So bring on the rain...

So, who was as excited as we were to wake up to another morning of rain....wait, no? Not you?!!
Unfortunately those sunny, absolutely perfect Georgia spring days have been few and far between recently leaving a lot of us with a soppy, spongy mess of a yard. While all of this "free water" is keeping our plants happy, it may have brought a bit of a headache to some of us...drainage and erosion issues!

When I dream of one day waking up to the sound of water outside my bedroom w...indow, it doesn't usually include a muddy "river" running through the middle of my backyard courtesy of my neighbors or a relaxing waterfall pouring through the foundation into my basement. Water can be a homeowner's worst nightmare and, if not addressed, can cause some serious (and very expensive) long term damage.

There are several options when facing drainage problems: re-grading, installing a French drain, or even digging up your entire front landscape (like my parents just recently had to do) to repair your foundation. I know that last part about digging up your entire yard just got your heart racing with excitement!!!

If none of those previous options appeal to you, embracing your water might be the way to go for your landscape. Creating a dry creek bed can be a great solution. Combined with moisture resistant (and mosquito repelling...we are in Georgia!) plants, dry creek beds can become a beautiful focal point in your landscape design. If done correctly, dry creek beds can help redirect that pesky water away from your foundation. The rocks add color and texture to your landscape, it adds interest to an area of your yard that is hard to grow, and it can even help visually organize your overall design.
So before you begin constructing your own Ark, consider a dry creek bed. Its a big impact, low maintenance alternative for your dream landscape!

 

Shearing vs Hand Pruning

Between a full time job, raising a family, and trying to enjoy time with friends, many of us don't have much time to spend on our yard. Taking care of our shrubs and trees can be such a hassle! There are two different ways to keep our beds looking neatly manicured and beautiful: hand pruning and shearing. So what's the difference and which method is best for you? Most people would think shearing (think electric or gas powered contraption that makes everything even and get...s the job done pretty quickly) but did you know shearing can actually cause damage to foliage and leave your shrubs more susceptible to disease?!! 
 

Your plants require air flow and exposure to light. Shearing prevents air and light from reaching down into the shrub making it a breeding ground for bugs and disease. While shearing is the recommended method for your large hedges or groupings used as a privacy barriers, natural hand pruning is the best option for preserving long term plant health and maintaining a more natural appearance.

Natural hand pruning should be used on smaller hedges, individual shrubs, and any ornamental trees you have as part of your landscape design. Hand pruning gets you optimal results by removing dead wood and improving the air flow and sun exposure for your plants.

And while natural hand pruning may seem to take more time initially, it actually reduces the need for frequent touch-ups so you can enjoy more time doing something you love other than spending all these gorgeous spring afternoons manicuring your yard!!

Diseased and dying hedge

Sheared hedges

Hand Pruning

 

Let me introduce myself...

Good morning from Southern Cross Outdoors! I wanted to give a little background and vision on our company.
My parents and grandparents were avid gardners and loved making their yards beautiful with an abundance of blooming flowers, fresh vegetables and plenty of hard work. As a young guy I started out like most teenagers driving around the neighborhood with my dad's mower(Thanks Dad!) aspiring to be a businessman. Through the years I continued to provide maintenance for clients all over South Atlanta while trying my hand with different professions, growing my skillset and attending school. I worked with a few green industry professionals before getting on with a prestigious design/build company which, paired with a formal education, helped to grow my knowledge of all aspects of outdoor living. I have now decided to branch out and pursue my life long dream of being a business owner and do what I love.

Thanks to my family for giving me a green thumb and ability to do whatever I want, my mentors for teaching me all that I know and my beautiful wife that has allowed me to pursue this!

Southern Cross Outdoors is a full service landscape and design company. Our services include: design, installation and maintenance, irrigation, hardscapes, pruning, construction, remodeling and rental property management. We have "A unique approach to simple outdoor living."

Please continue to follow our blog, visit our website www.southerncrossoutdoors.com, or come see us on Facebook and Instagram!