Mosquitos are a food source for multiple species, but they’re a nuisance for people. They
deliver itchy bites, spread disease and parasites, and are attracted to sweet scents. There are a
number of flowers and plants that provide a natural repellant to the irritating insects that
should have a place in every outdoor space.
Basil
The herb attracts pollinators, repels mosquitos and can even kill mosquito larvae before they
hatch to reduce the insect’s population.
Citronella
Also known as mosquito grass, it’s an ingredient in insect repellents ranging from sprays to
candles. The grass can be planted in the yard, but be aware that it can grow up to 6 ft. tall and
just as wide.
Garlic
The aroma of this herb is a powerful and effective repellent for insects that crawl or fly.
Geraniums
Lemon-scented geraniums have a scent similar to citronella, making them a great repellent.
They have cheery flowers, but the lemon scented leaves are the advantage for repelling
multiple types of insects.
Lavender
The power of lavender is twofold. It deters mosquitos and attracts pollinators. The plant
produces fragrant flowers and requires little attention.
Lemongrass
The herb grows on woody stalks, resembles green onions, and has a citrus scent that’s effective
in keeping mosquitos at bay.
Marigolds
The plant produces brightly colored flowers and repels mosquitos and other types of insects.
It’s available in multiple colors and heights.
Mint

Spearmint, peppermint, patchouli, and catnip are all excellent repellents for mosquitos and
other types of insects. Grow mint plants in a pot to contain its growth.
Nasturtiums
A vining plant, it has colorful blooms and instead of repelling mosquitos, it works to attract
them to where its planted and away from people.
Rosemary
It not only repels the biting bugs, it’s a versatile herb used in a variety of dishes. Plant it in the
yard or garden.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Irrigation systems ensure your lawn and other plantings are well-watered and green. The automated systems are convenient and saves you time and money. Every mechanical construct eventually needs maintenance, even your sprinkler system.

The signs that your system needs maintenance or repair can begin subtly and go unnoticed at first. The situation can quickly escalate depending on the source and nature of the problem. Leaks, drips and other malfunctions can occur due to damaged sprinkler heads, a broken pipe or a defective control valve.

Higher Water Bills

The first sign of trouble is often a water bill that begins to creep up. Other times it could be a sudden spike, depending on the scope of the problem, and an irrigation system is a prime suspect.

Water Pressure Problems

Low water pressure could be a problem related to the city water supply, but it can also be your irrigation system. Your water pressure indoors may or may not provide a clue. When sprinklers operate, the stream of water can suffer. The water stream coming from your irrigation system can appear weak, uneven, or the sprinkler heads can sputter or dribble.

Irrigation Inconsistencies

Your irrigation system is designed to deliver the precise amount of water to all areas of your yard. Uneven watering is a common problem when sprinkler systems need maintenance. Some areas will be desert dry, while water may be pooling in other locations. The health of lawns and plantings will suffer and there may also be runoff onto sidewalks and driveways.

Sinking Turf & Holes

It’s not uncommon to see your previously level lawn develop holes or areas that have sunken when a sprinkler system needs maintenance. The soil can become supersaturated with water and become more “fluid.” Water sinks down through the soil and causes movement, resulting in dips, holes and similar areas. Excess water in the soil can also result in damage to building foundations.

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

Everyone with plant beds wants an aesthetically pleasing landscape, but it can easily devolve into a lot of time, energy, money and work for regular maintenance. Plant beds can encompass traditional flowers, along with bushes and shrubs. For those that prefer to minimize the work aspect so they can enjoy the fruits of their labor, there are low-maintenance strategies to consider.

Perennials

The great thing about perennials is that they don’t have to be planted every year. There are flowering types and attractive options that are appreciated for their unique foliage. Annuals can be included in the mix for additional interest.

Drought Resistance

Planting drought resistant varieties of flowers, grasses, bushes and shrubs will minimize the amount of moisture needed and can help save on water bills.

Landscaping Fabric

Use professional grade landscaping fabric around plants to minimize weed growth. The fabric is economical and its perforated, allowing moisture to pass through and reach the soil.

Mulch

Mulching is an essential element in any landscape. It aids in retaining moisture so plants need less watering and helps enrich the soil. Wood mulch is the most often used. Rocks, stone, and even colored glass can be utilized, but they don’t improve the soil and tend to retain heat. Mulch of any type helps minimize weed growth.

Irrigation

Even though South Florida receives a substantial amount of rain, plants will still need watering at some point. Installing an irrigation system eliminates the time-consuming task of watering and ensure that each zone receives the optimal amount of moisture.

Trees, Flowers and Shrubs

Use a combination of all three types of plantings for beauty, shade and landscape variation. All three have their place in the landscape. Be sure and intersperse some evergreens for year-round interest and color. Individuals that choose to plant vines should ensure that they’re easy to keep with their specific bounds and won’t need a lot of pruning or training to keep them from invading other spaces.

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

One of the most important aspects of landscaping is the installation of an irrigation system. It’s a facet that’s highly overlooked in the South Florida climate. It’s true that the area receives significant rainfall, but plants and trees need water during drier months too, but in different amounts. There are numerous reasons why an irrigation system is an essential feature in the landscape.

Seasonal Needs

There are times of the year when rainfall isn’t as plentiful and an irrigation system will ensure that adequate moisture is provided over the changing seasons.

Type of Plantings

Water requirements vary among plantings. Lawns are a good example. St. Augustine Grass is a common lawn covering and it’s more water-dependent than other species.

Conservation

Irrigation systems are an important way to maintain a beautiful landscape while conserving a critical natural resource. Programmable irrigation systems deliver the correct amount of moisture for the season. Monitoring systems with sensors “know” when water is needed. They automatically apply it and at the correct time of the day to maximize efficiency and minimize the amount of evaporation.

Efficiency

The sprinkler heads of an irrigation system are adjustable. They’re able to apply different rates of water to different areas throughout the landscape. It ensures that numerous types of plantings can be enjoyed in the landscape and moisture application is customized. It also prevents wastage because driveways, streets and sidewalks aren’t being watered along with the landscape.

Multiple Options

Individuals can choose wide-use watering irrigation systems, drip irrigation systems, and a combination of both. Wide-use is what’s typically utilized for lawns and large open areas. Drip irrigation systems are an ideal way to conserve water, particularly when watering flowerbeds. Moisture is delivered slowly at the ground level where it’s need most and prevents flowers from being crushed or drowned from the output of traditional sprinkler heads.

Savings

The efficient watering of landscapes minimizes water waste, which will save money on water bills. It also saves individuals a considerable amount of time and effort over water by hand, which is the most inaccurate and inefficient methods to employ.

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

The most efficient and cost effective way to water the landscape is with a programmable irrigation system that delivers an exact amount of water in different areas according to the needs of the plantings. For those that haven’t had a system installed, there are other ways to make the task of watering less tedious, time consuming, and more cost effective.

Efficient irrigation doesn’t have to be an elaborate or expensive set up. Those caring for small gardens can purchase drip/trickle irrigation or soaker hoses that connect directly to an outside faucet. Rather than spraying water through the air, drip and soaker hoses release small amounts of water directly onto the ground around plantings. They can reduce water usage by 30 to 70 percent.

Soil sensors are a great way to monitor the moisture in lawns and beds. They eliminate the guesswork of trying to determine if the lawn needs to be watered. The devices can be incorporated throughout lawns or beds to ascertain if a specific area requires water. The sensors help to eliminate over or under watering.

A spray hose attachment is another alternative. With the attachment, individuals can direct water at the plants that need it while leaving surrounding soil dry. An added benefit is that aids in minimizing weed growth.

Watering at the right time is equally important. Watering at night or early in the morning minimizes evaporation from the sun’s rays. It also helps to minimize the scalding of plants. Consider collecting rainwater and using it to water small areas and hanging baskets.

Mulching does much more than reduce weed growth. It also works to retain moisture around plantings and enables flowers, trees and shrubs to go longer between waterings.

Some professional landscapers are adding water retentive gels or granules to soil. They soak up water like a sponge and retain it where it’s available to plants. Individuals shouldn’t try to utilize this method on their own. Creating the right formula of soil to granules is a very precise science.

Individuals should also consider plantings that require less water to flourish. There are numerous options available that are aesthetically pleasing and accommodate gardeners’ desire for unique plants and brightly colored blossoms.

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 sprinkler system is convenient and saves money on watering costs. It’s essential in arid conditions, but in South Florida where it rains nearly every day in summer, an irrigation schedule will need to be adjusted to account for the levels of natural moisture.

The majority of rainfall comes to South Florida from June through September. Depending upon the exact location, rainfall totals can range from 39 to 74 inches. Individuals will also need to consider the type of lawn grass they have and it’s unique moisture needs.

Installing a state-of-the-art irrigation system is one solution. The modern, programmable systems have the ability to monitor the moisture in the ground and automatically adjust the frequency with which water is applied, along with the amount.

Many individuals simply turn off their irrigation system during the summer months, relying on nature to provide the needed watering. The problem with the approach is that even though South Florida sees rain almost every day, the actual amounts can vary considerably.

Lawns need about ½ to ¾ inches of water twice a week to keep it healthy. Individuals making their own adjustments to their irrigation systems will need to consider the quantity of water being delivered, the frequency, uniformity of coverage, type of soil, and the time of day water is administered to the lawn.

The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends that individuals monitor their lawns for signs that it may need water before activating their sprinkler systems. Those include footprints that remain visible on the grass, lawns that appear bluish-gray, and blades of grass that have folded in half to conserve water. Then it’s time to provide ¾ of an inch of water.

Overwatering wastes money and water. An easy way to ascertain the amount of water being delivered in a specific time period is to place empty cans around the yard and measuring the amount of water after 30 minutes of irrigation. If cans have ¾ of an inch of water after 30 minutes, individuals know how long to run their irrigation system to deliver the appropriate amount of life-giving moisture lawns need. Adjust any sprinkler heads that are under-delivering or over-delivering compared to the other heads.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

A lush green lawn is a beauty to behold and sufficient moisture is one of the essential requirements. If you have a modern irrigation system installed, your irrigation specialist will program it to automatically water at the optimal time.

If you’re still watering by hand, there’s one very important aspect with which you should be concerned. Evaporation in its many forms is the enemy of lawn watering. Water can evaporate through the effects of sun, wind, high temperatures, and low humidity levels.

Daytime isn’t the best time to water the lawn. Late at night or early in the morning when air temperatures are cooler and the dew has fallen is preferable to minimize evaporation. Never water during the hottest part of the day. It’s a waste of water and can actually dehydrate the lawn and stress the grass.

Watering on windy days is also a waste of time, money and water. A light breeze isn’t a problem, but a strong wind will result in much of the water evaporating before it has time to soak into the lawn where it needs to be.

Most lawns require anywhere from 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week if you don’t receive sufficient rain. A rain gauge can be a valuable tool for monitoring how much rain has fallen and if your lawn is still thirsty. Most experts recommend watering until the moisture has penetrated six inches below the surface.

One of the reasons it’s a good idea to have an irrigation system installed by a professional is that the high-tech systems available now can be programmed to water at the proper time and they can even detect the amount of rainfall so lawns aren’t overwatered. They take the guesswork out of the best time of day to water 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 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

One of the most important aspects of maintaining a beautiful landscape is ensuring it has sufficient moisture to thrive. Providing the water it needs when required can be a lot of time intensive work. It’s just one of the reasons that landscaping and irrigation go hand-in-hand.

Landscaping provides an aesthetically pleasing environment and adds value to any property. The same is true of an irrigation system. Modern systems are wonders of technology that are able to detect when plants need to be watered and can compensate for local rainfall to save property owners money.

Irrigation systems need to be installed and configured by a professional. They have the experience, knowledge and expertise to design an appropriate system, install directional sprinkler heads, program the system, and calculate the correct amount of water for different areas of the landscape. Drip irrigation can also be installed in appropriate locations.

When an irrigation system is installed, the designer will factor in a wide variety of elements. Those encompass soil types, different kinds of plantings, any areas where pooling or puddling are likely to occur, and runoff potential.

They’ll also configure the system so clients only water the soil and moisture isn’t directed to streets, sidewalks and walkways. An irrigation specialist will be able to adjust the water pressure appropriately so water is distributed in a uniform way.

Without the proper moisture levels at the correct times, everything from grass and flowers to bushes, trees and vines will wither and die. Conversely, too much water will drown them and lead to the growth of mold and mildew that can be expensive to alleviate.

For attractive and well-maintained landscapes, irrigation is a necessity. It eliminates the time and effort of watering by hand, saves water and money, and ensures the right amount of water is distributed in each zone. Irrigation ensures that every inch of properties are lush and green.

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