How To Xeriscape Your Property Part 2

    Hey there readers.  Use My Guy here with another addition to the series on xeriscaping your property.  This week I will introduce you to some amazing trees and shrubs that thrive on very little water.  These trees and shrubs provide great shade, color and variety for your yard and will soon become home to many native species of birds and friendly pollinators.

    Remember that xeriscaping is the practice of using native plants that help to reduce your water usage.  This is extremely important because we live in a state where we receive very little annual rainfall.  This summer has been particularly dry with only 1.88 inches of rain to date for the last six months.  This information will hopefully help you to create a back or front yard paradise that saves you thousands of gallons of water a year and still allows you to enjoy the beauty that comes with having a large variety of flora.  These trees and shrubs will only need to be watered once a week at the most after you have gotten them situated which will save you both time and money.

Afghan Pine

    All right, enough of the lecture let’s get to the good stuff.  First on today’s list is the Afghan Pine or Elderica pine.  This tree is for those of you who love the look of pine trees but realize that typical pines are not suited for desert living.  This hardy tree is native to Afghanistan as its name suggests and needs very little supplemental watering.  Even in a drought year such as this the sturdy Elderica pine only needs to be watered twice a month for about ten minutes.  This pine is a fast grower and can grow to about fifty feet in maturity.  This pine was grown by Persian royalty and was so prized that it was forbidden for commoners to own one.  Because of this it earned the sur-name Royal Pine.  If you are from somewhere like Colorado and miss the look of pine trees then check this bad boy out.  It looks very similar to the mountain pines and will bring a smile to your face every time you see it.

Anacacho Orchid Tree

Next up we have the Anacacho Orchid Tree.  This is a comparatively small tree growing to about eight feet in height at its tallest.  The Anacacho is native to southwestern Texas and is a flowering tree that blooms in spring and through summer.  The Anacacho needs to be watered weekly and will reward you with blossoms that range in color from pink to white.  Although the Anacacho is a tree that grows to eight feet if it is not trimmed properly it will be very shrub-like in appearance.  This is a great color partner for the Afghan pine, its pink and white blossoms will contrast nicely with the green of the pine needles.

Blue Palo Verde

 

Blue Palo Verde is next on our list.  This is an Arizona native that is actually the state tree of Arizona. The Palo Verde doesn’t need any supplemental watering.  This is a great shade tree because its foliage grows out very wide, kind of like a canopy.  The Blue Palo Verde also has beautiful yellow blossoms that bloom throughout most of spring and last well into the hottest part of summer and as a bonus the seed pods that it grows are actually edible and provided sustenance to the natives for centuries.  This is a very fast grower and can grow up to thirty by thirty feet.  Just think of how much shade that is.  Basically it is like having a thirty foot canopy in your back yard.  Just make sure you trim it on a regular basis, if left untended this tree has a habit of becoming overgrown very quickly and when it is not trimmed properly it is difficult to make good use of the shade.  The reason for this being that it will grow like a shrub if it is not trimmed.

Chilean Mesquite

The Chilean Mesquite is a desert favorite.  It requires no supplemental watering, blooms in the spring and there are thorn-less varieties.  This is an extremely versatile tree because it not only grows into an ideal shape for shade but its bark can be used for smoking your favorite meats.  Like the Blue Palo Verde it is a good idea to trim it on a regular basis to get the most out of the shade it provides.

    The last tree I am going to talk about today is the Desert Willow.  This is one of my favorite desert trees because it is extremely hardy and provides wonderful shade year round.  It also has beautiful purple blooms that start in spring and last through the beginning of June.  The blooms attract many different varieties of butterflies and hummingbirds.

If you decide to plant these trees in your yard you will be in for a treat because they all have beautiful blooms and will attract many different species of local fauna into your yard.  You will also save quite a bit of money because most of these trees require no supplemental watering.  So do yourself and Arizona a favor and get on the xeriscape train, you won’t regret it.

When looking for a landscaper we understand how hard it can be to find someone you trust that’s why we here at Use My Guy Services are on the Better Business Bureau where we have an A+ rating.  We are also on Angie’s List where we have a 5 star rating in addition to winning the Super Service Award for 2015.  You can also check us out on yelp and Face book where we have dozens of 5 star reviews.So look no further because we are your trusted source for all your handyman needs from plumbing and electrical to shelf hanging and irrigation maintenance, installation and repair.  Call us at (602)316-9187 to speak with a member of our friendly and helpful staff or check us out online for a complete list of services offered and for more information about our family and how you can be a part of it.

Thanks for reading.

Use My Guy

        

Summer Break

Hi everybody Use My Guy here.  Today I’m going to take a little break from my series on xeriscape.  The reason being summer.  With summer here and the kids out of school I wanted to talk about some things to look out for. These are just simple things that if left unattended can lead to serious problems down the road.  

What a door should look like.

1) Front and back doors: These are the first lines of defense between the inside of your house and the outside.  Because of this they are the first to be used and abused and the paint or finish is scratched or peeled.  Kids aren't the only ones that can destroy doors.  If you have dogs chances are you know how quickly they can ruin the finish on the doors leading to the exterior of your home.  The good news is that with a little sanding and a few coats of finish you can recreate your door and turn it into the door you've always dreamed of.  Give your front door a little love after this week and see how big of a difference it makes to the exterior of your house.

 A lawn in need of some love.

 2) Lawns: Chances are if you have kids they play outside.  Broken backyard irrigation is a prime suspect when it comes to high water bills and a sprinkler head can be broken just by being stepped on.  During the summer when the kid are home the chances of that happening increase dramatically.  You will quickly see the effects of a broken sprinkler and it is easy to spot if you know what you are looking for.  Look for either brown spots or soft spots.  A brown spot can occur in your grass if the sprinkler head has been damaged or turned in a different direction.  This does not necessarily mean that the head is broken but it is still good to have a professional check out your system.  Soft spots are generally an indicator of a broken head or poly which is used to water your bushes or trees.

Tile with grout damage.

3) Tile floors:  They are beautiful and they keep your house cool during summer but drop something heavy on it and you may be looking at a cracked tile or chipped grout.  It is not only visually unappealing but if the tile is in a mobile home with a wooden sub-flooring or in a bathroom the chances of water damage happening are very high.  If water gets under the tile and on the wooden floor it can cause warping which will in turn break more of the tiles.  This goes for tile counters as well.  You will want to be extra careful with tile counters because broken tiles and grout lines are hot beds for germs and if left unattended can lead to serious cases of food poisoning.

This rusted fence needs to be replaced.

4) Pool fences/gates:  If you have a pool in your backyard than you need to check your pool fence and gate.  Something that often

happens with pool fences and gates is that the poles going into the ground will completely rust out which can lead to multiple problems.  The two biggest problems being tetanus and that rusted posts are easily pushed over.  If the fences are pushed over it means that there is access to the pool and without supervision your young ones are at serious risk for drowning.  Also if the fence falls over it will leave the rusted remains of the posts behind which are jagged and can cause serious damage to little feet and hands.  An easy way to check if your fence is rusting out is to take a shovel and scrape away the rock or dirt just a few inches below the surface.  The rust is almost always just a few inches below the dirt or rocks.  Another way to check it is to simply try pushing your fence back and forth, if it moves easily and more than a few inches than it is very likely that your fence posts are rusted and you should have a professional come out and either remove it fully or install a new one.  All of these fixes are easy if a little time consuming but the peace of mind that comes with the safety of your family will be well worth it .  If you are daunted by even the thought of fixing your irrigation or don't have the time to sand and repaint your doors a handyman service such as Use My Guy Services can take care of everything for you while saving you a pretty penny in the process. We have dozens of 5 star reviews on yelp and Facebook and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.  In addition we have an A rating on Angies List which means that we have already been vetted by dozens of happy customers who have left great reviews for us that you know you can  trust. Call us at (602) 316-9187 or find us online at usemyguyservices.com   Our friendly staff will be happy to make an appointment with you and take care of all your home and landscape repair needs.
Thanks for reading.
Sincerely Use My Guy.

Turn Your Yard Into A Water Conserving Paradise part 1 of 3

    Hey there readers, Use My Guy here with an exciting new addition to the blog that is all about xeriscaping your land so that it is beautiful year round and is water conservation friendly. This will be a two part article with a possible third, if part two gets too long.  It is important to remember that in Arizona there is always a strong possibility of drought not only in the summer but also in the winter.  What this means for you-the conscious gardener-is that you should be looking for as many ways as possible to save water not only for mother earth but also for your pocket-book.  If you set a good example and turn your yard into a beautiful water and money saving paradise than your neighbors are sure to follow suit which will lead to a bigger positive impact for the environment.      

A perfectly xeriscaped yard

    According to Merriam-Webster xeriscape means “a landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates that utilizes water-conserving techniques (as the use of drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation)”.  Basically this means that when planning your yard and garden you use plants that are native to the Arizona or the Sonoran desert instead of plants native to areas with large amounts of rain fall like Portland Oregon or Vancouver B.C.  Using plants that are native to Arizona ensures that you will only have to water your yard once or twice a week.  This will save you hundreds of dollars every year and allow you to have a beautiful yard year round that requires very little maintenance and helps local wildlife to flourish, bringing you joy year round.

    

    In this article I will introduce you to some of Arizona’s hardiest shrubs, trees, grasses, flowers and cacti.   These are all plants that are A) native to Arizona or the Sonoran desert and B) Are rated low to very low for their water usage by the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association.  This means that these plants generally only require watering between 3 and 4 times a month and usually only during the summer.  In the winter most of these plants require no supplemental watering. 

    

    Many homeowners are not aware of the huge variety in color, texture and looks that are available to them in the way of plants that are also drought resistant, heat resistant and even cold resistant.  Most of the plants that I will be talking about also do well in the winter months and do not need any supplemental watering in the winter.  Most homeowners who do not have xeriscaped property are using close to 7,000 gallons of water a month for a 3,000 sq ft lawn.  This is a pretty average lawn size for many communities in Arizona but even for those with smaller lawns, say even half of that size you would still be using 3,500 gallons of water a month.  Now imagine a world where you only have to water 3 to 4 times a month and only during the summer!!!  This is completely possible and you will save money on your utilities and help to conserve Arizona’s most precious natural resource. 

    

    The information I am about to give you will completely change your view on Arizona plants.  This is a comprehensive list of plants from vines to shrubs and trees that will complement each-other and give your yard natural color, diversity and shade year round.  So let start with vines.  These are a great option for people with chain-link fences who want more privacy or those with balconies or awnings who want to add a little bit of color to the space while helping to cool and oxygenate it as well.

    

   

Baja Passion Vine

The first vine on the list is the Baja Passion Vine.  This vine likes full sun all the time and makes it ideal for growing on a fence or in an area with only a little shade.  The Baja Passion Vine features beautiful purple and white blossoms that bloom from March until the first freeze although it can withstand temperatures as low as 25 degrees F.  It also produces fruit all during the summer though it does take 6 to 8 weeks to ripen.  The Baja Passion Vine also grows very quickly in the summer and can grow to as large as 10 feet by 10 feet.  This vine is perfect for those wanting a beautiful vine that attracts many species of hummingbirds, butterflies, moths and bats.  The best part about it is that it only needs to be watered 3 to four times a month and only during summer.

Grape Ivy

    Next up is the Grape Ivy.  This vine is related to the grape vine but does not bear fruit although the leaves look similar.  Grape ivy also prefers to have shade around which makes it ideal for growing on a gazebo or pergola or on the supports of a covered porch.  This vine can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees F and is an evergreen for the most part with large green leaves that bring beauty and serenity with them wherever they go.  Grape Ivy only needs to be watered 3 to 4 times a month.

Lilac Vine

    The last of the vines I will be talking about today but certainly not the least is the Lilac Vine.  This is not an actual Lilac flower as they do not grow well in our region which is region 9 but these showy purple flowers make a wonderful substitute.  One of the great things about this vine is its versatility.  It not only grows well on a terrace or fence but it can also be used for ground cover and although it only flowers in February the beautiful green leaves stay year round making it ideal for those wishing for privacy.  This vine is usually only sold in nurseries when it is in bloom so keep an eye out for it in February as that is the best time to find it in bloom.  Water 3 to 4 times a month in summer.

    

    Now let us talk grasses.  The grasses mentioned here are not the lush soft grass that we all know and love such as Bermuda or Rye.  These are hardy, ornamental grasses meant more to complement your other plants and help to decrease soil erosion.  They will also only need to be watered a few times a month and will provide a lush contrast to the cacti and other spiny desert plants in your yard.  Keep in mind that having a variety of plants is the best way to ensure that your yard has plenty of color year round.

    

Deer Grass

    First up is Deer-grass.  This is a native to Arizona, Texas and New Mexico.  Deer-Grass is drought resistant, rabbit resistant and can withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.  It is an evergreen which means that with proper care it will stay green all year long.  This grass can grow up to 4 feet high by 4 feet wide so it is important to prune it on a regular basis to maintain a consistent look and ensure that it doesn’t envelop the other plants around it.  Water 3 to 4 times a month during the summer.

Pink Muhly

    Next up is Pink Muhly.  This is a fun and colorful grass that grows to about 3’ tall by 3’ wide.  This is a very hardy grass that can withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.  Pink Muhly flowers in the fall with long pink stems but is an evergreen so it stays green year round.  This is a native to Texas and is drought resistant so this means that it only needs to be watered between 3 and 4 times a month in the summer.  If you are looking for bright colors in the late summer and fall than this grass is for you.

Side Oats Grama

    The last of the grasses I will be discussing in this article is called Sideoats Grama.  Sorry farmers no actual oats from this plant although it does make great forage for livestock and the tall tan stocks do resemble edible oats.  This Texas native likes full sun and is very hardy being able to survive in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is an evergreen that only needs to be watered 3 to 4 times a month in the summer.

    That’s all for today folks, next week I will cover shade trees, shrubs and possibly flowers time permitting.  I will also have ideas for the best combinations that will ensure that there is a variety of colors in your garden year round.   When looking for a handyman we understand how hard it can be to find someone you trust that’s why we here at Use My Guy Services are on the Better Business Bureau where we have an A+ rating.  We are also on Angie’s List where we have a 5 star rating as well in addition to winning the Super Service Award for 2015.  You can also check us out on yelp and Face book where we have dozens of 5 star reviews.  So look no further because we are your trusted source for all your handyman needs from plumbing and electrical to shelf hanging and irrigation installation and repair.  Call us at (602)316-9187 to speak with a member of our friendly and helpful staff or check us out online for a complete list of services offered and for more information about our family and how you can be a part of it.

Thanks for reading.

Use My Guy