Lawn Landscaping Blog

Dealing with dodder in Charlotte requires swift action — this parasitic plant can quickly overwhelm even the healthiest landscapes. Unwelcome guests often appear without warning, and dodder is one of the intruders where you’ll want to act fast. With its tangled, thread-like stems, it latches onto host plants and drains them of nutrients, making early detection and removal essential. What is Dodder and How to Spot It? Dodder (belonging to the genus Cuscuta) is a fascinating yet frustrating plant. Unlike most plants that produce their own food through photosynthesis, dodder is a parasitic vine. Because it lacks chlorophyll, the green pigment necessary for this process, it relies entirely on host plants for survival. This means it is essentially a botanical vampire that attaches itself to other plants to feed off their water and nutrients. If you would like to intervene early before dodder impacts your yard, look for these tell-tale signs: Thin, string-like stems that range in color from yellow, orange, or reddish and even whitish that look almost like spaghetti draped over plants. Very small, scale-like leaves that are often inconspicuous with a network of intertwining stems. Clustering growth that forms dense, tangled masses spread across host plants. Clusters of tiny, bell-shaped flowers that are white or yellow at the plant’s reproductive stage. Often, you will see dodder twining around the stems and leaves of its host, hugging it tightly. This close contact is how it penetrates the host tissue with specialized structures called haustoria, which act like tiny straws

At Kept Landscaping, we understand that your time is valuable, which is why we offer landscape maintenance in Charlotte, NC. You’re looking for reliable and affordable landscape maintenance that saves you time, meets your needs, and enhances the beauty and functionality of your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re managing a single-family home or overseeing the complex needs of an entire community or commercial development, we are here to ensure your landscape remains a priority without becoming a burden. Tailored Solutions for Every Scale Landscape maintenance is not one-size-fits-all, especially when dealing with Charlotte, NC’s diverse and expansive properties. From residential properties to multi-thousand-door HOAs in Charlotte, each property demands a unique approach. That’s why we deliver various landscaping services designed to make your job and life more manageable. Our expertise extends to residential homes and a wide range of large-scale facilities. We provide comprehensive landscape management for: Homeowners: Personalizing care to enhance the aesthetic and health of your private gardens and yards. HOAs: Keeping communal outdoor spaces pristine and welcoming. Commercial Developments: Maintaining the professional appearance and health of business landscapes. A Thoughtful Plan for Every Site Maintaining the landscape around expansive properties requires more than just routine upkeep. It demands a thoughtful plan that applies the principles of good horticulture. Our team’s ability to manage the intricate details of landscape maintenance in Charlotte comes from years of experience and a deep understanding of local flora and soil conditions. What Sets Us Apart? Skilled Team Members: Our landscapers are trained in

As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brightly, summer in Charlotte, North Carolina, beckons residents to embrace the great outdoors. With its lush greenery, vibrant flora, and inviting outdoor spaces, the Queen City is the perfect canvas for summer landscaping projects. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your backyard, create a serene retreat, or enhance your curb appeal, there’s no better time than summer to transform your outdoor oasis. Here are 3 compelling reasons why summer is the ideal season for landscaping in Charlotte: 1. Optimal Growing Conditions Charlotte’s warm summers provide optimal growing conditions for a wide variety of plants, shrubs, and trees. With ample sunlight and adequate moisture, vegetation thrives during the summer months, allowing for rapid growth and lush foliage. Maybe you’re thinking of planting a new flower bed, installing shrubbery, or adding trees to your landscape – summer offers the perfect environment for establishing healthy and vibrant greenery. It is also the perfect time for lawn maintenance which you can read all about here. 2. Vibrant Blooms and Colorful Displays Summer is synonymous with vibrant blooms and colorful displays, making it the perfect time to infuse your landscape with bursts of color and beauty. From vibrant perennials like daylilies and coneflowers to eye-catching annuals like petunias and impatiens, there’s no shortage of options for creating stunning floral arrangements and garden beds. Additionally, many flowering trees and shrubs, such as crepe myrtles and hydrangeas, reach their peak bloom during the summer months, adding a touch of

If you’re searching for dependable and affordable landscaping in Charlotte, NC, you’re in the right place! At Kept Landscaping, we’re passionate about transforming ordinary yards into stunning landscapes. We pride ourselves on offering affordable landscaping solutions without skimping on quality.  Let’s explore how we make affordable landscaping in Charlotte, NC, work for you! Affordable Landscaping: A Myth or Reality? The common misconception is that landscaping is a luxury reserved for the affluent. However, our Kept Landscaping team believes that everyone in Charlotte deserves a beautiful outdoor space. Our mission is to provide a wide range of professional but affordable landscaping services that can fit every budget.  Our landscaping services include:  Lawn Maintenance Landscaping Hardscaping Irrigation  What Makes Kept Landscaping Stand Out in Charlotte? Local Expertise: We’re based in Charlotte, and we understand the unique soil, climate, and aesthetic of the area. This local knowledge allows us to create landscapes that are not only beautiful but sustainable. Affordable Customization: We specialize in designing landscapes that reflect your style and needs while keeping an eye on your budget. We offer solutions for all, from minor landscape enhancements to complete yard makeovers. Eco-Friendly Practices: In an era where sustainability is critical, we employ eco-friendly practices. This includes using native plants requiring less water and maintenance, reducing long-term costs. Services We Offer in Charlotte, NC Our range of services is tailored to meet every landscaping needs and dream. We understand the importance of a well-maintained lawn; hence, our comprehensive lawn care services cover everything

Investing in landscape design isn’t just about beautifying your outdoor space; it’s a strategic move that can enhance your lifestyle, improve your property’s aesthetic appeal, and significantly increase its value. From creating breathtaking landscapes to designing versatile outdoor living areas, the benefits of professional landscape design are manifold.  Let’s look at the 4 benefits of investing in landscape design. Boosting Curb Appeal With Landscape Design First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your home. The exterior of your property is the first thing people see, and a well-designed landscape can dramatically enhance this first impression. By working with a professional landscape designer, you’re not just planting flowers or laying down sod; you’re crafting an inviting, cohesive aesthetic that reflects your personal style and complements your home’s architecture. Curb appeal goes beyond mere aesthetics. It’s about creating a sense of welcome and warmth that begins at the curb and continues throughout your property. A well-maintained landscape signifies care and attention, two highly valued real estate market qualities. Whether you’re planning to sell your home soon or simply want to enjoy a more beautiful living environment, enhancing your property’s curb appeal is a sure way to achieve this. Enhancing Views from Within Your home’s landscape is not just meant to be admired from the outside; it greatly influences how you experience your home from the inside. Thoughtful landscape design can transform the views from your windows, turning them into living artworks. Imagine looking out to see a carefully sculpted landscape, vibrant

“Landscaping Ideas for Pet Owners in Charlotte” is a topic close to the heart of every pet-loving homeowner in this vibrant city. Recognizing our furry companions as integral members of the family, we strive to design backyards that are safe and enjoyable for them and aesthetically pleasing for us.  We’ve put together some innovative and practical landscaping solutions tailored to meet Charlotte’s pet owners’ unique needs, aiming to transform ordinary backyards into enchanting retreats for both humans and their beloved pets. Maximizing Safety and Comfort for Your Canine Companion Selecting Pet-Friendly Plants Non-Toxic Flora: Ensure all plants in your garden are non-toxic to dogs. Some safe options include: Camellia Snapdragons Rosemary Sturdy Shrubs and Grasses: Opt for robust plants that can withstand playful dogs, like: Blue Fescue Boxwood Carolina Jasmine Implementing Durable Landscaping Elements Pathways and Borders: Create clear paths using materials like flagstone or decomposed granite, which are gentle on paws yet durable against wear and tear. Drainage Solutions: Incorporate efficient drainage systems to prevent muddy areas, using solutions like French drains or permeable paving. Enrichment and Entertainment: Creating a Stimulating Environment Interactive Play Zones Agility Courses: Design an agility course with jumps, tunnels, and weave poles to stimulate your dog physically and mentally. Water Features: Consider a shallow pond or a dog-friendly water fountain for dogs who love to splash and swim. Rest and Relaxation Areas Shaded Spots: Install pergolas or shade sails to provide cool resting areas during hot days. Dog Houses: Offer a cozy retreat with

Transform your outdoor space into a serene haven with these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for North Carolina. Embrace a blend of native flora, water-wise plants, and sustainable practices for a stunning yet effortless landscape. Embrace Native Flora: A Foundation of Resilience Embracing native flora is the cornerstone of creating a resilient, low-maintenance landscape in North Carolina’s unique ecosystem. Opting for plants indigenous to the area offers numerous benefits, from thriving in local conditions without extensive care to supporting the surrounding wildlife. Why Native Plants? Natural Adaptation: Thrive in local climate and soil. Pest Resistance: Less need for chemical treatments. Water Efficiency: Require minimal irrigation. Wildlife Support: Foster local biodiversity. Recommended Native Plants Trees: Dogwood (Cornus florida), Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Shrubs: Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera), Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) Flowers: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Water-Wise Landscaping: Conserving Resources Water-wise landscaping is a smart and sustainable approach for homeowners in North Carolina, aiming to conserve resources while enjoying a vibrant garden. Succulents play a pivotal role in this strategy due to their remarkable ability to store water in their leaves, minimizing the need for frequent watering. These plants are low-maintenance, require minimal pruning, and offer an aesthetic diversity with varied colors and textures. The Role of Succulents Low Water Needs: Store water in leaves. Minimal Maintenance: Rarely requires pruning. Aesthetic Variety: Offer diverse colors and textures. Ideal Succulent Types Sempervivum Agave Euphorbia Perennial Charm: Long-Lasting Beauty Perennial plants blend long-lasting beauty and sustainable landscapes, making them an ideal choice

Transform your outdoor space into a winter wonderland, creating a scenic landscape in North Carolina. Discover how to utilize plants and decor to create an enchanting, memory-filled North Carolina landscape, even during the chilly months. Celebrating North Carolina’s Winter Splendor North Carolina’s diverse climate offers the perfect setting for a vivid winter garden. Embrace plants like the Camellia Sasanqua, with its winter blooms, to capture the essence of the state’s rich horticultural legacy. Winter-Resilient Plants: The Core of Your Landscape Camellia Sasanqua This “Christmas Camellia” blooms through fall and winter, enduring the cold gracefully. Winterberry Holly Known for its striking red berries, this plant brightens the winter scenery and nourishes local birdlife. Japanese Maple Its distinctive silhouette creates a stunning visual against a snowy landscape. Pansies and Violas Hardy and colorful, these flowers thrive in North Carolina’s mild winters, adding vibrancy to your winter garden. Designing a Winter Paradise Enhance the enchantment of your winter landscape with carefully chosen decor that transforms your outdoor space into a festive, cozy haven. Festive lighting, like twinkling string lights or elegant lanterns, creates a magical ambiance perfect for serene winter evenings. Outdoor fire features such as fire pits and fireplaces become central gathering spots, offering warmth and adding to the beauty of the winter setting. Enhance your winter landscape with thoughtful decor: Festive Lighting: Use string lights or lanterns for a cozy, magical evening ambiance. Outdoor Fire Features: Fire pits and fireplaces become gathering spots, blending warmth with winter beauty. Low Voltage Lighting: