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

There are many choices when it comes to using low impact landscaping materials. New and non-recyclable materials used in landscapes increase the needs for additional resources for manufacturing and distribution, and then create additional disposal when they are eradicated -- they should be designed to be recycled. Non-recyclable materials generate additional waste in landscapes: disposal sites, large incinerator factories, and multi-square-floating disposal systems in our oceans.

FloraTerra implements strategies to help our clients green their properties, yielding improved public perception, increased profits, and greener landscaping.

Sustainable landscape management encourages the systems created by nature: healthy soils supporting healthy plants. The foundation of "sustainable green landscaping" requires the plants and soils to be viewed as extensions of one another, existing in a perfect symbiotic relationship. This holistic, "bottom up" focus contrasts with the conventional maintenance mindset of treating specific plant health conditions from the "top down" through the application of synthetic chemicals and materials.

Understanding all environmental conditions within a landscape, including public use patterns as well aesthetic expectations is vital to creating a successful maintenance program. Our programs are continuously adjusted to meet the needs of our client’s properties.

There are a number of ways to reduce the amount of time spent maintaining a landscape. There are also ways to reduce landscape maintenance expenses. However, sometimes it requires some upfront investment of time and/or money to renovate a landscape in order to reduce the amount of maintenance. Below are a few ideas and suggestions.

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.

Every few years or so we experience harsh weather conditions in the bay area, the unusual part about ice is it’s not always plant friendly. Many valued plants can take a hit from an unexpected cold snap. Although one might think that the plant is dead and should be removed or pruned immediately, but we must be careful and mindful of the best landscaping practices.

4 DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS

People want to feel a sense of pride when they walk up to your property. Clients and Property Owners expect their property managers to provide the highest level of outdoor landscaping service. That must include well maintained lawns and lush landscaping. It also means curbs, gutters and landscape frontage that are free of weeds, trash and debris. Ownership expects to see flowering entrances, and pathways that are clear, neat and tidy in appearance. And safety’s a factoring concern throughout the entire year as well: Pro-active landscape maintenance will help mitigate liability.

The Buck Stops With These 4 Expectations

If you find yourself wondering if your landscape service provider is going to show up, it’s time to rethink things. Is it time to raise your expectations? Are you looking to partner with a landscape maintenance company that will do more than just show up?

If so, here are a few valuable tips to consider for the future.

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.

5 TOP Landscape Management Tips

Its hard to say what your landscaping will look like in 100 years, but proper maintenance is the key to a long life span. Read on for our top 5 Landscape Maintenance Tips that can extend the life of your landscaping for many years to come.

Why Container Gardens are perfect for Bay Area Landscaping 

FloraTerra is a commercial landscape installation and maintenance company. But even though we spend a great deal of our time designing and installing landscaping for Bay area properties of all sizes, we have a big interest for designing and installing container gardens!

Why should you consider a container garden in your commercial property? There are plenty of reasons, but we’ve provided a few good ones below.