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.

Applying mulch to your corporate office park landscaping and hoa landscaping can provide a number of benefits, including reduced erosion and water loss, improved soil nutrition and a more balanced soil temperature. Different kinds of mulch provide these benefits at different levels. The river rocks and other small stones often used to prevent weed growth in landscapes are attractive, can help conserve water and require little maintenance, but they don't nourish or insulate the soil in the same ways as conventional organic mulch.

What are you doing to reduce water consumption on your property? In the bay area, although we have received some sporadic rainfall, this winter has been relatively dry. From reduced snowpack in the Sierra’s to low water reserves in lakes and reservoirs, in California, the lack of rainfall is a concerning matter, especially for Bay area water supplies. The California’s Department of Water Resources is urging businesses and residences state wide to reduce water use by 20 percent and have communicated that despite the fact that we have reduced our water footprint by 20%, the cost of water will continue to rise. Here are some ways you can help to conserve water usage in and around your commercial property.

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

Commercial property managers of corporate offices and residential communities have a unique opportunity to improve their outdoor environment in corporate settings with well-designed and maintained landscaping. Design elements of the relaxation garden help reduce stress by incorporating design components of nature in the garden. The natural environment presents stimuli that supports and encourages relaxation and social group activities.

Exercise, a sense of control; social activity and nature help reduce stress resulting in healthy outcomes.

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..

Protecting Your Trees In HOA Landscaping

Managing and training personnel to maintain landscaping with horticultural fundamentals is the key to long term vigor and the appeal of plants and trees. Personnel should be trained on the proper way to edge the lawn at the base of trees in turf.