If your HOA community is shopping for a new landscape maintenance provider, then you owe it to your board members to share this story with them. One side of the coin: Lowballing prices makes landscape companies competitive and helps them retain clients who may look elsewhere. The flip side: Going with the cheapest price often results in landscapes slowly going downhill after the honeymoon period. Crews start cutting corners and using inferior products, with some companies not even bothering with Continue Reading
Establishing New Plantings In Your Southwest Florida Landscape
You’ve made a considerable investment in landscaping your Southwest Florida home, and your landscape designer says to hand-water your new plantings until they’re “established.” What exactly does that mean? Well, every species has its own set of requirements to thrive, but generally speaking, a well- established plant is one that can survive and grow with the least amount of irrigation. Which means you’ve got to get in there early – as soon as your plants are installed – and water by hand Continue Reading
HEALTHY LANDSCAPES ENRICH QUALITY OF LIFE
There’s no disputing the facts: Florida Home Owner Association communities are strengthened when their lawns and landscapes are healthy. Neighborhoods are more peaceful, more enjoyable and better protected from environmental threats against them. Without proper attention, unwanted plants can cause debilitating allergies that can force residents to enjoy the outdoors only through windowed views. When landscapes aren’t protected, invasive species threaten them. Invasive plants and pests Continue Reading
DON’T LET PESTS MEANDER ON YOUR OLEANDER
What’s that you see on your thinning oleanders? Is it the pesky pest Syntomeida epilais Walker, more commonly known as the oleander caterpillar? Or the spotted oleander caterpillar moth? If you live in Southwest Florida, you’re probably seeing an infestation of oleander caterpillars (no spots). If this critter with its stingless, bright-orange body and tufts of long black hair sets its sights on your oleanders, prepare yourself. It’ll be just a matter of days before you see complete Continue Reading