Get matched with top landscapers in Fayette, AL

There are two main times of year to apply mulch: mid to late spring and late fall. Spreading mulch in mid to late spring helps protect new seedlings as the soil warms up. It's best to wait until temperatures are steady, as mulching too early in the spring can slow down the soil's warming process and hinder plant growth. Fall mulching is also beneficial, as it insulates the soil and helps regulate its temperature when the first frosts arrive.

The truth is, there really is no such thing as a 100% deer-proof plant. Deer will decimate even the prickliest flora if they’re hungry enough. However, there are plenty of beautiful plants that deer don’t necessarily enjoy. These include thistles, wisteria vines, sword ferns, and beautyberries.

Deer are herbivores, and they love vegetable gardens as much as Peter Rabbit. If you don’t want to fence in your entire property, consider creating an attractive raised-bed veggie garden with mesh fencing around it to keep out deer and other critters.

Many ways to landscape a steep slope on a budget exist. Avoiding expensive retaining wall construction is the first step. Consider creating a rocky slope with boulders or large stones, or think about planting perennials that return every year with a single investment. Transplanting small trees from elsewhere on your property is also possible and can help to stabilize steep slopes without purchasing new ones. 

If you’re hiring a landscaper to plant the garden of your dreams, you do not need to provide them with plants that you bought yourself from a nursery. While you certainly can provide your landscaper with plants, keep in mind that some nurseries provide discounts to landscaping companies, therefore potentially lowering your materials cost. Beyond the cost of the plants themselves, you need to have additional materials like topsoil and mulch for the project. Most likely, your landscaper can get a discount on these materials as well, so it’s worth speaking with them before making any large purchases.