Sometimes a helping hand can make all the difference.
Through our Yard Angels program, Back to Nature Landscaping provides free landscape enhancements to individuals and families in the New River Valley who are facing challenges or could simply benefit from a little extra support.
We’re now accepting nominations and invite you to tell us about someone who could use a brighter outdoor space.
Whether they’re dealing with health issues, financial hardship, caregiving responsibilities, or other difficult circumstances, we want to hear their story.
Each year, our team has the privilege of helping deserving members of our community by improving their outdoor spaces and showing them that their neighbors care.
Know Someone Who Could Benefit?
Submit a nomination and help us identify individuals and families who could use a helping hand.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference right here in the New River Valley.
Summer is when many homeowners step back and take a fresh look at their landscape. Shrubs may be growing beyond their intended shape, ornamental trees may have developed crowded branches, and spring-blooming plants may be looking a little untidy.
The good news? Summer can be an excellent time for selective pruning when done correctly.
Why Summer Pruning Matters
Pruning isn’t just about keeping your landscape looking neat. Proper pruning can:
Improve plant health and airflow
Remove damaged or diseased branches
Enhance the shape and appearance of trees and shrubs
Encourage stronger growth
Reduce safety hazards from low or weak limbs
For many spring-flowering shrubs, summer is actually the ideal time to prune because it allows plenty of time for next year’s flower buds to develop.
Plants That Benefit from Summer Pruning
Many common landscape plants can benefit from light summer pruning, including:
Azaleas
Forsythia
Lilacs
Weigela
Viburnum
Boxwoods
Hollies
Japanese maples
Ornamental trees with dead or crossing branches
Summer is also a great time to remove water sprouts, suckers, and any dead, damaged, or diseased growth that may have appeared during the growing season.
What Not to Prune Right Now
Not every plant appreciates a summer haircut.
Heavy pruning late in the season can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter arrives. Certain species, such as oak trees, should generally not be pruned during the growing season due to disease concerns.
When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a professional before making major cuts.
The Biggest Summer Pruning Mistake
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is removing too much at once.
Over-pruning can stress plants, reduce flowering, and leave trees and shrubs vulnerable to pests and disease. The goal should be selective thinning and shaping, not drastic reductions.
Let the Experts Handle It
Proper pruning requires more than a pair of loppers. Knowing when to prune, where to cut, and how much to remove can make the difference between a thriving landscape and a stressed one.
Our team can evaluate your ornamental trees and shrubs, improve their health and appearance, and help protect your landscape investment for years to come.
Ready to freshen up your landscape this summer?
Call Back to Nature Landscaping at 540-739-3947 or visit backtonaturelandscaping.com to schedule a consultation.
A beautiful landscape isn’t a one-time project—it requires ongoing care to stay healthy, safe, and visually appealing. Regular maintenance ensures your outdoor space continues to thrive year after year.
Without it, even the best-designed landscapes can quickly become overgrown, unhealthy, and difficult to manage.
What Does Landscape Maintenance Include?
Professional landscape maintenance typically includes:
Mowing and edging
Pruning shrubs and trees
Mulching and bed maintenance
Weed control
Seasonal clean-ups
Irrigation and drainage checks
These services work together to keep your property in top condition.
The Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Investing in routine maintenance offers more than just curb appeal. A well-maintained landscape can:
Increase property value
Prevent costly repairs
Improve safety and accessibility
Support healthier plants and soil
In fact, consistent maintenance helps prevent weeds, pests, and long-term damage, making it easier and more cost-effective to manage your property over time.
More Than Just Appearance
A maintained landscape also enhances your daily life. It creates a welcoming outdoor space, improves air quality, and provides a place to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.
Save Time and Get Better Results
Maintaining a landscape takes time, effort, and expertise. Partnering with a professional team ensures your property receives the care it needs without adding to your to-do list.
Work with the Back to Nature Team
At Back to Nature Landscaping & Construction, our team delivers reliable, high-quality maintenance services tailored to your property’s needs. From routine care to seasonal clean-ups, we help keep your landscape looking its best year-round.
Ready for a landscape you can enjoy without the stress? Call 540-739-3947 or fill out our Contact form to schedule your maintenance services today.
Your lawn mower is one of the most important tools in maintaining a healthy landscape. But without proper maintenance, it can actually do more harm than good.
Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leaving your lawn vulnerable to disease and stress. Regular upkeep ensures your mower works efficiently and protects the health of your turf.
The Impact of Proper Mowing
Healthy mowing practices are critical for lawn health. Experts recommend never removing more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, as cutting too short can weaken roots and stress the lawn.
Consistent mowing:
Promotes thicker, denser grass
Helps prevent weeds
Encourages even growth
Improves overall lawn appearance
Essential Mower Maintenance Tips
1. Keep Blades Sharp
Sharp blades create clean cuts, which heal faster and reduce the risk of disease.
2. Check Oil & Filters
Routine engine maintenance keeps your mower running efficiently and extends its lifespan.
3. Clean After Each Use
Grass buildup can impact performance and lead to corrosion over time.
4. Adjust Cutting Height
Different seasons require different mowing heights to keep your lawn healthy.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Neglecting mower maintenance can lead to:
Uneven cuts
Brown or stressed grass
Increased weed growth
More frequent repairs
Taking a little time to maintain your mower can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your lawn.
Let the Back to Nature Team Handle It
If mowing and maintenance feel like a chore, you’re not alone. Many homeowners choose professional services to save time and ensure consistent results.
Let our team handle the mowing and maintenance for you. Fill out out Contact formor call 540-739-3947 to get started.
The Foundation of a Great Landscape Starts with Turf Care
A lush, green lawn doesn’t happen by chance. It requires consistent, strategic care that supports strong root growth and long-term health. Turf care goes far beyond mowing—it involves proper watering, fertilization, aeration, and weed control.
Without a structured plan, lawns quickly become thin, patchy, and vulnerable to weeds and disease.
Key Elements of Effective Turf Care
1. Proper Watering
Most lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, ideally delivered through deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems.
2. Fertilization
Grass needs nutrients to thrive. A targeted fertilization program ensures your lawn gets exactly what it needs throughout the seasons.
3. Aeration
Compacted soil restricts airflow, water, and nutrients. Aeration opens up the soil, allowing your lawn to breathe and grow stronger.
4. Weed & Pest Control
A healthy lawn naturally resists weeds, but proactive treatments prevent invasive species from taking over.
Why Professional Turf Care Matters
Proper turf care isn’t just about appearance—it’s about sustainability and long-term results. Best practices are designed to conserve water, protect soil health, and improve environmental outcomes.
A professionally maintained lawn will:
Grow thicker and more evenly
Resist drought and stress
Reduce weed growth
Improve overall landscape health
The Value of a Turf Care Program
Many homeowners underestimate how complex lawn care can be. Soil conditions, weather patterns, and grass types all play a role. A professional turf care program removes the guesswork and delivers consistent, reliable results.
Work with the Back to Nature Team
Back to Nature Landscaping & Construction offers comprehensive turf care programs designed specifically for properties in the New River and Roanoke Valleys. Our team uses proven techniques to help your lawn thrive in every season.
Want a greener, healthier lawn without the hassle? Call 540-739-3947 or visit our Contact Us page to learn more about our turf care services.
Drainage is one of the most overlooked aspects of a healthy landscape, yet it plays a critical role in protecting both your property and your plants. Poor drainage can lead to standing water, root rot, erosion, and even long-term structural damage to your home.
When water does not move properly through your yard, it saturates the soil and while some plants are adapted to these conditions, most plants’ roots will suffocates.. Over time, this leads to declining plant health and costly replacements. Even worse, excess water can pool near your foundation, increasing the risk of cracks and water intrusion.
Proper drainage ensures water is directed away from your home and landscaping, keeping everything stable, healthy, and functional. In fact, effective drainage helps preserve soil integrity, extends plant life, and reduces long-term maintenance needs.
Signs You May Have Drainage Issues
Not sure if your property has a drainage problem? Here are a few common signs:
Standing water after rain
Soggy or muddy areas that never dry
Erosion or exposed roots
Water pooling near your foundation
Dying or struggling plants
If you’re noticing any of these issues, it’s time to take action before small problems become expensive repairs.
Drainage Solutions That Work
Every property is different, which is why drainage solutions should be tailored to your specific landscape. Common solutions include:
French drains to redirect water underground
Grading to improve water flow away from structures
Dry creek beds for both function and aesthetics
Downspout extensions to move water away from your home
A well-designed drainage system not only solves immediate issues but also prevents future problems, giving you peace of mind during heavy rains.
Long-Term Benefits of Professional Drainage
Investing in proper drainage delivers long-term value:
Healthier plants and lawn
Reduced erosion and soil loss
Protection for your home’s foundation
Lower maintenance costs over time
Improved curb appeal and usability
Work with the Back to Nature Team
At Back to Nature Landscaping & Construction, our team designs and installs drainage solutions that are both effective and visually seamless. We take the time to evaluate your property and create a plan that protects your investment for years to come.
Ready to fix drainage issues for good? Contact our team today to schedule a consultation.
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