Posts tagged Dave Hart
May 9, 2011 · Filed under Durango Colorado Landscaping Tips, Durango Landscaping and Design, Gardenhart Landscape & Design · Tagged colorado & durango fire prevention ideas, Dave Hart, Durango Colorado, durango landscape contractors, Durango Landscaping
Dry winter and spring can make for very fire prone conditions. The Firewise website has a bunch of great tips. It’s important when installing new plants and trees to be aware of how this could impact your home in a fire. They have a form that helps you to measure how your home is currently protected against wildfire.
Is Your Home Protected from Wildfire?
Firewise is a national non profit organization. The national Firewise Communities program is a multi-agency effort designed to reach beyond the fire service by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, and others in the effort to protect people, property, and natural resources from the risk of wildland fire – before a fire starts.
VISION: Wildland fires can occur in areas of residential development without the occurrence of disastrous loss.
MISSION: To promote community-wide responsibility in the use of technology, policy and practices that minimize the loss of life and property to wildland fire independent of fire fighting efforts.
What Kind of Landscaping is the Best Fire Defense?
Especially when you are installing a new landscape, make sure to plan for defensible space around your home. This is very important in most states in the mountain west. For already existing landscapes, remove all dead material; including trees, shrubs and grasses. The best defense is a healthy green wet landscape.
I have found so many good tips and information from the Firewise website. I recommend protecting your home and community by being well educated.
Cheers,
David Hart
Gardenhart Landscape & Design
970-749-1555
http://www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
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June 24, 2010 · Filed under Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Architect, Durango Colorado Landscaping Tips, Durango Landscaping and Design, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening in Durango Colorado, Home and Garden in Durango, Colorado · Tagged Best Trees to plant in Durango Colorado, Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, Hardiest Trees List Southwest Colorado, landscaping in durango colorado, Southwest Colorado recommended tree list
Gardenhart Landscape & Design Recommended Everlasting Tree Varieties to Plant in Southwest Colorado
There are many great resources regarding recommended trees to plant in the Durango area. Gardenhart Landscape & Design’s recommendations are based on years of landscape design and installation and appropriateness in our area with special attention to deer & disease resistance, overall hardiness, ease of care, beauty and size. Gardenhart’s list includes:
- Ginnala Maple
- Wasatch Maple
- Western Hackberry
- Russian Hawthorn
- Green Ash
- Thornless Honeylocust
- Brandywine Crabapple
- Gambell Oak
- English Oak
- Schumard Oak
Evergreens:
- White Fir
- Meyer Juniper
- Utah Juniper
- Limber Pine
- Austrian Pine
- Eastern White Pine
- Southwestern White Pine
- Scotch Pine
This link directs you to the unsuitable trees as recommended by the City of Durango. The list of trees on the link are not planted in Durango because of one or more of the following undesirable characteristics: Prolific seed production, invasive habits, fruit, pods, thorn bearing, weak limbs and/or structure and insect and disease problems.
According to Ron Stoner, one of the city of Durango’s favorite trees is the Wasatch Maple. It is very hardy and looks great!
Fall Maple Color
Durango nursery lists all zone 3 shrubs and trees.
If you have other questions about type, location and watering schedule for certain trees, let me know.
Cheers,
David Hart
Gardenhart Landscape & Design
970-749-1555
http://www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
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April 22, 2010 · Filed under Durango Landscaping and Design, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening in Durango Colorado, Home and Garden in Durango, Colorado, Landscaping in Durango Colorado Tree Pruning · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, durango landscaping services, durango organic landscaping, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening in Durango Colorado, landscaping in durango colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
delicate and tasty bulbs
Best Perennials to Plant in Durango, CO That are Resistant to Deer & Rabbits
How do you deal with the critters that are hungry? Early spring when there is little to eat, the deer and rabbit are pervasive. It is very difficult to keep them out of gardens and from eating my early blooming bulbs. They both eat my daylillies and tulips on the south side of my home every year. Daffodils, rhubarb and grape hyacinths generally go unscathed. Amazingly also they will nibble on the fresh new growths of rose bushes, of which there is only one in our yard.
Several of our local Durango gardeners like to use a product called Bobex, which is sprayed on your plants. It makes the plants unappetizing to these critters and they are less likely to eat them up. I do not have personal experience with this product, but some swear by it. I also think that there are several other brands that work the same way, I would ask at your favorite garden center for their personal preference. Organic Gardening Magazine has several ideas on how to control garden pests.
Locally, Durango Nursery and Supply’s recommended zone 3 perennials that are more resistant to deer is a very helpful list. The only really proven way to control the deer and rabbits is to put up a very big and sturdy fence.
Cheers,
David Hart
Gardenhart Landscape & Design
970-749-1555
http://www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Facebook for more sustainable landscaping tips.
April 1, 2010 · Filed under Durango Colorado Landscape Architect, Durango Colorado Landscaping Tips, Durango Landscaping and Design, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening in Durango Colorado, Home and Garden in Durango, Colorado, Landscaping in Durango Colorado Tree Pruning · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, durango colorado sustainable tree care, Durango colorado tree care, Durango Landscaping, durango landscaping services, durango organic landscaping, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, Good Tree Pruning Tips and Examples, landscaping 81301, landscaping in durango colorado, Poor Tree Pruning Tips and Examples, Pruning Tips in Durango Colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Durango has been designated a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day foundation for 36 consecutive years. In 1978 Durango City Council adopted a resolution to assume ownership & maintenance responsibilities for trees on City property and in the Right Of Way. Park Department personnel determined in 1980 that a formal tree management program was needed and they have taken the appropriate actions since. The four requirements to obtain this designation from the Arbor Day Foundation:
- Ordinance for Tree Protection and Licensing program
- Hold annual Arbor Day ceremony
- Establish Parks & Forestry Board
- Hire full-time Forestry Staff.
In the March issue of Lawn and Landscape Magazine they have focused on tree care. This article on preventing tree topping gives several great reasons why this is not a sustainable practice.
Some photos of tree topping:
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Poor tree pruning
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Poor Pruning and Location
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Long Term Poor Maintenance
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See the line where this tree was topped before
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Good Shape, Open Middle of Tree
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Well Maintained Mature Tree
I notice this tree topping practice and cringe. You might as well simply cut down the tree instead, because by utilizing this practice you are decreasing the health and vigor of the tree and thus make it susceptible to diseases and insect infestation, thus it will most likely die. Fortunately, Durango has some control over the pruning practices that occur within city limits. In order to prune trees in town for hire, the individual must obtain a licence from the city. This process requires a written and a practical test overseen by the City Arborist.
If you are considering hiring a person to prune your trees and shrubs, be sure to ask for and see their licence from the city of Durango. You can call the city at 970-375-5010 to see if they hold a current licence or view their list. This is a good way to determine the licensee’s understanding of horticulture and their skill with a saw and pruner. Also, you can report questionable persons or their work to the City Arborist, whose number is 970-375-7383.
Cheers,
David Hart
Gardenhart Landscape & Design
970-749-1555
http://www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Facebook for more sustainable landscaping tips.
December 7, 2009 · Filed under Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Architect, Durango Colorado Landscaping Tips, Durango Landscaping and Design, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, Home and Garden in Durango, Colorado, Snow Removal Durango Colorado · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, landscaping in durango colorado, Snow Removal Durango Colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Snow has arrived in Durango, Colorado this morning and it looks like it will continue for several days. These are the types of storms that require diligent snow removal and often tire out the average homeowner. Gardenhart purchased a large snow blower last fall and was able to keep many of its clients driveways and sidewalks clear and safe for pedestrians last year.
Snow removal is a chore that does not always provide satisfaction, like planting a new tree. You work for an hour shoveling the drive, only to have it covered again in the morning. Durango is known to have back to back storms that can deliver significant snowfall over several days. So it is best to keep on top of shoveling before significant accumulations make it icy, thick and difficult to move.
Gardenhart Landscape & Design uses a snowblower, not a plow on their truck for several reasons. First, it is much more suited to driveways and sidewalks than a plow. Plows are efficient for roads and parking lots, not smaller areas. Another reason is that it blows the snow away from the area being cleared, instead of piling it up at the edges. It also tends to do less damage to adjacent plants and sprinkler systems.
So, give Gardenhart Landscape & Design a call at 970-749-1555 if you find yourself getting behind in the snow removal chore, we would be happy to help dig you out! Find out more information about Gardenhart at http://www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com and on Facebook for more sustainable landscaping tips.
David Hart of Gardenhart Landscape & Design helps remove snow in Durango Colorado
October 19, 2009 · Filed under Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Architect, Durango Colorado Landscaping Tips, Durango Landscaping and Design, gardening in Durango Colorado, Home and Garden in Durango, Colorado · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, fall composting tips, Fall Landscape Tips in Durango Colorado, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening in Durango Colorado, landscape architecture, landscaping, landscaping in durango colorado
Fall is well on its way here in Southwest Colorado, the nights are cold and the days usually sunny and cool. Perfect weather to work in your garden or ride your mountain bike ( watch out for hunters, wear your orange ) in the woods around Durango. Gardenhart Landscape & Design is working with a few clients to get some trees in the ground before winter really sets in, a good idea I wrote about several weeks ago. More things to think about to get ready for winter…
1) Start a calendar so you can track when and how much you water your trees and other plants. It does not have to be very technical about how much water was applied, just give yourself in idea, a lot or not so much this time. You will use this information in the upcoming months to help you decide when you should water during the winter.
2) Turn your compost at least one more time, before it freezes, this will give the worms a good supply of water and table scraps to feed upon for the next few months. If you do not have at least two piles going, start another one now with all the leaves from your yard and the neighbors ones as well.
I hope this information is helpful to my readers and gives you things to do to help get your landscape in the shape you want, there are many things you can do. Any questions about your landscape or topics you would like me to address?
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David Hart
http://www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
October 8, 2009 · Filed under Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Architect, Durango Colorado Landscaping Tips, Durango Landscaping and Design, gardening in Durango Colorado, Home and Garden in Durango, Colorado · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, Fall Landscape Tips in Durango Colorado, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, landscaping in durango colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Last time I wrote about the cooler weather arriving here in Durango and some things we should be doing outside. I will continue with a few other things you should make time to do.
1) Mulching your perennials with garden compost is a great idea and the plants will really respond in the spring. The compost that you have been growing all summer is done now and you should put it around your favorite plants. It will slowly leach nutrients into the soil with each freeze and thaw cycle and come springtime, the plants will spring forth!
2) Resist the temptation to prune everything back to the ground in order to make it look neat and clean. Yes, you can deadhead the flowering plants and remove any broken branches or stems, but I would leave major work to be done in the spring, like Butterfly bush and other plants that need to be cut back each year. Give your garden a nice look when the snow gently covers it all.
Great Fall Color
This Fall Pruning Job is a little excessive
Fall is a wonderful time to garden in Southwest Colorado, it is not too hot to be outside. We at Gardenhart Landscape & Design are finishing up a few local projects and starting the design process for a home up on the Florida Mesa. We might be able to get a few things in the ground this fall if we hurry.
Here’s to a Successful Landscape,
Dave Hart
Follow me on Buzztown, Facebook for more landscaping advice and tips. http://www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
September 25, 2009 · Filed under Durango Colorado Landscaping Tips, Durango Landscaping and Design, gardening in Durango Colorado, Home and Garden in Durango, Colorado · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, Fall Landscape Tips in Durango Colorado, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening in Durango Colorado, landscaping in durango colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
The air has definitely cooled off here in the Durango Colorado area the last few days, especially in the evening, with the hard frosts we have received. Many of us have lost the above ground vegetables by now.
I will share some of the fall action steps you can do for your landscape this time of year in the next few posts to this blog.
1) Reduce the amount of water that you put to your plants, this will not only save you water, but it will start to harden them off, in preparation for really cold weather. This is very important for your shade trees with soft bark, such as maple and ash. Freeze cracks in the outer layers of the bark will eventually stress the tree and cause its decline.
2) If you have a lawn, try to keep it mowed more frequently than you might otherwise do in the summer months. Not only does it make it easier to rake the leaves, but the lawn will over-winter much better if it is shorter.
We here at Gardenhart Landscape & Design are always happy to answer all of your questions concerning landscaping and your gardens. People often call me with their landscape problems that are very easy for me to suggest a solution.
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August 25, 2009 · Filed under Durango Colorado Landscaping Tips, Durango Landscaping and Design, gardening in Durango Colorado, Home and Garden in Durango, Colorado · Tagged Dave Hart, Durango Landscaping, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening in Durango Colorado, landscaping, landscaping in durango colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Many of you may not realize that fall is on it’s way and that this is an excellent time of year to get plants in the ground. I get phone calls from people who are worried that it is too late to purchase plants or get that landscaping project started before the winter.
Fall planting is highly recommended by many nursery professionals and landscapers for several reasons that I would like to share with you.
1] Fall planting is less stressful on the plants than spring or summer, ambient temperatures are lower and humidity is often higher, which creates a gentler environment for the plants to become established.
2] It takes several weeks for plants to recover from being transplanted and to start to grow in their new location. If we put them in the ground now, they will settle in and be ready to grow in the spring, without any hesitation or adapting to the new location. They are more acclimated and ready to get on with it!
3] Many nurseries and garden centers have fall sales or specials on selected plants. This is a good opportunity to get more value for your dollar than in the spring, when everyone wants trees and shrubs. These businesses would rather have the plants at your house, in the ground, than overwinter them and sell them in the spring.
4] Landscapers, like Gardenhart Landscape and Design, like to book work through the fall, and will often discount their prices slightly to remain busy until the ground freezes and it becomes very difficult to landscape in the Colorado weather!
So, in summary, if you are thinking about doing a landscape project this summer and have not started it yet, do not despair, get going and call us. You will gain a whole growing season by doing it this fall and you will also save some of your hard earned cash.
April 22, 2009 · Filed under Durango Colorado Landscaping Tips, Durango Landscaping and Design, Home and Garden in Durango, Colorado · Tagged Candee Pearson, Colorado Durango Feng Shui, Dave Hart, David Hart, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, Feng Shui, Feng Shui Durango, Feng Shui Durango Colorado, Five Star Feng Shui, Increase your curb appeal in durango colorado, landscaping in durango colorado, sell your house fast tips in Durango Colorado
Here is some news from Durango that will interest most homeowners who like advice concerning their home and gardens. Five Star Feng Shui and Gardenhart Landscape & Design have collaborated to offer a special package this spring and summer. After several conversations about what we discuss with our clients, Candee and I realized that lots of people will benefit from both of our areas of expertise. My clients often will complain about how they wish they had a more functional outside area to relax and entertain in, while she will often consult with people about how to make their inside areas more pleasant and efficient to use. This is a situation where we would be able to offer lots of solutions or possibilities to help them see how well their homes and gardens could support their lifestyle.
Gardenhart Landscape & Design along with Five Star Feng Shui will travel to your location and consult with you concerning how your indoor and outdoor spaces can be better organized and utilized by you and your family. We will discuss how the elements of Fire, Water, Metal, Wood and Earth can be incorporated and manipulated to achieve harmony in your home and landscape environment.
This spring and summer promotion is as follows, five hours of consultation/design work from both of us for only two hundred dollars or you can choose the larger package of twelve hours for five hundred dollars. Our labor can be used to design a plan or you can choose to have us do some of the work, whatever you like.
Durango, Colorado Curb Appeal Stimulation Package
I have found so many good tips and information from the Firewise website. I recommend protecting your home and community by being well educated.
Gardenhart Landscaping and Design Tips 