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!!!!

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!

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.

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.

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

1. Is the contractor insured?
2. How long has the contractor been in business?
3. Are their crews someone you can communicate with?
4. Will they supply you with references?
5. What type of warranty do they offer?

Getting the answers to these questions should help you narrow your choices to 2 or 3. Hopefully, A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc. is one of those companies. Each company has its own sales process, especially when it comes to construction sales. The following is our process:

You should first call our office at (630) 295-8190 or complete a quote form that can be found on our website at www.agvangundy.com to schedule an appointment with one of our sales representatives. If one of the reps is not available at the time of your call, our office staff will get some general information from you and pass it along to the rep. The sales rep should call you back within a day or so to schedule an appointment.

Before he/she comes to your site, you will need to consider a few things. You will need to decide what you are comfortable spending on this project (a budget) and convey that to the sales rep. You may want to take a look at the photo gallery at www.agvangundy.com for some ideas. The sales rep will also have ideas for you. It would also be beneficial to have your plat of survey available. This will assist in the design process as it pertains to the permit application process.

Once the sales rep arrives at your site, he/she will want to talk with you about the goals of your project, a little bit about your lifestyle, and any ideas you may have. He/she will also want to look at the area so that they can begin forming ideas. He/she will probably take some measurements & in some cases some pictures of the area. The sales rep may give you a very rough estimate at that time.

Back at the office a design/sketch will be created and a materials list put together. Once this is completed, the rep will contact you for a 2nd meeting to go over the details of the design and in most cases show you the samples of the material to be used on your project. If you love the design and the price is right you will be asked to sign a contract and for a deposit to hold your price and get you on the schedule board. If the concept is not as you envisioned or you’re not quite sure of the materials suggested, now would be the time to discuss that. Your rep will be more than happy to discuss changes and other options. If the price is not one you are comfortable with, the rep will try to help you figure out a way to achieve your project. One option may be doing the project in phases; another option may be using a less expensive material, yet another may be changing the pattern. One option that should never be considered is compromising the quality of the actual construction process.

Once your deposit is received and a contract signed, your job goes on the schedule board for installation. We will give you an estimated date for installation. Unfortunately, an exact date cannot be given because so much of our work is dependent upon weather conditions and jobs being installed in front of yours.

Next on the agenda would be applying for and procuring the permit. Permits for construction projects, i.e. patios, driveways… are usually required by the town/village/county in which the job is being performed. Because of the technical knowledge that may be needed, this is something that we here at A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc. will be happy to take care of for you. Most towns/villages/counties do require a plat of survey with any outbuildings and/or improvements located on the plat. Once we receive your plat of survey from you, we’ll submit the paperwork and continue to be the liaison between you and the governing bodies. The permit fee and any necessary bonds will be your responsibility to pay. That fee will usually be added to either your start up payment or your final payment.

Once your installation date is near, we’ll contact JULIE to mark the underground utilities on your property. You should note that JULIE does not mark any wiring that you have installed, i.e. invisible dog fence lines, low voltage wiring, gas lines to swimming pools or grills… In theses cases you will want to mark them yourself or at the very least, make sure that your sales rep is aware of these, as A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc. cannot be responsible for these lines.

We will usually call you a day or two prior to the day we will be at your site to start your job. Your “start up payment” is usually due once our crews arrive to begin work.

Any inspections due, per your permit, will be arranged by us.

When the work is completed, the sales rep or the crew foreman will walk you through your job and go over the warranty again and answer any questions you may have. Your final payment will be due at that time. But, please don’t think that this should end our business relationship. We are here to answer any questions that may come up or assist you with any other projects you may want to install.

Finally, any home improvement project can be a daunting experience, but at A.G. VanGundy Landscape, we try to take some of the nerves and turn them into excitement.

We received a request for a quote for landscaping work to be done in Roselle. The work is for a brick patio and some minor landscaping. Because we know that the work will be performed in Roselle, we already know of a couple things that will need to be accomplished before the work can begin. For instance, sometimes, it’s a good idea to have your underground utilities marked prior to beginning the design stage of the project. It’s best to know ahead of time if there is any underground wiring that will be affected by the project. We do know that this work will involve procuring a permit from the Village of Roselle. We also know that we, the contractor, will need a contractor’s license to work in Roselle. These are a few factors that can cause kinks in the flow of the work progression; however, if known about prior to beginning the job, these are things that can be taken care of without causing a problem. Once the design is completed and agreed upon by the contractor and our client, the plan will need to be submitted to the village for their approval and receipt of the permit. Most villages, including Roselle, require a scaled drawing and a plat of survey with any out buildings and/or structures drawn on the plat.

We have also received a quote request for drain tile work to be done in Schaumburg. Schaumburg is one of only a few villages that we know of that require a permit for drain tile work. Therefore, plans will need to be submitted to the Village and a permit obtained prior to this type of work beginning. Contractors will also need a contractor’s license to perform the job in Schaumburg.

Different towns, villages, townships, counties have different requirements. That’s another reason now is a great time to start planning. Now is the time to educate yourself about the permit process in your town. Don’t take for granted that just because you have an Addison or a Roselle mailing address that all you need is a permit from that town. You may actually be under the jurisdiction of the township or county (i.e., Addition Township, Milton Township, DuPage County…). Check with your contractor, if he doesn’t know then check for yourself.

Sometimes it can take a while to get the requirements necessary to perform your work and I can tell you from experience, it’s a lot easier and much smoother when you can give the village and the contractor a little bit of time to work together to ensure that the proper paperwork has been submitted.

Finally, planning now will undoubtedly result in a less stressful process for everyone involved, including yourself, your contractor & your governing bodies. So, now is the time to do some homework and get your dreams working to become your realities.

Now that you have some thoughts & maybe some ideas, it’s time to do some investigating and educating.

You may need to educate yourself on plants that will work in your growing zone and on plants that can conform to your existing outdoor living space. Maybe you have a shady area that tends to be difficult to grow anything in or vice-versa a very sunny area that gets extremely hot during the summer days. But where do you start? A great starting place is on the internet. There are countless number of sites and forums. Other great sources are seminars, home improvement shows, your local newspaper and your library. Seminars are often held by the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, local gardening clubs, and the Chicago Botanical Gardens – you can contact anyone of those sources for schedules and topics. Home Improvement Shows are in abundance in the Chicago area, especially during the winter and early spring months, may you can attend one or two of these and pick up some literature. A lot of newspapers will have whole sections dedicated to Homes & Gardening. There’s also your local public library. Although the library seems to be a dying entity, it’s really a great source of information gathering. You can usually fine virtually everything there, from hard copy books to periodicals to internet access to local news regarding local happenings such as seminars. Finally, for those of you who want to invest a little more, most community colleges offer introductory to advanced horticultural classes, seminars and symposiums.

Once you’ve done your investigating and maybe some educating, some of you may decide you need additional help or you just don’t have the time and/or patience to incorporate your new found knowledge yourself – you may want to work with a professional landscape company, such as A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc. We love working with informed, educated clients; however, we also relish the opportunity to work with and inform clients new to the landscaping world.

Homeowners and clients aren’t the only ones needing seminars and education. We use this time of year for training, seminars and trade shows. This month we’ll be attending the largest Midwest Horticultural Show in Chicago (Mid-Am). There, we’re looking forward to seeing the latest in equipment, new growers, new materials and of course being reintroduced and reminded of some of the standards we’ve already been accustomed to. At the end of the month, a couple of us will be attending a computer class to brush up on some of old skills and hopefully learn some new applications. February will find us at another trade show and a seminar specifically geared toward Perennials. Our crews will more than likely be attending a safety class, a pruning workshop and updating licenses. Personally, one of my goals for this off season is to learn more about flagstone and topsoils.

Don’t forget that January and February are great times to do your dormant pruning. If you haven’t done so yourself and aren’t planning on doing it yourself, please contact us at www.agvangundy.com or call us at (630) 295-8190 and we’ll be happy to help you.

Spring and warmer weather are only a couple of months away. Soon it will be March and usually the snow has melted a few times, so you can get out and assess your landscape. Get your training in now, stay excited and work toward a goal.

LET’S THINK SPRING!

It’s January and although you may be looking at your just plowed driveway (hopefully plowed by A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc.) and happy that you didn’t have to shovel off 10 inches or snow or maybe you’re snuggling with that special someone while watching a fire in the fireplace (hopefully purchased from A.G. Landscape Materials, Inc.), it’s not too early to start thinking of the landscaping projects you put off last year or that you may want this upcoming spring.

Perhaps you have been thinking about a patio or an updated look for the front or back yard, or a new lawn or that drainage work that you think about every year. From landscape design to landscape installations, we can help. Contact us at www.agvangundy.com and complete a quote form or call us at (630) 295-8190 and we will take care of the rest. We’ll get back to you within a day or two and schedule a date and time to meet with you to go over your wants/needs for the spring.

Actually, now is a great time to start the process. The closer it gets to spring and warmer weather, the busier all landscape companies get. Landscape Sales Reps schedules are usually more open during the winter months, so you get even more personalized service and attention.

Please keep checking our blogs. Our future blogs will address issues such as Professional Installations vs. Doing It Yourself. We will also write about landscape materials, uses of the different types of materials, purchasing bulk items vs. bagged items, how to properly mulch your planting areas, install topsoil and compost as well as uses of decorative stone, differences in construction grade gavels that we sell and projects such as dog runs, drain tile work, replacing a lawn with sod or grass seed, fertilizing and even lawn maintenance, just to name some of the topics.

If you have something that you would like me to consider, share that with me on a quote form and I may give it a try.

Thank you for reading and hope you check back with us in the future.