Simple but beautiful front yard transformation!

 
     This yard underwent a metamorphosis when we replaced the existing sod, redefining the yards shape
and size. Installed a new stacked  rock wall, defining the garden area.  Put in fresh bark, removed old unruly plant material and replaced with sculpted flowering plant material.  As well as turning the overgrown door yard into a small, usable, flagstone patio for guests and relaxing!
     This project took a short amount of time and the cost was minimal when compared to the fresh new
look this home received and the added value of curb appeal! 
 
NewBeforeAfter

Winterize your Sprinkler System NOW!

sprinkler

Sprinkler systems need to be winterized by a professional every fall so that costly breaks can be avoided when turned on in the spring. When a landscape professional winterizes your system you can be assured that no undetected leaks that are under ground and therefore unseen will happen. Saving you lost monies in not only repairs but also the dreaded water bill!

Come spring your landscape professional will return to recharge your system insuring that all zones are in working order, replacing any broken sprinkler heads or pipes.

Make your appointment NOW with Exstream Landscaping at 503-654-1953!

Top 8 things Portland Landscape owners should before winter sets in

#8 Aerate and thatch your lawn.
This removes unwanted weeds and chocked lawns so that your spring lawn will have room to grow.
 
#7 Over-seed your lawn.  
Fall and spring are the best times to over seed your lawn area. The cooler temperatures and consistent N.W. rains help to root the new seeds deeper for a stronger, lusher lawn.
 
#6 Winter fertilize your lawn.
There are many products specifically formulated for our N.W. lawns for the fall and winter, these products contain added lime to help combat the acidic soils we incur with all of the falling leaves and needles we have here in the N.W.  These products help to add a boost to your lawn area while it's in it's dormant season making your lawn greener and fuller come spring.
 
#5 Mulch or bark dust
A good idea for bed areas in the fall as the extra layer of protection helps keep sensitive perennials and shrubs as well as deterring unwanted plant and weed growth, all while adding a fresh look to your winter landscape.
 
#4 Trim and Cut it all back.
This is the time of year you'll want to cut back all of your perennials and shrubs and do your major tree pruning.  Fall is a really good time of year to see the branch structure of your trees and shrubs with all of the leaves off of them. Seeing the branching structure really helps in pruning and shaping the trees and shrubs as they can be shaped and manicured to your tastes and size needs.
 
#3 Turn it all off
Turning off all outdoor faucets and hose bibs from the inside of the jpm,e can help prevent freezing pipes as well as unwanted winter usage of outdoor faucets. The installation of inexpensive bib covers can be purchased at any hardware store and even some grocery stores, is also a good idea to prevent freezing.
 
#2 Clear up the leaves and debris
Rake or blow your leaves into piles for disposal! This is very important in our area. As the N.W. area of Oregon has one of the largest tree canopies of any mid-sized city in the nation.  Portland alone boasts a 30% tree canopy. IF leaves are left unattended they clog rain drains causing flooding  as well as dead lawns, clogged rain cutters , damaged roofs and slimy slippery decks, landings and walkways that create slipping hazards. Everyone in the Portland area has a FREE lawn disposal can and some cities offer pick-up of leaf litter.
 
#1 Turn off the irrigation system and winterize it.
THE number 1 most important thing you can do for your landscape is to make sure the irrigation system is turned off and has been winterized professionally. This is an absolute MUST to  prevent costly winter breakage and possible flooding. Winterizing your system professionally usually includes a Spring turn on by a professional to insure that there are no breaks or possible leaks underground and unseen that can not only cause flood damage but be pretty costly not only to fix but to your water bill!
 
For these and other winterization tips for your landscape call Exstream Landscaping at 503-654-1953. Or check us out at www.exstreamlandscaping.com!

5 BEST Fall Foliage Plants for the NW!

 

Now is the THE time to plant for next years best fall color. Planting in the fall season is advantageous because the dry hot days of summer have passed and the cooler rainy season aids in the establishment of new plantings. Furthermore, shopping for fall color interest is best done when the plants are fully in the fall peak of color.

 
Number one for best fall color is the American Sweetgum, also known as Liquidambar Styraciflua.
Known for it's amazing fall color ranging from bright reds to orange, yellow and bright pink the American Sweetgum is often seen as a street tree as it has an optimal fastigiate or upright growth pattern making it ideal for smaller yards and planted in rows along sidewalks.
 

pic1

pic2

Second on the list is Ginko Biloba  also known as the Maidenhair tree. The Ginko  has unusual leaves that have a strong bright golden yellow color in fall and make a striking contrast when paired with evergreens or other fall colors. Used most often as a specimen tree.

pic3

ginkgo-autumn-gold-fall

Number 3 is the Burning Bush or Euonymus Alata Compacta. A smaller shrub with a compact dense form makes this plant makes as excellent border or specimen plant.  The fall color on the shrub is simply spectacular! very bright red to fuschia pink this shrub is a stand out for fall interest.

Eugyomous smaller

 

burning bush smaller

The fourth fall best fall plant is,  the Maple also known as Acer. This group of plants includes a wide variety of trees. The most colorful being the compact shorter in stature Japanese maples. Pictured below are the 'Bloodgood' variety and the 'Coral Bark' variety. These two plants are both Acer japonicum varietals, however, they vary  greatly in color, form and size. While both trees are relatively small and slow growing, making them excellent specimens for smaller yards as well as around pond areas and tight spaces, the 'Blood Good' variety has a dark red/purple leaf during the summer months with bright red new growth and a fuschia red with orange veining in the fall.  The Coral Bark conversely has   bright green summer and new growth with red bark, thus the name 'Coral bark'.  This tree is smaller in stature and has a variety of fall colored leaves ranging int he bright yellow to Gold and orange range.
 
Coral Bark Maple smaller

 
 
 

Bloodgood fall smallerAnd last but certainly not least in my TOP 5 BEST Fall Color in the small bush or shrub known as Heavenly Bamboo, Nandina or formally as 'Nandina Domestica'.  This Plant is often seen as a hedge planting or cluster planting here in the NW.  With it's delicate bamboo like leaves and clusters of  bright red berries this planting makes for an interesting specimen plant or even better when planted in clusters. there are many different varietals of this plant from ground cover light plantings to taller hedge making plantings. With interest year round this plant is an excellent choice for your NW Landscape!

nandina smaller

Hey Portland. YES, plant your new lawn in the Fall!

Though it may seem counter-intuitive fall is THE time to plant new lawns. Whether you're planting seed, sod or hydroseed NOW is the optimal time to plant your lawn.

With falls cooler temperatures and added rains your lawn will thrive if planted now.  Just in time for a beautiful, lush spring green lawn for your family to enjoy for the summer months to come!

Call Exstream Landscaping today for your FREE quote! 503-654-1953

Get going on your new lawn NOW!

unnamed

Protect your landscape from contractor fraud!

Did you know that landscape construction Oregon requires a license?

Each phase of landscaping requires a separate license from the state of Oregon. 

This includes planting, irrigation and outdoor construction (Fences, decks, arbors, lawn installation, Retaining walls, patios, ponds, waterfalls, water-features, walkways ) . Check your landscapers license status online at www.lcb.state.or.us or call the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board at 503-967-6291 ext. 221. 

If you use an unlicensed landscape contractor you have virtually no recourse under the law to recoup monies or seek repairs. Protect yourself from Fraud! 

 

You can have a beautiful landscape and avoid problems by taking the time to check references, licensing and having a well written contract.

BLOG1

Avoid common contractor problems

  1. Check your contractor’s License and bonding. ( Call LCB at 503-967-6291 x221)
  2. Get references of past contractor jobs. (Projects you can look at the work and talk to the clients)
  3. Use a written contract. (All Landscape projects in Oregon require a written contract)
  4. Plan your project carefully. (Have a written plan of your project and expected completion times)
  5. Get several bids. (From LICENSED Contractors)
  6. Pay in installments (NEVER pay ALL monies upfront!)
  7. Keep all written records (Copies of checks, invoices and contracts)
  8. Communicate! (Talk with your landscape professional and keep abreast of the projects progress)

 

The Value of licensed contractor

  • A bond, which allows the consumer compensation if there is a breach of contract; negligent or improper work.
  • Liability insurance that protects the consumer’s property if damage occurs during the construction process.
  • A Landscape construction professional who has passed state exams demonstrating technical knowledge for each phase of landscaping.
  • Continuing education to ensure your contractor has the latest technological knowledge.
  • Dispute resolution administered by the LCB that mediates between the consumer and the landscape contractor, saving both parties legal costs.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance, which protects the employee and frees the consumer from responsibility if there is an injury on the worksite.

Exstream landscaping is fully licensed, bonded and insured. LCB# 7094.
We have a list of references available and you can check out previous projects on our website at www.exstreamlandscaping.com

BLOG2

 

Planning the Perfect Pathway: Steps to Landscaping GREATNESS in Portland

Pathways and steps lead you from one area of your outdoor living space into another and are just as important as the landscape itself. Whether your taste is free flowing or more clean edged and straight paths and steps can be customized out of almost any material and to your specific tastes. All it takes is your imagination!

path14 path13 path12 path11 path10 path9 path8 path7 path6 path5 path3

From the simple to the sublime Exstream landscaping can meet your needs and fire your imagination with pathways and steps! Give us at call at 503-654-1953!