Archives for June 2019

landscaping Boca Raton and south Florida

RCH Landscaping Warns South Florida Residents to Prepare Their Landscapes for Hurricane Season

Boca Raton, FL – June 16, 2019 – The Atlantic Ocean has already seen its first subtropical storm of the year on May 20, though it didn’t transition into a fully-fledged hurricane. RCH Landscaping advises anyone that hasn’t already done so to prepare now for the hurricane season that’s already in progress.

The weather so far this year in the U.S. has been atypical and no one knows when one of the most powerful storms on the planet will come roaring out of nowhere. “Plan for the worst, hope for the best” is an adage that’s appropriate when preparing for a hurricane. In the high winds that accompany the storms, anything that can be tossed about or become airborne becomes a potential missile of destruction and injury.

Hurricanes result in a lot of vegetative debris that can block storm drains and cause significant damage to homes and businesses. It’s a good idea to fortify any loosely rooted bushes. One thing that many people forget to do is deactivate their sprinkler systems – leaving them on only places more water into an already soggy environment.

Hire a professional to take down or trim any damaged trees or limbs. The exception to that are palm trees. Removing live fronds will weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to damage, but do remove any coconuts or large seeds.

Yard furniture, decorations, playhouses and trampolines should be stored indoors. Tie down anything that can’t be moved and board up windows to minimize breaking glass. Swimming pools are a popular feature, but don’t try to drain them if a hurricane is coming. Doing so can damage the pool.

As ocean surges occur, drainage and flooding will become a major problem long before a hurricane actually arrives. Always make sure gutters, downspouts, tiles and shingles are firmly attached and free of debris. Storm drains will also need attention to ensure they’re clear.

Utilize proactive landscaping. Once the storm has passed, there will be new planting to be done. RCH Landscaping professionals can help deal with any new damage to existing plants and provide guidance about the types of trees or bushes that will best withstand the ravages of any future hurricane.

 

About RCH Landscaping

RCH Landscaping in Boca Raton and Palm Beach is South Florida’s leading commercial and residential landscape and irrigation company. We’ve had the luxury of providing commercial and residential landscaping to hundreds of happy South Florida clients.

 

Media Contact

RCH Landscaping
Phone: 561-779-9760
Email: rchlawnmaintenance@gmail.com
Website: www.rchlandscapingfl.com

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How Landscaping Can Help Sell Your House

People trying to sell their home hear a lot about curb appeal and landscaping is an essential element for anyone that wants to make their property more attractive to buyers. There’s a myriad of effective and inexpensive ways to make a home look more appealing when viewed from the road.

Plant Flowers

A few well-placed bursts of color will create a warm and welcoming appearance that brightens up any property. Drought-resistant plants that also have attractive blooms are a bonus. They don’t require as much care or water so they save on watering costs and are particularly popular with eco-friendly buyers.

Mulch is a Friend

Mulch has a multitude of benefits and works to present a sophisticated appearance. The use of mulch will aid in suppressing weed growth, help retain moisture for plants, and enhance soil quality.

Clean it Up

Clutter on the outside of a home is just as bad as it is for the interior when trying to sell a property. Keep the lawn mowed and remove debris and any tree twigs. Make sure to rake any dead grass areas and under trees and bushes. For those with patios, walkways and paved drives, make sure paving and stones are moss free and no cracked concrete is visible. Clean-up also includes pruning dead branches and overgrown bushes for a tidy appearance.

Hire a Landscaper

Homeowners don’t have to contract for a full-scale renovation project. Professional landscapers can help with tree and hedge trimming, repairing damaged irrigation systems, sowing grass seed in bare spots, and mulching.

Make it Happy

A property that has been landscaped looks happy and commands a significantly higher price. Even little things can make a big difference to a buyer and the strategies don’t have to be costly to implement. Ideally, homeowners should begin their efforts approximately a month before the property goes on the market. For those that don’t have the time to perform the tasks themselves or are unable to do so, a professional landscaper is an ideal solution.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

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Mixing Color and Greenery for Year-Round Interest

The use of color and greenery in a yard is a basic design principle that creates a welcoming and restful environment. There are many ways to achieve the combination that includes flowers, trees and bushes. When done correctly, it provides contrast, vertical and horizontal interest, brightens up dark and shady areas, and is a design based on nature utilized by professional landscapers.

Most people think only of the green color of lawns or leaves when they consider greenery, but there’s a variety of plants that have leaves in shades of red, bronze, lime green, and purple that add visual interest to any landscape. Green has a calming effect on the senses and landscape plants run the gamut from the deep, forest green of pines and tropicals to the greenish-white of decorative grasses.

Flowers are one of the best ways to add a splash of instant color anywhere in the landscape, particularly annuals. One of the most important decisions individuals will need to make is how much time they’re willing to devote to upkeep. Some plants require a significant amount of work to keep them looking tidy, while others need very little care.

Wood mulch is an effective way of adding color that also protects greenery, nourishes the soil, and retains moisture for less watering. Crushed rock is also being used in many areas as a mulch, primarily to help retain moisture. It doesn’t provide nourishment the way wood mulch does, but it’s available in a variety of hues.

Color isn’t something that just stops at the end of the summer season in Florida. There are any number of plants, trees and bushes that provide contrasting visual interest during winter months through the color and diversity of their foliage shapes, patterns, seed pods and berries.

There’s no end to the combinations that can be designed through the creative use of greenery and color. It’s a good idea to use a color wheel for novices that want to try a little landscaping on their own. For people with large landscaping projects and little time, it’s best to call in the professionals.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

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Common Irrigation Problems

When to Call in the Pros

Irrigation systems are a wonderful convenience that saves water, energy and eliminates the need for tedious watering tasks. However, problems with landscape irrigation systems can arise. The trick for homeowners is identifying when a simple fix is available and when to call in the professionals.

Ideally, homeowners should be inspecting their irrigation systems each month for broken heads, especially after mowing. Soil settles and even small changes can expose a sprinkler head to clipping by a mower. A broken sprinkler head wastes a tremendous amount of water and that translates into dollars on monthly water bills. It’s a problem that needs a professional.

Misting is also a common problem that’s usually the result of too much water pressure. Inexpensive pressure reducers can be purchased and installed by homeowners that will maintain the optimal 30 psi.

Few things are more frustrating than finding the irrigation system working while it’s raining. It’s a problem that’s easily remedied with a wireless rain sensor. Models are available that can be installed by the homeowner.

Modern irrigation systems include a controller that can be programmed to deliver water to landscapes on a regular basis. Depending upon soil composition, runoff can be a problem if water is applied to fast. Just engage the cycle and soak feature. Older irrigation controllers don’t have many of the abilities of modern systems, in which case it’s a good idea to call in a professional landscaper to upgrade the system.

Many individuals are eschewing conventional irrigation and calling in professionals to install drip irrigation systems. They can use up to 50 percent less water, save on water bills, eliminate runoff, and prevent soil erosion. They include all the modern conveniences available with state-of-the-art irrigation systems. They’re eco-friendly and are beneficial for aiding in the control of fungal diseases that can be especially prevalent in hot, humid climates.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

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Top Mulch Options

The nature of modern mulch has changed radically over the years. While wood mulch is still the choice that’s most often used, many people aren’t even aware of the many options that are now available. A professional landscaper will know the composition of the soil and can choose the best mix. A professional will also know if a particular type is toxic to pets, such as mulch made from roasted cocoa bean shells.

Hardwood chips and shreds – The mulch is a byproduct created from paper and lumber industries. It’s a favorite in woodland settings and pathways, works well in areas that collect water, and on slopes. It can last up to three years before it needs to be reapplied, is inexpensive, and is lighter in color.

Cedar chips and shreds – Cedar mulch is darker in color and widely available. It gives landscaping a more manicured look. It’s not a good choice for soil with a low pH, but it’s good at repelling fungus, bacteria and insect pests.

Pine chips, shreds, needles and “straw” – In any form, it’s a good mulch for plants that like acidic soil. It’s a good choice for slopes and breaks down slowly compared to other mulches. Many people find the silvery color of aging pine mulch unattractive.

Lava Rock – It’s light, airy and has a pleasing color, but is best used around plants that are low maintenance. It lasts forever, but is difficult to remove if homeowners change their mind.

Stone – This can create an elegant and formal effect. When dark colored stones are used they absorb heat and speed up soil evaporation. Lighter colored stones don’t absorb as much heat. Stone is typically used in Southwestern type gardening environments.

Seaweed – It’s particularly beneficial in hot, dry locations but is more difficult to obtain. It acts as an organic fertilizer, doesn’t contain seeds, lightens soil, and repels insects, especially slugs.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

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Plants that Require Little Maintenance

A beautifully landscaped property is the ideal for every homeowner, but it can require a substantial amount of time, effort and money to maintain. For individuals that are short on time, they can choose low-maintenance plants.

Homeowners should take care when choosing any type of plant for their landscaping needs. While some plants accommodate the low-maintenance criteria, they may also have invasive tendencies that can ultimately result in additional work.

Groundcovers

A number of groundcovers are available. They can range from a mere 2-6 inches, while others can grow to 24 inches. Flowers are typically small, some are very aromatic, and are available for shady and full-sun locations. Groundcovers include crown vetch, creeping sedum, fescue, hosta, peppermint, and creeping thyme.

Ornamental Grasses

This classification includes varieties that mature at 18 inches in height to those that can grow to 10-12 feet tall. They typically have unique or unusual looking “flower” heads and foliage can be green, reddish, variegated and golden yellow. Some spread slowly, while others can grow aggressively, and they’re often used in areas where soil erosion is a problem. Some varieties are feather reed grass, ribbon grass, and fountain grass.

Shrubs

Some shrubs remain relatively small, while others in the category can be grown as small trees. They may produce flowers, fruits eaten by birds, and foliage that can transition to red, yellow, orange and reddish-purple. Some examples are tree peony, smoke tree, and beautyberry

Trees

Some of the most popular low-maintenance trees are smaller specimens that grow from 20-35 feet tall, but make a big impact. These include hawthorn, weeping cherry, Ben Franklin tree, juniper, Japanese red maple, and miniature fruit trees.

Flowers

Low-maintenance flowering plants provide a splash of color in the landscape and attract birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage remains after the blossoms are spent, typically die to the ground at the end of the season, and include canna lilies, cone flowers, geraniums, and meadow sage.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

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Preparing Your Yard for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season officially begins in June and it’s incumbent upon every homeowner to prepare their garden for a worst-case scenario. Everyone should begin by performing an inspection of their property to check for dead and damaged tree limbs that can result in significant damage to houses and outbuildings.

Trees

Dead trees should be removed and don’t forget to check for shrubs that may be loosely rooted. If you have palm trees in your yard, don’t trim them or remove the fronds unless the fronds are already dead to avoid weakening the tree. You’ll also want to remove any large seeds or coconuts.

Drainage

Drainage is always a problem from rain, even if a hurricane doesn’t make landfall. Make sure your storm drains are clear of debris. Check gutters and downspouts, clear them of debris, and ensure that they’re securely attached to the structure. If there are any loose shingles or tiles on the home or garage, have them repaired. Don’t drain your pool, as it can result in structural damage from the storm.

Yard Items

When you know a hurricane is coming, be sure to remove and store anything in the yard that could become loose, blow away, and become a projectile. That includes doghouses, wind chimes, lawn ornaments, BBQs and fire pits, lawn furniture, and playhouses. If an item can’t be stored inside, use tie downs.

Power off

Turn your sprinkler systems off to avoid the potential of adding more water to a landscape that will already be soaked and loosen root systems of trees. Plan ahead when creating a garden and landscape environment by installing plants that have a dense root system.

Turn off the power. Downed lines can cause dangerous electrical surges that can damage any device from water heaters to air conditioners. A power surge can also cause serious and costly damage to breaker boxes and even start a fire.

Be prepared

Download a reliable weather app to mobile devices to stay informed. Remember that cell towers are often damaged or downed in a hurricane and communication may be difficult. Most importantly, be safe. Personal possessions can always be replaced and gardens replanted.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Read more
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