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Pruning Azaleas

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:29:17 GMT

If there is one shrub that puts on the most dramatic show it would have to be an azalea. The brilliant spring color of these beauties is one of mother nature's finest moments. Azaleas are part of the Rhododendron family and are native to Asia. In our Virginia gardens they prefer shade to sun and water to drought. They have a fibrous shallow root system that makes them easy to transplant, but that also means they need more frequent watering to be in prime condition. They should be fertilized at least once a year right after the bloom is finished with an acid lovers fertilizer. If pruning is needed, it should be done after it blooms, but no later than July 1. After that, it is forming next spring's buds. If you prune it after July 1, you will be cutting off next year's flowers. So how do you prune an azalea?

First ask yourself, why am I pruning this plant. Are you trying to shape the plant, reduce the size of the plant, or rejuvenate the plant. Azaleas should be pruned in an informal fashion. They do not lend themselves to a formal "hedge" trimmed look. If you do shear an azalea into a round mound, a box, or any other topiary shape it will result in spotty bloom and irregular growth of branches. Never use hedge shears to prune azaleas. Pruning shears should be used to cut individual branches. If you are pruning to reduce the size, make a mental picture of what you want the plant to look like and then make your branch selections to cut. Do not cut back any branch more than 1/3. When pruning azaleas, you do not need to cut back to the nearest crotch because, unlike most plants, they have the unique ability to put out new branches all along the stem.

Rejuvenation pruning can be done by cutting back three of the biggest branches by up to 1/2. Cut all the other branches to shape the plant. As the plant begins to rejuvenate itself you can cut more branches down to 1/2. Just never rejuvenate more than 3 branches at a time. Dead branches can be removed any time of year.

If you have a shady or partially shaded yard, you should try azaleas. With a minimum of care, they can provide years of pleasure to your spring yard.

Keep Your Property Clean and Safe Year-Round

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:21:49 GMT

Keep Your Property Clean and Safe Year-Round: Leaf and Snow Removal Services in Virginia

As the seasons change in Virginia, property maintenance needs change too. Fall brings colorful leaves that quickly pile up, and winter brings snow and ice that can create safety hazards. Whether you own a home, manage an apartment complex, or run a commercial property, it’s essential to stay ahead of seasonal cleanup. Professional leaf and snow removal services help keep your property looking its best — and operating safely — all year long.

Why Leaf Removal Matters in the Fall

Falling leaves may look beautiful, but when left on the ground, they can cause several issues:

Lawn Damage : A thick layer of leaves blocks sunlight and traps moisture, suffocating your grass and leading to mold or dead spots.
Slip Hazards : Wet leaves create slippery surfaces on sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.
Pest and Mold Problems : Decaying leaves attract insects and rodents, and can encourage mold growth around your property.
Curb Appeal : Clean, well-maintained lawns make a strong first impression for customers, tenants, and guests.

Professional leaf removal ensures your property stays healthy, safe, and visually appealing through the fall months.

Preparing for Winter: Snow and Ice Management

When the first snow arrives, preparation is key. Commercial snow removal services help you maintain accessibility and prevent accidents.

Clear Driveways, Walkways, and Parking Lots : Keep your property safe and usable for residents, customers, and employees.
Prevent Ice Build-Up: De-icing treatments and salting prevent slippery surfaces and potential injuries.
Reliable Response : A professional team is ready to respond promptly when snow hits, keeping your property operational even during storms.

Year-Round Peace of Mind

From leaf removal in the fall to snow clearing in the winter, proactive seasonal maintenance helps protect your landscape investment and ensures safety for everyone who visits your property.

If you’re ready to prepare your Virginia property for the changing seasons, contact Oriole Landscaping today. Our experienced team provides dependable leaf and snow removal services for both residential and commercial clients across Virginia — keeping your property clean, safe, and beautiful year-round.

Preparing Your Landscape for Fall and Winter: Tips from the Pros

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:19:50 GMT

As the seasons change, so do the needs of your landscape. Fall and winter preparation is essential for keeping your yard healthy, vibrant, and ready to thrive when spring returns. At Oriole Landscaping, we help Richmond area homeowners and businesses transition their landscapes through every season—starting with a smart, strategic fall and winter prep plan.

Here’s how we prepare your landscape before the colder months arrive:

Clean Up Debris and Leaves

Fallen leaves, dead plants, and other organic debris can smother your lawn and harbor pests or diseases. A thorough fall cleanup keeps your landscape neat and protects your lawn and garden beds from winter damage.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Fall is an important time to prune back dead, diseased, or overgrown branches. Pruning helps prevent breakage during snow and ice storms, and promotes healthy growth come spring.

Cut Back Perennials and Mulch Garden Beds

Many perennials benefit from being cut back in the fall to encourage strong root systems. Adding a layer of mulch around garden beds helps insulate roots from extreme temperatures and retains moisture through dry winter months.

Aerate and Fertilize the Lawn

Aerating allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil and strengthen grass roots to help your lawn green up faster in the spring.

Protect Plants from the Cold

Temperature-sensitive plants may need extra protection like burlap wraps or frost covers. Young trees and delicate shrubs benefit from windbreaks and mulching around their base to insulate roots.

Winterize Your Irrigation System

Before freezing temperatures hit, it’s important to shut down and drain your irrigation system. This prevents cracked pipes and costly repairs in the spring.

Plan Ahead for Spring

Fall is a great time to plant bulbs like tulips and daffodils for spring color. It’s also a good time to consult with our team to design or update your landscape for the coming year.

Get Your Property Ready—Before the Snow Falls

Don't let your landscape go into winter unprepared. Our team at Oriole Landscaping offers comprehensive fall cleanup and winter preparation services tailored to your property’s needs. We’ll make sure your lawn, plants, and trees are set up for long-term health and beauty.

�� Call us today to schedule your fall and winter landscape service.

Fall Lawn Care - Now's the Time

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:08:17 GMT

Fall Lawn Care

As the warm months of summer slowly come to an end it’s time to prepare for the important lawn maintenance that Fall requires. Fall lawn care is necessary to prepare your lawn for the cold and harsh winter months that lie ahead.

The cooler and wetter weather in the fall season helps your lawn’s grassroots to grow so it is a great time to encourage lawn health. This means ensuring maximum yard health before the temperatures drop so your yard can be best prepared to make it through winter. There are a variety of fall lawn care tasks that will keep your yard healthy, looking great and prepare it for the change of seasons. Anything you do to improve lawn health now will be noticeable come spring when the snow is gone, and your grass can start growing thick and healthy.

Fall Lawn Fertilizing

Throughout the summer your lawn sees lots of foot traffic, heat and sun which overtime can be damaging to its overall health. The fall is a great time to encourage these spaces to grow and restore strength and turf density. One crucial component of the fall lawn care regiment is fertilizer which encourages growth and all-around lawn health. By fertilizing in the fall you are helping your lawn rebuild itself after the past few months of increased stress as well as preparing it to enter winter as strong and healthy as possible.

The best time to apply fertilizer is a few weeks before the ground freezes. Choosing the right fertilizer is also important since the proper fertilizer composition will help your lawn build winter hardiness as well as assist in disease prevention and encourage overall growth come spring.

Fall Lawn Aeration

Enjoying your lawn all summer contributes to compacting the grass and soil, making it difficult for important nutrients to be absorbed. Lawn compaction results in restricted root growth and lower amounts of available oxygen making it more difficult for your grass to grow healthy.

An effective way to reverse the results of this compacted soil is through lawn aeration. Aerating is done by removing small cores from the lawn providing holes that can then allow space for roots to grow and for oxygen and nutrients to enter. The cores are left on the lawn surface where they quickly break down naturally.

Aerating your lawn in the fall encourages a healthy green lawn come next season.

Fall Leaf Removal

Fallen leaves aren’t just unsightly when left on your lawn, they also begin to damage the health of your grass as they block out necessary sunlight. Leaves also bring the growth of fungi in your lawn since leaves will begin to decompose. Once the leaves begin to fall you need regular and thorough leaf removal in order to maintain lawn health, which is especially important going into the winter months.

In Conclusion

To enjoy a healthy green lawn in spring, at a minimum your fall lawn care should include fertilizing, aerating and leaf removal. You want to enjoy your lawn year-round so now is the time to prepare for all your fall lawn maintenance tasks. If you want it done by a professional and reliable service, call Oriole Landscaping.

Get Ready for Spring with Patios, Walkways and Pool Decks

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 21:39:11 GMT

As the seasons change and we welcome all the wonderful notions that spring brings, now is the time to consider how you can optimize your home's outdoor spaces. With the warmer seasons our patios and yards become gathering spaces for family and friends so take a look at what needs improving, fixing or enhancing. Adding a patio can increase the living space available in your yard while building a stone walkway can add function to an otherwise empty, unvisited area. Here are some ways that hardscaping can improve your property and why hiring an expert landscaping company is the best way to maximize the potential of your home’s outdoor areas.

What is Hardscaping?

Hardscaping includes the elements in your home’s outdoor spaces like walkways, patios, fountains, pools, stairs, retaining walls or other features that are created using hard materials like brick, wood, stone and concrete. Hardscaping features can be used to make the natural aspects of your yard feel more organized and create a more inviting atmosphere that will draw your family outside. Hardscapes are also beneficial because they are low maintenance features of your yard and when installed correctly also reduce the effects of erosion. If you find your yard has a lot of green spaces that are not fully utilized or too high maintenance, adding a patio or similar hard feature can reduce the amount of area to maintain while also adding a beautiful new space to enjoy

Planning for a Hardscape Project

Adding hardscape features can improve the aesthetic feel of your home and is a great way to make your outdoor spaces more usable. Hardscaping that is well designed and professionally installed will increase the value of your home and can also help preserve your property.

When planning hardscape features it is important to consider how you and your family want to use the space. Do you envision a seating area that gets direct early sun for that morning coffee? Do you want a fire pit to gather around or a big patio for hosting evening get-togethers? Do you have drainage issues that can be resolved at the same time? With professional design help and access to a wide assortment of materials, the possibilities are endless.

What are Typical Hardscape Features?

Hardscape features are designed to add functional value to your outdoor space while also adding character and cohesion to the look of the landscape. There are many options for adding functional features to that will bring people together and encourage your family to spend time outside.

Stone patios and stone walkways can be an excellent way to make your space look more intentional and feel welcoming. A stone fire pit can extend the season for enjoying your outdoor spaces. Imagine watching the sunset by a warm fire on a chilly spring night when you would otherwise need to be inside. Gazebos or similar features can be built to provide shade and also be a lovely focal point for your outdoor space or garden. Retaining walls can increase usable space while adding fun and interesting style to your yard while also performing the task of holding up soil or creating a raised garden bed.

Getting Your Outdoor Spaces Ready for Spring

As the harsher winter months come to an end there are a lot of tasks that need to be done around your home to get it ready for spring and summer. This is the time of year to start maintenance like mowing, trimming, edging, leaf blowing and fertilizing. It is also a great time to take a close look at your hardscape features already in place to see if there is anything that needs repairs after the winter weather. If you would like to put the worry in someone else's capable hands, the professionals at Oriole Landscaping are here to take on all of your home’s outdoor needs.

The Benefits of Working with Landscape Professionals

When you hire a professional landscape company for a hardscape project you will also have someone who you can always call for help with all kinds of other landscaping needs. Building a relationship with a reputable landscape company will take the pressure off of you and your family to keep up with all the needs of your outdoor spaces. Oriole Landscaping is here to help you with plant and lawn maintenance as well as seeding, fertilizing, irrigation and other seasonal needs.

Extreme Weather and Your Landscaping

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 22:11:28 GMT

With unexpected (and sometimes extreme) weather on our minds, it’s important to keep an eye on what that can mean for your landscaping. Tropical storms and even hurricanes have given us our share of flash flooding and heavy winds. It’s time to start expecting the unexpected, no matter whether its high winds, severe rains, hot spells or cold spells. Mother Nature may have some more challenges for us, but Oriole Landscaping has you covered. Here’s how some of this more severe weather might affect you, and how we can help prevent damage and recover from extreme weather.

Severe Rain

Good landscaping anticipates heavy rains and directs it away from your structures. Still, severe rains can wreak havoc on your pristine lawns, and without a good response, might set your lawn up for some serious trouble down the road. When heavy rains pass through your lawn, they tend to wash away a lot of the nutrients that your lawn needs to stay healthy. Fertilizing your lawn again might be in order, especially as we head into the colder months. Staying off your lawn for a while after a heavy rain will help prevent the soil becoming uneven and compacted. With this in mind, our maintenance schedules are adjusted accordingly to all weather events. When there is heavy rain, make sure to take note of any areas that collect water or flood more heavily as we can adjust the grading of your lawn to prevent water buildups in the future.

High Winds

High winds can cause minor annoyances like having a ton of leaves all over your lawn or major damage like downed trees. Whatever the case may be, give Oriole a call – we’ve always ready to clean up your property properly, and our integrated hauling services make us a one-stop shop no matter how much debris has made its way onto your property. High winds and rain can also cause stress to your plants’ root systems, and soil erosion – with a little extra maintenance, we can help prevent damage to your plants, quickly adding soil as needed to help keep your landscaping in pristine shape. Our professional landscaping teams can help you plan for high winds if needed, whether it’s through hurricane pruning, raised beds, or just giving your lawn a little extra TLC.

Introducing Oriole Hauling

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 15:40:55 GMT

Oriole Landscaping is proud to announce Oriole Hauling as an integrated component of the services we offer our residential and commercial customers.

We have always been known for our meticulous habit of cleaning up after ourselves which means we haul away any and all debris from yard work to full landscaping projects. While we’re at it we often haul away other debris, refuse or junk to the delight of our customers. Now you can call on us for any type of hauling. Whether we’re already on your property or you’d like us to be, you can take advantage of our fleet of hauling trucks for:

Construction Dumpster Services
Landscaping Dumpster Services
Commercial Trash Removal
Debris Recycling Services
Material Delivery

From waste to refuse, coming or going, Oriole Hauling has the equipment and the expertise to complete your job quickly and efficiently. Give us a call and learn how we can serve your hauling needs.

Three Late Summer Keys to a Lush Lawn

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 17:27:24 GMT

Aerating, Seeding and Fertilizing

The end of summer may sneak up on you every year. But no matter how many times in the past you've said you “can't believe it's over,” this is the year you could bid a proper goodbye to summer and prepare your lawn for fall.

This is the year you could unlock the three (not-so-secret) doors to a lush lawn: aerating, seeding and fertilizing.

You may think that spring is the best time of year to call on Richmond's premier landscape company for lawn care help. And while Oriole Landscaping does field a large number of calls after a long winter, fall is actually the ideal time to give your lawn the “triumphant trio treatment” to ensure it rebounds in the spring and flourishes all summer.

Why aeration matters

Many homeowners need to do little more than see our aeration machines in action to instantly understand the process as well as the benefits. As the machine moves across a lawn, it plucks out small plugs of soil and thatch, laying them on the surface. (The plugs dissolve or wash away with watering or after the first rain.)

With all these small holes inserted across the lawn, more air, water and nutrients can penetrate the soil, allowing the grass roots to grow deeper and healthier. This is why many topical lawn treatments fail on their own; they overlook where thick, lush lawns get their start: the root system.
Why seeding matters

It's a rare lawn that doesn't benefit from what is called “overseeding.” This doesn't mean you overdo it; it means you lay seeds on top of bare or thin spots, right on top of the soil, instead of tearing it up first. The result: a filled-out lawn that looks better and is fortified to deflect the weeds that naturally propagate in the spring.

At Oriole, we prepare the soil properly so that it becomes a conducive “host” for seeds to germinate. And we leave instructions behind for regular watering – the key to ensuring that those seeds settle into the soil and literally spring into action.

Why fertilizer matters

Fertilizer may seem like a basic if not “no-brainer” treatment. But if you apply too little, your lawn will hardly “blink.” If you apply too much, you could burn your lawn. And if you use the wrong type, you could damage your lawn so badly that it could take several seasons to recover.
At Oriole, we have struck a balance with a fertilizer that is high in potassium, promoting winter-time hardiness, but is also environmentally friendly, which means it is inherently safe and gentle. In addition to helping make a lawn greener, it sinks down to the roots so that they become stronger and more absorbent.

Lush lawns with Oriole

Summer may be over, but your lawn could be on cusp of a new day: a thicker, greener look, a healthier root system and the veracity to handle whatever Mother Nature dishes out over the long winter.

Fall : Time for Leaf Cleanups and Irrigation Blowouts

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 15:29:27 GMT

At Oriole Landscaping, we know it’s fall when residents start calling our office to schedule leaf cleanups and irrigation “blowouts” – two crucial maintenance tasks that should be completed before you notice frost on your outdoor pumpkins.

Piling on the leaves means piling on the problems

Keeping your yard looking clean and free of leaves is not the only reason we stay on top of leave removal. A few scattered leaves is inevitable but allowing leaves to form piles or matted heaps that end up clinging to trees, shrubs and mulch is going to do damage. You don’t have to be an arborist to understand that leaves bind together and form a barrier, preventing air and water from reaching the roots and suffocating live, thriving greenery. If left alone, come spring, instead of anticipating the growth of new grass, you may find brown patches and “dead zones” underneath rotting piles of leaves. Yards left with leaves uncleared often develop:

Mold and mildew
Anthracnose and black spot, which are fungal diseases
nsects, rodents and other animals, who gravitate to the safe harbor of leaves

So by all means: count on Oriole to get rid of the leaves so you can enjoy a greener, healthier lawn all year long.

Don’t underestimate the destructive nature of water

If you have an irrigation system, you don’t want to wait much longer to have the system winterized. Just turning off the water and the irrigation controller is not enough to protect your valuable irrigation system. Some water always remains behind, especially in the valves and pipes. When temperatures reach freezing, that remaining trapped water turns to ice and damages and weakens the components of your irrigation system. So can repeated thaw-freezing-thaw episodes. In the worst cases, the system could rupture.

Oriole leaves no water unturned

To keep our customers’ homes safe, we follow a straightforward “blowout” process:

We turn off the water and the controller.
Using an air compressor, we blow out each zone in your irrigation system, one zone at a time.
We also perform maintenance to repair any issues on-the-spot, which can elongate the lifespan of an irrigation system.

At Oriole Landscaping, we know about smart, economical lawn care. Call us today and get ready for winter!

Hold those Shears and Plan Before you Prune

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 14:29:16 GMT

If you've ever grabbed a pair of scissors to lop off a wayward or scraggly piece of hair from your forehead, you probably are equally equipped to prune the trees and shrubs in your yard.

The motivation and technique are similar, but before you get started, hold those pruning shears. Just as Oriole Landscaping works with you to “plan before you plant,” we also advocate a “plan before you prune” approach.

If you move too fast and make a small mistake, your trees and shrubs should recover, just as your pride will recover from a botched haircut. But if you get carried away, you could weaken or damage your tree or shrub. So, make sure you have a plan before you start, especially with newly installed trees and shrubs, when they are acclimating to their new environment and working to establish hearty root systems.

Employ the Proper Pruning Tools

Pruning tools include:

Pruning shears, which provide cuts of up to ¾ inches in diameter
Lopping shears, which are similar to small pruning shears but with longer handles
Hedge shears, which, as their name suggests, are meant for pruning hedges
Hand saw, designed for cutting branches more than 1 inch in diameter
Pole saw, whose long handle offers an extended reach but must be wielded carefully to achieve a clean cut

Understand your reasons for pruning

Some of the more common reasons to prune include to:

Promote the growth and health of a tree or shrub
Encourage flower or fruit development
Improve the appearance of a tree or shrub
Protect people and property
Foster a robust structure, especially with new trees

It's not uncommon for people to begin a pruning project and then encounter an issue or question along the way. This would be a good time to call Oriole Landscaping, Richmond's premier landscaping design and installation company. We can help bring clarity and focus to any pruning project.

Moving Forward for Spring and Beyond

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 20:23:40 GMT

Spring is around the corner and we are busy getting ready. In fact, in order to better serve our customers, we have moved into a new and improved location. Now we are more prepared than ever to make sure your yard is ready for you come that first warm day. Now is the time for mulching, pruning and general maintenance best performed in February and March rather than when you’re ready to light the grill. The sooner you give us a call the better. You won’t regret having quality lawn and garden maintenance from Oriole Landscapes.

Yes, Winter is Over

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 12:24:35 GMT

Your yard may look barren now, but outdoor temperatures are on the rise and it’s time to literally lay the ground work for spring. The weather will break so we are already working to get your yard in the best shape possible for your outdoor activities. Here’s a primer on what our crews will be focused on over the next few weeks.

Fertilizing. Many homeowners correctly understand that over-fertilizing can damage a lawn. But too little is not going to work either. Oriole has the expertise to fertilize your yard to maximum benefit.
Weed Control: Getting post and pre-emergents down on the turf prior to all the spring weeds taking off. Also helps build leaf density after the cold period for the grass has grown its roots into the soil.
Mulching: For optimal appearance and effectiveness we use a dyed brown double shredded premium mulch and install in appropriate depths. This helps eliminate weeds and keeps moisture in the beds for the plant roots to absorb

Of course, there is a lot more that we can do to prepare your yard ready for spring. We can create an annual and perennial plan that will infuse your yard with colonies of color and texture. Or we can recommend a focal point, such as a seating area, archway or prominent bed, that will imbue your yard with energy and style. There is no such thing as starting too early – with Virginia's premier landscaping company.

We Appreciate Being Appreciated !

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 18:44:59 GMT

Unsolicited letters like this one makes us proud

1/22/2018
Dear Oriole Landscaping,

We love the work you have done around our home for over 10 years. We first met Kenneth when he was still in school and starting his business.
We were very impressed with his work ethic and those of his workers.

We started working with Kenneth when we needed to replace all our plantings across the front of our home. We had talked to other companies, but they wanted to do what they had done at other people’s homes and we didn’t want that for our home. Kenneth listened to what we wanted and brought us horticultural books with pictures for us to look over with him. It took a few visits before we settled on the final design and price. To this day, we get compliments from people walking by in our neighborhood.

In the past, Oriole Landscaping has come to our aid when we needed help. In 2014, my husband, who loves to work in the yard had to have two back surgeries and one heart surgery. I called Kenneth and told him that my husband was not able to do what was needed to the yard and could he come and help out. He came that very day and blew the leaves and cut and trimmed the yard. He even blew off the deck and driveway!

We were so impressed with the company that we have recommended them to our neighbors. The work they do is so much better than the other companies we see in our neighborhood and when talking with our neighbors we hear constant complaints about the companies they use. We are so lucky to have found Oriole Landscaping.

Warm regards,
Nelson B & Rose C

Get a Jump on Spring

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 16:00:45 GMT

Hardscaping and Grading by Oriole Landscaping

The next time you gaze out the window thinking about the first day of spring, don’t think you have to wait to get your spring projects started. In fact, now is the time to start the ball rolling. This interlude between fall and spring is perfect to undertake two types of projects – grading and hardscaping – so when that first day of spring weather shows up, you'll be well on the way to having your outdoor improvements in place.
Oriole Landscaping can work with you now to design, plan and build those improvements you’ll enjoy for years to come, starting right away come spring weather this year.

Hardscaping

Like the name implies, hardscaping involves the use of hard materials, such as gravel, stone, concrete and brick. These materials form the basis of a bevy of features, including:

Walkways
Patios
Decks
Retaining walls
Water features

Oriole Landscaping always strives to achieve a balance between a yard's hardscaping and “soft” features. By “balance,” we don't necessarily mean a 50-50 ratio of elements. Every yard is different, and the characteristics worth accentuating (especially trees) often drive a hardscaping plan that is original and distinctive. True balance is achieved by creating a hardscaping plan that complements the topography as much as it pleases the eye.

Why now is a good time for hardscaping

As you know from the state of your yard, grass, plants and flowers go dormant during the winter. And if the ground isn't frozen, it's certainly harder now than it is during the warmer months. Both conditions bode well for wintertime hardscaping projects. Digging into your yard now causes less disruption to the surroundings and to plant roots, which tend to grow actively in warm weather. And the timing results in less mess because the ground isn't wet and muddy.
If you have a brick or paver patio on your wish list, now is the time to get the project on the drawing board and completed in time for spring.

Grading

Grading, sometimes referred to as leveling and even sculpting, is often considered by home owners as a way to add lawn space, but it also serves to improve plant health and drain water away from your home. To the naked eye, it can be difficult to tell if your yard is properly graded. But some telltale trouble signs usually point to a yard that could benefit from regrading. These signs include:

Water pooling in the yard, causing grass and plants to become waterlogged or water pockets to form and become a haven for mosquitoes
Water pooling near the foundation, which can lead to flooding and structural damage to your home
Topsoil and fertilizer washing away quickly during even a light rain storm

Why now is a good time for grading

There is little you can do – or enjoy – without a properly leveled yard. Even the most carefully chosen shrubs and plants can flounder without proper drainage. And a small play area could be plagued by myriad safety problems if water congregates where it shouldn't.
Grading your property now will make it more hospitable to whatever you have planned for it, be it a passive or active use, from a patio or deck framed by soft gardening beds to a small badminton field. And it will make even routine lawn maintenance less of a battle.

You can benefit from Oriole's expertise

At Oriole Landscaping, you can always count on our expertise and creativity. But now is the perfect time to call us to schedule an in-home consultation. We'll be ready to start getting your yard ready for spring – right this minute.

Our Customers are in the “zone.” Richmond’s Hardiness Zone that is.

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Avid gardeners may understand the importance of hardiness zones, but the average home owner is often not aware that these zones even exist. Understanding hardiness zones is important and here’s way we make sure to keep all our customers “in the zone.”

What does the hardiness zone mean?

Based on the United States Department of Agriculture’s hardiness zone map, the zone indication helps determine if a particular plant is well suited for your yard. Clearly there are many other factors to consider but understanding the hardiness zone is a good starting point.

Let the map be your guide

The USDA’s hardiness zone map is a helpful tool that guides gardeners and homeowners about when it is safe to plant specific types of shrubs, plants and trees so that they stand the best chance to survive and thrive.

The map divides the United States into 11 zones. Each zone is 10 degrees warmer – or cooler – than the zone adjacent to it. Richmond’s zone is 7a, distinguished by the fact that minimum temperatures here range from 0 to 5 degrees. And this is an average, meaning that it shouldn’t be confused with the lowest temperature ever recorded or even possible.

All shrubs, plants and trees are ideally suited for specific zones. Not sure if your favorite house plant could survive outside? Is it identified for zone 7? For sure there are many conditions that effect a plants health but starting with the right plantings in the right zone is an essential starting point.

Other Variables to Consider

While helpful, the zone map is far from a guarantee that a planting will blossom. Many other variables have to be in balance including:

Duration of exposure to the cold
Humidity
Light
Pollution
Soil type and moisture
Temperature
Wind

Count on the experts at Oriole

Even if you’re proud of your green thumb, there isn’t a gardener in zone 7a who couldn’t benefit from the expert planting services of Oriole Landscaping.

Lost Dog Finds Help

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Oriole Landscaping is proud of our community and just as proud of the work we do. We’d also like to thank one of our customers for the time taken to submit the following “news” story:

Dear Oriole Landscaping,
I wanted to reach out and let your management team know about two of your landscaping workers that saved a running dog at large last night. Garrett knocked on our door at sunset last night because he and Stephen picked up a dog running at large in our neighborhood. They were very concerned about the well-being of this beagle, and were walking door-to-door to try to find the owners. I wanted to extend my gratitude to these young men. The beagle is now in the process of finding it’s owners. If it weren’t for the kindness of Garrett and Stephen, the beagle may have been hit on the ever-busy road. Your two workers were professional and approachable from the moment we met them to the moment we left them to drive the truck back. In the future, because of their professionalism and genuine human kindness, we will be using your business for our landscaping needs.
Respectfully,
Ashley and Michael

Emblazon your Yard with Colorful Autumn Trees and Shrubs

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Go ahead and put on a fall garden show for your neighbors. Not only is fall the perfect time to aerate your lawn and grow new grass, in the fall you can also emblazon your yard with a full array of alluring colors.

Cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels in the fall helps reduce the stress on new plantings, enabling them to establish robust root systems that will enable them to flourish into next spring. In this heartier state, they also will be better able to withstand the rigors of next summer’s heat.

Start with the right tools

The best tools to start with do not include shovel and trowel. No, we prefer to start with paper and pencil: plan before you dig. It’s much easier to move trees and shrubs around on paper than to dig them up and replant them. So consider a tree or shrub’s likely growth pattern before you narrow your selection to some of the most appealing autumn trees and shrubs. Just keep in mind that most plantings can be cut down to a smaller size:

Colorful autumn trees, and their potential height, include:

Amur maple, 25 feet
Bald cypress, 120 feet
Dogwood, 25 feet
Ginkgo, 100 feet
Katsura, 60 feet
Redbud, 35 feet
Serviceberry, 20 feet
Smoke tree, 15 feet
Stewartia, 70 feet
Sugar maple, 70 feet
Sweet birth, 50 feet
Sweet gum, 80 feet

Colorful autumn shrubs, and their potential height, include:

Burning bush, 20 feet
Chokeberry, 10 feet
Fothergilla, 6 feet
Japanese maple, 25 feet
Oakleaf hydrangea, 6 feet
Smokebush, 15 feet
Sumac, 15 feet
Viburnum, 15 feet
Virginia sweetspire, 10 feet
Witch hazel, 12 feet

Oriole’s planting guidelines

Once these fall beauties are on the property they need to stay protected by being placed in the shade and out of the wind. Root balls should be kept damp but not submerged in water. The actual planting process boils down to a few basic steps; and some hard work :

Dig a hole about two to three times wider and just as deep as the root ball. Depending on the variety, add appropriate nutrients.
Grasp the tree or shrub by the root ball, not by the trunk. Untangle the roots if they’re gnarled to help them spread out easily once they’re in the ground.
Place the tree or shrub in the hole, orienting it to its best aesthetic effect and so that the sides fan out. Ensure that the top of the root ball is even with the soil line.
Shovel the soil you dug out earlier back into hole. Then press down the soil lightly.
Water the tree or shrub thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Then water for about 20 minutes a day until about early December.
Add several inches of mulch around the base of the tree or shrub to prevent moisture evaporation and weed growth. Wait until spring to fertilize to avoid burning or otherwise injuring the root system.

Every gardener under the sun can benefit from a professional assist. So remember that Oriole Landscaping – Richmond’s premier landscaping design and installation company – is just one phone call away. Together, we can invigorate your fall landscape — and give your neighbors something colorful to talk about.

Summer Gardening Tips for your Richmond Landscaping

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

There usually is one on every street: The home that turns heads with its lush, green and vibrant looks.

It might be a cliché to say that you’re green with envy, but would you like to know how your neighbors’ yard and garden are able to thrive in the Richmond heat while your own are turning brown and wilting before your eyes. What do your neighbors know that you don’t?

Landscaping Tips

In all likelihood, your neighbors are acting on five simple landscaping tips from Oriole Landscaping. You can, too, when you:

Raise your mower blade. Keeping your lawn at least 4 inches high might be a taller look than you prefer, but consider the benefits: Taller grass retains moisture, reduces water evaporation and triggers deeper roots, which prevent weeds from growing.
Position new plants near taller and similar “neighbors.” Partial shading is the key here, which is another way of saying that partial sun is, too. While young plants establish their roots, they can benefit greatly from the cool, protective cover of taller plants.
Apply a layer of mulch around plants, shrubs, flowers and trees. Mulch shields soil and nutrients from the sun, reducing water evaporation and the need to water while blocking weed growth.
Water your garden early in the morning. Watering in the full heat of day can be counterproductive since leaves get saturated with water and then can get scorched by the sun. Watering at the coolest time of day prevents plant dehydration. Otherwise, consider a using a soaker hose, which can be placed beneath mulch to deliver moisture directly where it’s needed on your landscaping.
Balance your landscape. The right blend of grass, ground cover, shrubs, plants and trees doesn’t necessarily require more maintenance; it actually can require less. Balancing a landscape is part art, part science and is best achieved with the assistance of a skilled landscape architect.

Of course, every yard and garden is different. The neighbor with the perennially green yard and garden, for example, may benefit from a sun exposure that differs from your own.

Expert Landscaping

To get the personal landscaping advice and service that will keep your yard and garden from wilting in the summer heat, call Richmond’s premier landscaping design and installation company. Oriole’s sensible landscaping advice has turned plenty of homeowners green with envy – and we can do the same for your neighbors.

Thinking About a Patio for A Home in Richmond?

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Thinking about a patio but not sure what type of material to use? Many of our customers want to know the difference between using patio pavers, or stones vs. poured concrete, which is generally the least expensive patio option.

Most Prefer Pavers or Stone

For most of our customers we recommend pavers or stone. They come in many colors and sizes offering more design options than poured concrete. Pavers also move with the ground as it shifts making your patio more resistant to cracking over time.

Could a Patio Transform Your Backyard?

Check out some examples of patios we’ve completed for clients in Richmond and Midlothian . We also help commercial clients with patio design and installation.

Contact Oriole Landscaping if you live in the Greater Richmond area and are thinking about putting in a patio. We can provide you with a free onsite consultation and help get your project started.

Winter Gardening Tips for Richmond, VA

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Don’t let the sprouting daffodils and little bouts of warm weather fool you. It’s likely Richmond’s winter weather isn’t finished just yet. If you’re looking for something to do in the yard during these warm days, think about doing pruning, mulching, or getting compost ready for Spring. If you have the luxury of a greenhouse, early March is a good rule of thumb for starting spring seeds in our climate.

What Plants Are Dormant in the Winter

In Virginia, many trees and shrubs stop growing, lose their leaves, seal themselves as best as possible, and wait out the winter season, like a bear in hibernation. If you’re thinking about doing some pruning, be sure to consult this pruning calendar from Virginia Tech , as many deciduous trees do better with fall pruning. During this time, some plants are vulnerable to the cold, which is why some smaller plants or more recently planted items might benefit from being encased in pine bundles, micro-foam, or polyethylene fabric .

Do Warm Winters Benefit Plants in Virginia?

Drastic changes in temperature is actually more damaging to plants than the cold by itself. We’ve been seeing temperatures hit the spectrum within a single week. One way to help protect plants in the winter is by putting down mulch . Be sure not to pile up mulch on exposed roots and be sure to use the correct mulch for the type of plants in your yard.

Should I Knock the Snow off My Box Bushes and Other Shrubs?

You’ll hear some debate about this issue. Some feel you should leave plants alone, as you may do more damage by knocking off the snow. Others argue you should get out as soon as possible and knock light, powdery snow off bushes. Both schools of thought agree, if the snow melts and ice starts adhere to leaves and branches, leave them alone.

In general, plants like box bushes are fairly resilient to what mother nature can throw at them . If you see a few branches bent down under the weight of snow, odds are that the branch will bounce right back when the snow melts.

Landscaping Support in Richmond, Virginia

If you’re starting to feel a bit of cabin fever, don’t worry, spring is right around the corner. If you’d like more concrete advice about when to plant, where to trim, or what to plant, we’d be happy to provide you with information. Contact us if you’d like help building the backyard of your dreams this year.

Happy Holidays from Oriole Landscaping

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Holidays from Oriole Landscaping. Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, we wish you joy, peace, health and happiness. The weather is changing, families are coming together, and Christmas Partying is right around the corner! If you need help getting your yard or lawn ready for a big holiday party, we’re here to help. Can’t motivate the hubby to pick up those last few leaves, give us a call! Winter is also a perfect time to mulch, transplant some species of trees and shrubs, and cut back or trim many varieties of dormant plants. And if the summer weather we’re having here in Richmond this December ever changes to cold and snow, remember we’re available for snow plowing and clearing driveways .

The last thing you need to be worrying about this holiday season is your yard, so give us call or contact us for more information.

Leaf Removal in Richmond, VA

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

That’s right everyone, leaf season is finally upon us! We recommend getting out ahead of the leaf fall early this year and staying on top of it for the rest of the season. If you wait, leaves get wet and make for much heavier and more difficult clean up later. Remember, leaves in the yard probably also means leaves in the gutter too! A clogged gutter is a quick path to a whole host of problems!

Dangers of Leaf Season?

Clogged gutters prevent water from being whisked away from your foundation and can eventually lead to water seeping in through the basement and causing permanent damage to your foundation. If you’ve ever driven around Richmond on a cold day, you’ll likely be met with the delightful smell of wood-burning fires. If you’re one of the many families here in Virginia that still love a real fire when the weather turns, be sure to check your gutters before striking a fire. Dry debris and leaves can become a serious fire hazard. Not to mention, gutters full of acorns are a sure way to attract pests that might later decide to take up residency in your attic or eaves.

Hire A Professional Leaf Removal Company

Letting the leaves build up in your yard or gutters are going to make clean up more difficult later and can lead to other problems, aside from irritating the neighbors that have nice leaf free lawns. If you’ve got a bad back or don’t have time to do your own leaves this year, contact us ! We’ve got all the equipment needed to get your leaves up quickly and easily, and are happy to schedule a complete seasonal clean up with a few well-timed visits.

Hurricane Joaquin Clean Up in Richmond

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Brace yourself Richmond! We may be in store for another big hurricane, according to the latest reports . The storm has reached category 4 status, and several forecasts are predicting the storm to make landfall in Virginia. Fortunately, you’ve got about 48 hours to prepare your home, put together some supplies, remove anything in the yard that could become a projectile and batten down the hatches. Check out Ready.Gov for more hurricane preparedness tips.

Tree Clean Up and Removal in Richmond

Even if the storm passes, Richmond may still get some heavy winds and rainfall, which means leaves, sticks and branches. We’ll be standing by to help get your yard back in order and have the equipment to deal with any fallen trees and branches that aren’t leaning against the house. Contact us to schedule clean up in your yard.

Creating A Beautiful Lawn In Richmond, Virginia

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

If you want to create a beautiful lawn here in Virginia, timing is everything. We have four very distinct season, which makes lawn care a challenge. If your lawn is looking a bit shabby, is full of weeds or has a few brown areas or dead spots, maybe its time for a little TLC! Fall is the best time of year to plant a new lawn in Virginia, but you have to start preparing your lawn in August to have success.

Soil Testing

The first step in growing new grass is figuring out the soil content of your yard. Pull 10 plugs of dirt about 3-6 inches deep from different areas of your lawn and drop them off at Southern States for nutrient and pH testing or have your lawn care provider handle your testing. Testing is important, because your lawn may be lacking certain nutrients that might make growing new grass a challenge.

August Is the Month for Killing Weeds In Virginia

If you’re planning on growing new grass this fall, it’s crucial that you get rid of all the weeds in your lawn. They will plague you year after year and make growing new grass a almost impossible. August is the best month to kill weeds in your lawn, because it is hot and most weeds are at their prime. Killing weeds in August gives enough time for the weeds to die before fresh grass seed goes down. Planting new grass in a yard full of weeds is never going to give you the results you want, but it’s important to plan this step long before you actually plant new grass.

Plant New Grass in September

Once all the weeds have died out and September rolls around, it’s time to plant fresh grass seed. Some of the most popular grass varieties here in Richmond, Virginia are Kentucky bent grass, fescues and Bermuda, but the specific grass planted in your yard should depend on shade, irrigation, soil and other factors. Many swear by grass seed mixtures that help ensure you’ll have green grass all year long and all throughout the yard.

Always use Certified Seed with a low weed content. Brand name grass seed labels are worth paying a little extra to ensure you get the beautiful lawn you want. We recommend consulting with a professional about the specific grass to use in your yard before getting started.

Aerate and Fertilizer for the Best Results

Throwing grass seed down into a barren patch of earth isn’t going to give you the results you want. We recommend aerating the entire yard when you plant grass seed, or hire a professional to handle all of these steps. Air entering the soil helps the existing grass root system and provides a better base of loose soil for new seeds to get started.

For a beautiful lawn next spring here in Richmond, VA, test your soil and kill weeds this August. Wait and aerate, plant and fertilize in September, and make sure the new seeds get plenty of water. Fall is a great time for growing grass in Virginia, because we get lots of water and the temperatures are usually just right. Contact us with the form below if you’d like to learn more about beautifying your Richmond, Virginia Lawn or have other lawn care needs.

Sod vs. Grass Seed

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Fri, 08 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

People always want to know, which is better – sod or grass seed? While there are benefits to both, the answer depends on many factors including your budget and the amount of space you need to cover. There are certain steps you need to take with both sod and grass to ensure success and a beautiful, weed free lawn.

Sod

Sod is the fastest way to establish a thick, green lawn without any weeds. But it requires a lot of watering before it will take root. The overall cost of installing sod is more expensive than grass seed, but sometimes the time saved is worth it for people with a busy lifestyle or hectic schedule. Sod doesn’t require the nurturing that grass seed need, because it’s sturdier and more established than freshly planted grass seed. Most sod is over a year old when it gets to your yard. The seasonal window for installing sod is a bit longer and more forgiving than with grass seed, but we usually recommend added sod in the spring or fall. For some people trying to cover larger areas, sod is not always an option due to the higher cost.

Grass Seed

Grass seed is a more cost effective way to start a lawn, but requires more patience than sod. You must make sure the seed is watered and stay off the seeded area while it is germinating. Otherwise the grass won’t grow properly. For those with children or large dogs, planting grass seed is going to be a challenge. It’s crucial you find a way to keep people off the grass until it’s mature.

Soil Testing and Fertilizer

Whether you decide on sod or grass seed, it’s important to test your soil and add the missing nutrients. If you don’t have the nutrients needed, you’re always going to be fighting an uphill battle getting grass to grow. Years of picking up leaves and grass clippings can leave yards starving for nutrients. Composting and putting grass clippings back into the yard from time to time are great ways to add nutrients to the soil, but sometimes lawn fertilizers are needed to get the soil just right.

If you’re still trying to decide between sod and grass seed, contact us . We love sitting down with customers to discuss their unique yard challenges and help determine the best way to create the beautiful green lawn they’ve always wanted.

Mulch and Sod Will Help Your Lawn Look Great Quickly

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

If the harsh winter left your yard looking a mess, mulch and sod are two quick rejuvenation techniques worth trying. Mulching and sodding a quarter acre lawn can be accomplished in as little as three days. Whether you’re planning to put a house on the market or need the yard looking great for an upcoming party, mulching and sodding can make an enormous impact on how clean and attractive a yard looks in a very short amount of time. In this article, we’ll review the short term and long term benefits of sodding and mulching, as well as the best times of year to mulch and sod a yard.

Benefits of Mulching

Mulch looks good, suppresses weeds and adds nutrients to the soil. If you’re trying to sell a home, putting down a fresh layer of mulch is one of the best things you can do to make the yard look better. Mulching borders gives the yard a nice clean look and, if done correctly, can help keep weeds down all summer long. This will save you hours of backbreaking work later. In order to keep a yard neat and attractive, most home owners remove leaves and branches that fall from trees and plants that would otherwise replenish the soil with nutrients. In addition to composting, mulching year after year is one of the best ways to add those nutrients back into the soil. Preparing an area for mulch may bring welcome surprises, so keep an eye out for volunteer dogwoods or other desirable plants.

Benefits of Sodding Instead of Seeding

If you have a lawn that’s been neglected for years, you might find that it’s actually cheaper and easier to just put down a layer of sod and be done with it, rather than trying year after year to grow grass in the same spots. Spring is best time of year to put down sod in Virginia, but fall is acceptable as well. The greatest benefit to putting down sod is that you get to enjoy it right away. Someone else has been growing and nurturing the grass for the last 14 to 18 months, so by the time it gets to your lawn it’s naturally resistant to weeds, diseases, pest infestations and many of the other challenges that come along with reseeding a lawn. After just a few weeks, your lawn will be ready for use. If you have a large dog that needs to use your lawn on a daily basis, growing grass from seed can be almost impossible. Aside from the usual challenges, many of the popular turf grasses, like Bermuda Grass, are very difficult, if not impossible, to grow from seed in many of the southern states. When the soil has been prepared properly, sod has a very high rate of success. One of the best ways you can ensure success is to make sure that the grasses being laid at your home were cut from the farm within 24 hours.

Did Any of Your Plants Struggle This Winter?

The winter this year left black, curled up leaves on plants that don’t normally suffer such damage. Loropetalum, Ligustrum, Camellias and Gardenias are a few of the plants that tend to struggle in extremely cold temperatures. In fact, some of the plants grown here in Virginia, like the Gardenia, couldn’t be successfully grown without a greenhouse just a few decades ago. The biggest thing to look out for is an early warmth followed by a burst of cold. This can actually be more damaging than colder temperatures on their own. The warmth brings plants out of dormancy and makes them much more vulnerable to a hard frost. Although spring and fall are generally thought of as the best times to mulch, putting down a thin layer of mulch in winter can help shield the ground from the warmth of the sun and keep plants at a steady temperature through the winter. If you lost plants last winter or have plants that are susceptible to cold, consider putting down an extra layer of mulch in the winter next year.

If you want a lawn to look great in a matter of days, nothing can beat a layer of mulch and fresh sod. Although yard maintenance will become much easier once you have nice clean borders and a thick, lush lawn, it will revert right back to its current state if not cared for prudently. Contact Oriole Landscaping for more information about sod, mulch or other landscaping matters.

Small Pond and Walkway Project

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The Oriole landscaping team has been busy installing patios, driveways, walkways, mulch, sod and even koi ponds. If you haven’t visited our portfolio page lately take a look at some of our projects like this zero maintenance landscape.

Walkways and Stone Work

Interesting, winding walkways can be a great way to spruce up a boring yard and add a little bit of elegance and beauty. A well placed walkway can make it easy for you and visitors to stroll through the yard a look at plants or serve as a path the a fun little grilling and fire pit patio area. Fire pits are all the rage right now, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy being outside with friends and family. Even stone work added to retain dirt or surround an area can add just the touch a garden needs, while reducing year to year maintenance. The great thing about stone is that it will last for years and years.

Ponds

Small koi ponds aren’t for everyone, but everyone loves the sound of trickling water. A small lily pad garden with a trickling fountain can give a yard the unique touch it needs. Many of our customers set up little hammock or sitting areas nearby such ponds, to sit and enjoy the sounds of the water and little frogs that come to visit. Adding water to a garden is easier to maintain than one might think, and these kinds of features are what make a garden truly memorable and exquisite.

Wondering what Oriole can do for your yard? Call us at 804-690-2568 or contact us here for a free estimate and to get started on your next big yard project.

Autumn Has Arrived – Who’s Ready for Leaves?

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Richmond is feeling that wonderful warm weather slowly fade away. But don’t be too sad, because that means the holidays, warm fires, football and the changing season is upon us. Unfortunately, there’s no stopping the leaves from covering yards and patios.

If raking leaves is putting a damper on your fun fall activities, we’re here to help. Oriole handles leaf removal, aeration, seeding, mulching, and anything else you need to prepare your yard for the changing season.

Give us a call at 804-690-2568 or contact us for a free estimate or more information.

Leaf Season Is Almost Here

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The weather may still be warm in Richmond, but that isn’t keeping the leaves from changing colors and falling. Soon yards and patios will be covered with leaves which means lots raking and bagging.

Most of you have other things you’d rather do on the weekends, but that’s where we come in. Oriole can handle leaf removal, aeration, seeding, mulching and just about anything else you need to get the best looking yard on the block.

Give us a call at 804-690-2568 or contact us for more information and a free estimate.

Preparing Your Yard For A Big Storm

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Chances are you’ve heard about Hurricane Sandy heading our way. As Richmonders we know what this means – downed trees, limbs and lawn clean-up.

Oriole can provide routine trimming and inspection that will keep your tress healthy and can limit the number of downed limbs during a big storm. Securing loose items on your porch or deck can also keep you from cleaning up broken flower pots, patio umbrellas and chairs.

But if you find your yard in shambles after the storm Oriole Landscaping can still help! We can remove leaves, debris, tree limbs and even install new bushes and landscaping to get your lawn get back to looking its best.

Time to Think About Fall

rob@westchesterdm.com (Rob Shapiro) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Even though it is still hot outside, it is time to think about getting your lawn ready for fall.

Fertilizing in the fall is the best time to push nutrients into the grass before the long winter season.

Oriole Landscaping offers customized packages to keep your yard looking its best. We can aerate, seed, lime and will apply the right fertilizer for you lawn.

In the spring and summer we place additional products designed to control weeds and brown spots. We can make your lawn the best on the block!

Contact us to get started or find out more about our customized packages.