Landscape Articles | Zach Rubin

Zach Rubin | April, 2025

How to Prepare Your Soil for Planting in Your Garden Borders

Does it seem like no matter how much you water or tend to your plants, they just won’t thrive? The culprit may be poor soil.

Zach Rubin | April, 2025

The Top Low-Maintenance Border Plants That Thrive in Massachusetts

Who doesn’t dream of a perfectly manicured garden with lush greenery and vibrant flowers lining her walkways — but between work, family, and life’s never-ending to-do list, who has time for constant upkeep? But there’s ...

Zach Rubin | April, 2025

Pollinator-Friendly Plants for a Vibrant Massachusetts Garden

You love the idea of watching butterflies flutter through the garden and listening to the buzz of bees, but you have one problem — you’re not sure which flowers and plants will keep these pollinators coming back to your ...

Zach Rubin | March, 2025

Hardscaping Ideas on a Budget: Save Money on Patios, Walkways and More

Who says adding hardscaping to your front yard or backyard landscaping has to come with a jaw-dropping price tag? With the right landscaping ideas, you can achieve a high-end, polished look without overspending.

Zach Rubin | March, 2025

Think Sustainable Landscaping Is Too Expensive? Here's How It Saves You Money Over Time

Think sustainable, eco-friendly landscaping will be a major hit to your wallet? While it’s true that switching to organic landscaping methods might seem pricey at first, the long-term savings will have both your wallet ...

Zach Rubin | March, 2025

Environmentally-Friendly Landscaping Maintenance Through the Seasons: A Complete Guide

Imagine stepping outside and being greeted by a lush, vibrant landscape that flourishes in every season — all without relying on harmful chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides or wasteful practices.

Zach Rubin | March, 2025

Winter Pruning: Preparing Your Massachusetts Garden for Spring Growth

Winter might seem like a quiet time in the garden, but it’s actually one of the important seasons for maintaining plants and flowers in your landscape.

Zach Rubin | February, 2025

Year-Round Color: The Best Border Plants for Every Season in Massachusetts

With the proper landscape design, there’s no reason your yard can’t display eye-catching color throughout all four seasons, even in a changing climate like Massachusetts.

best time to prune flowers and trees in massachusetts

Zach Rubin | February, 2025

The Best Time to Prune Your Favorite Flowers and Trees in Massachusetts

A well-timed pruning session can make all the difference between a garden that thrives and one that struggles. Cutting back trees, shrubs and flowers at the right moment encourages stronger growth, healthier blooms and ...

low allergen landscaping

Zach Rubin | February, 2025

Low-Allergen Landscaping: Organic Solutions for an Allergy-Friendly Yard

For many allergy sufferers, spending time in their own backyard can become a struggle rather than a source of enjoyment. High pollen counts, mold and even the wrong choice of plants can trigger sneezing, sinus ...

Popular Posts

Zach Rubin | February, 2025

The Top Durable Hardscaping Materials for Massachusetts Winters

When you’re building a new hardscape, there undoubtedly will be many different factors you’ll be considering as you choose your materials — style, budget and availability are sure to be among them.

patio with fireplace ideas

Zach Rubin | January, 2025

How to Make Your Patio with Fireplace the Ultimate Entertainment Zone

There’s something undeniably captivating about gathering around an outdoor fireplace. It’s not just a warm and comforting retreat, but a centerpiece of your patio design that transforms it into a year-round destination.

Zach Rubin | January, 2025

What's the Right Type of Retaining Wall for You? A Homeowner's Guide

Retaining walls are the multitaskers of the home landscape. They can hold back soil, prevent soil erosion and add needed structure — all while boosting your landscape’s beauty and curb appeal.

finding the right type of fire pit for your backyard

Zach Rubin | January, 2025

Finding the Right Type of Fire Pit for Your Yard

There’s just something special about an outdoor fire pit. Installing one in your backyard instantly elevates it into a year-round cozy retreat or favorite gathering spot for family and friends.

Zach Rubin | January, 2025

Why Winter Is an Excellent Time for Designing a Landscape Plan

When you’re in the middle of the freezing temperatures, biting winds and piling snow of a New England winter, spring landscaping may seem very far away. However, the winter months are actually an optimal time to begin ...

Zach Rubin | December, 2024

Wrapping Trees for Winter: Why It's So Important

When the last of the leaves have been raked, the lawn aerated, and the final layer of mulch laid, many homeowners consider their late fall landscape tasks complete.

striking winter landscaping ideas

Zach Rubin | December, 2024

Striking Winter Landscaping Ideas That Catch the Eye Even in Cold Weather

When winter arrives and blankets everything in frost and snow, it’s easy to think of your garden as going dormant. But who says your yard has to hibernate all season? With a little creativity and our landscaping ...

festive christmas plants holiday arrangement

Zach Rubin | December, 2024

7 Festive Christmas Plants (That Aren’t a Poinsettia)

Bright red poinsettias may be the iconic plant of the holiday season, but they’re far from the only option that can bring festive cheer to your home this season. If you’re ready to branch out from the poinsettia plant ...

Zach Rubin | November, 2024

Building a Backyard Patio 101: Questions to Ask and Real-World Inspiration

Picture this: The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over your perfectly styled backyard patio. You're lounging in a comfy chair, a cold drink in hand, surrounded by friends and family in a beautiful outdoor living ...

preparing your landscape for winter

Zach Rubin | November, 2024

Preparing Your Landscape for Winter: 6 Crucial Tasks Many Homeowners Overlook

Many homeowners schedule their fall yard clean up and consider their lawn care needs met until spring. But end-of-season maintenance shouldn’t stop with the collection of fallen leaves.

privacy trees arborvitae hedges

Zach Rubin | November, 2024

7 Fast-Growing Trees for Privacy in Massachusetts

Privacy trees can help your landscape feel complete, and create a peaceful sense of solitude in even the most densely-settled neighborhoods. There are several excellent options for fast-growing privacy trees for ...

Zach Rubin | October, 2024

7 Must-Do Landscape Tasks to Add to Your Fall Yard Cleanup Checklist

Fall is firmly upon us, which means you may have already completed some essential landscape tasks, such as storing your garden hose, cleaning out your gutters and winterizing yourirrigation systems. However, there’s ...

Zach Rubin | October, 2024

Building a Hardscape in the Fall: 6 Reasons It's the Ideal Season

With frosty mornings quickly approaching, you may be wrapping up a lot of your lawn and garden chores. After the garden cleanup that accompanies late summer, many of us are ready to hang up lawn care for the year.

automatic sprinkler irrigation system

Zach Rubin | October, 2024

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Install an Irrigation System for Your Landscape

During the summer, when you find yourself working hard to keep up with your lawn’s water needs, you may have wondered if installing an irrigation system could be the key to simplifying your lawn maintenance. For many ...

Zach Rubin | September, 2024

The Best Full-Sun Perennials That Thrive in Massachusetts Home Landscapes

If you have sunny spots in your yard that are in need of some attention, consider using the space to plant a gorgeous new perennial garden. Sun-loving perennials return year after year, and can add low-maintenance ...

Zach Rubin | September, 2024

Shade Plants: How to Beautify a Not-So-Sunny Landscape

If you’re a homeowner who has been discouraged about gardening because your property is partially or even totally shaded, take heart. Gardening in shady areas is not only possible, it is also can be very rewarding — if ...

Zach Rubin | September, 2024

Planting Ornamental Grasses in the Fall for Year-Round Interest

One of our favorite things about landscape design is the amount of personal expression it allows. Most people associate landscape with flowers and shrubs, but there are many different styles of plants that can thrive in ...

Zach Rubin | September, 2024

Evergreens in Landscaping: The Secret to Visual Interest in the Fall

Now that cooler weather is upon us, you may be looking to spruce up your landscape during the favorable planting temperatures. While on the hunt for new foliage to add to your yard, consider diversifying the types of ...

Zach Rubin | August, 2024

What to Plant in Fall: The Best Options for Massachusetts Landscapes

Summertime passes by quickly, but that doesn’t mean that you’re out of time to garden this year. On the contrary, now is the perfect planting time for a fall garden.

Zach Rubin | August, 2024

Seeding a Lawn in Fall: The Keys to a Beautiful, Lush Landscape

Summer may be winding down, but there is still plenty of time left in the year to tackle some impactful lawn care projects. With cooler temperatures swiftly approaching, now is the time to begin thinking about lawn and ...

Zach Rubin | August, 2024

Fall Landscaping to Extend Your Fall Bloom Time for an Attractive Yard

Now is the time of year when cold weather approaches and spring blooms are mostly gone. But just because it’s not the beginning of the season doesn’t mean you have no interest in your yard to look forward to. With some ...

Zach Rubin | August, 2024

A Complete Backyard Makeover in Medford

We completed a backyard installation in Medford, where the client requested an edit to beautify the yard, as well as fix up the back of the driveway. They desired to make a safer and more aesthetically-pleasing landing ...

lawn sprinkler

Zach Rubin | August, 2024

The Top Tips for Planning a Water-Wise Landscape

For an environmentally conscious gardener, managing your garden during a drought is a constant battle between needing to conserve water and keeping your parched plants alive. Drought is often paired with heat waves, ...

Zach Rubin | July, 2024

13 Must-Know Summertime Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners

A beautiful, healthy lawn is an investment in your home’s curb appeal that is important to protect. In New England, the summer season is when your lawn is showcased and should appear at its best.

common lawn weeds in massachusetts

Zach Rubin | July, 2024

10 Common Lawn Weeds in Massachusetts to Tackle in Your Landscape

This time of year is when our lawns can look particularly lush and inviting. But, if not very careful, homeowners can find themselves with a very serious weed problem on their hands, quickly discovering that lawn care ...

Zach Rubin | July, 2024

Patio Landscaping Ideas to Boost the Visual Appeal of Your Outdoor Space

Completing the design and installation of hardscape materials for your outdoor patio is only the first step in creating the perfect outdoor living space. Whether your patio includes a seating area, dining space, fire ...

Zach Rubin | June, 2024

Creative Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas to Simplify Your Life

This time of year, many of us drag out our hoses and sprinklers in an effort to keep our lawns lush and inviting, only to find ourselves mowing down the fresh growth a few days later.

Zach Rubin | June, 2024

How a Backyard Veggie Garden Can Help You Become Self-Sufficient

Many beginner gardeners are excited to start a new garden project simply to provide their family with tasty, fresh produce throughout the summer months. But others, like you, may have a different goal in mind: to grow ...

Zach Rubin | June, 2024

5 Reasons You Should Beautify Your Home Landscaping with a Vegetable Garden

A vegetable garden can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home landscape by introducing a vibrant, dynamic, and functional element that combines beauty with utility.

woman working in raised bed vegetable garden

Zach Rubin | May, 2024

The Benefits of Growing Your Own Food: Boost Your Health and Wellness

Do you want to improve your physical health and overall wellbeing?

Zach Rubin | May, 2024

How to Save Money on Your Grocery Budget with a Veggie Garden

These days, rising grocery store prices are impacting everyone’s wallets — and they’re showing no signs of coming down any time soon. That means if you’re like many people, you are searching for ways to stretch your ...

family planting a raised bed vegetable garden

Zach Rubin | May, 2024

Want to Ditch Screens and Promote Family Time? Plant a Vegetable Garden

While screens offer families a chance to unwind and relax, as we all know, they’re not without their drawbacks.

Zach Rubin | May, 2024

How to Design and Build the Perfect Outdoor Entertainment Area

One of the many satisfying ways of utilizing your outdoor space is by entertaining your family, friends, and neighbors. Hosting gatherings in the fresh air of the garden that you care for throughout the seasons can be ...

starting a vegetable garden

Zach Rubin | April, 2024

How to Start a Vegetable Garden: Important Factors for Understanding the Costs

Starting a vegetable garden is a great way to live sustainably and ensure your family has easy and abundant access to healthy veggies without depending on the grocery store. Not only does it provide access to your own ...

Zach Rubin | April, 2024

Raised Vegetable Gardens for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

When looking online for garden design inspiration, it’s easy to see that the raised garden bed is having a major moment. Everywhere you turn, people are showing how easy, fun, and beautiful their raised beds, and their ...

Zach Rubin | April, 2024

The Beginner's Guide to Planting a Vegetable Garden: 5 Important Steps

Planting your own vegetable garden can be a rewarding experience in more ways than one. Beyond the positive environmental impact, vegetable gardening can be a stress-relieving hobby that increases your time outdoors and ...

designing a landscape retaining wall? everything you need to know

Zach Rubin | April, 2024

Designing a Landscape Retaining Wall? Everything You Need to Know

Regardless of your overall home landscape, a well-constructed retaining wall is a design idea that can take your yard from nice but not noteworthy to one bursting with curb appeal.

Zach Rubin | March, 2024

The Top Eco-Friendly Materials for Your Home Hardscape

Whether you’re installing a new patio, building your dream outdoor kitchen, transforming a driveway, or adding a firepit, there are a lot of factors that come into play when working on the hardscape design within your ...

Zach Rubin | March, 2024

Outdoor Stairways: A Must-Read for Building a Comfortable Home Entryway

High-quality outdoor stairways can add both functionality and a touch of elegance to your landscape design. Stairs may be needed to provide access to and from a deck or patio space, or when there is a difference in ...

Zach Rubin | March, 2024

Grass Alternatives: How Hardscape Can Reduce Your Lawn and Increase Your Enjoyment

With a large lawn comes a huge amount of upkeep. Between mowing, weeding, fertilizing and other lawn care chores, you can spend hours each week caring for a large swathe of grass. A huge grassy area may seem ...

how much does hardscaping cost? important factors for your hardscape budget

Zach Rubin | March, 2024

How Much Does Hardscaping Cost? Important Factors for Your Hardscape Budget

Thinking about undertaking a hardscape project at your home? Adding features such as a walkway, retaining wall, outdoor kitchen, fire pit or shade-providing structure like a gazebo or pergola is an exciting undertaking. ...

Zach Rubin | February, 2024

What Is Hardscape? How to Add Hardscape to Your Home Landscape Design

Creating a solid landscape design for your yard requires more than just laying down sod and putting in new plantings. To achieve a well-designed, cohesive space, it is important to incorporate hardscaping elements ...

how to improve your home's wow factor with hardscape landscaping

Zach Rubin | February, 2024

How to Improve Your Home's Wow Factor with Hardscape Landscaping

A key benefit of adding hardscape to your home is improving the functionality of your outdoor space. Yes, hardscaping projects often add spaces for lounging near an outdoor fireplace or outdoor dining next to an outdoor ...

Zach Rubin | February, 2024

Outdoor Kitchens: The Expert Guide to Adding One to Your Home Landscape

Hosting backyard cookouts is one of the premier perks of suburban living. Whether it's a large gathering for a special occasion, or just showing off your latest fancy burger recipe to a few friends, it can be a great ...

Zach Rubin | February, 2024

7 Tips for Hiring a Professional Landscaper

Your garden is a reflection of your personality as well as the personality of your home, and it can be quite challenging to find a professional landscaper who can take your personality and translate it into an outdoor ...

Zach Rubin | February, 2024

Plant a Garden in 2024: How to get started now

In the winter, walking out to fetch the mail may be one of the only ways you're scratching the itch to spend some time outdoors. These short forays to the front stoop or the end of the driveway don't allow us to get a ...