A multi level patio with swim spa and covered pavilion make this lakeside property the perfect space to entertain year round. Exiting the sunroom, you step onto a beautiful TimberTech Azek deck surrounding a Michael Phelps swim spa, the perfect choice for this lakeside home; low maintenance, insulated and heated, it can be enjoyed year round. Surrounding the deck is a multi-level patio with a craftsman style pavilion covering the outdoor kitchen, dining and lounge area. Ventures matched the existing stone accents on the house to use throughout the project: from kitchen backsplash and counters to the raised beds and retaining walls. A vibrant putting green sits a few steps down from the covered pavilion with a surrounding patio for sunbathing and spectating. An additional lounge area and fire pit fill the expanse between the swim spa and putting green. The patio is laid in a modular pattern for a clean, modern aesthetic. Curved landscape beds are perfectly placed throughout with arborvitae, hydrangea, and beautiful ornamental grasses. Illuminated with Pier lights and under coping LEDs the space is both stunning and sensible.

This townhouse patio provides ample space for lounging and dining. There is space for the grill with room left for dining for four.
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard stone patio remodel in DC Metro

Blue Fescue, Chard, Creeping Jenny, Petunias, and Arborvitae

Custom backyard outdoor living space. Featuring paver patio w/ Hanover pavers, Breeo fire pit, paver walkways, landscaping, grading/lawn install, privacy edge (Emerald Green Arborvitae).

Photography by Katherine Palmer

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard stone patio remodel in New York with no cover

Inspiration for a small craftsman partial sun backyard concrete paver and wood fence landscaping in Other.

In today’s society, people are used to things happening instantaneously, and they expect everything to happen at a fairly fast pace. However, when dealing with things like trees, there is no rushing mother nature and the natural growth process. If you are wanting your yard to instantly look the exact way you want it; lush and full, you might not be willing to wait and make your decisions based on what can grow the fastest in order to get your desired look of the end result. If you do this, you can potentially be selling yourself short on all the beautiful trees that are slower-growing. There are both pros and cons to slow-growing and fast-growing trees. We here at Five Star Tree Services would like to offer to take a look at the different growth rates of trees and help you understand what is best for your yard. Tree Growth Rate Calculation Tree growth rate can generally be calculated in a few different ways. Continuously measure the stem diameter, crown spread, and height over time. Measure the elongation of shoots annually. You can do this by finding the bud scars on the branch tips and measuring between them. Average growth rate can be calculated by taking the change in size and dividing it by the elapsed time to date. Fast Growing VS Moderate and Slow Growing- How to Choose? There are different factors that go into why people choose certain trees, this could be due to wanting a quick privacy fence, or because of the colours, or their flowers, or the amount of shade they offer. There are advantages and disadvantages you need to think about before you go and only plant fast-growing trees. Slow Growing Trees Slow Tree Growth Rate- 12 inches or less every year. These trees end up being stronger than other trees for overall structure and strength. Since they are slow growing, these trees can end up living for more than 100 years, given the right growing conditions. You will also find that they can resist/have better defenses against things like disease and insects, as well as having stronger wood. Some examples are White Oak and Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir. Moderate Growing Trees Moderate Tree Growth Rate-13 – 24 inches every year. These trees usually have very similar traits to slow growing trees. Some examples are Sugar Maple, Coast Douglas Fir, and American Sweetgum. Fast Growing Trees Fast Tree Growth Rate- 25 inches or more every year. These trees do not typically live as long as the other trees due to them being weaker from growing so fast. An example is the Arborvitae “Green Giant”. Reasons To Avoid Fast-Growing Trees The unfortunate truth about these kinds of trees is that they tend to get more diseases and root rot than the other trees. Which brings us back to the point where you shouldn’t only buy a tree because it grows fast, especially since they have shorter life spans. It is always a good idea to have a balance of plant life in your yard. Too much of one thing will throw off the balance, you don’t want all fast-growing trees simply because you wish to fill out your yard. This will only set you up for failure down the road. Not to mention you will need to spend more money on replacing them when they die sooner, as opposed to long living trees. How Five Star Tree Service Can Help Picking the right trees for your yard can take time. Balance is always good and even if you want everything to look perfect right away, you can’t sustain this if all you use are fast-growing trees. Let our team at Five Star Tree Service help you pick the best trees for your property! Our experts can offer you all the Toronto Tree Care you will need. Give us a call today at (416) 990-3355!

Facing about two dozen units, this tiered-retaining wall and large planting bed offers multi-seasonal plant and birding activity throughout the seasons. With the retainment wall in place a healthy mix of sand and topsoil provided the foundation for a full mix of colorful groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, and trees. Once established residents often remarked about the amount of bird nests and feeding taking place in the garden throughout the seasons.

A lush landscape and a new pillar and walkway contribute to the charm of this lovely home.
Photo of a craftsman brick landscaping in Detroit.

This is an example of a landscaping in Chicago.

This is an example of a landscaping in Boston.

Photo of a modern landscaping in Chicago.

Rocking and non-rocking seating on a lovely bluestone patio with seasonal pots. Photo by Terra Jenkins and Kirsten Gentry
Example of a large cottage backyard stone patio container garden design in Chicago with no cover

At this residence, we created a small flagstone patio and backyard fire area nestled in the corner of their property. A pondless water feature starts behind the fire pit. Its first set of falls cascade down toward the fire and the viewers, then the stream winds its way around the boulders that contain the fire area. The final cascade faces the house and outdoor kitchen, making the feature visible and audible from all outdoor living areas. Plantings provide seasonal color and screening from the golf course without blocking the broader view.

Photo of a mediterranean landscaping in New York.

This natural stone retaining wall complements the natural stone used around the exterior of the home. This quiet space offers a great private nook for some meditation or reflection.

Paver patio and treated lumber American rail system deck highlighted by premium wood chips, hardwood mulch, boulders and plantings. Pathway steppers and privacy screen as well.