Archive for March, 2010

What is a consulting arborist?

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

We get asked that question all the time – what can you consult on? 

As most commercial property managers have learned, their properties require constant care as demanded by their property tenants.  However, with decreasing budgets and increasing costs this task becomes harder and harder.  A consulting arborist can help you achieve lower costs and easier to maintain commercial properties by helping you address issues and plan services to keep your properties looking good year-round.  A consulting arborist can also assist in property valuation, hazard evaluations, and legal items related to your properties.

Here is just a sample of some services you can request from a consulting arborist:

  • Insect and disease identification & management
  • Plant health care programs
  • Tree protection and preservation
  • Tree hazard and structural stability assessments
  • Water management planning

Do not underestimate the value of consulting an arborist before starting outside projects on your retail, commercial, hospital or apartment / HOA properties.  A properly planned landscaping project can save you lots of money in the long run.

  • Tree Management for Golf Courses and Nurseries
  • Tree and Plant Inventories
  • Training and Education regarding tree care
  • Impact Assessments of construction projects

Posted in Arborist Services | No Comments »

Plan your sustainable landscaping now!

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Creating sustainable landscapes means matching plants to local weather conditions, soil type and drainage patterns, knowledge of potential pests, mulching and employing green practices.

What are the benefits of sustainable landscapes?

  • Require less maintenance
  • Long lasting
  • Reduced water usage and no water run off or puddles
  • Minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides
  • Use of green waste
  • Conservation of energy and resources

In order to take advantage of all of the benefits available from sustainable landscapes, it takes advance planning based on soil, sun, water patterns, and overall temperature conditions in your region.  The San Francisco Bay Area has numerous microclimates, each having their own influence on plant selection, spacing, soil types and maintenance schedules. 

The East and South Bay areas tends to be drier and hotter, while the Napa and Peninsula areas tend to receive more rain and winds from the oceans and hills.   San Francisco is significantly cooler with less sun exposure.  Plant selections will vary dramatically, as will watering demands.

Need help deciding what will work best for you?  Give us a call.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Deep root tree and shrub feeding

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Spring is the right time to plan deep root tree and shrub feeding for healthy plants through the year.

  •  Identifying the right solution: Compacting soil, depleting nutrients, harsh weather, pests and ice-melting agents affect roots and impede growth of trees and shrubs.  If you are unsure, consult a certified arborist who is skilled at identifying result-oriented solutions that will significantly improve your trees and shrubs’ appearance and growth.
  •  Effective treatments: Treatments are as varied as tree and shrub types – especially in the areas we serve in San Jose, San Francisco, Livermore Valley, Walnut Creek and the Napa region. Properly treated trees and plants recover from winter’s effects quickly because experienced tree technicians know exactly what is required and are meticulous in their deep root tree and shrub feeding, using just the right amounts of water, fertilizer and nutrients based on your trees, soil type, rain levels, sun, and wind exposure.
  • Regular maintenance: Winter and spring deep root tree and shrub feeding is an important tool because roots don’t stop growing and require more attention through changing weather patterns. A proper maintenance service plan regularly monitors tree and shrub growth and modifies treatments to meet changing conditions and needs.

Regular and planned deep root tree and shrub feeding promotes a healthy and beautiful landscape.  Now is the right time for deep root tree and shrub feeding in California.

Landscape maintenance  reqires more than just caring for your lawn.  Don’t neglect your expensive trees and shrubs.

Posted in Sustainable Landscaping, Tree Care | No Comments »

Technorati Blog Claim

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Spring Is Coming! Time to Think About Plant Selection

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Plant selection not only influences the appearance of your landscape but impacts your maintenance expenses as well. In order to sustain curb appeal you’ll need plants, trees and shrubs that are suitable for your local region, or else it’s money down the drain.

How to select the right plants?

• Identifying your planting zone: Each plant requires specific soil and weather conditions. Knowing which type of planting zone you’re in will help you identify the plants, trees and shrubs that will flourish in your region. Once you understand your choices, you can select plants with low water use and maintenance requirements.
• Creating a harmonious space: Your landscape design must achieve harmony of color, form and function. It’s important to pick plants that work well together in order for your landscape to be pleasing to the eye. In addition, choose plants that support conservation, minimize pollution and maintain ecological balance.
• Encouraging energy savings: Your plant selection can also improve your energy efficiency. Well-planned sustainable or self-maintaining landscapes provide shade to reduce summer cooling bills while allowing the sun’s rays to heat your premises and lower heating expenses.

Landscape design and green experts can guide your plant selection in creating a well-planned landscape that will withstand weather challenges, lower utility bills and reduce maintenance expenses.

Posted in Sustainable Landscaping | No Comments »

Trying Self-Maintaining Landscapes

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Self-maintaining landscapes require less effort, provide significant utility savings and preserve curb appeal.

Rising water and energy rates have resulted in more and more property managers converting to cost-saving sustainable (or self-maintaining) landscapes and green practices with satisfying results.

An established landscape enhancement and renovation company can help you create a self-maintaining outdoor space or even successfully convert your existing one. This will reduce maintenance costs and help you lower your water and energy usage.

What do self-maintaining landscapes involve?

• Smart designs: Sustainable landscape designs include attractive native plants, trees, shrubs and ornamental grass with minimal water requirements that will thrive in your region and complement each other.
• Sustainable practices: Self-maintaining landscapes support green practices. By installing drip irrigation systems, smart solar-powered controllers and mulching, you’ll streamline your water management and minimize use of pesticides and fertilizers.
• Effective green waste management: Making use of green waste, like finely mulched, dry grass clippings and chipped tree and shrub trimmings, which return a significant amount of nutrients and moisture back to the soil. Using green waste for landscape maintenance reduces irrigation requirements and sends less to the landfill.

Self-maintaining landscapes reduce cost by maximizing resources and eliminating waste.

Posted in Sustainable Landscaping | No Comments »