Protect Your Investment: Remember to Water

All plants, but especially newly installed plantings, need adequate moisture now in order to grow, thrive and survive through the winter. Now is the time to hydrate your plants. Attached to this article is a printable watering reminder. It’s perfect to hang on the fridge or hand to your vacation house-sitter.

Watering is the best way to protect your landscaping investment, and each type of plant has a different watering schedule necessary for the plant’s development. In the PDF below, we sum up the unique watering schedules needed for shade and evergreen trees, flowering shrubs, evergreen shrubs and perennials and grasses.

Once the ground freezes, your plants cannot absorb any more water, so these warm months are the best time to give your landscaping good, long drinks.

If you go out of town, ask someone to water your plants. New construction landscaping is particularly vulnerable to neglect, especially if you have not moved into the location yet. Be vigilant about watering at your new home.

Don’t Forget: Print!

Everyone is busy: To help you manage your plant care, we have attached a printable PDF. Landscaping is an investment; watering is the best way to see a great return.

If you have questions about caring for your new landscaping, contact us. We’re happy to help.

Pergolas 101: Designs to Inspire You

With the Cincinnati heat coming down, everyone is looking for shade. The classic style of pergolas is making a comeback, offering shade, protection and an opportunity to add climbing plants or outdoor lighting. Read on to find out why pergolas are a timeless addition and what they can bring to your yard. 

What Is a Pergola?

The definition for pergolas is very broad. A pergola is an outside structure with columns supporting a partially covered roof constructed from beams or rafters. They can be free-standing structures or attached to pre-existing buildings.

Where Can I Put a Pergola?

Because pergolas are often custom built, they are extremely flexible in terms of location. They are effective coverings for paths, patios or courtyards. They can be additions to a home or a focal point for landscaping. The closer a pergola is to a home, the more usage it will get. However, a pergola that’s placed near a pool, fire pit or outdoor kitchen can help cement that location as a “destination” within your yard.

Why Build a Pergola? 

Pergolas have undeniable charm.  They can support climbing plants such as wisteria, clematis, grape vines and rose bushes. Pergolas extend the living space and create a shady area that’s blissfully cool for entertaining. They can define a landscape with eye-catching form and function. 

Pergolas offer shelter and privacy from neighbors. They shade and protect from some of the extreme outdoor elements. Not only do they accomplish all this, but, depending on the materials you choose, pergolas can also be low-maintenance. 

The Age-Old Question: Pergola vs. Gazebo?

Although pergolas are very similar to gazebos, there are distinctions that optimize each for different situations. 

Gazebos are outdoor structures with a closed roof. They tend to have rounded structures, and most are hexagonal or octagonal in shape. Gazebos are a part of the garden but separate from the plants, whereas climbing plants are  typically given free rein to grow on pergolas. Pergolas are commonly rectangular in shape with roofs made of an open lattice of beams.

In reality, as for many profound and important questions, it depends. If you want to define a space in your landscape without interrupting the greenery of your yard, pergolas are the way to go. If you want an enclosed space that offers protection from the sun and a backdrop for singing songs about being almost 17, you may lean towards a gazebo. 

How Much Does a Pergola Cost?

According to research, most Cincinnatians spent between $2,500 for a simple two-post pergola to $5,750 for larger ones. Prices vary based on size, materials, design fees and whether the project entails replacing an existing structure or building a new addition.

What Is a Pergola Made Of?

Pergolas can be made of a variety of materials. For synthetic materials, aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass are popular. Cedar, teak, ipe, redwood and pressure-treated pine are common choices for building wood pergolas. At Seiler’s Landscaping, we like to use Western red cedar, which weathers to a beautiful patina. 

 Cincinnati Pergolas Summed Up

While the summer heats up and the Cincinnati humidity hangs above our heads, pergolas are an attractive option to create shade and add charm to your garden. If you’re considering adding a pergola to your landscape this summer, contact us.

Up, Down and All Around: Exterior Lighting Ideas

Not sure where to start with outdoor lighting? If you want to get the most out of your landscaping, we’d suggest looking up, down and all around for exterior lighting ideas. 

From the Top

Imagine a lively outdoor cafe, where people linger in the warm glow of string lights draped overhead. If this is a look you love, you can add string light installation to your exterior lighting ideas and plan. Commercial grade light strings offer durability, can be hardwired to flip on and off with a switch, and left in place year ‘round. 

Maybe you prefer a more contemporary look. Today’s outdoor hanging fixtures make a statement over a patio dining table, bar or outdoor kitchen. Try grouping two or three together for even bigger impact. 

Exterior wall sconces can shed light on fences or illuminate your doorways, making them even more welcoming and easy to find for friends and visitors. 

Exterior Lighting Ideas Below

Adding light closer to ground level makes your landscaping safer by highlighting paths, walls or steps. Lighting below eye level doesn’t create glare that can be blinding at night. LED strips along stairs, path lights and spotlights on low walls are all exterior lighting ideas that can make your landscaping shine. 

Underwater lighting can transform pools, ponds and fountains into sparkling gems in the yard. Some light fixtures can change colors, allowing you to create different effects. 

Uplights that graze along walls or shine on a special tree or piece of art add drama to the landscape after dark. 

All Around 

Today’s exterior lighting ideas make sprinkling light all around your outdoor living spaces fun and easy. Incorporating light into posts and railings is a sleek look that helps define the structure of your space. Oversized, rechargeable lanterns or globes are becoming popular. They can be moved around the outdoor space depending on where people are gathering. Some even float for a whimsical look. 

Don’t forget task lighting if you’ll be reading, playing games, grilling, tending bar or preparing food outside. This lighting is concentrated on a work surface so you can keep the fun going when the sun goes down.     

Our clients appreciate the comprehensive exterior lighting plans we offer. If you have questions about what type of fixtures to add, where to put them and how exterior lighting can add value to your home, contact us. We’re happy to provide a no-obligation consultation.  

Ready to Talk About Your Cincinnati Landscaping Needs? 

Call our office to have a conversation about your unique dreams and vision. Or contact us online.

Before and After: Paver Patio Installation

Everyone loves a gorgeous green lawn, but if you want to eat, cook and relax outside, it’s worth giving up some grass. This home now has a lovely outdoor living space, thanks to a paver patio installation. 

On the Drawing Board

When we work with clients on a paver patio installation, our first step is to evaluate the site. We look at how a patio could be laid out in relation to the house and other outdoor features. The location of trees and shrubs must be taken into account. If a tree is too close to a patio, its roots can shift the pavers over time.

Then, we talk about the clients’ vision for the patio. Its size will depend on the site and how it will be used. If the patio will be the spot for dining, an outdoor kitchen, a fireplace and a sitting area, it should be much larger than one designed for just a small bistro table and chairs. We also talk about other features they would like to include, like built-in firepits, sitting walls, lighting, a pool or hot tub. 

 The clients choose a paver material for their patio, depending on their preference and the style of their home. There are many options to choose from such as clay paver bricks, concrete pavers or natural stone. 

Paver Patio Installation Steps

With the design finalized, we begin by removing existing plants and excavating the site. A layer of paver base material is added and compacted. This material is topped with a weed barrier then a layer of sand, which the pavers will be laid into. This allows the pavers to flex slightly and accommodate the freeze thaw cycle. Making this base compacted and uniform ensures that the pavers will remain in place and the patio will look good for the long haul. Typically, a patio is slightly sloped to allow for water to drain off.   

Then the pavers are laid in whatever pattern the client chooses. Paver restraints are used around the perimeter. The last step is to brush a layer of joint sand over the top of the pavers to fill the spaces between them. 

If you have questions about landscape design or paver patio installation, we’d love to answer them. We look forward to hearing from you.

Building a New Pool in Cincinnati

After a spring like we’ve never experienced before, it’s unclear what summer 2020 will bring. Some areas are keeping public and community pools closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Is this the summer for you to build a new pool in Cincinnati?

As you consider the possibilities for your backyard, you can tap into one of these online resources.

Pool Pictures

The online gallery of pools created by Seiler’s Landscaping is a good place to start. You’ll see a variety of backyard getaways enjoyed by other homeowners in the Cincinnati area. 

Basic Information

You can find nuts and bolts on pool options and designs by visiting the Landscaping Network’s site. Several articles on this site walk readers through the design and construction process. The site offers information on pool placement, photo galleries and inspiration for plants to surround your pool. 

Try On a Pool for Size

Use the virtual tool at My Dream Pool to sketch out your dream backyard pool. It won’t give you professional design results, but it is fun to imagine the possibilities.

Cost of a New Pool in Cincinnati

While dreams of hosting pool parties and enjoying a sunset dip dance in your head, your practical side may be wondering about the bottom line. According to HomeGuide, the cost of adding a pool in Cincinnati ranges from $50 to $125 per square foot. Based on our experience, you can expect a pool to start at about $40,000 and go up from there. Fiberglass pools cost less. Concrete pools come with a higher price tag. Ongoing maintenance and utilities costs will likely range from $500 to $4,000 per year, according to HomeAdvisor. 

Here to Help

At Seiler’s we’ve helped dozens of homeowners achieve their dreams for pools and outdoor living. We’d love to hear about your ideas. Contact us today.

Now's the Time for Outdoor Entertaining

Saying it’s been a tough spring is an understatement. Fortunately, with nicer weather we can spend time with a few friends outside. This summer, outdoor entertaining will be a bright spot. So how do you make the most of your yard and landscaping for hosting small get-togethers? Here are four areas to consider.   

Lighting for Outdoor Entertaining

If you plan to relax outside with family or friends after dark, good landscape lighting is important: You need to be able to see guests to serve them, and they need to be able to come and go safely from your yard. 

Consider path lights to lead the way to your patio or firepit. Uplights and spotlights create background illumination while highlighting unique features or plantings. Post lights or light fixtures integrated into retaining walls, dividers or steps help people maneuver around the space. Lighting in and around a pool or hot tub creates a lovely mood while keeping swimmers safe. String lights are another charming way to welcome guests to your outdoor living room. 

Adding Warmth

If it gets chilly after night falls, a little extra warmth will entice guests to stay longer. There are many options for heating things up: You can choose from firepits, outdoor fireplaces, patio heaters and fire tables. Today’s outdoor hearths can take on any style from rustic to super modern. 

Some of these options can be portable, but many of our clients enjoy built-in firepits or fireplaces. Creating a designated space for the fire surrounded by non-combustible materials can help ensure safety. Adding a gas line to the unit makes starting and putting out the fire a snap.  

Avoiding Insects

Don’t let mosquitoes or other pests ruin the fun. One sure way to reduce mosquitoes is to address any areas of standing water. Our drainage experts can help with trouble spots in your landscaping. You should also regularly change water in bird baths and scout around your yard for other places water might be puddling. 

Because mosquitoes are weak flyers, adding fans to your outdoor entertaining space will help keep them at bay. Some people also swear by citronella candles or torches to put off pests.   

Keeping Safe Distance

For the time being, we are all looking for ways to see friends at a safe distance. To accommodate separation in your outdoor entertaining area, you could expand your patio or add sitting walls. Or choose comfortable outdoor chairs that can be set apart from each other. Either way, make the most of summer days: Set out the cold drinks and look forward to good times with close friends. 

We are happy to help make your outdoor entertaining spaces perfect for your family and guests this summer. Contact us today to discuss all the options in a no-obligation consultation. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Need to Get Away? Treat Yourself to a Backyard Retreat

Have you had enough time with your family over the last few months? Wishing for a place you could escape to? You don’t have to go far: A backyard retreat could be the perfect spot to take a break. Making a refuge of peace, quiet and solitude isn’t hard. 

Make It Comfortable

To create a relaxing backyard retreat, start with a spot for a hammock, swing or garden bench. You can define the area with a “floor” of flagstones, crushed gravel or pavers and walls of stacked stone. You can even provide a bit of shelter from the elements with an awning, pergola or gazebo. 

To help decide where to place your backyard retreat, consider what time of day you might use the space. Would you prefer to sit in the shade or soak up the sun? Is there a view you’d like to enjoy from your bench or swing? Will it be a spot for stargazing? 

 Appeal to Your Senses 

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect spot, think about what you’ll see, hear or smell there. The soothing sounds of water can come from a fountain or pond nearby. Flowers and plants provide visual beauty and fragrance to enjoy. Choosing the right plants will allow you to have new blooms or colors to see as the seasons pass. 

How about adding landscape lighting to your backyard retreat? You can choose the romance of a hanging chandelier or surround the area with low path lighting. Would you enjoy having an outdoor speaker in the space to add music? 

Photo courtesy of Kichler Lighting

Invite feathered friends into your retreat with bird feeders or bird baths. The right plants can attract butterflies, too.    

Your Backyard Retreat 

Finally, decide how private you would like your space to be. Fast-growing plants can create a living screen or you can add some kind of fencing or structure for privacy.

A curving stone path can lead visitors to the retreat or you can leave the space “hidden” for your enjoyment only.  

Tell us about your vision for a backyard getaway. We’d love to help make your dreams a reality this summer. Contact us today to discuss all the options in a no-obligation consultation. 

Patio vs. Deck: Which Is Right for You?

Decks have long been a staple outside Cincinnati area homes. But when it comes time to repair or replace one, many homeowners begin weighing their next move, patio vs. deck. What’s best for you in terms of outdoor living?   

Factors to Consider

Budget, goals, lifestyle and your site are some of the things you should consider when making the decision. 

• Review your budget. The per-square-foot cost of either option will vary depending on the materials you choose and the sitework involved. For patios, most of our clients choose pavers or flat stone. Including labor, these paver patios tend to cost $17 to $25 per square foot. Building a deck in the Cincinnati area typically costs from $20 to $35 per square foot. 

  Keep in mind that initial costs are important when deciding on a patio vs. deck, but long-term costs should also be considered. The long-lasting materials of a patio can outlive conventional wood decks and require less maintenance over time. Higher-priced decking material, such as composites may be more durable, but will cost more at the outset.

• Consider your lifestyle and goals. How do you want to use your outdoor living space? If you want to step right out from indoors to the space, a raised deck or patio may be necessary. You can also choose to combine a deck and patio to get the best of both. 
  
  

  Do you enjoy sitting around a fire? A patio, which isn’t susceptible to fire damage, could be the best option. Green thumb? Think about how you want to add containers with plants to your outdoor living space. Do you like the idea of built-in seating, as with low stone walls? 
  
  

  Is a pool or hot tub in your plans for outdoor living? A patio can create a seamless look around these amenities, and stand up well to splashed water. 

• Assess your site and home style. It’s less labor-intensive to install a patio on a flat site, but patios and terraces framed by retaining walls can be a lovely way to take advantage of a sloped yard. Should you take into account people with limited mobility if your plan will include stairs? When it comes to patio vs. deck, which do you think would look better with your home? Both have shown to add resale value. 

Patio vs. Deck: The Look

Finally, imagine how you want your outdoor living space to look. Some people like the look of wood decks and others gravitate to stone patios. Take the time to look at photos online or in magazines, paying attention to the materials that catch your eye. Your outdoor area will be a place for you to enjoy as a family or share with guests and friends: You want it to reflect your taste. 

If you have questions about the pros and cons of decks and patios, we’d love to answer them. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Landscape Makeover: From Blah to Beautiful



As all of us sheltering in place now know, a good haircut is critical! Like a hairstyle, landscaping can get by for a number of years with regular trimming, but after a while, a complete landscape makeover is the best move. 

Before and After

Typically, landscaping serves its purpose for about 10 to 12 years. After that, plants and shrubbery may reach the end of their useful life and look dated.

When new owners of this home moved in, they knew it was time for a landscape makeover. Overgrown bushes hadn’t been well-maintained. The shrubs were hosting wildlife and nuisance insects. The homeowners wanted a fresh, clean look that was easier for a busy family to maintain. 

Landscape Makeover Steps   

When our crews start a yard renovation project like this, we first remove all of the old plant life. We dig out the top layer of existing soil, which is depleted of nutrients and won’t help new plants thrive. 

Before new plantings go in, we spread a generous layer of our super soil mix on every bed. That soil, along with fertilizer, gives new plants the best foundation for strong growth and a healthy lifespan. During a landscape makeover, some of our clients choose to replace their grass as well with new sod. Either way, careful edging around the beds provides a sharp, clean look to the yard. 

Before mulching, we laid a set of stepping stones off one corner of the front porch. This short path allows the mail carrier easy access to the neighbor’s home. Without a dedicated walkway, mail carriers will often cut through landscaping and damage plants. It’s just better to create a dedicated path that looks like it belongs while protecting the plant life. 

Stones were used to line the boundary between the garden beds and the driveway. This channel of stone keeps mulch from washing out of the beds. Featured ornamental trees and flowering shrubs will fill out nicely and bring color to the yard for years to come.    

The Fresh Look 

Pulling large shrubs away from the house and clearing overgrown beds brought new life to this home. The charming front porch and curved walk now welcome visitors to the front door. The landscaping is now perfectly suited to the home’s growing family. 

Wondering what a landscape makeover could do for your home? We’d love to talk to you about the possibilities. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation.

Super Soil Mix and Fertilizer to the Rescue

Pro landscapers will tell you that beautiful, healthy plants start with the best soil. At Seiler’s Landscaping, we use our favorite soil mix and fertilizers so plant life can thrive and grow. 

Soil Mix Bed Preparation

Preparing the soil correctly is vital to happy plants. Whether we’re working on a newly built home or in an established landscape, one of our first steps is to amend the soil in beds. We add a 2-inch layer of horticultural soil amendment and a 12-12-12 fertilizer. Why? Here are some of the key benefits:

Soil amendment: 

• Adds organic materials to the soil and improves soil texture

• Makes the clay soil that’s commonly found in the Cincinnati area looser

• Allows water, air and helpful insects and worms to move more easily through the soil 

• Nurtures root growth

• Encourages good microbes

Fertilizer: 

• Supplies the nutrients plants need 

• Provides the right ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium

• Encourages root and plant growth 

The Right Stuff

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are your plants’ best friends. Nitrogen promotes lush foliage and helps plants fend off diseases and pests. Too little nitrogen and plants grow slowly and may have small or deformed leaves. Too much nitrogen can be harmful, too, so that proper ratio is important. 

Phosphorus is another thing every plant needs: especially young plants. This nutrient helps establish roots and develop seeds. With the right amount of phosphorus in the soil, plants will produce more flowers and a greater abundance of fruits and vegetables. 

Potassium makes plants strong: giving their immune systems a boost and helping them survive pests, disease and drought. Without enough potassium, plants can look stunted and have scorched-looking leaves, especially the lower and middle leaves of the plant. 

No One Needs Weeds

Once we’ve planted new beds for clients, our crews take extra steps to keep them looking beautiful for months. To keep weeds at bay, we apply a pre-emergent herbicide. Snapshot is the one we swear by. It works all season long, controlling more than 120 broadleaf and grassy weeds. And, it can be used with more than 600 types of ornamental plants. The mulch we apply also helps deter weeds and maintains soil moisture, but mulch is not a true soil amendment. 

From the Start

If you have questions about our soil mix, fertilizers or garden bed preparation, we’d love to answer them. We look forward to hearing from you.