December 2020 - W.P. Law Incorporated

Beginner’s Guide to Creating the Perfect Outdoor Patio this Winter

Posted on December 24, 2020September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Residential outdoor living can extend your indoor living space into the great outdoors. If you’re a beginner when it comes to planning your outdoor space, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s the guide you need to create the perfect patio this winter.

Start with the Kitchen in Mind

You don’t have to get stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the patio. Including an outdoor grill or kitchen setup when planning your patio means you can join the party and do the cooking. There are a variety of configurations to help you take advantage of the space and create the perfect area for entertaining your family and friends.

Consider the Lighting

An outdoor living space is fantastic, unless you don’t have the right lighting. Without great landscape lighting, you could be sitting in the dark. Create an inviting ambiance and highlight your backyard and garden in the process with great landscape lighting.

Add a Water Feature

Water features are soothing, beautiful, and can bring your patio to life, even in the winter. There are a wide variety of features available, including sizes to fit any deck or garden, pond or pondless options, as well as lighting options to enhance the water.

The weather in South Carolina is mild, but the winters can get cool. You can use your outdoor patio year-round with a little planning and creative design. For the perfect outdoor patio this winter, reach out to the outdoor living experts at W.P. Law, Inc. today.

Is Artificial Turf Right for Me?

Posted on December 17, 2020September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

It seems like lots of people are turning to artificial turf for backyard landscaping and athletic field footing these days but is it right for you? Before you tear up your lawn and roll out the turf, take a look at the good and the bad when it comes to artificial grass.

Pros of Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is popping up all over the place, from your next-door neighbor’s lawn to the turf on the community baseball fields. There are some good reasons for its popularity, including:

It’s low-maintenance – no mowing, weeding, trimming, or fertilizing required with artificial grass
It’s always green – whether you love a nice, green lawn year-round or an athletic field that looks great no matter the weather, artificial turf stays green
Saves water – real grass requires massive amounts of water just to keep it alive, while turf is water-free

Cons of Artificial Turf

You can’t deny the increase in turf popularity, not just for sports and recreation spaces, but also for lawns and backyards. But it’s not without its drawbacks. They include:

Cost – the initial installation of turf is expensive, averaging between $10 and $20 per square foot
Heat – artificial turf can get extremely hot during the summer months, making it impossible to walk on barefoot and miserable to play on during the day
Not eco-friendly – while turf can save water and fuel to maintain, it can negatively affect the biodiversity, including the natural water run-off
It can be unsanitary- Without proper maintenance there can be a slight risk for infection. It can also possibly retain moisture which can hold harmful bacteria.

Instead of investing in costly artificial turf that may or may not meet your expectation, and that might just get too hot to enjoy, consider natural grass instead. The team at W.P. Law, Inc. can talk to you about the pros and cons of each when you contact them today.

A Quick Guide to Frost Protection

Posted on December 10, 2020September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Are you using your irrigation system to help protect your crops this winter? When the temperature drops and there’s a frost or freeze warning, instead of worrying about the losses, take a look at how you can prevent damage. Here’s our quick guide to frost protection.

How Water Protects Crops from Frost

It might sound counterintuitive, but watering when the temperature drops to freezing or below can actually protect your crops from frost and freeze damage. Heat fusion is the key and occurs when the air temperature drops below 32°, and the freezing water coats the plants. The process of water freezing is what produces the heat.

Here’s how it works:

The irrigation system runs as temperatures drop
Water on the plants freezes, creating a reaction that releases heat under the ice, creating a 2° to 5° buffer
The heat given off as water turns to ice and protects the plant from the freezing air.

What You Need

When using irrigation to protect plants and crops from frost, the ice must be clear and drip from the plants. If the ice solidifies and turns milky-colored, there isn’t enough water to protect from frost. You’ll need to boost water application. The ice and dripping water should be uniform across the plants, and the irrigation should be continuous. Increase the amount of water as the temperature drops and continue irrigation until the air temperature rises above 32° and the ice melts.

Frost protection during the winter months is critical to your crops’ survival. The experts at W.P. Law, Inc. can guide you in your agricultural irrigation throughout the year, including the freezing months. Contact their team today for more information.

The Big Differences Between a Do it Yourself-er and a Landscape Professional

Posted on December 3, 2020September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

There are lots of weekend warriors out there trying to tackle landscaping projects Is this the right path for you? Before you hit the big-box store and start digging up the dirt, take a look at the two big differences between do-it-yourself-ers and professional landscapers.

#1: Tools and Expertise

How hard could it be to install some sprinklers, lay some sod, and plant some trees? In reality, those tasks are more challenging than you might think. The biggest advantages professional landscapers have over a homeowner considering a DIY project are their tools and expertise. You might end up spending more money just buying the right tools than you would pay a professional to do the job for you. In addition, a professional landscaper also has access to higher quality materials. Using them the right way to install plants and trees properly are the keys to your project’s success.

#2: The Work and Labor

A lot of work goes into landscaping, from the initial design to installation. While it seems like it’s something you could do over a few weekends, imagine the physical toll it could take on you, especially if you don’t have the right equipment to ease the process. Instead of spending your free time every weekend digging and hauling and planting, let the pros handle the job. They’ll get it done expertly and quickly.

We appreciate your can-do attitude when it comes to DIY projects! Be sure to contact the team at W.P. Law, Inc., to help you navigate all those landscaping and irrigation questions.

Month: December 2020