

If you’re growing trees on your property, you’re probably eager to give them all the TLC they need to thrive. But before you head out to your garden and start pruning, knowing how to do this is important. Pruning trees is a misunderstood chore, leading homeowners to sometimes do more harm than good. Unfortunately, incorrect pruning can lead to poor or unnatural plant growth and low flower and fruit production.

If you want lush greenery in your garden, it helps to know the best season to prune trees. However, the timing depends on the type of tree and other factors.

Here’s an in-depth guide on when to schedule pruning and other helpful tips. For the best results, let a professional arborist take over. The arborist will give your trees the proper care they deserve. They can also tell you about the difference between tree pruning and trimming.

Best Season to Prune Trees: Factors … Read Full Post »

Best Time of Day to Fertilize Lawn

fertilizing a lawn

When it comes to maintaining a healthy lawn, watering is only one part of the equation. It’s also important to routinely fertilize your lawn to provide it with the nutrients it needs to grow. Proper fertilization techniques can keep your lawn looking green and lush all year long.

If you need help properly fertilizing your lawn, contact a local lawn care specialist. They can do the job for you, so you have one less thing to consider.

Best Time of Day to Fertilize Lawn

Fertilizing your lawn is crucial for maintaining lush, green grass. However, it’s important to fertilize your lawn correctly to avoid burning it. Fertilizer burn, which happens when your lawn has been over-fertilized, kills grass and damages your soil,.

One of the best ways to avoid fertilizer burn is to apply fertilizer at the right time of day. The best time of day to fertilize your lawn is in the morning.

When … Read Full Post »

Landscape Ideas for Front of the House

The front of a house

Are you ready to turn the front of your house into your dream landscape? When it comes to landscape ideas for the front of the house, the options are endless. From flowers to hedges to vegetable gardens, you can achieve any look you want while boosting your home’s curb appeal at the same time.

The best way to achieve your dream front yard is to take your ideas to a landscaping specialist and let them bring them to life.

Landscape Ideas for Front of the House

A front yard allows homeowners to be creative and curate a beautiful landscape. You can wow your guests and turn your front yard into a space that you love to spend time in.

The following landscape ideas for the front of the house are appealing for several reasons. Some are simple to install and maintain, while others require more care. If you want to transform your front yard, … Read Full Post »

How To Prune Citrus Trees

a citrus tree

Imagine waking up to a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice every morning. With citrus trees in your garden, you can enjoy this. But to get the reward, you have to put some work into your citrus trees.

If you’re wondering how to prune citrus trees, here’s a guide to take you through the process. For busy homeowners who don’t have time for gardening work, a professional arborist can keep your citrus trees healthy and beautiful. The arborist has the tools and skills to prune, water and fertilize citrus trees.

How To Prune Citrus Trees: Methods, Timing and Equipment

Most deciduous trees need regular pruning to stay healthy. Pruning invigorates the trees and reconfigures their branches, making them less prone to breaking under heavy crops. It also helps them produce better-tasting fruits.

If you have experience with deciduous trees, like oak trees, you might think citrus trees require the same care. However, citrus … Read Full Post »

Types of Magnolia Trees

southern magnolia tree

Did you know that there are more than 200 species of magnolia trees? In Central Texas, four main types thrive in our warm weather and sunlight: southern magnolia trees, little gem magnolia trees, saucer magnolia trees and star magnolia trees.

Each type of magnolia tree produces stunning flowers that make them the focal point of any lawn or garden. However, they have different care and maintenance needs, so it’s helpful for homeowners to understand the difference between each type.

Southern Magnolia

The southern magnolia tree, pictured above, is beloved for its large, velvety, dark green leaves. It grows larger than other types of magnolia trees, and some can reach up to 80 feet tall. Because of its noble size and appearance, this tree is also known as the “Grand Dame” of the magnolia tree family.

Southern magnolia trees produce beautiful and fragrant white flowers that grow as large as 12 inches in diameter. With … Read Full Post »

Tree Pruning Versus Trimming

a pro trimming a tree

As a homeowner, you know that proper tree maintenance is important to having a beautiful and healthy property. However, do you know the different techniques required to maintain your trees?

Many homeowners confuse or interchange the concepts of tree pruning and trimming. However, they are two different things with different purposes and outcomes.

Working with an arborist is the best way to maintain your trees’ beauty and vitality. They have the right tools and knowledge to trim or prune your trees without damaging them.

Tree Pruning Versus Trimming

Do you know the difference between tree pruning and trimming your trees? While both tree maintenance methods are similar, they have different purposes.

Trimming primarily refers to an immediate need to be addressed and is usually only in reference to one specific or a few branches. Examples of trimming include removing a broken branch, trimming low hanging branches over a sidewalk and trimming back the end of … Read Full Post »