Landscaping Tips and Tricks

by Maribeth Lynch

Northborough Ma homes for sale

Landscaping Tips and Tricks from the Experts

Maribeth Lynch, Thrive Real Estate Specialists

It’s a very exciting time for THRIVE! With the advent of springtime here in Central Massachusetts – finally! – I am also pleased to introduce two new agents who will be joining us at THRIVE, Michael Aurelio and Tyler Lajoie. In addition to the real estate expertise Michael and Tyler are bringing to our team, both come from a background in landscaping. So I thought that in this blog, I would share some of their insights on landscaping, which is something that most homeowners tend to be thinking about as we cast off winter and head into another beautiful spring.

For many of us who enjoy doing our own gardening, heading out on weekends or after work to the local nursery is an exciting proposition. Michael and Tyler tend to deal with commercial nurseries, but recommend Bigelow Nursery and Garden Center in Northborough as an excellent supplier for residential landscaping materials and plantings. If you’re planning on embarking on any landscaping projects, you should be aware of the pitfalls that can thwart an amateur gardener. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re planning to work on your lawn this spring and summer:

Mowing. Lawns should be cut relatively tall – taller than many homeowners realize. Especially in the shade, a healthy height is about four inches. For proper mowing timing and technique, it’s a good idea to consult a professional for advice.
Watering. The best time to water your lawn and plants is in the early hours of the morning. Watering later in the day can result in evaporation and watering at night can invite fungal diseases. Remember to water in accordance with your local water restrictions.
Pruning. Proper pruning of trees and shrubbery will result in healthier plants. Advice for pruning specific types of trees and plants can be found online or by consulting an arborist or landscaper.
Mulching. Many homeowners use bagged, untreated wood chips for mulch, and many of us tend to overmulch. A qualified landscape expert can help determine the quantity and type of mulch you will need in the different parts of your lawn.
Lawn Treatment and Fertilizers. Fertilizers and chemicals require care! In addition to learning proper fertilizer spreading techniques, it’s crucial to the health and safety of people, pets, and wildlife that homeowners understand the chemicals they are using. Make sure to wear proper protection to reduce risk of dermal exposure and inhalation, and educate yourself about the specific hazards of the chemicals you are using.
Driveways. Keep your driveway sealed. This should be done every few years for optimal results.
Protecting Your Home. Anything organic that touches the outside of your home can be a pathway for pests to enter your house. Make sure that trees and shrubs are trimmed back from your siding and use treated products if you are placing anything directly against your foundation.
Location. Buying a plant to put on your property without an idea of where you are going to put it is like buying a gallon of paint before you decide which room you are planning to paint. Pay attention to whether plants are annuals or perennials, how much sun or shade they need, and other important care instructions that will have an impact on their health.
Maintenance. Your home is likely your greatest asset, and it’s important to remember that your lawn requires just as much maintenance and upkeep as your house to retain its value and aesthetics.

If you aren’t the type of homeowner who likes hands-on lawn and garden care, our experts suggest you hire a professional to do the heavy lifting. Professional landscapers like Michael and Tyler use techniques that are safe, true, and based on experience. And they cannot stress enough how important it is to validate your landscaper just as you would any contractor who is working on your property! Landscaping companies should be fully licensed and insured.

Homeowners who are thinking about selling a house in the future should realize that there are no “quick fixes” in landscaping. Planning is essential. And as Tyler points out, “Why would you set up your house beautifully for the next homeowner and not enjoy it yourself?” The same goes for your entire property. When it comes to landscaping, just as with home design and decorating, don’t wait until it’s time to sell to create comfort and aesthetic appeal.
I look forward to working with Michael and Tyler and they will continue to share their insights and experience with all of us at THRIVE so that we can provide you with the best home buying experience possible.

“Anthony’s advice and assurances during these times helped us achieve another record-breaking year, states Maribeth Lynch, Founder of Thrive Real Estate and Lamacchia Realty REALTOR®.

“When the opportunity to merge with Lamacchia arose, the timing was perfect. We knew both our clients and agents would benefit from this partnership, allowing everyone to THRIVE. Having gotten to know the leadership team at Lamacchia has made our decision to merge with them an easy one. Our values are very much aligned, and we know that offering their robust marketing and training will benefit both our clients as well as our beloved agents.”

Along with Maribeth and Rick, five REALTORS® will join Lamacchia Realty, including Briana Willander, Ashley Davidson, Whitney Andrews, Mike Andrews, and Tracey Calo. REALTORS® of Thrive are like-minded professionals who work in unison and pride themselves on local knowledge and creative problem-solving, all for the benefit of clients.
As the broker-owner of Thrive Real Estate Specialists, Maribeth has been and will continue to be devoted to serving both her clients and her community with integrity, sincerity, and a can-do attitude. Her firm welcomes opportunities to give back and be charitable in meaningful ways and Maribeth believes in the importance of service. The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women selected her as a 2022 recipient of The Commonwealth Heroes Award, and she was a 2021 recipient of the Gratitude Project Award from the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®.

“We are so happy to have Maribeth, Rick, and the rest of the Thrive group joining forces with the company, states Jackie Louh, Chief Operating Officer, Lamacchia Realty. “Maribeth is a well-known and respected Broker in Worcester County, and we are honored that she chose Lamacchia. We are excited to grow even more in that area and Maribeth is the perfect person to help us do just that!”

Maribeth along with the REALTORS® at Thrive Real Estate has been involved with many organizations over the years, most recently: REALTOR® Association of Central Mass- Committee Chairman, Broker/Owner Task Force, REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts- Board of Directors 2025, Shrewsbury Zoning Board of Appeals, Chairman, Shrewsbury Town Center Association, Founding Member, Shrewsbury Yuletide/Light the Commons, Committee Member, among many more. In addition to being involved, they also advertise and support the College of the Holy Cross where Thrive is prominently displayed on scoreboards and other places.

Lamacchia Realty’s already very aggressive marketing campaign in the region will dramatically boost the company’s market reach and help add more top-rated REALTORS® to the Shrewsbury office. The marketing plan features billboards on Route 9 and other major roadways, social media posts, postcards, newspaper ads, and much more.

All home buyers, sellers, tenants, landlords, REALTORS®, and other brokerages in the area should know that it is business as usual at the company. There will be no interruptions in service to any clients anywhere. In the weeks to come Lamacchia’s management team and staff will work with Maribeth, Rick, and all the REALTORS® at Thrive who are now Lamacchia Realtors to slowly implement Lamacchia’s suite of lead products, services, training, technology, and more.

This marks Lamacchia Realty’s ninth acquisition in Massachusetts in the past year with the prior acquisitions in Pittsfield with Home Sweet Home Real Estate, Dalton with Berkshire Dream Home, Easton with Briarwood Real Estate, Auburn with Emerson Realtors, Springfield with Sears Real Estate, Falmouth with Foley Real Estate, Fall River with Right Choice Real Estate, and Seekonk with Keystone Property Group. Lamacchia Realty is excited to bring on even more REALTORS® in MetroWest and Central Massachusetts markets in the weeks and months to come.

As a full-service, value-based brokerage, Lamacchia Realty’s mission is to empower its staff, REALTORS®, and clients to achieve success. The company provides unmatched training, systems, and technology, equipping employees with the tools they need to thrive and grow in their roles. Lamacchia Realty takes great pride in its strong culture of support, which has contributed to an impressively high retention rate. Culture is at the heart of the company, with every staff member and agent playing an integral role in maintaining and enhancing it, helping them continue to grow!