Another May, another graduation season. Before diving into your next chapter, make sure to spend some time celebrating all the hard work you’ve put into completing your degree program. Here are 10 backyard graduation party ideas for Kansas City Grads to make some unforgettable memories:
1. Graduation Cookout
A backyard graduation cookout is probably the most iconic graduation party idea for summer grads, especially in a city that loves its BBQ. After all, part of growing up is being able to man the grill yourself.
Prepare a balanced mixture of meat, veggies, and pre-made sides like salads and cheesy corn. Combine it with some cold beer or canned cocktails; you’re sure to remember your last party with classmates before diving into your futures.
2. Add Some Sporting Flare
For the athletic grads, embrace your school’s sporting team one last time. Decorate your deck with school colors. Don’t forget the mascot, too! If you’ve won a couple of trophies and medals during your time on the team, this is the perfect time to put them on the table as a centerpiece to highlight your accomplishments.
Not an athlete yourself? No worries. Chief’s and Royal’s themes never get old.
Photo from Unsplash
3. Build a Memory Board
We all get sentimental after a few drinks, especially during graduation. Bring your notebooks, old textbooks, and other memorable objects. While this can be easily done digitally, putting together a memory board physically is different. After all, this could be your last time doing a group assignment with your classmates for a long time.
Prepare some Post-it notes, scrapbook papers, markers, and highlighters. You are ready to build a one-of-a-kind memory board. If you want to make it more special, get a Polaroid camera and capture your backyard graduation party to add to the board.
4. Graduation Picnic or Potluck
Bring your own picnic basket, or prepare one dish per person for a fun graduation potluck. This can be done in the backyard or inside the dining area. To add more challenge, you can require everybody to bring something inspired by their time at the school. For example, a charcuterie board spelling out the year of graduation.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
5. Graduation Pool Party
You can easily put on a graduation pool party with college color pool floaties. Pool parties always bring out the inner child, so it’s the perfect choice for recent grads transitioning into the more serious grown-up world. Don’t forget to add some college-themed floaties, balloons, towels, and other decorations.
6. Backyard Mixer
A simple backyard mixer is a quick, easy graduation party idea for Kansas City. Hang some string lights, bring in some of Kansas City’s talented local caterers. You can even rent a smart selfie station and create your own hashtag to document every moment on social media. Backyard mixers can also turn into a great networking opportunity sometimes, so make sure you get the contact information from your peers before you part ways.
7. Hollywood Night
For reasons unknown, a Hollywood-themed party is considered a must for the graduation season. Maybe it’s about having one last crazy hurrah? Either way, we’ve got the perfect checklist for you.
For a graduation Hollywood night, you’ll need solid outdoor lighting and audio: a lighted sign is the minimum. Colorful, changing lights and a powerful sound system would be even better. You can even turn this into a Hollywood masquerade with glittering paper masks.
8. Dream Destination Travel Party
Graduation parties are the best time to dream wildly, so what’s more fitting than a travel-themed party? Maybe you won’t get to travel together this year, but you can plan everything and decorate your patio with a Tuscany seaside vibe or eloquent French artistry.
9. Movie Under the Stars
An outdoor movie would be perfect for the nerdy friends who are not into the party scene, especially with Kansas City’s cool and nice evening weather in late May and early June. A portable projector with a basic screen would work, or you can connect your movie audio to Bluetooth speakers for a more elevated experience.
Planting your trees is only the beginning. To keep your landscape happy, the homeowner should take the initiative to learn about tree health. This guide will walk you through why it’s important to start training your trees early and the different components of the training process.
What is Tree Training
Tree training is a set of methods that direct the growth of your tree so it forms specific shapes. Common training techniques include selective pruning and limb positioning. Tree training goes beyond aesthetic improvements. It also makes the trees healthier and thus grow more efficiently.
The Importance of Early Tree Training
Trees are more similar to humans than one might think. You wouldn’t consider education unimportant. Instead, you’d probably want your kid to start learning as early as possible, so they can develop in a healthy, stimulating, and creative way.
The same goes for trees. Young trees are more adaptable. Therefore, early training is more efficient and yields more lasting effects by building out a structure your tree would “memorize.” By doing so, you can significantly reduce the risk of structural issues as your tree grows.
The first and most popular method for early-age tree training is selective pruning. By cutting away weak, crossing, or crowded branches, you provide a negative signal against unwanted growth to the sapling:
“If a branch grows like this, it will get cut.”
This information becomes embedded in the tree so it grows in a strong, stable pattern. This way, you can prevent future interference or breakage from early on.
Important selective pruning tips include:
Create a single, dominant central leader: a clear main trunk provides overall stability and a balanced canopy.
Avoid excessive pruning: Overpruning may stress the tree and therefore slow the growth.
Make central cuts during dormant time: Pruning at the wrong time can stimulate undesirable growth or expose the tree to disease.
Handling Co-Dominant Leaders
Co-dominant leaders occur when trees have more than one main trunk of similar diameter. When main branches compete against each other for dominance, they create weak unions known as “bark inclusion,” where tree barks become trapped between main branches where they meet. Bark inclusions make the branches prone to splitting under wind or weight.
How to Prevent Co-Dominant Leaders
Early intervention, often known as “subordination pruning,” is key to snipping co-dominant leaders before they develop further. In subordination pruning, you select the “leader” you’d like to keep, and only prune from the other leader. With a few years of consistent work, you will notice more growth in the desired leader while the other branch remains small.
Raising the Canopy
To raise the canopy, you will remove lower branches strategically to keep the tree healthy while maintaining a strong overall shape. By doing so, you then encourage the growth of taller branches, quite literally raising the height of the tree’s canopy.
There are many benefits to raising the canopy:
You get better visibility around large trees.
Higher canopies are less likely to interfere with movements below the trees, allowing you to enjoy your landscape more fully.
A higher canopy also allows better airflow around and under the trees.
Taller canopies provide better shading from the sun than lower ones of similar size.
Flowering trees with taller canopies may cause less severe allergy reactions
Fertilization Considerations
Different types of fertilization have different effects. Knowing which type to use can help you provide the most suitable nutrients for your landscape at the right time. Proper and timely fertilization is a crucial step in turf care.
Many use high-nitrogen turf fertilizers because they encourage fast leafy growth in grass. However, too much nitrogen can affect your trees negatively, leading to weak growth or pest issues, and may interfere with natural structural development.
To mitigate negative effects from turf fertilizers, consider using sulfur-based fertilizers to help balance soil nutrients. Sulfur-based can support healthy tree growth without yielding overly soft or weak shoots in your lawn.
Trees self-manage in natural environments like woods and forests. They shed weak limbs and climb up for better light exposure. However, your residential landscaping setting rarely provides the same conditions for automatic tree training to happen.
Trees in a residential landscape face numerous challenges, including:
Harsher competitions
Limited growth space
Interference from human structures
Providing tree training can help your plants navigate their surrounding environment and learn to grow in a healthy and functional way as early as possible.
Where to Get Tree Training Services in Kansas City
Tree training is a highly specialized, expert-level landscaping service and should be performed only by knowledgeable, experienced specialists. As with finding a good tutor for your little ones, you should work only with professional tree and garden care companies in Kansas City with proven expertise in tree training.
Here are some things to look for if you’re looking for a tree training contractor:
Check and see if the company has a dedicated tree-caring program
Outdoor fireplaces are one of the best additions to your backyard. First of all, they can increase your property’s value. What’s more important, however, is what outdoor fire features do for you and your family’s mental health.
This guide will give you a concrete idea of how much outdoor fireplaces cost in Kansas City, different cost factors, and affordable DIY options so you can bring a cozy fire to your backyard. Whether you need to unplug and wind down without being reminded of your job or life stress, or want to bond with children in nature, an outdoor fireplace provides the perfect reason to step away from your phones.
A stone block outdoor fire pit built by Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping in Kansas City
What You Need to Know About Outdoor Fireplaces
Generally, you will need a permit to build a permanent outdoor fireplace in Kansas City, especially if you need to install a gas line. There is also a minimum distance requirement of 10’ for any fire pits, including DIY in-ground fire pits, from the nearest combustible material. Generally, this means your fire pit needs to be at least 10 feet away from your home, garage, and any other major structure.
Wood Burning vs. Gas Burning
Many people love the rustic ambiance of wood-burning fire features. An old-school pit master will also likely tell you that cooking over a wood fire is an irreplaceable experience. However, gas is the simpler and more efficient fuel option. Gas fireplaces require no start-up preparation or cleanup and are completely smoke-free.
How Much Do Outdoor Fireplaces Cost in Kansas City?
On average, it costs $15,000 – $30,000 to build an outdoor fireplace in Kansas City. Factors impacting the cost of your outdoor fireplaces include:
Structure/type
Material
Accompanying storage boxes
Gas line upgrade
Surrounding landscape arrangements
If you’re interested in adding fire features to an existing deck or patio, you also need to factor in any additional work required on the outdoor living structure itself.
Cost by Type of Fireplaces
There are three common types of outdoor fireplaces on the market: classicfireplaces, chimineas, and fire pits. The table below shows you the pros and cons of each type, and approximately how much it would cost to build them in Kansas City.
How much do outdoor fire features cost in Kansas City (by type)
Type
Cost
Fire pit
$80 (store bought) – $5000 (custom built)
Chimineas
$100 – $3,500
Classic fireplace
$15,000 – $30,000
A custom-built outdoor fireplace with accompanying patio that is currently under construction by our crew.
Cost to Build a Wood-Burning Fire Pit with Block or Stone
The average cost for a wood-burning fire pit built with block or stone in Kansas City is $3,250 to $6,750. This includes a cap and fire-ring to help you contain the fire more efficiently and keep your fire pit clean during the off-season. However, this price does not include any gas inserts, logs, or plumbing/electrical work.
Pros and Cons of a Fire Pit
Pros
Cons
Most affordable
Poor smoke control
Easy temperature control
May pose a fire hazard if you’re not careful
360-degree warmth
Needs regular maintenance and cleaning
Cost to Build a Wood-Burning Fireplace with Block or Stone
The average cost to build a wood-burning fireplace in Kansas City is $15,000 – $30,000. Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping uses only the highest-quality block or stone to build your fireplace, ensuring an elegant, luxurious look with plenty of surface color and texture options.
Pros and Cons of an Outdoor Fireplace
Pros
Cons
Safe fire, good smoke control
Usually requires a permit to build
Beautiful permanent structure
A very significant investment
Property price boost
Repairs can be costly
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping built this outdoor fire pit in Kansas City and upgraded it with a gas line and crushed glass
Cost of Fire Feature Add-ons in Kansas City
To ensure you get the most out of your outdoor fireplace, add-ons are necessary and wise investments. Popular upgrades and add-ons include gas line addition, storage boxes, and surrounding landscape upgrades.
Gas Line Addition
Gas-burning fire features are a game-changer. They’re cleaner, easier to start, and generally safer with better control. Upgrading your wood-burning fire feature to a gas-burning one with a burner costs between $4,000 and $6,500. This includes the decorative topping, such as lava rock, gas logs, or glass beads.
Wood Storage Boxes
Keep everything in one place by adding wood storage boxes to your outdoor fireplace. Block or stone wood storage boxes cost an additional $3,500 to $10,000, or $1,750 – $5,000 per box.
Surrounding Landscapes
Truly elevate your experience by building a small haven around your outdoor fireplace! Whether it’s adding seating, walkways, or rearranging existing landscapes. Most landscapers in Kansas City charge $75 to $115 per hour for landscape enhancements.
We understand that an outdoor fireplace can be a significant investment. Fortunately, there are some DIY options if you are happy to settle for a fire pit.
Most moveable fire pits cost between $80 and $500, though higher-end options with more customization can reach $5,000. At that price point, you may as well work with an outdoor fireplace installation company in Kansas City.
Hybrid Project with an Outdoor Fireplace Company
Many contractors may also be open to working with you on a hybrid model. This means the contractor will help you install your DIY fire pit kit and handle any additional tasks, such as cleanups and enhancements to the surrounding landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Impacts the Cost of Outdoor Fireplaces in Kansas City?
The most common cost factors affecting the final price of your outdoor fireplace include material, type/style of fire feature, gas upgrades, and add-on structures and services.
2. How much does an outdoor fireplace increase home value?
An outdoor fireplace can increase your property value by 6% to 12% and recoup at least 50% of the upfront investment. In dollar amount, you can expect an increase between $1,000 and $5,000 to your home’s appraised value with a finely-built outdoor fireplace.
3. How long does it take to install an outdoor fireplace?
Most outdoor fireplace projects at Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping take between one and three weeks to complete. Some might take longer depending on additional landscape needs, unpredictable weather conditions, and other factors. When working with a contractor, it’s important to always maintain good communication and be clear about your expectations.
Mulch is an important step in landscaping health. It’s one of the most important tasks when it comes to getting your landscape beds ready for the year . In this comprehensive guide to mulching, we will walk you through all the basics, including the best time to lay down mulch and how to spread it properly.
Our landscaping crew recently installed mulch under a tree for a property in Kansas City.
What is Mulch and Why Do You Need It?
You’ve probably heard the term “mulch” one time too many. But exactly what is it?
Mulch is a protective layer usually containing organic matter, such as bark, leaves, and compost, and inorganic elements, such as stone and rubber. It creates an effective barrier on the soil surface.
Soil temperature regulation, especially for providing a warm environment for seeds to germinate
Visual appeal
Organic vs. Inorganic Mulch
Most mulch is made from either organic or inorganic materials, and each has its pros and cons. The table below provides a brief overview of each one.
Organic vs. Inorganic Mulch: Pros & Cons
Organic Mulch
Inorganic Mulch
Pros
Provides additional nutrition to the soil as it decomposesCreates a natural look in your yardMore affordable
Much longer lastingComes in various textures and colors for a more modern look.Lower maintenance
Cons
Must be replenished every few yearsWeeds are more likely to break through the barrierNot ideal for extreme slopes
Higher upfront costAbsorbs heat and will dry out the soil underneath faster.Doesn’t decompose.
Common Types of Organic Mulch
Looking for organic mulch but not sure which type to get? Here are some common types of organic mulch and their characteristics:
Shredded bark: Common option that comes in a variety of textures and colors. Breaks down faster than other options on the list.
Wood Chips:Needs to be top-dressed every two to three years. Some colors use chemical dyes and can be harmful.
Leaf: Naturally provided by trees! Highly beneficial for the soil.
Grass Clipping: Provided naturally by your lawn. Save them after mowing. Grass creates a thin layer and dries out faster.
Straw: Lightweight and more affordable. Commonly used around fruits and vegetables, but not for curb appeal.
Common Types of Inorganic Mulch
Inorganic mulch can be used as a top-layer with organic mulch, or as a standalone mulch option. Here are five of the most common types of inorganic mulch:
Gravel, pebbles, river rocks: Various colors and textures, suitable around driveways, pathways, and hardscape.
Black plastic landscape tarp: Usually used as an underlayer and topped with another type of inorganic mulch. However, we severely recommend against using landscape tarp anywhere at all.
Landscape fabric: Basically an upgrade from landscape tarp. Also needs a top layer.
Rubber: Sturdy, stable, retains heat, and weather-proof. Good for outdoor activities, but the zinc contained in the rubber can suppress plant growth.
Newly installed mulch at one of our clients’ properties.
When is the Best Time to Mulch
Installing mulch in mid-to-late spring will yield the best results for plant growth in the new year. You should also install mulch in the fall to protect roots in the soil from Kansas City’s biting winter.
If you are planting new crops and plants, add mulch immediately after planting, regardless of the season. Depending on the type of mulch you use, you may also need to replenish it every few years to ensure the desired two-to-three-inch depth.
Where Should You Spread the Mulch
Technically speaking, mulch can be installed on top of any exposed soil, depending on your goal. Common places to spread mulch include:
Gardens and flower beds
Under trees and around shrubs
Pathways and driveways
Landscaping borders
How to Install Mulch In Your Yard
There are some key points to consider when installing mulch in your yard. These include:
Depth: You should ensure two to three inches of top-layer mulch.
Dumping: Dump mulch in small piles throughout the installation area using a wheelbarrow.
Evenness: Use a pitchfork or throw to spread the mulch evenly.
Edging: You want a sharp edge around the area to hold the mulch firmly.
Final touch: Use a rake to create the final, smooth surface you desire.
Of course, you can choose to handle mulching yourself. However, since mulching is an important step in the ongoing process of landscape maintenance, leaving it to a landscape maintenance company would be far more effective and beneficial.
Expect to pay between $125 to $175 per cubic yard for mulch installation without site preparation. More comprehensive mulching services, including edging, weeding, debris cleanup, and pre-emergent, cost about $1,200 per season, for an average size home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should you do before mulch?
Prepare the area by removing existing weeds, cleaning up any debris and trash, and adding soil supplements (compost, fertilizer, etc). You can install a separate weed barrier, or let the mulch do its job.
2. What is the 3-3-3 rule for mulch?
The 3-3-3 stands for “three inches, three feet, three inches.” Specifically, it means to install 3 inches of mulch in a ring approximately 3 feet in radius. When installing around bushes and trees, keep mulch three inches away from the base to form a donut shape.
3. Where should you not put mulch?
Avoid “volcano” mulching, which means dumping mulch directly onto tree roots and shrub bases, creating a small mound. Volcanoes can cause trunk rot, girdling roots, and deprive your plants of oxygen. They can also lead to pest infestation.
Kansas City had a mild winter this year, without too much rain or snow. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to check your outdoor lighting before spring arrives. In this outdoor lighting maintenance checklist, we will go through common problems with low voltage outdoor lighting systems, whether you can fix them yourself, and, if not, how much the cost might be.
Common Reasons Why Your Outdoor Lights Aren’t Working
Outdoor lighting, like all other fixtures, can fail. Here are some common reasons why your light might not be working properly:
Aged wiring: Old lights might gradually stop working due to aged connections.
Weather damage: While outdoor lights are designed to last, inclement weather and hard debris can still damage them.
Problem with the power supply: Sometimes it’s not the lights, it’s your power source.
Connection issues: If your lights are controlled by a smart system or via a mobile app, check for signal and connection issues.
Software updates: Similarly, ensure your smart lights have the latest updates installed.
Normal wear and tear: Your light might have simply reached the end of its life.
Blocked or damaged sensor: Automatic lights rely on sensors to turn on after dark.
Regular maintenance will keep your low-voltage outdoor lighting illuminated, keeping your landscape lit, adding extra curb appeal while increasing security and nighttime accessibility.
Outdoor Lighting Maintenance Checklist
Now that you know the common reasons why your outdoor lights aren’t working, it’s time to do a thorough inspection of your lighting system. Usually, you would only troubleshoot if a light is flickering or not turning on at all. However, an annual inspection might help you catch problems early on and save on repair costs.
Lighting Maintenance Checklist
To-do
Pro Needed for Repair?
Cost
Clean and inspect fixtures
No
Under $20 if you need cleaning supplies
Inspect light bulbs
No
$15 – $50
Check wiring
Yes
$50 – $100 an hour
Check the power supply
Maybe
$100 – $200
Inspect the Connections
Most Likely
Approx. $15 – $50 per sensor.
Test the timer
Yes, if resetting the timer doesn’t work
$200 – $500
Test Color Settings
Maybe
Update Your Software
No
$0
1. Clean and Inspect Fixtures
Start with the easiest task by cleaning and inspecting your lighting fixtures. Remove any leaves, dirt, and debris from around the lights, and gently wipe the surfaces clean with a soft rag. You should thoroughly clean at least once a year. Preferably, check your lights seasonally or after inclement weather.
2. Inspect Lightbulbs
If you notice a light is flickering or isn’t turning on, the first thing to do would be to inspect the lightbulbs. Make sure to turn off the power before removing the lightbulb. Check the bottom of the bulb for signs of overheating or surging. You can also put the bulb into another fixture to see if the problem is the bulb or something else.
3. Check Wiring
If the lightbulbs are working but your lights still appear dim, unstable, or not turning on at all, chances are you have wiring issues. For anything electrical, it’s best to leave it to a professional electrician.
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping crew helps troubleshoot the outdoor lighting system problems for a client, discovering wildlife damage to the wiring.
4. Check the Power Supply
Another reason your lights may be acting up is your power supply. Check the voltage and breaker box. Make sure the circuit box is functioning properly. If the problem persists, use a voltage checker to diagnose the problem. If you think something is wrong with the transformer, call an electrician for help.
5. Inspect the Connections
Your lighting connections for each light are a common place where issues occur. 80% – 90% of the time, when a light is not working, it is due to a connection point where the wire nuts have loosened or been moved due to critters, settling, maintenance, etc. Usually, you can fix most problems with lights at the connection point.
6. Test the Timer
The accuracy of your timer may also sway as time goes by. The best way to test your timer is set it at a lower number. If the timing seems off, follow your manufacturer’s manual to reset the timer. Sometimes you can also do a reset from your phone for a smart system. If you believe a new control panel is necessary, contact a local outdoor lighting installation company for the replacement.
7. Test Color Settings
Similarly, test each color setting to see if anything is amiss. Note that errors in color-changing lights could indicate a problem in wiring, connectivity, the control panel, or color-changing light bulbs. Given the complexity, you might want a professional to help you troubleshoot and address the issue.
8. Update Your Software
While most smart outdoor lighting systems have automatic software updates, certain patches or major version updates may require a manual download. Therefore, it’s a good idea to run a system diagnosis at least once a year so your system is always up to date.
Should I Hire a Pro?
Outdoor lighting system maintenance is more tedious than challenging. However, since some of the steps involve inspecting electrical wiring, it might be more desirable for most homeowners to leave the task to a licensed and ensured outdoor lighting contractor altogether.
How much does it cost to repair outdoor lighting systems?
Low-voltage outdoor lighting system repairs, including the initial troubleshooting, cost from $200 to $500 on average. More extensive repairs, such as replacing an electrical panel or the entire control system, could cost $800 to $1,000.
