Professional Holiday Lighting & Decor for Businesses

Posted on November 18, 2011 by FTLandscape

Christmas LightingSince 1986 we have been designing stunning holiday displays for businesses and events through our franchise ChristmasDecorInc. Our holiday experts can create dazzling custom light installations and decor for shopping malls, hotels, small businesses, events and more. The holiday designs evolve each year, as we strive to offer unique displays that balance classic holiday decor with the season’s latest trends.

Holiday Revenue

The holiday season drives a tremendous amount of revenue for businesses during the year. Magnificent light installations and holiday decorations will draw attention to your business, bringing more traffic to your location. Having professional holiday decor not only puts customers in the mood to shop and but enhances the overall customer experience as well. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to maximize your revenue! 

Efficient Installatio

At Christmas Decor Inc. we provide our clients with top-notch service from the start to finish of the holiday season. The light installations and decorations are installed in an organized, professional manner using only premium quality decor. Our attentive service includes in-season maintenance as well as quick post-season removal at a time that is convenient for you.

Exceptional Quality

At Christmas Decor Inc., our quality is impeccable. All of the products we use are of exceptional value and our employees are expertly trained for installation. We take pride in having:

  • Stringent electrical safety measures
  • Energy efficient lights
  • Lights can withstand extreme winter weather
  • Meticulous installation techniques
  • Courteous and highly trained crews
  • Attentive and convenient service

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about holiday decorations! ContactChristmasDecorInc., for information about holiday decor and light installations. Our holiday displays will accentuate the unique landscaping of your business to create an enchanting atmosphere. Let your business shine!

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Magnificent Holiday Lighting for Your Home

Posted on November 11, 2011 by FTLandscape

Holiday Lighting in Kinnelon, Mountian LakesBecome the envy of your neighborhood with magnificent decorations this holiday season. At Finishing Touch Landscaping we can provide custom lighting installations for you home through our franchiseChristmasDecorInc.

While other services may perform the odd holiday job, at Christmas Decor Inc. designing dazzling holiday decorations is our passion and sole focus. We can utilize your landscape to create the most flattering and charming decor. Our services include a custom design, complete installation, maintenance throughout the season and a quick removal once the holidays have passed.

Attentive Service

We want your home to look amazing all season long. Our technicians will visit your home for in-season maintenance at least twice during the holiday season to keep everything looking its best.

Quality Products

We offer traditional decor as well as some of the season’s latest trends. Our lights and fixtures are always top-quality to withstand the harsh winter conditions and avoid broken lights or rusting which is an unsightly side effect inexpensive supplies which many decorators use.

Request a Quote

If you are thinking about decoratingyourhomethisholidayseason – now is the perfect time to contactus! We would love to hear your ideas, visit your home and get the ball rolling. The holidays are just around the corner! To speak with a local decorator, clickhere.

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Fall Clean-Up Services

Posted on November 2, 2011 by FTLandscape

At Finishing Touch Landscaping, we offer a variety of fall clean-up services. With the warm weather gone, and leaves falling to the ground, our basic clean-up services can prepare your lawn for the long winter months ahead.

Preparing Your Lawn for Winter:

Getting ready for the cold weather, snow and ice can be a lot of work, especially if you have a larger property. In order to have a healthy lawn next spring, your lawn needs attentive care. Fall clean-up tasks may include any or all of these tasks:

  • Clearing out weeds , dead plants and leaves
  • Picking up twigs, sticks and branches
  • Trimming bushes
  • Applying a winter fertilizer
  • Aerating your lawn
  • And more…

While regular maintenance may be a nuisance and can be very time-consuming, it makes a world of difference in the health and attractiveness of your home.

Additional Winter Preparation

In addition to focusing on your landscaping, there are many other tasks that need to be done in order to prepare for winter. Some of these include cleaning your gutters, sealing your deck (make sure to use a pressure washer first to remove the mold and mildew), and closing your pools or garden ponds.

At Finishing Touch Landscaping, we can take care of these tasks for you! Contactus to learn more about fall clean-up services. We’ve been landscaping for over 30 years.

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How to Close Your Pool for Winter

Posted on November 2, 2011 by FTLandscape


Winterizing your backyard can be an overwhelming task. At Finishing Touch Landscaping we specialize in winterizing properties, with fall clean-up, garden pond and pool closing services. Below we have provided some you with some basic tips below on how to close your pool for winter.          

Step 1: Test the pH Balance

Test your pool’s pH balance for alkalinity, calcium hardness and chlorine and make adjustments as necessary. 

Step 2: Remove Debris

First skim the top of the water with a net to remove any large pieces of debris. Then use a pool vacuum to get the small bits and pieces of debris that remains.

Step 3: Clean the Filter

There are three different types of pool filters which each have a unique cleaning process. There are sand filters, cartridge filters and DE filters. Learn how to properlycleaneachfilter.

Step 4: Disconnect the Pump and the Filter

Before you disconnect them, make sure that the pump is completely drained of water.

Step 5: Drain the Pool Heater

Remove your pool heater and use an air compressor (these can be rented) to blow all of the water completely out of the vacuum. Next, remove any drain plugs from the pool.

Step 6: Add Winterizing Chemicals

Buy some winterizing chemicals, follow the instructions carefully, and then place them into the pool to prevent algae. Before adding the chemicals to the pool make sure that all of the particles have dissolved or the crystals will sink to the bottom of the pool and may stain your liner.

Step 7: Water Levels

While water recommendations may vary, we reduce them only enough to prevent flooding your lawn in the event of a rainy season.

Step 8: Cover the Pool

Take your pool cover out of storage. Make sure that the bottom-side of the pool cover is free from debris before placing it over the pool.

 

Contactus if you would like any help winterizing your backyard!

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Why Should I Apply a Fall Fertilizer?

Posted on October 17, 2011 by FTLandscape
Fertilizer should be applied in the Fall to help to ensure a beautiful, healthy lawn free of weeds come spring. It also helps the grass survive freezing winter temperatures by providing well-rounded nutrients which strengthens the roots of the plant. This makes the grass stronger and more resistant to any injuries or diseases.
When to Apply Fertilizer
Cool weather grasses, like many of the grasses in the northeast, recover during the fall.  The grass rejuvenates itself after a long summer of hardships such as flooding or droughts and stores nutrients for the winter. This makes it extremely important to apply the fertilizer at the correct time.  The ideal application time is when the grass slows its growth but before the ground freezes. This is usually sometime in November. Shrubs and trees will also benefit from fertilization.

The Science Behind Fertilizer
Fertilizer formula is made up of three numbers (ex: 7-15-11) which provides plants with different nutrients and benefits. Nitrogen is the first number, phosphorus the second and potassium the third. The best way to choose a fertilizer is by testing your soil to see which nutrient you are lacking the most and then choosing a complementary fertilizer.

  1. Nitrogen – Encourages foliage.
  2. Phosphorus – Strengthens the roots.
  3. Potassium – Enhances absorption of nutrients.

Choosing a Fertilizer
When applying fertilizer in the late fall, the goal should be to nurture strong roots. Therefore, a fertilizer with a higher amount of phosphorus would be appropriate. In contrast, if you were to apply fertilizer in the early fall then a formula higher in nitrogen would be best to encourage more foliage growth before the winter for a beautiful, lush lawn.

Organic Fertilizers
Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals is not only beneficial to the environment but to the health of your children, friends, pets and neighbors. At Finishing Touch Landscaping, we encourage the use of organic fertilizers. There have been many advancements made in the field over the past few years providing more effective results than ever before. To learn more about organic lawn treatments, view our previous blog post about organic lawn care.

For more information about fall fertilization, click here. If you have any questions or need the help of an expert, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have been landscaping for over 30 years!

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Winterizing Your Backyard

Posted on October 15, 2011 by FTLandscape

Written by Adam Coholan, an active blogger out of New York who writes about landscaping, remodeling, and exterior design based on his experience working with Fire Island rentals for Elliman Real Estate. You can follow him on Twitter @Coho22.

Many people take pride in their backyard landscaping, but without proper planning, one winter can ruin all the time
and effort that was put in to make it amazing. Some simple planning can help prepare the yard for winter. Here are
some ideas to help you beat the cold and ensure your lawn will look great when summer rolls back around.

Landscape Plants
It’s always better to choose plants that can survive the winter weather in your area. But if you have some that are
more fragile, or were just more expensive, they can be given some protection. Start with a thick ring of mulch
around trees, being sure that there is 1 to 2 inches of breathing room around the actual trunk. Mulch should be 2 to
3 inches deep for protection of the roots. Broad-leaf plants can be covered by driving four stakes into the ground at
least 6 inches away from the plant and then placing breathable cloth over the stakes. Try now to allow the plant to
actually touch the fabric to prevent frost damage.

Fish Ponds
As their popularity grows, fish ponds are becoming fixtures in more and more backyards. There are some steps you
can take to help your pond survive the winter. The fish will go semi-dormant, living off the fat they built up over
the summer. Start by removing dead and dying foliage from around the pond. Dredge out at least half of the sludge
that is in the bottom, trying to leave behind grubs, insects and larvae. Scrape the algae out of the sides and remove it
with a net. Finally, put a leaf net over the pond to help it stay dry over the long winter. If you anticipate heavy rain
or snowfall over the winter, it might be a good idea to line the perimeter with sandbags so your fish are not swept
away.

Outdoor Furniture
Cushions and umbrellas should be taken inside and stored in the attic or basement. Seat frames can be left outdoors
but should be tarped for protection. Stack the furniture close to the house before tarping it. Use bungee cords or rope
and the grommets in the tarps to prevent the fabric from blowing away. Glass tables should be cleaned thoroughly
before being covered.

Fall Cleaning
The final step is to give the deck a thorough cleaning. Sweep the entire patio while the furniture is being moved for
storage so the area is clean and ready for winter. It will make the spring clean-up easier, and provide the family an
additional place for building forts when the snow starts to fall.

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Fall Lawn Care & Upkeep

Posted on October 13, 2011 by FTLandscape

Now that the weather is cool and crisp, and the summer heat has slipped away, it’s more enjoyable to do yard-work… and good thing too! After walking on your yard all summer and with the leaves piling up throughout the fall, your lawn needs some extra care.  At Finishing Touch Landscaping, we recommend these fall lawn care tips:

Rake Your Leaves

Raking leaves is not just for aesthetics… it is critical for the health of your lawn. When grass becomes buried under layer upon layer of leaves it cannot receive the sun, water, air and nutrients it needs to remain healthy which creates a breeding ground for insects and fungi.  Raking leaves is especially important if you have ‘cool-season’ grass which revitalizes itself in the fall. ‘Cool-season’ grasses are popular in the northeast.

Aerate Your Soil

Aerating soil is when small plugs of soil are removed from your lawn. It should be done every year or so because as people walk on your lawn the soil squeezes together removing space where oxygen could otherwise reach. The more a lawn is used the more compact the soil gets. By aerating your lawn, not only will it provide more oxygen for the plants but it also improves the consistency with which the water filters through the soil.

Target Tough Weeds Now

Early fall is an ideal time to target tough weeds such as clover and crab-grass (unless you have ‘cold-weather’ grass). The reasoning behind this is that during the fall plants are moving food to their roots for storage over the winter. If you apply a herbicide during this time the weeds will soak up more of it than normal. Even so, some weeds may need repeated applications.

For more information about fall lawn maintenance, clickhere. If you have any questions or need

the help of an expert, please don’t hesitate to contactus. We have been landscaping for over 30 years!

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Fall Gardening: It’s Time to Mulch Again!

Posted on October 10, 2011 by FTLandscape

Mulching your trees and gardens in the fall can help your plants remain healthy throughout the winter, prevent weeds from growing and provide many environmental benefits. At Finishing Touch Landscaping, we have put together a simple guide to mulching below:

When to Mulch

Mulching can be done at any time of year, most typically in the spring and fall. In warmer weather, the main purpose of mulching is to prevent weeds and improve landscaping aesthetics.  In the fall, mulching protects plants from harsh winter conditions. The freezing and thawing phenomenon of winter can force a plant’s roots upwards, exposing it to the cold air.  If the soil is covered with mulch the plant will have an additional layer of protection, therefore mulching or re-mulching in the fall is very important.

Benefits of Mulching

Mulching is an inexpensive product that provides many benefits for your landscape and the environment. With just a little effort mulching your property can:

  • Stabilize plant roots throughout the winter
  • Deter weeds
  • Provide food for plants (once it breaks down)
  • Help prevent soil compaction
  • Help prevent soil erosion
  • Help prevent pollution runoff

How to Mulch

The best method for mulching is to spread a thin layer about 2-3 inches thick over the soil in your garden and around the base of your trees . Try not to use too much mulch because if it becomes too heavy it can suffocate your plants. Take care to avoid the base of your plants, keeping the mulch about 1-2 inches away. If you are re-mulching, remove the old mulch before applying the new mulch for best results.

Mulching Professionals

Some prefer to mulch themselves, but many choose to hire help. Whether it’s because you have an extensive property, a fast-paced lifestyle or trouble lifting heavy objects, at Finishing Touch Landscaping we would be happy to provide you with mulching services.

For more information about mulching, click here. If you have any questions or need the help of an expert, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have been landscaping for over 30 years!

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Outdoor Decorations for Fall

Posted on October 6, 2011 by FTLandscape


At Finishing Touch Landscaping we do more than just landscaping… we help companies and businesses decorate their outdoor properties. With Fall right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start decorating for the upcoming season reminiscent of hot chocolate, apple picking and pumpkin flavored treats. Below we have gathered some fun and simple DIY projects to decorate your home.

Add Festive Details to Your Stairways

Alternate mums in vibrant fall colors such as orange, yellow, purples and deep reds with pumpkins for an effortless but stunning decor. The use of white pumpkins provides great contrast against the red brick and orange mums. If your local farmer doesn’t have any white pumpkins, some white spray paint will also do the trick.

Spray Paint Pumpkins for a Colorful Display
Create a display of metallic pumpkins with fun prints and patterns on your front porch. Not only will this add beautiful fall decor to your home, but it can also be a fun project for a group of friends or craft time with the kids.
Outdoor Fall decorations

Rustic Fall Centerpieces
A giant display of pumpkins, squash, flowers, hay and a rustic wagon wheel can make a magnificent fall center piece for your yard. The variety of colors shapes and textures is naturally beautiful. Simply arrange each item until you are happy with the overall appearance.

Autumn decorations
Contact us for ideas on outdoor decor for company events, festivals, parties and more.  If you have any questions or need the help of an expert, we are here to help. We have been landscaping for over 30 years!

 

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Flowers in the Fall: Growing Pansies

Posted on October 3, 2011 by FTLandscape

If you’re looking for beautiful fall flowers, pansies come in deep purples, oranges, yellows and blues. But their best feature is that they can withstand the frost, survive the winter and bloom again in the spring!  Now is the perfect time to plant them because pansies need time to strengthen before winter weather takes over.

How to Plant Pansies

  • Buy Icicle pansies (named after their ability to survive frosts)
  • Choose a plant that is short and compact for best results
  • For longevity, plant when the soil is between 50-65 degrees
  • Find an area of your yard that gets mostly sun, but some shade too
  • Plant each pansy about 6-9 inches apart
  • Water them immediately after planting and then as needed
  • Enjoy the vibrant colors!

 

History of Pansies
Pansies have been grown by flower breeders since the 1800s. The leaves are heart-shaped and edible, being high in vitamins A and C (don’t eat them from gardening stores because they may have been sprayed with chemicals). Pansies are often used to garnish salads and soups to flavor honey, make potpourri and can even be used to dye fabrics.

Benefits of Pansies
Not only are pansies beautiful, but also conducive to gardening on a budget. They are a wonderful value given that they bloom during the fall and again in the spring, surviving the cold winter temperatures. What will you be planting in your garden this Fall? Chrysanthemums, often referred to as mums are another popular fall flower.

For more information about fall gardening, click here. If you have any questions or need the help of an expert, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have been landscaping for over 30 years!

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