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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

The Essential Role of Tulsa Landscape Lighting Design

Often, when people think of an outdoor living space, they only think of the landscaping or hardscape features of the outdoor space. But there’s another important aspect of landscape design – outdoor lighting. 

Landscape lighting is an important part of your Tulsa landscape design. Landscape lighting serves many vital functions in your landscape, especially when homeowners often just get to enjoy their homes at night or on the weekends. If you don’t have outdoor accent lighting, then you’re not getting the full benefits from your outdoor living space. 

Outdoor lighting offers safety. One of the most important advantages of having Tulsa landscape lighting is the added safety and security it provides.  With properly placed outdoor lighting, guests can walk safely down a stone pathway or garden stairs. Visitors can also be safely guided to your front door or down your driveway with the right landscape lighting. If your children get home late after practice, outdoor lighting can also help to keep your children safe as they enter the home. 

Burglars are often also deterred by a well-lit home and landscape. It’s important to keep areas by doors and shrubs well-lit so as to prevent thieves from having a convenient hiding place. Landscape lighting can also help prevent your home from looking unoccupied and thus more of a target for burglars. 

Landscape lighting showcases the beauty of your outdoor environment. Outdoor lighting can help to accent certain important aspects of your home or outdoor living space. It really can transform the look and feel of your landscape and make it come alive even more. 

“Soft lighting in a dark outdoor environment is nothing short of magic. It provides a warm, inviting ambiance that beckons us outdoors,” The Landscaping Network noted. “It creates mood, romance, and drama. It adds interest and intrigue to any settling.” 

No wonder then that, as The Landscape Network added, nightscaping is “one of the hottest trends in outdoor home improvement today.” 

But as they went on to mention, landscape lighting can be a challenge for homeowners to install by themselves. Knowing where to place the lighting and what landscape elements to highlight can be tricky. Professional Tulsa landscape lighting installers like those at Oklahoma Landscape use specific methods and techniques to achieve the right look and feel for outdoor lighting. The style of the landscape lighting should really complement the architecture and personality of your home. 

Balanced lighting can really enhance your pool, outdoor kitchen, or other landscaping or hardscape features, but this landscape lighting also needs to take into account changes that could happen to your landscape over time or throughout the various seasons. 

Outdoor lighting allows you to get full use out of your outdoor environment. Tulsa landscape lighting is key to getting the most benefit from your outdoor living space. Especially when the days get shorter, landscape lighting can help you to still be able to entertain family and friends outside comfortably. Outdoor accent lightingalso creates the perfect atmosphere for entertaining, bringing a lively feel to your outdoor living space. 

There are so many great reasons to have landscape lighting designed and installed in your outdoor environment. From increasing safety and security to allowing your landscape to really come alive at night, custom outdoor lighting is a must for your Tulsa home and landscape. Talk to our Tulsa landscape lighting specialists today about the custom designs they can create for your home. 

(First photo by Stephen Calsbeek)

Build Your Own Outdoor Living Oasis With a Custom Tulsa Patio

Custom patios for Tulsa homes today are more than a just a spot to grill or place lawn chairs. Patios act as the foundation for functional outdoor living areas and are often the hub of summer activity for the family.  

These custom Tulsa patios serve as an extension of a family's indoor living space, and provide the perfect area for outdoor dining, relaxing, entertaining, and much more. Not only do they provide more functional living space, but they can also increase the value of your home and property. 

Although many people see patios as mere concrete slabs, patios in Tulsa can be custom designed using a variety of materials including pavers, flagstone, brick, stamped concrete, and cobblestone. These patio materials can be chosen to match the architecture and style of your home. 

While the patio can be built as a direct extension of your home, it can also be built away from the home as a completely separate area in order to create a focal point in the landscape. Also, instead of one large patio area, you could separate the patio into multiple outdoor living spaces based on how you want to use your outdoor living area. 

Patios become the foundation for a world of outdoor entertaining. They become the basis of a luxury outdoor kitchen or outdoor fireplace.  The design of the patio sets the tone for the outdoor environment, and the materials used can determine what theme the outdoor living space will have – whether modern, Mediterranean, Old World, Tuscan, etc. 

Outdoor kitchens and fireplaces have really become popular in Tulsa as places to gather, relax, and entertain friends. There are a variety of different styles of patios and outdoor living areas to choose from depending on their function. The Landscaping Network lists the four most popular patio styles as dining patios, bistro patios, living room patios, and sundeck patios. Whether you implement one style and function or incorporate all of them into your outdoor environment, good planning is key to an effective and inspiring outdoor retreat. 

Thus, having a Tulsa landscape designer help with the planning and building of the patio and outdoor living space can really prevent problems and create the most durable and most valuable outdoor environment. The landscape designers at Tulsa’s Oklahoma Landscape can design a patio to match your home, your landscape, and how you want to use the space. Thus, a well-planned patio and outdoor environment can considerably enhance your home and help you get the most use from your backyard area.  

Call Oklahoma Landscape in Tulsa today to see how we can help you create the perfect outdoor living space – starting with a well-designed patio area.

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.

Paver Design in Tulsa - Adding Charm to your Patio or Walkway

Would you like to create more character and charm for your walkway, patio, or pool deck? Homeowners are now using pavers in Tulsa to give their outdoor living spaces greater detail and style. Pavers are hardscape materials that can be used to create landscaping pavement features like walkways, driveways, patios, pool decks, and more. Why are these hardscapes a great addition for your Tulsa landscape?

Pavers are a practical way of enhancing your landscape. Pavers in Tulsa are more easier to replace and more affordable than many other materials. Pavers can be easily removed and replaced, greatly reducing your landscape repair costs, unlike poured concrete which becomes difficult to replace or repair if it’s damaged. Because they’re installed using sand as a stabilizer, these hardscapes can absorb stress much better than other pavement materials. That being the case, they can withstand harsh weather and even small earthquakes better than other materials such as poured concrete or asphalt. This design makes them ideal for almost any hardscape project.

Tulsa pavers can give your outdoor space a whole new look with a variety of shapes, sizes, styles, tones, and materials available. With so much variety in the colors and textures of pavers, homeowners can add a unique personality to their Tulsa outdoor living space. A multicolored. coordinated paver walkway or patio can create a striking entrance and can perfectly complement the architecture of your home. With pavers, you can give your outdoor space the vintage look and feel of cobbled streets, an elegant Mediterranean veranda, or a more modern feel with custom interlocking paver designs. Whatever theme you want your outdoor environment to have, pavers can help create it. You can use an assortment of interlocking brick, stone, and concrete pavers to give your landscape a unique style.
Pavers can also be environmentally friendly, allowing water to percolate through to the ground beneath, thus preventing erosion, runoff, and helping to improve the soil. These permeable pavers in Tulsa can help filter pollutants that might normally run off into storm drains and streets. Unlike concrete which absorbs heat in the summer, permeable pavers can even help lower the temperature around your home by absorbing moisture instead of heat.

Pavers are a great choice for many Tulsa landscaping projects by adding an affordable and easy way to dress up your landscape while providing practical value and versatility. Oklahoma Landscape is a certified Tulsa paver installer. Our designers have been trained, tested, and certified by the Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute (I.C.P.I). Call us today to find out more about how pavers can highlight the beauty of your Tulsa landscape and home.

Tulsa Outdoor Environments - Even Movie Theaters in your Backyard

What’s better than a custom-built Tulsa pool, outdoor kitchen, or outdoor living space? A custom-built pool or outdoor living space with a complete entertainment center! Today many homeowners are adding more entertainment amenities to their Tulsa outdoor environments like televisions, movie theater areas, projection screens, surround sound, and more. Watch the big game with friends outside while you barbecue or throw the ultimate pool party, watching the latest movie as you lounge in the pool.

With all-weather televisions, you can watch the game outside, hosting the premier tailgate party, or play your Xbox or Wii game system in your outdoor living space. Landscape lighting added to your outdoor theater area can help set the tone for your outdoor event or provide romantic lighting for a great date night at home. With high definition video and a powerful surround sound audio, your outdoor enjoyment will be taken to a whole other level. These custom-built entertainment systems give you the nostalgia of a drive-in movie in your own backyard. And with an outdoor entertainment system, you can spend time with family on holidays or host family reunions outside while still enjoying the entertainment you want.

To give added protection from the elements, homeowners can also build a pergola, gazebo, arbor, pavilion, or other outdoor hardscape structure over their outdoor entertainment center. These can be designed as simple or as ornate as you like. Some provide complete shade while others may allow some sunlight to shine through. These outdoor structures offer an ideal way to add cabinet space to your entertainment system as well as other comfort elements like fans to keep those not relaxing in the pool cool and happy.

There are an almost endless array of possibilities with outdoor entertaining. From state-of-the-art outdoor kitchens to cozy outdoor fireplaces to entire outdoor living rooms with movie theaters and stylish seating, Tulsa homeowners can have the staycation of their dreams or entertain with luxury and class with these premier and now more affordable outdoor entertainment centers.

Outdoor Living Trends for 2013 - Tulsa Outdoor Environments Popular

Outdoor environments are increasing in demand, not only in Tulsa, but nationally according to a survey done by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

“American homeowners are increasingly drawn to adding outdoor rooms for entertaining and recreation on their properties,” ASLA reported. “The category of outdoor living spaces, defined as kitchens and entertainment spaces, received a 94.5 percent rating as somewhat or very popular.”

In the Outdoor Living Features category, outdoor fire pits and fireplaces ranked the most popular additions, followed by grills and seating/dining areas. With so many options and features in outdoor environments, it’s no wonder that these have become major aspects of home improvement in recent years. Today, outdoor fireplaces can be custom-designed using a variety of beautiful materials to complement a home, and they can have installed and ornate seating to perfectly enjoy entertaining guests by the fire during the fall and winter months.

Outdoor kitchens in Tulsa can be customized to fit your cooking and entertaining lifestyle with stainless still grills and other appliances like pizza ovens, refrigerators, and more. Many outdoor kitchens have marble countertop bar areas for guests to have additional seating and allow the cook or host to be near guests while watching the grill.

Why are outdoor living spaces becoming so popular?

“In this uncertain economy, homeowners want to get more enjoyment out of their yards,” ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA said. “They want attractive outdoor spaces that are both easy to take care of and sustainable.”

Yes, staycations have become an ideal way to relax and have family fun without the stress and expense of traveling. Many homeowners are adding movie theaters, televisions, and WiFi to their outdoor living space so that they don’t miss a minute of the game or can watch a movie while swimming in their custom pool. These areas are great for children’s parties, business events, or just a weekend with friends.

Decorative water elements like waterfalls, grottos, ornamental pools, and splash pools were also in high demand for home landscapes, ASLA noted, followed by spa features and swimming pools in the Outdoor Recreation Amenities category. Terraces, patios, and decks ranked high as popular Outdoor Structures. The practical and aesthetic value of these structures is evident when you think of entertaining or just relaxing in your backyard. They also add significant value to your home and property, making them a great investment.

Among the trends in outdoor living for 2013 were sustainable and low-maintenance design as the nation continues to increase its awareness on green living. “Americans still prefer such practical yet striking design elements for their gardens as low-maintenance landscapes (93.9 percent),” ASLA said.

Landscaping with sustainable design can include using native or drought-tolerant plants, drip irrigation, permeable paving, reduced lawns, xeriscaping, rooftop gardens, organic gardens, and more. Many people are opting to add vegetable and food gardens including orchards and vineyards to their landscape to help keep their family eating healthy.

As Americans continue to see the need to ‘find yourself outside’ and reconnect with the serenity and beauty of nature, as well as to get the most from their home and landscape, the demand for complete outdoor environments and sustainable living will increase.

Learn more about the Outdoor Living Trends for 2013 at http://www.asla.org/NewsReleaseDetails.aspx?id=38451.

For more information on landscape design including outdoor environments like outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pools, and patios for your Tulsa home, visit http://www.oklahomalandscape.com.

Enjoy your Tulsa Outdoor Environment with Effective Mosquito Prevention

Mosquitos may often prevent you from fully enjoying your Tulsa outdoor environment. These irritating insects are not only bothersome, but can be life-threatening. Fifteen Oklahomans lost their lives because of the West Nile virus, which is transmitted to humans by mosquitos, in 2012, and so far five Oklahomans have died this year because of the disease, according to the Oklahoma State Health Department.

Although the weather is getting cooler, people are still at the greatest risk of expose to mosquitos infected with the virus from July through October, the OSHD said.

So what can you do to prevent mosquitos from spoiling your outdoor living space? Mosquito misting systems have become a popular and effective means of controlling mosquitos in outdoor areas.  These systems spray a fine mist of insecticide throughout your outdoor space to eliminate these pests. Mosquito misting systems can be automated to send out the mist at high-risk times, during dawn and dusk, or can be controlled with a handheld remote, perfect in preparing for special events or cook-outs. The automatic units can either be tankless or a traditional drum-based systems that ensure an even distribution of the insecticide.

Most insecticides in these misting systems use a botanical active ingredient called pyrethrin, which is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. While not exactly “organic” because the ingredient contains a man-made “synergist,” they are low in toxicity to people and pets, noted MistAway Systems, a popular mosquito misting system company. There is also a man-made misting treatment called permethrin that acts much like pyrethrin and is also low in toxicity. In fact, MistAway noted that these are important ingredients in many household products like aerosols and pet shampoos. However, they can cause respiratory problems, the company said, so it’s recommended not to use the misting system around people, pets, or food. Oklahoma Landscape offers mosquito misting systems to eliminate these irritants for Tulsa homeowners.

Another important way of preventing mosquitos is to remove items such as old tires, bottles, buckets, unused ceramic pots, jars, and other things that can hold standing water, where mosquitos breed. The Oklahoma City County Health Department reminded residents to change the water in birdbaths at least twice a week as well as emptying pets’ water pans daily.
Note these other prevention tips from the OCCHD mosquito checklist:

• Clean clogged gutters and/or slope to downspouts.
• Drain improperly installed and sagging swimming pool covers.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas, saunas, and hot tubs. If not used, keep them empty and covered.
• Change water and scrub containers holding outdoor plants twice a week.
• Screen or cover rain barrels and openings to water tanks.
• Repair leaky pipes and faucets.
• Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito-eating fish.
• Eliminate weeds and tall grass to prevent mosquito breeding sites.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

Air curtains and mosquito netting can also be used to reduce mosquitos as well as other portable traps and citronella candles. Insect repellents made with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can also be effective in preventing mosquito bites when applied to the skin or clothing. Also, it’s recommended to wear long sleeves, long pants, and light colors when you’re in areas with a possible high concentration of mosquitos like when doing yard work, camping, or other outdoor activities.

The OSHD says that mosquitos most likely to transmit the West Nile virus are most active during early morning and evening hours, so staying indoors during dawn and dusk would help reduce the risk of infection.

Oklahoma Landscape can help keep your Tulsa outdoor living spaces like outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, and swimming pools free from mosquitos and help you enjoy your outdoor environment pain-free.

Tulsa Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas for Elegant Outdoor Living

 

Are you thinking about an outdoor kitchen for your Tulsa outdoor environment? Maybe you’ve wondered what you can include in an outdoor kitchen? What design concepts might best fit your entertaining style? We can help.  Our Tulsa outdoor kitchen experts can take your lifestyle, your entertaining style, and today’s hottest outdoor living trends and combine them to design/build the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.

For instance, do you love to watch the big game on the weekends? Why miss the game when you’re outside cooking on the grill? Have a flat-screen television installed on a nearby cabinet or hanging from your pergola or roof. Your outdoor kitchen can be as simple or sophisticated as you and your cooking styles need. Having cooking equipment you would not usually have in the house like a pizza oven can add functionality and charm to your outdoor space.


Having enough cabinet and countertop space is often the most overlooked aspect of outdoor kitchens. U-shaped outdoor kitchens are nice for providing additional prep room while also giving guests a chance to sit across from the cook and “be where all the action is” while they’re waiting for dinner, CoastalLiving.com noted. Bar seating adjacent to your outdoor kitchen countertop is a great way to entertain guests or keep kids close by when you’re grilling. Thus, as the cook you can be involved in the party while still watching your food. You can add a water or beer tap and refrigerator to the end of your bar area, giving the guests the opportunity to help themselves without getting in the way of the cook, Houzz.com noted. Just remember to have your grill or burner positioned so as to prevent smoke from moving in the direction of your seating area. A high-powered ventilation hood can be useful in keeping smoke at bay. Make sure you have allow enough room to prep, cook, and serve your gourmet dinner.

When building your outdoor kitchen, remember the visual aspects of your entire outdoor environment. Position your outdoor kitchen in such a way that all guests can still enjoy viewing the pool or garden that accentuates the landscape while they’re enjoying the outdoor kitchen. An attached roof or pergola can keep your dinner plans on schedule even in the event of inclement weather.

With the right lighting, seating, equipment, and design, your outdoor kitchen area can become the focal entertaining point for your entire outdoor environment.

Additional Source: http://www.hgtvremodels.com/outdoors/10-outdoor-kitchens-that-sizzle/pictures/index.html.