Archives for September 2020

commercial landscaper company boca raton Florida

Commercial Landscape Mistakes

Commercial landscapes provide aesthetically pleasing environments that are attractive to clients. It’s also beneficial for employees and has been proven to increase productivity. A well planned and designed landscape can be a distinguishing and identifying feature for a business. The following are some of the most common commercial landscape mistakes.

Unqualified Professional

It’s imperative that business owners hire a landscaping company with the experience and extensive knowledge required to install a landscape. Unqualified professionals leave companies vulnerable to safety and security issues, along with potential lawsuits. The company should have years of experience in commercial landscapes, be licensed and bonded, and have all the appropriate certifications for the work that will be performed. The company’s professionals should be someone that actually listens to what you want.

Traffic Flow

Depending upon the type of commercial enterprise, there will be employee vehicles, clients, deliveries, and even heavy trucks entering and exiting. The landscape must be able to provide convenient access to all those types of traffic and room to maneuver. The exits and entrances must be placed in a way that doesn’t interfere with the flow of surrounding roadway traffic.

Drainage

Landscapes will need irrigation and they’ll also be subjected to potentially heavy rains. Proper drainage ensures there won’t be ponding, puddling or flooding. It will also prevent areas from becoming mud pits. Even more important, without proper drainage, water can build up that will damage structures.

Lighting

Illumination is required to promote safety and security. That doesn’t mean just installing lighting that shines on the building. Landscape illumination mitigates the potential for injuries throughout the landscape and can be artfully placed. Don’t install lighting at angles that create glare.

Plantings

Flowers, trees, shrubs, and ornamental grass are all plantings that can be used in commercial landscapes for year-round interest. The same plants that are ideal for residential areas won’t necessarily work in commercial landscapes. The mature size of trees and bushes must be considered, along with their root systems. Planted too close to structures, curbs and walkways, they may cause pavement to break and heave. Plantings must also be kept clear of utility lines, transformers, and HVAC units.

Pavement Materials

Whether it’s a parking lot or walkway, non-slip surfaces are essential and areas must be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Sloped areas should be kept to a minimum whenever possible around buildings.

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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The Best Shade Trees for South Florida Yards

Shade trees beautify properties, help keep environments cool, and clean the air while providing oxygen. Their limbs and branches also provide shelter and nesting spaces for a variety of wild bird species and help save on cooling costs. Each tree species has its own growth and space requirements of which individuals should be aware before planting. The following are some of the best shade trees for South Florida yards, in no particular order.

Bald Cypress

This is a good tree for low spots as it likes a lot of water, though it will tolerate a mild drought. It’s a unique conifer with needles that turn a rusty red color and fall in the autumn. It grows about 50 ft. high, with a canopy diameter of about half that size. It has far reaching roots and should be planted at least 15 feet away from buildings and walkways.

Florida Maple

The Florida Maple grows to 40 ft. in height and leaves turn a bright reddish-bronze in the fall. They’re fairly fast growing and good for medium sized yards. The tree will tolerate some flooding and will grow in full sun or partial shade. As it matures, the roots tend to breach the ground surface. Mulching around the tree will minimize mowing problems.

Live Oak

This is a tree that can live for centuries. It’s very resilient and can act as a windbreak against winds. It’s deeply rooted and can tolerate some flooding. The trees can grow 65 ft. high have large canopies and far reaching branches making them a good choice for large landscapes. The disadvantage to the tree is that the blooms can be messy in the spring. It does produce acorns that squirrels like and will require trimming when young.

Mahogany

Known primarily for the value of its wood, the leaf texture can add interest to the landscape. It’s an evergreen, but will drop its leaves for a short time each year. It’s on Florida’s endangered species list and planting one will aid in maintaining the species. They’re drought and salt tolerant, but do have aggressive roots. The tree shouldn’t be planted closer than a minimum of 20 feet from structures and no closer than 6 ft. from walkways and curbs. Mahogany can live up to 350 years, grow up to 60 ft. tall, and have a 50-ft. canopy spread.

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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