Top Pool Patio Trends to Try This Summer!

Professional Pool Patio Installations In Westchester County, NY Make Summer Sweet!

custom stone pool deck and jacuzzi

Summer isn’t complete without a pool party or two. It isn’t too late to remodel or create a personal backyard getaway with a professional pool patio installation. There are a wide variety of options to consider for your new favorite retreat. Get into the swim of things with these fantastic pool patio trends for 2021!

  1. Make Your Patio Pop with Mixed Material Pavers! The days of using boring cement or even plain bricks for your patio are over. Try using a variety of colors or materials in your design to really make it pop. These amazing pavers from Unilock are our favorites! 
  1. Wash Away Your Worries with Water Features- Let the cares of the day float away as you relax next to your personal waterfall. Sip your favorite summertime drink as you float next to your fountain. Water has a naturally soothing effect that you just can’t deny. Choose a water feature you love and add it to your design for a refreshing change. 
  1. Put Your Feet Up By the Fire – Fire features are here to stay. Year after year, people fall more and more in love with fire pits, fireplaces, and fire features. Just like moving water, an open flame brings peace to the soul. Choose a sunken fire pit, an outside fireplace, or gas fire feature, and you’ll be relaxing all year long. 
Bluestone patio, Unilock Treo Tuscany Pool Patio6
  1. Make the Ultimate Backyard Getaway with an Outdoor Kitchen – Cookouts and swimming parties seem to go together. Consider adding a built-in grill or outdoor dining space to your outdoor space. You’ll bring your pool to a whole new level of summer fun! Plus, there are so many options to choose from, you can easily customize your design to uniquely fit your style and your space.
  1. Create an Oasis with Lush Landscaping- Pool patios don’t have to be surrounded by bare spaces. Add some full, vibrant trees, bushes, and other plants to complete your space. You’ll feel like you’re in a secret hideaway every time you step outside. 

Are you ready to get started on your dream pool patio design? Give our team of experts a call today at 914-479-2537 or make an appointment online. We have been crafting custom pool patios in Westchester, Dutchess, and Putnam Counties for over 20 years. We can’t wait to start on your design!

How to Create the Backyard Retreat of Your Dreams

Professional Residential Masonry Designs in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties

Blue pool summer plantings unilock patio .JPEGBlue pool summer plantings unilock patio .JPEG_840jpg

Off all the new trends, outdoor living seems to be the most popular among homeowners. Last month we showed you how to create a brand new gathering spot in your front yard. This month, the expert masons and design team at Landwork Contractors are here to share some tips on creating a backyard retreat just in time for summer! 

Crafting the Perfect Backyard Retreat

Everyone is looking for a place to get away from it all. What if that magical sanctuary was just outside your door? Here are some of the top tips for creating an outdoor space you can love all year long. 

  1. Create a Cozy Space- It doesn’t make any difference how beautiful or luxurious your a patio looks if it isn’t comfortable. When you start your design plan, be sure to place a priority on comfort. You can create comfort by adding:
    • Lots of shady spaces.
    • Durable but comfortable seating.
    • Soft and comfortable cushions and pillows. 
    • Hammocks.
    • Side tables for placing drinks and books. 
  1. Design Defined Zones-  You can customize your backyard to have many uses. Design your space with different zones for different activities. You can create a shaded, secluded spot just for reading and meditating. Arrange your patio furniture to create a dining area near the grill. Add chaise lounge chairs near the pool for catching some rays. Defined spaces will make your backyard feel like a destination, instead of an afterthought. 
  1. Don’t Forget Lighting!- Professional landscape lighting in Westchester County, NY is an important part of any backyard design. With the right lighting design, you can relax in your backyard anytime, day or night. Include the following lighting for a flawless design:
    • Pathway lighting along stairs, stepping stones, and driveways.
    • Cross-lighting on favorite features.
    • Security lighting near doorways.
    • Pool lights for some night-swimming. 
outdoor patio with grill and black gazebo
  • Add a Kitchen/Dining Area- Outdoor dining is a relaxing experience from spring to fall. Take advantage of your outdoor space and create an outdoor kitchen or dining space to enjoy your favorite meals. Consider these options:
    • Grilling Stations
    • Wine Chiller
    • Refrigerator
    • Outdoor Sink
    • Outdoor Bar
    • Brick Pizza Oven
  1.  Craft a Private Space- It is hard to completely relax if you have cars rushing by or spying neighbors. Fortunately, privacy is easy to create for backyard spaces. You can choose a professional fence installation or add a screen of evergreens. A well-placed retaining wall can give you a feeling of privacy and transport you to another space. The design options are endless. 

If you’re ready to get started on your backyard design dreams, give us a call at 914-479-2537 today. Landwork Contractors is the premier landscape and hardscape design team in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess County. You can also make an appointment online. We can’t wait to get started on your dream.

Why Is It Important to Prune In June?

Professional Landscapers in Westchester County Provide Precision Pruning 

custome stone wall work and flower planting

Proper pruning is the first step in getting gorgeous blooms and lush colors all summer. The process can be confusing. Cutting the wrong branch or limb could destroy your favorite bush or tree. Landwork Contractors is here to help with some fantastic professional pruning tips! Here’s everything you need to know to prune this June. 

Why Do We Need to Prune?

Left on their own, plants can become overgrown, diseased, or dried out. Pruning prevents these issues and more. 

You prune and trim your favorite shrubs, bushes, and trees to:

  • Encourage growth
  • Improve longevity.
  • Increase nutrient levels throughout plant systems.
  • Keep your plants in shape. 
  • Increase blossoms season after season. 
  • Keep pests and disease out of limbs. 

If you want a healthy, beautiful landscape, start pruning! Make sure you know what to prune and what to leave alone.

What Do You Need to Prune in June?

If you don’t have professional landscape maintenance, pruning can be scary. You have to be so careful not to cut the wrong limb or cut during the wrong season. Here’s a quick guide on what to cut during June. 

Rhododendrons- There’s a special secret to keeping Rhododendrons blooming all summer. Remove the blossoms after they begin to fade. Simply twist the bloom and it will pop off, leaving more nutrients for future flowers. 

Rosebushes- More than most bushes, you have to keep up with trimming your rose bushes. As soon as a bud begins to open, trim the flower right below the five-leaf pattern. Continue trimming through the season for an endless supply of fresh flowers. 

umbrella looking flowering tree

Azaleas- You know it is spring when you start to see the bright blooms of your azalea bush. To keep these bushes healthy year after year, be sure to prune when their first blossoms begin to fade. 

Hydrangeas-One of the trickiest plants to prune is the hydrangea. Different breeds of hydrangeas grow in different ways and have to be trimmed differently. Look at the stalks of your hydrangea. If they are dark brown, almost wood-like stalks, prune after the first blooming. If the stalks are green and somewhat soft, cut your bushes back from the end of May until June. Also, cut any dead blossoms or diebacks up until the beginning of July. 

Fruit Trees and Stone Trees- These trees need extra care. You want to make sure to prune in summer to slow extra growth. Too much growth will starve the tree. Start pruning early in the summer, after your first harvest. 

Get the Help You Need With Professional Pruning! The proper pruning technique and schedule can be a lot to remember. If you are ready for some help, contact our team of professionals at Landwork Contractors. We will keep your home looking vibrant and beautiful all summer long. Call us today at 914-479-2537 or make an appointment online! We’re always here to help.

Top Trends for Outdoor Living

Professional Hardscape Projects in Putnam County Create Fun Summer Retreats. 

outdoor patio with gril and black gazebo

Summer-time is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy time with nature. So far, 2021 is shaping up to be the year for outdoor retreats and hardscaping designs. It’s not too early to start on your summer plans. Here are some of our favorite new trends to try this summer as you start your design plans. 

  1. The Front Yard As the Hot Hangout Spot

After a year of Zoom meetings and long-distance gatherings, the front yard has become the hot new spot for hanging out. You can safely chat with neighbors or simply enjoy the view. The new trend is a front yard designed to entertain and invite. Consider adding a front deck, new porch, small patio, or gazebo to make the most of your front landscaping. 

  1. Outdoor Living Spaces that Add New Life 

Outdoor living spaces and outdoor entertainment spaces are still a hot trend for families of all sizes. From outdoor kitchens to pool patios to fire pits, these spaces bring a whole new level of fun and relaxation to your home. You can customize your outdoor living spaces to suit your style and your hobbies. Creat a spa-like retreat or a fun family getaway, or even a sleek kitchen to entertain friends. Even better, these spaces let you safely enjoy time with friends and family. 

  1. Outdoor Lighting Takes Center Stage
Professional Landscape Lighting in Retaining Wall

As more people start to enjoy outdoor living, landscape lighting designs will become more important. As you start your design, think about how you can light it for evening entertaining or simply relaxing after work. Make sure to include pathway lighting, layered lighting, and accent lighting for a beautiful effect. 

  1. Edible Gardens

Over the last year, people have begun turning their attention to gardens that deliver delicious treats. In fact, almost everyone is loving the farm-to-table trend.  Imagine coming home to freshly made salsa, salads, fruits, or soups. Yum! A trusted professional landscaper can help you plant a bountiful garden that doesn’t wreck your design. 

  1. A Room With a View

With more people working or learning from home, outdoor views have become more important. Be sure to consider the views outside your office, bedroom, and kitchen areas as you start your landscape plans. Take some inspiration from some of your favorite locales and add an English garden, water feature, or touches of the French countryside. 

Ready to start your summer landscape designs? Call the friendly professionals at Landwork Contractors at 914-479-2537. We have been serving Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties for over 20 years. We can’t wait to bring new life to your landscaping. You can even make an appointment online! We’re here to help.

Top Tips For a Front Yard Makeover

Professional Designs for A Fresh, Fun Front Yard Entertainment Space

lawn yard work at the brick house

After a year of the new normal, people are returning to a traditional front yard desing with some imaginative entertainment spaces. They are adding decks, patios, and little gathering spots to enjoy with their friends and neighbors. Are you ready to jump on this fun trend? Here are some of our top tips for transforming your front yard into your favorite retreat. 

  1. Create a New Space– You can easily update your front yard to create new spaces for entertaining your family or catching up with neighbors. Try installing a traditional porch or something more modern, like a deck addition. You can add benches near the street or a small patio in the middle of the yard.  The sky is the limit when you are planning your new front yard entertainment space. 
  1. Relaxing in the Shade- Any beautiful space you design will be useless if you don’t include some shade. You can choose a design that uniquely fits you and your style. Here are a few options. 
Bluestone patio, Unilock Treo Tuscany Pool Patio5
  • Plant trees for natural shade. 
  • Install a canopy.
  • Put up an outdoor umbrella. 
  • Grow vines over a pergola or trellis.
  1. Create Privacy and Warmth- You want a front yard gathering space, but you also want some privacy. That’s okay. You can create an atmosphere that is both private and welcoming. Consider adding any of the following to create a screen for a portion of your front yard. 
  • Tall boxwoods or cypress trees provide a natural fence.
  • Retaining wall installations create beauty and privacy.
  • Tall fencing installations block out noise, sun, and allow for a quiet retreat. 
  1. Pick the Right Seating for a Cozy Getaway- A comfy cushion and a sturdy chair or bench will quickly make your front porch a favorite spot. Make sure to choose furniture that is sturdy, yet comfortable so it can last season after season. Here are some options to consider. 
  • Porch Swings
  • Swinging Porch Beds
  • Overstuffed Cushions on Benches
  • Adirondack Chairs
  • Rocking Chairs
  • Outdoor Cushion Squares
custom stone patio work Unilock
  1. Create a Spa with Fragrant Flowers- Imagine enjoying the soft scent of flowers wafting on the breeze as you laze on your porch. Simply adding a few fragrant blooms can create a sanctuary in a small space. Try some of our favorite blossoming flowers like:
  • Lilies
  • Roses
  • Lilacs
  • Lavender
  • Hyssop
  • Phlox

Are you ready to get started on the perfect front yard space? For over 20 years, Landwork Contractors has been crafting personalized landscape designs in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties. Our experts will work with you every step of the way. Give us a call at 914-479-2537 or make an appointment online. We can’t wait to bring your dream to life. 

Top Trends for Outdoor Living

Professional Hardscape Projects in Putnam County Create Fun Summer Retreats. 

outdoor patio with gril and black gazebo

Summer-time is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy time with nature. So far, 2021 is shaping up to be the year for outdoor retreats and hardscaping designs. It’s not too early to start on your summer plans. Here are some of our favorite new trends to try this summer as you start your design plans. 

  1. The Front Yard As the Hot Hangout Spot

After a year of Zoom meetings and long-distance gatherings, the front yard has become the hot new spot for hanging out. You can safely chat with neighbors or simply enjoy the view. The new trend is a front yard designed to entertain and invite. Consider adding a front deck, new porch, small patio, or gazebo to make the most of your front landscaping. 

stone patio installation with a fire pit
  1. Outdoor Living Spaces that Add New Life 

Outdoor living spaces and outdoor entertainment spaces are still a hot trend for families of all sizes. From outdoor kitchens to pool patios to fire pits, these spaces bring a whole new level of fun and relaxation to your home. You can customize your outdoor living spaces to suit your style and your hobbies. Create a spa-like retreat or a fun family getaway, or even a sleek kitchen to entertain friends. Even better, these spaces let you safely enjoy time with friends and family. 

  1. Outdoor Lighting Takes Center Stage

As more people start to enjoy outdoor living, landscape lighting designs will become more important. As you start your design, think about how you can light it for evening entertaining or simply relaxing after work. Make sure to include pathway lighting, layered lighting, and accent lighting for a beautiful effect. 

  1. Edible Gardens
edible garden installation Westchester NY

Over the last year, people have begun turning their attention to gardens that deliver delicious treats. In fact, almost everyone is loving the farm-to-table trend.  Imagine coming home to freshly made salsa, salads, fruits, or soups. Yum! A trusted professional landscaper can help you plant a bountiful garden that doesn’t wreck your design. 

  1. A Room With a View

With more people working or learning from home, outdoor views have become more important. Be sure to consider the views outside your office, bedroom, and kitchen areas as you start your landscape plans. Take some inspiration from some of your favorite locales and add an English garden, water feature, or touches of the French countryside. 

Ready to start your summer landscape designs? Call the friendly professionals at Landwork Contractors at 914-479-2537. We have been serving Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties for over 20 years. We can’t wait to bring new life to your landscaping. You can even make an appointment online! We’re here to help.

Bring Life Back to Your Home with Spring Plantings

Professional Spring Landscape Designs for Brighter, Beautiful Lawn

bunch of flowers in a hand

Early spring is the perfect time to say goodbye to the winter blahs and bring your landscape back to life with new plantings. The team at Landwork Contractors offers a wide variety of options for your spring planting designs.  

What Should I Plant in Spring?

As the earth warms up, it creates a perfect environment for new plants to grow and thrive. The temps are perfect. The soil is moist and rich. There’s plenty of time for plants to take root. Here’s a guide for your spring planting plans. 

Sod/Lawns- Your lawn can really take a beating from winter weather. Brown spots, layers of thatch, and silt often pop up during those winter months. Although you can install sod at most anytime, spring is a great time to consider a sod installation. A fresh layer of sod in the spring gives your grass time to take root before summer. 

Dogwoods– These beauties are a crowd favorite. They have lovely blooms that give off a soft, pleasant fragrance. Dogwoods stay beautiful throughout the summer. Even better, they turn vibrant colors in the fall, giving your home year-long beauty. 

Spruce- Spruce trees offer lush colors all year long with a variety of benefits. These trees can create shade, add privacy, lower noise pollution, slow erosion, and even help you cut utility costs

Magnolias- The soft, sweet scent of magnolia blossoms makes every day better. From their pink and white blooms to their hardy bright leaves, these trees can turn your home into a regal retreat. 

Perennials- The brilliant colored blooms and vibrant leaves of perennials are showstoppers each spring. Some perennials are better planted in the fall, so contact your trusted professional landscapers to help you choose the right fit. Here are just a few to consider:

  • Forget-Me-Nots
  • Hellebores
  • Creeping Phlox
  • Primrose
  • Peony
  • Clematis
  • Iris
  • Verbena
Petunia Annual Flowers

Annuals- A spring garden isn’t complete without a few fresh annuals. Annual flowers are planted in the spring and bloom all season long. After the season is over, they often die out, giving you the perfect opportunity to switch up your designs twice a year. Consider these beauties for your spring annuals:

  • Pansy
  • Petunia
  • Annual Phlox
  • Lobelia
  • Snapdragon

Still not sure what to plant this spring? Landwork Contractors is here to help. Just give our friendly landscape design experts a call at 914-479-2537. We’ll help you turn your winter blahs into WOWs this spring and summer. Too busy to call? That’s okay. You can make an appointment online too!

Increase Your Curb Appeal with Professional Landscape Lighting in Westchester County, NY

Top Six Tips for Your Exterior Lighting Designs

Professional Landscape Lighting in Retaining Wall

If you’re looking to up your curb appeal, don’t just put a few lights along your pathways or a floodlight at the door. Go the extra step!  Exterior lights come in hundreds of designs, colors, and brightness options. You can amp up your curb appeal with a professional landscape lighting installation in Westchester County, NY.  Your home or office will shine if you use these six simple tips. 

  1. Go Soft- Soft lighting around your home creates a welcoming environment. Pools of light are much better than stark, bright bulbs. You’ll be able to see your home without blinding your neighbors. 
  1. Show Off- You love your home. Don’t be afraid to show it. Use ground lights to light up your favorite features like reclaimed wood beams or stunning patio pavers. 
  1. Don’t Be Afraid of Cross-Lighting- Some features, like hardscaping additions, deserve a little extra attention. However, if you don’t place the lights just right, you could create more shadow than light. Cross-lighting helps you put your favorite features on display by using different lights at different angles. While it is difficult to get it right, the result is stunning. 
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  1. Recreate Moonlight with Down-Lighting-There is nothing quite so beautiful as moonbeams drifting through the trees. You can create this romantic effect by hanging fixtures high in the trees or along the edges of your roof. The light should be gentle and warm to give off a more natural glow. 
  1. Focus on Your Favorite Features- Your landscape design doesn’t have to hide at night. Simply place lighting behind your favorite trees to create a gorgeous silhouette. Or, you can use ground lights to frame your favorite blooms. 
  1. Let Your Design Shine- You don’t have to have complicated architectural features or large landscape pieces to show off your home. Your lighting design can take center stage. Create drama with layers of shadow and light. Play with different design techniques to show off simplistic beauty. Crafting a lighting design that is center stage can help you as you remodel, switch up landscaping, or install new features. 
Professional Landscape Lighting Services

Professional Landscape Lighting in Westchester County, NY Puts Your Home in the Spotlight

Your home is your castle. Show it off with a little help from exterior lighting options. If you aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry. Landwork Contractors is here to help you create the perfect design and make sure each light is perfectly installed. Call us today at 914-479-2537 or make an appointment online. We can’t wait to help you shine.

Top Seven Tips for a Professional Landscape Design

Customize Your Home with the Help of Landscaping Professionals

Unilock-westport-driveway-in-pelhamUnilock-westport-driveway-in-pelham

Designing a landscape from scratch can be overwhelming. Should you plant perennials or annuals? How many different bushes do you need? What’s the best tree to put next to your house? The options are endless. It is easy to be confused. Don’t worry; the landscape design team at Landwork Contractors is here to help. Just take a look at these tips to get started on your landscaping designs. 

  1. Plan Your Design for All Seasons- You don’t want your landscaping to last for just one season and look blah for all the rest. Perennials are a great start for creating year-round curb appeal.  Different perennials bloom at different times throughout the year, so your garden will never be boring. Also, mix it up with some evergreen installations and grasses that will add color and texture in winter. Your garden beds will look healthy and stunning, no matter the weather. 
  1. Don’t Be Shy With the Ornamentals- If you want to create a beautiful, year-long landscape design, ornamentals are the answer. From tall fountain grasses to Forsythia shrubs, you can’t go wrong with these beauties. Ornamental shrubs and grasses help add structure, movement, and lovely layers of texture to your design. 
beautiful Perennials
  1. Variety Is Key- Plant a wide variety of types of blooms to keep your design healthy and looking gorgeous. Different types of flowers will attract different types of pollinating insects, adding durability and strength to your garden. They will also bloom in different ways, creating exquisite contrasts. Consider these types of blooms:
    1. Sprays: Diascia, Nemesia
    2. Spikes: Salvia, Veronica
    3. Flat Tops: Yarrow, Sweet Fennel
    4. Daisy Type Blooms: Coneflowers, Cornflowers, Daisies
    5. Mounding: Lavender, Geranium
  1. Don’t Forget to Leave Space!- As you plan, make sure you carefully space your plants. Plant according to full growth size, not the size of the plant when you buy it. Planting too close leads to overcrowding which can cause a lot of health issues for your gardens. 
  1. Use Ground Cover Plants for a Backdrop- Just because you have to leave space for your plants to grow, it doesn’t mean your garden should be bare. Ground cover plants will fill bare spots and often repel pests. Sweet-smelling options like lavender thyme or creeping juniper will also add color and soft fragrance to your home. 
  1. Create Texture and Drama with Layers- Choose plants that come in a variety of heights and sizes.  Place evergreens, ornamental grasses, and bushes in stager layers. Taller plants go in the back while smaller varieties go in the front, so everyone gets a chance to shine. 
Boxwood and hydrangeas in a unilock designBoxwood and hydrangeas in a unilock design_840jpg
  1. Plant in Odd-Numbered Groups- One of the main foundations of most design styles utilizes the 3, 5, 7 grouping. Placing items in odd-numbered groupings creates balance. So, as you plant, try to group together design options in odd numbers. You will create a classic and serene picture with your careful planning. 

Are you ready to start planning your garden, but, you don’t know where to start? It’s simple. Landwork Contractors has the answers. We’re here to help you through every step of your design. Call our landscape design team today at 914-279-2537 or make an appointment online today. We love bringing your dreams to life.

Get Ready for Spring with This Landscape Checklist for February

Professional Spring Clean Up and Landscaping Plans in Westchester, Dutchess, and Putnam Counties

big brick house with nice green grass

Every season has a to-do list for your landscaping. As winter weather starts to melt away, this is the perfect time to get started on your spring designs. The team at Landwork Contractors can help you clean up and prepare your landscape for the new season. To get you started, here is a great checklist for February gardens and landscapes. 

  1. Take Stock- Before you start any spring design plans, it is important to take a good look at what you already have on hand.
  • Go through your tools then repair, replace, or remove old rakes, hedge trimmers, and other tools. 
  • Take Inventory of seeds, supplies, and soil. If you still have seeds from the previous season, you could use them this spring. When properly stored, soil can last as long as six months. 
  • Inspect hoses, drains, driveways, and decks for winter damage. Cold weather can cause a lot of damage to your property. 
  1. Spring Cleaning for Your Outside Spaces

Fallen branches, dead leaves, old seeds, and nuts can clutter your yard. Make sure you take the time to carefully clean up your landscaping. 

  • Remove debris and branches from lawns and gardens. 
  • Get rid of weeds and dead or diseased plants
  • Clear off walkways. 
  • Check gutters when the weather starts to improve.
  • Check lawns for dried or brown patches
  • When the weather begins to change, remove burlap covering from trees and bushes. 
custom stone build retaining wall
  1. Make a Plan!

Once you’ve tidied up and have a list of your supplies, start dreaming. Create a landscape design that will bring color and joy back to your home. 

  • Add trees of different types for all year color.
  • Include spring plantings like bulbed flowers and perennials.
  • Put a dash of annuals to increase curb appeal. 
  • Consider foundational plantings like boxwoods or spruce trees. 
  1. Show Your Landscaping Some Love

Plants need a little extra love after long, cold winter months. Pour out a little extra affection and attention for every inch of your landscaping. 

Edging-Mulch-installation
  1. Take Care of Your Feathered Friends

Birds can be the best friends a garden can have. They keep the insect population down, protecting your favorite blooms and bushes from pests. Make fun bird ornaments or put out a bird feeder to keep them nearby. 

Bring Spring Back with Vibrant Landscape DesignsSpring is on its way. If you’re ready to get started on your spring clean-up plans and design dreams, the team at Landwork Contractors is here to help. Call us today at 914-479-2537 or make an appointment online today. We can’t wait to help you revive and refresh your landscaping!