Archive for the ‘Sustainable Landscaping’ Category

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Herb and Vegetable Gardens as Landscaping

Monday, June 27th, 2011

With the right kind of care you can have the most productive herb and vegetable gardens. Soil quality, proper nutrients and adequate irrigation are key ingredients.

Grow an Herb and Vegetable Gardens as part of your Landscaping!

  • Choose the right plants: Select herbs and vegetables that thrive in your region.  It requires less effort to achieve the results you’re looking for. Providing the right growing conditions boosts success.
  • Plan your garden: Take the time to plan placement. You don’t want a mish-mash where the big plants are going to overrun and stifle the smaller ones. If you want to get a head start, let the seeds germinate indoors. This avoids the risk of sudden frost damaging young plants and also helps with spacing. You won’t have to replant them.
  • Prepare the soil: Nutrient-rich soil encourages vibrancy and resistance to weather and disease. Use top soil that is free of weeds, odds and ends. Aerate to prevent soil compaction which reduces plant access to air, water and vitamins.
  • Give herbs and vegetables room to grow: Understand the growth pattern of the herbs and vegetables you have selected. Follow the recommended spacing when planting. Overcrowding will restrict growth.
  • Use natural weed, insect and disease control: Deal with weeds, insects and disease immediately and avoid using toxic chemicals. There are numerous organic treatments that are just as effective.
  • Provide just enough water: Over watering results in swampy conditions (that kills plants), water run-offs and overuse penalties. Provide only what is required. Grouping plants according to water requirements is an easy way to maintain control.

Herb and vegetable gardens require experienced care. An expert landscaping company knows what each plant requires. They can help reduce your effort and stress while ensuring satisfying results.

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Posted in Sustainable Landscaping, property management | No Comments »

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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Posted in Landscape Renovation, Sustainable Landscaping | No Comments »

Organic Weed Control Best Practices

Saturday, May 14th, 2011

Organic weed control avoids the use of strong chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals, birds and the environment. Why use toxic weed killers when eco-friendly products and a few simple weed prevention steps can do the job.

What are the best practices for organic weed control?

  • Identify the weed: Knowing what you’re dealing with is an important part of the solution. Few weeds respond to general treatments.
  • Try organic herbicides: Pre-emergent weed control destroys the seed (of the weed) while post-emergent treatments is meant for full-grown weeds. Corn gluten, vinegar and some detergents (combined with vinegar or water) are effective organic herbicides.  
  • Install landscape fabrics: Prevention is better than cure. Installing landscaping fabric in your vegetable and flower beds discourages weed growth.
  • Invest in a good weed puller: The latest weed pullers require less effort and are more effective. They can help you root out the problem.
  • Use mulch for tree and flower beds: Using mulch is a form of organic weed control. It’s a natural weed suppressant.
  • Use good quality topsoil: Cheap topsoil often has weeds in it. Using it will aggravate the problem or even create one. Invest in nutrient-rich, high quality soil to improve growth and prevent weed infestations.
  • Don’t neglect spring and fall clean up: Whether you have a weed problem or not it’s important to give your landscape that once-over every fall and spring. A neglected or overgrown garden attracts weeds.
  • Get regular landscaping maintenance: Some weeds like crabgrass and rhubarb are difficult to get rid of. Regular weed treatments and landscaping maintenance will effectively eliminate your problem.

Whether it’s a medical complex, retail property, commercial building or HOA, maintaining a weed-free landscape is not easy. Weed spores from the neighboring property or a stubborn variety can ruin your curb appeal. An experienced landscaping company with proven organic weed control treatments will restore health and vibrancy to your commercial landscape.

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Posted in Landscape Renovation, Lawn Care, Sustainable Landscaping | No Comments »

How much water do you need to avoid landscape and hardscape damage?

Sunday, April 17th, 2011

Water efficiency in landscaping means knowing exactly how much water you need. Did you know that overwatering causes more damage than the lack of it? The key to a healthy landscape is providing the right amount of nutrients, especially water.

Here are some of Flora Terra’s tips for determining how much water you need:

  • Get to know your landscape: Identify areas of sun and shade. Sheltered areas need less water than those in the sun. Slopes require shorter intervals but more frequent watering than flat surfaces.  If you notice puddles or run offs in certain sections, reduce the amount of water you’re using.
  • Understand soil and climate: How much water you need for plants is linked to the type of soil and climatic conditions. Knowing whether your soil is clay, sandy or loamy gives a better idea of how much watering should be done. Also cooler periods require less water than prolonged hot, sunny days.
  • Identify plant requirements: Pay attention to the water requirements of different plants. Irrigation is not a one-size fits all process.
  • Install water-efficient irrigation equipment: Drip irrigation and SMART sprinklers ensure that your landscape gets all the water it needs without over saturating it. The latest sensors allow you to water based on climate and soil water levels. Remember to adjust automatic controllers according to weather conditions.

Protect your landscaping investment by watering properly.  Not sure how yours compares?  Give us a call – 800-455-0304.

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5 Things You Can Do To Avoid Water Runoff

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Avoid water runoff by providing the just the right amount of irrigation for your landscape. Water is a precious resource and one that is fast depleting. Watering wisely not only promotes conservation but also improves plant and turf health.

Did you know that water run off washes away vital nutrients from the soil? It also causes ponding and swamp-like conditions which encourage rotting. Puddles or runoffs on your sidewalk, patio and driveway lead to a premature deterioration of your expensive hardscapes.

5 things you can do to avoid water runoff

  1. If it does not need to stay green, don’t water it! Keep sprinkler heads from unnecessarily spraying your foundation walls, driveway, patio and other hardscapes. Concrete, asphalt and brickwork will wear out faster when constantly sprayed with water.
  2. Look for signs of ponding and soggy soil as you walk around your landscape. It’s a sure sign of overwatering and can certainly be damaging. Watering correctly saves time, money and plants.
  3. Get a landscape survey to determine your growing conditions and apply the right amount of water. Knowing the soil type, grading and climate will help formulate a proper irrigation plan.
  4.  Check your watering system for leaks. A broken, clogged or malfunctioning irrigation system is a common cause of water wastage and runoffs.
  5. Install water-efficient irrigation systems. Drip tubes and SMART controllers allow for more precise watering to ET rates, eliminating the risk of ponding and runoffs.

 Water efficiency will not affect your curb appeal. Plants and grass develop stronger roots and are more resistant to temperature fluctuations when you use the right irrigation techniques. Watering wisely will also lower your usage and bills significantly. Ask an established landscaping and water management service to determine your exact requirements and help you avoid water runoff.

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Posted in Lawn Care, Sustainable Landscaping, Water Use Reduction | No Comments »

It’s Time to Think “Drought Tolerant Planting”

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Many areas of California face drought or desert-like conditions. A landscape with high irrigation requirements is expensive and often disappointing. Flora Terra’s trained team of drought-tolerant landscape design architects can create a sustainable commercial outdoor space. We use colorful native plants and trees that thrive in your growing conditions and are easier to maintain.

What to consider in drought-tolerant landscape designs:

  • Original ideas: Artistically shaped flower beds, creatively designed hardscapes, and mood lighting all contribute to a beautifully designed landscape. You don’t need a sprawling lawn or large water features to have unique curb appeal. Knowledgeable drought-tolerant landscape design architects use refreshingly creative ideas to make your outdoor space look stunning. Think oranges, reds and yellows for color. Combine with beautiful cactus and different types of rocks for texture and depth.
  • Extensive selection of plants: Make use of a wide variety of native flora and fauna to add interest and appeal to your drought-tolerant landscape design. A careful combination of attractive ground covering plants, plants with colorful leaves and ornamental grasses can achieve pleasing results. Replace your high-water need plants with exotic local varieties that will perk up your landscape.
  • Proper installation: Proper installation by a team of drought-tolerant landscape design architects will prevent possible dead plants, poor soil conditions, or less than desired results. 
  • Meticulous maintenance: No matter what type of garden you have, routine maintenance keeps it in top shape.

Flora Terra’s drought-tolerant landscape design architects aim for reduced maintenance, but regular care ensures the best results. We can take care of landscape management to keep your commercial outdoor space looking great throughout the year.

Posted in Spring Plant Care, Sustainable Landscaping, Water Use Reduction | No Comments »

Northern California Landscaping Ideas

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

Business parks, commercial complexes, estates and homeowners’ associations all over San Jose, Walnut Creek and the San Francisco Bay Area rely on our landscaping experts to provide year-round curb appeal. Our goal is to develop landscaping ideas to satisfy our clients’ aesthetic needs, avoid water-overuse and waste, and meet tight maintenance budgets easily.

How can we help?

  • Creative landscaping ideas: Refreshing commercial landscaping ideas with creatively designed flower beds, artistic hardscapes and innovative lighting. Many design options and only the best quality plants and trees to decorate your outdoor space.
  • Eco-friendly landscape designs: Commercial landscaping ideas must consider type of soil, weather and other growing conditions. Flora Terra’s landscape designers employ colorful native plants and trees that will thrive in your environment. California native oaks and palm trees for instance are easy to maintain and make an impressive statement.
  • Expert landscaping installation and maintenance: Proper installation and maintenance are key to a vibrant landscape or else it’s money down the drain. Our ISA-certified arborists and landscapers make sure the installation is done right the first time and offer year-round maintenance for best results.
  • Water efficient landscaping: With our knowledge and experience water management, we help you adopt efficient watering practices. You won’t have to worry about water waste or drought. Save water and money!
  • Total customer satisfaction: Qualified and dedicated landscapers deliver absolute customer satisfaction. Irrespective of the type of commercial landscaping project from installing a new landscape, renovating it or just adding on, we are known for attention to detail.

Take advantage of our commercial landscaping ideas to create a unique and affordable environment for employees, tenants, and visitors. Phone 800 455 0304 today.

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Desert Landscaping – Save water and enjoy a clean look

Friday, December 17th, 2010

Rather than wasting effort, money and water turning a desert into a green garden, it’s more fruitful (and wise) to consider desert landscaping. It’s a stunning new concept that’s fast catching on among Northern California commercial property owners. The spectacular looks and low-water requirements are a winning proposition.

You can create your very own oasis with the help of an established California landscaping service that promotes native plants and reduces maintenance costs.

Desert landscaping has a strikingly neat and clean appearance and it significantly reduces your water requirements. Now who can resist water savings in the desert regions of California?

What is desert landscaping?

Desert landscaping is the commercial property manager’s (and homeowner’s) answer to creating a beautiful and outdoor space with scare water resources. It works very well in our desert-type climate and growing conditions. You also get irresistible curb appeal using local plants that can survive these harsh conditions. Attractive stones and hardscape features can be valuable adornments. Try it!

What are the benefits of desert landscaping?

  • Amazing color choices: Red, orange and yellow replace your traditional greens and blues producing an attractive riot of color. Add cacti if you must have green. There is a variety of plants to choose from so you don’t need to feel constrained.
  • Eye-catching hardscapes and lighting: Desert landscaping is just spectacular when you include different colored and textured stones, artistic hardscapes and dramatic lighting.
  • Conserving water: Water is a scarcity and very precious. Desert landscaping has amazingly low water requirements. You won’t have to stress about over-watering or exceeding your quota and paying penalties.
  • Many design options: If you’re the kind that must include water and grass, then consider a small water feature that recycles water instead of a pool and a small patch of grass to satisfy your lawn craving.
  • Less maintenance and significant savings: By using native plants and reducing grass cover (or plants that need lots of water) you will enjoy significant lower landscape maintenance costs. And you don’t have to compromise on the overall look of your commercial landscape.

Desert landscaping has a unique appeal and attractiveness. Moreover it makes the best of your natural resources and preserves the environment. All you need is an experienced California landscape management company to design, install and maintain your commercial desert landscape.

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Water efficient landscaping reduces wastage and expenses

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

Water efficient landscaping is the ideal solution to fast depleting resources and California’s history of drought. Garden and lawn care account for a tremendous increase in demand especially during the summer months. The EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) urges us to adopt water-wise, water-smart, low-water or water efficient landscaping to remedy the situation.  Californians who practice sustainable landscaping and water management can easily avoid over-use penalties and reduce landscape maintenance cost.

What does water efficient landscaping involve?

  • Landscape design that includes soil and climate appropriate plant selection
  • Grouping plants according to the amount of water they require
  • Planting native, low-water-use flora and fauna

Contact Flora Terra Landscape Management to learn more.

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Landscape Preparations for Winter Rains

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

From early November, right through March, winter in California brings rain which becomes snow in the mountains. Often these winter rains come as storms. Those who have suffered property damage know that fall is the best time to start preparing landscapes for the expected winter rains.

Proper preparation of your landscape can minimize the possibility of erosion, mudslides, flooding and other winter rain related concerns. Here’s what you can do to prepare your landscape for the winter rains:

  • Protect existing plant cover and soil by covering with plant materials and different types of mulches.
  • Establish vegetative cover on all bare or disturbed soil and slopes.
  • Have your irrigation service company carry out maintenance of your “smart controllers” to ensure proper weather and soil moisture based supply of water to your plants
  • Drainage facilities, potential runoff on driveways, and fire breaks in areas prone to fire damage need to be evaluated.
  • All existing and planned runoff, erosion and sediment control measures (including vegetative cover) should be evaluated and maintenance carried out.
  • Runoff extends beyond property lines so work out a drainage plan in tandem with neighboring property owners.
  • Prune or remove hazard trees capable of falling on to living structures before the rains arrive.
  • Have your property evaluated for rock fall hazard.
  • Get professional help with design and installation of any temporary or permanent practices to control runoff and/or prevent an erosion problem.

A professional landscape maintenance firm can take care of all these tasks for you and ensure that your landscape is properly winterized.

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Posted in Sustainable Landscaping, Winter Plant Care | No Comments »

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