Category Archives: Landscaping

The Ins and Outs of Winter Rye Grass

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

If you live in an area that gets blanketed with snow in the winter, chances are that you aren’t too concerned with the condition of your grass in January. But if you live in a warmer climate, you can feasibly be landscaping green grass year-round.

When it comes to winter grass, you’ve got a couple options — perennial or annual. These two types of rye grass are the most common types of winter grass, and they each come with certain advantages and disadvantages. Perennial rye grass can be more expensive, but that price tag brings with it a faster germination time, a richer color and lower likelihood of grass stains. You also don’t need to replant perennial grass every year because it is designed to last year-round. However, if heat becomes extreme, there’s a chance the grass won’t survive the summer.

Annual grass isn’t likely to withstand extreme temperatures either, but it is intended to be re-planted every year and, consequently, costs less than perennial rye. It is best to plant annual rye in August or September — if you plant too early, the heat will kill the seeds. Annual rye will last through about May, when it’s time to switch back to a summer grass such as Bermuda.

Whether you choose annual or perennial, both varieties need a lot of sun and regular watering to thrive. Sprinkler systems are recommended rather than irrigation. An advantage of rye grass in general is that the grass will not spread — meaning your landscaping and flower beds won’t be overrun by over-eager grass.

If you want a professional opinion on your backyard, let BidBoomerang hook you up with expert landscapers in Mesa AZ.

Grow Your Own Christmas Tree

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

Is the chaos of the tree lot putting a damper on your family’s holiday traditions?

Why not grow your own tree? With the right knowledge and patience, you can have a whole flock of Christmas trees available in your own backyard.

First, you’ll need to get your hands dirty. A tree won’t require a lot of land space, but the soil does need to be properly prepared. Pick an area away from any other bushes or plants that might hinder the tree’s growth, and clear away old stumps or rocks.

Before planting your tree, you’ll need to select the type of tree you want to plant. Popular breeds include pines, firs and spruces. Each of these species includes multiple sub-types, so do your research and you’ll discover that you have many options. No matter where you live, you can find the right type of tree to thrive in your climate. Order your seedlings and follow the accompanying instructions to get it in the ground.

After your tree is planted, follow the watering and care instructions. Keep your tree’s area free of weeds and other interfering growth. Depending on the height you’re aiming for, it can take anywhere from 4 to 10 years for your tree to reach your end goal. When the tree is 2 or 3 years old, begin regularly shearing and landscaping it into a cone shape.

It might sound like an intimidating length of time to wait for a Christmas tree, but consider it an investment! If you want, you can plant a new tree every year. After you harvest the first one, you’ll have a new tree ready to use each successive year. And if you’re hesitant to cut it down after all that hard work, break with tradition and decorate it where it stands in your backyard.

Like the idea of having a tree in your backyard but don’t want to grow it yourself? Still think your dry, desert landscape won’t yield a successful pine? Bid Boomerang can hook you up with a professional to take care of your Mesa, AZ landscaping needs.

Landscaping Around your Pool

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

Adding a pool to your landscape can undoubtedly bring a relaxing/oasis feel to your home, but the landscaping that goes around the pool can really make or break the feel of the project. Selecting the right objects for your yard’s hardscape, and the right plants for its softscape will have a significant impact on its overall finished look.

The Pool Patio Area

pool patioYou should choose a nice tile for the patio area around your pool to set up outdoor furniture. Having a hard surface around your pool is beneficial to prevent slipping, and also easy to clean with a broom and possibly a power washer every now and again.

If you enjoy relaxing in the sun, make sure this area gets a lot of sunlight during the day. If you prefer shade, try building it under a shade tree (or planting one if it isn’t already there). The patio area around your pool is where people will sit down and relax, so it is important that is inviting and comfortable.

Pool Fencing

pool fenceFencing around your pool is an absolute must when there are small children present, but the fence doesn’t have to be unattractive. A solid fence (with no bars) can offer privacy, and vines can be trained to grow over fences and cover them up if you really don’t like their look at all. Make sure your fence has a lock on it for safety.

Plants can also help keep some privacy around your pool, especially if you have close neighbors. If you have a certain plant in mind to go near your pool, make sure you do your research and make sure the plant doesn’t have invasive roots.

Over the years, trees and plants with invasive roots can damage your pool’s structure and perhaps more importantly, its plumbing system. There are many plants that have invasive roots, but some of the more popular ones include Japanese Knotweed (false bamboo), elm and oak trees, ficus, and lily of the valley.

Trees and Vegetation Around the Pool

trees around poolTrees will provide your yard with areas of shade, and they are better placed a few feet away from you pool, to avoid them shedding into your pool. You will also want to avoid planting fruit trees, as the flowers and fruit attract bees and other undesirable insects. When it comes to landscaping around your pool, the best plants are going to be low-maintenance ones that soften the lines of your pool, hide the pool equipment, and otherwise improve the look of the area.

If you need help tackling your landscaping project for your backyard pool, let Bid Boomerang help you find the right contractor. Bid Boomerang can connect you with qualified landscapers in Mesa and Gilbert Arizona who will be bid on your project. You get multiple estimates so you know you’re getting the best price and the right contractor for your needs.

Landscaping your Driveway

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

When you think about landscaping your property, you are probably considering either your front or back yard. Even though your driveway is the entrance to your property, most people don’t think about it when they are designing their landscape. However, landscaping your driveway can be one of the best ways to add personality to your home, and there are a variety of ways to do it. Ultimately you want to incorporate your driveway into the rest of your landscape so that everything looks like it belongs.

Planning Your Driveway Landscape

Landscape Driveway EntranceNo matter what type of driveway you have, drawing the viewer’s gaze to its entrance is a great place to start. Remember, you should carefully plan the head of your driveway because it will be the first thing visitors see when they arrive and the last thing they see before they leave.

You can design this area using a variety of hardscape or softscape options. (Hardscape options add to the exterior of your home with hard surfaces like retaining walls, fences, walls, walkways, etc. Softscape options are soft materials that are typically used to add color to your yard such as grass, flower beds, and trees.)

Some Driveway Options

Common choices for driveway entrances include flower beds, archways and gates, rock or cement boarders, and trees.
Driveway LandscapeLandscaping your driveway does not necessarily mean you have to lay cement or change the design of your driveway, although your driveway’s design can have a big impact on the look and feel of your landscape. Instead, try adding some landscaping elements to the sides, bottom, and top of your driveway to make the whole area more attractive.

You may want to create some privacy by adding a wall and a gate, or a bit of charm with a strategically placed arch; it all depends on your personality and the statement you want your yard to make. Planting colorful flowers along the length of your driveway will draw the viewer’s gaze up the driveway to its final destination.

If your property consists mainly of straight lines, it might be a good idea to add curved flower beds for some extra personality. On the other hand, if your driveway curves around some kind of focal point (like a bird bath or wood bench) flower beds that parallel your driveway will draw the viewer’s eyes to that focal point. Landscape Driveway

In the end, it doesn’t really matter what your driveway’s landscape looks like, as long as you are pleased with the final result. You want your driveway to be something that you are proud of, and something that will make you feel like you are coming home every time you see it.

If you’d like to have a profession landscaper come and help you with your project, let Bid Boomerang connect you with qualified landscapers in Mesa AZ. We pre-screen all of our contractors and the best part is you get multiple bids for FREE!

5 Simple Landscaping Ideas

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

Landscaping is a great way to add beauty and value to your home. If you’re itching to give your yard a makeover but don’t have the budget or don’t want to hire someone else to do it, you may want to try to make the improvements on your own. However, taking on the landscaping for an entire yard may be a little daunting, so here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

Solar Powered Garden Lights

Solar powered garden lights will pull double duty lighting up your yard or garden and providing security. These lights are easy to install, with no wires to bury or trip over and are also environmentally friendly and won’t make your energy bill increase. Just place them in direct sunlight and let their tiny solar panels do the rest. For a variation on plain black garden lights, look for lights in fun shapes like flowers or butterflies or in different colors.

Water Gardens

A water garden can be an easy and fun way to play with your yard’s space. Depending on your budget and skill level, you can build anything from a small pond to an elaborate rocky setting. Either way, you will be adding visual interest to your yard as well as the relaxing element of water. For a touch of life, put some fish in your pond or hang a bird feeder to attract birds.

Create a Focal Point

Create a focal point in your yard by adding one bold colorful piece. For example, if your yard is a mixture of green grass and brown rock formations, try placing warm colored plants or decorations around your door or another area where you want people’s eyes to be drawn to. In this picture, a cool blue vase draws attention away from surrounding warm fall colors.

Garden Furniture

One of the easiest things you can do to dress up your yard is to add garden furniture, but choose carefully because your furniture will set the tone for your whole yard. For example, white metal furniture will give your yard a classy European look while mesh recliners will make it appear more relaxed. Also keep in mind that aluminum or wrought iron will withstand severe weather much better than other materials.

Cement Borders and Plant Borders

Installing a cement or plant boarder will soften the edges of your yard and make it appear more finished. Bricks or pavers can also add a unique twist to a classic boarder. Even if the border is just around one tree or flower bed, or leading up to your front door, it will give your yard a polished look. Adding a taller plant boarder around your yard will not only enhance your yard’s look, it will also give you more privacy.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to tackle your yard’s landscaping, why not give it a try! If the task just seems a little too daunting, however, it may be better to hire a professional. You’d be surprised at how inexpensive it is especially when you get 4-5 different landscapers bidding on your project. Let Bid Boomerang connect you with landscapers in Gilbert and Mesa who will bid on your project today for FREE!

Types of Landscape Waterfalls

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

Water is naturally very relaxing, so it makes sense that people would want to have water features on their property. Landscape waterfalls are almost always the first thing to grab the attention of your guests, so they are a great focal point for your front or back yard.

If you don’t have room for a landscaper to come in and do a full pond or a winding waterfall and stream, landscape waterfalls are a great alternative because they are comparatively inexpensive and require little maintenance. Additionally, they add value to your property, returning your investment. If you know you want a landscape waterfall, but are unsure what type is best for you, here are some great options.

  1. Wall-mounted

If you want to add a waterfall to your landscape but don’t have the room, a wall-mounted landscape waterfall might be the perfect solution. These types of waterfalls are also an excellent choice when vertical elements predominate, like in tall urban homes. Wall-mounted waterfalls are self-contained and are designed specifically for exterior wall installation.

2. Manufactured

You may choose to have your own pre-made rock waterfall custom made but they are very expensive and their weight makes them difficult and costly to set up. A great alternative is a fiberglass waterfall, which can perfectly imitate the look of natural stone and is very durable. Prices range from $100 to $5,000 and up.

3. Modern Modular

Typically made from metal, these waterfalls direct the flow of water down carved channels and points, making for interesting visual movement accompanied by the happy sound of flowing water. Your waterfall can be made from copper, fiberglass, stainless steel or rock. If you are going for a less natural look, their artistic elements make modern modular waterfalls a perfect fit.

4. Poolside

One of the most popular types of landscape water features, the poolside waterfall is incorporated into your pool’s water. Most models easily pump into your pool circulation system and the rock features bring the feel of a natural spring to your pool environment. To make them look even more natural, try matching up the pavers you used around your pool with the color and texture of the waterfall feature.

5. In-Ground


This type of waterfall uses rock formations and boulders to create a very natural look. Lightweight artificial boulders are often used to direct the flow of water across the rock faces, making the waterfall even more interesting. Water for these waterfalls is usually pumped from an underground well, which is one of the reasons they can be the most expensive type of landscape waterfall.