Let’s start off with a guideline to more sustainability in landscaping.

1) Resource Conservation: To ensure the supply of natural resources for present and future generations through the efficient use of land, less wasteful use of non-renewable resources, their substitution by renewable resources whenever possible, and the maintenance of biological diversity.
2) Site Built Development: to ensure that the development and use of the built environment respects and is in harmony with the natural environment, and that the relationship between the two is designed to one of balance and mutual enhancement.
3) Environmental Quality: To prevent or reduce processes that degrade or pollute the environment, to protect the regenerative capacity of ecosystems, and to prevent developments that are detrimental to human health or that might diminish the quality of life.
The picture below shows perennial planting beds that are sustainable.

How does sustainability in landscaping get applied on a real life day to day basis?
Sustainability boils down to to a greener approach to landscaping in general. This means to become more sustainable, we must first; reduce, reuse and recycle.
Please see my other blog on sustainable landscaping to get some details how to achieve this.
Here are some simple steps on creating a more sustainable landscape:
1. Utilize native and drought tolerant plants in the proposed landscaping. I don’t believe it has to be 100% native plants, because it should be sustainable to your own personal desires.
Let’s face it, if you don’t like it , it isn’t sustainable to you.
2. Apply fertilizers that are controlled release. This will cut down on waste and prevents run-off of nutrients into our water systems. There are also many organic fertilizer products now available. You don’t have to raise your own chickens. You can cut down on fertilizer by using soil mixes and compost. They also retain moisture in the ground and are generally made from recycled materials.
3. Reduce water usage by properly adjusted irrigation systems, water smart controllers, drip and micro-spray irrigation systems and at least turning off the controller if it’s raining.
Remember; A typical lawn needs only 1″ of water to do very well.
4. Use recycled mulch around plantings. We like to use at least 2″ of bark or compost. This helps in weed control also.
5. Use plants that do well in your planting zone. In Western Washington, we have a huge assortment of trees, shrubs and ground covers. Most of which are grown locally.
The plantings in my yard are many indigenous and plants that work in my planting zones.

What about collecting rain water? Here in the northwest, I just can’t wrap my head around rain barrels. It really rains too much. In July or August a little extra stored water is nice, but a 55 gallon rain barrel, just doesn’t seem to be too practical. A 6000 gallon cistern collecting your roof drainage, would be a great start. They are however very expensive to implement.
My thought is to start small and practical, by reducing, reusing and recycling. Just because it’s a sustainable landscape, doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful.
Woody’s Custom Landscaping has been installing landscapes in the Vancouver WA and Portland Or area with certified services and sustainability just for you.

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Spring is almost here. Time to think about all the projects you may want to accomplish outside. Is landscaping on your spring wish list? If it is, you are in the right place at the right time. As they say the early bird gets the worm. As the season gets into full swing, clients that call early and start the process, don’t have to wait for their landscaping to get finished. The later you wait, the longer the delay may be.

Is your lawn covered in moss and weeds? Do you want to have that outside room every one is talking about? Does your yard just not make enough sense for how you use it? It’s that perfect time of year to get your spring projects underway. If it’s a new patio, Woody can install flagstone, brick and pavers. If it’s a new lawn or a irrigation system, Woody’s team will get the job done right the first time. How about a landscape design? Woody has independent landscape designers that will help you plan for that perfect backyard or front yard renovation. Don’t just keep your wish list to yourself. Let woodyscustomlandscaping.com show you what our services are and help you get the quality landscaping you want.

Our services include:
Landscape Industry certified employees.
Award winning service every job.
Paver, flagstone and brick patios.
Outdoor rooms.
Landscape design
Irrigation
Planting
Retaining walls
Water Features including: ponds, bubblers, pondless waterfalls and reflection pools
Front and back yard renovation.

Serving the Vancouver Portland area with many award winning landscape services.

It wasn’t that long ago, say about 15 years that installing a irrigation system system in your landscaping was something that was not usually considered by homeowners. The feeling was since we live in the wet Pacific Northwest, that a sprinkler system was considered an option in the landscape. A lot has happened since those days. Installing a sprinkler system now is a normal item that is constructed in the landscape. I think most homeowners now see the value of green grass in summer and they know that the money they invest in a irrigation system, will be returned when they sell their home.

www.woodyscustomlandscaping.com  install mostly Rainbird systems. We are a gold Rainbird select contractor and feel Rainbird offers a great product, with easy to understand controllers with a great warranty program just in case an item malfunctions.

One of the most important things to consider when we install a irrigation system is head to head coverage. Each head we install should overlap each other. Each head must be adjusted to insure that we get matched precipitation. For larger lawn areas we like to use Rainbird 5000 rotors. For smaller lawns we use Rainbird 1804 popups. In planter beds we use Rainbird 1806 popups.
If a double check valve is being installed vs. a atmospheric anti syphon valve, a permit must be issued and the double check valve must pass inspection.
Smart controllers are now available for home owners. These types of controllers sense the weather and moisture and turn themselves off and on depending on how wet the environment is.
Drip irrigation is another green industry item that helps the project use less water. Instead of overhead spraying a drip irrigation system can only emit a controlled amount of water to each plant. An example would be, 1 gallon per hour for 1 gallon sized plants, 2-5 gallon per hour for larger shrubs and multiple drip emitters for trees. With a combination of a smart controller and drip emitters quite of bit of water can be saved by using them.

We fully warranty our sprinkler systems for a term of at least one year.
This season install an irrigation system with your new sod, seed lawn and plantings. It will be an investment that will gives a fantastic green return.
We have served the Portland Oregon and Vancouver Washington area for over twenty years with quality workmanship and dedicated award winning services.

Lots of back yards just aren’t what people want after living in their homes for years. The sod is old. There are no patio areas. Plants just don’t seem to thrive. We just finished this Vancouver WA backyard in May 2010. It was designed by Christine Ellis with Gregg/Ellis Landscape Design. The idea was to make the back yard more dog friendly for their three hounds. Paver pathways were installed with a paver patio off to the side for a little quite get away from the house. The irrigation had to be redone and we added a lot of plantings and transplanted many existing plants. It now has so much more livability with the added features. They love the different outdoor rooms that were installed. One side of the house has a rose garden with large stepping stones to it. The other side of the house has a small paver patio and a medium sized sod lawn for that quiet get away.
Woody’s Custom Landscaping, Inc. for professional, certified landscapers who really can make a difference in your yard.

Serving the landscaping needs of Vancouver WA for over twenty years with professional service.

Most lawns in Western Washington last only 10-15 years. This is with good maintenance including, aeration, a fertilizer program, reseeding and lime applications. Most folks really just make sure their lawn is mowed and edged. It does take a little more work if you want a great looking lawn. This year we have done quite a few jobs replacing old tired lawns and installing Rainbird irrigation systems. A must on new sod installation is to have the soil well prepped. This means scarifying or tilling once the ground is bare and at least 2″ of a good three way soil mix installed depending on soil condition, and tilling again. Good soil preparation is a great start to healthy roots. Our irrigation systems we install are generally Rainbird. We are a Rainbird Select Contractor and find their products very high quality. MP Rotator nozzles which offer large throws but low volume are a great way to save some water. These nozzles are made by Hunter and offer a slow sure way to get water down deep.
If your lawn is looking a little sad and is over 10 years old you may want to consider tearing it out and replacing it with a new sod lawn and irrigation system. We stand behind all of our work with a full warranty on the lawn and irrigation.

Great patio and new backyard install‎‎
By Mike – Apr 22, 2010
We originally met with Woody in 2009. We wanted a new patio and backyard landscape and he recommended we meet and consult with a landscape designer, which we did. After receiving the plan we held off on the new patio and yard until this April when Woody and his team came and did a great job for us. They were prompt, friendly and did an excellent job. We highly recommend Woody’s Custom Landscaping.‎

Excellent stone work and landscaping‎‎
By Gary – Mar 12, 2010
We started with a vision and Woody’s workers made it a reality. Many positives with this association: able to change plans as the work progressed, dependable on-time, polite, capable crew, helped us with knowledgeable suggestions, while taking our input. Project required much more than we could anticipate and Woody guided us through to completion. We would highly recommend.‎

We aim to please in all applications of our landscaping.
Services are:
landscape design services
Patios (interlocking concrete pavers, flagstone and brick).
Retaining walls all types
Water features. You name it we have built it.
Low voltage lighting incandescent and led
planting
irrigation low volume Rainbird and drip
custom masonry
sod
drainage
Serving Vancouver and Portland with certified award winning professionals.

Tired of the mud and dust? Sick of the moss and weeds? Is that little concrete pad off your back door just not cutting it? Do you want some interest and excitement to be part of your back yard?
The first place to start is with some sort of a plan. Does this mean you’ve have to hire a landscape designer? Not necessarily, but it is probably a good starting point. If you have a good understanding of plant material and how it matures and looks, then you can probably make your own plant list. Do you want a irrigation system? How much patio space would fit you outdoor needs? Do you understand all the various materials that can be used for patios, retaining walls, water features and lighting? If you feel unsure, a landscape designer is probably a good idea. They can figure out with your help, what are your landscape needs. They will help with a landscape budget, making choices for patios, retaining walls and all hardscaping a simpler process to come up with a final decision for your landscape.

The next question is. Do you need a landscape contractor? How do you choose one? First off, if it looks like to much hard work for you it probably is. If however, you must watch every penny, you may want to consider doing it yourself. I like to point out to people that their time is worth money. Do you take enough pleasure in the installation process to spend 150 man hours or more to install your own landscape? If so,knock yourself out. Most home owners do not know all the techniques, to install a quality and professional landscape. That is why landscape contractors are in business.
So, how do you choose a good, reputable service oriented landscape contractor? Do some research. Look at their web site. Does the web site show photos of their work? Do they have references available? Once you choose three landscape contractors and hopefully no more, schedule an appointment. Did they arrive on time? What was your first impression? Did he or she listen to what you wanted done? Are they licensed, insured and bonded? Make sure, that in fact they are? Ask to see some proof. If your your ending impression of them was not good then don’t use their quote. You are your own best judge. Please make sure that the bid is apples to apples. That is one reason a landscape plan really helps in keeping all the landscape contractors bidding on the same items.

Plan a beautiful and functional outdoor living space with a multi-award winning landscaping contractor James “Woody” Woodhead. Learn about style, color, balance, function and design philosophy. Also, the how-to of considering your surroundings, making a budget, and installing irrigation and water features. You will leave this class empowered with all you need to complete your landscaping project.
Clases will be Tuesdays April 13, 20 and the 27th from 7-9 PM
Fee $89.00
Location Whole Foods Market in Portland 15th and Fremont.
Sign up at http://www.mindglo.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MindGlo
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MindGlo
Register today!:

What is beyond the wood door? Could it be the landscape you always wanted? Is spring giving you the urge to finally get the landscape of your dreams? Just give Woody a call and see how easy it is to get a precise estimate and a professional landscaping team working for you.

Our services include:
Landscape Industry certified employees.
Award winning service every job.
Paver, flagstone and brick patios.
Outdoor rooms.
Landscape design
Irrigation
Planting
Retaining walls
Water Features including: ponds, bubblers, pondless waterfalls and reflection pools
Front and back yard renovation.

Daffodils are up, the leaves are uncurling from winter and the sun when it does come out blesses us with warmth. Yes, spring is here. Time to get all the projects under way. Have you wished your lawn wasn’t covered in moss and weeds? Do you want to have that outside room every one is talking about? Does your yard just not make enough sense for how you use it? It’s that perfect time of year to get your spring projects underway. If it’s a new patio, Woody can install flagstone, brick and pavers. If it’s a new lawn or a irrigation system, Woody’s team will get the job done right the first time. How about a landscape design? Woody has independent landscape designers that will help you plan for that perfect backyard or front yard renovation. Don’t just keep your wish list to yourself. Let Woody’s Custom Landscaping show you just how easy it is to have that landscaping you want.

Our services include:
Landscape Industry certified employees.
Award winning service every job.
Paver, flagstone and brick patios.
Outdoor rooms.
Landscape design
Irrigation
Planting
Retaining walls
Water Features including: ponds, bubblers, pondless waterfalls and reflection pools
Front and back yard renovation.