Archives for October 2022

Residential Landscaping Company Boca

4 Questions to Ask Your Landscape Designer

Planning a new landscape or updating an old one is fun and exciting. To ensure the job is done right, you’ll want to engage the services of a professional. You’ll have many questions for your landscape designer and the following four are essential.

Know Your Budget

Before you contact a landscape designer, know how much you have available to spend and make a list of what elements you want to include. A designer can work with you to help you stay within your budget. You may decide some elements aren’t as important as you first thought or you might want to approach your design in multiple stages.

Services Offered

You’ll want a landscape designer experienced in the features you want installed and if the company offers consultations. You might also want them to manage the landscape when it’s completed. Some landscape professionals only design, while others offer design and build services. A full-service landscape design service will create a design, build it, oversee every step of the process, and offer a maintenance program.

Time

Landscape design takes time. Talk with the designer to ascertain how long the installation will require. Much depends on the size and scope of the project, the type of plants selected, and the availability of materials.

The same is true for the time it will take for the landscaping to grow into itself. Don’t expect a project that looks like it’s been there for years. Flowers can grow into their space in as little as 1 season. Trees and shrubs can take several years to attain their full size and fill in their area.

Credentials

Don’t be shy. Ask the landscape designer to see his portfolio and ask for references. Make sure the company is licensed and fully insured. Accidents do happen and you’ll want to know that your landscape designer is prepared for any contingency.

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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Landscape Layering

Everyone has experienced bloom interruption in their garden at least once. It happens when one variety is past its peak bloom season and another hasn’t risen to take its place. That’s when landscape layering can help.

It’s a technique in which a variety of different species are interplanted so when one stops blooming, another species begins flowering. It’s an effective method for ensuring bright, attractive blooms and interest throughout the season.

Landscape layering uses multiple design principles encompassing depth, scale, flow and repetition. Plants can be grouped by size, color, texture and shape to make a dramatic visual display. The strategy can incorporate flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees for a balanced appearance. It’s also effective for highlighting plants, hardscapes and focal points throughout the environment.

Plant Selection

This is a critical element in the process. It’s important to install plants that thrive in the prevailing soil and weather conditions. At the very least, the plants should be able to easily adapt.

Sun and Moisture

Each plant has its own specific sun and moisture requirements to thrive. A plant that requires full sun will perform poorly in deep shade. It pays to research the plants you want to add to the environment. South Florida has a subtropical climate and species that need a drier climate aren’t going to do well.

Visualize

Individuals can choose from multiple types of plantings and it’s important to visualize how the installations will appear when they’re mature. There are evergreen and deciduous trees from which to choose, along with ornamental types and fruit trees.

Their height and size will determine their placement in the landscape. The same is true for shrubs, grasses and flowers. It also applies to groundcovers in areas that are hilly or have poor soil. Another factor is the available area each planting will have in which to expand.

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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residential landscaping boca raton florida

Things That Can Ruin Your Landscaping

A well designed and maintained landscape is beautiful to behold. Unfortunately, there are a number of things that can occur that will ruin the entire landscape. Some situations you can control, others you can’t.

Insects

Insects are all around, but an infestation is something to avoid at all costs. The problem with insects is that you never know when they’re going to appear, from where, and in what numbers. There’s also the potential for an invasive species with no natural predators. Trying to control them with chemical methods can result in the death of beneficial insects and your plantings.

Too Much Water

South Florida receives a significant amount of rain each year and it’s typically more than enough to keep plants hydrated. However, the area is also at the mercy of hurricanes and storm surges that can wash miles inland. Plants don’t like salt water. Even localized flooding from a heavy rain can be detrimental.

Drought

While drought isn’t a situation that typically occurs in Florida, the possibility does exist. Install a programmable irrigation system with a moisture detector to deliver just the right amount water to each individual area. Always water during cooler evening hours.

Chemicals

The use of chemicals, whether it’s fertilizer, an herbicide or insecticide, can do irreparable damage to lawns and other plantings.

Inappropriate Planting

Installing the wrong type of plant in the environment can quickly lead to several problems. Some spread quickly, overgrow their neighbors, and become invasive. Others need different growing conditions than where they’ve been installed. Planting too close together creates overcrowding and discourages healthy growth. It also sets up conditions for disease and pests.

Over Trimming

In your pursuit of keeping lawns mowed, trees trimmed and bushes beat back, you can inadvertently over mow, cut and trim. Some types of plantings may be able to slowly recover. Others can’t. Trim and cut judiciously and keep lawns to about 3½ inches. Any shorter and it weakens the roots, resulting in poor growth or death that will leave bare patches.

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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Ways to Get Rid of Standing Water

Standing water is becoming a far greater problem than it has been in the past. Nature will typically find a way to rid itself of excess water. New home and business developments are changing the way that nature responds, leading to puddling and localized flooding. For those experiencing any of those problems, there are solutions.

Wise Watering

One of the most common sources of standing water is overwatering. Those with sprinkler systems that discover puddling should have an irrigation specialist check the system. Heads can become damaged and misaligned. The same is true for modern systems with moisture detection technology. The water flow to certain areas may need to be adjusted.

Thatch Buildup

Grass clippings and other organic materials can build up between the soil and the green zone of lawns. It occurs when organic material builds up faster than it can decompose. That buildup is known as thatch and can prevent water from penetrating the soil.

Rain Garden

One way to address excess water when a yard contains a slope and water collects is to create a rain garden. It catches rainwater, helps the soil absorb it, and can attract bees, birds and butterflies with the right plantings.

A rain garden filters water before it reaches streams, rivers and other waterways. It facilitates drainage and may even qualify individuals for a government rebate. A rain garden is a highly effective and inexpensive way to manage water and improve the environment.

Drainage System

Individuals may need to have professionals design and install a drainage system, depending on the topography of the property. It can involve installing underground pipes to channel water away and into storm drains. People can also choose what’s known as a French drain system, a gravel filled trench that directs water away from a home or business.

Dry Well

The technique is simple. It’s a deep hole filled with rocks. Water flows into the well, drains through the rocks and into the soil. It’s a good long-term solution and inexpensive. A dry well can be combined with a French drain system.

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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mulch

Low Maintenance Landscaping for Plant Beds

Everyone with plant beds wants an aesthetically pleasing landscape, but it can easily devolve into a lot of time, energy, money and work for regular maintenance. Plant beds can encompass traditional flowers, along with bushes and shrubs. For those that prefer to minimize the work aspect so they can enjoy the fruits of their labor, there are low-maintenance strategies to consider.

Perennials

The great thing about perennials is that they don’t have to be planted every year. There are flowering types and attractive options that are appreciated for their unique foliage. Annuals can be included in the mix for additional interest.

Drought Resistance

Planting drought resistant varieties of flowers, grasses, bushes and shrubs will minimize the amount of moisture needed and can help save on water bills.

Landscaping Fabric

Use professional grade landscaping fabric around plants to minimize weed growth. The fabric is economical and its perforated, allowing moisture to pass through and reach the soil.

Mulch

Mulching is an essential element in any landscape. It aids in retaining moisture so plants need less watering and helps enrich the soil. Wood mulch is the most often used. Rocks, stone, and even colored glass can be utilized, but they don’t improve the soil and tend to retain heat. Mulch of any type helps minimize weed growth.

Irrigation

Even though South Florida receives a substantial amount of rain, plants will still need watering at some point. Installing an irrigation system eliminates the time-consuming task of watering and ensure that each zone receives the optimal amount of moisture.

Trees, Flowers and Shrubs

Use a combination of all three types of plantings for beauty, shade and landscape variation. All three have their place in the landscape. Be sure and intersperse some evergreens for year-round interest and color. Individuals that choose to plant vines should ensure that they’re easy to keep with their specific bounds and won’t need a lot of pruning or training to keep them from invading other spaces.

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

Drought Resistant Flowers for Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are a beautiful and welcoming addition for homes or businesses. They provide a bright spot of color and can be suspended from porches, decks and fences. However, the baskets typically contain plants that need frequent watering and it’s easy to forget to water them regularly. The solution is drought resistant flowers that will survive a minor dry spell.

Bougainvillea

Typically used as a climbing vine, it can also be confined to a basket for a brilliant spot of color. It likes the sun and will often bloom most of the year. Multiple colors are available. It’s popular with butterflies, hummingbirds and moths.

Calibrachoa

Often called million bells due to their profuse blooming habit, they spill nicely over a hanging basket. They like the sun, are available in multiple colors, and the flowers resemble miniature versions of petunias. It’s attractive to hummingbirds.

Ivy Geraniums

Trailing geraniums are perennials with single or double flowers in multiple colors. They create a waterfall effect as they trail over the edge of a hanging basket. They prefer full sun to light shade and some are scented.

Moss Roses

The portulaca plant is neither a moss nor a rose. These succulents offer a rainbow of solid and bi-colors. They prefer full sun, will easily self-sow, and drape artfully over the edge of a hanging basket.

Petunias

Available in a multitude of solid and bi-colors, some are also fragrant. They don’t mind full sun and can be grown as perennials in South Florida, even though they’re considered annuals in most of the U.S.

Trailing Lantana

Bursting with clusters of lavender flowers highlighted by white centers, it’s popular with bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. Normally used as a ground cover, it will drape nicely over the side of a hanging basket.

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
types of grass

Great Places to Add Artificial Turf

Once considered a substitute for real grass primarily in sports arenas and playing fields, artificial turf has entered the mainstream in a big way. It’s being employed by homeowners and multiple types of businesses. The synthetic material emulates grass and provides a green carpet year-round that that doesn’t require mowing, fertilizing, irrigation or pest control chemicals.

Back Yards

Most family activities take place in the back yard and it’s an ideal area for artificial turf. Children can play on it as much as they want and its equally beneficial for backyard entertaining as its UV resistant and highly durable.

Lawns

Front lawns of artificial turf remain green year-round, provide curb appeal, and add value to homes if owners decide to sell. Artificial turf has great drainage and individuals don’t have to worry about pooling and puddling.

Pet Areas

Artificial turf is an excellent selection for pet play areas. An added benefit is that it’s easy to clean if pets relieve themselves on it. Solid waste can be easily picked up and urine can be hosed down into the soil beneath.

Narrow Spaces

Many individuals find themselves with narrow side yards that are difficult to reach with a mower or don’t support easy landscaping options. It provides the same visual appeal as natural grass.

Entryways

Using artificial turf on entryways to homes prevents dirt, debris and mud from making its way indoors.

Dull Spaces

Artificial turf can provide a splash of color and create a relaxing environment for rooftop gardens and balconies. The material is available in rug-sized pieces for smaller areas and places where it’s not practical to have real grass.

Businesses

Artificial turf is equally appropriate for businesses and an increasing number of enterprises are using it. Hotels and similar businesses can maintain an attractive appearance while reducing the cost of maintenance. It’s also beneficial for use in outdoor break areas for employees.

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
Maintaining Sprinklers

Choosing the Best Irrigation for Your Needs

An irrigation system helps keep your landscaping well-watered, eliminates labor-intensive watering by hand, and aids in saving money. Modern systems are equipped with sensors that can identify when moisture is needed, eliminating overwatering or underwatering. You’ll need to consult with an irrigation professional, who will design and install the system. There are multiple factors that will need to be considered.

Traditional sprinkler irrigation systems deliver water to the top of the ground and the moisture soaks into the ground. It’s the most common type of system used by homes and businesses. You can also utilize a drip irrigation system, a highly effective, efficient and eco-friendly method of watering the landscape. It delivers water directly to the roots through underground installations and it’s beneficial for minimizing weed growth.

Lawn Size

The larger the yard, the more sprinkler heads will be needed and they’ll have to be calibrated to release the correct amount of water over the entire landscape.

Plantings

Plantings have different water requirements that must be met. The sprinkler heads in the irrigation system will need to be adjusted to deliver a specific amount of water within each different zone to ensure moisture amounts are correct for different plantings.

Water Source

Water may contain a variety of minerals that can be detrimental to plants and has the potential to clog irrigation systems with sediment. Water sources may also contain bacteria or algae that can damage plantings.

Rainfall

Normal rainfall will have a significant impact on the irrigation system. It’s just one of the reasons that an irrigation system with moisture detection sensors is so important. The system will only activate when needed. Systems without sensors will activate on a predetermined schedule, which can result in overwatering that kills your plants and lawns if there’s been a recent rainfall.

Soil

The type of soil will be an essential factor in your irrigation system. Different soil types absorb water at different rates. Your irrigation system will need to be calibrated to release different amounts of water, depending on the soil’s absorption rate.

 

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

Attract Butterflies with These Plants

With many butterfly species endangered or on the verge of extinction, home gardeners can help by planting a butterfly garden. The flowering plants are brightly colored, many are fragrant, and provide an essential food source for native and migratory butterfly species.

Butterfly Milkweed

Known in many places as butterfly weed, it’s a member of the milkweed family, has brightly colored orange flowers, and provides copious amounts of nectar. The perennial supports Monarch butterflies, a species that experts estimate could be extinct within 10 years without the help of home gardeners. It grows up to 3 ft. tall, with an average of about 1½ ft. Honey bees and hummingbirds like it, too.

Zinnias

Butterflies like taller varieties of zinnias best. They prefer single rather than double blooms and those with a yellow center. The annuals are available in multiple colors, easily grown from seed, and can grow up to 4 ft. tall with dahlia like blooms.

Lavender

The perennial has purple flowers and an attractive scent. It’s a small bush that grows up to 2 ft. tall – including flower stalks. A prolific bloomer, the foliage is attractive when not in bloom and it grows well in just about any soil.

Phlox

A perennial plant, butterflies prefer the taller varieties. Flowers are available in pink, violet, pale blue, white and red and many are fragrant. They attract butterflies, honey bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Coneflower

Also known as echinacea, the plant is highlighted with daisy-like blossoms from summer through fall and attractive to a wide variety of butterflies, honey bees and hummingbirds. It grows 2-4 ft. tall and is available in colors ranging from purple, pink, yellow, red and orange.

Asters

A fall bloomer, asters produce abundant blossoms and attract a variety of butterflies. They provide nectar for adult butterflies and food for the caterpillar stage. They’re available in purple, pink, blue and white. Depending on the species that’s planted, they can grow 1-4 ft. tall.

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

Avoid Weed Killer in Your Vegetable Garden

It can be tempting to use a weed killer on your garden to reduce the amount of work involved in keeping it weed free. Don’t do it. You should never apply weed killer to a vegetable garden for a number of very good reasons. Also known as herbicides, it’s important to understand how weed killers work.

The chemicals used in weed killers linger in the soil for months and some remain for years. The spray can drift to kill nearby plants and they can be especially dangerous when it rains. Soil that contains the chemicals can be washed downhill during heavy rains which it affects gardens, lawns, native plants, and waterways. It can also enter the water storage systems that supply drinking water and aquifers.

Some weed killers work by inhibiting or destroying root formation. Others block protein production or photosynthesis. Individuals need protective equipment to apply them. People, pets and wildlife can become sick when exposed to them and they even have the ability to affect DNA. Even after they’ve dried, the residue from weed killers are dangerous and can be tracked into homes and other locations by people and pets.

There are alternatives to weed killers, but they do require more effort. Other options can be highly attractive compared to the dangers and toxic effects of weed killers. Pulling weeds when they’re small prevents them from maturing, flowering, and spreading seeds far and wide.

Home remedies of vinegar, water and dish soap are effective on weeds, but the spray can affect nearby plants. Unlike commercial preparations, the formula doesn’t remain in the soil very long and typically breaks down in 2-3 days – less if it rains.

However, one of the most effective ways to prevent weed growth is mulching. It reduces evaporation and helps retain moisture in the soil, which means less irrigation and reduced water bills. As it decomposes, it adds nutrients to the soil and increases the ability of soil to hold water.

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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