Standing water is becoming a far greater problem than it has been in the past. Nature will typically find a way to rid itself of excess water. New home and business developments are changing the way that nature responds, leading to puddling and localized flooding. For those experiencing any of those problems, there are solutions.

Wise Watering

One of the most common sources of standing water is overwatering. Those with sprinkler systems that discover puddling should have an irrigation specialist check the system. Heads can become damaged and misaligned. The same is true for modern systems with moisture detection technology. The water flow to certain areas may need to be adjusted.

Thatch Buildup

Grass clippings and other organic materials can build up between the soil and the green zone of lawns. It occurs when organic material builds up faster than it can decompose. That buildup is known as thatch and can prevent water from penetrating the soil.

Rain Garden

One way to address excess water when a yard contains a slope and water collects is to create a rain garden. It catches rainwater, helps the soil absorb it, and can attract bees, birds and butterflies with the right plantings.

A rain garden filters water before it reaches streams, rivers and other waterways. It facilitates drainage and may even qualify individuals for a government rebate. A rain garden is a highly effective and inexpensive way to manage water and improve the environment.

Drainage System

Individuals may need to have professionals design and install a drainage system, depending on the topography of the property. It can involve installing underground pipes to channel water away and into storm drains. People can also choose what’s known as a French drain system, a gravel filled trench that directs water away from a home or business.

Dry Well

The technique is simple. It’s a deep hole filled with rocks. Water flows into the well, drains through the rocks and into the soil. It’s a good long-term solution and inexpensive. A dry well can be combined with a French drain system.

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

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

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

With Southern Florida’s tropical climate, many people assume that plants grow and bloom year-round without a break and never experience a dormant period. Most deciduous plants require a dormant period in which they prepare for a time of less water, fewer nutrients, less sunlight, and lower temperatures. Dormancy is when plants go into survival mode.

Dormancy periods are a little different in South Florida. Lawn grass, for instance, experiences a form of dormancy. It remains green and grows at a much slower rate, but doesn’t completely “sleep.” Unless there are extreme or unusual fluctuations in weather conditions, lawn grass won’t experience the same type of dormancy as those in northern locales.

The South Florida climate is the primary reason that some plants don’t grow well. They don’t have an adequate dormancy period. Perennial plants have a type of “memory” triggered by hormones that tell them when it’s time to resume growing based on temperature and increased light.

Succulents are popular in Florida and they also undergo a period of dormancy during which they don’t grow as quickly as they do at other times of the year. Succulents tend to be opportunistic growers and will flourish as long as their desired growing conditions are being met.

The South Florida climate doesn’t offer enough of a chilly period for some trees and plants to succeed. Tree leaves may or may not turn colors and fall in the autumn. Some plants will do well at first, then die out without enough of a dormancy cycle. Others may adapt by dropping their leaves and entering into a short period of self-induced dormancy.

Florida does have a dormancy period, but it’s not like that of even other areas of the state. A wide variety of native species have dormancy periods that align with the specific climate. Others engage in a near dormant state that lasts for a very short time – instead of months as in northern states – and enables them to marshal their resources for another round of growth.

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

People design their yards for a variety of purposes. Some are eco-friendly for water efficiency and others are planted to attract birds, butterflies, and honey bees. One of the most popular trends is the fragrant garden, planted to celebrate the many plants with pleasing scents.

Living in South Florida, you’re fortunate in that you have options not readily available to other locations within the nation that include trees, vines, and bushes. The following are some of the more fragrant plants you may want to plant in your yard.

Banana Shrub

Foodies will love this bush with flowers that smell like ripe bananas. It can grow large, but it’s easy to keep trimmed and within bounds. It’s very hardy and has one-inch flowers that resemble magnolia blossoms edged with crimson.

Gardenia

These are best situated in smaller beds, but they also thrive as a container plant where they can be treated to the nutrient-rich soil they crave. The large white blossoms are famous for their use in perfumes.

Jasmine

Angel wing and star jasmine have delicate white blossoms that attract bees. The former can be trained to climb, be grown in a hanging basket, or as a container plant. The latter is a vine that’s prized for its aromatic star-shaped blooms.

Magnolia

The tree is known for its enormous white blossoms that can be as large as a saucer when fully open. Highly fragrant, both evergreen and deciduous varieties are available. Magnolia fossils have been found dating to 100 million years ago.

YLang Ylang Tree

If you have plenty of room and want a shade tree that will emit the scent of Chanel No. 5, this is the tree for you. It’s the basis for the perfume and can grow up to 50 ft. in height. The aroma is said to be an aphrodisiac.

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

Most are familiar with the shape of maples, oaks and flowering pear trees. There are some unusual trees native to countries around the world that can be grown in Florida due to the state’s unique climate. The trees have unusual appearances, growth habits, and histories that make them well worth the effort. It’s important before planting any species to ensure it’s not invasive.

Baobab

The first impression when people see a Baobab tree is that it was planted upside down. The effect is heightened when the tree sheds it leaves. It can be grown in South Florida, but may be tricky. It’s often referred to as the “Tree of Life” since it can live thousands of years. The trunks can hold several gallons of water and in its native Africa, it’s tapped and plugged for water.

Dawn Redwood

A holdover from prehistoric times and once thought to be extinct, it’s a deciduous tree that looks like an evergreen and has a distinctly pyramidal shape. The tree’s needles turn yellow and rust red each year before dropping. The hardy tree regrows its foliage each spring. It’s the smallest of the redwood species and can even survive northern winters.

Dragon’s Blood Tree

A native of the Socotra archipelago, it’s technically not a tree and gets its name from the red sap it produces. Its upturned canopy resembles an umbrella. Scientists classify the tree as a remnant of the Mio-Pliocene Laurasian forests that are almost entirely extinct.

Jabuticaba Tree

It’s an ordinary looking tree native to Brazil – until it produces fruit. Hairy white blooms give way to black fruit that grows in the branches and along the trunk. If conditions are right, it can fruit several times a year and many use the fruits to make juice or wine.

Rainbow Eucalyptus

This isn’t a tree to be grown in limited space as it can grow up to 250 ft. tall and is one of the fastest growing in the world. It gets its name from the strange coloration it displays when its bark is shed and each layer can be a different color. Over time, it returns to its natural brown hue before repeating the process. It has leaves that are more than six inches long that are aromatic when crushed and small white flowers when in bloom. It doesn’t tolerate frost.

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