Commercial Landscaping Blog for The San Jose | Bay Area, CA

Trees have a life span, some living longer than others. That might somewhat irrational, but dead trees on commercial properties are more common than one might think. Weekly landscape crews may not see or address these problems in their weekly site visits for a variety of reasons. The real question is: How can you tell if a tree is declining on your commercial property?

The right plantings around your properties building perimeter can make a big difference in many ways. Having the right plants that can ultimately tolerate the drought is part of the equation for great water conservation but plant material that could potentially take the place of your water thirsty lawn areas. Planting the right combination of foliage and plants will ultimately impact your water costs and maintenance in one way or the other. The real challenge for most commercial properties is deciding on the right balance of plants that can tolerate the drought conditions we are experiencing in the bay area and fit them into your design.

Fortunately, Nature has been pretty nice to us compared to storms in past seasons and unfortunately has a way of catching us off guard. We have been hit hard with the drought all this year, but that could change quickly.

The plantings around your properties building perimeter can make a big difference in many ways. Having the right plants to tolerate the cold weather is part of the equation for great foundation plants but plant material that is interfering with window views, walk way and crowding out the others is another factor to consider. Planting the right combination of foliage and plants will ultimately impact your landscaping design one way or the other. The real challenge for most commercial properties is deciding on the right balance of plants that can tolerate the cold and fit into your design.

This time of the year is Prime Planting Season for Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers.They often establish more quickly when properly irrigated. The warmer weather allows the plants root system to acclimate more quickly pushing the flowers into bloom.

Landscape Management Tips for the Drought

• Reduce the Landscape watering frequency for established plantings

• Deep water trees keeping them well hydrated

• Monitor Trees and Shrubs for drought stress

• Adjust Watering Frequency Per Drought Watering Restrictions

• Have trees inspected by an experienced arborist for dead or diseased or unsafe branches.

• Consider Long Term Planning for Converting Lawns to Drought Friendly Landscaping

• Replace Annual Color with Drought Resistant Flowers

• Mulch Trees and shrubs for water conservation

• Inspect Plant material for insect damage

• Install Smart Watering Systems

Tips For Walking Your Commercial Landscaping 

A job site walk through with your Commercial Landscape Company or assigned account manager is essential from time to time, this helps keep the lines of communication open assisting everyone to stay focused on your goals and desires.

Succulents are ideal for the drought conditions in Urban and Corporate settings. For most corporate and bay area properties, 50% of outdoor watering is used for landscape maintenance and using drought tolerant plants in its place can save up to 50% or more. Succulents were originally introduced into the bay area for their drought tolerant characteristics and there low maintenance advantages. 

Commercial landscaping is more than just mowing lawns, and it requires some upfront landscape planning to get it done right and on time. Their are various techniques that can be employed in order to reduce soil compaction caused by foot traffic and commercial lawn care equipment. However, sometimes the smaller less expensive methods bring about the most value for your lawn improvements.

Read on for our commercial lawn maintenance tips..

Everyone knows that its cool in the shade and trees can reduce energy costs if placed correctly. It’s popular to plant evergreen trees on the Northward facing walls of a building.

Plants and Vines located next to a hot south or west side wall can help insulate a building from the hot temperatures of the sun in the summer and winter months. Planting shrub and tree barriers can also direct cool wind from entering buildings by reducing cold drafts at entry points.

Budgeting for Your Commercial Landscaping Service

The budgeting process, whether during the initial development phase or during on-going operations, should start early enough to collect all the necessary information.

Preparation of your initial landscape operating budget should be done carefully, as should preparation of all annual budgets. Realistic income and expense expectations should be used to prepare the operating budget.