December 12th, 2011
It’s never too early to start water management planning. If you’re looking to streamline usage and prevent overuse penalties this summer, now is the best time to start. Identifying and implementing the right water conservation strategies takes time. So begin today.
What does efficient water management planning involve?
- A water audit for a detailed assessment of your current usage and proper estimation of your requirements
- Identifying areas of wastage
- Recommendations on water efficiency
- Implementing water conservation strategies and using the right equipment
- Setting up a water budget
- Monitoring usage after the plan is in place
- Tweaking usage and planning to increase cost efficiency and meet goals
Did you know that water management and conservation will soon become the single most important aspect of landscape maintenance? Not just in drought-prone California but all over the world!
Successful water management planning stems from accurate water audits and workable low-water-use solutions. Converting to sustainable landscaping and water-efficient irrigation equipment are some proven ways of achieving your goals.
A CLCA-certified water manager (or IA-certified water auditor) has the expertise to enhance conservation, efficiency and savings.
Adopt customized water management planning services with CLCA certified staff to improve conservation, reduce waste and minimize related expenses.
Tags: CLCA Certified Water Manager, water management, Water Use Reduction
Posted in Water Use Reduction | No Comments »
December 5th, 2011
Every holiday planting layout must make provisions for employee safety. Taking proper precautions while placing your ornamental plants, lighting, Christmas trees and other holiday décor will reduce the risk of fire, injuries and your liabilities. Also, keep in mind tree safety when decorating your landscape.
Here are some guidelines to ensure a beautiful and accident-free holiday season:
- Take the time to make a holiday planting layout so that you know exactly where everything will be placed before you start out.
- Plants and decorations should not impede vision in crowded areas like entryways, corridors and parking lots.
- Inspect the place you plan to set up the Christmas tree(s) or other decorative items, keeping enough room for clearance at the top and sides. These areas should be free of heat sources and vents/ducts.
- Choose a Christmas tree that doesn’t shed needles easily to keep the tree from drying out and minimize the risk of fires. Use a suitably sized stand, preferably one with wide legs for better stability.
- When placing the tree and holiday planters, ensure they do not inconvenience employees or customers – they should not block doorways and footpaths. Anchor them properly to prevent tipping over.
- Make sure that all the wiring for your holiday lighting is above ground and tucked safely out of the way to prevent tripping.
- Use indoor and outdoor lights (that have been tested) as directed by the manufacturer. Take care not to string more than the recommended amount together.
- When stringing lights across your outdoor trees, follow all the tree safety guidelines to prevent unnecessary stress and damage. Also, make sure the decorations are properly secured.
- Lawn lights and decorations should also be properly anchored to prevent them from blowing away.
An established landscape maintenance company can take care of your holiday planting layout guaranteeing an attractive landscape and eliminating safety concerns.
Contact an experienced landscaper who is well-versed in holiday planting layout and employee safety.
Tags: holiday planting, Safety
Posted in Safety, Tree Care | No Comments »
November 30th, 2011
Leaf removal from drains, rooftops and gutters prevents flooding, leaks and property damage.
Every fall, blocked drains, caused by accumulated leaves result in unsafe surroundings and accidents on properties and roadways. Leaves that wash away into local streams and rivers also affect water quality and aquatic life. The cost of landscape maintenance and leaf pickup is far less when compared to the hundreds of dollars spent on damages.
What you should know:
- Blocked roof drains and downspouts lead to ponding. Accumulated water will find a way to leak into buildings, damaging structure, décor and furnishings. Constant dampness also encourages mold.
- Choked drains on your driveways, parking lots and around the building can be quite dangerous, often leading to flooding and other such conditions. This is a threat to building stability as well as employee and visitor safety.
- Clogged gutters and sewers tend to impair drainage, leading to pipe leaks, cracks and bursts. An obstructed drain could result in nasty backups, and thus, swampy and unhealthy conditions. This mess can bring down the value of your property.
Timely leaf removal from drains, rooftops and gutters helps you maintain neat, clean premises and safe conditions, especially in the winter.
Employ experienced leaf removal services during fall to keep drains, rooftops and gutters clear and clean throughout the winter.
Tags: leaf removal
Posted in property management | No Comments »
November 23rd, 2011
Day porter services can help you maintain a neat and clean property throughout the busy holiday shopping season.
The holiday season’s increased number of events and shoppers usually translates to additional garbage and frequent cleanup. Generally, the larger the property is, the bigger the mess and the greater its maintenance requirements. Many malls and retail establishments find it difficult to keep up.
Professional day porter services can reduce the strain on your own staff and resources while ensuring timely and efficient cleanups.
What can day porter services help with?
- Monitoring and service of restrooms
- Cleaning of building entryway, stairwells and common areas; some even clear walkways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters
- Removal of trash, debris and heavy garbage, including hand-picking litter in the parking lot and keeping grass areas trash-free
- Position dumpsters for pick up and return to enclosures (trash enclosure clean up)
- Cleaning exterior glass entry doors and window mullions
- Maintenance and cleaning of stairwell, elevator and water fountain surface
- Ash receptacle maintenance
- Attending to spills and stains from various surfaces
- Cleaning public areas, wiping down benches, tables, etc.
- Assisting in set-up for special events
- Lighting checks, simple bulb replacements
- Liability, safety concerns, checks and action (report, clean up, cone off)
- Emergency clean up
Customized day porter services will make an assessment of your needs and tailor programs to meet your unique requirements.
Employ professional day porter services to ensure efficient maintenance and clean up during the holidays.
Tags: custodial, day porter
Posted in Day Porter Custodial | No Comments »
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.
Tags: fall planting, planting season, seasonal flower
Posted in Arborist Services, Landscape Renovation | No Comments »
November 6th, 2011
Winter preparation of parking lots and drainage is crucial to the safety of your employees and visitors. It also helps maintain neat and clean premises. Negligence may result in personal injuries and damage to property.
Tips on Winter Preparation of Parking Lots and Drains:
- Clear debris such as fallen leaves, twigs, branches and rubble from your parking lot as well as from the nearby grassy patches or tree beds. You don’t want it to end up in the storm drains when you wash the area.
- Use a pressure washer to rid your parking lot of moss, oil stains, gum and stubborn dirt. Not doing this could lead to slippery and unsafe conditions. (Loading and unloading goods also becomes extremely dangerous.) The risk is greater during freezing rain or frigid temperatures.
- Clean your drains, gutters and downspouts. Blocked drains are often the result of not cleaning up in the fall. Also test to see that the drains are working the way they’re supposed to. Clogs force the water to find other channels of drainage. In addition, ponding or flooding can damage your expensive hardscapes.
- Maintaining a clean parking lot throughout the winter will reduce indoor maintenance as less dirt will find its way inside your buildings.
Fall cleanup and winter preparation of parking lots and drainage takes time and effort. An established landscape maintenance company has trained staff and the right tools to accomplish the task quickly and efficiently.
Appoint an experienced landscape maintenance company for professional winter preparation of your parking lots and drainage.
Tags: preparing parking lots for winter, preparing property for winter, winter preparation
Posted in Safety, property management | No Comments »
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.
Tags: erosion control, hardscape design, hardscape for erosion control
Posted in Landscape Renovation, property management | No Comments »
October 26th, 2011
Commercial landscape lighting plays two important roles: function and design. The right kind of illumination will create visual interest, prevent injuries and keep commercial premises safe from prowlers.
- Outdoor lighting for safety and security – See and be seen
The primary purpose of any commercial lighting system is to illuminate pathways, parking lots and entryways. Well-lit exteriors will help prevent accidents and keep employees and visitors safe. Good lighting on the outside is also a deterrent to intruders and vandals, thereby protecting your commercial property from damage.
Spotlights and floodlights are ideal choices for entrances, exits and walkways. They reduce dark corners and shadows, minimize concealment and can help prevent crime. However, one must take care to avoid glaring or blinding lights. They can cause serious vision impairment.
- Landscape lighting for design – Wow them with beautiful night light
Professionally planned landscape lighting enhances the design and beauty of your outdoor space. Strategically placed downlights, spotlights and floodlights draw attention to special features like fountains, ponds, an exotic flower bed, statues, etc. Uplights on a tree or building architecture, or accent lighting for the rock garden; the possibilities are endless.
Landscape lighting for employee safety and improved landscape design requires experience. Landscape size and use (traffic areas, parking) determine the kind of illumination you need. Improper placement or the wrong type of lighting is a waste of money and a drain on energy.
Engage an experienced landscaper to plan and install your commercial landscape lighting that will improve your landscape design and ensure employee safety outdoors.
Tags: commercial landscape light, commercial property lighting, landscape lighting
Posted in Safety, property management | No Comments »
October 19th, 2011
Proper protection of above ground pipes and valves from frost and freezing can save you the cost of expensive repair and replacement. Damage and disruption from frozen pipes, valves and backflow preventers can be a property owner’s / manager’s nightmare. Here are some tips on how to protect your irrigation systems from frost and freezing temperatures.
Backflow Insulation
- Make sure your main shut off valve is frost-proof/frost-free, i.e. it is located in a warm room or sheltered area or is well insulated if it must be outdoors.
- Installing readymade and removable outdoor pipe and valve insulators (there are various types like heat tapes, foil-backed wrap, self-sticking foam, etc.) prevents freezing and reduces wear and tear.
- Remember to insulate backflow preventers as well. If you’re using plastic or duct tape leave an air passage and room for water to drain out. However, above ground backflow preventers should be permanently insulated to prevent early and late season freezing. Insulator bags with ties or padlocks are available easily. They cost far less than having to replace expensive backflow preventers.
- Turn off the water supply and drain all the pipes to prevent bursting when the temperatures dip below freezing. Having easily accessible drain valves will ensures this is done properly. Automatic systems also require the controllers/timers to be switched off.
Winterizing your irrigation system is serious business, and it does take time, effort and the right knowledge. Rely on an experienced landscape management company like Flora Terra that is experienced in frost prevention of above ground pipes and valves.
Tags: freeze protection, frost prevention of above ground pipe, frost protection, plumbing frost protection, protect pipes from frost, protect valves from frost
Posted in Winter Plant Care | No Comments »
October 11th, 2011
Practicing sustainability in the landscape has multiple advantages, the most important being that it reduces wastage and your maintenance costs. As more and more property managers, especially in drought-prone California are looking to improve water efficiency and savings, every little step makes a significant contribution.
How to create a sustainable commercial landscape?
- Study site conditions e.g. soil type, drainage pattern and weather conditions
- Select local, low water-use plants that are suitable for your growing conditions
- Plan tree and plant placement to provide shade in summer and allow the sun’s warmth in winter
- Install drip irrigation and watering systems that apply preserve water and avoid run offs
- Mulch to retain moisture and deter weed growth
- Replace some areas of turf with attractive drought-resistant flora and fauna
- Use organic weed and pest control instead of harsh chemicals
- Apply grass cuttings as mulch to reduce green waste
What are the benefits of sustainability in the landscape?
- Low water use
- Reduced green waste generation
- Minimized pesticide/fertilizer use
- Eliminate water run off and hardscape damage
- Lowers heating and cooling requirements and energy consumption resulting in less pollution
- Safer for the environment
- Long lasting
An experienced landscape design and management company can implement sustainability in the landscape easily and effectively. They will conduct a detailed assessment of your commercial property and plan an attractive landscape with low water use and maintenance requirements.
Tags: sustainability in the landscape, sustainable commercial landscape, sustainable landscape
Posted in Sustainable Landscaping, Uncategorized | No Comments »
