Hedges provide a variety of uses and there are numerous choices for individuals that want a living no-fuss privacy fence, visual interest, or simply want flowering bushes that provide food for birds, bees and butterflies. Hedges are also handy for marking property borders and boundaries.

Technically, any group of woody plants that are planted closely together and form a barrier is considered a hedge. Individuals can choose from deciduous or evergreen plants, along with those for formal or informal usage. Slow-growing hedges typically add 12 in. or less to their height each year. Some choices include:

Boxwoods – These are perhaps one of the most popular bushes for hedges. Varieties are available that attain as little as 2 ft. in height, while others can top out at 6 ft. if left unclipped.

Mountain laurel – Well-known for blooms that run the gamut from white and pink to red, they have a mature height of 7-15 ft.

Sweetshrub – It’s ideal for individuals that want fragrant flowers and a hedge that will achieve a height of 6-9 ft. Flowers are dark red and are attractive to pollinators.

Holly – This presents multiple cultivar options that feature glossy leaves, flowers, and berries that attract birds. It typically grows from 6-10 ft. high, though there is a variety that can reach heights of up to 25 ft. tall so consumers need to be careful if purchasing for a do-it-yourself project.

Japanese plum yew – These can take up to 15 years to attain their full height of 6-10 ft. They have attractive yellow-tipped leaves that provide visual interest.

Common manzanita – This is a tough and hardy bush that can grow from 6-20 ft. in height. It’s highlighted by white or light pink pendulous flower clusters, followed by berries.

Individuals that try to create their own hedges often miscalculate and later discover they have a planting of monster bushes on their hands or a hedge that needs far more effort than they have time to invest. The best solution is to consult with a landscaping specialist that can provide advice on specific hedge plants, growth habits, and if they have the potential to be an invasive species.

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

Edging is an extremely useful tool within the landscape. It clearly delineates the line between flower beds and lawn and provides a clear barrier to keep visitors out of certain areas. It facilitates the creation of crisp lines for a well-groomed landscape and prevents grass from entering flower beds, while working to keep mulch or gravel from straying out of bounds.

Edging can take multiple forms, from simple trench types to luxury paving stones. The method and material will be dictated by its primary purpose and personal preference. Most edging is function-based, but some types known as beauty edging are offered entirely for their aesthetic value.

No matter what the purpose, edging should complement the existing landscape. Much will depend on whether the individual is seeking a smooth blending of shades or a splash of color to draw attention.

Variety of Options

Edging is offered in heavy-duty plastic, wood, brick, steel and masonry. Options are available for those that prefer an informal look and those that want a very formal style. Edging can be low and flat or wide and high.

• Plastic edging is flexible, easy to install, and highly affordable.
• Metal edging is much like the plastic variety, lasts longer, but is far less flexible.
• Brick is long-lasting, available in a wide range of styles and colors, provides a uniform appearance, and can be used to customize a design.
• Concrete edging is offered in pre-formed, ready to use sections. It can be installed as-is or custom designs can be created.
• Stone is versatile, can be used in conjunction with mortar, and equally applicable for formal and freestyle appearances.
• Wood is an affordable option and works best for straight lines. Wooden edging typically lasts about 10 years and is most often used when an informal appearance is desired.

Every edging type requires preparation and specific installation for it to be effective and the work involved can be considerable. Edging is one of the easiest and most effective ways to create lines and borders within a landscape and satisfy the aesthetic desires for any property.

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

The tasteful addition of rocks is an easy way to update the entire appearance of residential or commercial properties. There are dozens of types of rocks in multiple sizes that can be used to provide color, contrast, and texture. Rocks also make a long-lasting, low or no-maintenance groundcover or mulch.

Choosing the right rock

It’s important to choose the right rocks for the job since they’ll last for many years. Rocks and stones can lighten or darken an area. Some complement specific types of landscapes, but aren’t appropriate for formal gardens and grounds. The materials can also be utilized to highlight a specimen plant, create a centerpiece, start a rock garden, or border a backyard pond.

For those with container gardens, rocks provide a solid and colorful base upon which to place urns and other planters. Rocks offer an adaptive way to address drainage problems or areas in which water restrictions are in effect. Rocks and stones are one of the most versatile tools in a landscaper’s repertoire.

Decorative Options

Property owners can choose from decorative options that includes river rock, pea gravel, decomposed or crushed granite, and lava rock with its bold and brilliant colors. Marble, basalt and quartz chips are also available, along with polished pebbles in multiple colors and sizes.

The spectrum of stones and rocks offered for today’s landscaping needs run the gamut, from pure white and black, to shades of pink, gray, warm golden brown, and multi-colored assortments. For a little added fun, consider adding a few faux rocks that glow in the dark and recharge with the sun’s rays.

Rocks in landscaping have a wide variety of decorative and practical purposes. It’s easy to paint your landscape with rocks in multiple colors and shades that will enhance and beautify any outdoor environment.

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

The nature of modern mulch has changed radically over the years. While wood mulch is still the choice that’s most often used, many people aren’t even aware of the many options that are now available. A professional landscaper will know the composition of the soil and can choose the best mix. A professional will also know if a particular type is toxic to pets, such as mulch made from roasted cocoa bean shells.

Hardwood chips and shreds – The mulch is a byproduct created from paper and lumber industries. It’s a favorite in woodland settings and pathways, works well in areas that collect water, and on slopes. It can last up to three years before it needs to be reapplied, is inexpensive, and is lighter in color.

Cedar chips and shreds – Cedar mulch is darker in color and widely available. It gives landscaping a more manicured look. It’s not a good choice for soil with a low pH, but it’s good at repelling fungus, bacteria and insect pests.

Pine chips, shreds, needles and “straw” – In any form, it’s a good mulch for plants that like acidic soil. It’s a good choice for slopes and breaks down slowly compared to other mulches. Many people find the silvery color of aging pine mulch unattractive.

Lava Rock – It’s light, airy and has a pleasing color, but is best used around plants that are low maintenance. It lasts forever, but is difficult to remove if homeowners change their mind.

Stone – This can create an elegant and formal effect. When dark colored stones are used they absorb heat and speed up soil evaporation. Lighter colored stones don’t absorb as much heat. Stone is typically used in Southwestern type gardening environments.

Seaweed – It’s particularly beneficial in hot, dry locations but is more difficult to obtain. It acts as an organic fertilizer, doesn’t contain seeds, lightens soil, and repels insects, especially slugs.

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

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