A beautifully landscaped property is the ideal for every homeowner, but it can require a substantial amount of time, effort and money to maintain. For individuals that are short on time, they can choose low-maintenance plants.

Homeowners should take care when choosing any type of plant for their landscaping needs. While some plants accommodate the low-maintenance criteria, they may also have invasive tendencies that can ultimately result in additional work.

Groundcovers

A number of groundcovers are available. They can range from a mere 2-6 inches, while others can grow to 24 inches. Flowers are typically small, some are very aromatic, and are available for shady and full-sun locations. Groundcovers include crown vetch, creeping sedum, fescue, hosta, peppermint, and creeping thyme.

Ornamental Grasses

This classification includes varieties that mature at 18 inches in height to those that can grow to 10-12 feet tall. They typically have unique or unusual looking “flower” heads and foliage can be green, reddish, variegated and golden yellow. Some spread slowly, while others can grow aggressively, and they’re often used in areas where soil erosion is a problem. Some varieties are feather reed grass, ribbon grass, and fountain grass.

Shrubs

Some shrubs remain relatively small, while others in the category can be grown as small trees. They may produce flowers, fruits eaten by birds, and foliage that can transition to red, yellow, orange and reddish-purple. Some examples are tree peony, smoke tree, and beautyberry

Trees

Some of the most popular low-maintenance trees are smaller specimens that grow from 20-35 feet tall, but make a big impact. These include hawthorn, weeping cherry, Ben Franklin tree, juniper, Japanese red maple, and miniature fruit trees.

Flowers

Low-maintenance flowering plants provide a splash of color in the landscape and attract birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage remains after the blossoms are spent, typically die to the ground at the end of the season, and include canna lilies, cone flowers, geraniums, and meadow sage.

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

Hurricane season officially begins in June and it’s incumbent upon every homeowner to prepare their garden for a worst-case scenario. Everyone should begin by performing an inspection of their property to check for dead and damaged tree limbs that can result in significant damage to houses and outbuildings.

Trees

Dead trees should be removed and don’t forget to check for shrubs that may be loosely rooted. If you have palm trees in your yard, don’t trim them or remove the fronds unless the fronds are already dead to avoid weakening the tree. You’ll also want to remove any large seeds or coconuts.

Drainage

Drainage is always a problem from rain, even if a hurricane doesn’t make landfall. Make sure your storm drains are clear of debris. Check gutters and downspouts, clear them of debris, and ensure that they’re securely attached to the structure. If there are any loose shingles or tiles on the home or garage, have them repaired. Don’t drain your pool, as it can result in structural damage from the storm.

Yard Items

When you know a hurricane is coming, be sure to remove and store anything in the yard that could become loose, blow away, and become a projectile. That includes doghouses, wind chimes, lawn ornaments, BBQs and fire pits, lawn furniture, and playhouses. If an item can’t be stored inside, use tie downs.

Power off

Turn your sprinkler systems off to avoid the potential of adding more water to a landscape that will already be soaked and loosen root systems of trees. Plan ahead when creating a garden and landscape environment by installing plants that have a dense root system.

Turn off the power. Downed lines can cause dangerous electrical surges that can damage any device from water heaters to air conditioners. A power surge can also cause serious and costly damage to breaker boxes and even start a fire.

Be prepared

Download a reliable weather app to mobile devices to stay informed. Remember that cell towers are often damaged or downed in a hurricane and communication may be difficult. Most importantly, be safe. Personal possessions can always be replaced and gardens replanted.

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

As a local landscaper in Boca Raton, how often should I fertilize my lawn is one of the most frequently asked questions we get from property owners and there’s no easy answer. The need to fertilize a lawn relies on a variety of factors ranging from the soil and type of lawn grass used to weather conditions and time of the year. It’s easy to make a mistake that can result in damage that will be costly to repair, and you’ll have to live with an unsightly lawn until it regrows.

Lawns typically need to be fertilized once or twice a year, but it should be done when the grass is experiencing the greatest rate of growth. Applying fertilizer when it isn’t needed is a waste of money, doesn’t benefit the lawn, and is damaging to the environment.

It’s important to determine what type of grass is growing in your lawn. What’s known as cool-season grasses experience vigorous growth throughout winter months and need fertilizer in the autumn. Other types need fertilizer in the spring or early summer and the process can be performed again in the fall.

The time of day for applying fertilizer is equally important. The optimal time is following a hard rain. If you have an irrigation system, fertilize after a significant watering. Don’t fertilize ahead of a heavy rainstorm. The fertilizer may wash away and nutrients will leach out and run off in the rain rather than going into the soil where it will feed grassroots.

Each fertilizer label has three numbers that you need to know, for example, 12-12-12. The first number is the nitrogen content, the second refers to phosphate, and the third is the amount of potash it contains.

It’s essential that the right combination of nutrients be applied for the type of grass you have and the specific needs of the lawn according to the soil. It’s easy to “burn” a lawn by over fertilizing or using one that’s too potent.

If you’re unsure about any aspect of fertilizing your lawn, it’s best to call in the professionals. They have the in-depth knowledge and training required to assess your lawn, understand its unique needs, and identify any potential problems.

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

As a Florida Landscaping Company we realize privacy is important. With the ever growing population housing is being pushed closer together now more than ever and many people are looking to hedges to obtain some privacy. Once confined to a select group of bushes, today’s property owners have a wealth of selections from which to choose, many of which flower to provide food for bees, butterflies and birds, along with shelter and resting areas for avians of all types.

A privet hedge is still the most popular, primarily due to its quick, dense growth habit. The shrub can grow up to three inches each year and provides a more formal appearance. It easily tolerates the required shearing to shape it and keep it contained to the desired appearance.

The fast-growing ficus is dense and second only to the privet as a privacy hedge. It does require a significant amount of trimming and manicuring to keep it in bounds.

For property owners that want a more tropical look, areca palms are fast growing. They have a very informal appearance and can grow up to 20 feet in height, though they typically remain smaller when used as a hedge, and don’t need trimming.

Another fast-growing bush for hedges is the cocoplum. It’s a native of Florida, can be trimmed, and is appropriate for formal or casual landscapes. It has red-tipped leaves and produces small white flowers followed by a fruit that’s popular with birds.

Surinam Cherry, also known as the Brazilian or Florida cherry, is a tall-growing shrub that can easily be kept pruned to the desired height. It produces fruit that’s attractive to birds.

Indigenous to Florida, firebush has tubular orange flowers that attract birds, butterflies, and bees, along with blackberries attractive to avians. Property owners should avoid the dwarf variety if they want a high hedge. It forms a very informal hedge and thrives best when left untrimmed.

Hedges provide privacy for humans, a sanctuary for birds, and flowering varieties are beneficial for pollinators. Depending on the species, they can be manicured for a formal look or allowed to follow their normal growth pattern for informal landscaping. Hedges help to reduce road noise, provide protection against wind, and aids in conserving energy.

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

A lush green lawn is a pleasure to behold, offering a multitude of opportunities for entertaining and spending time with family and friends. A lawn requires far more than mowing to keep it looking inviting and that’s where a full-service lawn care professional like RCH Landscaping of Boca Raton is essential.

Lawn services can include landscaping and irrigation system installation, along with seeding, fertilizing, mowing, edging, weed-eating, and leaf/grass blowing. It may also include tree and shrub trimming, mulching, dethatching and aeration, treating the lawn for insect pests or diseases, and removing any vegetative debris when necessary.

Lawn grass encompasses a myriad of varieties, not all of which are appropriate for every type of soil. Some grass requires less water than others, while some varieties are best used on steep slopes or in high traffic areas. The installation of an irrigation system offers convenience and saves money and time. A high-tech system can be programmed to water on a schedule that accommodates the type of grass.

The pH content of the soil will have an impact on the type of grass used and the fertilizer. The pH level can be adjusted, but it can be expensive and take time to show results. Professional lawn care specialists will know how to test pH levels and the appropriate materials to use for the type of grass desired and seed the area if needed.

Fertilizer is an essential element for a lawn that looks good year-round, but it must be applied at the correct time and in the right amount. Depending on the composition of the fertilizer, it will nourish the grass in different ways and feed the needs of the roots for growth of greenery.

Two of the biggest mistakes that property owners make is mowing their lawn too often and cutting it too short. The type of grass in the lawn, prevailing weather conditions and the season of the year must all be factored into a mowing schedule that maintains the lawn without damaging the grass.

A full-service lawn care company will know how to aerate and dethatch a lawn for better growth, be able to trim hedges appropriately and treat lawns to control insect pests or eradicate common diseases that can result in brown outs. A professional lawn service will also be able to perform edging that creates crisp, clean lines between driveways, patios and flower beds for a manicured appearance.

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

At RCH Landscaping of Boca Raton, FL we believe nature isn’t all one size fits all solution and your yard shouldn’t be either. Property owners can incorporate different sized planting to create a cozy environment for rest and relaxation or give the appearance of a much larger space. There are a number of strategies and landscaping aids that can be utilized to avoid a “flat” looking space that’s interesting and exciting.

A trellis, arbor or fence, along with larger upright plants, adds vertical height and can provide privacy. Flowering vines can be added that will grow over structures to provide visual interest and food for birds, butterflies and bees.

Elevation is a key component that can be accomplished with hanging baskets, raised planters, and pots placed on pillars. Flowers can provide an eye-catching focus, trail over the sides of a planter, or create a mound of sparkling color.

Garden pathways aren’t just for large estates. They add depth, dimension, and a straight patch can draw attention directly into a smaller garden. Larger stones are typically used for straight paths, while smaller stones are utilized in winding paths. A straight path is preferred for smaller gardens to give the impression of a larger space.

The direction in which pathways and even decking is laid can alter the perception of a yard. A pathway laid diagonally gives the impression of space and the same is true of deck planking and patio stones. The techniques make the back of the yard appear farther away.

Another effective technique is to place a burst of red or orange color at entryways with flowers. Red bricks and tropical plants with large leaves can perform the same function and create the same effect. Use cooler flower colors toward the outer borders to create a sense of endless space.

Property owners can take advantage of a centuries-old technique utilized in Japanese landscaping. For those fortunate enough to have a scenic view on the other side of their property border, the eye can be drawn to that view to give the impression of a much larger space. It’s a technique that makes it appear as if the yard is blending into the open spaces beyond the property line.

Above all else, create a focal point. It can be a slightly raised or sunken deck or patio, or even a container garden or raised planter. Specimen plants can be used, a trellis, arbor or fire pit. A professional landscaper or garden design expert has a solution for yards of every size that can accommodate a variety of budgets.

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

A butterfly garden is a thing of beauty that supplies benefits to birds, bees, butterflies, and people. Some types of butterflies feed on the nectar of any flowering plant, while the caterpillar stage only eats a certain type of plant. Monarch butterflies are one such species, so it pays to vary the butterfly garden.

For a well-rounded butterfly diet, a variety of flowering plants can be cultivated. An added bonus is that the flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds, the seeds are a source of sustenance for other bird species, and it provides food for endangered honeybees. Plants and bushes can be used to attract butterflies.

Incorporate native plants whenever possible. Florida is home to native butterfly species that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Perennials and annuals, bushes and vines provide a brilliant splash of color and a welcome food source. Pre-grown potted flowers and flower baskets are also available in varieties that butterflies seek out.

Plant flowers in a variety of shapes and colors to attract different types of butterflies and place the plants in sun and shade to appeal to the largest number of species. It’s a good idea to plant flowers in groupings so they’re easier for butterflies to find and they look more appealing in the landscape. Taller plants attract larger butterflies. For those that want to plant their own, try these varieties.

• Zinnia
• Mexican sunflower
• Mexican petunia
• Milkweed
• Brazilian verbena
• Phlox
• Goldenrod
• Lavender
• Salvia
• Coreopsis
• Blanket flower
• Lantana
• Purple passion flower
• Cone flower
• Agastache
• Butterfly bush
• Firebush
• Almond bush
• Pagoda flower
• Plumbago

A butterfly garden provides an oasis for butterflies, along with hummingbirds, other types of avians and honeybees. They also have a therapeutic benefit for people that can provide an invigorating aromatherapy experience and the peace that comes with watching nature living and evolving in the back yard.

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

Despite a tropical-leaning climate, many Florida residents discover that their lawns begin to dry out and may even suffer from the dreaded brown out syndrome. For those that want a lush, green lawn but don’t have the time or patience for hand-watering, irrigation is the optimal solution.

Quantity

A lawn requires at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week to maintain health, even during the winter months. Daily watering doesn’t supply enough water and it’s time-consuming to do it by hand. Deep watering 2-3 times per week provides the best results, but it should be done as early in the morning as possible for grass to take full advantage of the moisture.

A good rule of thumb is that if a six-inch screwdriver can’t be pushed into the lawn, it’s too dry. Homeowners will need to know how much water they’re placing on the lawn to know how long to water. RCH Landscaping company in Boca Raton are lawn experts with 20 years of experience in keeping Florida lawns in top condition and maintaining a pleasing appearance with convenient and cost-effective irrigation systems.

Frequency

The amount and frequency of watering depends on multiple factors ranging from the soil type and grass species to the presence of trees and bushes. Early indicators of insufficient water include grass blades that fold in an effort to conserve moisture and lawns that have a blueish-green appearance. Footprints that don’t disappear in the grass is another sign that the lawn isn’t adequately hydrated.

Irrigation systems

The high-tech irrigation systems that are now available can be programmed to deliver a specific amount of water, during specified times, and for a set period. Irrigation specialists have the knowledge and expertise for the complicated and complex calculations required to install and set up an automatic watering system.

The advantages of an irrigation system are many. They save owners time, effort and add value to properties. They’re also environmentally friendly since they operate at the optimal time of day and conserve water by only delivering what’s necessary, thereby providing savings on water bills.

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

RCH Landscaping is a full-service residential 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

RCH Landscaping is a full-service Commercial 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