Archive for the ‘Landscape Renovation’ Category

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It’s Planting Season!

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Spring is not the only time to plant new trees and shrubs!  Plants’ foliage growth is slower during fall and winter, making nutrients more available to the roots. Root systems that develop in the fall and winter are much stronger, which helps to sustain more rapid growth in the spring. Using a slow-release fertilizer during planting will help new trees and shrubs get off to a healthy start.  

Whether it’s a row of flowering perennial shrubs or a nice specimen tree, fall is a great time to plant for a better start next spring!  

Planting new trees and shrubs can:

  • Improve air quality
  • Attract new tenants
  • Increase property value
  • Create visual curb appeal and add beauty to your outdoor spaces
  • Increase the value and aesthetics of your community or business 

Choose an experienced landscape management company like Flora Terra to assist in the proper selection, planting and successful growing of your new trees or shrubs. Our horticulturists are trained to help you choose the best plant suited to your local climate and property. 

Looking for a gorgeous landscape for every season?  Consider Flora Terra’s Seasonal Flower Program.  Our team can help you enhance or renovate your property with seasonal colors for an eye-catching look all year.

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Build Your Hardscape for Erosion Control – Professional Landscape Design by a Landscape Contractor

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Hardscapes serve multiple needs. In addition to enhancing your overall landscape design, they are also an effective form of erosion control. All you need is an experienced landscape contractor to expertly plan and install your hardscape. 

  • Hardscapes for erosion control

Soil erosion affects the grass, plants and trees, alters grading and drainage patterns and threatens the stability of structures in your landscape. Installing erosion control pavers for parking lots, pathways and pavements, flower bed edges and retaining walls will minimize soil erosion. Hire an established landscape contractor who understands your hardscape needs. 

  • Hardscapes for landscape design

Well-planned hardscapes bring style and character to your landscape. Patterned pavers for your entryway, pathways, sidewalks and parking lots add detail and interest brightening up the entire area. Aesthetically designed retaining walls for your boundary or pool will give it a finished look. Make sure your landscape contractor installs hardscapes that blend harmoniously into your landscape design. 

  • Hiring a landscape contractor for hardscape design and installation

Whether you’re installing a hardscape for soil erosion or landscape design, fulfilling your requirements depends on the capabilities of the landscape contractor you hire. Selecting the right material and design, and professional installations improve the look and reduce maintenance requirements while enhancing durability and lifespan. 

Hire an experienced landscape contractor to design your hardscape for erosion control.   

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Lawn Maintenance and Renovation

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

Flora Terra offers expert lawn maintenance and renovation to enhance the professional image of your company. Ongoing monitoring and upkeep of your grounds can reduce watering costs along with maintenance expenses. Growing quality turf or grass is not difficult but takes time, patience and effort. You can use the best quality sod or grass seed but without proper and regular care the results will be less than satisfactory. 

Tips on lawn maintenance and renovation 

  • Improving soil quality: Soil composition changes over time with the weather and handling – high traffic areas are especially vulnerable.  Poor soil cannot provide your grass with the nutrients it needs. Replenishing your lawn with good quality top soil once a year is a good way to develop strong, disease-resistant grass.
  • Periodic fertilization: Rain, frost and wind deplete nutrients, which are essential for a vibrant lawn. Regular fertilization programs will refill the essential vitamins that it requires.
  • Adequate Watering: Proper lawn maintenance means adequate not over watering. Long periods of irrigation are preferable to frequent and short watering cycles that don’t penetrate the soil. Excess water leads to swampy conditions that encourage mold growth and reduce the soil’s ability to breathe.
  • Proper mowing techniques: It’s better to mow frequently so that you don’t cut more than one third of the grass blades at a time. Keep the lawn short in spring and fall but longer during summer to reduce stress and encourage good growth.
  • Timely renovation: If your grass is showing extreme signs of wear and tear, it’s time to invest in lawn renovation. Overuse, disease, wrong type of grass, etc. are difficult to correct and it may be best to start over.
  • Regular maintenance:  There are no shortcuts to regular lawn maintenance. A vibrant turf is the result of continuous care. 

Get an experienced landscaping company, like FloraTerra to take over your lawn maintenance and renovation so you can maintain a professional corporate image.

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Soil Testing and Analysis is Important for Good Soil Balance

Saturday, September 3rd, 2011

Soil testing  and analysis is important for good soil balance. It determines:

  • Soil type/composition – essential to plant selection
  • Nutrient content and pH levels – influences  plant growth and health
  • Deficiencies – helps identify the kind of soil treatments and fertilization programs required
  • Contaminants – helps formulate an effective remedial plan

While there are many do-it-yourself soil testing kits available, the analysis is not comprehensive and results aren’t always accurate.

Successful soil testing includes:

  • Taking a couple of samples from different areas of your landscape. Proper handling of the samples is crucial to the accuracy of analysis.
  • Conducting a detailed laboratory analysis of the samples – going beyond major nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to include pH levels and secondary nutrients like sulphur, calcium and magnesium.
  • Interpreting the results in terms of plant growth or yield
  • Using the results to improve the health and vibrancy of your landscape

Soil composition changes with time, weather and handling. Periodic tests will make landscape management easier.

An experienced landscaping company like Flora Terra has the experience and the equipment to conduct accurate soil testing and report the important details you need.

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Bark Mulching Benefits for Bay Area Landscapes

Monday, July 25th, 2011

The numerous bark mulching benefits cannot be overlooked. If you want to maintain healthy and vibrant trees, plants and landscaping in the Northern California area, garden surface and bark mulching can be very useful.

Here are some important bark mulching benefits to consider:

  • Discourages weeds so your trees don’t have to share essential nutrients
  • Preserves moisture especially during drought, preventing a dried out condition possibly damaging roots and starving plants from nutrients
  • Protects against temperature fluctuations that can cause tree stress
  • Shields tree roots from frost and frigid temperatures – not uncommon in some of our outlying areas
  • Prevents uprooting when soil expands and contracts – common in wet-to-dry conditions
  • Enhances the nutrients in your soil
  • Gives your landscape an attractive look

In order to maximize bark mulching benefits you must choose the appropriate type of mulch for your trees and landscape. There is a vast variety of mulches (grass clippings, wood, leaves, compost, peat moss, gravel, pebbles, stones, hay, etc.) to choose from, so it is not an easy decision. You also need to replenish mulch that gets eroded by rain and wind to maximize effectiveness.

An established landscape management company can take care of bark mulching and maintain year-round tree health.  Give us a call, we’ll recommend the right approach for your landscape areas.

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Flowers – Design and Care

Sunday, July 3rd, 2011

To make the most of flowers, design and care are important elements. There is no substitute for proper planning while planting flowers or the meticulous maintenance required.

Flowers – Design and Care Tips

  • Plan your landscape design: While planning a flower garden here are 5 questions to start you off.
  1. Do you know what you want?
  2. Can you visualize the final look?
  3. Will the plants blossom in your growing conditions?
  4. What kind of maintenance do your flowers require?
  5. Do you have the time to provide the right care?

A poorly planned or neglected garden is worse than one that doesn’t have any flowers.

  • Start small: Unless you’re planning to hire a landscape design company, start small and then build slowly. A step-by-step, planned approach helps avoid frustrating mistakes. You need to be sure of the look before you invest the time, effort and money all at once.
  • Understand plant requirements: Roses thrive in full sun light while lilies need partial shade and proper soil drainage. Providing the necessary growing conditions gets results. If you’re not well-versed with plant care get expert help.
  • Balance your design: Your landscape design must be planned around your needs. Do you want lots of color or to replicate a company logo? Are you creating a focal point or accenting a beautiful water feature? Do you want to create a stunning entryway or introduce privacy? Flowering plants are available in hundreds of colors and sizes. An experienced landscaper will achieve the desired look without the costly mistakes.
  • Get good quality plants and soil: Both plant and soil quality impact blooming capabilities. Investing in good quality plants and nutrient-rich soil guarantees beautiful results.
  • Provide regular maintenance: If you want to maintain your flower garden then be prepared to prune, fertilize and weed regularly. Flowering plants need constant attention to maintain the desired look.

Flower design and care is serious business. A professional landscape maintenance service eliminates trial and error. It’s a small price to pay for lasting curb appeal.

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Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Saturday, June 11th, 2011

Conscious about reducing your carbon footprint? Switch to sustainable landscaping. Maintaining an eco-friendly garden is an effective way to boost your environmental responsiveness.

Read our easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint through water-efficient landscaping.

  • Install a sustainable landscape: Planting an eco-friendly garden is easier than you think. It involves selecting grass, plants and trees that are suitable to your growing conditions and need less water. Low water use or drought resistant plants are easier to maintain and will also reduce your irrigation requirements.
  • Make energy conservation a part of your landscaping plans: Strategic placement of trees and shrubs can lower your energy consumption. Plan landscapes with plants that will shield your premises from the summer heat and let in the warmth of the sun in winter reducing your cooling and heating bills.
  • Choose water-efficient irrigation systems: Drip irrigation and SMART controllers use water efficiently. Applying water to ET rates gives plants and lawns exactly what they need while avoiding run offs and puddles.
  • Mulch to retain moisture: Mulching has numerous benefits. It reduces evaporation, protects your plants from temperature fluctuations and deters the growth of weeds. The colorful mulches available today also enhance landscape appearance.
  • Practice natural weed, pest and disease control: Regular landscape maintenance makes it easier to deal with weeds, pests and disease without the use of harmful chemicals. Use good quality topsoil, and install landscape fabric or mulch to prevent weed growth. Be meticulous about spring and fall clean up to reduce the risk of disease. Use organic herbicides to deal with persistent problems.
  • Reduce green waste: Composting your green waste will reduce the amount that goes to the landfill. This nutrient rich compost can be used to fertilize your lawn and plants.

An eco-friendly landscaping company can install and maintain a sustainable landscape reducing your carbon footprint. Do your bit to save the planet for future generations.

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Add Flower Pots in your Landscape Design

Saturday, June 4th, 2011

Flower pots in the landscape is a great idea for your landscape design. However, lack of proper planning can make them look awkward no matter how beautiful your plants may be.

Add Flower Pots to your San Jose Landscape DesignsWhen incorporating flower pots in the landscape make sure you maintain the overall flow and balance. Use them to heighten interest and avoid a mish mash of shapes. Here are some basic guidelines to keep you on the right track.

  • Understand the scale of your landscape design: A small pot in the middle of a large space or a couple of big ornamental flowerpots in a small space can mess with your landscape’s overall appeal. Think carefully about where you want to place the flower pots. Established landscape designers use the latest technology to help you visualize the final picture before you begin.
  • Pay attention to plant requirements: Vibrant flowerpots require a proper understanding of their requirements. Whether you’re planting flowers, ornamental trees, bonsai or cactus, each has specific needs. Some plants like to spread their roots while others prefer to be clustered together.  Some need full sunlight, many require partial shade. Follow the recommended growing conditions to achieve full bloom.
  • Choose pots carefully: There are several points to consider when selecting flower pots for the landscape. The material (concrete, terracotta, wood, plastic, etc.) and color should match or complement your hardscapes. It is also preferable to put ornate plants in a simple flower pot and vice-versa. Flowerpot material also impacts maintenance. Clay pots dry out faster, plastic requires less care. Choose accordingly.
  • Flowerpots require proper maintenance: Although flowerpots offer convenience, (especially if you want to take them indoors when it’s cold) they still need regular maintenance. Proper watering, regular pruning and cleanup keep them bright and beautiful.

Flower pots in the landscape become the focal point of attention. They also speak volumes of your design and maintenance skills. An experienced landscape maintenance service can take care of it for you.

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Turf Renovation – Important for Healthy Lawns

Saturday, May 28th, 2011

Planning a turf renovation? Late summer and fall are the best time for your lawn makeover. A vibrant green turf is every property owner’s pride and joy. If yours has lost color, it’s time to get your hands dirty.

Follow our recommended steps for a successful turf renovation.

  • Weed out your problems: Deal with weeds, pests and disease before turf renovation. There are many solutions available in the market. However, specific treatments are more effective.
  • Improve soil quality: Your lawn needs nutrient rich soil to grow strong and healthy. Get a soil analysis to understand your soil type (clay, loam, etc.) and requirements before you make any amendments. Using a good quality top dressing will also improve resistance to weather fluctuations, pest and disease.
  • Choose the right grass type: Select grass that is suitable to your growing conditions. Climate, shade or sun, and type of soil influence growth and maintenance. Choose grass that is hardy.
  • Prepare the soil for planting: Whether you’re using sod or seed, there is no short cut to soil preparation. Fill in holes, even out the lawn area and aerate to reduce soil compaction. Grass roots need easy access to moisture and nutrients in the soil.
  • Seed your lawn correctly: Seeding the correct amount and in the appropriate manner enhances turf growth. Seed in both directions, at right angles. If you’re not confident about how to do it, get an experienced landscaping company to manage your turf renovation.
  • Maintain a proper watering schedule: New seeds and sod need to be watered on a regular basis to prevent them from drying out.  Keep them moist and avoid over watering.
  • Don’t forget to fertilize: Fertilize after a month to boost growth and disease resistance. Follow the recommended usage and watering practices to keep your newly installed lawn healthy.
  • Be diligent about lawn maintenance: A vibrant lawn is the result of careful maintenance. Don’t neglect the mowing, watering, weeding or pest control.

Turf renovation and maintenance is a full time job. If you don’t have the time or the inclination, hire a reliable landscaping maintenance service to do the job.

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Curb Appeal – Getting the best bang for your landscape design buck

Saturday, May 21st, 2011

Curb appeal impacts the image and value of your property. Landscaping is an important investment so you want to ensure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck. A smart landscape design with reduced maintenance requirements can deliver the right results.

How to make the most of your landscape design?

  • Take the time to plan your landscape: The first step towards curb appeal and is careful landscape planning. Look at several landscape designs for ideas or as a reference point. Make sure your plans suit your space, budget and maintenance schedule.
  • Incorporate existing features to reduce cost: Take a good look at what you already have – existing lawn, trees, shrubs, hardscapes, etc. and try to build around it. This will reduce your landscape renovation costs. You might not need to pull out the whole lawn (a big expense); it may work to just reduce the grassy area including water features or hardscapes to draw attention instead.
  • Install plants and grass that have reduced maintenance requirements. Maintenance takes time, effort and money. It also impacts curb appeal. Choosing local plants that thrive in your growing conditions lowers your upkeep. Also, there are several low water-use plants and grass that are less susceptible to weather conditions and look great too. In many parts of California, desert landscaping is popular and very attractive.
  • Get an experienced landscape designer: Hiring an expert to improve curb appeal guarantees the best bang for your buck. Training and experience enables them to make a few simple but important adjustments that will transform your landscape. It will also ensure that the job is done properly, avoiding the costly mistakes associated with trial and error.

Landscape renovation is a worthwhile investment, but not something you want to do often. Think long term when enhancing curb appeal.

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