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AG VanGundy Landscape, Inc. & AG Landscape Materials, Inc. |
Posts Tagged ‘Landscape Designing’
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
Wow can you believe that in less than a week it’s going to be 2012?
The cold, snowy winter a lot of forecasters were predicting still hasn’t hit us. Personally, I’m a little disappointed. A lot of snow means a lot of plowing for me; cold weather usually means a lot of firewood sales. However, I know I shouldn’t complain. We’re still making firewood sales, and sooner or later, it’s gotta snow – right?
This past year has taught me to appreciate everything (from the big things to the little things), to be thankful for what I have in my life, not to dwell on the things that are gone or the things I never possessed, and to know that with each new day comes new hope. It’s also taught me that having good health is truly a blessing and that loving family and friends and faith are really the most important things in life.
So, while no one’s life is perfect and some may feel that there’s not much good in it, take a couple of minutes before the new year starts and think of the blessings you do have in your life and then think of ways you can build on them in the coming year.
Here’s wishing you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!!!
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, de-icing, Do It Youself Projects, facecord, fall, Firewood, Hardscaping, Landscape Designing, landscaping, Roselle, Salt, Schaumburg, Snow Plow, Snow Plowing, snow removal, winter services, winterize
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Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
Our 2nd Annual “Tailgating Party” is going to be held on October 23rd. This is the week the Bears will be playing against Tampa Bay in England. I think we’re going for an English Theme (Pre-Game Music: Beatles, Rolling Stones…, Food: London Broil, Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash…). If you have any suggestions I could incorporate, please let me know. My knowledge of the English culture isn’t that profound.
Last week, I mentioned that I would post a “how to” blog regarding the installation of a fire pit. Well, here it is:
The first thing I would suggest doing is to contact your village/town offices regarding permit and placement regulations. I know some villages have certain requirements regarding the placement of a stationary fire pit, better to check it out before you start.
Next, decide where you want the fire pit to be installed. For size, I like to build mine with a 42” inside diameter and usually 4 courses tall. To ensure a nice circle, you may want to place a stake and run a 21” string around. You may want to mark this area with marking paint.
After you mark your area, decide whether you want a 3 or 4 tiered fire pit. Remember that 1 tier (or layer of stone) will be buried.
Order a “fire pit kit” from A.G. Landscape Materials, Inc. The kit will contain Grade 8 Gravel to be used as the base for the stone, the Unilock Stack Stone (your choice of color Nevada or Sierra), 1” – 1.5” Washed Gravel and Adhesive. You may want to order 30 – 60 pieces of firewood, too. That way you’re ready to burn. You can order your kit and firewood by calling us at (630) 295-8190 or e-mail us at agvangundy@hotmail.com
I highly recommend that you call JULIE (1-800-892-0123) to have them locate and mark your underground utilities. They’ll need 2 business days to completely mark the area.
Ensure you have all the tools you need. I would recommend a shovel, wheelbarrow, tamper, 1 stake, string, 1’ level and a rubber/wood mallet.
Now you’re ready to start construction:
Excavate the area to accommodate the Grade 8 gravel and the depth of one (1) Stack Stone. For a 42” inside diameter, the total circle will need to be approx. 60”. You will need to dig a depth of 8” – 10”.
Install Grade 8 Gravel where the Stack Stone will be installed. Make sure you tamp the gravel at approx. every 2”. You will need an approx. depth of 4” – 6”.
Install the Stack Stone. The 1st course should be below ground level. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th (if applicable) courses should be glued to the course beneath it.
Install 1” – 1.5” Washed Stone. This will assist with water drainage out of your pit. The depth should be at approx. 5” – 6”.
As an option, you can purchase a firewood grate from a home improvement store and install that within your pit.
Once your adhesives dry, usually within a day or so, you’re ready to burn.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (630) 295-8190 or e-mail any questions to agvangundy@hotmail.com
Finally, how about that game on Sunday night? Personally, I couldn’t have enjoyed it more; my daughter came in from Minnesota and went with us. What a great day it was!!!
Hopefully, this Sunday will prove to be just as great of a day. We’ll keep our fingers crossed and the fire burning!
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, autumn, Do It Youself Projects, facecord, Firewood, Hardscaping, Landcape Construction, Landscape Design, Landscape Designing, Landscape Installations, landscaping, Roselle, Schaumburg
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Thursday, October 13th, 2011
For those of you who don’t know, I’m here in the Chicago area. I’m a die-hard Bears fan. Now, before some of you start extending your sympathies, just know, that I’ve been a Bears fan forever – through a lot of good times, but especially during the not so good times. I celebrated the ’85 Bears, I was sickened when they fired “Da Coach”, and I cried when Walter died. It’s more than just the games; it’s the friendships I’ve developed because of the mutual hopefulness all of us, as fans, possess. Yes, I do attend as many games as I can, I go with a group of guys who have become my best friends throughout the years and we meet up with another group of guys in a parking lot and do the tailgating thing. We usually get to the lot around 7:00 a.m. for a noon game. It’s usually a great day (hopefully capped off with a Bears victory, but…) Anyway, my wife came up the idea last year of a “tailgating party” at our house. So last year we hosted our first one. We had the grill going by 7:00 a.m., Bloody Marys poured by 7:20, Bags Game in progress by 8:00, Singing of the Bears Fight Song and Raising of the Bears Flag by 11:30. We then made “the walk” (as we do at home games to Soldier Field) to my friends’ home and the Large Screen HD TV by noon! After the game, back to my house, more food, a few more beverages, and a fire. It was a great day (Oh yea, did I mention – the Bears did win!!!).
One of the best additions to our landscaping was the fire pit. It’s so easy to install, you can do it yourself. We enjoy ours at least once a week (except during the winter months, when we enjoy the indoor fireplace). A fire pit is reasonably priced and a project that can be completed within a day. I did ensure that I had all the materials needed beforehand so that I was ready to go after my morning coffee.
Here at A.G. Landscape Materials, we sell the package. Everything you need to complete the installation of your fire pit (from the gravel to the firewood). You will, however, need your own level, shovel, mallet, string, and maybe a can of marking paint.
Before you start the construction of your fire pit, you may want to check with your village regarding permit and placement regulations. You’ll also want to contact JULIE (1-800-892-0123) to have them mark your underground utility lines. They will need at least 2 business days to mark the property.
Check out our next week’s blog for complete instructions on how to install the fire pit. In the mean time, if you have any questions regarding fire pits, firewood, landscaping or materials, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (630) 295-8190 or e-mail us at agvangundy@hotmail.com. Feel free to stop by our yard at 24W733 Lake Street in Roselle, IL to see our sample fire pit and the materials.
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, autumn, Do It Youself Projects, facecord, Firewood, Hardscaping, Landcape Construction, Landscape Design, Landscape Designing, Landscape Planning, Roselle, Schaumburg
Posted in Firewood, Hardscaping, Landscape Designing | 5 Comments »
Monday, January 17th, 2011
Now is a great time for planning your landscape. Whether it be a curb appeal face lift for your home or your commercial property or a new back yard living space complete with a new patio, outdoor barbeque, and fireplace or privacy issues, this time of winter is best for planning and designing. Typically, you won’t be “up against the wall” for time and most landscape designers/sales reps have additional time to give you and your job more personalized attention than in the rush of the spring. This is why we here at A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc. stress to call us early! Once the warmer temperatures arrive, most people will then call on the Landscape companies for quotes, designs… When this time of the year occurs, scheduling appointments may become a little less convenient for you as the “optimum” times will book up quickly. As our economy seems to be on the up swing, we anticipate that 2011 will be a busy year; however, we are currently pricing 2011 jobs using 2010 dollars. This is another reason to book early. Please know, however, that A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc. strives to accommodate our clients and our potential clients; however, there are only so many hours in a day and so many days in a week.
If you are thinking about a larger job which will require a building permit from your town or village and want it to be completed early enough for you to enjoy most of the year, we will have plenty of time now to complete the design and make any needed adjustments before filing for the permit. Most towns and villages now require permits for patios, retaining walls, driveways, and in some cases even drain tile work. In addition to expanding their permit requirements, many of villages have reduced their building department staff, which has increased the amount of time needed for getting a permit approved. The permit approval process, which previously was a simple 2 – 3 day process has now become a 2 – 3 week process in some villages that are requiring more and more specifications. Some towns are now even requiring engineering prints and seals for retaining walls over 24” – 30” high. I’m not telling you of these new requirements to scare you off of doing your project; I just want to inform you of what some of you may be up against. We here at A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc. have worked with a majority of the towns/villages here in the Chicago area and I have to admit, we have a pretty good working relationship with most of those building departments. We understand that they have limitations, as do most of us, and are willing and able to work with them and act as your liaison to get your permit approved. But, why not start this process as early as possible? The longer you wait on this, the longer the permit process will probably take.
I’m sure plenty of you are thinking about changing some things in your current landscape, but aren’t quite sure what to do. Where do you get “the most bang for your buck”? For ideas, there are plenty of publications and t.v. shows, but I think a great way to get ideas and/or meet contractors early in the season is to attend one of the week-end home improvement shows that occur just about every week-end somewhere in the Chicago area. Currently we are scheduled to be at two local home shows within the next few months. On February 25 – 27, 2011 we will be at the Home show in Arlington Heights and on March 12 & 13, 2011, will be at the home show in Palatine at Harper College. This is a great opportunity for people to come out and talk to us personally about you’re wants and needs for landscaping, look through our portfolios of before and after shots and of some of our completed projects. This also give you an opportunity to set up a free first appointment (with some restrictions) right then. We love taking part in these home shows as it gives us an opportunity to “show our stuff” to potential clients in the area.
For more information regarding planning for spring, check out our previous blogs from January, 2010, I think you’ll find them informative.
For more information regarding A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc., please visit us at www.agvangundy.com or call us at (630) 295-8190. We’ll be more than happy to go over the areas we service and the services that we offer.
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, Do It Youself Projects, Drain Tile, Drain Tile Work, Drainage, Hardscaping, Landcape Construction, Landscape Design, Landscape Designing, Landscape Installations, Landscape Planning, landscaping, Lawn Renovation, Patio, Retaining Wall Construction, Roselle, Schaumburg, topsoil
Posted in General, Landscape Designing, Landscape Planning | No Comments »
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
Hopefully this blog finds all of you enjoying the summer. I know here in the Chicago area we’re experiencing a hot, humid, wet summer. Rain has been a real deterrent for many of us getting some of our landscape projects completed. If you have experienced a drainage issue, you might want to take a look at our blog pertaining to Drain Tile Work that was originally posted on 3/8/2010.
Speaking of wet weather, it’s sometimes a challenge to get things to grow. I do have some suggestions for you. Certain trees do really well in wet areas and are a great way to add to your landscape and help the environment. Fall is a great time to plant trees and now is an excellent time to start planning. I have listed a few of my favorites that I think might be worth your consideration when thinking about adding to your landscape. I have also noted the trees that do well in wet, poorly drained soil.
Arborvitae (Evergreen)
Emerald Green – Foliage is emerald green and it grows in a narrow, pyramidal
form. It grows to be approx. 20’ X 4’. Tolerates moist soils
Mission (Techny) – Foliage is a dark green and it grows in a broad, pyramidal
form. It grows to be approx. 12’ X 6’.
Nigra – Foliage is dark Green and it grows in a pyramidal form.
Appox. 12’ X 3-6’.
Birch (Deciduous)
River – Pyramidal & Oval in shape. Multi-Stemmed. Light Green Foliage in
summer. Yellow/Gold foliage in fall. Exfoliated tan/white bark.
Approx. 45’ – 30’. Tolerates wet/moist soils.
Whitespire – Pyramidal in shape. Multi-Stemmed. Dark Green foliage in
summer. Yellow foliage in fall. White Bark. Approx. 35’ X 25’.
Hawthorne (Deciduous)
Thornless Cockspur – Glossy, deep green foliage in summer. Orange/scarlet
foliage in fall. White flowers in spring followed by red fruit.
Approx. 20’ – 30’ X 20’-35’.
Maple (Deciduous)
Autumn Blaze – Bright Orange/Red fall foliage. Oval/Rounded growth habit.
Approx. 50’ X 40’. Tolerates moist soils.
Marmo – Orange/Red fall foliage. More of an upright oval growth habit.
Appox. 70’ X 40’. Tolerates moist soils.
Red Sunset – Glossy Dark Green foliage in summer. Brilliant Red/Orange fall
foliage. Upright/oval growth habit. Approx. 50’ X 40’. Tolerates moist
soils.
Superform Norway – Green foliage in summer. Yellow foliage in fall.
Upright/round growth habit. Approx. 45’ X 40’.
Pear (Non-Fruit Bearing) (Deciduous)
Chanticleer – Glossy green foliage in summer. Red/Orange to Purplish in fall.
White flowers in spring. Approx. 30’ X 15’. Tolerates moist soils.
Serviceberry (Deciduous)
Autumn Brilliance – White flowers in spring. Purple fruit. Yellow to Bright
Red fall color. Available in Tree form or Shrub (Multi-Stem Form).
Spruce (Evergreen)
Black Hills – Pyramidal Shaped with short Blue/Green foliage.
Approx. 30’ – 40’ X 25’.
Colorado Blue – Narrow-Broad pyramidal growth. Blue, prickly needles.
Approx. 30’ – 60’ X 20’.
Colorado Green – Narrow-Broad pyramidal growth. Green, prickly needles.
Approx. 30’ – 60’ X 20’.
Remember when planting a tree to dig the hole about 1.5 times the size of the root ball width and 1” – 2” shallow so that the ball of the tree creates a slight crown. When placing the tree in the hole, just set it in, larger trees may have to be rolled in. When rolling, take care not to loosen the root ball. Once it’s in the hole, stand back and take a look at it. Is it positioned the way you want it? If not, turn it until it is. Now is the time to take this step. If the root ball, has twine or string around it, cut it or loosen the string. It’s a good idea to back fill the hole with a topsoil/compost mix either by purchasing new topsoil and compost mixed or just adding compost to your existing soil or garden mix, all of which is available at A.G. Landscape Materials, Inc. A lot of people will come in to buy a 30 gallon container of it when they have planted 1 tree. You may want to consider sprinkling a little starter fertilizer around the tree at this point. Once the hole is back-filled, be sure to water the tree as it has been through a lot. Next, I would recommend placing approx. 2” of Premium Hardwood Bark Mulch around the tree. The mulch will help retain moisture and will help control the root zone temperature. An added benefit of installing the mulch is that it will break down over time and create an almost compost-like soil around your tree which will aid in getting nutrition to the tree. Finally, cut off the tags, sit back and watch it grow.
If you need more information or would like a quote from A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc. please contact us at www.agvangundy.com or call us at (630) 295-8190.
Reference Material used: N.C. State University
Wilson Nursery
Dirr, Michael, J; Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, Do It Youself Projects, Drain Tile, Drain Tile Work, Drainage, fall, Landscape Design, Landscape Designing, Landscape Installations, Landscape Planning, landscaping, Mulch, Roselle, Schaumburg
Posted in AGVanGundy.com, General, Landscape Designing, Landscape Planning | 1 Comment »
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