Perhaps one of the most overlooked and underestimated landscape enhancements is rocks. They provide a variety of benefits for plants and people. However, there are also some disadvantages to adding rocks to the landscape. It’s best to consult with a professional landscaper that can provide expert advice.

Low Maintenance

Rocks are very low maintenance. They don’t need to be watered or fertilized and they’re not attractive to insects.

Mulch Alternative

Rocks can be used in the same manner as traditional wood mulch. It’s available in a wide variety of sizes and types that includes lava rock, granite, marble, terra cotta, river rock, gravel, crushed stone, pebbles, quartz, and even crushed concrete. They are effective for enhancing water drainage in soil, reducing weed growth, and they can also help retain soil by reducing erosion.

Decorative

Stones can be used to line walkways and similar spaces. Flat stones are an ideal addition to create walkways and similar areas around pools or freestanding statuary.

Adds Interest & Contrast

Light-colored rock chips and stones are an excellent way to lighten up dark areas of the landscape. Different sizes are available, allowing individuals to customize different areas of their environment.

Colorful Options

The color variations in rocks and stones are almost endless, making them highly versatile elements in the landscape.

Durable Ground Cover

Rocks are a highly durable ground cover with a long lifespan. Depending on the landscape, individuals may need to add some rock from time to time, but they have an extensive lifespan since they don’t deteriorate like mulch. It’s an excellent choice for high foot traffic areas.

Relatively Inexpensive

Using rock is a relatively inexpensive way to highlight flower beds and it’s a quick and easy way to create a backyard makeover. The cost will largely depend on the type of rock that’s chosen and the amount required for a particular project, but the wide range of benefits offset the initial investment.

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

The South Florida climate is great for growing a wide range of native and exotic plants in-ground and in pots. However, the state does experience occasional variations in weather that can result in a cold snap. The chill typically doesn’t last long, but can quickly kill potted plants of any kind. There are measures that individuals can take to minimize damage and protect their plants.

Bring Them Indoors

Bringing potted plants indoors is the easiest way to preserve greenery. Being able to do so is dependent on the space inside the home to do so and the size of the pot. Large pots aren’t easily relocated if they’re not positioned on a mobile plant cart. If bringing the plants in the home isn’t an option, the garage or a greenhouse are convenient alternatives.

Covers

There are numerous commercially available coverings that can be placed over plants. A cardboard box works equally well. Gardeners can also use newspaper to cover them. Secure the newspaper to the pot in some way to prevent it from blowing away due to breezes. Preventative measures should be applied before nightfall to trap warmth under the covering.

A sheet, blanket, tarp or similar item can be draped over plants to protect them from the cold. Just be sure the plant can handle the weight of the material. Coolers, baskets and similar containers with a solid bottom can be placed over plants for protection. Don’t use plastic sheeting – it causes condensation on leaves that can freeze.

Grouping

It’s beneficial to group smaller pots together before covering. Make sure the covering goes all the way to the ground. If the cold is an overnight occurrence, uncover plants as soon as the air temperature warms. If the chill is longer lasting, it’s important not to leave plants covered for more than a maximum of 3 days.

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

Installing a new landscape is exciting as individuals look out upon their environment and envision all the beauty and activities they can enjoy. A new landscape is a delicate environment that requires some specialized care for it to grow and flourish. Proper watering is one of the most important elements, but it has to be performed carefully.

Irrigation

If a programmable irrigation system has been installed, the professionals can set it to provide the appropriate amount of moisture at the right times. The irrigation system will deliver different amounts of water in each area to accommodate the needs of different plantings.

Watering By Hand

The process is trickier if individuals are watering the landscape on their own. Smaller landscapes also benefit from an irrigation system. Watering by hand should be performed at night when it’s cooler to avoid evaporation. For lawns, individuals shouldn’t let the top ½ inch of soil dry out until the grass is at least 1 inch in height.

For those using a hose or a sprinkler that attaches to a hose, the landscape will need to be watered every day for the initial 2 weeks following planting – unless a substantial rain is received. After the first month, watering can be reduced to 2 to 3 times per week. Apply about ¾ of an inch of moisture per watering session.

New flower beds also need moisture. Pelting them with a stream of water from a hose will accomplish little other than to damage plants. The best option is a trickle or soaker hose that gently delivers moisture at the soil level.

Overwatering

One of the biggest mistakes individuals make when watering their new landscape is overwatering. Doing so increases water bills unnecessarily. Too much water at one time won’t be able to soak into the soil to benefit plantings. Instead, it simply pools, puddles, and creates runoff onto driveways, sidewalks and the street.

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

The best time to fertilize a lawn is often confusing for South Florida residents. The grass may look green, but that doesn’t mean it’s growing at a rate that requires a nutritional supplement.

Most grass has an active growing cycle and a period of dormancy when it rests. Turf grass in South Florida is different, as it grows year-round. Never fertilize unless the grass is in a high growth phase.

Established Lawns

A lawn should receive their first fertilizer application during the spring. The best time is mid-February, approximately 2 weeks after the first new growth appears. Fertilizer will need to be applied two more times during each season – one in the summer and one in the fall.

Be careful when making the last application in the autumn. Don’t fertilize any later than mid-September. The grass won’t be able to absorb as many nutrients and the fertilizer may be washed into waterways where it can contribute to algae blooms.

New Lawns

For lawns that have been recently planted or installed, it’s best to wait 2 to 3 months before applying fertilizer for the first time. The grass needs time to establish itself and sink down roots.

Type of Fertilizer

Homeowners should look for a fertilizer that provides fast and slow-release nitrogen. It should contain 2 percent phosphorous or lower to comply with Florida State Law. Individuals will also need to know how many square feet their lawn encompasses and use instructions on the bag to apply the correct amount.

Keep it Simple

Everyone wants a lush, green carpet of grass. It takes planning to accomplish that goal. Individuals are well able to apply their own fertilizer and at the right times. However, for those that don’t feel confident in their abilities, it’s best to hire a professional to make the application and conduct an inspection of the lawn.

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