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Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits – Loudoun & Fairfax, VA

backyard patio and fire pit fireplace loudoun va

Fall is a time abundant with warm and cozy associations.  Do you see yourself bundled up in a sweater with a warm mug of something delicious, enjoying the cool and crisp air?  Chances are this image includes an outdoor fire.  Whether you imagine an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit, there are several factors to consider in the planning and, as in most things landscape, location is first on the list.

Place your fireplace or fire pit

How trafficked is the area in which you are planning to place your fireplace/pit?  Should it be on a deck or patio adjacent to your home?  An outdoor fireplace or fire pit will extend your home’s living space, making it an area you can enjoy almost year-round, and increase your home’s property value.

Thinking about how you like to entertain will help you pick the best placement for either a permanent structure or a portable one.  For example, if you have a pool you might want to consider placing the fireplace or fire pit nearby; your friends and family will gravitate towards it after a dip.  On the other hand, if you have smaller yard, you might want to put it closer to your house and let the surrounding landscape be a strong supporting player.  Whatever you decide, size and scale is always important.  Sunrise Landscape and Design has lots of ideas and we are happy to help you pick the best location for what you want.

Decide how you will use your fireplace / fire pit

It’s also important to really think about how you will use your fireplace / fire pit.  An outdoor fireplace or fire pit will immediately become the focal point of your landscape.  The warm glow of a fire is always inviting.  Don’t forget to think about furniture placement around it, if you intend to create an area for lounging.  If you are considering an outdoor fireplace that can be used for cooking, remember to leave enough space for a dining table and chairs. Space requirements could affect the placement of the structure.  This might seem obvious, but you would be surprised to know how many people find themselves so excited by the idea of construction that they forget to  think about the additional space that will be needed for the outdoor seating area.

Design your fireplace or fire pit

The design process is often the fun part.  If you’re considering a fireplace, you can opt for a “built in” style, attaching it to the side of the home or another adjacent wall in the outdoor space.  Stand-alone options are also available.  Materials can range from brick, to different kinds of stones or marble.  A fireplace is often a permanent structure with a firebox and a chimney.  It can be the traditional rectangle, or it can be a square, round, or oval.  The essential element is a fireproof firebox that is large enough to fit the wood in comfortably.

The exterior can be entirely designed up to your specifications, in harmony with the rest of your home, but the style of your outdoor space should harmonize with the rest of your landscape.  For example, brick gives a timeless appeal and character, and there are brick veneers that are easy to work with.  Stone and rocks, such as river rock and flagstone, can offer a stunning and organic look.  Bear in mind, if your home is a brick colonial, you might not want to consider stucco. Though it’s a much more inexpensive material, stucco is a better complement to a Southwestern style home.  Consistency in style is important from an aesthetic perspective as well as a practical one.  The more harmonious all parts of your landscaping are, the more cohesive the look. A cohesive look translates into increased property value.

Contact our experts at Sunrise

Sunrise Landscape and Design has built many different fireplace/fire pit structures with a wide variety of materials. We will work with you to design the perfect fireplace/fire pit to fit in seamlessly with your landscape and provide the perfect space for entertaining and enjoying the cool fall evenings. Our experts have all of this in hand, so relax, you don’t have to put on your Fire Marshall hat when considering a fireplace or fire pit for your fall and winter enjoyment.  We can do it for you.  Contact Sunrise Landscape and Design to get started!

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Celebrating 35 Years in Business!

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blankAugust is a big month for Sunrise Landscape and Design as we celebrate 35 years in business successfully serving our clients in Northern Virginia. As we take time to reflect on this momentous anniversary, we are excited to share some additional history, as well as an interview with our founder and CEO, Joe Markell.

In 1986, Sunrise Lawn and Landscaping Services, Inc., was established in Reston, Virginia. What started as a small shop with two employees (Joe as one of them) two mowers, and a pick-up truck (that had been in Joe’s family since 1964), has grown into a 40 employee extensive landscaping operation today, with a variety of trucks and equipment that allow Sunrise to accomplish virtually any landscape related task.

With a long history of the Sunrise name being used for various businesses within Joe’s family, Sunrise Lawn and Landscaping Services eventually became Sunrise Landscape and Design in 2007 and has continued to evolve as a trusted name that has earned a reputation for excellence in full-service landscape maintenance and design-build.

We had the chance to catch up with Joe and ask him to reflect a bit on the last 35 years as a landscaping expert and a business owner. Here is what he had to say and the knowledge he shares with others:

How long have you lived in the area?

I have lived in the Northern VA area my entire life over 56 years (except when I was a student at VA Tech).

Tell us about your background – have you always worked in landscaping?

I have worked in agriculture/landscaping most all of my life. I did some commercial construction for a brief time along with some summer remodeling work. I started driving tractors and mowers when I was probably 8 years old and I have never looked back.

What made you start Sunrise Landscape and Design? 

It was something that really intrigued me and I felt passionate about it. I have always loved working with machines and being outside. Over time I developed a love for plants and how they function in the landscape along with incorporating hardscape materials to make a space functional, usable, and enjoyable to be in.

What has been a favorite moment in running and owning Sunrise over the last 35 years?

One of the things that I enjoy is our day of service that the industry does at Arlington Cemetery.  A group of landscape professionals work together to add some elements to the cemetery that really improves the landscaping for guests and even the employees who work there. That is a humbling place to be invited to work and it’s gratifying to spend a half day once a year working as volunteers within our industry to improve the landscape of such an important location for so many.

In addition to Arlington Cemetery, every day there is something that really brings me great deal of job satisfaction as we focus on helping customers solve landscaping issues or bring their dream landscapes to fruition. I also enjoy seeing our employees grow into more responsibility and leadership and always take time to appreciate what we have accomplished each day as a company.

What advice do you have for people starting new businesses? Especially during a global pandemic?

  • Don’t give up; things will be tough, especially when dealing with people who lack the knowledge that’s needed to run a successful business.
  • Find the right people to be on your team, you cannot do it alone!
  • Take the time to enjoy whatever it is that you are doing. All of your hard work is for something.

What is your best landscaping tip or trick? 

Use the right tools/equipment for the right job and everything will be a lot easier!

What project stands out the most in your mind as a favorite?

We have done some really great projects over the years. One that stands out is a vanishing edge pool with a great pavilion and a hardscape that tied everything together with a great variety of trees and shrubs to enhance the entire outdoor space.. That was done 8 or so years ago and it looks better every year.

What is your vision for Sunrise in the future? 

My focus is to continue to grow in a steady controlled manner while developing the people that come to work every day and put in a great effort to get things done with quality and practicality for our customers to enjoy.

Ready to start your landscaping project? Contact us to discuss your project in detail.

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Landscape Benefits – Northern Virginia

Benefits of Landscape Design Northern Virginia

Benefits of Plants, Gardens, and Landscape Design

The benefits of landscape design go far beyond simple appearance. In Northern Virginia, a well-planned and expert-designed landscape provides a wide range of cost-saving, environmental, and health benefits for you, your family, and your community.

Cost-saving Landscape Benefits

Lower heating and cooling costs

Seasons in Northern Virginia can bring drastic temperature changes. Planting trees and other plants around your home can block the heat of the sun in the summer and provide insulation against heat loss in the winter. This natural temperature regulation means lower heating and cooling bills for you, year-round. Proper landscaping can save you up to 25% in energy bills. As a bonus, lower electricity usage means a lower environmental impact.

Increase property value

Landscaping not only increases your home’s curb appeal, it can actually increase the value of your home. On average, landscaping yields a 109% return on every dollar spent. This makes landscaping one of the top home improvement options to increase your home’s value.

Environmental Landscape Benefits

Control rainwater and potential flooding

Storms are common in Northern Virginia in spring and summer, but landscaping can reduce the risk of flooding and control rainwater runoff by absorbing water through both leaves and root systems. Landscaping can also improve water quality by absorbing pollutants in the water. You can learn more about drainage solutions on our drainage and erosion landscaping page. 

Health and Well-Being Landscape Benefits

Clean the air

In addition to cleaning rainwater, a well-designed landscape can also clear the air around your home. Trees and other plants absorb particles in the air that can cause pollution in the atmosphere. This increases air quality, reduces odors, and can even decrease harmful chemicals in the air.

Block noise and light

Many homes in Northern Virginia are close to neighbors or busy streets. Natural landscapes absorb noise pollution, reduce street sounds, and block street lights, creating a private oasis for you to enjoy day and night.

Reduce stress

Many studies have shown the benefits of plants on mental health. Regular exposure to plants and green spaces can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression and increase productivity, attention, self-esteem, and happiness. Creating a space for your child to play, either alone or with friends, can encourage mental and physical development as well as mental well-being.

No matter what landscape benefits you’re looking for in your Northern Virginia property, our expert team at Sunrise Landscape and Design is here to help. Get a quote to begin creating the perfect landscape for your needs and lifestyle.

Read more:

Economic, Environmental, and Health/Well-Being Benefits Associated with Green Industry Products and Services

An Update of the Literature Supporting the Well-Being Benefits of Plants: A Review of the Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Plants

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Patio and Walkway Repairs – Fairfax County and Loudoun County, VA

 

Hardscape Herndon and Reston, VA

Winter weather can exacerbate issues with patios, walkways, and other hardscapes on your property. Take a look at how your Fairfax County or Loudoun County hardscapes are holding up this winter and see if you might need patio or walkway repairs to prepare for a nice spring outdoors.

Frozen weather is hard on patios and walkways and can cause issues that require repairs. Water, in the wrong place, can freeze and thaw in a cycle that creates movement, leading to problems with materials above and below the surface. This motion can cause settling of improperly installed base materials, leaving sunken pavers or concrete walkways separated from front landings. If water has any opportunity to infiltrate into the wrong place within your hardscape, it will.

Signs of trouble are typically easy to spot, but it’s a good idea to start looking for problem areas before the spring rains arrive. If you do uncover issues, a professional can assess the severity of the damage and implement patio and walkway repairs that can prolong the life of your hardscape. With the right repair solution, you’ll be able to enjoy your investment as soon as spring in Loudoun and Fairfax counties makes its debut.

Signs of Patio, Walkway, and Other Hardscape Issues

Walkway repair in Fairfax County and Loudoun County VA

Indications of patio, walkway, and hardscape problems are usually easy to see. Take a walk around your property and look for these warning signs that may require repair:

Retaining walls, firepits, and fireplaces:
  • Cracks
  • Crumbling
  • Loose bricks or pavers
  • Movement (e.g., bowing or leaning (unlevel), signs of separation)
Patios and walkways:
  • Areas that appear to be sinking
  • Pavers that are moving or shifting
  • Cracks in concrete or mortar joints, space developing between pavers
  • Pitting
  • Spalling (i.e., pieces are chipping off)
  • Pooled water
  • Loose step treads

Patio, Walkway, and Other Hardscape Repairs

While it may seem like you can repair your patio, walkway, or other hardscaping on your own, it’s best to have an expert fix any problems. Sometimes issues that seem minor are more significant and extensive than you think. A skilled professional will be able to diagnose the cause of the patio or walkway damage and suggest repairs that will prevent further issues down the road.

Paver issues:
  • Just like with concrete, shifting pavers is often a sign of the ground below moving – either due to settling or erosion. One misplaced paver may just need new joint sand. If there are dips or indications of sinking though, the whole area may need to be re-leveled with a focus on solving whatever is causing the earth to move.
  • Chipped, cracked, or pitted bricks should be replaced not only for safety, but to avoid more widespread issues in the future.
Wall cracks and movement:
  • Problems in any standing feature, like a retaining wall or fireplace, pose serious safety concerns and should be addressed immediately. Small issues may be able to be repaired or patched, while more extensive ones may require the hardscaping to be completely redone.
Concrete troubles:

Patio repair in Fairfax County and Loudoun County VA

  • Cracks must be sealed or patched using a special concrete-repair caulk. If left untreated, water will permeate the cracks and freeze, creating more pressure on the area and making the damage worse.
  • Pooling water is a sign of drainage issues. Your expert will suggest a drain to effectively channel water away from your home and its foundation.
  • Pitting and spalling needs to be addressed by resurfacing or patching.
  • Sinking is a sign of a major issue. The slab may need to be lifted so that the ground underneath can be re-leveled with sand or gravel and then tamped down. If the earth is eroding under the concrete due to water, then a drainage solution will also be needed. Because concrete tends to have issues with water damage, often removal and replacement with a more tolerable material is the best course of action.

Tips for Maintaining your Hardscape During the Winter

  • Refrain from using rock salt or ice-melting chemicals on any surfaces during the winter. Instead use sand or kitty litter.
  • Seal/re-point any cracks immediately.
  • Remove snow as quickly as possible. If water is able to seep into hardscaping and then refreeze, it can cause significant issues.
  • Make sure water is properly running away from your home and any hardscaping.

If you see any signs of damage to your hardscape this winter, contact Sunrise Landscape and Design. We will identify the root of the problem and take steps to repair your patio, walkway, or other hardscape properly.

Our knowledgeable team can work with any hardscape material, and we have experience solving complicated hardscaping and drainage issues in Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and across Northern Virginia. Don’t hesitate; a few repairs now will translate into an entire year of beautiful and functional outdoor living.

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Lawn Maintenance – Loudoun County, VA

Lawn maintenance Loudoun County, VA

As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to think of New Year’s resolutions. Why not make lawn maintenance a part of your plan for 2020 in Loudoun County?

Winter is the best time to start

Winter is actually the best time to sign up for a lawn maintenance contract. Now is the time to get organized and commit to activities that will enhance and enrich your life. Establishing a lawn maintenance contract now will put your mind at ease for the rest of the year. Your Loudoun County lawn and landscaping needs will be taken care of, and you can enjoy results without worrying about the time and effort required to maintain the landscape you want.

Lawn maintenance includes seasonal clean-up

A lawn maintenance contract may offer multiple levels of lawn care. As you begin to plan your year, think about the types of service you will want. Seasonal clean-up is a very labor-intensive and time-consuming task that really enhances the beauty of your landscape.

Seasonal clean-up is usually in the spring and fall in Loudoun County and may include removing debris from mulch beds such as leaves, branches, spent perennials, and weeds, as well as edging, mulching, and cultivating the beds. As you lay out your plans for the year, be sure to include what you need to meet the goals you have for your landscape.

It’s more than just mowing

Lawn care involves more than just mowing. The maintenance of a well cared for Loudoun County lawn may include core aeration and overseeding, trimming, edging, weed control, lime application, and more. Again, think about the goals you have for your lawn and how a lawn maintenance contract will help you to meet those goals.

Contact us for a quote!

Sunrise Landscape and Design is more than happy to help you lay out your plans and select a Loudoun County lawn maintenance contract to meet your landscaping goals for the year. We make it easy for you by breaking your payments into 12 equal installments over the course of the year. You can rest easy knowing your 2020 goals for your landscape and lawn will be taken care of. Simply enjoy the results.

View our year-round lawn maintenance packages here.

Looking for a custom landscape maintenance plan? Contact us for a personalized quote. Happy 2020!

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Prepare Your Lawn for Winter – Reston, VA

Winter lawn preparation Reston, VA

As the temperatures fall and the days get shorter, many of us prepare ourselves to stay warm indoors. But before we do, here are some tips from Sunrise Landscape and Design to prepare your lawn for winter in Reston and across Northern Virginia.

Fertilize

Now is a great time to fertilize trees and shrubs and cultivate existing mulch. Before the ground becomes frozen, root systems can still take up nutrients so that plants are healthy and ready to grow in the spring. Apply lime and a late-fall fertilization to prepare your Reston lawn for winter. The grass will look better through the winter months and increase root development for a better and earlier spring appearance.

Mix Up Mulch

Over time mulch becomes compacted and doesn’t let water through. Mix it to break it up. As a bonus, it will also look like you put a fresh layer down.

Prune and Protect Plants

Examine your plants and prune out damaged or broken branches. Any damage will only become worse with heavy snow or ice. Just like us, plants can be sensitive to the cold. Newly established landscapes and less-hardy plants can be wrapped with burlap to protect them from cold temperatures and wind.

Keep Deer Away

With less green in the landscape, deer are even more likely to become permanent fixtures in your Reston lawn. Now is the time to start applying deer repellents.

Fill Bird Feeders

Plants aren’t the only things that need attention. As you prepare your lawn for winter, fill up your bird feeders if you don’t keep them replenished year-round.

Clean Gutters

As you are putting up Christmas lights, clean the debris out of gutters so snow and ice can melt and run off the roof properly.

Mow One Last Time

Mostly likely you will soon be mowing for the last time of the season. If you have a mulching mower, you can mulch up the few remaining leaves in the turf. Also, cut the turf a little shorter so that blowing debris doesn’t get caught in it.

Store Your Tools

After your fall yard work is done, winterize your mowers, blowers, and trimmers so they are ready to go when spring arrives.

If it sounds like too much of a task to prepare your lawn for winter, contact us for a personalized quote. Sunrise Landscape and Design has a team of professionals who are more than happy to do the hard work for you in Reston and across Northern Virginia!

You can also check out our full lawn service maintenance packages to prepare your lawn for winter!

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Holiday Decorating Tips Using Your Winter Landscape – Vienna, VA

Winter landscape holiday decorating tips Vienna, VA

Holiday decorating using your winter landscape is a natural, sustainable, and cost-saving way to decorate your Vienna, VA home for the holidays. You already have all of the ingredients! Just follow our DIY holiday decorating tips below to bring the outdoors indoors and create a cozy, festive home this holiday season.

Take Inventory: What Do You Have?

First things first: take a look around your landscape and see what you have that could work indoors. Consider what stands the best chance of surviving indoors. Keep in mind that the heat and lack of humidity of central heating can dry natural decorations out prematurely.

Greenery and Branches

If you have holly, ivy, pine trees or spruce, or magnolia trees around your Vienna home, these make great candidates for holiday decorating using your winter landscape. However, make sure to choose greenery that looks healthy to begin with. Pruning correctly is critical; make sure you cut where they start growing. Keep in mind, it’s not only greenery that can work. Bare branches can look lovely clustered in vases as well, so don’t limit yourself. You might find the perfect vase fillers laying on the ground!

Berries

If you love the look of berries, keep a close eye on whether they shed. Quite a few berries can be poisonous to children and pets. It’s often safer to opt for artificial berries that can be attached with green floral wire to your cut stems or branches.

Keep It Fresh

If you plan on decorating with green cuttings from your Vienna winter landscape, make sure you keep them fresh as long as possible by keeping the ends dipped in tepid water. Inserting them in moist floral foam when displaying them on your mantle and keeping them out of the way of your heating vents will also prolong their life for the holiday season. If you decide to use magnolia cuttings, spraying with metallic spray paint can camouflage the creeping browns when your cuttings are reaching the end of their shelf-life. Spray paint also adds an extra shine to the holiday decorating festivities.

Keep It Safe

Once you have cut and tied your arrangement materials into a wreath, swag, or other display, may sure to place them out of a direct draft from your heating system, to keep the leaves from drying as quickly. Remember to stay safe and never put fresh cut plants anywhere near a fireplace or lit candles, which could fall over and cause your arrangement to catch fire.

Extend Your Decoration’s Lifespan

Consider keeping some of your fresh-cut decorations outside in a cool, protected area out of direct sunlight, and bring them indoors only when needed for special occasions. This works with decorated potted plants such as clipped rosemary topiaries and live Christmas trees as well. Otherwise, regularly check your arrangements for excessive drying out of leaves or berry-dropping; remove or replace what you need to.

Take a Look at Your Landscape

So, take a walk outside, look beyond your front door and get busy decorating with some of the very best nature has to offer. Your landscape can continue to delight you in the winter months in new and unexpected ways, so take advantage and enjoy what you’ve nurtured all year long.

For more holiday-inspired landscaping, read our holiday lighting tips for some outdoor decorating advice. Sunrise also provides Northern Virginia commercial snow removal services for when the winter really hits.

Contact Sunrise Landscape and Design for all of your Vienna and Northern Virginia landscaping and design needs, this season and year-round!

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Leaf Removal Tips- Oakton and Fairfax, VA

leaf removal Oakton and Fairfax, VA

Earlier this month we discussed the importance of removing leaves from your Northern Virginia lawn. This week we’ll give you leaf removal tips for Oakton and Fairfax, VA, but these tips also apply across Northern Virginia and beyond!

While we all enjoy the beauty of a Northern Virginia fall – the brilliant oranges and reds of maples, dogwoods, and oaks – those once-beautiful fall leaves completely cover our lawns when the season ends. It’s important to clean-up those falls leaves to allow your lawn to breathe and prepare for the dormant season.

Sunrise has a number of fall leaf clean-up tips for Oakton, Fairfax, and across Northern Virginia:

Mowing

The use of a mulching lawn mower is very effective in returning nutrients to the soil and providing weed protection. Make sure to insert the mulch plug into the mower and drop the mower to the lowest setting (just above the grass). Then mow as you normally would, with a second pass at an opposite angle to mulch the leaf clippings into the grass.

Leaf Blower

This leaf removal tip is great if you have a large yard. Leaves can be blown into garden beds, providing a natural cover for the winter season or into manageable piles for removal. Make sure to wear ear protection when using a blower – the majority of blowers can be very loud.

Tarps

Tarps can be used in conjunction with a blower or rake. If you live in a community that picks up leaves with vacuum trucks, a tarp is an easy way to transport large piles of leaves to the curb for pick up.

Bagging

Shredded leaves make great mulch or compost. Leaves are naturally rich in trace minerals that are beneficial to your garden and lawn. They are also a great source of carbon which helps to balance the nitrogen in your compost pile. Use the bagging option on your lawn mower to shred the leaves and then simply add to your garden beds for mulch or to your compost pile.

One final leaf removal tip

Make sure to remove leaves when the weather is good. Rain will make the leaves heavy and more difficult to manage.

If your Oakton or Fairfax, VA fall leaf clean-up tasks are too large or you simply don’t have the time, contact Sunrise and we’d be more than happy to help!

Have more to tackle than leaves this fall? Check out our full fall landscaping service offerings in Northern Virginia.

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Leesburg Leaf Removal: Why is it Important to Rake Leaves?

Leesburg leaf removal services Northern Virginia

It’s the time of year for leaf removal in Leesburg and across Northern Virginia.  Did you know that 75% of our fall waste stream is leaf debris?  Most municipalities and even some private collection stations take this leaf debris and compost if for future use in planting or mulching around trees and shrubs!

Leaf removal is crucial for the health of your landscape.  Below are our top reasons to grab that rake and get moving on your leaf cleanup!

Leaf removal keeps your Leesburg grass happy

Leaf debris can smother turf and even kill some of the new grass that you just planted this year.  Wet matted leaves cut off the air supply to your turf and block the sunlight your grass needs to store energy for growth. Save your yard by keeping it clear of leaves, especially over the winter months.

Leaves can be dangerous

For safety reasons, it’s smart to remove leaves from driveways, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces. As many of you may have found out, leaves are slippery, especially when wet!  Leaves can also mask other hazards such as holes or items that can cause you to trip and fall.

Leaf removal enhances the look of your winter landscape

Removing leaves enhances the aesthetic of your landscape, preparing it for some beautiful Leesburg snow in the winter. Keeping your yard and plant beds free of leaves gives them a clean look and increases your home’s curb appeal. This beauty is even further increased if your pristine Leesburg landscape is surrounded by natural woods or tress.

Collected leaves can be re-purposed for mulching

Leaves can be a great form of insulation around tree and shrub roots over the winter.  The leaves prevent the soil from drying out and keep the roots warm and moist so they can stay healthy.  Over time, the leaves break down and provide nutrients to help the trees and shrubs grow.

As the leaves fall this autumn, make a plan for leaf removal. Our experts at Sunrise Landscape and Design are happy to help! We offer a range of fall services in Leesburg and across Northern Virginia. Contact us for a personalized quote and enjoy the beauty of the season without any of the worry of leaf clean-up!

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Walkways and Patios – Great Falls and Leesburg, VA

Herndon Great Falls Leesburg backyard patio and walkway

A beautiful walkway and a “come stay a while” patio are a wonderful addition to your Great Falls or Leesburg home. They also increase your property value.  Your walkway is the first impression people will have as they approach your home; it should harmonize with the surrounding landscape and serve as a snapshot of your home’s personality.  A patio, on the other hand, is an extension of your living space where you can create an oasis within your property.  Paying attention to the design of both of these elements can pay great long-term dividends.

Walkways

A beautiful, well-maintained front walk increases curb appeal immediately, adds value to your home, and makes coming home each day a more pleasant experience.  Who couldn’t use THAT at the end of a long work day?  Aside from being unsightly, cracked and damaged walkways present an inherent danger to you, your family, and anyone who approaches your front door.  Beauty and safety need to be taken into account when deciding whether to repair or replace your Great Falls or Leesburg walkway.  This is where consulting an expert is critical.  A proper evaluation must be done to weigh the cost of repair versus the need to replace completely based on cracking, chipping, and potential soil erosion.

Replacing Your Walkway

If you decide replacing your walkway is the best option, it’s important to consider the types of materials available.  Crushed stone and gravel are inexpensive and easy to install, though the gravel will scatter and need replenishing from time to time. Be sure to add solid edging to contain the stones. This option, though inexpensive, may require more upkeep than your lifestyle will allow. Also, gravel paths are very difficult to keep clear when it snows, which we get our fair share of in Great Falls, Leesburg, and across Northern Virginia.

Brick, flagstone, and pavers are the longest-lasting option and visually the most striking.  A brick walkway can last over 100 years.  However, because of their longevity and the level of craftsmanship required to lay and prep the site, they can be the most expensive.  However, repair is fairly easy and economical since you can replace individual stones as needed.

You can also kick your walkway up a notch by adding landscape lighting.  Lighting can make a huge impact on curb appeal in addition to providing safety and security.  If you’re not able to use lights that require wiring, you can opt for solar fixtures instead.

Patios

A patio is an extension of your Great Falls or Leesburg living space so location is an important consideration.  How much sun will your patio receive?  How’s your view?  Are there large trees nearby that could suffer root damage or damage the patio?  Is there privacy?  Does sound carry?  If you’re planning to use your patio for outdoor entertaining and dining, you will want to have it close to the house, as it will increase the likelihood that you will use it.

The key is to design a patio that allows for easy flow between the indoors and outdoors.  There are endless design options to explore. You can make the space feel like a room by adding a pergola, use an existing wall of your home as a partial enclosure, wiring it for electricity and gas, etc.  In the planning stage, assisted by your landscape expert, you can play with options, deciding first and foremost, what size and scale will fit your needs and your budget.

All of these options can be explored with the help of a landscape professional at Sunrise Landscape and Design; we can help you plan what you see in your mind’s eye, with our eye towards what is the best suited for your existing landscape and fits within your budget.  With Sunrise Landscape and Design, we can make your vision a reality!

Contact us to get started on planning your perfect Great Falls or Leesburg patio or walkway. See more information on our Northern Virginia patios, walkways, and other hardscape options on our Hardscapes and Structures page.