Help! There Are Mushrooms in My Mulch

mushroom growing in mulch

Why are there so many mushrooms in my mulch and grass?!  We’ve heard this question A LOT this year and the short answer is; its been really wet and rainy! While harmless to plants, mushrooms can be an ugly addition to your flower bed; if eaten by a curious child or pet, it could make them sick.

The good news is that there are several ways to get rid of these unsightly additions. The experts at Hively have put together a list of the most effective ways to combat mushrooms appearing in your mulch beds. Follow the advice below to win back your beds! Continue reading

looking through a shade structure over a backyard pool complete with outdoor lighting at dusk

Tips for Dramatic Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a great way to improve the appearance, safety and accessibility of your home and landscape.  Whether you have simple a simple walkway or a large outdoor living area, your outdoor space will benefit from being in the spotlight.  Like many projects, outdoor lighting can seem overwhelming but you don’t need to be afraid of the light!

Here are several things we consider when designing a new lighting project, they’ll help you, too. Continue reading

Team Spotlight: Jeff Barker

Jeff Barker - Senior Crew Leader/Yard Captain We wanted to help you get to know the team behind the great reputation at Hively Landscapes with our team spotlight series. Jeff Barker, Senior Crew Leader/Yard Captain, was kind enough to join us on the hot seat and answer a few questions.

Learn more about what Jeff had to say below!

Q: What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
A: The one thing I couldn’t live without is my family.

Q: What’s the coolest (or most important) trend you see today?Continue reading

lawn sprinkler spraying water

Lawn Care Tips During a Drought

The summer heat can take its toll on your lawn, especially when it’s accompanied by a lack of rain. If you want to avoid a brown, patchy lawn, there are a few steps you can take to help give your lawn the best chance to stay green and healthy.

Mowing

It all begins with your mowing habits. Summer droughts and long periods without rain can cause stress to your lawn. If you mow your lawn too short, or with a dull blade, additional stress is caused and will make it difficult for the grass to recover once cooler temperatures and rain return. Limit your mowing as much as possible and make a conscious effort to mow your grass on a higher setting. Continue reading

stink bug on a shrub

Summertime Pest Control

You aren’t the only one who is enjoying the warm summer weather. This is prime season for a variety of common pests we encounter in south-central Pennsylvania. Whether you’re in the midst of a battle with mosquitoes, wasps, ticks, fleas, or another pest, the good news is there is something you can do to fight back.

Rather than dealing with these threats to the health and safety of yourself or your loved ones, it’s time to reclaim your landscape! Keep these tips in mind when summer hits and you’ll be able to enjoy your yard year-round. Continue reading

beach with seagulls flying over the ocean and beach

Lawn & Landscape Care While You’re Away

Summer is here and it’s time to get away! When you’re working through your list of to-do’s before and during your vacation, be sure your lawn and landscape gets the attention it needs. A few simple tasks now can mean the difference between coming home to dead plants, brown grass, and unruly weeds, or your lawn and landscape appearing like you never even left.

Preparation is the key to success when it comes to your lawn and landscape. Whether your vacation lasts for a week or it stretches beyond two weeks, one of the best tips for keeping your lawn and landscape cared for while your away is some simple prep work.

Vacationing for a week or less?Continue reading

landscaped pool

Landscaping Around a Pool

Pool season is in full swing! If you are a confident do-it-yourselfer who would like to do some refreshing of the area around your pool, we have some tips to help you do it right.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when landscaping around your pool, as it comes with very different requirements than elsewhere in your landscape.  The main goals of landscaping around a pool typically include:

  • Minimizing debris in the pool
  • Providing privacy
  • Eliminating thorns, spines, spikes and bees
  • No invasive roots
  • Planning for low maintenance

Continue reading

Team Spotlight: Pam Grove

Pam Grove - Office Manager We wanted to help you get to know the team behind the great reputation at Hively Landscapes with our team spotlight series. Pam Grove, Office Manager, was kind enough to join us on the hot seat and answer a few questions. Pam has been running the show at Hively for 18 years, and she is truly the piece of the puzzle that helps keep our clients happy and the business side of our operation running smoothly.

Learn more about what Pam had to say below!

Q: Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
A: When I graduated from high school I tried to join the Air Force so I could become an astronaut; but, I didn’t pass the physical.

Q: Favorite line from a movie? Continue reading

hammock

Preparing your Landscape for Summer

Summer will be here before you know it- will your landscape be ready? Hot summer days and dry weather can really stress your lawn and landscape. Without proper preparation for summer, all the money, time and effort you invested in your landscape this spring could be in jeopardy.

To keep your lawn and landscape looking great as the summer heats up, follow these tips from the landscape professionals at Hively. Continue reading

Advantages & Disadvantages of Drip Irrigation

spigot with hose attachedDeep, penetrating watering is the best way to ensure your landscape survives the stresses of the warm season. Proper watering technique calls for watering less frequently, but more at one time, to give your garden a quality soaking that gives roots a sufficient supply of water. This is better than the quick surface watering you see by less experienced gardeners.

For commercial landscapes, as well as larger residential landscapes, a drip irrigation system can be an effective alternative to hiring a landscaping crew or doing the task yourself.

Drip irrigation is a more controlled watering method than using a surface sprinkler or a hose. It uses plastic tubes that distribute water along the length of the system through small holes. These holes connect to emitters that are set near your plants and allow for watering at a slow and very thorough rate. Continue reading