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

Owners of commercial properties can use landscaping to add value to their business. It aids in attracting customers, increasing employee productivity, and improving safety and security. Eco-friendly landscaping will save money on utility bills, time and maintenance. It’s important to hire a professional that can provide advice and guidance, along with installation and maintenance services. The following are major dos and don’ts of proper landscaping.

1. Planning

Proper planning will influence every aspect of the landscape Don’t attempt any landscaping project without a plan. Doing so will almost guarantee a haphazard look that’s unappealing and will detract from the property’s value.

2. Mature Growth

Don’t forget when selecting trees and bushes that they will become larger and spread as they mature. Consider how tall trees will be, their canopy width, and growth habit. Bushes will spread and become taller and wider.

3. Eliminate Undesirables

Trees and shrubs that have overgrown their space, become damaged, or have fallen prey to insects or disease should be eliminated. They present a potentially dangerous environment for people, buildings and equipment. They obscure views that can be a security risk. Don’t be afraid to remove them.

4. Big or Small

Commercial property owners will need to decide if they want to install large or small versions of trees and shrubs. Planting younger, smaller trees and bushes allows everyone to watch them evolve as they grow. Planting larger versions provides more immediate benefits.

5. Linear Lines

Don’t be afraid to deviate from linear plantings. Trees, bushes, flower beds and walkways can all be designed along curved lines to add interest and minimize monotony.

6. Curb Appeal

Do consider the curb appeal factor when landscaping. It adds value to the property and attracts customers.

7. Maintenance

Don’t forget the maintenance element. Some plants need frequent trimming and shaping, while others require minimal attention. The landscape quickly turns into a nightmare if the time or money to maintain it isn’t available. A landscaping professional provides valuable assistance in creating a low-maintenance landscape.

8. Multiples

A few specimen plants can add visual interest, but consider multiple types of the same trees, bushes or flowers in a bed. Odd numbers are best and are aesthetically pleasing. Do remember that a single tree or bush can get lost in the overall landscape and creating swaths of color is more visually appealing than a single color.

9. Weeds

Don’t forget to keep track of the weeds. A landscaping company has multiple techniques that can be used to significantly minimize weed growth, but there’s no way to eliminate them all.

10. Budgeting

Part of the planning process is knowing what type of budget is available for the installation phase, but it’s also critical for ongoing care and maintenance. Even low-maintenance and eco-friendly landscapes will need trimming, mulching, fertilizing and other services. Those funds will need to be budgeted for each year.

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

A lot has been said about the powerful effects of a beautifully designed landscape on employee moral and productivity. Multiple studies have proven the beneficial effects, but few business owners think about the effect landscaping has on retaining established customers, acquiring new clients, or the overall value of their enterprise.

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal isn’t just for homes. Perception is everything and landscaping is equally applicable for commercial endeavors. A landscape that’s well cared for and inviting welcomes established customers and subconsciously imparts an air of enhanced professionalism. Studies have shown that more than 70 percent of individuals interviewed would conduct commerce with businesses that incorporated trees and flowers in their surroundings.

Increased Value

Including green spaces in business environments adds to property values. It’s equally true whether it’s an office building or a housing complex. Available outdoor spaces are essentially an expansion of the business environment. Companies that ignore the potential inherent in professional landscaping are effectively sending clients to their competitors.

Without green spaces, the perception of customers is that of an enterprise that cares only about the financial side of the business. Today’s customers are more likely to conduct business with companies that utilize green spaces. Depending on the building, it can also aid in lessening heating/cooling costs.

Healthy, Happy Employees

Flowers and trees are an easy way to brighten outdoor atmospheres. Numerous research projects have proven that employees are happier, experience less stress, and are more productive when companies provide attractive outdoor features. That translates into reduced healthcare costs and it’s beneficial in attracting the best talent to businesses.

Green Marketing

Companies erect signage to let people know where they’re located ranging from potential employees to delivery drivers. What many business owners don’t know is that landscaping around the signage makes the company more easily identifiable. Flowers and shrubs are an easy way for business owners to call attention to their enterprise and stand out from competitors. It’s a form of green marketing that’s highly effective and often overlooked.

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

Commercial landscapes provide aesthetically pleasing environments that are attractive to clients. It’s also beneficial for employees and has been proven to increase productivity. A well planned and designed landscape can be a distinguishing and identifying feature for a business. The following are some of the most common commercial landscape mistakes.

Unqualified Professional

It’s imperative that business owners hire a landscaping company with the experience and extensive knowledge required to install a landscape. Unqualified professionals leave companies vulnerable to safety and security issues, along with potential lawsuits. The company should have years of experience in commercial landscapes, be licensed and bonded, and have all the appropriate certifications for the work that will be performed. The company’s professionals should be someone that actually listens to what you want.

Traffic Flow

Depending upon the type of commercial enterprise, there will be employee vehicles, clients, deliveries, and even heavy trucks entering and exiting. The landscape must be able to provide convenient access to all those types of traffic and room to maneuver. The exits and entrances must be placed in a way that doesn’t interfere with the flow of surrounding roadway traffic.

Drainage

Landscapes will need irrigation and they’ll also be subjected to potentially heavy rains. Proper drainage ensures there won’t be ponding, puddling or flooding. It will also prevent areas from becoming mud pits. Even more important, without proper drainage, water can build up that will damage structures.

Lighting

Illumination is required to promote safety and security. That doesn’t mean just installing lighting that shines on the building. Landscape illumination mitigates the potential for injuries throughout the landscape and can be artfully placed. Don’t install lighting at angles that create glare.

Plantings

Flowers, trees, shrubs, and ornamental grass are all plantings that can be used in commercial landscapes for year-round interest. The same plants that are ideal for residential areas won’t necessarily work in commercial landscapes. The mature size of trees and bushes must be considered, along with their root systems. Planted too close to structures, curbs and walkways, they may cause pavement to break and heave. Plantings must also be kept clear of utility lines, transformers, and HVAC units.

Pavement Materials

Whether it’s a parking lot or walkway, non-slip surfaces are essential and areas must be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Sloped areas should be kept to a minimum whenever possible around buildings.

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 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

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