Julie Norman

Fall is here in Western Colorado, which means cooler mornings, shorter days, and—hopefully—a little relief from the summer heat. But for commercial property owners and managers, the landscaping to-do list isn’t quite finished yet. In fact, fall is an important time to prepare your property for the colder months ahead. Taking care of a few

For many Western Colorado homeowners, fall usually means gradually cutting back on irrigation as temperatures cool. But this year, some local irrigation systems are expected to shut down earlier than usual, leaving homeowners wondering how to keep their landscapes healthy as we move into fall. The good news is that your landscape’s water needs do

According to the National Association of Realtors’ Remodeling Impact Report, landscape upgrades can significantly improve a home’s curb appeal and overall marketability. While no project guarantees a specific return on investment, attractive, well-maintained landscaping often helps homes make a stronger first impression with potential buyers. Consider the following landscape improvements that increase home value for

Now more than ever it’s important to keep an eye on your water bill; you don’t want to overspend and you don’t want to waste water in the midst of “extreme drought.” If you think your water bill has gone up, or you notice that you’re using more water than you think you should be,

Even in times of drought, adding a shade tree to your lawn or commercial landscape is never a bad idea. Trees provide habitat for wildlife, cool off your yard or building space, and provide beneficial air filtration and prevent erosion and wasted water run off. Below is a selection of best drought tolerant shade trees

It’s no secret that the majority of the continental US, including 2/3 of the west, is in a serious drought situation. Out here in Western Colorado we’ve watched the snow disappear months ahead of schedule. We’re already being asked to conserve water and summer hasn’t even arrived yet. If you’re a commercial business owner in

Even in “good” rain years, the semi-arid climate of the Western Slope means that our lawns and gardens won’t get the amount of water they need to thrive without a little help. Our intense sunny days combined with drying winds from the west only add to the need to help our plants and trees out

Spring didn’t wait long to get here in Western Colorado this year. While we’ve had very little moisture we also haven’t had very cold temperatures. Buds have been sitting on lilac bushes for a month now, and in some places the hyacinths and crocuses have already bloomed. Most of us are most likely a little

While winter may seem like the worst time for gardeners in Grand Junction, there is much to be done! Even though you can’t be out weeding and tending (though this year you can), you can plan and imagine and prep for the coming season. The following winter garden planning tips will help you make the