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​Landscaping Resource

Tree Care in Colorado

9/26/2020

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​Trees are vital to our ecosystem’s soil and air quality. Denver’s semi-arid climate and extreme temperature shifts can make it challenging to maintain healthy trees and shrubs especially in the first year or two after planting. Properly trimming and pruning woody plants is both an art and a science, so hiring an experienced professional to do the job is safer and wiser since they have the tools and know-how to do the job correctly and quickly. 
Picture of Colorado Aspen trees changing color in fall.
Why Tree Care Matters
Yearly pruning promotes more abundant flowering and foliage the following spring, allowing plants to efficiently put their energy into growth and maturation. Renewal pruning can be done three to five years apart depending on the plant type and age. Even shrubs will need at least some pruning every few years, so be sure not to skip this essential landscape maintenance service if you want a healthy and beautiful space. 
Picture of trees and shrubs trimmed for optimal growth in the Denver metro.
When To Trim And Prune 
Regular care to your hedges, flowering shrubs and ornamental trees keeps your landscape healthy and looking at its best throughout the seasons. Tree trimming is also a safety measure to keep your home and property in top shape. It is generally best to schedule this service between late fall and early spring before new growth or blossoms emerge. 
​Pruning trees in the summer isn’t healthy because it causes too much stress on the tree. Healthy tree limbs should be pruned in winter when a tree is dormant for best results. Dead, diseased or bug infested branches should be removed as they are identified fall through spring since these could damage your home or harm a neighbor if they break and fall due to heavy winds or snow. 
Trimming Vs. Pruning
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Pruning removes unnecessary or damaged branches or corrects and maintains a tree structure so that it isn’t growing over your property boundary lines or towards utility lines. 
​Trimming promotes healthy growth, especially in young trees, shrubs and hedges.  

​Both services are important practices to maintain healthy ornamental trees, fruit trees, and shrubs.
Picture of yellow flowering shrubs ready for trimming.
​​If you aren’t a seasoned gardener, it can be risky to do this work on your own and might cost you the replacement of several plants. Under-pruning a plant won’t give it the needed boost for growth, but over pruning often causes stress, reduces foliage production, and increases susceptibility to pests and disease if cuts aren’t made correctly. 

Call our licensed landscape architect today to schedule a free consultation of your space. We every month of the year serving homeowners in the Denver metro. 
Request a complimentary consultation
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maximizing spaces with retaining walls

8/21/2020

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When Retaining Walls Make The Most Sense For Your Space
Regardless of size, if your outdoor space has sloped grades or a lackluster entryway, retaining walls add depth and functionality to your landscape design. 
Photo of raised garden beds with an elegant xeriscape design.
Some of our past clients have come to us out of frustration maintaining a lawn that is hard to mow on a steep incline, or wanted to maximize a small space by adding perennials or raised garden beds. 

Just like any project, we start by visiting your space, hearing how you want to enjoy your time outside your home, and then crafting a hand rendered design customized to your space and needs. 

​We often work with individually selected river rock to create grand steps and entryways for rustic homes in the Front Range, and also have a wide variety of paver stones to choose from when creating retaining walls for modern and cottage homes, gardens, raised flower beds, and more. 
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Photo of rustic retaining walls using river rock and mulch for a mountainous xeriscape.
Photo of an elegant cream colored stone retaining wall for a raised flower bed with roses and tulips.
Photo of a terraced front yard using river rock retaining walls for a rustic mansion using ground covering for a drought resistant landscape.
Email us today to schedule an appointment for your free consultation and estimate. ​
Request a free consultation
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Custom Deck Design

7/24/2020

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The perfect deck or patio invites you to relax and restore outside after a stressful day. 

If your outdoor spaces need revitalizing, we can help. Offering more than 18 years of experience creating custom designs for the Front Range, our award winning licensed landscape architect takes the uncertainty and guesswork out of your project with proven expertise. 
Image of a stamped concrete patio with river rock stepping stones and shade making wooden pergola.
Image of a composite wood patio with stone retaining wall.
Image of a red dappled stone patio with designed with outdoor furniture and a stand alone wood fire pit.
Arterra delivers excellent customer service and high quality workmanship while serving as a general contractor to reduce communication between builders. 
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Whether you want a new wood or composite deck, stamped concrete walkway, or brick inlaid patio, we’ll create the perfect design to suit your home's needs and see that it is built to last. 

Request a free consultation for your project today.
Request a free consultation
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Selecting the Best Fence

6/11/2020

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What kind of statement does your property’s perimeter make, and how do you feel seeing it when you come home? Fences and gates add personality and safety to your home. Check out the custom fence gate we designed and constructed for a Denver homeowner here.
Different Fences for Different Folks
If you are part of a Homeowners Association, you may face requirements around fencing styles for your home.  As a dog guardian, a well-built fence is necessary to keep your four legged friend out of trouble. Homeowners in urban and metro areas might also simply want more privacy or security from a well designed fence.

Photo of a classic white picket fence.
We are here to help you wade through a sea of options and consider what fencing style fits your needs and budget. Here are a few the residential fence styles we like best:
Fencing Styles for the Front Range
Wooden fencing
From the traditional white picket fence, to the rural split rail, or privacy slat fence, wooden fencing is some of the most versatile. Split rail fences with wire backing works with many HOA restrictions and keeps pets contained while deterring bunnies from munching on your garden. 
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However, wooden fences need periodic conditioning in order to maintain aesthetics and integrity in the Front Range’s extreme weather patterns, low humidity, and intense sun.  
Picture of a rustic split rail fence for Colorado's Front Range.
Vinyl fencing
High quality vinyl fences replicate the look of painted wood from a distance and require less maintenance, but they can also become brittle during cold snaps and may acquire weathering stains over time.
Metal fencing
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Wrought iron and mild steel fences provide sturdy, rust-free protection with practically no maintenance required. The look of this black glazed metal compliments modern homes, elegant manors, and brick cottages. Brick and stucco bases can also be integrated into these fence designs to compliment your home for added flair. 

​Are you thinking about replacing a fence or building one from scratch? Reach out for a free estimate of your project today. Virtual estimates are available upon request and Arterra books projects on a first come, first served basis. 
​​
Photo of an elegant wrought iron fence for a Denver home.
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Quintessential Fire Pits

4/30/2020

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Why We Enjoy Fire
Any patio in the Front Range is made complete by an outdoor fire feature to warm your morning or make sunset watching even more cozy and enjoyable. 

Outdoor fire features add comfort, style, and function to home. Whether you pride yourself in creating warm and welcoming spaces, or simply cherish personal time outside with something to drink and a good read, the perfect fire feature helps you enjoy outdoor living when temperatures dip low. 
Modern gas burning outdoor fireplace and wooden pergola.
There are a variety of ways to safely incorporate fire elements into your outdoor oasis. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor fire features for Front Range homes:  
Rustic wood burning fire pit for stone patio
Traditional Wood Burning Options:
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Fire pits and fireplaces
Perfect for rustic mountain homes styles, people who enjoy a hands-on connection to building fires, and those who appreciate the old fashioned allure of a campfire -- stand alone fire pits or built-in wood burning fireplaces provide a finishing touch that adds joy to time spent outside. 
Self contained gas burning fire feature for patio made from black metal.
Gas fire features:
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Stand-alone gas fire pits 
Providing fuss-free heat for hand warming, s'mores roasting, and gathering with family and friends, gas fire pits will never overflow with ash or produce high floating sparks like a wood fire. They are easy to use and can be covered or stored during any period of nonuse. 
Patio heater with red finish
Patio heaters (flame heaters)
Often tall and sleek, these easy-to-move gas burning elements compliment modern home styles and eliminate smoke for satisfying flames with a few clicks of a button. Depending on the model, these might produce less radiant heat than a traditional fire pit. However, the heat output is more easily controllable than wood burning fires. ​
Professional Consulting For Your Best Fit
Consider the size of your space, whether you’re more comfortable starting a wood or gas fire, and who will be sharing your space with you. Needless to say, hot objects and open flames always require alertness to prevent accident or injury. Young children, people who are unsteady on their feet, and household pets should be considered when choosing the fire feature style that’s best for your situation. 
​

Still not sure which fire feature style would be best for your home? We provide consultation to help you weigh the pros and cons of various fire features for your circumstances and home’s design style.  ​​
Request a free consultation
Designing Deluxe Landscapes
Arterra not only specializes in designing spaces with fire features, but also low-voltage outdoor lighting, water features that wow, dog friendly spaces, and drought-tolerant xeriscapes and gardens. 

Ask for a free consultation for our licensed landscape architect today. ​
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Dog Friendly Landscapes

3/30/2020

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Arterra owner John Majeski with his family pet, Rosie.
Dogs and great designs bring a lot of joy to our lives. 

Your Pup Deserves A Space to Enjoy
We at Arterra believe that homeowners deserve to come home to (or in these times, staycation in) an outdoor space that offers you relaxation, rest, and peace.

​This belief holds especially true for our fellow dog lovers. We take great pride and joy in designing landscape spaces that are dog friendly, beautiful spaces for your four-legged friend to frolic in without destroying plants and flower beds. 

Arterra’s owner and principal, John Majeski, is a long time dog lover and owner. He understands it can be challenging to create a space that is both beautiful and suited to the needs of your canine companion. Your four-legged friend probably needs to enjoy the freedom of taking a few rowdy laps around the yard, chasing a ball, and playing freely without causing worry that he or she could destroy delicate landscape elements or accidentally escape your yard for a neighborhood adventure. 
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Conceptualizing and designing a landscape that truly considers your dog’s behavior and needs is something we delight in. In fact, we’ve brought joy to a number of our furry friends and their humans throughout the Denver metro with our unique designs. 

In general, dog friendly landscape designs tend to include turf grass, well built fences, trees and pergola structures to create shade, discreet places okay for your pup to dig in, and protection built around your plants and garden beds. 

Denver dog-friendly landscape design with turf grass, stone walkway and rock and gravel ground covering. Low voltage outdoor lighting features accent this design.
Dog-friendly run with low-voltage lighting.
 Thoughtful Design Solutions
Before offering design solutions, John talks to you about your dog’s behavior and habits. Arterra landscape designs are thoughtfully informed by your pup’s habits, and different dogs need different home spaces depending on their personality, size and temperament. 

Here are a few examples of what we mean: 
  • High energy dogs that run up and down your fence line need space for their daily romp without the risk of devastating a flower bed. Raised planters and discreet fencing or mesh wire are often good deterrents. 
  •  If you live with a chronic digger, river rock, pea gravel, and turf solutions may prevent a backyard from taking on the look of a prairie dog sanctuary. You might also consider leaving a small, hidden patch of bare ground in your space for your digger’s delight. 
  • Dog breeds stereotyped for aggressive behavior may need tall, unbreachable fencing to ensure peace of mind for the neighborhood. Elegant materials can be used to ensure that boundary fences flatter your home and work within your Homeowners Association guidelines and bi-laws. 
  • Small dogs can be clever escape artists, so unbreachable fences and gates are a solid investment for your peace of mind and pup’s safety. One attractive fencing option for smaller dogs could be traditional rail fencing with tasteful and secure modern wire mesh. 
Denver metro dog-friendly backyard landscape design with turf grass, stone walkway, tall wooden fencing and gravel ground covering.
HOA Compliant
​We take care to work with any design restrictions that you homeowners association may enforce, and we take great pride in helping fellow dog lovers create outdoor spaces that are beautiful and meant for your whole family to enjoy. 

Ask us for a free consultation for your dog-friendly landscape design today.

Ask for an estimate

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Sustainability Through Xeriscaping

2/24/2020

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Rustic xeriscape design with gravel walkways, shade creating pergola, and fire pit.
Home Sustainability Solutions
So many of us make resolutions at the beginning of the year to make better choices around our health, finances, relationships and living our best life. But how often do we consider the opportunity to make improvements that benefit our finances, quality of life, and environmental impact through our home and its surrounding landscape? 

If finances and sustainability matter to you, Xeriscape renovation should be a top consideration for homeowners in Colorado's the Front Range.  

What Is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping, also sometimes called “smart-scaping” or “drought-tolerant landscaping,” is a set of landscape design principles to benefit areas susceptible to drought or concerned with water conservation. This style of landscape utilizes water conserving techniques such as the inclusion of drought-tolerant plants; ground covers such as bark, mulch, or rock; and efficient irrigation to create sustainable beauty that also lowers water bills. 

Designs can range from rustic alpine to vibrant xeriscape garden to minimalist zen meditation aesthetics and anything in between. 

Colorful garden xeriscape with shrubs, boulders, blossoming perennials, and a gravel walkway.
Photo of a rustic xeriscape with alpine trees, green shrubs, stone walkway and mulch ground covering.
Rooted In Colorado
Did you know that the Water Department of Denver is credited for coining the word “xeriscape” back in 1981? Really! Denver Water combined "landscape" with “xeros” (the Greek word for “dry”), to make it easier to talk about a style of landscaping suited to the Front Range and other semi-arid regions. 

How It Works & What To Use 
Ask your landscape designer to select plants adapted to the Denver metro’s general weather patterns. (If you have lived near the Mile High City for at least a season or two, you’ll notice how quickly the weather can turn from 70 degrees one day to snowing or below freezing the next!) Your plants need to be adapted to withstand these extremes. 

A skilled landscape architect will create a beautiful plan for you that is aesthetically pleasing with more than just a sea of sand or rocks replacing your lawn. Ideally you want to enjoy a beautiful space that is designed to require minimal water consumption and minimal maintenance. 

Arterra owner, John Majeski, approaches xeriscape designs considering your area’s average rainfall and what grows indigenously in your area. Instead of expansive sod lawns, he incorporates natural materials like turf grasses, native plants like deciduous shrubs or pine trees, and wildflowers that are hardy enough to sustain the varied temperature swings seen in our region.

Some of John’s favorite plants to work with include roses, ornamental grasses, boxwood, and certain cacti. 

Will Xeriscaping Save Me Money? 
The costs of xeriscape design and installation range depending on the size of your space, materials used, and variety of plants incorporated. Installation costs are typically on par with more traditional landscapes that rely heavily on sod and perennials, but the long term savings from less intensive maintenance and water consumption typically pay off after several years making your landscape more sensible for your finances and the environment.
Picture of a xeriscape garden with drought resistant shrubs, flowers and river rock ground covering.
When Should I Install A Xeriscape?
While spring is always the most ideal time to install and renovate gardens and lawns, you can generally install xeriscapes anytime throughout the year (weather permitting).

Work With Us
Arterra is now booking landscape design and construction projects for the spring and summer on a first come, first served basis. We give you accurate, fair, and custom quotes based on a site visit to your property with your personal lifestyle and home’s features in mind. 
Contact Us Today
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Landscape Designs

1/13/2020

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Specialists in Custom Landscape Designs
Great landscaping starts with intentional and creative design work. At Arterra, our licensed landscape architect takes great care in the process behind envisioning your outdoor oasis. John Majeski visits your space to assess things like the land’s grade, existing structural features or trees, weather elements, irrigation needs, and more. 
Picture of a residential landscaping design with a stone patio, wooden pergola, and shade creating trees for the Front Range climate.
How do we imagine a space?
First we connect with you to learn more about how you want to use your space. Need a dog-friendly patio, low maintenance space, outdoor sanctuary to read books in the cool mornings and evenings, or want to entertain family and friends while you cook and dine outside? All of this factors into how we conceptualize your landscape design. 

We also consider the style of your home and any challenges or factors (such as privacy from bordering property lines, sloping grades, soil type, sun exposure and wind factors) for your unique location. 

After talking about your dream vision and ideal outdoor space, we assess your property, and chat about your budget before creating a custom, hand rendered landscaping design with built and natural elements. Many of our renovation and new construction projects include hardscapes such as stamped concrete walkways, patios, pergola shade structures, garden beds, water features, fences and, of course, automated irrigation systems (less work outdoors equals more relaxation in it, right?).
Picture of a Denver metro residential landscape design featuring a red stone patio with raised brick fire features and a self contained fountain.
Considering A Project? 
Start planning your spring renovation or new landscape project now. Not sure how much to plan to allocate for your dream space? We’ve been doing this for nearly two decades and can help provide you with an honest estimate depending on what features and materials you want to work with.  
 
Contact us today to start a conversation about your dream landscape and design project! Consultations are free and we are now booking a limited number of clients for Spring and Summer on a first come, first served basis. 

Explore some examples of our hand-drawn landscape design renderings here, and explore our photo gallery.

Learn more about our services
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Trees for Colorado's Climate

12/30/2019

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Trees For Style And Sustainability
Trees are often an important part of landscape design since they offer benefits for people and the planet: trees add cooling shade and privacy to outdoor spaces, and they also help improve air quality by producing oxygen and storing carbon. However, not all trees are created equal when it comes to thriving in the Front Range. 

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Our Favorite Evergreens
We love working with trees to add wind and privacy screens. See which ones are our favorites and read about their respective merits below:
Picture of tall and slender Emerald Arborvitae trees for privacy.
Photo credit: Pro Gardens
​The Emerald Arborvitae For Shade
Our top choice for suitability to Colorado’s landscape is the Emerald Arborvitae. This narrow, dense evergreen is great for creating privacy with added screening to buffer thee rail-and-wire fencing that is popular in neighborhoods from Arvada to Cherry Creek. It also tolerates shade well when planted in East or West facing configurations.  

​The Spartan Juniper For Full Sun

For spaces bearing the heat relentless direct sunshine, the Spartan Juniper is a narrow and upright evergreen to weather hot summers and add a cooling layer of shade to help you and your pets enjoy your space more comfortably.
Picture of an Aristocrat pear tree in bloom.
Aristocrat pear tree. Photo credit: Lolita Baker
A Few More Favorites
Some of our landscape architect’s favorite non-evergreen trees are the Aristocrat Pear, Serviceberry, Autumn Blaze Maple, Amir Maple, Winter King Hawthorn, and Newport Plum.

Trees like these add beauty during seasonal changes with budding leaves and flowering blossoms.  



​Trees We Typically Avoid Planting

There are a few shortcomings of trending favorite trees out there to be aware of. For example, oak trees are a trending favorite by appearance, but they take years to grow to maturity (a consideration especially when renovating landscape to increase home resale value). ​​
​Another signature look in Colorado is the Aspen tree, beloved for their subtle bark color and delicate leaves. While this native species thrives naturally in the mountains, we do not recommend planting these seedlings unless working with a sizable property that provides ample space for these invasive root systems to sprawl. Planting saplings near homes and in smaller spaces can lead to plumbing and foundation disruptions over time. The variety of Aspens that flourish at the Denver metro elevations are also limited.  

The Takeaway
Include the right trees for your space to reduce wind, dust, excess heat, and street visibility in your outdoor space. We can help you hand select the right varietals to thrive in your space and the best design placement to help you enjoy your space whether you want comfortable patio time during the summer months or an added layer of privacy between your home and property line. 
Ask for a free consultation.
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Remember to Water This Winter

11/27/2019

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End of Year Maintenance 
As we’ve seen with this month’s weather patterns and snow storms, winter is upon us in the Front Range, with temperatures often dipping below freezing overnight. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to have your sprinkler system turned off and the lines blown out. Freezing water left in your lines can expand and cause damage to the system that is far more costly than the seasonal maintenance work of properly putting your irrigation system to sleep for the winter. ​
Picture of frosted grass at sunset in Colorado.

After winterizing your irrigation systems, you’ll also want to ensure that you have a plan for giving your plants and grass enough hydration to stay alive and healthy between rain and snowfall. We recommend adding a recurring reminder on your calendar to hand-water your greenery, especially if you recently installed a new landscape that hasn’t had time to develop a hardy root system. 

Let Us Worry About Your Watering
Arterra is now offering watering services at a reasonable rate. We'll set a schedule for your space's needs and take the hassle out of this chore for you. Contact John Majeski for more info. 

Water Savings Evaluations
For older irrigation systems, now is also the time of year to evaluate whether your entire irrigation system is working properly, replace edging, install new light fixtures, and get ahead of any issues before they arise this spring. 

Arterra’s principal, John Majeski evaluates water systems to help reduce monthly water bills and consults on how to make spaces more Xeriscape-friendly for low-maintenance, highly usable, and attractive spaces. 

Free Consultations
Call John Majeski today to discuss your seasonal landscape maintenance needs: (720) 436-6340.
Contact us to set up a consultation
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