Archives for September 2019

What Goes into a Commercial Landscape Site Design?

Creating a commercial landscape design is a multi-step process that incorporates a myriad of factors. It must accommodate the needs of the client, be aesthetically pleasing, meet a variety of regulatory specifications, and fulfill security and safety requirements.

A commercial landscape company will work closely with clients to determine their needs and turn their vision into a completed project. It involves a variety of elements and services that combines functionality with beauty to accommodate the unique needs of each commercial space whether it’s the property surrounding a warehouse facility or an apartment complex.

A landscaping professional will visit the property to assess it and ascertain any issues that may arise with drainage, pooling or erosion. The design will factor in where trees, flowers and bushes will be planted, where parking spaces, fencing, and driveways will be constructed, and where lighting will be installed.

Elements such as where gutters and rainwater runoff will flow will be determined. A commercial landscaping company will also be able to create, install and service irrigation systems. They can assist with the planning of walkways, playgrounds, water features, and the placement of bike racks, depending upon the property. They also provide solutions for commercial property owners that desire eco-friendly elements.

Attention will be paid to existing surroundings and materials chosen to complement architecture and surroundings. Consideration will be given to upkeep of the finished project to ensure low-maintenance requirements encompassing mowing, clean-up and even pest control that are also cost effective.

Landscape design companies have established relationships with a variety of service providers that work to provide customized solutions that are tailored to the needs of clients. They have the ability to dramatically transform the appearance of properties that will also enhance and increase their value.

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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Hedge, Fence or Both?

Most people think in terms of one or the other when considering a fence or hedge. Home and business owners don’t have to limit themselves to just one option. There are charming and innovative ways for individuals to combine both if they desire.

Hedges

A living hedge has a softer, more natural look. A myriad of bushes can be used to accommodate varying height preferences and to create a formal or informal look. Hedges are less expensive, offer some shade, and provide shelter for wildlife. They’re also beneficial as a noise barrier, make a good windbreak, and increase the value of the property.

The drawback is that they can require several years to reach mature height and will require work to maintain a pleasing appearance. They can also easily encroach on the property of others if not trimmed regularly and may require a permit to install.

Fences

While fences have a harder appearance than a hedge, they’re also far more effective at keeping people out if security is an issue. Fencing options are now available that are eco-friendly, almost entirely maintenance free, and can even withstand hurricane force winds. Depending upon the type of fencing, they won’t need painting or staining.

A fence will almost definitely require a permit to install. They’re more expensive, but offer a good return on the investment. Fencing offers instant privacy, security, and a barrier against sound.

Hedges and Fences

The two can be combined for the most advantageous benefits of both. The most common pairing is chain link or fencing with a wrought iron look that’s combined traditional hedge plantings. The fence is placed on the outside for security and the hedge is planted on the inside of the fence. The arrangement will keep children and pets contained in safety and the plantings will provide shade and noise barrier.

No Simple Choice

Fencing, hedges or a combination of both each have their adherents. Ultimately, the decision will be up to the home or business owner, their budget, and the primary reason for the installation. It’s best to consult with a landscaping professional that can provide advice on the different options available.

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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lawn pest control

Keeping Pests at Bay

There are any number of unwelcome pests that can wreak havoc on lawns, flowers, hedges and trees. From chemicals to organic measures, there are numerous ways to discourage pests from lunching on plants and hedges in the landscape.

Chemicals are typically the first solution that people consider. If not applied correctly, they can damage the very plants that are trying to be saved. Using chemicals is best left to the professionals, especially if children or pets may come in contact with the treated areas. Chemicals are a response to a pest problem that’s already occurred.

For those that prefer a proactive approach that utilizes natural methods, there are a number of plants that can be cultivated that will repel insects and rodents. Peppermint, spearmint and pennyroyal are deterrents for ants and aphids. Garlic, alliums, oregano, daffodils, lavender and savory are helpful in masking the aroma of plants insects and rodents want to eat or will repel them entirely.

Pheromone traps are highly effective and will only lure the type of insect or rodent that’s invading the environment. The traps are easily disposed of and can aid in monitoring the scope of the problem. Insect-killing soaps made from natural ingredients are also available to control aphids, spider mites and similar pests, but isn’t effective once it dries.

Another way to address an insect problem is by attracting beneficial insects to the environment that also prey upon the undesirable bugs. It’s an option that really needs the input from a professional to determine what the insect problem is first.

A tidy yard is the best way to keep insects and rodents from invading the landscape in the first place. Dispose of leaves, brush piles, and other plant debris where the pests can live. Overwatering and insufficient air flow among plants is an invitation to insects. Wood piles should be moved from time to time so rodents don’t become comfortable.

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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tree services boca raton florida

Strategic Tree Placement on Commercial Properties

Any commercial property will benefit from the addition of trees. They provide a pleasant and welcoming appearance, help cool the environment, are eco-friendly, and add value to any property. Trees are a wonderful addition, but their placement and the type of trees that will be planted require careful consideration.

Commercial landscapers will factor in elements such as how the green spaces they occupy will be utilized, along with the need for pruning, growth habits and mature height. The trees must have the ability to thrive in commercial landscapes and will need minimum distance from structures and areas of heavy traffic.

A combination of traditional shade trees and evergreens adds diversity to the landscape and interest in multiple seasons. They also act as buffers against noise, protect against harsh winds, provide privacy, and purify the air.

Planting trees on the west side of structures is beneficial for helping to cool buildings and lower air conditioning costs, particularly if they provide shade for windows since the sun’s rays are more intense from the west. Trees planted on the east side of a building can also aid in reducing the use of air conditioning.

Trees planted on the south side of properties can work to lower the demand for energy in the summer, providing they don’t obstruct the sun from entering windows during cooler months or block energy-efficient strategies such as solar panels and wind turbines. Placing air conditioning units in the shade will help them operate more efficiently.

Trees can increase the value of properties by up to 12 percent, making them an excellent investment for commercial landscapes. They add beauty and provide a myriad of functions. A professional landscaper will have the knowledge and experience to know what trees will grow best in specific locations and how to strategically place them within commercial properties to the best advantage.

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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mulch

When is it Time to Refresh Your Landscape?

A professionally designed landscape will add beauty and visual interest for many years as it changes and evolves. However, there comes a time when the green space you’re living with just doesn’t evoke the same joy as it once did. When that happens, it may be time to refresh your landscape.

It’s a good idea to look closely at your landscape every 5-10 years and evaluate its appearance. Improper pruning and plantings that have sustained significant damage need to be removed and/or replaced. The same can be said for flowers, bushes or hedges that have overgrown their space. If you can’t enjoy your property in the way you wish, it’s time for an update.

Begin by really looking at the front yard. The entry should be open, attractive and welcoming. Pedestrians shouldn’t scurry by your home as if it were a haunted house. Visitors should be able to clearly see the driveway and open their car doors all the way to exit their vehicle without stepping on plants or scratching their car.

Lighting after dark is always a welcome addition. It conveys a sense of warmth and is essential for guests trying to navigate walkways and stairs. Plant and trees shouldn’t encroach on walkways. Take a walk back and forth in front of your home and try to see it from the perspective of a stranger.

If you’re spending a significant amount of time and money watering your property, it may be time to install a programmable irrigation system and transition to a more low-maintenance landscape. You’ll save time and money with both.

Backyards need tender loving care, too. If the backyard isn’t being used to its full potential or the family’s needs have changed, it’s time to refresh your landscape. Pools, decks, balconies, and fireplaces can make a dramatic difference and create a space you’ll cherish.

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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Annuals vs. Perennials

Flowering plants create an ever-changing perspective in landscapes and provide an important source of food for butterflies, hummingbirds, and honey bees. Individuals can choose from annuals, perennials or a combination of both to produce a bounty of blooms. There are also biennials that live and flower over the course of two growing seasons.

Annuals

Gardeners typically plant annuals in the spring and summer months. These are the plants normally found in abundance at nurseries and popular chain stores. They grow and flower for a single season, then die. However, due to South Florida’s unique weather and growing conditions, some annuals may reseed themselves.

Annuals will require more work since they need to be replanted each year, but the trade-off is a profusion of spectacularly colored blossoms. Deadheading annuals will keep them looking neat and encourage new blooms. One of the advantages of annuals is that they bloom over a longer period and do so freely. They’re an excellent way to have showy flowers between the bloom cycles of perennials.

Planting annuals ensures a continually changing kaleidoscope of colors, but they do require more fertilizer and watering to remain healthy. If a gardener plants a variety they don’t care for, they can simply plant something different the next year. Annuals are also less expensive than perennials. Popular annuals include petunias, zinnias, pansies, marigolds, begonias, snapdragons, and impatiens, along with moss roses, geraniums, celosia, and calendula.

Perennials

These are an ideal solution for those that want to “plant it and forget it.” While they’re not entirely maintenance-free, they grow and multiply each year without any help from gardeners. Depending on the type of perennial, they may need to be trimmed or cut back at the end of their bloom cycle. Some types may need to be divided periodically to prevent them from overgrowing their allotted space.

Perennials have a stronger and deeper root system that enables them to adapt to extremes in weather. Their root systems also require less water and fertilizer since they forage for nutrients from deeper in the soil. Those same roots help hold and stabilize soil and aid in minimizing weed growth.

They’re more expensive since they’re a one-time purchase, but younger plants can be obtained at less cost for those that are willing to watch them grow. Perennials include a variety of flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and lilies. Other perennials encompass delphiniums, phlox, some carnations, coneflowers, bleeding hearts, and lavender.

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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