Whether individuals are planning their first landscape or rehabilitating an old one, they can easily get more caught up in the planning and research stage than paying attention to the essentials. Hard features such as walkways, fountains and pergolas can all be added at a later date. There are 3 necessities for a beautiful landscape.

Plants and Shrubs

The plantings in a landscape will set the tone for what type of environment individuals will be creating. Trees and shrubs form the foundation of the landscape. They work to make a home and the property inviting, welcoming, and enhance the architecture. Trees provide shade from the sun’s rays and combined with bushes, add multi-season interest for an every-changing kaleidoscope of color and texture.

Individuals need to keep in mind the growth habits and mature size of the plantings they choose to avoid having them interfere with overhead or underground utilities They’ll also need to be planted to accommodate specific sun and shade requirements. Flowering shrubs and trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape, but they can also produce flowers and fruits that are messy and require cleanup.

Irrigation

An irrigation system is critical for the ongoing health of every aspect of the landscape. It ensures that every planting receives the proper amount of moisture and at the correct time. It reduces the work required to keep plants healthy and will save individuals a significant amount of money on water bills. There’s no guesswork with an irrigation system and it eliminates overwatering or underwatering.

Fertilization

Every plant has its own specific nutritional needs and obtains those nutrients through the soil. Over time, plantings can deplete the natural nutrients in the soil. Fertilization is the way to replenish nutrients.

Even completely new landscapes can benefit from fertilization as the soil may have deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium. It will give new plantings a boost of nutrients to help them root well and grow. Care is critical when using fertilizer to prevent over-fertilization that can burn plants.

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

Potential customers abound in the landscaping business, but they have to know about the company before they can hire them. That requires networking, marketing, and building brand recognition. It’s not a process that happens overnight. Even the largest and most well-known landscapers must continually work to acquire new customers. The following are tips for drumming up new business.

No Job Is Too Little

There’s a wealth of smaller projects just waiting for landscapers. They’re especially beneficial for young and smaller companies as a means of gaining brand recognition, obtaining online reviews and getting the company’s name out to the public.

Websites and Social Media

A website is essential since the majority of customers will perform an online search before making a call. The company website is an important and effective marketing tool to announce anything from referral programs to veteran discounts. It’s the equivalent of word-of-mouth advertising – one of the most effective advertising methods available. Don’t neglect social media marketing, it’s a powerful tool.

Start Advertising Early

Don’t wait until spring is in full bloom to get the company’s name in front of potential clients. People begin planning their projects early and companies need to advertise any discounts or special deals before the landscaping season begins in earnest through any means possible to call attention to the business.

Focus on Customer Needs

This requires that the company understands the demographic they’re serving and their unique needs, while highlighting the company’s services. Customers may want lawns seeded, fertilized or mowed; flowers, vines, bushes and trees planted; irrigation systems installed; or pest control performed. They may also be seeking a whole new makeover for their property.

Empathy and Customer Service

It’s critical that landscapers listen, understand and empathize with clients. Individuals will state what they want, but there’s typically an underlying and unspoken desire of what they want to accomplish through the work. It can take time to draw clients out and determine their pain points. It’s well worth the effort for landscapers to take that time to get to know and understand their client.

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

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of working the soil to help plants grow. There are also a number of maintenance tasks that will need to be performed in the landscape such as cutting back vines and bushes, or trimming and pruning trees to keep them healthy and attractive. Before jumping into any outdoor tasks, it’s important for individuals to have the right tools for the job.

Protective Clothing

Protective clothing encompasses a variety of items for performing yard work. Canvas work pants or jeans protect legs against flying grass when mowing or weed eating. Long-sleeved shirts provide the same protections for arms.

For those that will be digging in the soil, using compost or applying manure, or mulching, gloves are critical. They protect against injuries ranging from splinters to thorns, but there’s an even more serious reason for gloves. Soil can contain a variety of naturally occurring bacteria, fungi and viruses that can make people very ill.

Helmets

From tree pruning to cleaning the gutters, the potential always exists for a fall. Those accidents result in thousands of instances of injuries, disability and even fatalities across the nation each year. There are different types of protective helmets available that are specially developed for protection while performing specific tasks.

Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are more than a convenience, they protect your hearing from permanent damage through exposure to the high decibel levels of lawnmowers, weed whackers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and chippers. The best solution is a set of specially designed headphones, but even plastic, foam or silicone earplugs are preferable to no protection at all.

Goggles

Any type of electric or motorized garden tool has the ability to sling debris into the eyes of the user and anyone else nearby. A good pair of safety goggles is an essential pre-emptive tool for preventing injuries to the eyes. Safety eyeglasses are also available, but don’t provide the same level of protection as goggles.

Other Tools

Yard work can encompass a great many tasks and no one should be without hand tools. They can include a rake, hoe, shears, and small hand tools such a trowel and a long-handled tool for harvesting fruit from home orchards. A small sprayer makes the application of liquid fertilizer, insecticides and herbicides much easier. Don’t forget to include a wheelbarrow for transporting anything around the 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 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

Some commercial landscapes are beautiful to behold. They receive the regular care and maintenance needed to prevent overgrowth and provide a superior aesthetic. They’re neat, green, and mark properties as those that are desirable with which to conduct business. A lush landscape requires attention to detail and an elevated level of knowledge about the plantings involved.

Trimming

Trees need to be judiciously trimmed to maintain their shape and remove damaged limbs. Landscape professionals can identify areas of potential problems such as weak branches that can fall and cause injuries or damage property features. Regular inspections ensure that damage from storms or insects hasn’t occurred. Bushes and vines can also require trimming to prevent them from overgrowing their space.

Irrigation

Different types of plantings require varying amounts of moisture that can be insufficient. Even in Florida’s climate, rain amounts can be insufficient for particular plantings. A properly installed irrigation system is essential for delivering the right amount of precipitation and at the correct time. That requires an irrigation system that’s been properly installed, calibrated and adjusted.

Lawn Care

Grass grows best when its not too long or too short and each type of lawn grass has specific requirements. Cutting lawns too short will result in browning and leave them susceptible to insects and disease, while leaving them too long will present an unkempt appearance and encourage insects.

Fertilization

A one-size-fits-all fertilization program can do a significant amount of damage or if applied at the wrong time. There are different fertilizer formulas to achieve specific results. Grass requires a different fertilizer for growth than one that encourages blossoms. Some types of plants obtain their nutrients from closer to the surface, while others are deep feeders.

Insects

There are hundreds of potential insect pests that can infest every aspect of a commercial landscape. What works to control one species won’t necessarily work on others. Regular maintenance and inspections by a professional are an effective way to identify potential problems before they escalate.

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

Whether a full or partial landscape overhaul is required for a commercial property, the first step is to hire a professional with experience in that particular arena. There are issues and considerations specific to commercial landscapes that can arise that will need the expertise of a professional landscaper.

A landscape overhaul will improve the appearance of any business and make it more attractive to potential clients and customers. It’s an excellent way to boost curb appeal for owners that may be considering selling a property. The great part about a landscape overhaul is that it doesn’t have to include replacing every element.

Make a Plan

The experts will create a plan to accommodate the needs of the client while taking a multitude of variables into consideration. As professionals, they’re knowledgeable about what plants grow well within individual situations, along with what the landscaping will look like when plantings attain maturity. Trees and bushes may be deep or shallow-rooted and can destroy sidewalks and foundations if planted too closely.

Removal and Installations

The experts will remove any unhealthy trees or shrubs that have overgrown their bounds. They’ll be able to remove, expand, or modify any existing flower beds or plant entirely new beds. The installation of an irrigation system is essential. Professional landscapers will be able to create a custom irrigation solution for optimal plant health. They’ll also mulch appropriately, which will provide savings on water bills.

Special Features

The owners of commercial properties are only limited by their imagination when it comes to hard landscaping, which includes any non-living element. Depending upon the type of property, owners may want to install fencing, a swimming pool, fountain, pathways, or playground equipment. Professional landscapers are able to create and execute plans for the inclusion of any attractive or functional feature desired.

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

There are dozens of palm tree species and one to suit every need. They have a diverse array of shapes and heights, enabling them to fit in any landscape. Palms also have a range of leaf colors to add interest.

Palms run the gamut from sun-loving to shade, with varieties that can be grown in containers around the pool to those that can soar to heights of 98 ft. Some are even able to tolerate temperatures slightly below freezing and are drought-hardy, while others prefer significant amounts of water.

Coconut Palms

Tall and stately, after the age of 6-10 years they begin to produce edible coconuts. The fruits should be removed to prevent them from falling and injuring people, pets, and causing damage to fences, buildings, and vehicles. Coconut palms can live up to 80 years, can grow 98 ft. tall, prefer full sun, and need well-drained soil.

European Fan Palm

A palm that grows 8-15 ft. tall, it has a spread of 6-10 ft. and its hardy nature has made it a favorite in South Florida. It’s equally at home at poolside, as an accent piece in the landscape, and can even be grown in containers. Fronds range from light green to sliver and the palm produces small clusters of yellow flowers with insignificant fruits. The palm grows in clumps rather than single trunks and it’s able to withstand temperatures of up to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Montgomery Palm

An ideal tree for planting near pools, it has stiff fronds of feathery emerald green that form a fan shape. It’s a jaunty looking palm with a somewhat furry/fuzzy appearance that’s able to fit in small spaces with an average height of 25-35 ft. It’s equally at home in residential and commercial settings. They require full sun, plenty of moisture, and require little maintenance.

Red Sealing Wax Palms

The stems of these palms are the color of red sealing wax. They produce feathery green leaves and prefer locations that are shady and receive significant amounts of water. Highly ornamental, they’re slow growing, have the potential to reach 50 ft. in height, and have fronds that can grow five ft. long. They produce fruits that ripen to a bluish-black color, can grow in shady areas, and are resistant to major diseases and pests.

Pygmy Date Palm

This is an excellent palm for multiple environments where a smaller tree is desired. It grows 6-10 ft. in height with fronds of up to 6 ft. in length. It produces small, yellow flowers followed by tiny dates that are purple. It can be planted in containers, within landscapes, and around pools. It does require significant moisture and can need occasional pruning to remove foliage that’s old or has sustained damage from pests or disease.

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

There’s no reason to spread grass seed, add fertilizer, and water in the hope of sprouting a new lawn when adding sod is so much easier and provides a lush carpet of ready-made grass. The best time to lay sod in Florida is typically April through July. Those times allow the grass to settle and grow for an entire season before cooler weather arrives.

Sod is grass that’s already been planted and grown in soil. The grass roots are very dense and helps hold the sod together while it’s manipulated, cut, and laid down in its ultimate destination. It’s most commonly available in rolls that have been precut into one long slab and are rolled out into the desired area, but precut squares that are laid down individually are also offered by some landscapers for spot jobs.

Sod is an excellent solution for anyone that wants to enjoy their lawn immediately rather than enduring the time it takes for a seeded lawn to grow. The time sod is added will also depend on the type of grass desired. Some types prefer certain conditions to get the best start when it’s first planted, while others can be planted almost any time. St. Augustine grass, for example, should be laid when nighttime temperatures are between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

The sod will require light yet frequent watering for the first two to three weeks after it’s laid to help it set and begin growing in its new environment. Fertilizer shouldn’t be applied until at least 60 days have passed and a sodded lawn shouldn’t be mowed for at least three to four weeks.

Laying sod in the early spring or autumn won’t provide the grass with the temperatures required for vigorous growth. Roots go dormant and growth stops when soil temperatures are 55 degrees or less. Planted at the right time and with proper care, individuals can enjoy an instant lawn that will grow even thicker and lusher as the year progresses.

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

There are hundreds of places where weeds can crop up. Good weed control begins with appropriate precautions. There are numerous methods that can be utilized to minimize weed growth in lawns, flowerbeds and gardens that that doesn’t rely on chemicals.

Till the Soil

Tilling and turning the soil between plants makes it more difficult for weeds to root. It’s a strategy that should only be performed by landscaping professionals. They have the knowledge and experience to do so without inadvertently spreading weed seeds.

Mulching

In addition to impeding weed growth, mulching aids in retaining moisture for desirable plants. As the mulch breaks down and decomposes, it contributes to the health of the soil.

Landscape Fabric/Plastic Sheets

Landscape fabric is constructed with very tiny holes that allow water to flow through to the soil while blocking shoots from weeds. It’s best used in conjunction with mulch. Plastic sheeting can be laid in flower beds to block weed growth. Cutouts in the plastic allow for the planting of desirable plants in specific ways.

Edging

Using edging around plant beds and along drives and walkways prevents weeds from sending roots into unwanted areas and spreading.

Autumn Care

Many common weeds are dead by the autumn. Reseeding a lawn is one method that can be employed in the fall to help combat weeds. As the grass seed germinates and attempts to spread its roots, it will help block weeds that are trying to rejuvenate themselves and make it more difficult for them to take root in the spring.

It’s essential that the seeds from weeds not be allowed to be disseminated to sow themselves in other locations. The best way to accomplish that is by eliminating them before they have time to flower and spread or by burning stalks. A single dandelion has the ability to produce 15,000 seeds every year and they have a high germination rate.

A thick and healthy lawn will reduce the growth of weeds through the simply expedient of crowding them out. Groundcovers are also an option to minimize weeds. The truth is that weeds exploit any open area. There’s no way to completely and permanently prevent weeds, but they can be significantly reduced.

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

Landscaping encompasses much more than simply planting a few flowers or trees. It’s an investment in a business that increases its value, presents a positive appearance, and has the ability to attract new customers.

Color affects people in a positive way on an emotional and psychological level. It’s the color of renewal and growth, both of which commercial enterprises want to cultivate to potential customers and established clients. Properly landscaped grounds invite people to stop and come inside. Green in all of its many shades is a cheerful color that makes people feel good, and by extension, good about the business.

The first thing any potential customer will notice, whether it’s a small business or a corporate complex, is the exterior. Commercial landscaping draws and directs the eye across the grounds and to the structures. Curb appeal isn’t just for residential dwellings. If the grounds of a commercial property don’t look inviting, individuals will have the same feeling about the entire property and business.

Commercial landscaping factors in the natural features of the land, the best type of plantings for the soil, and irrigation systems to meet soil and plant requirements. It also includes performing needed maintenance on a regular basis, removing any damaged limbs, trees or other plantings, and enhancing building entrances. Even small updates and improvements can make a big difference in the way customers perceive a business.

Managers and owners often equate the aesthetic appeal of a commercial property with the appearance of the structures it contains. While that’s an extremely important aspect, a pleasing green environment has been proven to boost employee productivity, improve workers’ overall health, and attract new customers.

Commercial landscaping is a specialty that requires careful planning and execution. It’s best left to a professional landscaping company that has the knowledge, experience and expertise to transform commercial properties into showcases that will work to retain current clients, attract new customers, and encourage productivity.

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 outdoor environment requires water, but ensuring that lawns and plantings obtain the liquid they need can be expensive and result in unintended consequences that include pooling, puddling, runoff, and erosion. There are a variety of ways to control water consumption ranging from irrigation systems to landscaping.

One way to control water consumption is by installing plants that have low water requirements. A variety of trees and bushes provide beauty and shade, while offering flowers that are attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and fruits that attract song birds.

Flowers such as bougainvillea, moss roses, living stones and blanket flowers require less water than most and bloom readily in beds for a splash of color. Many also have dense root balls that won’t be easily uprooted in the event of heavy rains. Mulching will help hold moisture longer and impede evaporation for less watering.

An irrigation system makes any watering task easier. Today’s systems are programmable to manage the delivery of water. They provide the right amount of water at the correct time for efficiency and savings in time and money. The best time to water is early morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.

A properly landscaped property will go a long way toward avoiding problems with drainage that can result in unwanted runoff that wastes water and deprives plants of the moisture they need. Landscaping for controlling water consumption can include a variety of methods that also provide attractive features and interest in residential and commercial areas.

One way is to use rocks in low spots to create a “rock creek.” Perforated pipes can be installed that channels water into the ground rather than letting it pool. Another technique is creating a rain garden that captures moisture for less watering.

With the proper landscaping, anyone can have lush, green grounds without spending a fortune on watering costs. The installation of metered irrigation systems eliminates water wastage and the time-consuming task of watering. A landscaping professional can design and create a complete eco-system that controls water consumption in an efficient and cost effective manner.

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