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Despite the snow,begin planning now for your 2019 landscaping projects
ByAndrea Busche forthe Duluth News Tribune
Itisa well-known factthatMinnesota’s construction season lasts but abrief moment. Here,the land freezesearly and firm, and Old Man Winter doesn’t loosen his grip from November to May. Butjustbecause youcan’t breakgroundnow doesn’t mean youcan’t begin planning your 2019 landscaping projects. In fact, it’s beneficial to start planning now, so oncethe ground thaws, you’re ready to roll.
Nate Hooper,branchmanager of Duluth’s Brock Whiteoffice,amaterial supplier of brick, stone, pavers, concretesupplies, grass seed andother landscaping implements, explains some tips to keep in mind before spring has sprung.
Prep work
Beforeyou breakground, it’s importanttoconsider anynecessaryprepwork. This includes contacting an undergroundlocating service. “Any time youplan to put ashovelinthe ground, it’s agood ideatocallan underground locating service, such as Gopher State One Call, beforehand to have your underground water, gas,power,and cable lines located,” Hooper said.Also, consider anynecessary permits required forthe job.
“Typically, permits arenot necessaryfor landscaping projects, but some elevatedpatios and tall retaining walls do requireapermit,”hesaid. “Check with city officials prior to starting your project.”
Onceyou’rereadytobegin, forany landscaping project,prepping the foundation is key. “The base work or foundation should be done properly,” Hooper said.“It takes extratime, but making the surfaceflat andtrue will ensureyour project will last foryears to come.”
Safety
Thereare anumberofsafetyconcerns when it comes to landscaping. Theyprimarilydealwith protecting your eyes, ears, hands, and back.
“Ifyou rent asaw forthingslikecutting or chipping away at retaining wall pavers, takethe proper stepsto utilizePPE –personal protectiveequipment,”Hooper said.
“This includes earplugs, gloves, and safetygoggles. “And, Ialwaysforewarn people thatit’sgoing to be
How to choosethe
Plantation shutters? Mini-blinds? Cafe curtains? Formal draperies? Homeowners’ options in regardtowindowtreatments for their homes areextensive, which canmake outfitting home interiors challenging for novicedecorators.
Some people do not payalot of attention to windowtreatments, failing to realizejust howgreat an impactthe right windowtreatments canhaveona space. Windowtreatments areoften an afterthought because residentsmay not consider them necessities.
As aresult, homeowners mayinstall whateveris on hand or accept windowtreatments thatcamewith ahouse or apartment. Butignoring windowtreatments, especiallywhen theycan fulfill certain needs, is amisseddesign opportunity.One of the first steps to choosing windowtreatments is determining your end goal. Is privacyyour main goal? Areyou seeking more natural light in aroom?Istheretoo much lightand youneedtodarkenthe room?Windowtreatments can serve multiple functions, and some treatments may makebetter fitsdepending on homeowners’ ultimate goals.
Semi-sheer windowtreatments

Semi-sheer windowtreatments areoften fabric and canhelp brighten roomswithnatural lightbut offerlittle privacy. They’re usuallyappropriate forspaces wherepeoplegather, such as living rooms, dens or dining rooms. Semi-sheer curtains maybepairedwith strenuous work.Landscaping products, such as pavers, arereallyheavy.”
Trends
Hooper has noticed thatlocal landscaping trends currentlyfeaturealot of charcoal,grey, andblack, with earthtones aclose second. And forstyle, it’s modern all the way.“The modern look is what’strending right now,”hesaid. “Lots of clean lines and sharp edges.”
Some popular landscaping projectsHooper has seen include outdoor kitchens and firebowls –similar to afire pit, but poweredbynatural gas or propane. “People areupdating their existing spaces and enjoying their ownbackyards,” he said.

Another trend is heated drivewaysand sidewalks. By utilizing aheating source suchasanelectrical grid or hot water system, these systems canmeltsnow and ice, preventing falling hazards and eliminating the dreadedtaskofshoveling.
DIY?
Please note thatwhile manylandscaping projects, such as patios and retaining walls, areusuallyagood option forthe average do-it-yourselfer,apreheated driveway or sidewalkisprobablybesthandledbya professional contractor.Hooperrecommends reading plenty of design books, doing internetresearch, and reaching out to professionals with anyquestions prior to beginning anylandscaping project
Curbappeal
Hooper shared thatwhile landscaping projects definitelymakelifemoreenjoyable forthe home’s residents, theycan alsooften add value to your property.Consider focusing on your frontyardtoadd the most value.
“Curb appeal plays abig role in your home’s value,” Hooper said. “And, while the backyardis nicetodress up, the frontyardisoften the first thing someone sees.”