naturalstreams

[naturalstreams]

Landscaping and water features by All Natural Streams. http://naturalstreams.com

[naturalstreams]

Pond Construction and water features in Charlotte, NC by All Natural Streams Landscaping.

[naturalstreams]

How to Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Home or Business

Whether you own a home or a business, the curb appeal of your property is incredibly important. The way your landscape is designed can help boost your property's value as well as provide a positive first impression of your business, which is essential for business owners who are attempting to draw customers in off the street.

Here at All Natural Streams Landscaping in Charlotte, we provide both homeowners and business owners with a number of landscaping services that can help to improve their curb appeal, including landscape design services and pond construction services.

Our Landscape Design Services

We have earned a reputation for the quality of our landscape design services throughout Charlotte and the surrounding areas. In fact, we've even placed first at the Southern Spring Show for our landscape design - two years in a row! Our highly-trained and experienced landscape artists use the most innovative techniques and highest quality materials to create unique landscape designs.

In addition to helping you to improve your property's landscape design, we can also help to maintain it as well. We will regularly maintain your lawn and all of your lawn's features, including its water features, to ensure that your property looks its best at all times. The following are some of the other specific landscape design services that we offer:

• Customized stone work • Water feature construction • Patio design and construction • Outdoor garden lighting design and installation • Irrigation system installation • Yard drainage repair and construction

Our Pond Construction Services

One of our landscape design services that is particularly popular here in Charlotte is our pond construction service. Ponds help to add a natural element to your property that can help create a very peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. For homeowners, the addition of a pond can act as a small oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here at All Natural Streams Landscaping, we can help with the following pond construction services:

• Pond design • Pond construction and maintenance • Pond water maintenance, cleaning and filtration • Koi pond construction and maintenance • Koi fish care and maintenance

Improving your landscape design by adding a pond can go a long way towards increasing your property's curb appeal. If you're interested in improving your landscape by using our landscape design or pond construction services, then be sure to contact us at All Natural Streams Landscaping in Charlotte to schedule an appointment today.

[naturalstreams]

10 Tips for Hiring a Quality Landscape Designer

Your landscape has a big impact on your property, whether it's your home or your business. A good landscape design can help to improve your property's curb appeal. Not only can this help to improve the value of your property, it can attract more customers for businesses as well. However, a good landscape design is highly dependent on a good landscape designer. There are a lot of different landscape designers out there, some of which are better than others. The following are ten tips for choosing a high quality, reputable Charlotte landscape designer:

1. Ask friends and family for referrals - One of the easiest ways to begin finding landscape design companies is by asking friends and family who they use. Be sure to take a look at their property before taking their word for it. If they suggest a landscape designer and you don't like how their landscape looks, you might want to ignore their recommendation!

2. Look at online reviews - Do a little research to figure out what the overall reputation of a landscape designer is by checking online reviews at sites like Yelp or Angie's List. Remember, most companies aren't going to have flawless track records. Even the best of the best may have one or two negative reviews. Be sure to compare both positive and negative reviews to get a good idea of their reputation.

3. Check the Better Business Bureau - Find out if there were any complaints about the landscape designer submitted to the Better Business Bureau and whether the company did anything to address those complaints.

4. Check the landscape designer's website - A high quality landscape designer should have a high quality website. A huge part of a landscaping designer's job is to make something look aesthetically pleasing. If their site looks bad, it's a bad sign. Most landscape design companies should have examples of their work on their site as well.

5. Ask each landscape designer for referrals - A reputable landscape designer should have no problem giving you the contact information for a few of their previous clients so that you can ask them about their experience. If they refuse to give out referrals, it's a bad sign.

6. Compare experience - The more experience a landscaping company has, the better. It means they know what they're doing and will be better equipped to figure out solutions to any landscaping problems that might arise. Also, landscaping businesses that have been around for a while generally have a good reputation.

7. Ask about eco-friendly practices - Make sure that they use eco-friendly landscaping practices. Eco-friendly landscapers often use compost, make a genuine effort to conserve water and avoid the use of harsh chemicals.

8. Compare cost - While you shouldn't choose a landscape designer based on which services are the cheapest, the cost can matter if you're on a budget.

9. Ask about licenses and insurance - Make sure that the company you decide to work with has the appropriate license to perform the landscaping work you need. Never choose a landscape designer that doesn't have liability insurance either. You want to make sure that they are financially responsible should your property be damaged in anyway during the course of their landscaping service.

10. Ask about affiliations, certifications and awards - Different affiliations, certifications and awards are a good sign of a landscaper's reputation as well as the quality of their work.

These are ten of the things that you should look for when searching for a reputable landscape designer that does high quality work. Be sure to contact us at Natural Streams in order to find out more information about our landscape design services in the Charlotte area today.

[naturalstreams]

Services Offered by a Landscape Designer

The outdoor area of every home is often the last to get design attention, but this should not be the case as the landscape surrounding your property is as important as what is inside it. Whatever type of landscape design you pick whether it is a manicured front lawn, a stone-paved pathway or an intricate garden design, landscapes must receive the same attention and detail that anywhere inside your home would get.

 If landscape design ideas are well executed, they can complement your home's whole aesthetic. Having the right plants, shrubbery and flowers can greatly enhance your home's curb appeal by adding texture, color, and fragrance to your property. It is wise to understand the duties of a landscape designer so as to know what will suit your home or taste. This brings us to the services offered by a landscape designer.

 A landscape designer offers a number of services and concepts see some of them below (including pond construction and water features).

 Landscape Design Steps for Garden Construction

 The below addresses some of the steps involved in the development of a garden design by a landscape designer.

 Concept Plan

 This is a general plan of your garden including plan views, 3D drawings and elevations, samples of materials, images or photos of the critical landscape design elements, and the recommended plant species. This plan provides homeowners with a clear idea and visual image of their new garden. A preliminary cost for your garden installation may be given at this point.

 Complying Developments and Applications

 A landscape designer can manage the process of meeting developments and requests for homeowners including the preparing the necessary plans and documents for their submission. Alternatively, a landscape designer can choose to work with the Architect if it is a very large project and involves some part of the property.

 Construction Documentation

 This is a preparation of the detailed drawings for the garden construction of the project which is crucial to providing clarity and ensuring the level of finishing synonymous with projects. It includes detailed specifications and drawings for all key building elements like swimming pools, pergolas, and decks, as well as outdoor kitchens and lighting plans, planting plans with a complete schedule of all finishes.

 Suggestions

 There can be a fire element present (this creates a space where family and friends gather for warmth following a swim in the pool). You can have built-in entertainment system centers thereby bringing the inside outdoors. Decorative pottery and landscape lighting can complement these grand outside areas.

 Water Features and Pond Construction

 Flowing water is also a peaceful and soothing addition to your garden. It can help turn your landscape to something special, making your surroundings a focal point that attracts wildlife. Before deciding which water feature to use, it is wise to keep the below considerations in mind:

 The Background Noise

 Do you want to mask objectionable road noise or disturbance from adjacent houses?

 Water Feature Placement

 Make the water feature is placed between you and the background noise. Try to raise the proximity of your water feature to your home so as to hide a loud background sound.

 The Water Action

 After knowing how aggressive water sound is, it becomes much easier to figure out if what you want is:

 ·         A trickling sound

 ·         A falling sheet

 ·         A rushing sound

 The Visual Effect

 Ask yourself questions like, how much drama am I trying to create? Bear in mind that intimate spaces will require less when it comes to making an impact. But a grand scale needs something more compelling.

 Safety Considerations

 Are there young children that need consideration? If there are eliminate standing water or pools.

 What About Fish and Other Living Organisms?

 Will require a number of maintenance requirements.

 Maintenance

 Ask yourself questions like who will maintain the water feature? Ensure you use state-of-the-art or automated equipment to make maintenance easy. Note that some kinds of weekly maintenance are required.

 What About Pre-Cast Fountains?

 Comes in numerous shapes, sizes, and colors and the cost is relatively lesser than any other water feature or fountain.

 Reservoir

 Ensure the fountain can hold enough water so that it doesn't run low as a result of evaporation.

 Equipment

 Go for a small equipment package including pump, time clock, filter, chlorinator, or any other purification system. Do not forget to include water fill line.

 Are you Going for Waterfalls?

 When people hear falling water, they associate it with nature which is why a waterfall will always be a focal point that explores life in any garden. Place it for optimal viewing from inside the house, patios, and terraces.

 What About Rocks?

 Synthetic Rocks

 If there isn't access to the proper equipment, then a synthetic rock can serve as the best alternative. Also because of the shadow and layering associated with natural rock, it is preferable to use it as a backdrop, that is augmented with the smaller hand placed option (of natural rock).

 Natural Rocks

 When it is possible to use natural rock, bear in mind that the texture and layering of real stone cannot be simulated with complete realism. Additionally, considering the incredible weight of natural rock, it is important that there is access to heavy equipment.

 Architectural Fountains

 Landscaping with ponds and fountains adds calm and character to your backyard. There isn't any limit to imagination regarding fountain design. A fountain remains the statement in a garden. It is a keystone that ties every element together. Fountains must evoke the style and theme of the architecture of both the home and the garden.

[naturalstreams]

Water Features and Pond Construction - Safety Concerns

Adding water features and ponds in landscaping will always give a special character and feel to the entire space. With the modern landscaping strategies, you do not really need huge space for water features. If you approach the right landscaping company that has adequate experience in the field, they will be able to do a good job in capturing your needs and providing you with an exceptional design with water features even if you have very limited outdoor space.

On the other hand, if you are looking for pond construction, you will need some decent space. When you are installing ponds, it is not enough that you have space for the pond but you will also need some space around the pond to walk around and to elevate the aesthetic appeal of the pond.

Regardless of whether you are going for water features or for pond construction, you will need to adhere to the safety guidelines stipulated in your region. This is one area that you could not possibly afford to compromise.

Oversights on the safety guidelines while constructing your ponds or water features will lead to a series of unnecessary problems. Firstly, it could put you and the other people that use the space to safety risks that could even prove to be of lethal nature. Secondly, it could also lead to expensive liability lawsuits. Thirdly, you will face local authorities on non-compliance issues. You certainly do not want to run into such problems when you are trying to make your outdoor space look nice and beautiful. You should be able to use the space safely and enjoy the beauty of the space.

While selecting your pond construction company or your landscaping company, make sure that the service provider that you choose is a licensed and insured operator. We are emphasizing that it has to be a licensed landscaping company because only companies that ensure ongoing compliance to the local construction guidelines and stipulations will be able to retain their license. Therefore, it is always safer to approach well established service providers in the industry.

More to that, you could also check with your service provider for their portfolio of past work so that you will be able get a better understanding of their capabilities and also their credibility based on the work that they have done in the past. Read reviews and feedback about your service provider posted by customers who have used their services. If you are not happy with the reputation of your service provider in terms of their safety standards followed in their projects or if there are any safety related issues in their past work, it is best to avoid such service providers.

There are many landscaping companies in the industry and you are in no way forced to work with dubious service providers. Therefore, make prudent choices when you are selecting your service provider for pond construction or for other water feature installations. Safety constructions always get top priority when you are constructing ponds in your home.

[naturalstreams]

Factors to Consider When Planning Custom Stonework to Improving Your Landscaping

Hardscapes, stone work and pavers are great ways the landscaping in your home can be improved. Luckily enough there are different ways to achieving this. You can improve your landscaping by adding stone, pavers, fire pits, garden walls, patios; the options are limitless, you will get a beautiful landscaping through a combination of the features but the choice when it comes to custom stonework is yours. All that you need to do is find an expert who will give you what you need or what works best for your home or office.

 There are two elements that influence great stonework, the quality of the construction work and a keen eye, which is geared towards giving custom stonework ideas. If you get an expert who understands both then you are guaranteed of a quality stonework, hardscape or paver design that will make you home beautiful. When it comes to custom stone work, quality is the main factor to consider. If you use sub-standard material, you will not get the kind of results you are looking for and the attempt to improve your landscaping and authentic beauty in your home or office will all be futile. Always make sure you give the right specification and work with an expert who will not compromise on quality, make sure that the new features are designed to meet your specification.

An experienced landscape designer in hardscapes, pavers and stone work will have an understanding and keen eye for designs that will work for your home. Experience matter, therefore to get the best of custom stone work you need to ensure that the expert whom you are hiring has years of experience and is willing to show you past jobs they have completed. You will need someone who is ready to listen to you but also willing to offer input where necessary. A ladscape designer should be able to transform your vision into a reality. The expert should work with you to design stone work and hardscapes which perfectly match with the current architectural designs as well as something that will go a long way in improving the current landscape design. The pavers should come out perfectly giving your compound a magnificent look. Work with the professional to ensure that the designs and features which are used in landscaping meet both the standard and quality which is needed to make the improvement long lasting. You do not need to end up with something that will not last long. It saves you both the money and disappointment. With these factors you are sure of getting a landscaping, hardscape and stone work design that will meet your needs.

Learn more about custom hardscapes, pavers and stone work at Charlotte’s top landscape designer.

[naturalstreams]

Water Features - Three Things That Your Landscaping Contractor Won't Tell You

Are you contemplating on the inclusion of nice water features into your landscape design? Water features certainly do have a special place in landscape design. You might have put in a lot of thinking into your water garden design but the final output will depend greatly on a number of things. You will therefore need to execute your designs very carefully. You should select a highly reliable and reputed landscaping contractor to execute your project. When you are in the process of giving shape to your ideas remember to pay attention to the following areas, which your landscaping contractor won’t tell you.

#1 Cheaper alternatives

As far as landscaping and landscape designs are concerned, the same water feature idea could be implemented in a number of ways. Unless you are working with a trusted contractor, they will not share with you the cheaper alternatives available to implement or execute your ideas. It is your responsibility to be upfront in discussing the various possibilities and options that are available for the implementation of your design ideas. A reputed landscaping contractor will however will try to provide you with the most economical option possible.

#2 Possible maintenance challenges

Some of the water features may be very good when they are ideas, but when you actually implement certain ideas they could prove to be cumbersome when it comes to maintenance. At times, your contractor will not be ready so share with you such challenges lest you get discouraged. At times, it could be that your landscaping company itself is not aware of the long term maintenance challenges with regard to the specific type of water feature that you are planning to implement. You will need to take into account all the maintenance challenges that you are likely to face before you actually implement your water garden design.

#3 Whether they have adequate experience in building similar designs

Unless you ask, your contractor will not volunteer the information whether they have prior experience in executing water features that you are requesting. Before you hire a landscaping contractor, you will need to take time to review their portfolio. If possible, you should also visit few of their projects. An experienced landscaping contractor will not only have an impressive portfolio but they will also be happy to showcase their projects without any hesitation. Having prior experience in dealing with similar water feature projects is certainly a plus point because your contractor will be aware of the possible glitches involved in executing your ideas and will have suitable solutions. Lack of adequate experience will result in poor quality work and also subsequent maintenance issues. You should therefore make it a point to check with your contractor the nature of the experience that they possess when it comes to implementing water features that are similar to your requirements. you will certainly not regret investing enough time in screening your service providers. Make wise choices so that you get exactly what you want.

[naturalstreams]

Three Mistakes to Avoid While Launching your Landscaping Project

Are you busy searching for a landscape designer in Charlotte, NC? When you are into a landscaping project, you are very likely to be overwhelmed with the entire process. You are also very likely to be highly enthusiastic about your project. In their enthusiasm to come up with the best landscape design, many people overlook certain key factors, make mistakes and regret later. If you are in the landscape design process, here are three important mistakes to avoid.

#1 Signing up before getting a detailed written quote

While it may be true that you are highly enthusiastic about your landscape design project and want to get things done right away, it is important that you get a detailed written quote before you can proceed. It is not enough to get an approximate quote but you should provide your requirements in detail and you should finalize your requirements so that your landscaping company could provide you with a detailed quote, which will include all the features of your landscaping design. This will help you get a clear picture about the cost involved for your project and help you plan better.

#2 Never opt for designs that do not fit your budget

Getting a detailed quote will help you decide whether a particular project is within your budget or not. If you should find that the quote does not fit your budget then you should look for alternative options. You should not try to stretch yourself too thin and jump into the design process because your project could be stalled midway for the want of funds. It is one thing to get the landscape design that you like and it totally another managing to get things done within your budget. Many a times, homeowners jump into their landscaping projects without really calculating the total costs. They simply keep adding new features as they go along and finally end up with a bill that they are not happy about.

#3 Never work with a company that has limited experience

In an effort to get the cheapest quotes homeowners sometimes end up signing up with inexperienced landscaping companies. To successfully execute your landscaping project and to deliver it on time needs vast experience. If you do not work with an experienced designer, you may not get the desired output. You could also end up with other issues such as frequent maintenance issues due to improper installations, etc. To avoid all these hassles and risks, you should choose only the most experienced service provider. Before you hire your Charlotte, NC landscape designer, you should carefully review their portfolio. If possible, visit some of their landscaping project. If you skip all these basics, you will regret later. Added to that it will also help to find a company that enjoys good reputation. Do not choose your landscaping company randomly. The experience of your landscaping company plays a very important role in getting satisfactory services. Choose your landscaping design services wisely and create landscape designs that you will be proud to show your family and friends.