For half a century, Hittle Landscaping has been an integral part of the community, transforming yards into captivating outdoor living spaces. As Indiana’s largest family-owned landscaping company, Hittle has built a strong reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service. This reputation has put Scott DeNardin, the company’s president, at the forefront of landscaping needs, and he shares insights from the latest trends to what is most often overlooked by homeowners.
A profound shift in homeowner preferences has reshaped the landscaping industry, and DeNardin has noted a desire among residents for a more natural approach to designing their outdoor spaces. “There is a growing trend for sustainable landscaping, and removing traditional grass lawns with native plants, flower gardens and above-ground vegetable and herb gardens,” DeNardin says.
Since sustainability has emerged as a key factor in modern landscaping, Hittle has embraced the trend by helping homeowners become increasingly conscious of their environmental impact. DeNardin and his team implement water-wise practices and educate clients on selecting plant species that are well-suited to the local climate. “Many homeowners aren’t aware of how frequently, what time, or how much they should be watering their lawns,” DeNardin says. For a drought-tolerant lawn, he suggests limiting watering to two or three times a week.
Local homeowners’ desire to create spaces modeled after nature doesn’t stop at native plants. “Other popular designs are building naturalistic aquascapes that mimic the beauty of untouched nature,” DeNardin says. “If space is an issue, there are many water features that can create peaceful sounds and natural aesthetics using boulders or stones with water fountains.”
The allure of outdoor living has also driven a surge in demand for features that enhance comfort and entertainment. Fire pits have become essential gathering spots for families and friends. Cooking out over a simple grill or barbecue has given way to fully equipped kitchens. These spaces have transformed backyard entertaining, allowing hosts to effortlessly prepare and serve meals al fresco. The use of natural stone has added a touch of elegance and durability to patios, walkways and retaining walls.
While the draw of a low-maintenance landscape is undeniable, DeNardin emphasizes the importance of recognizing that every garden requires some level of care. “There is really no such thing as a carefree landscape,” he says. “Every plant requires some level of care, whether it’s pruning, fertilizing or pest control.” If that sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is, which is why calling in a professional can make all the difference.
“Landscaping firms can help direct homeowners to lower-maintenance plants, but annual care will always be recommended to keep your plants healthy and looking beautiful,” DeNardin says.
Annual care does not just mean once a year, and the arrival of each new season brings a list of steps to take to ensure your yard is in its best shape. Fall is a critical time for preparing lawns and gardens for winter. “If you only do one thing this season, aerating your lawn and applying fall fertilizer can have a significant impact,” DeNardin says. Aeration and fertilization promote healthy root growth and prevent damage from frost. Hittle Landscaping recommends applying a winterizer fertilizer after the grass stops growing, generally in late October or early November, to nourish the lawn during the dormant months.
You can further prepare your yard or garden for winter by helping the plantings to conserve their energy by pruning away the dead or dying limbs. For your perennials, DeNardin recommends cutting back dead foliage but avoiding heavy pruning. “Some perennials benefit from leaving short stems intact for winter protection,” DeNardin says.
The addition of mulch can also help insulate the roots, along with adding compost or organic matter to improve soil health over the winter.
DeNardin also suggests a deep-root fertilization injection during these cooler months to allow your trees’ or plants’ root systems to fully absorb the fertilizer. This process promotes healthy, abundant new growth in the spring when the landscape awakens and it is time to start mulching, pruning and planting new flowers.
Hittle Landscaping’s commitment to exceptional service extends beyond the installation and maintenance of beautiful yards. The company’s architects and designers work closely with homeowners to create an area that reflects their unique styles and lifestyles. After 50-plus years of experience in helping clients create the outdoor environment of their dreams, DeNardin and the rest of the Hittle team have become a staple of the local landscape.
