Top Pool Features - By the Builders

The Tulsa pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape want to design and build the custom pool of your dreams. What features would you like your pool to have? And if you need know some possibilities, here are some of the latest (and coolest) swimming pool designs elements…

Infinity edge pools. Mimicicking  how the edge of a waterfall looks from the top of the waterfall. This type of pool feature creates the visual effect that water in the pool is extending out to the horizon or to “infinity” with no edge to hold the water in. This feature is also called a zero edge, vanishing edge, negative edge, or disappearing edge pool. Infinity pools are often a common feature at luxury resort hotel pools, and give the pool a dreamy, “romantic” look that is easy fall in love with.

Zero entry pool. Rather than steps leading into the pool, a zero entry pool has a gradual slope entry that  gets deeper as you go farther into the pool. This is another elegant pool feature that pairs nicely with your infinity edge pool. This gives you the feeling of being at the beach and simply walking gradually into the ocean. Like being at the beach, this feature allows you to sit comfortably in a shallow pool of water maybe with a drink in-hand, just without sitting in wet sand of course.

Volleyball net.  This pool accessory equals fun for the whole family, and a great way to entertain friends. It's sure to take your pool games to the next level.

Rock climbing walls. Add a climbing wall to your custom Tulsa pool design? And have tons of fun rock climbing without the bulky ropes and harnesses. These exciting and athletic custom climbing walls offer a great way to enjoy the sport of rock climbing while also enjoying the pool.

Jumping platforms. If you want to add even more excitement to your Tulsa pool design, installing a jumping platform or a fun slide will be sure to do the trick. Whether a slab diving rock or a wooden platform, these jumping platforms offer a fun area for kids or adults alike. These platforms or diving boards (if your pool is designed to be deep enough to be safe for diving or jumping in) afford greater functionality for your pool area. Stone pavers or boulders surrounding the jumping platform can add a natural decor to the pool.

Built-in hot tub. A classic and coveted Tulsa pool design accessories, in-ground hot tubs and spas are the quintessential poolside luxury. Create a romantic night at home with a built-in hot tub in your Tulsa outdoor environment. With a variety of designs and options available, a hot tub or spa would complete the look and function of your custom pool area.

The Tulsa pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape can design and build a custom pool for your Tulsa outdoor living space with all the latest trends in pool accessories. Call us today to discuss features for your dream pool!

Patio Upgrades at Low Cost

With summer in full swing, are you looking to make over your patio area and create a more functional and stunning outdoor living space? Here are some tips on giving your patio look a boost on a budget.

Curtains. Sheer curtains are good for creating a whole new look for your Tulsa patio. Creating a little shade and flow of color around a pergola or patio, these interior design items are also great for an outdoor environment as well.

Container garden. Artfully placed containers can bring much added beauty to your patio area. They can be used to lead guests along a certain path or showcase a focal point in your outdoor space.


Lounge area. To add seating space to your patio, an old mattress or daybed that’s still in good condition can be placed on a platform or other raised surface to add a spa-like lounge area that you’ll be sure to enjoy with family and friends.

Reuse, recycle, reinvent. Create new purposes from your old furniture by staining the wood or adding trendy cushions and new slipcovers to enhance thrift store pieces.  Design rich pieces you find at flea markets or thrift shops can become focal points for a small patio area.  A large secondhand table can work great in a patio dining area. Paint or stain an old coffee table to create more dining space in your patio.


Outdoor Lighting. Easily add color and elegance to a patio area. Hanging lanterns are great for bringing both style and light to your Tulsa outdoor living space.

Pillows. “Mixing and matching different patterns can give any space a designer look,” HGTV noted. Speaking of cushions, just buying new cushions and pillows for your patio area can really enhance your outdoor space.

Paint and Art. It can take only simple coat of paint to a patio area to completely change the look of your outdoor space. Add some unique pieces of art to your patio area that you’ve found a thrift stores over the years to reinvigorate the space. Design Sponge noted one South Carolina home that used a high-gloss light blue paint on the ceiling and floors on the porch.

For more design ideas about transforming your patio on a budget, visit
http://www.babble.com/home/25-beautiful-patios-on-a-budget/.

If you need help or more inspiration for creating an amazing patio area or outdoor environment, talk to the Tulsa outdoor living space design/build professionals at Oklahoma Landscape.

Lawn Fertilization - Pet Safety Tips

We love our pets! We want them to be able to fully enjoy the grassy space of the outdoors. But at times our Tulsa lawn’s fertilization and weed control needs may require the use chemicals that if ingested can  have serious effects on dogs and cats.

“While small ingestions of fertilizer may only result in mild stomach upset, larger ingestions can result in severe poisoning from the iron, nitrogen, and other chemicals,” The Pet Poison Helpline noted.


It’s very easy for pets to pick up fertilizer on their paws, or body, by rolling around in a lawn, and thereafter quickly ingest the weed control herbicide or fertilizer.

Dr. Petra Volmer, a veterinarian and toxicologist at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana said in an article about pets and safety around fertilizers stated, “If you find your pet rolling or walking in a recently sprayed area or spray him by accident, immediately wash the substance off with a mild dish soap, such as Dawn, and contact a veterinarian.”

Dr. Volmer  also noted that insecticides like those used in the garden for roses and molluscicides for snails, , are often more toxic to pets than herbicides or fertilizers so it’s good for homeowners to be especially careful when using these around animals.

What can you do to protect your pets when you’re fertilizer or weed control treatment to your Tulsa lawn?

It’s always best to follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s label exactly in how much to put down and when to permit access to lawn again. Applying too much fertilizer may cause the grass to retain the fertilizer residue for an extended period of time.

Carrie Gustavson with the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine stated “…make sure a treated lawn is completely dry after waiting the maximum period recommended on the label. To be extra safe, consider watering down the lawn after application and letting it dry before allowing pets into the area.”

Liquid fertilizers, may be harder to see on the lawn, and to know if they've been absorbed into the soil. Often water will be used along with a liquid fertilizer to help it be absorbed into the soil. You’ll need to keep pets off the lawn until the grass is visibly dry after being watered, an article in the SFGate Home Guide noted.

With granular fertilizers broadcasted across the lawn it can more easily be noticed that the fertilizer pellets have dissolved and been absorbed into the soil after a watering of the lawn. Generally, you can allow your pets back onto the lawn 24 hours from when you last saw any granules on the grass blades.

You may want to wait at least 48 hours after the fertilizer application before you allow your pets back onto the lawn, to be on the safe side.

“Consulting a professional landscaper for custom fertilizing instructions is the best way to stay safe if you are unsure of the application amount,” the SFGate Home Guide noted.

Oklahoma Landscape, Tulsa lawn care and landscaping company, can take care of all your lawn fertilization and weed control needs so that your lawn not only stays beautiful but is also safe for your pets.

Keep Your Tulsa Outdoor Enviroment Inspired!

 Perhaps your looking for ideas for your perfect summer entertaining spot? Wondering about are  the luxury outdoor living trends for Tulsa? Well, here is some help that is sure to inspire!

Outdoor entertaining. What better place to cook for a dinner party than in your outdoor kitchen? Cook in style with a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen, complete with built-in pizza oven and wine refrigerator.

Make the premier outdoor entertaining spot for your kids or a romantic night underneath the starts with an outdoor entertainment center complete with a giant movie screen! Watch the game with friends while you grill or have an awesome pool party with these giant backyard theaters with surround sound.

Have an elegant evening of entertaining by adding an al fresco dining area under a pergola with dangling vines and surrounded by sparkling lights.  Try a long European-style table for an even more opulent look.

Beautiful pool design. Every Tulsa outdoor living space needs a custom-designed swimming pool. Especially if your home overlooks a beautiful landscape or cityscape, an infinity pool might be the perfect addition to your outdoor space. And a custom spa or hot tub would be the perfect complement to your pool. An outdoor shower with a built-in bench can provide great functionality for your outdoor pool area.

Every luxury pool area pairs nicely with a great lounge space. Why not opt for a luxury cabana by the pool? Create the ultimate napping area with a canopy cabana bed outside by your infinity pool.

Keep warm on a cool night. Whether underneath the stars or built in connection with a covered patio area, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits provide practical warmth and add a consistent elegance to your Tulsa outdoor living space. They can become the focal point of your outdoor environment. A place for people to gather, mingle, and reminisce. Add luxurious lounge seating and you have a complete backyard getaway area.

Outdoor fireplaces are a great place to chat with friends and family. Fire pits create the warm atmosphere we all love to gather around on a cool summer or fall night.

Do you want to transform your backyard into a luxury outdoor living space? The Tulsa landscape contractors at Oklahoma Landscape can help you create the outdoor environment of your dreams.

Tips on How to Maintain a Great Lawn During a Drought

According to a statement by National Weather Service in Tulsa, even with the recent rainfall in Tulsa, drought conditions still exist. In fact, severe drought still plagues much of the Tulsa area making it hard on lawns. How can you keep your lawn healthy without overwatering and deal with the drought? How can your Tulsa irrigation company help out?

Overall Lawn Care. We might start by mentioning, a good overall lawn care program will help to keep your grass healthy and better able to absorb water efficiently so having a regular Tulsa lawn care program with proper weed control and fertilization will help it be more resilient in the drought.

Deeper Watering.  In general, your lawn needs about an inch of water each week. Often this is best accomplished in two increments during the week. A deeper watering just a couple times a week will be better for the root system than shallow waterings throughout the week, depending on your type of grass. You can measure the amount of water with a rain gauge.

Selecting the Right Time to Water. The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning.  Irrigating before the heat of the day sets in will prevent the water from evaporating too rapidly. Watering at night may cause the reverse effect…water may not be absorbed quickly enough, causing the standing water to be a fertile ground for weeds, diseases, fungus, and pests to take over.

Mowing Correctly. When mowing, try to cut no more than one third of the grass’ height. Mowing too short can put significant stress on the turf. Leaving the grass at a higher level will help the grass stay strong, protecting the roots from drying out. Also you can leave the grass clippings on the lawn to also help the turf retain moisture, conserving water.
 
Smart Sprinklers. Tulsa irrigation company Oklahoma Landscape also offers smart irrigation controllers that can automatically adjust to your lawn’s irrigation needs. These smart controllers can reduce your lawn’s water consumption by a third or more.

Oklahoma Landscape can also prevent overwatering and help conserve water by conducting a thorough audit of your Tulsa sprinkler system to correct any issues such as nozzle problems, poor head spacing, and upgrade controllers. This can help you to save water and have a healthier lawn overall during drought conditions.

How to Select the Best Tulsa Pool Builder for Your Project

Selecting the right pool contractor can be a pleasure, picking the wrong one a nightmare. So what are some things you can do to ensure you find a Tulsa pool designer that you won’t regret.

Compile a list of potential builders. Ask friends, family, and neighbors which pool contractors they would suggest. If you see a pool you like in a neighborhood, you might stop and ask the homeowner who they used and how the building process went. Check out the websites of local pool builders to see a variety of pool designs and get an idea of which features or designs you like best. It's wise to choose a local Tulsa pool builder who will be here to assist you even long after the pool is finished.

Make an unannounced visit to the company. Stop by the company in person to get a good feel for how their business is managed. Are they courteous? Do they seem professional and knowledgeable? Is the owner involved in the company full-time?

Check their Stats. Always look up your list of potential builders on the Better Business Bureau’s website to see their rating and if they have had any complaints filed. See how long they have been in business.

Ask for references. The pool builder should be able to provide you with a list of recent customer references. Check with these references and ask them how the building process went and what they thought of the finished product. Marcus Sheridan from River Pools and Spas in Virginia recommended a certain way of asking for these references. He said to first ask how many pools they built last year. Then ask the contractor to give you a list of those references from that year. If the contractor only gives you a small number of references in comparison to how many he said he built total last year, then as Sheridan said, he may not have had a good satisfaction rate.

Also, it doesn’t hurt to ask to see their insurance certificates and a list of supplier references to make sure they are financially stable in themselves.

Get everything down in writing. When the pool builders comes to your home to discuss your pool building site and design ideas, ask them for a pool design and a written bid.  If they make any promises or claims including warranties or purchases, get it in writing. Also, make sure the bid is specific including brand names for products.

Comparison shop. Carefully consider your options and don’t rush your decision. It may not be in your best interest to sign any contract on your first appointment. Make sure you read all proposals carefully before you sign. Make sure you choose a designer that will listen to your needs and wants.

Again get all contracts in writing. Once you’ve told the Tulsa pool builder any changes you would like to see to his initial design, get a revised bid in writing again with all specifics and brand names of equipment included. Also ask them for a completion date estimate. Get all the specifics with the construction in writing.

If you’re searching for a Tulsa pool designer, make sure you keep in mind these things, so that your exciting experience of completing your new pool project can be a splash! Check out the Tulsa pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape, measuring us against these tips, to see why we’d be a great fit for you.

Getting Rid of Lawn Pests, Tips from the Tulsa Lawn Experts

Whether its moles, grubs, ants, or other insects, no one likes these unwelcome guest invading their beautiful lawn. These outdoor pests can be very frustrating and wreak havoc on your garden and lawn. So naturally you want to know, What you can do to take back your lawn?

Here are a few things to keep an eye out for and some things you can do about them.

When you start to see tunnels and holes throughout your lawn (it's not bugs bunny), you may have a mole, vole, or shrew problem. Moles can dig 100 feet of tunnels in a day, the National Mole Hunters Association noted, so these little guys can pretty much destroy a lawn.

Moles dig profusely in search of food like grubs and other insects so controlling these as part of your residential lawn care program can greatly help to control moles, easy logic their. Traps are also an effective mole control method. It's easier for moles to dig through your lawn when your lawn is soft and damp, so giving your lawn a deeper watering only once a week may help to stop these pests without causing harm to your lawn.

Grubs are small, white immature beetles that are often found in a “C” shape. These outdoor pests feed on your turf’s roots and will create patches of dead, brown grass that are easily uplifted.

A good residential Tulsa lawn care program can do much to help prevent these pests from taking over. For instance, overseeding your lawn with grass varieties that will thrive in your area will help to keep the lawn strong and hearty to withstand a grub attack. Giving your lawn a deep watering once a week can allow the turf to get enough water while at the same time allowing the soil to dry out enough to deter grubs. Aeration, overseeding, and a good lawn fertilization program can help to lessen problems for your turf.

If underneath a brown patch of turf, you find around eight or more grubs, then a pest control treatment might be best. Depending on the type of grub and pest control treatment, this may be good to do near the start of summer. Talk with the lawn care professionals at Oklahoma Landscape for tips in treating your lawn for grubs and other pests.

Ants are one of the most often noted type of lawn pests. Fire ants are especially bothersome as their bite can leave a painful blister or bump and for some can cause serious injury even death. These aggressive ants build mounds and underground tunnels connecting to one large colony.


There are fire ant baits that can kill the colony queen and ultimately destroying the mounds. There are also pest control treatments that can be used.

Check with your local pest control management or landscaping company on the best pest control treatment to use with these ants, and use caution and good judgment when using any treatment against these aggressive insects.

It’s also been found that ants tend to be found more often on lawns that are not well maintained with areas of high grass, debris, and unkempt shrubbery. So having a consistent lawn care maintenance program for your landscape that keeps your lawn neat and clean can help to control these lawn pests.

For more information on how to prevent or control these outdoor pests, contact the Tulsa lawn care specialists at Oklahoma Landscape.

Splash Pads! A Great Alternative to Tulsa Pools

Designing and building swimming pools for Tulsa residents to enjoy is something we’re known for here at Oklahoma Landscape. But if you’re looking to create a great summertime play area for the kids without the investment of a pool, splash pads may be the way to go for you and your family. You may have been to a splash pad at a local Tulsa park, but these cool outdoor environments we can build right in your own backyard.

The Landscaping Network mentioned how these residential splash pads have been continually gaining popularity.

“If you want to save money, don’t have the space for a pool, or are looking for a safe way to stay cool, a splash pad is for you,” the article noted.

Ryan Werlich, representative of Rain Deck, a company that makes splash pad kits, indicated that splash pads are very versatile serving as a fun area for kids during the day, a fun area for dogs to play, a great landscaping water feature and even a patio area when they’re not in use.

These fun areas can be smaller than 100 square feet, Werlich noted, or as large as you want.

“A splash pad can be right next to the side of a building, making them a good option for side yards,” Landscaping Network reported. “Splash pads may also be installed as pool tie-ins when building a new pool.”

So if you’re planning building a swimming pool, consider also adding a splash pool!

As the article brought out, there are a variety of options available in splash pad building materials including stamped and stained concrete, pavers, rubber surfacing, slate, flagstone, broom finish and salt finish concrete, and many more.

Accordingly, not only are these splash pads fun for the kids, but they can also be built to match well with the architecture of your home and other Tulsa outdoor environment elements.

A blog post on apartmenttherapy.com featured a backyard super splash pad for a family with four children built from non-slippery Travertine tiles. The mother noted that they wanted something that looked mature but was also very child-friendly. She said it’s something their whole family enjoys in the hot Florida sun. Pictured above, this residential splash deck has a sophisticated design and yet is also kid-friendly. Keeping the design modern and simple like this one is provides a water feature that will not look too childish, but one that will coordinate with any luxury residential space.

So these exciting Tulsa outdoor living spaces can be kid-friendly and sophisticated all at the same time. They can be the perfect addition to your outdoor environment, particularly if you’re worried about space for a pool or the cost.

As experts in Tulsa pool design, our landscape contractors can design and build the ideal splash pad for your family and your landscape. We can create an entire outdoor living space for your family to ‘find themselves outside’ this summer!

Identifying Weeds Helps Select Best Tulsa Weed Control Options

Are you looking for weed control solutions for your Tulsa lawn? Effective weed control can be an ongoing battle, but identifying what type of weeds are trying to overtake your landscape is the first step in controlling these pests. 

Recognizing different kinds of weeds in your Tulsa lawn can help you create the most effective weed control plan by knowing the weed’s life cycle and better understanding how to stop this process. Identifying weeds can also help you identify specific problems in your lawn and soil. The presence of some weed varieties may indicate that your soil is compacted or that the lawn is shady or to wet. 

So, how can you effectively control some of the more common weed varieties? 

Dandelions. One of the most common types of weeds in Oklahoma, these can grow in your lawn and garden to be about 1 foot tall with yellow flowers that turn into puff balls. These weeds have a stout taproot, and often a large leaf base that expands outward and chokes out the surrounding turf. 

Mulch can be ready to lend a hand in preventing these weeds from overtaking your garden.  These deeply-rooted weeds are difficult to pull out so digging the roots, which can be 2-3 feet deep, using a trowel or shovel will be needed. Using a pre-emergent weed control in the spring along with a fertilizer will help to control them as the weed control herbicide will help to kill the weeds while making the grass stronger. 

A thick lawn that will choke out these weeds is one of the most effective tools for preventing dandelions so having regular lawn fertilization program is important.   

Crabgrass. Another common Oklahoma weed, crabgrass is a grassy annual weed that sprawls out across the ground from the main root growing up to 19 inches wide. It can grow quickly in hot, dry conditions anywhere the stem comes in contact with soil. While they die in the fall, one weed can produce over 100,000 seeds that will grow in the spring. Once again, having a thick lawn is a major strength in control crabgrass by preventing the weed seeds from getting needed sunlight. Mowing your lawn at a higher height and watering deeply and less frequently will help prevent these weeds. Mulching as well as using a pre-emergent weed control will also help to control these weeds.  

Creeping Charlie. This is a ground-clover with low growing, creeping stems, scalloped, kidney-shaped leaves, and purplish flowers. This aggressive perennial weed likes shady, moist areas often under trees or in gardens and cool weather. Using a pre-emergent weed control in the spring or fall will help to prevent these weeds. Mulch especially in gardens and under trees is helpful in thwarting this ground-clover. 

Lamb’s Quarters. This broadleaf annual weed averages a height of about 36 inches  but can grow up to six feet tall, has stems with red streaks, and has triangular or diamond-shaped, scalloped leaves. This weed has tiny green flowers that grow in clusters. It can grow in just about any area in the shade or sun. Mowing or tilling the area where these weeds show up can be helpful in reducing the number of plants and seeds. Post-emergent weed control can also be useful in stopping this weed from taking over your landscape or garden. 

For more information on the particular weeds in your Tulsa landscape, talk to the weed control experts at Oklahoma Landscape on tips on how to control these garden pests.

Pool Design for your Tulsa Outdoor Enviroment

To have a pool built at their home some feel they need to have a very spacious outdoor enviroment, but actually that doesn’t have to be the case. Tulsa pool builders like Oklahoma Landscape can design a custom pool to fit perfectly in a variety of landscape areas. Using a few carefully planned landscape design elements, you can have a pool that will look great and be functional in even smaller outdoor spaces.

How can design elements help you make the most of the space in your backyard? 

Custom Tulsa pool design. The beauty of custom-designed pools is that not only do you have a unique pool designed specially for your family and the architecture of your home, but your pool can also be planned to fit your specific backyard space. This custom designed can open up new possibilities for landscapes that might not fit a standard size pool. Landscape architects can tailor the pool size to be proportional to the size of your outdoor environment so that it perfectly complements your outdoor space and does not overwhelm it.

Build a pool close to other outdoor structures. You can maximize space in a smaller landscape by building the pool near the home or close to the fence or another outdoor structure. Not only are there spacing benefits by building a pool closer to the home, but this can also allow you to more easily supervise children as well as cook and entertain guests with an easier transition from inside to outside. Pool designers can create a pool that will aesthetically match the look and feel of your home.

Use stimulating design elements. Including native plants, rock accents, and shrubs around the pool or even integrating a vanishing edge or a rock waterfall in the pool design can help to blend the pool with the rest of the outdoor environment. Also using materials with different but complementing textures and shapes can help the pool area seamlessly integrate with the home and landscape. A retaining wall is a practical landscape design element that can help to level out uneven landscapes as well as provide aesthetic interest and structure to the outdoor space.

Built-in outdoor living features. A swim-up poolside bar creates an easy connection between the pool and an outdoor kitchen. Built-in seating areas around a nearby fire pit help to consolidate space while offering interesting and appealing designs. These and other multi-purpose landscape design elements allow homeowners to create functional and engaging outdoor living spaces in even smaller landscapes.

With custom landscape design touches, the Tulsa pool designers at Oklahoma Landscape can help you transform your backyard into the outdoor environment of your dreams.