Commercial Landscaping Blog, San Jose | Bay Area | Santa Clara, CA

How to Solve Your Biggest Problems With Lawn Maintenance

Written by Sabrina Ayala | Dec 23, 2014 2:30:00 PM

Green Lawn Maintenance Comes with a Price 

Some who have challenges growing healthy lawn can spend literally thousands of dollars in renovation of their lawn and still not achieve their goal. Many begin by trying various types of expensive soil tests, fertilizers, pre-emergent herbicides, irrigation system upgrades going on and on and still falling short. When these methods fail, many property managers and developers consult with a professional landscaper that can solve their problem.

Reasons for Lawn Failure

  • There can be a number of reasons for your lawn declining when it comes to commercial lawn maintenance

  • Improper sod installation – Poor soil preparation and installation can inhibit the roots from expanding into the native soils.

  • Inferior seed quality or sod – The quality of the seed of lawn seed can result in thin sparse grass.

  • Weak sun light – Shady areas receiving less than six hours of sunlight can impede the growth rates causing it to look weak and sparse.

  • Inadequate irrigation watering – In areas where drought conditions prevail, lawn may stress and decline over time. Are you in a drought stricken area? Download our free drought guide.

  • Poor soil quality – Different areas have different types of soil, some of which can include large amounts of clay or sand.

Soil Preparation and Quality of Materials

Soil preparation and seed quality have a big influence on your outcome. Bay area soil types, such as clay loam and sand, require a grass seed that can handle and adapt a variety of environmental conditions. Poor quality seed can almost always be the main reason for a poor quality lawn, the seeds may not germinate for a variety of reasons. Heavy adobe clay or sandy soil does not always have the necessary nutrients to sustain a healthy robust lawn. As the soil moisture is depleted, it can become extremely hard making it nearly impossible for the roots of the new lawn to expand and take hold.

Drought Landscaping Conditions

Drought stricken areas can also have a big influence on the lawns outcome and growth. Especially in areas that have mandatory water rationing without the flexibility of watering due to utility mandates, new sod lawn can will positively decline due to a lack of appropriate watering. Once the new sod lawn has been installed, the lawn requires adequate watering on a daily basis until fully adapted and rooted to the new soil. Well balanced fertilizers are essential component once the new lawn begins to adapt to ensure its healthy existence.

Viable Options

There are several viable options for a unattractive and neglected looking lawn. You can look at your options which could include the application of expensive fertilizers, pre-emergents and costly grass seed or you can turn to another option. One of the best solutions is synthetic lawn; it can solve a variety of challenges, in addition to saving both time and money in the long run. The size of the grass area, terrain, soil conditions and necessary preparation will play a role in the cost and ultimate outcome.

Prevailing conditions that have stringent weather patterns, such as drought stricken areas, make it extremely challenging to correct the problem with traditional lawn installation. Installing high quality seed or sod without adequate moisture levels will make it nearly impossible to have a healthy attractive lawn. If adequate hydration is available, maintaining the appropriate moisture levels is a must for seed; the property owner will have much more success to say the least. If mandatory watering rationing is in effect, the amount of water that can be used will be a severe and limiting factor, it is best to look for alternate options.

Lawn Maintenance and Return on Investment

Synthetic or Artificial grass is an ideal candidate for drought stricken areas. While the initial investment may seem high in comparison, you must consider the lifespan of artificial grass being 12-15 years. Factoring in the cost of the lawn over its lifespan makes synthetic grass a viable and attractive option. When you figure in the overall lawn maintenance such as watering, fertilizing and a maintenance company to cut it 42 plus times per year, the price becomes even more attractive. With synthetic lawn, your grass will stay attractive and green throughout the year – regardless of drought restrictions, sun or shade.

 

Click Below for Our Free Drought Guide

 

HOA & Commercial Landscaping

FloraTerra  provides commercial office landscaping , multi-residential landscape management services, retail landscaping in and around the south san francisco bay area. Our commercial landscape maintenance includes a complete range of services appropriate for sustainable landscape design, commercial tree pruninglandscape water management , Retail Mall Landscape Management, R & D Landscape Development, Luxury Apartment and Condominium Landscaping, Residential Estate Landscaping, HOA Community Landscaping Services for Multi-Building Developments, Commercial Office Park Landscaping and Corporate Campus Landscaping. Our landscape service territory extends throughout the greater South San Francisco Bay Area.

ABOUT FloraTerra Landscape Management

FloraTerra of Silicon Valley and its affiliates, are based in San Jose, California.  As a leading landscape maintenance contractor for commercial and multi-residential properties, since its origin the company and its affiliates have installed and maintain some of the most prestigious properties throughout the san jose and greater bay area.  For more information about FloraTerra please visit us at: http://www.floraterra.com.

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