July 27th, 2010
July is traditionally the month of peak demand for water in North America. Flora Terra and the Irrigation Association have declared July as Smart Irrigation Month (www.smartirrigationmonth.org) to increase public awareness of the value of water-use efficiency and to increase demand for water-saving products, practices and services.
Smart Irrigation Month will help you:
- Learn ways to save on your water bill – and help the environment
- Learn how the latest irrigation technology can make an impact on your world and your budget
- Discover simple things you can do to cut your irrigation costs while keeping your landscape beautiful
- Reduce your utility bill while helping out California
One of the most water-intensive practices and wasteful use is irrigation, since many plants have extraordinary water needs. By creating smart irrigation systems, you will minimize the risk of over-watering your plants, use every drop of water you pay for, as well as make yard maintenance easier and more convenient.
Flora Terra can help you answer questions about the Smart Irrigation Month and eco-friendly irrigation practices. Contact us online or call us toll free at 800-455-0304.
Tags: reduce water usage, smart irrigation
Posted in Water Use Reduction | No Comments »
July 17th, 2010
Invest in the right resources for efficient landscaping and you’ll have a lot to smile about! Attractive landscapes play a significant role in increasing property values. Landscapes that are poorly managed can increase maintenance costs, waste natural resources, and pollute the environment.
Adopt efficient landscaping practices that can improve the health and appearance of your landscape while protecting and preserving natural resources.
- Use compost to keep your plants and soil healthy. Composting helps to keep the high volume of organic material such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and vegetable food scraps out of landfills and turns it into a product useful for soil restoration.
- Use Integrated Pest Management which encourages healthier, disease-resistant plants and reduces the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, and other toxic runoff entering storm drains, polluting creeks, lakes, and rivers.
- Reduce the use of water by adopting water efficient practices like drip irrigation.
- Re-use materials found on site like used bricks, broken concrete, used lumber, boulders and rocks. These can be incorporated into the landscape to give a beautiful natural effect.
- Choose plants that need less water, have few pests, and thrive in the local climate.
By proper utilization of resources and sustainable landscaping practices, professional landscaping companies like Flora Terra can help you create a beautiful landscape that is resource-efficient, sustainable and cost-effective.
Posted in Sustainable Landscaping, Water Use Reduction | No Comments »
July 10th, 2010
As summer approaches and the chances of wildfires increase, many property owners worry about how to protect their structural assets from these fires. One good option is to use fire resistant plants around the house or building while planning your landscape.
Fire resistant plants are plants that don’t readily ignite from a flame or other ignition sources. Although they can be damaged or even killed by fire, their foliage and stems don’t contribute significantly to the fuel and, therefore, the fire’s intensity.
Fire resistant plants have the following characteristics:
- Leaves are moist and supple.
- Little or no dead wood and tend not to accumulate dry, dead material within the plant.
- Sap is water-like and does not have a strong odor.
A professional landscape company will have recommended plant lists for your specific region. A cross reference of these lists with fire officials will enable you to make a suitable conversion to fire resistant plants.
Most deciduous trees and shrubs are fire-resistant. However, if fire-resistant plants are not maintained in a healthy condition, even they can burn.
Maintenance of fire-resistant plants includes regular pruning, removal of dead and dying vegetation and correct spacing between plants. Low-growing plants must be kept within 30 feet of the home. The closer the plants are to the house, the more care that needs to be taken.
Get an experienced landscape maintenance company to look after your property and make sure that you stay safe from wildfires this summer! Include fire resistant plants in your landscape plans.
Posted in Landscape Renovation, Sustainable Landscaping | No Comments »
July 3rd, 2010
Fire preventive landscaping is a frequently neglected area of safety for commercial properties. While other preventive measures like fire hydrants, extinguishers and even fire safety plans are usually in place, not many companies include fire preventive landscaping on their safety checklist.
All areas in California should have some concern about wildfires threatening your property. Property owners are becoing more aware that your landscape can actually be a safeguard and preventive measure against possible disaster.
Improper landscaping can greatly increase the risk of structure and property damage from fire. While planning and designing your fire preventive landscape, property owners should ensure the following:
- Create a secure space around the structure that helps to reduce the intensity of the fire and keep it away from the building
- Use fire-resistant plants in the landscaping that hinders the fuel source of a fire
- Incorporate structural elements in the design around the buildings like walkways, retaining walls and concrete or flagstone decks and patios that deter the spread of fire
- Use of proper irrigation systems to keep critical areas properly watered for reduced risk
The use of these and other safety features designed into your commercial property landscaping can save your property, or give you more time to protect it if a wildfire emerges in your area.
Posted in Landscape Renovation, Sustainable Landscaping | No Comments »
June 27th, 2010
A drought resistant lawn should definitely be considered in our California climate and tight water usage restrictions. Of course you want to save water, but then how do you get that lush green grass cover?
Here is a list of items important to growing and maintaining a good looking drought resistant lawn:
- Selecting from a range of drought resistant grass varieties – Zoysia grass, Bermuda grass, Buffalo grass, Bahia grass and Fescues — for the right look for your microclimate
- Regular fertilization for developing strong roots that enable your lawn to survive the dry spell better
- Regular weeding to keep water-hungry weeds out of the lawn
- Aerate your lawn regularly to help develop stronger root systems, and reduce thatch build-up on your drought resistant lawn.
- Regulation of mowing height according to temperature changes to conserve soil moisture and strengthen root development
Drought resistant lawns are not care-free, but will save money and time on maintenance.
Posted in Landscape Renovation, Lawn Care, Sustainable Landscaping, Water Use Reduction | No Comments »
June 21st, 2010
Bay-friendly landscape professionals like Flora Terra Landscape Management Services adopt practices that foster soil health, conserve water and other valuable resources while reducing waste and preventing pollution. By offering sustainable landscaping services with an integrated approach that works in harmony with the natural environment conditions of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Flora Terra is a Certified Bay Friendly Landscape Management Company
A well-designed and maintained Bay-friendly Landscape offers the following benefits:
- Reduction in long term maintenance costs
- Fewer resources consumed
- Lower water bills
- Less garbage
- Increased environmental benefits
- Commitment to the community values of health, wildlife and the environment
Posted in Sustainable Landscaping, Water Use Reduction | No Comments »
June 13th, 2010
We talk about water usage for plants, but lawns consume a huge amount of water. How you apply the water can dramatically affect how much is lost to evaporation, overspray and other losses.
Drip irrigation is a method that delivers water slowly and right where it’s needed … at the roots. It is the most efficient way to water your lawn and garden, reducing evaporation and water loss through wind drift.
Your lawn and landscape benefits from drip irrigation techniques in many ways:
- Greater application uniformity
- Helps control fungal diseases
- Reduced weed growth
- Healthier growth of lawn grass
- Less damage from pests and insects
- No overspray in small or irregular areas
Try a section of your lawn using drip irrigation. If you can, isolate and meter the water usage for a comparison in lawn appearance and health. It might be the way to go for your commercial lawn.
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June 6th, 2010
There are many types of drought resistant plants you can use in your Northern California landscapes.
Selection and installation of drought resistant plants like birch, oak and cypress can have many benefits like:
- Water conservation
- Native trees adapted to local soil, moisture and climate perform better in the long run.
- Many attractive planting options.
- Minimal pest and disease problems.
- Plants thrive with little fertilization.
- Requires less pruning and low maintenance.
Careful selection can provide years of healthy plant coverage with a major reduction in your overall water usage.
Posted in Sustainable Landscaping, Water Use Reduction | No Comments »
May 28th, 2010
With summer almost here, many city councils and municipalities in Northern California have begun imposing restrictions on water use for landscapes. For larger landscapes such as those on commercial facilities, water conservation becomes a big concern. Using these water wise methods will not only save water but also money in the long run:
- Install Xeriscapes while planning the landscape. Select drought resistant plants, low-water-use trees, shrubs, perennials, and lawns for your landscape which need little water and grow even when water is scarce.
- Use mulch around plants and trees to reduce evaporation and weed growth. Mulch helps to retain moisture and can reduce watering requirements.
- Aerate turf areas. Aerating can improve drainage and reduce compaction which will help the soil absorb water better and reduce runoff.
- Apply compost annually for established lawns.
- Inspect plants regularly for signs of stress. Grass will lie flat after being walked on and will lighten in color when it needs to be watered. Shrubs, perennials, and trees will often drop leaves, droop, or lose their gloss when under watered.
- Irrigate trees and shrubs longer and less frequently than shallow-rooted plants such as grass and flowers.
- Avoid over-watering. It not only wastes water but can lead to lawn and plant disease.
- Use low water-use methods like drip irrigation techniques. Drip irrigation systems save water because they deliver slow, steady amounts of water directly to plant root zones.
- Carry out regular checks on your irrigation systems for broken pipelines and nozzle heads.
- Install smart controllers which have water saving features including automatic rain shut offs and moisture sensors.
- Conduct a commercial water audit which will help you identify the water use patterns on your facility and plan your water budget.
Partner with a professional landscape maintenance company that employs trained arborists and irrigation technicians. Commercial water saving tips and comprehensive landscaping services can benefit your property and bring you cost and water savings.
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May 20th, 2010
California’s unique Mediterranean climate has somewhat rainy winters and dry summers. As the dry summer months approach, water supply becomes limited. Most property owners find it difficult to maintain the gardens and trees which were thriving through the spring months.
One way of ensuring that you have a great looking landscape through the summer is to plan a Xeriscape, which is a low-water use landscape. Trees like birch and cypress and other plants which grow even in low water conditions are a good choice for your landscape. A professional landscape management company can advise you on what kind of plants to use for your landscape.
Practices like aeration and mulching help retain soil moisture and make water available to plants.
Low water use irrigation practices like drip irrigation and sprinkler systems with smart controllers are also a good alternative. This combined with appropriate watering schedules like early morning watering help reduce loss of water by evaporation.
An established landscape management company will not only install and maintain low water use irrigation systems for you, but also conduct regular checks and water audits to help you plan your water budget.
There are many water saving landscape strategies you can use on your California property. Water wisely and save money too!
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