The Emerald Ash Borer is here in Erie. It attacks the native green ash, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, and is devastating. Below is a chart that shows how it has been moving towards are area and some of the symptoms on your trees.

Our space for PARK(ing) Day down in front of the Erie county court house.

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors would like to congratulate the Carrie T. Watson Garden Club on 90 years of service to the Erie Community. Carrie T. has been at the forefront in civic, horticulture and conservation in our region.

Their garden is finally complete, and Dr. William Paul and Tracey Diefenbach couldn't be happier. The English garden next to their historic home at 323 W. Sixth St. took a year of planning, building and planting, and now they can relax and enjoy it. "We love it -- we are outside all the time. We have meals and entertain under the pergola and in the conservatory. Our dogs love playing in the fenced-in yard," Tracey Diefenbach says.

"The Renaisance Garden" on Old Millionaires row was designed and installed by Dahlkemper Landscape Architects. Designed to encompass an evolution of different English garden styles, the Diefenbach Garden on 6th street starts with a formal gated entrance allowing a view down the axis, past the tiered fountain to the Fish terminus at the end.

It's fun to go back and look at the projects that we had worked on and see how they may have changed over the years. This photo is from August of 2004. The owners wanted to improve the image of the home and make a great presentation for their visitors.

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors were happy to be the landscape architect for the new outdoor education area for our community's Children's Museum. This is one of only 10 certified outdoor education areas in the country.

Here we are at the Whole Foods Co op planting Cascade Hops. Hopmaster Mike Moorehead of North East brought the vines and helped the initial installation on coir twine. The hops are a nice addition to the edible landscape at Whole Foods on the walls of the new cafe addition.

Happy Memorial Day! I know many Vietnam Veterans and I have a lot of respect for those that have done their duty in a war that was unpopular. We were glad to be involved to continue the development of the Erie Veterans Park with this memorial.

Once again, Bob Southard and his buddies got together to help build another monument to our veterans. This time it was for them! The Korean Veterans envisioned this gate type monument that is very distinctive

This Memorial Day weekend we remember all of those who are special to us. We often think of those that are in public service; fire fighters, police officers, military.

Paeonie suffruticosa Life is short and our bloom time shorter (in the peony world) so we must enjoy while we can. Here is a pink tree peony. In my opinion one of the classic flowers. Full, lush and brilliant in color it draws your eye right in!

Spring rains have been bountiful this year and it keep rain in the news. Rain Gardens are a Best Management Practice for helping filter the water from rain before it gets back into our water supply. We designed and help to install a rain garden at the Whole Foods Coop.

One of the great things about spring gardens are the bulb displays. With the crazy weather, staying cool, then heating up to summertime temps, spring can be fleeting. Carpe Diem! Seize the opportunity to enjoy these brief but beautiful tulips.

This classic residence in Glenwood was one I can remember from growing up as a boy. We used to drive by or work there, and it was always know as ‘Granny Murphy’s House’. It may have been one of the first contracts that dad had.

The old Edinboro House of Furniture was being redeveloped into a mixed use facility. Odyssey Builders as the contractor contacted us to develop a design-build proposal for the project.

In this backyard border, native trees and shrubs were utilized to attract wildlife, especially our feathered friends. Thea attraction is further enhanced with the feeding station.

Today we are celebrating Arbor Day at LEAF! Here are fifth graders from assorted schools planting a native tree, Cornus alternifolia, Pagoda Dogwood. Today is a great day for the kids to learn and participate in outdoor learning activities.

I want to thank the Gannon Inter-Faith students who volunteered at LEAF on Saturday for their Day of Caring.

LEAF is a great place to visit. Our motto is: Trees and memories grow here! This is a Snow Princess Serviceberry planted near Cascade Creek.

Tonight is the Cathedral Prep and Villa High School Gala. Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors is happy to have help Prep and Villa with many projects around the campus including this walkway and flagpole installation in 2007.

The ExpERIEnce Children's Museum is developing an outdoor discovery space. This design project is being lead by Penn State graduate in landscape architecture, Lacie Luddy.

Even though the weather has been less than perfect, we are still busy on the job! Here is a project that is in process.

Earth Day is 45 today! Let’s celebrate by doing something good for out Mother Earth! We live in a wonderful place on the shores of Lake Erie with bountiful natural resources and we need to take care of our environment!

Today I’d like to welcome the Garden Club Federation of Pennslvania to Erie for their state convention! This is their 85th Annual Convention and the theme is ‘Lake Effects”.

This front renovation project incorporated a new paver walkway with an outdoor foyer that gave a strong and distinct approach to this lovely couples home. The colors and pattern reflects the rhythm and styling of the home architecture.

I love springtime when the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing! But most of all, I love the vigorous turf with soft, lush grass that is a velvety green, smelling so great when its freshly cut!

We are currently working on a new terrace for the Erie Historical Museum at the Watson-Curtze Mansion. This project is being funded by the Carrie T Watson Garden Club.

Happy Spring from our headquarters in Belle Valley at 1650 Norcross Road. Of the 60 years that we have been in business, we have been in Belle Valley at this location for 42 of those.

Willows are one of the earliest trees to leaf out in the springtime. In this photo you can see the graceful structure on delicate spring green color on a cluster of weeping willows.

As long as we are talking about spring flowering trees, let’s look at one of the brightest starts, the Redbud!

One of the early blooming trees is the Magnolia. Most of the magnolias grown in our region are deciduous as opposed to the evergreen Southern Magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora.

The layout of the garden design is very important to reflect both the desires of the owners and the architecture. Yesterday the house was a Georgian revival. Today the house has a Victorian flare, with a wide porch and a turret type bay entry.

Garden design and landscape architecture are arts that shape outdoor spaces. A key element to shaping these spaces are trees!

There are many considerations in developing a garden design. One of the most important is scale. The scale of the garden affects the way it is being viewed and the context has much to do with it.

Get ready for the bicycle season. This section of our Bayfront Bikeway system was designed and installed in 1994, 20 years ago!

A little bit of water can go a long way. Here, a somewhat dull garden was livened up with an Asian-themed garden with a bamboo water garden feature.

With all the turmoil in the world that we hear about in the news, having a Peace Garden is a great idea!

This morning it feels like spring has finally sprung! The bright sunshine has put a bounce in everyone's step. All the crews are in and working to install and maintain Erie's Environment. Celebrating 60 years!

The lily is a traditional flower of Easter trumpeting the rising of Jesus from the tomb.

This spring, we encourage you to do something for your community.

The Mercyhurst Prep Alumni Plaza incorporates a cross that is the symbol for the school as a reminder of Christ in the life of the school.

Gardens serve many needs. A connection with nature is one of those. A place to reflect is another. A place to pray or to be reminded of the importance of the Creator in another.

“A man is known by the company he keeps.” - English Proverb Excellence comes not just as a result of hard work, it is an attitude. Companies that approach excellence as an attitude continually challenge themselves to do better.

Following the garden concept theme, here is a view from a wonderful garden we worked on in Chautauqua. This view is just across from the entry into the main gate. Privacy was important as the outdoor living area is just at the end of this walkway.

A great garden will usually have a strong concept. An idea or a feeling that you want to evoke. With our homes we have a style, Colonial, Victorian, Mission, Cape Cod, Queen Anne, Contemporary, Farmhouse, Greek Revival…or one of many styles that we can describe.

The future looks bright when there are nature loving children growing up who love the flora and the fauna of the Earth!

This home demonstrates dynamic elements. Dynamic means that its always changing. In these early spring days it still gets dark early and the coordination of the house and landscape lighting is an area where a landscape architect can be a great asset.

Strong Houses call for strong landscapes. This spring photo shows us what we are ready for.

In 2000 we were asked to come to Titusville and work with the University of Pittsburgh Physical Plant to develop a plan to tie the campus together. The campus was split by Walnut Street and talks with Titusville officials was favorable for closing the street and making the campus more cohesive.

Sometimes you just have to use your imagination to bring color to springtime on a day like today!

Gardens can create meaning in our lives and evoke a memory or association with people or places. Sometimes it a person, like associating lilacs or roses with your grandmother. Or it could be from a visit to a place like Japan.

Today is spring orientation for the crews of Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors. Each spring just prior to starting the season, we all get together and review the company mission and vision.

Part of the design process involves the needs of the client… this is called the Program. The program is your wish list of your need for space and the types of activities that will occur. How do you live? And how do you want to live in your home and landscape.

We can take your landscape that was ravaged by the winter and transform it into a beautiful yard for your enjoyment.

Astronomically speaking, today is the vernal or spring equinox. Spring starts at 6:45 pm today! Weather-wise it may not feel like spring just yet, but the days and nights are now equal and getting longer.

Come visit us at the Erie Convention Center for the Erie Home & Garden Expo! Doors open today at 2:00pm tip 8:00pm. Friday 12-8. Saturday 10-8 and Sunday 11-5.

When designing the front landscape for a house the landscape should have sufficient strength to for visual appeal as someone is driving by. This photo is almost straight on, but a driver rarely sees it this way.

One of the features in this photo is the hedge of Shamrock Hollies, Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’. Not a shamrock in the traditional sense of the word, but named as a variety for its rich green color.

After a long white winter and a gloomy, gloamy weekend, we are all anxious for a little color!

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors worked with architect Richard Weibel with the renovations to Saint Peter's Cathedral in 1988.

Here at Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors, green is our favorite color. You can't get more green in Erie, PA than the annual St. Patty's Day Parade that will be held today at 2:00 p.m.

in 2006 Connex wanted to develop a new building in the Fairview Industrial Park and Dave Marino, LA worked with them to develop a functional and beautiful site for their business.

Gardens as art. Gardens are a sculptural art that you can enjoy by moving thru them. The spatial delineation and the modulation of these spaces are one of the subtle elements that help to make gardens so enjoyable.

Smugglers had always had a warm spot in my heart as it was one of my favorite watering holes before I was married. Good music and great location by the water.

By this time of the year just about every person in Erie and this region has spring fever. The excitement to see some green and some flower color.

Mary Jane Dahlkemper (right) was one of the original reasons for the business. Chuck had to support his young wife and growing family.

St. Jude is the patron saint of lost causes. In this before picture from 1991, you can see why. The lot at the corner of 6th and Peninsula Drive was the former home of ‘Fun Town’ and was a wreck. Buildings were demolished, rides were torn down, the wave pool was broken up and buried.

There’s lots to love about Chautauqua, small lots and clients who love the environment. A fully planted yard means no lawn mowing.

Improving your business environment for 60 years! When this announcement of Sunburst Electronics recognition goes out (as published in MBA Bsuiness magazine, Feb 2015, the photo features Sunburst as landscaped by Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors in 2001-2002.)

Family business is an interesting venture. I grew up in the family business. My uncles, cousins and friends have worked here. As our business grew, I asked my wife, Kathy, to come and help me in the business.

One good thing about snow: it sure does make things look nice and bright!

This was the situation when we were called to the lot of this new home in 2002. The contractor preserved what trees they could and cut a convenient drive on the left side of the lot to access the garage entry and to work around the house.

Now is the time for spring! This homeowner replaces railroad tie steps and old slates with a clean new approach walk that compliments their home.

The home here is lovely and has a distinctive brick pattern that flows up and down in a wave pattern and with a slate roof the house just felt so cottagey.

Being in business for 60 years we have seen projects come and go. This PNC Bank drive-in facility was installed in 1994 on the corner of W. 2nd and Peach St.

With the spring thaw coming after a heavy snow, concerns of potential flooding occur. One way that landscape architects help the environment are through Best Management Practices that involve storm water.

Some water gardens spring out of opportunity or necessity, like this one. There was a wet spot in this yard led to a ‘what are the options’ discussion. Beyond a drain, we mentioned that we could capture the water and create a water garden that could be seen from the screened in porch.

Builders Association of Northwestern PA Awards of Excellence Category: Landscape Makeover $25,000 - $50,000 Winner: Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors

Builders Association of Northwestern PA Awards of Excellence Category: New Landscape Installation $50,000 - $75,000 Winner: Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors

Builders Association of Northwestern PA Awards of Excellence Category: Landscape Makeover Under $25,000 Winner: Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors

Builders Association of Northwestern PA Awards of Excellence Category: Hardscape $25,000 - $50,000 Winner: Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors

Builders Association of Northwestern PA Awards of Excellence Category: Hardscape over $100,000 Winner: Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors

Builders Association of Northwestern PA Awards of Excellence Category: Water Feature Under $25,000 Winner: Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors

Builders Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania Awards of Excellence Category: New Landscape Install $25,000 - $50,000 Winner: Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors was part of the team and designed the landscape around the new Sheraton Hotel as part of the Convention Center in 2008.

I have been involved with the Erie Art Museum for a long time and formally as a member of the Public Art Committee. We were so pleased to be a part of the museum expansion and to have a role in shaping this courtyard space in front of the addition that allows for gathering and events as an extension to the interior spaces.

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors was proud to have the opportunity to install the landscape for the renovated George Washington Memorial Park in Waterford, PA in 2003.

Think about never having to shovel or blow your driveway again… it's possible. The Glenwood neighborhood is unique in the way it was planned.

Nothing can be better for your Valentine than to plant a garden full of flowers! Bring some joy to the one you love by giving them a garden!

It’s Friday the 13th and none of us want to have bad luck. Often times it's good planning and maintenance that keep us from misfortune. Do not take things for granted - especially your trees.

On Lincoln’s Birthday we’d like to feature our involvement on the Lincoln Community Center, a branch of the Erie County Library System.

We LOVE people who love their gardens! This little back yard on East 31st by East Avenue has been a work in progress for many years.

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors had been doing a lot of work for the Sisters at St. Mary’s Home when Sister Mary Alice called in the spring of 2006.

When Architect Herm Weber moved into this house at 4th and Pittsburgh in 1999, he called to discuss options for improving the landscape for the home.

Even though Christmas is past, the snow creates a clean backdrop to display the beautiful dendritic shapes of our trees in winter. And with our holiday lighting franchise, Christmas Decor those trees can stand out even greater.

During the winter season we are on the lookout for foraging fauna, mostly deer and rabbits. With limited harvesting in suburban areas damage from deer has become a large issue.

As in any family business, you have your family work in the business. That’s why I have had 5 kids, so they could come and work in the business. And at one time or another, each of my family members have worked in the business.

Everyone love to keep warm. As your outdoor living specialists, this applies to all times of the year so we can enjoy spending time living out of doors.

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors had been doing a number of projects for Erie Homes for Children and Adults, formerly the Erie Infants Home. These included landscape improvements and group home improvements to keep up the look and provide easier maintenance.

When Chuck Dahlkemper graduated from Cathedral Prep in 1952, tuition was $32 per year. Dad was already mowing lawns and providing lawn care and when he graduated, he picked up the work taking care of the Cathedral block.

The site where the current Walnut creek and Asbury schools are located had been farmed for a long time. Rows of field corn were grown where students are now educated. This was a wide open site.

The depths of Erie winter is a great time to plan for summertime activities and outdoor living. In 2012, Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors helped to transform this backyard into a recreational oasis.

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors assisted Fairview Township in developing the Fairview Commerce Green in the Fairview Business Park, including laying out trails and the giant flagpole that can be seen from I-90 to the south.

The corner of State Street at Glenwood park avenue was an empty lot with a rotting stump in the summer of 1999. John Ferguson led the charge to establish a memorial for the veterans of WWII.

This home is located at 1153 Hilltop Road. The work on this location started in 1986 as indicated on the sketch at the left for Dr. Larry and Judy Rusin.

Winter is a great time of the year for deep thinking and conceiving future plans. During the winter of 1996, the landscape architects of Dahlkemper Landscape Architects and Contractors developed plans with the Erie Western Pennsylvania Port Authority for the improvement of the Liberty Pier.

In 2009, the Burger King on Peach Street was undergoing a building renovation and needed some landscape repair.

Of those 60 years, this person, Jerome Anthony ‘Stick’ Dahlkemper, has been around for 50 of those single-handedly improving Erie’s environment.

Before photo of 6745 Manchester Road. The homeowner wanted and outdoor space that suited the architectural style and made the best use of the yard.

Repetition is a design technique to strengthen a composition. At this residence, the architecture of the home has repeating rooflines in the gables to strengthen the french country style.

The pattern of the landscape can be revealed in the winterscape as seen here at this home at 76 North Lake Drive, Chatauqua.

Following his dad, this homeowner has a private backyard area.

For the last 22 years, Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors has been planting, renovating and managing the landscape of this country home.

The placement of a new home being built in 2000 by Laughlin Builders put the sun room up against a bank looking into the woodlands.

Over the years Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors has done a number of projects on the Villa Campus.

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects and Contractors installed the landscape of the new Catherdral Prep Events Center in 2010.

This complete landscape renovation included a wrap around front landscape planting, extending the front walk, and additional parking for the narrow driveway.

The winter of 1999 was spent over the drawing boards and in meetings with Fairview Township officials and residents to develop a master plan for a new park on the property across from Pleasant Ridge Manor.

In 2002 the Avalon asked Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors to look at its struggling courtyard.

In 2002, Bob and Diane Banks moved into this classic Erie home at 6th and Cherry.

60 years and still Erie's choice!

In 1992 when Sue Sutto built her landmark real estate office at 12th and Powell, she trusted Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors to give it the curb appeal a professional would expected, and that has lasted 22 years.

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors developed the landscape plans for the very large industrial site developed for Bush Industries.

In 1996 the tennis courts were expanded at the Kahkwa Club. Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors supplied the design expertise and planting installation to complete the plantings around the new courts.

1552 South Shore Drive is a classic Erie estate with a large lot, beautiful trees, and a view of Presque Isle Bay.

In 2005, Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors redesigned the front of the Erie County Courthouse with Architect Mike Grab.

In 2003, Dahlkemper Landscape Architects and Contractors was part of the team that helped create the beautiful setting of the Children's Adventure.

Yesterday and Today! This home was built in 1980 by Bud and Barbara Bracken on Saybrook Drive. The house was strategically located to preserve a large maple that was part of the old Griswold estate.

We still take advantage of the snow. A lot of snow plowing back in the old days…

Jim with Grandpa Christ and Grandma Edna. Jim Dahlkemper was in the army as an MP stationed in Germany when the company was founded.

Chuck Dahlkemper loves to cut grass… he was in the right business!

The gardening tradition is deeply rooted in the Dahlkemper Family.

Since 1955 the Dahlkemper name has been affiliated with environmental improvement in Erie as my father, Chuck Dahlkemper founded Dahlkemper Landscaping.

Get into the holiday spirit and get the best-lit house in your neighborhood with holiday lighting services from Dahlkemper Landscape Architects.

There are many reasons to consider landscaping your home. Not only does it boost the attractiveness of your property, it increases the value of your home and makes your time spent outdoors with family and friends more enjoyable.

Fall is a time of change - and a great time for planting. Senescence tells a tree to close down for the coming winter. As part of this process trees become dormant and their metabolism, as well as photosynthesis, slows down, allowing them to store nutrients for spring.

As we round the corner of summer and head into fall, it’s a great time to get out into the yard! Cooler temperatures, dry days, and dewy mornings are great conditions for strengthening the lawn and plantings and getting some important yard work done.

We have had a cooler and moister summer than normal. While this has been great for growth, it has lead to some issues with fungus this year. August can be a tough month for your landscape as we get busy with summer activities and we sometimes let the outside areas go.

Not sure where to start with that outdoor project? Then come check us out at the Erie Home & Garden Expo!

Come and visit us at the Erie Home Show sponsored by the Builders Association of Northwestern PA. The show starts Thursday February 20th and runs thru Sunday the 23rd at the Family First sports park.

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors garnered 27 awards for Landscape Excellence in the Builders Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania 2009 Awards of Excellence. Among these were 19 winners and 8 honorable mentions that were in competing categories.