Archive for July, 2010

Announcement about Smart Irrigation Month in association with the Irrigation Association

Tuesday, 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.

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Posted in Water Use Reduction | No Comments »

Ready Resources for Efficient Landscaping

Saturday, 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 »

Fire Resistant Plant Selection

Saturday, 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 »

Fire Preventive Landscaping for Commercial Properties

Saturday, 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 »