People can spend thousands of dollars trying to “sweeten” their acidic soil, Acidic soil is typically referred to as sour and there are actually plants that prefer an acidic soil. Some of them include azaleas, hydrangeas, nasturtiums and daffodils. Acidic soil loving plants also include trees such as evergreens, mountain ash, dogwood, magnolias beech and oak. Fruits such as blueberries, raspberries and cranberries also prefer acidic soil.

Soils within a neutral or alkaline range are typically what people strive for in their planting environment. Soil can become acidic from many causes, the most common of which are rainwater and human-based activities. Rain can leach minerals from the soil and environments that receive a significant amount of rain are more likely to have acidic soil.

Carbon dioxide is produced by decaying organic matter. It reacts with water in the soil to form carbonic acid – the same acid that’s present in acid rain. Fertilizers also contribute to creating acid soils and the more fertilizer that’s used, the more acidic the soil will become.

Nutrients

There are a number of nutrients that are more soluble in acidic soils and contribute to the growth of trees. Those grown in acidic soils can more readily absorb iron, aluminum and manganese. Acidic soils have a higher concentration of hydrogen and nutrients such as iron, copper, boron and zinc.

Microbes

Some types of microbes and bacteria reproduce and thrive in acidic soils, which also play a role in a plant’s ability to use nutrients in the soil. However, acidic soil also limits the amount of decomposition that takes place of organic matter.

Solutions

People with acidic soil have a couple of solutions available to them, depending on how much money they want to invest and the type of plants they want to grow. Individuals can spend thousands of dollars to sweeten the soil through the application of lime. The other solution is to grow plants that prefer acidic soils.

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

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Swimming pools present specific challenges for nearby plantings. They should provide a level of shade, but not too much. They shouldn’t overhang the pool or drop leaves and blossoms in the water. They must be low maintenance and care, while being able to withstand occasionally being splashed by pool water, and have root systems that aren’t detrimental to the pool.

Areca Palm

A palm with a clumping growth habit, it adds interest to the poolscape with golden yellow trunks and feathery fronds. It typically grows about 20 ft. tall and the canopy will be about 10 ft. wide. They need well-drained soil and grow in full sun to partial shade. It’s a relatively slow grower.

Bamboo Palm

Flowing, feathery fronds provide a truly tropical feel around any pool environment. The drawback to bamboo is that it can be invasive, making this a perfect pool plant for growing in containers. It grows from 4 to 12 ft. tall, depending on the size of the container, and about 3 ft. across. It prefers partial shade and makes a good privacy screen.

Bird of Paradise

Nothing says a tropical environment like bird of paradise. Choose the orange variety with blue and orange blossoms or the white variety that sports blue and white blooms. The white variety is best planted in larger yards as it can grow 30 ft. tall, 10 ft. wide, and have leaves up to 18 in. long. The orange variety grows 3 to 5 ft. tall and can be planted in a container if desired. They need full sun to partial shade.

Croton

The croton brings striking foliage to the pool environment with a mix of red, green, yellow, orange and burgundy. They also sport a variety of leaf shapes, depending on the variety. They grow 3 to 8 ft. tall and have a similar spread. A fairly slow grower, they prefer full sun and the amount of light received will dictate the vibrancy of the colors.

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

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Planning a new landscape or updating an existing one is a fun and exciting time. Unfortunately, many landscapes suffer from overcrowding as individuals try to get all their favorite flowers, bushes, trees and vines in the ground, only to discover their landscape isn’t at all what they envisioned. The following are the top five reasons to hire a landscape designer.

Expert Planning

Landscape designers do more than choose plants. They offer sustainable solutions. They know where to plant trees that will help reduce cooling costs and the type of plants to install that address areas where water collects. The professionals can utilize materials such as permeable pavers to add beauty and return water to the earth instead of puddling. A designer can incorporate irrigation systems and hard features such as swimming pools.

Works Within the Space

It doesn’t matter whether individuals have a small backyard landscape or acres of land to fill, a landscape designer works within the available space to generate ideas from which people can choose.

Site Exam

The type of plantings will depend largely on the soil and surrounding ecosystem. Landscape designers can determine if the soil needs to be amended or if there are any special features in the environment that need to be considered such as drainage issues. The expert will know if a particular bush, flower, tree or vine will thrive in any environment. He/she will also know which plants are best suited for the growing conditions in South Florida.

Budget-Friendly

A landscape designer is able to work with multiple size budgets to create design plans that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. Landscaping can be performed all at once or even spread over several years to accommodate specific budgets.

Management

Landscape designers will oversee every detail of the project. They’ll either have their own contractors or will have established relationships with reputable companies to perform the work. They’ll take care of all the details involved, from excavations to planting. If an unforeseen issue arises, they’ll be there to provide solutions.

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

Groundcovers are an often-overlooked option for flower beds. They require little care, quickly fill in their allotted area, and provide a brilliant burst of color. There are also types that don’t bloom, but produce interesting foliage. Groundcovers help keep down weed growth and help curb erosion.

Beach Verbena

This is a perennial groundcover that can stabilize dunes and it’s equally at home in full sun landscapes inland. There are tall and short versions, with the shorter varieties making the best groundcover. They bloom profusely throughout the summer. Verbena is heat and drought tolerant, and available in colors of red, blue, purple, pink, lavender, white, and bi-colors.

Moss Roses

The delicate appearance of moss roses belies its hardiness. Sold as an annual, it will freely reseed itself even in northern climates. It requires full sun and is a semi-succulent. Blooms encompass single and double varieties in shades of red, yellow, white, pink, orange, scarlet and bi-colors. The groundcover will happily bloom all season. However, it can be poisonous to pets if ingested.

Sea Fig

Also known as ice plant, the succulent rarely grows over 6 in. in height. Bright pink, white or yellow blooms adorn the plants for most of the summer and into autumn. The foliage evergreen, but plants will experience some dieback in winter months. They’re resistant to drought, heat and salt, and honey bees find them very attractive. They like full sun, but will tolerate light shade.

Dwarf Chenille

It grows to about 6 in. in high and flowers in full sun to partial shade. Flowers are brighter red the more sun they receive. A relatively slow grower, it blooms more during warm weather, but will do so periodically throughout the year. The blossoms are upright and have a fuzzy appearance. It will even tolerate mowing to encourage new growth, as long as it’s not cut too short.

Sunshine Mimosa

This is a perennial legume that likes full sun to light shade. It’s also known as powderpuff mimosa. Blossoms are small and have the appearance of pink puff balls. Leaves are fernlike and will shrink back when touched. It’s a quick grower and excellent for areas where erosion is a problem.

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

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Many trees have interesting foliage and make beautiful specimens in the landscape. They also create a significant mess either through dropped blossoms or fruit, peeling or shedding bark, or insect pests. It’s important to perform sufficient research before selecting a tree.

Bradford Pear

Stately and beautiful when it’s in bloom, spent flower petals will litter the ground and the blossoms are smelly. It’s a prolific self-sower that easily overwhelms wooded areas and chokes out native species. Many states have enacted bans due to its highly invasive nature. When it crosses with a regular pear, it develops thorns that can puncture tires. The trees have weak branches.

Weeping Willow

Many people like the graceful growth habit of weeping willows, but the trees bring a lot of drama to the landscape. The roots are aggressive growers that seek out water sources – including underground water and sewer lines. The roots can destroy the lines, crack foundations and break sidewalks. Branches become weaker as the tree ages and prone to breakage. They attract a variety of insect pests that leave their own messy mark on the environment.

Mimosa

Puffy pink flowers and frilly leaves make the mimosa a charming tree. However, it’s short lived, weak wooded, has invasive roots, and is prone to multiple diseases and insects. They’re also prolific self-seeders.

Ginkgo Biloba

One of the oldest living species in the world, they make beautiful shade trees with golden fall foliage – as long as it’s a male ginkgo. The female ginkgo tree develops seeds with a distinctly unpleasant odor. The cherry-sized fruit is messy and malodorous. It’s the only descendant of a species that lived before the dinosaurs and there are six known ginkgo trees known to have survived the bombing of Hiroshima.

Red Oak

A red oak tree can live up to 300 years. They have invasive roots, shed a large number of leaves, and produce acorns that litter the ground in autumn and are capable of denting car roofs when they fall. That have a large number of pollen-bearing catkins that fall to the ground and exacerbate allergies.

Sycamore

The trees shed strips of bark and twigs, drop an enormous number of very large leaves in the autumn, and have hard, spiky seed balls that fall to the ground. The seed pods are moderately allergenic and contain a toxic agent. It has an aggressive root system able to damage sidewalks and home foundations, and can develop large surface roots that impede mowing. It’s prone to heartwood rot and the anthracnose disease that can cause massive leaf drops.

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

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

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

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

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

Rock gardens come in all shapes and sizes. The simplicity of a rock garden doesn’t require big open spaces to enjoy the beauty and eco-friendly benefits. The beds encompass small, raised beds to those built on the ground. The style depends on how much space is available, the amount or rock an individual has with which to work, and personal preference.

Clear the Space

For those that are building their rock garden on the ground, clear the area of grass and vegetation, digging down far enough to get the roots.

Build a Perimeter

Use larger rocks to build a perimeter around the outside of the area that will be the rock garden. The dimensions of the rocks don’t need to be more than 12 inches.

Add Some Sand

The base layer is going to be sand to provide drainage. For those that have a clay-based soil, some compost can be added. Then tamp the soil down by walking on it to create a firm base.

More Rocks

Lay another perimeter of stones within the first layer, leaving enough room between the two perimeters to enter some plants later on. The second “layer” of rocks can be made of more attractive rocks, since they’re the ones that will be most visible within the bed itself. Use smaller rocks on this layer than the outer perimeter.

Pick the Plants

Some individuals choose a specific color scheme for the plants they select, while others prefer to use a mix of colors. The color of the plants is typically chosen to complement the rock color. There are plants of red, green, yellow and silver that can be combined in various ways.

Be sure that the selected plants have similar moisture and sun requirements. Plants that are drought-resistant work well. Add interest by varying plant heights and textures. It can help to first place the plants in their positions while still in the pot to see what the effect will be. Don’t be afraid to rearrange them.

When the layout is pleasing, remove the plants from the pots and enter them in the ground. Add soil as needed. It can be helpful, and attractive, to add a layer of mulch using small stones. It will also help retain moisture.

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