Archives for June 2022

landscape design company boca raton florida

Simple Landscape Design for Small Yard

Having a small yard doesn’t mean that people have to forgo landscaping. Even small spaces can be turned into an oasis of beauty and calm. People typically think of landscaping as a sprawling endeavor, but there are creative ways to landscape a small yard to bring a touch of color, peace and tranquility into anyone’s life.

Go Vertical

There are many plants that can grow vertically, such as vines, along with trees with a columnar growth pattern that includes columnar oaks, poplars, cypress and arborvitae. Just make sure it’s the columnar varieties and not standard sized species.

Seating

Plants are an essential design element, but creating a seating space where individuals can gather to lounge and relax is equally important. The surrounding plantings can include non-flowering varieties for a rainforest feel. Plants with multi-colored foliage adds depth and interest, or plant a few brightly colored flowers for a cheery burst of color.

Containers

There’s always room for container gardening, even in the smallest of yards. Containers come in a wide range of sizes, styles and materials. If height is desired, a large container can be turned upside down to act as a stand for a smaller pot. Containers act as a focal point and either annuals or perennials can be potted for a splash of color and texture.

Ponds

Pre-made ponds are available in all sizes and shapes, along with the pump and necessary equipment for circulation to ensure the water doesn’t become stagnant or turn into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The sound of water is especially soothing.

Falls and Fountains

Small, premade fountains and waterfalls add a relaxing water feature to small spaces. They’re easy to install, provide the soothing sound of running water, and are available in multiple sizes to accommodate any space. Multi-tiered fountains offer the best of both features. Many models are equipped with colored LED lights that provide additional interest and are inexpensive to operate.

Flowerboxes for Fences

For those with a fenced in yard, small flowerboxes can be attached to almost any type of fencing. Hanging flower pouches can be hung from fence posts and hangers can be affixed to fence posts to support hanging flower baskets.

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 has 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 Proper Way to Lay Sod in Your Yard

It’s best to have a professional lay sod, but if you want to make it a DIY project, there are rules to laying sod for optimal success and the ground must be properly prepared to receive it. Sodding is an excellent way to rejuvenate a tired lawn or create a new lawn on bare soil.

It’s best to perform a pH test on your soil before sodding. Professional soil test kits are available, but will take approximately two weeks to obtain results. There are also rapid soil test kits that can be purchased at almost every garden center. The results will determine if any amendments to the soil will be required.

Measure the area to be sodded and purchase approximately 5 percent more to accommodate any odd curves or corners in the yard. Soil should be well-watered 24 to 48 hours in advance and plan on laying it the same day it arrives.

The type of turfgrass that’s being laid will determine when you lay the sod. For the best success, sodding should be performed during the grass’s most active growth cycle. Cool season grasses are best planted in early fall or spring, while warm season grasses should be planted in mid to late spring.

Laying sod isn’t as easy as you may think and it’s not like laying carpet. It needs to be laid in a brickwork pattern for optimal results. All the sides and edges shouldn’t be aligned. The strips should be laid tightly together for even seams with no gaps. There should be no overlapping of ends or edges, as that will only serve to create a bumpy lawn.

Use your thumbs to push the edges together along the seams for a snug fit and to eliminate any air pockets. The sod will come in longer sized rolls, but if you happen to end up with shorter pieces, place them in the middle of your patchwork design to prevent them from drying out. Use a lawn roller to push the sod firmly down after its laid

Your new sod will need to be thoroughly watered as soon as its laid and every day thereafter unless it rains. Don’t let water puddle. After the first week, you can reduce watering to every other day. New grass should be at least 3 inches long before you mow it the first time.

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 has 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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african tulip tree

What is an African Tulip Tree?

The blossoms of the African tulip tree are visually stunning, but individuals should be warned that it has the potential to be very invasive. Typically used as a specimen tree, it will grow an average of 30 to 40 ft. in height. It can also be grown in containers, which will limit its growth and aids in preventing the spread of seeds.

The yellow to orange-red blossoms attract bees, birds and butterflies, but not other types of wildlife. It’s pollinated via birds and bats. The tree is drought tolerant but has little tolerance for salt. It’s the only species of its genus and native to central and western Africa. It’s a cousin to the trumpet vine.

The African tulip tree can be highly invasive and the woody fruit has a poisonous center. The World Conservation Union (IUCU) placed it on the list of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. Under optimal conditions, it can grow to 80 ft. in height, with an average growth rate of 6 ft. per year.

The tree produces an abundance of papery seeds that are easily disseminated by the wind and the seeds have the ability to ride the wind for miles. The seeds can take root virtually anywhere and the young saplings are shade tolerant. Saplings can quickly form dense thickets that stifle the growth of other species and take over an area.

In poor soil, it tends to grow straight up, has minimal branching, and is weakly rooted. The wood is soft and brittle, making it prone to damage and uprooting in the event of high winds or if flooding occurs. It also needs yearly trimming of dead branches.

The dropped blossoms can be a messy and sticky slip hazard. Surface roots have the ability to lift and break sidewalks, interfere with mowing, and can pose a hazard to foundations if planted too close to structures.

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 has 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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Which Grass is Best for South Florida?

South Florida residents have many choices when it comes to lawn grass. The climate is conducive to growing grasses that thrive in warmth and humidity. Many residents sow a mix of warm and cool weather grasses to ensure a lush lawn even during transitional months. The following are some of the best grass choices for South Florida.

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is favored as it grows quickly, tolerates shade, and is drought and salt tolerant. It does best when kept cut to a height of 2 to 4 inches, but isn’t as soft as some grasses. It does go dormant during winter months, which is why other types are usually sown with St. Augustine grass. It withstands high foot traffic.

Buffalo Grass

If you have difficult soil, Buffalo grass is the answer. Blue-green in color, it hates shade, thrives in high temperatures and sun, and is highly adaptable. It tends to stay green year-round. It doesn’t like overwatering and does best when kept to heights of 1½ to 3 inches.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass doesn’t mind being cut to a height of 1 to 1 ½ inches, which makes it popular for athletic fields and golf courses. The grass is able to withstand heat and direct sun. It’s a dense grower and discourages weed growth.

Zoysia Grass

Known for its ability to withstand heat, drought and medium foot traffic, it’s a tough species that does well in sun or shade. It’s a relatively slow grower, low maintenance, and can be mowed to a height of 1 to 1½ inches. It has a deep root system and is resistant to weed growth and disease. The grass doesn’t require much water or fertilizer, but doesn’t stay green year-round.

Bahia Grass

The roots of Bahia grass run deep, allowing it to survive drought conditions and it can even do well without an irrigation system. That resilience allows it to stand up to heavy foot traffic, thrive in sandy soils, and do well in full sun. It has a coarse texture and was originally used in pasture lands.

Centipede Grass

Centipede grass likes acidic and sandy soils and is best maintained at 1½ to 3 inches high. It typically doesn’t require fertilizer and is low maintenance. It grows aggressively, but relatively slowly, so you won’t need to mow as often. Centipede grass may go dormant during drought conditions. It’s a thick grower that aids in keeping out invasive weeds.

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 has 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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