Simple Tips to Enhance Your Outdoor Garden

February 21st, 2012

A home garden serves several purposes. It can enhance the curb appeal of your home. It can provide delicious, fresh produce. It can also be a nice, relaxing hobby. Whatever your reason for maintaining a home garden, we at Rhine Landscaping have a few simple tips to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden.

  1. Compound Wall: The compound wall of your home plot outlines the boundaries of your garden. Painting the wall can add instant aesthetic appeal.
  2. Stone Sculptures: Statues have been used in gardens since back in Ancient Rome. A sculpture is a great way to add some character to your garden.
  3. Garden Fountain: For almost as long as statues have been placed in gardens, fountains have also been a regular garden feature.
  4. Lighting: Garden lights are a great way to accent certain garden features at night, giving your plot an entirely different look and feel after the sun goes down.
  5. Garden Pond: Ponds and other water features are great ways to increase the aesthetic appeal of your garden.
  6. Patios: What better way to enjoy your garden than a patio? Be surrounded by your beautiful garden as you entertain guests, grill, or just sit outside and relax.
  7. Plants of Differing Heights: Plant flowers, vegetables, bushes, and trees of differing heights to give your garden some added dimension.

If you have any additional questions about landscape design, contact Rhine Landscaping by calling 410-442-2445 or click here today!

Rhine Landscaping in Baltimore, Maryland can handle every aspect of your landscape, from hardscapes and patios / walkways, to retaining walls, water features such as fountainsfireplaces / firepits,swimming pools, landscape design, landscape installation, outdoor kitchensdecks, pavilions, basement waterproofingdrainage and more,

We can help you transform your landscape.

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Sources:

10 Landscaping Design Ideas To Enhance Your Home Garden

Landscape Design Ideas: Beautifying Your Property

February 14th, 2012

Professionally designed landscaping is a cost-effective way to add curb appeal and property value to your home, while completely transforming your landscape. This is where the landscaping experts at Rhine Landscaping excel. We can take your boring, ordinary landscape and give it a new look and feel. A professional landscape architect or designer has the experience and knowledge to take your landscape and maximize its potential.

Landscaping Design Ideas

  • Garden Beds: This classic landscape element is still one of the most cost-effective ways to add character to your landscape.
  • Patio: Add aesthetic appeal and functionality to your yard with a brand new patio.
  • Pebbled Walkway: This is an artistic take on a classic. Why settle for cement when you can turn heads with a beautiful pebble walkway.
  • Water Features: Nothing takes a landscape from ordinary to extraordinary quite like a pond, fountain, or other water feature.
  • Bird Feeder. Do you love birds? Do you love improving the look of your landscape? Well, you can do both with a bird feeder.
  • And Much, Much More!

So give us a call. Rhine Landscaping in Baltimore, Maryland can handle every aspect of your landscape, from hardscapes and patios / walkways, to retaining walls, water features such as fountainsfireplaces / firepits,swimming pools, landscape design, landscape installation, outdoor kitchensdecks, pavilions, basement waterproofingdrainage and more,

If you have any additional questions about landscape design, contact Rhine Landscaping by calling 410-442-2445 or click here today!

We can help you transform your landscape.

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Sources:

Landscaping Design Ideas That Are Ideal For Your Home

 

Rhine Landscaping: Your Maryland Basement Waterproofing Experts

February 7th, 2012

When you think of a basement, what comes to mind? Do you picture a dark, damp, and dreary cement enclosure? If you do, you are probably not alone. But perception does not have to be reality. Don’t settle for what you think a basement should be. With the right design, some carpeting and a little furniture, you can turn that dark and dreary basement into a bright living area. But what about the damp part?

Well, that can be fixed with a little basement waterproofing, which involves a combination of sealing and finding drainage solutions.

  1. Find Risk Factors: These include cracks in the foundation and floor, improper drainage around your home, and gaps in between the floor and walls.
  2. Seal any cracks or gaps and consider installing French drains to correct the drainage issues.
  3. If you are considering a do-it-yourself waterproofing, consider that fewer then 20% of homeowners are successful at waterproofing their own basements. But when professionally waterproofed, your basement will function the same as any other room in your house.

If you decide to waterproof your basement, give the landscaping experts at Rhine Landscaping a call!

At Rhine Landscaping, we do everything from re-grading lawns, installing French drains, connecting down spouts to underground drainage systems, and basement waterproofing. We have the experience and man power to take on your toughest drainage problems.

If you have any additional questions about landscape drainage, contact Rhine Landscaping by calling 410-442-2445 or click here today!

We can help you transform your landscape.

Rhine Landscaping in Baltimore, Maryland can handle every aspect of your landscape, from hardscapes and patios / walkways, to retaining walls, water features such as fountainsfireplaces / firepits,swimming pools, landscape design, landscape installation, outdoor kitchensdecks, pavilions, basement waterproofingdrainage and more,

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Home Improvement Tips – Waterproofing Your Basement

Say Oui (Yes) to French Drains!

January 31st, 2012

Are you experiencing any drainage issues? Is your landscape retaining water or does your basement constantly flood after a heavy rain? If so, French drains could be the solution to your problems. These drains remain the most common drainage system installed in residential landscapes across the United States. This is because French drainage systems are incredibly versatile and reliable.

What happens to a foundation if the water is not kept away?

  • Water can cause certain soils that can expand up to 35%
  • Water seeps into the ground and penetrates the parts of your foundation that is under the ground, causing cracking
  • The soil underneath your home can take on water, which puts added pressure on your foundation and causes cracking
  • Cracking can cause walls to crack and thousands of dollars in damages

French drains make sure water stays away from your home’s foundation and, most importantly, out of your basement!

If you decide to install a french drain, give the landscaping experts at Rhine Landscaping a call!

At Rhine Landscaping, we do everything from re-grading lawns, installing French drains, connecting down spouts to underground drainage systems, and basement waterproofing. We have the experience and man power to take on your toughest drainage problems.

If you have any additional questions about landscape drainage, contact Rhine Landscaping by calling 410-442-2445 or click here today!

We can help you transform your landscape.

Rhine Landscaping in Baltimore, Maryland can handle every aspect of your landscape, from hardscapes and patios / walkways, to retaining walls, water features such as fountainsfireplaces / firepits,swimming pools, landscape design, landscape installation, outdoor kitchensdecks, pavilions, basement waterproofingdrainage and more,

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

French Drains for Your Home

Dealing with a Flooded Basement

January 24th, 2012

There is perhaps no more frustrating experience for a homeowner than dealing with a flooded basement. A basement flood can be a major disaster, especially if your basement is carpeted.

  1. Act quickly
  2. Cut the power to the basement if the water is near electrical sockets
  3. Remove standing water
  4. Dry EVERYTHING. Otherwise mold and mildew may become a problem
  5. If the project is too big, consult a water damage restoration expert!

Of course, once you have completely restored your basement to its pre-flood glory, you will need to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your basement never floods again!

Check Your Gutters: A likely culprit to your flooded basement is your gutters. Clogged, overflowing, and broken gutters can direct excess water into your basement. You can test your gutters by spraying water from a hose onto your roof or directly into the gutter. Do this at several locations to make sure that all of your gutters and drainpipes are functioning properly.

If you find any problems, fix them immediately to avoid another basement flooding.

Install A French Drain: The #1 culprit of basement flooding is poor drainage. Installing a French drain, also known as a trench drain, can quickly eliminate any drainage issue.

If you decide to install a trench drain, give the landscaping experts at Rhine Landscaping a call!

Are you experiencing any drainage issues? At Rhine Landscaping, we do everything from re-grading lawns, installing French drains, connecting down spouts to underground drainage systems, and basement waterproofing. We have the experience and man power to take on your toughest drainage problems.

If you have any additional questions about landscape drainage, contact Rhine Landscaping by calling 410-442-2445 or click here today!

We can help you transform your landscape.

Rhine Landscaping in Baltimore, Maryland can handle every aspect of your landscape, from hardscapes and patios / walkways, to retaining walls, water features such as fountainsfireplaces/ firepits,swimming pools, landscape design, landscape installation, outdoor kitchensdecks, pavilions, basement waterproofingdrainage and more,

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Dealing with Basement Flooding

Charateristics of Full Veneer, Thin Veneer, and Man-Made Veneer

January 18th, 2012

When it comes to landscaping projects involving stone, you must balance all of the following factors: aesthetic appeal, functionality, practicality, and durability. A good home improvement project must incorporate all of those factors while also being affordable.

Oh yes, affordability. Who could forget?

More often than not, your home improvement budget restricts your project more than any of the other aforementioned factors. Luckily, however, the stone products of today are vastly improved from what they once were. Now, you can create elaborate landscape designs that would have once only been reserved for those homeowners with extravagant budgets.

Today, natural stone veneer comes in full veneer (NFV), thin veneer (NTHV) and man-made veneer.

Natural Full Veneer:

  1. Typically NFV is 3-5 inches thick.
  2. This thickness provides an insulation factor not found in the thinner veneer.
  3. Its weight makes it cost prohibitive to transport.
  4. Can be used in weight bearing formats.
  5. Due to its weight, it requires the building of support footers, foundations or brick ledges.
  6. The additional support structures required adds to the cost of this product, so be sure to consider this when you make your decision.

Natural Thin Veneer:

  1. NTV is 1-1 1/4 inches thick.
  2. Because it is natural, its pattern is varied (no two are identical).
  3. Required to be less than 15 lbs./ sq ft.
  4. Its light weight allows for easier handling, requires no elaborate support structure and reduces the shipping costs.
  5. Can be placed over existing materials, as long as the material is clean and not in a state of disrepair.
  6. Requires less time to install.
  7. Can be used on zero tolerance fireplaces.
  8. Can be cut to fit specific angles and corners.
  9. Used in both interior and exterior designs.
  10. Does not absorb water, therefore, expansion, freezing and cracking are not an issue.
  11. They are not meant to be used in a weight bearing design.
  12. Limited insulation factor, if any at all.

Man-Made Veneer:

  1. 1-1 1/4 inches thick.
  2. Less than 15 lbs/sq ft.
  3. Less expensive.
  4. Weight allows for lower shipping cost.
  5. Comes in a variety of colors and designs.
  6. Precut angles, which allows for true 90 degree corners.
  7. As with NTV, can be placed over existing material.
  8. Non weight bearing.
  9. Due to the manmade nature, there is no variation in the pattern making for a more artificial look.

If you have any additional questions about veneer, contact Rhine Landscaping by calling 410-442-2445 or click here today!

We can help you transform your landscape.

Rhine Landscaping in Baltimore, Maryland can handle every aspect of your landscape, from hardscapes and patios / walkways, to retaining walls, water features such as fountainsfireplaces/ firepits,swimming pools, landscape design, landscape installation, outdoor kitchensdecks, pavilions, basement waterproofingdrainage and more,

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Natural Stone Or Man Made Veneer – Which One Should You Use in Your Hardscape Or Remodel Design?

The Pros and Cons Landscape Water Feature Design

January 10th, 2012

Your current landscape is nice. It just seems to be missing something, though. But what? Well, have you ever considered adding a water feature, like a pond, fountain or stream? These features can really give you landscape that aesthetic element it was missing.

Below you will find the pros and cons of the water features we mentioned above.

Ponds: A pond is a popular landscaping feature. All you need to do is line a hole with either a rigid or flexible material, include a submersible pump and filtration system, and add any additional elements, such as a fountain or artificial waterfall.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Natural looking
Cons

  • Flexible liners are vulnerable to punctures and leaks
  • Filtration systems can be noisy
  • Keeping your water clean and preventing algae can be a challenge

Wall Fountains: These space friendly water features are perfect for smaller yards.

Pros

  • Great for small yard
  • Easy to install
Cons

  • These can be fairly costly at times

Streams: For yards with a little more space, a stream could be just the backyard water feature you are looking for.

Pros

  • Customizable
  • Capable of building off existing water features
  • With the right accessories, your man-made stream can look natural

Cons

  • You will need to install a pump and filtration system
  • Requires a lot of digging
  • Building and maintaining can be pricey.

If you have any questions, contact Rhine Landscaping by calling 410-442-2445 or click here today!

We can help you transform your landscape.

Rhine Landscaping in Baltimore, Maryland can handle every aspect of your landscape, from hardscapes and patios / walkways, to retaining walls, water features such as fountainsfireplaces/ firepits,swimming pools, landscape design, landscape installation, outdoor kitchensdecks, pavilions, basement waterproofingdrainage and more,

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Choosing a Landscape Water Feature Design

The Major Difference Between Tree Lopping and Tree Removal

January 3rd, 2012

Did you know there is a major difference between tree removal (tree felling) and tree lopping (hat-racking)? Both have to deal with removing trees, but only one deals with the removal of the ENTIRE tree.

Tree Lopping: This is the removal of the top half of a tree and leaving the rest. Today, however, tree lopping is an outdated process. After all, no one wants a stump in their yard!

Tree Removal: As you might have guessed, tree removal deals with the COMPLETE removal of a tree…stump included. There are several removal processes that are based on the size of the tree and the surrounding area. While the easiest tree removal process involves cutting the tree at its base and then cutting it into pieces once it is on the ground, this process is not ideal for residential areas. Instead, a piece-by-piece approach is often taken, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding structures or power lines.

So if you are in need of a professional tree removal service in Maryland, give Rhine Landscaping a call. We provide tree removal, stump grinding, pruning and shaping, and tree trimming services.

Rhine Landscaping in Baltimore, Maryland can also handle other aspects of your landscape, from hardscapes and patios / walkways, to retaining walls, water features such as fountainsfireplaces/ firepits,swimming pools, landscape design, landscape installation, outdoor kitchensdecks, pavilions, basement waterproofingdrainage and more.

If you have any questions, contact Rhine Landscaping by calling 410-442-2445 or click here today!

We can help you transform your landscape.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Tree Lopping and Tree Removal Are Not Synonyms

2012 Landscaping Trends

December 28th, 2011

Often considered “softscape,” trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, are the outdoor elements that make your house a home. And like everything else, these ornate landscape features are subject to trends. So what are landscapers expecting to be trending in 2012?

Water Conservation: People are becoming more conscious of the way in which they use water, attempting to do so more responsibly. This is why landscape experts expect water conservation trends to take off in 2012. Some examples of possible trends include:

•      Choosing plants that aren’t water hogs

•      Installing rain sensors on irrigation systems

•      Smarter Irrigation. The driveway and sidewalk do not need to be watered.

Mediterranean Landscape Design: This type of landscape design often features open courtyards, light-colored, textured hardscaping (mosaic walls, gravel beds), and low-growing, water-wise softscape, such as plants, hedges, topiary trees and vines.

Rain Gardens: These shallow depressions are filled with deep-rooted plants and grasses that can handle an abundance of water, but also don’t mind being dry.

Black and Amber Shades in Plants: This trend has already become popular in recent years and is not expected to drop off any time soon.

Smart Shopping: Plants bred to withstand pests, diseases, and harsh climates provide a better value for consumers.

Frontyard Gardens: These are rising slightly in popularity, up to 29% in 2011, compared to 27% in 2010 and 25% in 2009. Backyard gardens are down 3% hit, from 50% in 2009 and 2010.

Vertical Landscaping: This is the practice of growing plants up from the ground instead of out. This is perfect if you have a small space to work with or an eyesore you want to cover up.

Green Roofs: These help save on heating and cooling costs and even protect your roof from the elements. That’s what we like to call a win-win.

So there you have it; those are the landscape trends to lookout for in 2012.

If you have any questions, contact Rhine Landscaping by calling 410-442-2445 or click here today!

We can help you transform your landscape.

Rhine Landscaping in Baltimore, Maryland can handle every aspect of your landscape, from hardscapes and patios / walkways, to retaining walls, water features such as fountainsfireplaces/ firepits,swimming pools, landscape design, landscape installation, outdoor kitchensdecks, pavilions, basement waterproofingdrainage and more,

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Landscape Trends for 2012

Selling Your Home in a Slow Real Estate Market

December 20th, 2011

Are you having trouble selling your home? Has it just been sitting on the market for months upon months? The solution to your problem could be right in front of your face. Well, more like right in front of your house.

Landscaping!

An aesthetically pleasing and well-designed landscape is one of the most effective and affordable ways to make your home standout from the crowd. Often referred to as curb appeal, it is the best way to make a good first impression. An attractive landscape welcomes your potential buyer as they walk to the front door, making them feel at home.

It is amazing what a few colorful trees, shrubs, flowers, and a little fresh mulch can do.

Remember, a homebuyer is going to look at a number of different houses. You need a way to make your home stick in their minds. Beautiful landscaping is the best way to accomplish that!

To really make your landscape come to life, you should rely on a professional landscaper with years of experience, landscapers like the ones found at Rhine Landscaping.

Often considered “softscape”, trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, are the outdoor elements that make your house a home. Our professional landscape architects will develop a customized plan based on the unique features of the client’s home and outdoor space. Plants have to be chosen carefully, taking into consideration appropriate heights, desired look, color coordination, textures, bloom times, and any accompanying hardscape features.

We can help you transform your landscape.

If you have any questions, contact Rhine Landscaping by calling 410-442-2445 or click here today!

Rhine Landscaping in Baltimore, Maryland can handle every aspect of your landscape, from hardscapes and patios / walkways, to retaining walls, water features such as fountainsfireplaces/ firepits,swimming pools, landscape design, landscape installation, outdoor kitchensdecks, pavilions, basement waterproofingdrainage and more,

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

How to Sell Your Home in a Slow Real Estate Market – Landscaping

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