Landscape designer Bobby Byers likes to call it “comprehensive, professional care for everything that grows outdoors — all with the goal of creating beautiful, sustainable spaces our clients can enjoy for years to come.”
And, with 38 years of improving patios, lawns and gardens behind them, Ryan Lawn & Tree is definitely “rooted” in Omaha.
The company’s wide range of services includes lawn care, tree and shrub health care, landscaping, irrigation, pest control and other seasonal services for both residential and commercial properties. The employee-owned company, which serves Omaha and the surrounding areas, is the recipient of an Omaha Choice Award for Lawn Care.
A landscape designer, Byers has seen lawn and landscaping trends come and go. Today’s homeowners, for example, favor natural backyard aesthetics that feature contemporary colors like whites, grays and charcoals, and stone with cleaner lines.
“While earthy tones like brown and tan will always have their place outdoors, we are seeing a lean towards clean, modern palettes — whites, grays, charcoals — that help homeowners achieve a contemporary feel in their outdoor spaces,” Byers said.
On the plant side, consumers are enthralled with native plants that support birds and pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The pollinator-friendly plants help restore soil health and bring life to the landscape.
“Homeowners are increasingly focused on creating outdoor spaces that support local ecosystems and contribute to a more sustainable environment,” he said. “For pollinators, like bees, that means planting a combination of plants that are blooming continually throughout the different seasons. Other homeowners are also asking for plants that produce great fall color or are low maintenance.”
In terms of trees, Byers said, they try to refrain from planting a large number of the same species in a yard.
“Elms used to be big around here and then Dutch elm disease wiped them out,” he said. “Over the last few years, we have seen the emerald ash borer threaten our Ash population. At Ryan, we’re proactive about diversity in tree planting to protect the health and resilience of our urban canopy — it’s on us to help future-proof our landscapes against threats like EAB or the next Dutch elm disease.”
For those building a new home, Byers’ advice is to consider drainage plans and how their piece of property fits into the development of the surrounding areas. He said he and his wife, for example, opted to forgo building at the bottom of a hill after they had moved into a new neighborhood because he thought the yard would become a receptacle for runoff water from the neighboring homes.
“When building a new home, it’s critical to think beyond the walls — drainage, grading and landscape planning can make or break your outdoor experience for years to come,” Byers said. “Most people spend more time worrying about the inside of the home when there are just as many variables to consider outside those walls.”
Byers said the earlier homeowners consult a landscape designer, the easier it is to identify any potential issues. He and his team meet with the homeowners to design what he calls the master plan.
“We help clients map out a master plan that reflects their long-term vision — whether it’s a serene garden, an entertainment space or a low-maintenance landscape. Our phased approach ensures the plan can be prioritized and executed as budget allows ” he said.
For more information on Ryan Lawn & Tree, visit ryanlawn.com/omaha or call 402.738.1718 to set up a consultation.
