Olathe commercial snow removal company
By Lisa Allen Snow Removal • • • • • • 0 Comments

How Proper Snow Removal Can Save You Money

Olathe commercial snow removal company

How Proper Snow Removal Can Save You Money

It’s officially winter in Kansas and that means snow… and the removal of snow. Even though the amount of snow that Olathe and surrounding areas in Johnson County get can vary, two things are constant: there will be snow at some point, and someone will have to shovel it.

If you’re a DIYer at home, there are great tips here to help you clear snow from your space in a safe way. If you’re a business owner, though, how you deal with the white stuff is different. Instead of shoving a driveway, you may need to plow a parking lot. In that case, choosing the right snow removal service can save you cash, not to mention a lot of sweat. Keep reading to learn how.

It’s All About Value of Snow Removal

Red Adair famously said, “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” Red was a smart man. He was an oil well firefighter who turned that knowledge into a business. His advice, to hire a professional, is one of his most famous quotes, and for good reason. Professionals get the job done right the first time, which saves you money. Why? Because even if you pay a little bit more upfront, you don’t have to pay repeatedly to get the job done correctly. Or worse, to have mistakes that shouldn’t have happened in the first place fixed.

Like any other service, it’s possible to find providers that charge far less than any other provider. While that might seem like a good deal, it’s often true that providers who rely on price alone tend to offer services not quite on par with those who charge more. This isn’t to say that you should overpay! But knowing what a service fairly costs and choosing a provider that falls into that range means you’re hiring someone who values the work they do for you.

It’s All About Know-How

There are right and wrong ways to remove snow. Hiring a company that specializes in snow removal saves money for several reasons. First, because we do this professionally, we know how to do it properly. And that means working efficiently. Second, because we do this year after year, we know what you need. We know that you use your front lot, for example, but never the back lot. So we know what’s important to you and work only on that. All of these factors save you money.

It’s All About Trust

There’s a cost to worrying about whether or not the company you call can get the job done, or if they’ll do it correctly. It might not be a financial cost, though it could translate to that in various ways. But it also pays to consider the value of peace of mind.

Knowing the people behind the plow means knowing that when you call, the job will be completed and done correctly. You can hang up assured that there’s nothing more you have to do—which means you can work on your business or spend time with your family.

There are other ways working with the right snow removal company saves you money, and we’re here and would love to talk to you about those advantages. Give us a call to learn more…before the snow hits!

By Lisa Allen Snow Removal • • • • • • 0 Comments

More Bang for Your Buck: Getting the Best Snow Removal Deal

Snow. It’s a school kids’ daydream, an artist’s muse, and an important element of more than one Christmas song. But for business owners, snow removal can range from a minor inconvenience to an expensive business liability.

While a business owner cannot control the weather—or whether or not it snows—there are things you can do to minimize the impact snow has on your business. Specifically, there are things you can do to minimize the cost of snow removal. Read on to learn more.

Plan Early

Like so many other elements of running a business, one of the major ways you can get the best price on snow removal in Johnson County, Kansas, is to plan ahead. If you don’t yet have a trusted snow removal contractor to service your business, give us a call (or reach out to trusted friends for referrals).

Planning early and hiring a snow removal professional in Olathe before it snows gives you more leverage when negotiating the terms of that company’s service. It also gives you the time to make decisions without needing to immediately make a decision. There’s nothing worse than having to pay more than the going rate because everyone else is booked and your parking lot is full of snow!

Know What Matters Most

Knowing your priorities when it comes to snow removal can help save money in the long run. Give careful consideration to how big a space you need cleared to accommodate customers and their vehicles. Think about the most often used paths into and out of your business and docks. Ensure the right traffic patterns are clear, but consider leaving little used areas alone. Leaving some snow to melt on its own, provided that snow doesn’t present a physical hazard or impede foot traffic, can save money.

Know Your Snow Removal Professional

Like any other business decision, you want to know in advance who you’re working with. And working with a reputable, trusted, insured company can save you money. Why? Let’s break it down.

Trust matters for so many reasons, one of which is manpower. If you hire someone you don’t trust, you might have to have an employee there for backup and that employee (or employees) needs to be paid. There’s also an important element of peace of mind—you want to know that the job is being done right the first time.

Making sure that whichever company you work with carries proper insurance is a must. If there’s an accident on your property, you want to be sure you’re not left in the precarious position of being financially responsible for damages. Of course, this is something you should always speak with your accountant and/or legal counsel about.

There are other ways to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your snow removal needs, and we’re here and eager to help when you’re ready. Give us a call to learn more…before you have a pile of snow that needs to be moved!

By Lisa Allen Snow Removal • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Why Working with a Professional for Snow Removal is Good for the Environment

It’s early November now and the afternoon temperatures feel close to perfect. But before we know it, we’ll be dealing with colder temperatures and—sooner rather than later—we’ll have to start thinking about snow removal. In fact, the Farmer’s Almanac predicts that the Kansas City area will be colder and snowier than in years past.

What does this mean for you? If you have a business that depends on foot traffic or people being able to navigate your parking lot, it means you’ll need snow removal services. It’s something we do well—and something we’d like to help you learn more about. Keep reading to learn why contracting with a professional snow removal company can be environmentally friendly.

Grab Your Shovel!

It makes sense that the most environmentally friendly method of snow removal is by shoveling. Other perks of shoveling are cost (shovels and brooms are inexpensive) and exercise (is there a better workout?).

But there are also drawbacks and limitations. If you have a large area to clear, if the snowfall is significant, if you’re short manpower, or if you have health conditions that prevent you from exerting yourself, shoveling won’t be an option for you.

Add Snow Removal Equipment

If you have a small area to clear or the snowfall is manageable, you might be able to manage the chore by using a snowblower. If you’re concerned about the environmental impacts of using such equipment, you want to pay attention to the power source.

Gas powered equipment has a bigger carbon footprint than equipment powered by electricity or batteries, so it makes sense to opt for equipment powered by the latter. That doesn’t always mean, though, that those options are affordable or easily available.

But, like shoveling, snow blowing is often not a viable option for businesses. It might be that you have too many other tasks to do in the running of your business to make time for removing all that snow; or it might be that you don’t have the staff or know-how necessary to get it done well.

If that’s the case, contracting with a professional snow removal agency can be both an environmentally friendly option and it can help you save money and time in the long run.

Snow Removal Experts: We Get the Job Done

How can a professional snow removal company help save you money and time and protect the environment?

One way is by having the right equipment. Snow removal companies in the Kansas City area have industrial size snowplows and trucks; this means less time powering equipment, which means less of a carbon footprint.

We also know which products are safest to use. For example, some chemicals in deicing products can adversely affect your landscaping and road surfaces. By using the correct products, a snow removal company can efficiently remove snow without harming your landscaping, your parking lot, or our community’s roadways.

There are countless other reasons to trust a professional with your snow removal needs, and we’re here and eager to help when you’re ready. Give us a call to learn more…before the snow starts to fall!

By Lisa Allen Construction • Renovation • 0 Comments

Dropping Temperatures Ahead: Should You Add a Natural or Gas Outdoor Fireplace?

You feel the chill in the air lately, don’t you? Mornings and evenings here in the Kansas City area are definitely starting to feel like Fall. And here in the Midwest, we know that when the leaves start to turn and sweaters become part of our everyday wardrobe, winter—and freezing temperatures—can’t be far behind.

But before we think too much about what’s to come, let’s think about the coziness of this season. As the temps start to dip, we can spend more time comfortably outdoors. We can fire up the bonfire or grill dinner without sweating through our shirts. And we can settle in on the deck for a drink as we enjoy the company of family.

If your idea of a perfect outdoor space includes a outdoor fireplace, keep reading! You’ll learn a bit more about the difference between natural and gas fireplaces and things you should consider before taking the plunge.

What Is a Natural Outdoor Fireplace?

A natural fireplace is one that burns natural material—i.e., wood—for fuel. Constructed from a wide variety of materials including metal, stone, and brick, a natural fireplace can be an interesting way to add a fire element to your landscape.

Like other fire features, natural fireplaces require safety precautions. An obvious precaution is to ensure that the fireplace is not near trees or hanging limbs, or overhead electrical wires. Another precaution is to use the right fuel to stoke the fire, meaning wood meant specifically for burning. Never use trash, plastic, or other materials. Also, work closely with your landscape architect to ensure that embers from the fire move up, rather than out.

What Is a Gas Outdoor Fireplace?

A gas fireplace is one that relies on gas as fuel. Think of this as the difference between a charcoal grill and a propane grill–a gas fireplace is like the latter. It’s similar to a natural fireplace in that it can be made from any number of materials. But unlike a natural fireplace, you have additional safety considerations unique to gas. Making sure there’s proper clearance between gas lines and structures is one. Ensuring proper ventilation is another.

Outdoor Fireplace Safety Considerations

No matter your choice of fuel source, there are things you must consider before building any outdoor fireplace. Location is one: a fireplace needs to be built an appropriate distance from other outdoor structures, like your home and garage. It also needs to be placed in a way that keeps the area around it safe. For example, if you have many trees, this might affect where you put an outdoor fireplace.

It’s also important to check with your town or city to make sure local ordinances allow the building of outdoor fireplaces. If they do, there might be additional parameters that you’ll have to be aware of before you start building. The same is true of homeowners associations. It’s best to make sure you comply with all applicable rules right from the start.

The Advantages of an Outdoor Fireplace

A 2018 survey conducted by Houzz found that 51% of homeowners spent more time outdoors after completing improvement projects. It also found that the addition of outdoor heating sources like fire pits and fireplaces encouraged people to entertain outdoors year-round.

Studies like this confirm what we already know: \when we create an outdoor space that makes us happy, we’ll do two things. We will spend more time outdoors, and we’ll invite others to join us. Adding an outdoor fireplace to your space might be the perfect way to ensure that even when the weather turns colder, you can still enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends.

No matter what type of outdoor fireplace you think will work best for you, it’s always a good idea to discuss your plans, budget, and timeline with an experienced landscaper. We’re here and eager to help when you’re ready.

By Lisa Allen Design • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Extend the Seasonal Use of Your Outdoor Living Space by Adding an Outdoor Fireplace

outdoor fireplace olathe

Extend the Seasonal Use of Your Outdoor Living Space by Adding an Outdoor Fireplace

It’s happening: the mornings are a bit cooler. Evenings, too. As our Olathe temperatures drop below the sweltering point of high summer, it becomes easier to think about the seasons to come.

But those seasons also bring colder temperatures, which means less time spent outdoors. Sure, autumn can be cozy during the day; but when night falls and the sun is no longer warming our outdoor spaces, even fall nights can be uncomfortably chilly.

One way to keep using your outdoor space, even when colder temperatures set in, is by adding an outdoor fireplace.

Types of Outdoor Fireplaces

To say that outdoor fireplaces come in different shapes and sizes is to say that Pumpkin Spice Lattes are a simple coffee drink. There is no “typical” outdoor fireplace. An outdoor fireplace can be a simple fire pit or fire bowl; a fire table or fire column; a chiminea or a pizza oven. It could also be a simple patio heater or an elaborate fire and water feature.

The point is this: no matter your budget, your design aesthetic, or how often you might use an outdoor fireplace, there is one that fits your needs.

What to Consider When Deciding on an Outdoor Fireplace

Like other landscape decisions, installing an outdoor fireplace requires thought and planning. How often you’ll use it is a good place to start. Also consider what you’ll use it for: do you simply want a spot to gather with friends and family? If so, a fire pit that can be used whenever the temperature warrants might be the perfect choice. You can even toast a marshmallow or two or make s’mores over the flame of a fire bowl.

But if you want to cook outdoors, you’ll need something better suited to that purpose. Or, if you want a show-stopping, breathtaking, architectural attraction as part of your landscape design, you’ll need more than a simple fire pit.

Of course, the more elaborate the fireplace, the more you’ll need to budget. And remember to think of the space you have available, too; some spaces will only accommodate a small fireplace while others can handle something larger.

The Advantages of Outdoor Fireplaces

It’s easy to see how cozy an outdoor fireplace can make your space. By adding a fire element to your outdoor landscape, you can extend the length of time you’re happy while outdoors. Because you can add warmth to a colder evening, you might venture outside more often in the cooler autumn and even winter months.

Other advantages might not be so immediately apparent, but they’re nonetheless important. You’ll not only be creating an ambiance that makes entertaining more fun, but you can also increase the value of your home.

Regardless of which outdoor fireplace is best for you, we’re adept at helping homeowners create outdoor spaces they enjoy year-round. Give us a call and let us show you how beautiful your outdoor space can be.

By Lisa Allen Construction • Landscape • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

The Difference Between Stamped Concrete and Stained Concrete

stamped concrete olathe

Have you ever taken a good look at the foundation of your outdoor living space? The ground under your feet on your patio or deck isn’t just your lawn—it’s a foundation built of material like wood, stone, or concrete.

Concrete foundations offer particular advantages. They can last longer than wood and they withstand weather well. And, because concrete is poured, it can be designed in a way that enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.

But concrete isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It can be colored (stained) or stamped to create a look you love. Keep reading to learn a few of the differences between stained and stamped concrete.

What Is Stamped Concrete?

Stamped concrete is concrete that is poured and patterned to create an entirely different look. Stamping concrete allows you to emulate the look of brick, stone, slate, tile—and countless other options. It’s common to stamp concrete for patios, decks, sidewalks, and driveways.

The process of stamping concrete is akin to using a cookie cutter to make shaped cookies in that the concrete is stamped in a way that markings are left in/on the concrete so that as it dries, the markings and indentations become permanent. This is how a landscaping company can turn a smooth slab of concrete into a surface that looks like brick, for example; rather than creating the surface brick by brick, one pour is stamped to look like brick.

What Is Stained Concrete?

Stained concrete is concrete that has been tinted to another color. Think of it as wood stain but for concrete—it can be opaque or translucent, shiny or matte, monotone or ombre. Staining concrete can turn a space from industrial-looking to sleek or homey, depending on the colors and finishes selected.

The Advantages of Stamped Concrete

Adding stamped concrete to your outdoor space increases your design options. No longer are you limited to a plain foundation slab; now you can build something that looks like natural stone but has the durability of concrete.

One advantage of opting for stamped concrete is budget. Because stamped concrete can last longer and is easier to maintain than natural elements, it requires less money as it ages. And, unlike wood, it doesn’t need to be replaced as often. Another advantage is maintenance. Stamped concrete can require less upkeep than stone or other natural elements.

The Advantages of Stained Concrete

More and more people are opting for stained concrete because it can combine the best of both worlds: economical durability and creative license. The colors concrete can be stained are limitless, which means design options are plentiful. And, depending on how much work and detail you want your space to have, a stained concrete foundation can be a work of art in and of itself.

No matter which option you find most interesting, it’s always a good idea to discuss your plans, budget, and timeline with an experienced landscaper. We’re here and eager to help when you’re ready.

By ddmg News 0 Comments

Michael Copeland, longtime mayor of Olathe, dies at 58

 
It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Mayor Mike Copeland this morning. Not only did the Olathe community lose a true leader, but the Huston family lost a wonderful friend.
 
Mike had a passion to see Olathe grow, and he humbly led our community through some of its greatest seasons. First and foremost, however, came his family. From the Huston family and on behalf of Huston Contracting, sincere condolences are with the Copelands during this time. To Mike’s wife, Maria, and their three children, we are lifting you up in prayer and are heartbroken for your loss.
 
Thank you, Mayor Copeland for your leadership and years of service to this community. You will be truly missed.
 
– Douglas M. Huston, President
 

Full Article: https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/michael-copeland-long-time-mayor-of-olathe-dies

irrigation systems Olathe landscapes
By Lisa Allen Landscape • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How the Right Irrigation Design Protects Your Landscape Investment During Hot and Dry Seasons

irrigation systems Olathe landscapes

Summer in Olathe and surrounding Johnson County is hot and often dry. These conditions can wreak havoc on landscaping. From dehydrated lawns to dying plants and damaged trees, summer weather conditions can ruin the landscape you’ve worked so hard on—and invested money in.

Why Smart Irrigation Matters

Watering your lawn simply to keep it alive might seem an easy task. But determining how much water your landscape needs is more math equation than intuition: you need to know how much water your soil can absorb at a given time, how much flow your irrigation system produces, how much water is absorbed by the atmosphere, and how much it will rain.

Those are a lot of variables to worry about every week. But it’s necessary to be consistent; a lack of water results in dehydrated lawns, dead grass, and wilting or dead gardens. This isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it’s also monetary. The same is true of watering too much. The grass might be green in that case, but it won’t be healthy. Excessive watering can also lead to soil erosion, pest problems, and even foundation issues.

Why Automation Saves You Money

Installing an automatic irrigation or sprinkler system might seem like an unnecessary luxury, but it isn’t. Installing a system that makes it easier to keep your lawn and landscape properly hydrate can save money in the long run because it preserves the landscape you’ve worked so hard to create.

It can also save you time. Instead of hooking up hoses and moving sprinklers and standing at your flower bed, you could be working or spending time with family or even traveling—all while maintaining your lawn, trees, shrubs, and landscaping.

Irrigation Systems are Environmentally Friendly

Irrigation systems allow you to customize how much—and when—you water your lawn and landscape. This means you can use technology to ensure that you’re not only protecting your investment, but also the environment.

Excessive watering can lead to run-off and soil erosion. It can also waste water, which is a precious and sometimes scarce resource. By installing a newer, more precise system, you can beautifully and easily maintain your lawn and landscape and help protect our environment.

Ready to explore the idea of installing a custom irrigation system? If so, we’d love to share our expertise with you. Contact us to learn more.

healthy green grass and cloudy blue sky
By Lisa Allen Landscape • • • • • • • 0 Comments

What Is the Right Amount of Water for Your Olathe Landscape?

healthy green grass and cloudy blue sky

Remember the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears? In the story, a family of bears goes for a walk when their breakfast porridge is too hot to eat. While they’re away, a girl named Goldilocks goes into their house, sees the food, and decides to eat. She tries the first chair, which is too big and too hard and the porridge is too hot. She tries the second chair, which is too soft, and the porridge at that place setting was too cold. Finally, she tries the third chair, which was just right for her. The porridge was just the right temperature, too, so she ate it all.

That’s not the entire story, of course, but it’s one that might come to mind when you think of watering your Olathe landscape, especially in the thick of summer. How much water is too much? How much is not enough? And how do you get it “just right?”

Read on to learn more about how you can determine the right amount of water for your Johnson County lawn and landscape.

The General Rule Might Apply

Generally speaking, Olathe landscapes and lawns need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This can come from rainfall or watering. And, of course, this is a very broad stroke of a guideline. Factors including type of grass, soil type, regional conditions, and lawn age can make a difference and change the ideal amount of water for your particular landscape.

Another oft-followed rule of thumb is to water to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, which is the desired depth of healthy, thriving roots.

Johnson County Lawn and Landscape Watering Needs

Kansas City’s predominately heavy, clay soil means that water can be absorbed at only .2 inches per hour. Of course, no one can control the weather or how much rainfall we receive each week or month. But when deciding how often—and for how long—to water your lawn and landscape to supplement natural rainfall, it’s important to remember that overwatering soil that can’t readily soak it all in can not only result in run-off, but also in wasted money.

Know Your Flow Rate

Master gardeners at the Johnson County Extension Office advise determining the flow rate of your sprinkler/irrigation system. This page describes an easy way to measure how much water your sprinklers deliver per time period.

Once you know the flow rate of your system, you can determine how long you should run your sprinklers to supplement whatever rainfall has been received in a given week. To measure and keep tabs on whether or not your lawn is being watered effectively, try the screwdriver test: press a 6-inch screwdriver into the soil. If it goes in easily, your lawn is hydrated. If you have to fight to get in all the way, it’s time to water.

Your Olathe Landscape Might be Different

The information shared here is general, meaning it’s a guideline for most lawns and landscapes in the Johnson County area. But what if the type of grass you’ve planted requires more or less moisture? What if your hardscaping is unique or if you have a water feature that makes your yard more humid than your neighbor’s yard?

Working with a landscape architect can help you determine even the routine measures taken to keep your lawn and landscape healthy and beautiful, like watering enough, but not too much. We’re ready and eager to help you create and maintain the lawn and landscape of your dreams. Contact us to learn more.

Benefits of Water Features
By Lisa Allen Landscape • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 Comment

What Makes a Great Landscaping Water Feature?

Benefits of Landscaping Water Features

When we talk about landscaping, so often we focus on what grows in your space. Lush grass, strong trees, colorful flowerbeds: they’re all common elements of a beautiful lawn and garden space.

But there’s another category of landscaping feature that also deserve as much attention, and that’s water features. Not sure what a water feature is? Most commonly this category includes waterfalls, koi ponds, and natural creek beds.

These water features share some common advantages. They can add visual drama and texture to a space. They can be environmentally friendly by helping to conserve water and by providing safe spaces for friendly critters. And they can improve mental health and provide other documented health benefits.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of incorporating one or more of these elements into your landscaping.

Waterfalls

Let’s start with one of the most striking elements you can add to your outdoor space: a waterfall. Not only can a backyard waterfall be a visually stunning focal point of your landscape; it can also help create a calm space that promotes rest and contemplation. Studies have shown that the sound of moving water can help reduce blood pressure and countless people meditate to the sound of waterfalls via phone app and headphones. Adding this feature to your backyard can help you create an oasis that multi-tasks as both beautiful and therapeutic.

Natural Stones

Deciding which materials to use when constructing a water feature for your landscape is an important decision. Natural stones offer unique advantages. One of those advantages is that water flows differently over and through natural stones than it does over other surfaces like soil or synthetic building materials. This could potentially improve drainage in your yard, which both helps your landscape look better and keeps the living elements of your yard healthy and flourishing.

Koi Ponds

Like waterfalls, koi ponds can bring a calm, relaxing aesthetic to an outdoor space. But a koi pond is more than just a pretty addition; a koi pond becomes a home to countless living species, and not just fish! A koi pond provides a place for snails, crustaceans, and insects. In addition to providing a home to other friendly creatures, koi ponds can help reduce mosquitos in your yard.

Underwater Lighting

In nature it’s sometimes difficult to enjoy water features—like a pond or a waterfall—after sunset because it’s impossible to see. The same doesn’t have to be true of your home landscape. With the right underwater lighting, water features can provide around the clock benefits without being intrusive. Working with experienced landscape architects to determine which underwater lighting sources are best for your particular landscape is the best way to ensure the water feature you choose can be enjoyed as often as possible.

Natural Creek Beds

A natural creek bed can be just as dramatic a focal point as a waterfall or a koi pond. It can also serve to add interest to a space, provide sunny and shady areas, and divide space for different purposes.

Ready to explore the idea of adding a unique, stunning water feature to your landscape? If so, we’d love to share our expertise with you. Contact us to learn more.