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

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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

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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

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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

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One of the biggest problems that gardeners encounter is identifying plants that provide color and can withstand the intense summer heat of South Florida. There’s no need to despair. There are a number of plants that can take the heat while providing waves of color from spring through autumn.

Canna

The lilies are available in standard and dwarf varieties in shades of red, yellow, orange, pink, apricot and salmon. Standard size cannas grow 4 to 5 ft. and dwarf varieties are 3 to 4 ft. They do need shelter from high winds, don’t like to become too dry, and are heavy feeders.

Coneflowers

Echinacea blooms all summer long and grows up to 36 in. tall. They’re drought-resistant and available in colors of red, yellow, orange, purple, pink and white. Some bi-color hybrids are also available. They’re highly attractive to bees and butterflies, blooming summer through autumn. The plants self-sow easily.

Cosmos

A native of Mexico, these are annuals that won’t wilt in the heat. Cosmos come in colors of red, orange, lavender, pink and white. They begin blooming in late summer and species are available ranging from 1 to 6 ft. in height.

Gerbera

The plants bloom summer through autumn in shades of red, yellow, orange, lavender, pink and white. They grow 6 to 12 inches tall and the blossoms can be cut for use in bouquets. They are equally at home in flowerbeds or containers. Gerberas are typically treated as perennials in South Florida. They like morning sun and afternoon shade.

Marigolds

The red, orange and yellows of marigolds provide color from spring to fall. The annuals can be grown in flowerbeds or as a potted plant and are attractive to butterflies. They’re available in species ranging from 6 in. tall to those that can reach 3 to 4 ft. in height.

Shooting Stars

Available in pink, purple and white varieties, shooting stars bloom May through June with uniquely shaped blossoms. A perennial and native wildflower found throughout the U.S. in wetlands and woodlands to semi-arid prairies, they grow to about 2 ft. high.

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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A symbol of good luck in Japan, fish fanciers in Florida are installing backyard ponds to house their fish, even if they only have room for one. The descendants of the common carp have much to recommend them and are extremely popular. They’re colorful, very hardy, can live happily outdoors year-round, and thrive in the Florida climate.

The record-holding koi in the UK was one called Big Girl that weighed in at 90 lbs. in 2007 and came from Japan. A koi named Hanako lived for an amazing 226 years before her death in 1977. The scarlet beauty was born in Japan in 1751 and carefully kept records verified her longevity.

Koi enthusiasts need to know that a little 5-inch koi can attain lengths of 2 to 4 ft., weigh 12 to 20 lbs., and live up to 35 years under the proper conditions. Outdoor ponds will need to be at least 3 ft. deep to prevent incursions by fish-eating birds and raccoons. The pond will need to be placed out of direct sunlight, be sufficiently oxygenated, and have appropriate plants provided.

Aquatic veterinarians recommend a minimum of 250 gallons of water for a single adult koi. A young koi won’t need 250 gallons, but a full-grown koi will and they grow fairly quickly. Anything less will stunt their growth. Every koi won’t attain 24-inches in length, but genetics are tricky. Individuals need to be prepared for the possibility if they want their fish to flourish and live a long and happy life.

Koi is available in patterns of red, blue, yellow, cream, white and black, along with those that have a metallic sheen. There are approximately 100 named varieties of koi. They’re fairly intelligent and can be trained to eat from a person’s hand. There are even koi shows. Highly graceful, they impart a sense of peace and tranquility. As living creatures, koi shouldn’t be viewed simply as a design element in landscapes, but as treasured friends.

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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Dozens of trees grow well in the South Florida landscape, but some require a considerable amount of maintenance and produce nuts or fruit that can be messy and sticky. The following are 5 low-maintenance trees for the Florida landscape that provide beauty and shade.

Dogwood

The dogwood tree is well-known for its spring blossoms. Highly adaptable, multiple types are available and some have variegated foliage. The Asian Kousa dogwood has a slightly different appearance than the traditional dogwood and has the advantage of being resistant to anthracnose. Kousa dogwood bloom colors are available in white, light pink and deep pink. The trees are undemanding trees, highly ornamental, and the only real “mess” they create is when they shed their leaves in the autumn.

Eastern Redbud

The tree provides a striking display of white or dark pink blooms in the spring. It’s actually a close relative of peanuts, tamarind and other types of legumes. Highly attractive to bees, birds and butterflies, it grows from 20 to 30 ft. and can be single or multi-stemmed. Breeding programs have produced varieties with leaves of yellow, lime green, purplish-red, bronze and burgundy. They’re resistant to drought once established and light pruning is all that’s needed.

Fern Pine Tree

The fern pine isn’t really a pine and is best reserved for large areas. It can grow 50 to 65 ft. tall with a trunk of 2 to 3 ft. in diameter if left alone. Professionals know how to prune it to a modest 20 to 30 ft. and it can also be espaliered. It’s a native of Eastern Africa with long, narrow leaves that can be 4 inches long when the tree is mature. Blooms are inconspicuous and the berry-like fruits are fleshy and contain a single seed. A moderately fast grower, it can live up to 150 years.

Sweetbay Magnolia

Unlike the Southern Magnolia, Sweetbay Magnolia won’t litter the lawn with spent bloom petals or seed pods. It will shed a few leaves throughout the season and it’s resistant to a variety of insect pests and diseases. The tree has highly fragrant white blooms and the glossy leaves have a frosted appearance on the underside. The seeds provide a food source for a wide variety of birds.

Shady Lady Black Olive

Desirable for shade and beauty, it can have an awkward appearance when young that’s remedied with light pruning. It features yellowish-beige flowers in the spring that many say gives the tree the appearance of being frosted with brown sugar. It’s salt-tolerant and can grow to 30 ft. The Shady Lady variety is the newest and most improved cultivar of the species, but it’s not actually related to olive trees and doesn’t produce olives.

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 is fun and exciting, but without a landscape design drawing serious problems can arise. A landscape design drawing is essentially a floor plan of how the property appears. It shows where man-made and natural elements are located, and it’s properly scaled for distance and size.

Without a design drawing, there’s no way of knowing if planned features will actually fit into the landscape, if trees will be too close to structures, or if they’ll interfere with utility infrastructures. A design drawing also enables people to make accurate estimates about the cost of their intended project.

Do-it-yourself fans can purchase software programs to help in the process. The software ranges from simple to extremely complex. However, not all programs provide the needed tools to accurately plan a project.

The landscape design drawing begins with creating an outline of the project area. It may include an entire yard or just a portion of it. Each pertinent facet of the project area should be included from outbuildings and fences to rocks, power poles and other features that won’t be moved. The idea is to create a visual representation of the project area.

Add existing elements slowly and ensure that their size is accurately represented within the plan. Once the design drawing has those features, the new elements for the landscape can be added. That includes trees, flowers, shrubs or hardscapes such as fountains, ponds, patios and walkways.

Bear in mind that wanting a particular tree or plant and being able to have it in the landscape can be two very different things. Professional designers work with plant experts that are knowledgeable about the growth habits of an extensive variety of species. The mature version of a tree or bush may not fit into the allotted space. Installing it would be a waste of money. A professional landscaping company can advise individuals about their choices and suggest alternatives when needed.

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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There are 10 commonly used types of grass for lawns, but only 4 are predominantly used in South Florida landscapes. The warm and humid climate is great for warmth-loving grasses. For the cooler and transitional months, many residents sow a mix of grasses to ensure a green lawn throughout the year.

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is considered the easiest to grow in South Florida and is widely favored. It grows quickly and intensely dislikes cold, making it an ideal choice for the warm Florida climate. It can tolerate shade and does best when kept cut to a height of 2 to 4 inches in height. It does go dormant during winter months, which is why other types are usually planted with St. Augustine grass. It doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic well.

Zoysia Grass

The grass is equally happy in sun and shade, and it’s a relatively slow growing variety. It can be kept at a height of 1 to 1½ inches without impeding growth. It’s resistant to disease and weed growth, doesn’t require much fertilizer or water, and is low maintenance.

Buffalo Grass

For a carpet of blue-green colored lawn, buffalo grass is the solution. It actually flourishes in high temperatures and tends to remain green year-round. It thrives when kept at a height of 1½ to 3 inches, doesn’t like overwatering, and does best with light to medium foot traffic.

Bermuda Grass

Popular for golf courses and athletic fields, Bermuda grass doesn’t mind being manicured to a height of 1 to 1 ½ inches. The grass is able to handle heavy foot traffic and withstands heat and direct sun. It’s well-suited to a variety of different soil types. A creeping grower, it will enter flower beds and gardens if restraint measures aren’t taken.

Other Options

Bahiagrass is resilient, thrives in sandy soils, has deep roots enabling it to survive drought conditions, and can survive without an irrigation system. It prefers full sun and has a coarse texture. Keep it at 2 to 4 inches. The grass is low maintenance and won’t fail under foot traffic. It’s becoming increasingly popular for lawns, even though it was originally used for pasture land.

Centipede grass is also an option since it likes acidic and sandy soils. Keep it at 1½ to 3 inches high. It usually doesn’t require fertilizer, is low maintenance, and grows relatively slowly. It may go dormant during drought conditions and doesn’t care for a lot of foot traffic.

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

Homeowners and businesses have a myriad of plants from which to choose that provide blooms and beauty throughout the season. Florida is known as a warm and humid state, but what people may not know is that weather records going back to 1900 indicate that at least one severe drought has occurred in Florida during every decade.

Residents of South Florida have flowers, bushes, ferns and trees that are able to tolerate dry conditions and even a drought without withering and dying. The following are some drought resistant plants from which to choose.

African Iris

Exotic looking white flowers emerge in the spring with distinct purple and yellow markings. It’s a low maintenance plant, the blooms last for only a day but it’s a profuse bloomer.

Beach Sunflower

Known as beach sunflower and dune sunflower, it can be found growing wild in coastal regions and can easily be adapted for inland plantings. A summer bloomer, the daisy-like yellow flowers may appear year-round in South Florida. It attracts pollinators that includes bees, butterflies and moths, while birds eat the seeds.

Beautyberry

The shrub produces lavender blossoms followed by clusters of purple berries in the autumn and winter. The seeds and berries are a food source for a variety of bird species, provides cover for birds, and the foliage is a favorite of deer.

Blanket Flower

A native to the state, it features red and gold flowers that attracts butterflies. It’s an annual that also readily reseeds itself.

Fern Leaf Lavender

Silvery foliage produces purple flowers that attract butterflies. The blooms and foliage are fragrant.

Firebush

The bright red tube-shaped flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. The plant provides cover for birds and the seeds are a source of food for multiple types of songbirds.

Locust Berry

The Florida native features flowers of white, pink and red all on the same plant and it attracts butterflies. It can be grown as a small shrub or tree, birds eat the seeds, and it provides cover for multiple avian species. It’s a threatened species in the wild.

Reed-Stemmed Orchid

Also known as crucifix orchid and rainbow orchid, it’s easy to grow and the blossoms attract hummingbirds. The most common color is red-orange, but is also available in white and hues of pink, purple and yellow.

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