Ensure Your Tulsa Sprinkler System Is Ready For Spring

Before you start the sprinkler system for your Tulsa home this spring, there are several things you’ll need to do to ensure the irrigation system is not damaged.

It is always best to call a professional Tulsa irrigation company to perform the spring start-up maintenance for your sprinkler system. These sprinkler system professionals can ensure all of the components are working correctly and that your sprinkler system will conserve water, saving you time and money.  They fully understand the hydraulics involved in the piping system along with the best placement for sprinkler heads, and the best watering schedule for your specific lawn, soil, and various plants and shrubs. 

Hunter Industries also provides a great spring start-up guide with photos to help you make sure your Hunter sprinkler system is ready to use. 

But before you begin any of these start-up procedures, you’ll need to ensure the ground is not still frozen. Use a shovel to make sure the soil is frost-free at least 12 inches below the surface. Filling the system when the ground is still frozen can cause significant damage to sprinkler system pipes. 

Check all of the Tulsa sprinkler system parts such as valves, sprinkler heads, nozzles, and pipes to ensure that none are broken, cracked, or chipped. If any of these components are damaged, replace the parts before turning on your sprinkler system. It’s very important to make sure that all of the valves are working properly and not leaking. Make sure there are no leaves, dirt, or other debris blocking the sprinkler heads. Check and clean the main irrigation controller and ensure everything is set properly.

Usually about once a month, it’s important to check the sprinkler system for any leaks or broken components. Regular irrigation system maintenance will help keep your system running properly and help you save water.

When you open the main water valve, be sure to open the valve very slowly to allow water to fill the pipes. If these valves are opened too quickly, a surge of air pressure from the rushing water can cause the main lines to crack or burst. Then slowly fill each zone of the irrigation system. This high-pressure surge or “water hammer” is one of the biggest problems in sprinkler system start-ups, so read the manual for your particular sprinkler system before beginning the start-up or call a professional irrigation company to perform the start-up tasks.

Once you have filled the lines of the irrigation system, you can test the system by running each zone, starting it from the controller. Then walk through the running zone and check that the water pressure is in the proper operating range with a water pressure gauge. Low pressure can indicate a line break, and too much pressure can crack or burst pipes or sprinkler components. Also check to make sure sprinkler heads are aligned properly and watering the right areas of the lawn as well as checking valves, nozzles, and other components for leaks or cracks. Then you can set the valves to their regular operating positions.

Ensure the sprinkler system timer programs are set properly for each zone.  You may also need to replace the controller back-up battery, Hunter Industries noted.

It's best to have a professional make sure your sprinkler system in Tulsa is working properly and ready for spring. The Tulsa sprinkler system experts at Oklahoma Landscape can design, install, monitor, and maintain your entire irrigation system. We offer smart controllers and ET weather sensors to automatically adjust daily run times based on your landscape’s needs and onsite weather conditions. These sensors are economical and can reduce your water consumption by as much as 50% while creating a healthier lawn.

Call us today to ensure your Tulsa sprinkler system is working properly and running most efficiently.

Prevent These Mistakes in Your Tulsa Outdoor Living Space Design

Planning to build an outdoor living space at your Tulsa home? These outdoor additions are a great way to create more “livable” space for your home, increase your property value, and provide an ideal spot for entertaining friends and family or just relaxing on the weekends. But before you get started on the project, here are some mistakes toavoid. 

Forgetting to plan. A well-thought-out design plan is a must for any outdoor living project, large or small. Decide what style or theme you want for your Tulsa outdoor space. 

Determine how you and your family will use your outdoor environment. Choose where various shrubs, plants, and trees will go. Decide on a budget for your project. Even if you’re going to build your project one piece at a time, it’s good to have a design plan for the whole project so that in the end, the entire outdoor living space has one complete look. Often, it’s best to hire a Tulsa landscape designer who understands all the nuisances of the various outdoor living elements and can bring all of your ideas and goals together into one design.

“  . . . A beautiful, well-designed landscape costs the same as a poorly designed one. This difference is with the designer. Well-trained landscape designers who work with a large palette of plants and materials as well as a wide range of styles are geared to give you a fine project,” The Landscaping Network noted.

Choosing the wrong plants.  Without a plan, you may be tempted to go to the nursery and buy whatever catches your eye, but you should give much forethought to your choice. How tall will the plant be when it reaches maturity? Will it overcrowd other plants? Although at first you may want to cover every bare spot you have in your garden, you need to give your plants enough room to grow and not overcrowd each other when they’re mature. Also, will the tree you plant block a view or overtake your sidewalk or patio?

What will the plants you choose look like in winter? It may be good to plant some shrubs or trees that have winter interest and that will look good all year like evergreens. It’s also good to choose a color pallet when planning your outdoor living space in Tulsa so flower colors don’t get overwhelming to the viewer or look mismatched.

Also, plant foliage with similar watering and sunlight needs together. This will make watering and maintenance much faster and easier.  

Not thinking about erosion, drainage, and irrigation. Erosion can be devastating to your landscape. Plan ahead by building a retaining wall into the overall design of your outdoor space. Retaining walls are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing if designed correctly. Proper drainage and irrigation can also do much to prevent erosion as well as flooding and other landscaping issues. Make sure you carefully plan out the drainage and irrigation system for your outdoor space before you begin.

Not planning with your home in mind. This might sound strange, but the elements of your outdoor living space – hardscapes in particular – should complement the style and architecture of your home so that the interior flows seamlessly into the exterior. When you look at your Tulsa outdoor living space from inside your home, does the outdoor space seem to be an extension of your home or does it look out of place? Although you may like how the outdoor living space looks when you’re outside, make sure it also looks great from inside your home and that it creates a cohesive theme for your property.

Forgetting the front yard. Although you’re excited about your building your backyard outdoor living space, you can’t overlook your front yard. Curb appeal is priceless. Whether you want to sell your home right now or not, you’ll want to create a welcoming home and landscape for your guests and your family. So in your busy planning and planting, don’tforget to give your front yard some planning too.

Not building big enough. While you don’t want to go overboard and build outdoor elements that are so big that they overpower the space, you also need to plan for their many uses. Patios, for instance, are one area that can be built too small for functionality. It must be big enough, not only for a patio table and chairs, but also for people to walk around the table and chairs comfortably.

This might seem overwhelming, but the Tulsa outdoor living experts at Oklahoma Landscape can help. Our landscape architects are experienced in designing and building outdoor living spaces of all types and sizes. We can create the perfect outdoor space for your family. Whether you want a pool, outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace, patio, deck, or just help with your lawn maintenance and planting, we can take care of all your landscaping and landscape design needs.

Take The Hassle Out of Lawn Care With Tulsa's Oklahoma Landscape

Spring will be here in no time, and the Tulsa lawn care season will begin. If you’re searching for a lawn care company in Tulsa, why should you choose Oklahoma Landscape? Well, simply because we are your single source solution for all your lawn care, outdoor environment, and landscape design needs.

Why deal with the hassle of multiple contractors? We can take the hassle and labor out of Tulsa lawn maintenance and landscape design so that you can “find yourself outside” stress-free this year and enjoy to the full your landscape investment. We offer both residential and commercial lawn maintenance and landscaping.

At Oklahoma Landscape, we offer, not just lawn mowing and weed control, but complete estate maintenance to keep your property looking its best all year. From turf care, including lawn fertilization,weed control, aeration, and overseeding, to shrub and ornamental tree care, specialty pruning, flowerbed planting including low maintenance color beds, replacement or updating of existing plant material and addition of seasonal color, we offer comprehensive landscape maintenance for your property.

We provide landscape upgrades, clean-out, and renovation, metal/stone edging installation, snow/ice control and removal, leaf removal, mulching, and of course, weekly lawn mowing, edging, trimming, and debris cleanup.

Have you wondered when to prune your shrubs or trees? Our crews are well-trained in plant care and will ensure that specialty pruning is performed at the proper time of the year for each particular plant, shrub, and tree.

Our professional and courteous Tulsa lawn care crews will always visit your home in uniform so that you have no doubt who is at your home and always leave your property clean and well cared for. Feel more secure knowing just one company is taking care of all your outdoor maintenance needs.

Although we provide routine lawn care and maintenance in Tulsa, we also provide complete outdoor environment design and build services. We can custom design all types of outdoor living enhancements including outdoor kitchens, custom pools, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, pergolas, gazebos, driveways, walkways, pavers, and much more. Think of your landscape as another room you can enjoy and live in. These outdoor living spaces really can extend the boundaries of your home, creating areas to elegantly entertain family and friends or just enjoy an evening at home. 

We also provide outdoor lighting design and installation as well as complete irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance.

Don’t spend all your time this year trying to keep up with lawn maintenance or trying to fix an overgrown, weedy flowerbed. Let us take care of everything. As your one-stop-shop Tulsa lawn care professionals, we can keep your lawn looking lush and vibrant and take all the hassle out of lawn maintenance.

Call us today to find out more about our complete residential and commercial estate lawn maintenance programs and other landscape design and build services.

Tulsa Outdoor Kitchens - The Latest in Outdoor Living Amentities

What is one of the best home design trends of the year? You guessed it – outdoor kitchens and outdoor living areas, according to a recent article on CNBC.com. Outdoor kitchens have really become one of the top features of homes in the Tulsa area too.

What can you have in today’s outdoor kitchens? 

More than just your basic grill. Outdoor kitchen grills today are much more than the old small grill we used to have on the patio. Now barbecue grills are really advanced cooking appliances and can have warming racks, rotisseries, side burners for cooking side dishes, and more. These are lean, mean cooking machines that can almost literally do it all.

Increased functionality with storage and lots of extra amenities. In the old days, most of the food for an outdoor event would be prepared inside the house and just the meat cooked outside on the grill. Today outdoor kitchens have the functionality to prepare and store almost everything outside. With built-in refrigerators, sinks, storage cabinets, granite countertops, and barbecue islands, you can stay close to all the action and cook at the same time.

Outdoor kitchens are often made now with bar seating on the other side of the kitchen so that guests can sit, chat, and eat - even if the host is still preparing food. Outdoor kitchens in Tulsa today can also have wine coolers, beer taps, and ice makers for an evening of entertaining. 

Weatherproof entertainment systems are also becoming more popular additions to the outdoor kitchen so that while you’re grilling, you don’t miss any of the big game.

Cover, seating, and dining a must. To have the perfect outdoor living space in Tulsa, you must have enough space for seating and dining. Thus, outdoor kitchens are now including adjacent space for an outdoor dining area, even with a dining table, and an outdoor living area with weatherproof sofa and chairs.

Instead of the old umbrella, today’s outdoor kitchens have entire open-air structures built over them to protect guests and the kitchen itself from the elements. These structures can also have a ceiling fan or mounted heater.

The possibilities are endless for outdoor kitchens in Tulsa today. These luxury outdoor environments provide the perfect getaway at home. Call Oklahoma Landscape today to find out how we can design and build an outdoor kitchen to match your dreams and help you “find yourself outside.”

Landscaping and Tulsa Pool Design - Why They Go Hand-in-Hand

The terms "Landscaping” and "pool design" may not seem overly related at first, but they do in fact go hand-in-hand. When it comes to Tulsa pool design, landscaping is very important. 

Having a well-planned landscape design when you’re building a new pool is important because the pool is part of your outdoor environment as a whole. 

“Your pool won’t exist in a vacuum. It’s a vital part of the whole backyard where the landscape provides the perfect setting. This is why pool design is best done by a landscape architect who understands the big picture of site function and circulation so the pool is placed in the most optimal location,” noted The Landscaping Network.

Yes, instead of just an ordinary pool builder who may focus purely on the pool construction elements, a Tulsa landscape architect who also designs and builds pools will plan the pool to function as part of a larger outdoor environment and understand the best way to weave other landscaping and hardscape features into the overall outdoor living theme.

With custom Tulsa pool design, a backyard can be transformed into a complete resort-like destination for the whole family. The custom pool can be designed with features for children like slides and waterfalls while also having elements for adults such as an attached custom spa. Other custom features can include zero or “beach” entry design, in-pool sun deck or tanning shelf, fountains, grottos, and specialty pool lighting.  But these pool design elements are just part of a larger theme designed around the lifestyle of the homeowner and the architecture of the home.

“It’s important then to consider the landscape as a frame for your new pool. It should enhance pool design and solve problems at the same time,” The Landscaping Network added.

Knowing the best plants to add around your custom pool area also makes landscape experience vital to good pool design. Plants can provide additional texture, style, color, and privacy elements that really enhance the pool and outdoor environment design. These should also complement your overall outdoor living space theme. 

The landscape architects and pool designers at Tulsa’s Oklahoma Landscape can design and build the perfect custom pool to match the outdoor environment of your dreams. Blending nature with hardscape elements to complement one another, we can help you create an outdoor living space that you’ll love to escape to every weekend.

Creating a More Sustainable Tulsa Landscape Design

One of the ways Tulsa homeowners can go “green” is by having a more sustainable Tulsa landscape design.  There are many things we can do to use fewer natural resources and reduce waste.  

Conserve. A major principle of sustainable Tulsa landscape design is to conserve resources already in the landscape. Taking steps to conserve water is also very important.

Make sure your Tulsa irrigation system is working properly and is the right type of irrigation system for your soil. This will help  to reduce water usage. Drip irrigation can be used with soil that drains quickly. Drip irrigation generally uses 30-70% less water than an overhead irrigation system, and plants grow to maturity about twice as fast.

Another key to water conservation is to group plants according to their watering needs. Grouping plants together that need watered more often can help reduce water usage. You can also harvest rainwater with a rain barrel to help conserve water and prevent storm water runoff.

Keep your soil healthy. That is another way to conserve water.  Compacted soil often leads to water runoff.

“Compacted soil leads to problems such as restricted plant growth, erosion, runoff and flooding,” the Landscaping Network noted. “Runoff caused by compacted soils is one of the main sources of water pollution.”

Lawn aeration or removing small core patches of soil and dead grass can help to relieve compacted soil and provide enough room for oxygen and water to reach the root system. The Tulsa landscape design experts at Oklahoma Landscape can aerate your lawn and overseed it so that the soil and lawn are both healthy and sustainable.

Adding mulch to your garden or flowerbed can also do a great deal to conserve water and nutrients while making your landscape look even more attractive.

Choosing the right plants. Which plants you choose for your landscape design can have an effect on the environment. Plants, shrubs, and trees that are native to your area tend to do better and also require less water. As the Landscaping Network noted, often homeowners want to remove many of the existing plants in their landscape, but this can lead to a disruption in the natural processes in the environment. Thus, preserving existing plants and choosing to add others that are native to the local environment can conserve resources while often reducing the time and energy required for maintenance and care.

Hardscape considerations. Another aspect of sustainable Tulsa landscape design is being thoughtful when choosing hardscape materials. Of course, using recycled hardscape materials is ideal when trying to reduce waste, but you can also use more locally sourced materials as well as those that allow for better water conservation. Permeable pavers are hardscape materials that help to conserve water. These pavers allow water to pass through to the soil reducing runoff and pollution. These hardscapes are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to add a decorative effect to your patio, walkway, or driveway while allowing for sustainability.

The landscape design experts at Oklahoma Landscape can create a design plan for your outdoor space that creates a gorgeous oasis for your home while conserving the earth’s natural resources and allowing you to “find yourself outside.”

Tulsa Outdoor Living - Plan Now to Revamp Your Space

Now is the best time to think about all the things you would can build for your Tulsa outdoor living space this summer. And now is the time to make a plan so that you can start in the spring!

The Tulsa outdoor living experts at Oklahoma Landscape can help design and build the best outdoor environment for your home. We can work with you from concept to creation in designing and building your dream Tulsa outdoor living space. Here are some ideas to get started . . .

Add an outdoor kitchen. These outdoor cooking areas make entertaining a breeze. Today outdoor kitchens in Tulsa can be built to care for all your cooking needs. They not only caninclude a grill but also stainless steel refrigerators, pizza ovens, wine coolers, sinks for easy cleanup, storage, outdoor televisions, burners, and more. Everything you need for game day or an elegant outside dinner with friends is right there in your outdoor kitchen. 

Create a dining area and plenty of seating. What goes better with an outdoor kitchen than an outdoor dining area? There are a variety of design options when it comes to outdoor dining tables, but creating a designated dining area adds sophistication and structure to your Tulsa outdoor living space. More and more homeowners are bringing the indoors outside so that they can enjoy all the comforts of home while also enjoying the outdoors. An outdoor dining area does just that, creating the perfect area for family picnics and dinners to entertain friends or clients.

Creating plenty of seating areas is another addition you may consider for your outdoor space. Whether you add benches, chairs, or even outdoor sofas, your outdoor living space will be more inviting if there is plenty of seating space for guests. However, be careful not to have too much seating so that it overcrowds your outdoor living space.

Build an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. The crisp spring, fall, and even summer nights can be enjoyed by the glow of an outdoor fireplaces or fire pit. These outdoor amenities create a great place for people to gather around and share old stories. Outdoor fireplaces in Tulsa can be constructed using a variety of materials to match your outdoor environment. Not only are they a great entertaining spot, but they also can help to increase the value of your home and property. Whether for a chilly fall night or just to create a romantic ambiance, Tulsa outdoor fireplaces are the perfect makeover addition to your outdoor living space.

Create a focal point in your outdoor space. Some backyard areas can begin to seem a little unplanned or haphazard, but creating a focal point in your outdoor space adds the design needed to create a stunning outdoor space. Maybe it’s an elegant water feature or custom swimming pool. Often the outdoor fireplace or outdoor living/seating area can be the focal point of the space. Whatever outdoor element you use, a focal point can bring direction to your outdoor space and transform your backyard from ordinary to spectacular!

For more ideas on Tulsa outdoor living space design, please contact us at 918.296.9679 or check out our Outdoor Living Gallery.

The Advantages of Using Pavers in Your Tulsa Landscape Design

Using pavers in your Tulsa landscape can offer numerous advantages over other hardscape materials.

Pavers can be used in an array of outdoor living spaces such as the pool area, driveway, patios, walkways, and more. These often interlocking, modular paving stones deliver a world of durability and variety, making them ideal hardscapes to use in transforming your outdoor space.

Tulsa pavers are made of different materials such as concrete, brick, and stones such as granite, slate, travertine, and more. These landscaping elements can be laid in a wide variety of patterns and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. From an Old World cobblestone design to a modern, urban look, pavers give you the options you need to make your outdoor environment look uniquely yours.

Add more definition to your front yard.  Pavers are perfect for adding a walkway or path to your front door or great for transforming the look of your driveway. Tulsa pavers really define the look of your landscape and provide great contrast for natural elements like flowerbeds.

Driveways. Many are now choosing to install pavers for their Tulsa driveway instead of resurfacing or replacing cracked concrete driveways. Whereas concrete driveways are likely to crack with age, changes in weather, shifting of the soil, or under pressure, pavers can usually withstand tougher weather conditions and are often more durable and lasting than concrete.

Unsightly cracks in concrete can sometimes be hidden with resurfacing or staining, but these cracks may later return or not be completely hidden. Thus repairing or replacing a cracked or damage concrete driveway can be a major issue. 

Pavers, on the other hand, are often made to be stronger and more durable than concrete. Because they are interlocking blocks, they are made to more easily adapt to shifting surfaces and changes in weather. And in the event that they do get damaged, pavers in Tulsa can easily be removed and replaced. In this way, you can remove individual pavers that become stained or damaged and not have to completely redo the entire driveway or path.

Pool and Patio areas. Building your pool or patio area with Tulsa pavers can give outdoor environment an entirely new, sophisticated look. The wide array of styles and colors of pavers available also makes them ideal to use in constructing your poolside area or patio. They are also very practical. If repairs need to be made to underground piping, pavers can easily be taken up and then reinstalled later. 

Pavers have so many advantages over other hardscape paving materials. Many Tulsa homeowners are choosing to remodel their outdoor environments and driveways with these very versatile landscape design elements. 

Oklahoma Landscape can design and install the best paver patio, pool, walkway, or driveway for your home. As a certified paver installer in Tulsa, our designers have been trained, tested, and certified by the I.C.P.I or Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute.

Top Patio Furniture Trends

From outdoor sofas to al fresco dining sets, Tulsa patio furniture allows many to enjoy the comforts of the indoors while being able to “find yourself outside.” So what’s going on in the patio furniture world? Let’s look at some trends.

Basics

Selecting patio furniture can be considered an individual art. What works for one space and home may not work for another. Each designer has his or her own style and preferences and certainly should feel free to express that in their own Tulsa outdoor living space. That being so, there are some patio furniture trends that many homeowners may want to take a point or two from to join with their own style to set up a Tulsa patio space that they and their guest will definitely love.

Bigger Could be Better

Conversation sets or sectionals are popular in many outdoor living spaces. Often the life the party, these patio furniture options make for a great space for entertaining and relaxing with family and friends. Sectionals with neutral colors can be changed dramatically by simply adding colorful throw pillows, allowing for versatility with hosting. 

Quality is King

Of course, you'll want to enjoy your Tulsa patio for years to come with minimum maintenance. So no surprise that quality outdoor furniture is on the upswing. There are many high-quality, long-lasting outdoor furniture materials to choose from like wrought iron and synthetic rattan. In addition many pieces also can have weather resistant fabrics that are highly durable.  While the initial invest with these pieces might be greater, their long-term usefulness and enjoyment can be well worth it.

Out with the Old, in with the New

Modern design elements are definitely in vogue right now with patio furniture.  So if you like minimalist style and clean lines that don't sacrifice convenience and comfort, then you’ll love much of the patio furniture selections in stores now.  Modern pieces reflect a chic, structured look that often brings cohesion and elegance to an outdoor living space. 

So with all that’s going on in the outdoor patio arena in Tulsa, you’re sure to find ample reason to “find yourself outside.”

This Winter Add Color to Your Tulsa Landscape Design

Landscapes can look a little bleak during winter. What can you do to add a little color to your landscape, even in the dreary days of winter? We have some tips to brighten your Tulsa landscape design. 

Add mulch to your garden. Mulching your flowerbed or garden during the winter can help add color to your landscape and help insulate plants for winter. Mulch also offers plants vital nutrients they will need in the spring. 

Plant what will flourish in a winter garden. Some plants and shrubs can survive pretty well in the chilly winter weather and even bloom during the winter months, adding significant color and interest to your garden. Camellias are blooming evergreen shrubs that grow to be about 6 to 8 feet tall with showy pink or white flowers. There are numerous varieties of camellias including super hardy ones like “Winter Joy” and “Snow Flurry” that do well in even really cold weather. Pansies are another plant that does well even in colder weather. These cute little annuals can remain stalwart with their bright and fragrant blooms through much of the fall and winter weather. 

Add color to your hardscapes. Although the plants in your landscape might not have much color, the hardscapes in your garden can shine through. Paint your fence or gate a bright color that complements your home and outdoor environment or paint your garage door or front door a bright, new color. You can also take the winter months to revamp some of your exterior structures by adding decorative hardware to your garage door or adding new fixtures to other areas of your home and landscape. 

Add light to your landscape. If you don’t already have lighting in your outdoor living space and garden, why not add lighting design this winter? Professional landscape lighting design can transform your outdoor environment and create warmth and interest all year long. Plus, you’ll be able to use your outdoor living space more with outdoor lighting. The Tulsa landscape lighting design specialists at Oklahoma Landscape can help create the best outdoor lighting for your pathway, deck, or pool area to match your home and outdoor décor. 

Create interesting focal points to your Tulsa landscape. Creating focal points in your garden or landscape will also add visual interest amid the dreary winter weather. Outdoor structures like gazebos, pergolas, arbors, etc. can provide interest while also being practical additions to your landscape. Building a fire pit or outdoor fireplace in your backyard will create a focal point while providing a place to relax and entertain friends, even in winter. Other additions to your garden could include statues, birdbaths, or even a decorative pond. 

The Tulsa landscape designers at Oklahoma Landscape can help you create the perfect winter wonderland for your landscape and home. We can design and build complete outdoor living spaces to match your lifestyle and complement the architecture of your home as well as take care of all your landscaping and lawn care needs.

Best Tulsa Pool Design Trends This Year

Winter is a great time to begin planning the design for your new Tulsa pool. Here are some of the latest trends in Tulsa pool design for the coming year!

Glass Tiles. 

A lot of people in the pool design industry has been talking about the use of glass tiles in place of ceramic tiles inside pools and to accent the edges of a pool. Glass tiles are more durable and less likely to crack or break than the traditional ceramic tiles. They also bring a gorgeous iridescent look to the pool, and are available in wide variety of styles and sizes.

Knife-Edge Pool Design. 

Known by many names such as “knife-edge,” “Lautner knife-edge,” “slot-edge,” or “wet-edge,” pools, this type of pool design is quickly becoming very popular for its “impressive visual style.” Like infinity or vanishing edge pools, knife-edge pools provide a stunning visual effect my having the water in the pool reach the same level as the pool deck creating a mirror-surface effect. This look is accomplished by having a slot edge around pool’s entire perimeter so that water can spill over into this slot. This knife-edge pool design creates an incredibly luxurious, resort-like look for the outdoor living space but does require different maintenance and construction techniques than traditional pools.

Water Features. 

Another huge trend in Tulsa pool design for 2014 and going into this year is the increase in water features for custom pools. Water features like waterfalls, fountains, sconces, and other artistic and playful features are popular in Tulsa pool designs. Not only do these added features create visual interest, but the soothing sound of water trickling over stones or in a fountain creates a relaxing tone for your outdoor space. Splash pads, slides, and spraying jets can entertain the kids in this resort-like outdoor environment. LED lighting is another feature that is becoming increasing popular in pool design as are fire features.

Beach Entry. 

Another great pool design is what’s often called a “beach entry” or “zero entry” pool feature. This pool design creates a gradual slope into the water to allow swimmers to walk into the pool slowly, much like they would at the beach or allows them to sunbathe in the shallow water. Baja shelves are another pool design feature that creates a ledge or “shelf” at the edge of the pool that’s perfect for sunbathing or relaxing on lounge chairs in the water.

These are just a few of the latest trends in pool design that are sure to make a splash in 2015. The Tulsa pool designers and pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape can design and build you a custom pool to fit your lifestyle and outdoor environment. We can also remodel your existing Tulsa swimming pool to include some of these new features that will make your pool area even more enjoyable.

Makeover Ideas for Your Tulsa Patio & Outdoor Living Space

Whether you want to just spruce up your Tulsa patio or totally revamp your outdoor living area, we have some great ideas for transforming your outdoor environment.

Outdoor seating. Of course, to have a practical outdoor entertaining space, you definitely need plenty of seating for your guests, and there are numerous creative ways to add more seating to your Tulsa patio – from the simple to the elaborate. You could add benches, even storage benches, bar stools, or repurpose old chairs you already have for use in your patio. Outdoor sofas are popular decorative features of outdoor living spaces.
These sofas are made particularly to withstand the elements provide a cozy and relaxed atmosphere for entertaining while better defining the seating area for guests. If you’d like more elaborate and permanent seating, you could build a sitting wall for guests. Often these decorative walls are built around fire pits or as part of a retaining wall. These hardscapes bring an elegant charm to your outdoor living space by complementing the style of your other outdoor elements.  

Water features. The soothing sound of water can add so much to your outdoor living space. Whether in a small fountain or an elaborate water feature like a babbling brook, pond, or full water garden, water trickling over stones creates an instant peaceful ambiance for your Tulsa patio.
 

Custom walkways. Paths that guide guests to your outdoor living space add an elegant dimension all their own. Using a variety of hardscape materials, you can build a custom walkway to your patio using pavers, stamped or stained concrete, or even just stepping stones or concrete pads.

Pergolas, trellises, and gazebos. Having a patio in your backyard is nice, but when the heat of summer returns, you may want some shade on your patio area. Pergolas and gazebos can provide some shade for your outdoor space while also adding dimension and character to your landscape. These outdoor structures help to define various areas of your outdoor environment. Pergolas are perfect for accompanying an outdoor kitchen and dining area.

Flowers and climbing plants. One of the easiest ways to spruce up your Tulsa patio area is to mix in some new flowering plants. Add a flower border of annuals and perennials around the edge of your patio to really enliven the outdoor space. Better Homes & Gardens even suggested planting flowers that are known for their rich aroma such as licorice-scented sprays of hyssop or moonflowers to create a fragrant path. If you have a trellis, you can add vines or other climbing plants to accent your trellis and patio area.

Outdoor lighting. To extend the time you can enjoy your Tulsa patio and simply to create more interest and a romantic ambiance, you can add an outdoor lighting design.

Fire pit or outdoor fireplace. Nothing goes better with a Tulsa patio than a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. These bring a unique and elegant charm to your outdoor living space while affording practical warmth and a place to gather around and talk with old friends. Fire pits and fireplaces can be custom-designed and built using a variety of hardscape materials to match your outdoor living space and home.

The Tulsa patio builders and outdoor environment specialists at Oklahoma Landscape can help you create an amazing outdoor living space. We can design and build the entire space to best meet the needs of your family and that will perfectly complement your landscape and home. Call us today to see how we can help you “find yourself outside.”

Perfect Gifts for The Person Who Loves Outdoor Living

Looking for something to give the person who loves the outdoors and outdoor living in Tulsa? From running to biking to just relaxing or entertaining friends in their outdoor living space, many Tulsa area residents love being outside on a nice Oklahoma day. What can you get someone who spends all their free time in the garden or who has an outdoor environment, outdoor kitchen, or fireplace?

Here are a few outdoor living Tulsa gifts . . .

Backyard Movie Theater – Get something for the entire family with this outdoor entertainment amazon.com)

system. Show movies in HD in your own Tulsa outdoor living space. With a flat screen, WiFi Bluray player, and speakers, you can have everything you need to watch a movie or play Xbox or Wii right outside. (

Gardening Book: Fine Foliage – Better Homes & Gardens recommends the book Fine Foliage by Karen Chapman and Christina Salwitz for the gardening enthusiast, which offers guidance on plant combinations and container gardens. (amazon.com)

Motorized Grill Brush – If you have an outdoor kitchen, this motorized grill brush with heavy-duty steam cleaning power may help you save time cleaning. This motorized grill from Brookstone has a built-in mist sprayer that turns to steam on the hot grill to loosen tough grease and then the motor and dual stainless steel brushes scrub for you. For the man who loves to grill, this may be just the gift. (brookstone.com)

Hammock – After you’ve enjoyed grilling in your outdoor kitchen or while your kids play in the pool, relax the afternoon away in this cozy hammock. This Amazonas Naturalesa Brazilian Fabric two-person hammock bed is perfect for enjoying a nice afternoon nap in your Tulsa outdoor living space. (yardenvy.com)

Herb Garden – Does someone you know love fresh herbs? Help them start their own herb garden with Rootcup. Grow herbs or succulents in these small sub-irrigation plants made of durable, BPA-free, food-grade silicone that won’t scratch your countertop. (rootcup.com)

These are just a few of the great gifts you can find for your Tulsa outdoor living enthusiast. Of course, a great gift for the entire family is a complete outdoor environment with a custom pool, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor kitchen.

At Oklahoma Landscape in Tulsa, we can design and build your family the perfect outdoor living space. Call us today at 918.296.9679 for more information.

Tulsa Landscaping - The Latest Design Rules to Follow

Before you set out to renovate your landscape, keep in mind these helpful landscaping guidelines to ensure your outdoor living space looks its best.

Landscaping Do’s 

First and foremost, do carefully create a landscape design plan before you begin, even if you won’t be able to finish every aspect of the design for quite a while. While you may not need to plan out every plant you’ll include, you do need to plan where hardscapes and various groups of plants and trees will go.

Do use plants that are native to your area, that grow well together naturally, and that match the architecture or style of your home and outdoor environment. Native plants will be more resistant to disease and often require less watering. Group plants with similar watering or sunlight requirements together to make maintenance easier. 

 

Do use interesting pavers or stone to add texture and color when building your walkway instead of just concrete. 

Do consider how your family will want to use your landscape in the years to come. Do you kids like to play ball in the yard? If your family has a dog, consider how your dog will interact or be affected by the various plants or landscape designs. 

Do consider and plan for how trees and plants will mature over time. Research how big trees, shrubs, and plants will grow when they are fully mature. Will they block out sunlight or be too close to your house when they are full-grown? 

Do plant to add variety and interest all year round. Plan out which trees and plants will bloom at different times during the year and plant these so that when one group stops flowering, you’ll still have color and interest in your landscape. When choosing flowering plants, pick mostly perennials instead of annuals so that you don’t have to buy them again next year. 

Do make it easy for guests to find your front door. Sometimes homeowners may want to make several paths or walkways through their yard, but make sure visitors can easily navigate and clearly see where they should go.

Do make sure to think about proportions in your landscape. You’ll want to keep all the landscape elements in proportion, not only with your home, but also with each other so that the elements don’t seem haphazardly placed. 

Landscaping Don’ts 

Don’t plant trees too close to your house, or plant shrubs or other plants too close to walkways. Research how large the tree or plant will grow when it’s mature so that it doesn’t overtake your home, interfere with the foundation, prevent you from easily passing by on your walkway, or make your home look smaller than it is.

Don’t forget about the maintenance required for each plant or shrub. Consider whether you will have time to regularly trim shrubs and trees. This is especially true with ivy growing on your house. Will you be able to keep the ivy pruned so that it doesn’t overtake your home?

Don’t try to plant too many varieties. While you need enough variety to create interest throughout the year, too many varieties of plants will take out the “design” look of your landscape and make it look disorganized. A simple landscape design with just a few varieties and even a main color theme can create a modern look and feel. 

Don’t get caught up in using a landscaping fad, especially for hardscapes. There may be bold new color or design trends in hardscape materials, but especially with these permanent features of your landscape, you’ll want to use materials that won’t soon become outdated. 

While you can use these few guidelines to create a great landscape design with interest and balance, having a landscape design professional help will take much of the stress and work out of the project.

The Tulsa landscape designers at Oklahoma Landscape can design the best plan for your landscape using these and many other landscape design techniques to create an engaging outdoor space. Let us help you build the perfect landscape and outdoor environment for your particular home and lifestyle.