Employee Spotlight: Sergio Atayde

Sergio

Sergio Atayde has been working his way up with the San Jose TCA branch for the past two years. He is currently a production supervisor/field supervisor maintaining many properties throughout San Jose. He started working in the landscape industry over 20 years ago and has held multiple positions including an account manager and an IRR tech. Eva Sarracco, account manager at the San Jose branch, said, “he takes pride in his work and is always willing to go the extra mile; (he) understands the importance of prompt follow-up, attention to detail is a very good communicator and is very reliable.” This desire to go the extra mile can be seen in the way he supervises. Sergio always tries to set a good example for his crew, through his hard work, he empowers them to do their best. Sergio takes the extra steps to help others to succeed, this, in turn, leads to top-notch quality work by his crew. In his free time, he loves being with his family including his son and daughter. Thank you, Sergio, we appreciate all that you’ve done!!

Employee Spotlight: Fausto Bahena

Fausto

Fausto Bahena began his landscaping career more than fifteen years ago with VMC and now he is a field supervisor at the Dallas branch of TCA. Since Fausto has been with TCA, he has continued to advance through the ranks. He began as a field staff, learning everything he could about land care.  He most recently became the dedicated landscape supervisor at Blue Cross Blue Shield, which is approximately 16 acres of landscaped area.  Fausto strives for exemplary maintenance services and to guarantee this quality, he spends extra time with the crews and the foremen to carefully walk the property and being proactive property needs.  On top of that, Michael Hensley, Client Relationship Manager, says “he is always willing to help newer team members understand our quality expectations and how to effective communicate service needs of a property.” Fausto takes pride in not only keeping the property in quality condition and enjoys mentoring his crews to help the team perform their best. Outside of work Fausto enjoys spending time with his family and his two sons keep him quite busy. TCA is proud to have Fausto as part of our Dallas team!

Fall Tree Pruning and Planting

Fall is a great time to plant and prune your trees. The months of cool fall and winter temperatures give newly planted trees and shrubs time to establish their roots before the hot summer weather returns.

Fall Tree Pruning

The goal of fall tree pruning is to improve the growing conditions for the next year’s growing season. After the spring and summer growing seasons, overgrown branches and limbs can cause damage to your property. Removing damaged or diseased limbs will not only contribute to the overall health of the tree, it will also help prevent falling tree limbs. Trees should be pruned to allow “room” for sunlight and breezes to naturally flow through. When done properly, pruning allows more light to shine through the branches and reduces the need for pesticides.

Fall Tree Planting

Did you know that tree roots will grow when the temperature is above 40 degrees? That means tree roots can continue growing during the milder fall and winter weather. This gives them the time to gain the strength they need to deal with hot summers.

Choosing the Right Tree for Your Property

TreeConsult with a professional landscaper before deciding which trees and shrubs to plant. A knowledgeable landscape professional can help you select the right plants for your property by helping you answer these questions:

  • What type of tree do you want or need?

  • Do you want an ornamental tree with colorful flowers and foliage or would a shade tree be a better fit for your property?

  • What size tree will fit in the desired area? Consider the mature height and width of the tree and if it will work in your landscape.

  • Pay specific attention to the soil conditions, light and water requirements of the tree or shrub.

Terracare Associates specializes in landscape maintenance for commercial properties throughout the western United States. We manage the landscapes of hundreds of retail sites, homeowner associations, multi-family complexes, industrial projects, hotels, municipalities and commercial office campuses.

Winterizing Your Property’s Irrigation

With colder temperatures fast approaching it’s time to think about winterizing your property’s irrigation system. This will prevent water loss and icy walkways. Prepare your irrigation system for winter by performing a system audit to check for potential problems.

Step 1: Check the sprinkler heads

  • Check for missing or broken sprinkler heads and replace any broken sprinkler heads.

  • Remove clogged heads and clean the filter or replace, if necessary.

  • Adjust tilted heads to ensure that they are not spraying in the wrong direction.

  • Replace all leaky valves in the valve box to prevent leaking water and high water costs.

  • Remove and trim back grass, shrubs or other plants that cause misdirected or blocked spray pattern and obstruction of raising the heads.

  • Adjust the sprinkler heads to avoid spraying sidewalks, driveways or other hardscapes. This will not only save money on watering costs, but it will also prevent icy, slippery pedestrian walkways.

Step 2: Consider the watering needs of cool season plants

During colder weather many cool season plants need less water. Turf grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda grass go dormant during the winter months. You need to adjust the timing and zone settings on your irrigation system to prevent over watering.

Step 3: Use weather-based smart controllers

SnowWeather-based controllers are designed to adjust your irrigation schedules based on weather conditions. These climate-based systems gather local weather information and factor in your exact landscape to make irrigation run-time adjustments so your landscape receives the appropriate amount of water.

Step 4 Install rain/freeze sensors

Contact the irrigation system specialists at Terracare Associates to ensure your property is ready for winter.

Snow season is coming, we’re preparing

At Terracare Associates, we like to prepare. As fall weather settles in and gives way to cooler temperatures, we are preparing our company, teams and equipment to handle colder, nastier weather conditions. This weather can include freezing rain, blizzards and ice storms in the communities we operate in. Preparation now is essential; it allows us to perform timely, accurate and thorough work when winter conditions and weather hits quickly. Here is what we are currently doing to prepare our teams and clients for the upcoming winter season:

Snow plowHiring Staff

These team members are essential to keeping the communities we operate in safe and their roads clear. Staff is typically on-call from October through mid-May. While you stay warm at home, these dedicated team members are in trucks, on ATVs, even out shoveling. This allows the community has access to as safe of conditions as possible. (Looking for extra work? Check out our careers page and apply!)

Training

Training is an on-going process at Terracare Associates. Once staff is hired on, we do conduct an “All Staff” orientation in early October. This orientation includes video training, necessary paperwork, equipment training and a driving test with a snow plow. Depending on our contracts with clients, we create curriculum and training around individual routes so our drivers are familiar with the routes before they are deployed to these routes during bad weather conditions.

Setting expectations

Our managers have thorough discussions with property managers and owners, and municipality staff to clarify the expectations of service delivery expected for each snow event. We work with property managers to plan and prepare for a variety of conditions and weather. This can include managing tree and property damage from early season storms, huge storms that may disable an area for a while and more.

Snow plowPreparing vehicles

Currently, our full-time personnel have started the process of changing over our vehicles from summer work to the winter outfitting of snow plows and sanders. They are running through safety and equipment checklists that include examining and checking tires and conducting preventive maintenance.

De-icing materials

Our team is in the process of gathering, cataloging and preparing materials to combat snowy and icy conditions on the roads. We’ve placed orders on ice melt material orders for most of our municipal contracts. We will soon be ordering those same materials for the properties we currently partner with and serve.

If you have not made arrangements for snow removal this season, give us a call or send us a request for proposal and a manager will be in touch to address your needs.

Drive safely and stay warm.

Terracare Associates voted a favorite by San Diego Union-Tribune

San diegoTerracare Associates has been voted one of the Best Commercial Landscape providers in San Diego County by the San Diego Union- Tribune readers!

Terracare Associates is honored to be represented on such a renowned list as San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll. We are very proud to serve San Diego region and we look forward to continuing to serve this community.

Each year San Diego’s Union- Tribune reaches out to their readers and asks them to vote in more than 175 categories for their selection of the “best of the best” in San Diego County. This year, the Tribune added a new component and recognized businesses with votes to include the top vote getters the “Best” and the “Favorites,” businesses receiving votes from readers.

For more information, see (link)

About Terracare Associates

Terracare Associates, LLC is a recognized leader in outdoor maintenance in the Western United States. For more than 30 years, our certified and experienced staff works during all seasons to improve landscapes, parks, roadways and infrastructure for beautiful, safe and sustainable outdoor environments. We are headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, and are proud to serve Colorado, Northern and Southern California and Texas.

 

Quick Landscape Enhancement Projects to do this Fall

Part 5

During the month of August, we will provide you a 5 part series on how to easily create your 2018 budget, with the help of your commercial landscape company. Below are the links to the previous blog posts in this series:

Many enhancement projects to a commercial landscape property are not only a quick and easy way to add curb appeal, but are also a great way to add value to a commercial landscape property. Enhancements serve as a reinvestment in the property’s existing features, upgrading sections of your landscape to improve the overall appeal. This autumn is the perfect time to complete these enhancements and have the property in pristine condition. Here are four great recommendations of enhancements projects to start this Fall:

Mulch

Mulch is any type of material – usually natural – serving as a cover and is spread over the soil. It can take many forms including bark, compost, grass clippings, shredded leaves, and straw. Mulch creates insulation helping reduce water from evaporating off soil thus reducing the need to water plants frequently. In addition, when thoroughly applied to an area, mulch is very effective in minimizing the growth of weeds.  Mulch also adds a sensational pop to the property.

Sustainable landscaping

Xeriscape

Xeriscape is a set of water-wise landscaping and water conservation principles. It’s the idea of maintaining both an appealing landscape through introducing low-water-use plants. With the increase of droughts and water scarcity, xeriscaping has become a very popular enhancement. In fact, in a recent report some xeriscape conversations reduce outdoor water use by as much as 70%.  There’s no better time than the Fall to have a landscape provider identify small areas that can benefit by water-wise planting.

Xeriscape

Planting Perennials

A perennial is a plant that grows for many seasons, unlike an annual which only lasts one season. This enhancement is growing in popularity not only because it’s good for the environment, it also saves money on water costs and requires less time needed for replanting. A great place to incorporate perennials are paths and walkways to ensure that guests enjoy their beauty. Interested in finding out more about perennials options? Click below:

Planting Perennials

Shade Trees

Path

Choosing trees that are known for providing shade and planting them strategically around a property near buildings can save you up to 30% on your heating and cooling costs. In addition, these shade trees can increase the overall attractiveness of the property and allow for an increase foot traffic. To learn more about your shade tree options, click below:

Shade Trees

Last Minute Checklist for your Landscape Maintenance Services

Part 4

During the month of August, we will provide you a 5 part series on how to easily create your 2018 budget, with the help of your commercial landscape company. Below are the links to the other blog posts in this series:

It seems everyone makes a list of some sort.  Whether you keep it in your head or write it down, a checklist is a way to help prioritize the “do’s” and helps to keep track of your next action item.   While you are planning the budgets for the new year, this is a good time to determine what is important to your property landscape maintenance.  Having a simple checklist will keep everyone on the same page and give you a landscape that will attract tenants (and keep owners happy), worry free.

Establishing a comprehensive landscape program is one of the best ways to increase curb appeal and property value.  Take our 6-minute landscape qualifier assessment to determine the best landscape provider for your property.

This three-part qualifier checklist will assist you with finding the right landscape contractor to help design the best landscape maintenance plan for 2018.  Don’t cut corners, let us help you build a landscape program that best serves your needs and budget.  This last minute budget qualifier includes tips and checklist on:Check

  • Commercial landscape company qualification
  • Build your commercial Landscape program
  • How to build a Commercial Landscape Budget to get what you want (and need)

Qualifier Check List

Our three previous posts can help you with every step of the process, or simply contact a Terracare Associates account manager.

How can we help?

Steps to Finalize a Budget for your Commercial Landscape Property

Part 3

During the month of August, we will provide you a 5 part series on how to easily create your 2018 budget, with the help of your commercial landscape company. Below are the links to the other blog posts in this series:

4 Steps to building your budget

As a commercial property manager, you may cringe when you hear the word budget. The challenge lies in figuring out how to budget for your property’s landscape maintenance and receive the services you need to maintain a quality property. Understanding and clearly defining scope of work helps to build an accurate budget and communicate your needs to your commercial landscaper. To eliminate guessing games utilize your commercial landscape company to help determine the level of service you expect year round. We recommend four easy steps to help develop your budget and needs for the following year:

Step 1 – Educate and define services needed

Take the time to assess your property and determine what needs to be serviced over the next year. What services should be included in regular maintenance to keep your landscape in pristine condition? What additional work do you need to ensure a beautiful property in the future?  Education on plant and turf requirements and technical landscape best practices can help greatly on determining maintenance requirements.  Terracare Associates –TCA offers both one-on-one assistance and in-office workshops to educate your entire staff.

Step 2 – Contact your landscape professional

Landscaper Building a complete and accurate budget is daunting, so make it easier by contacting your landscape representative. This is a perfect time to ask for assistance when budgeting and forecasting for next year’s services.  TCA assigns a representative to every customer for a consistent and reliable support.

Identify a commercial landscape company who has the right experience, the right focus on customer service, and the right resources to get the job done.

Step 3 – Site improvements

A helpful tool to better understanding the needs of your property is a Landscape Quality Audit performed by your TCA account manager. Does your lawn need extra mowing or fertilization to improve its overall appeal? Are there ways in which plant health can enhance and protect the property assets, such as trees? Would adding mulch to a shrub bed raise the attractiveness of a property?  Check out the entrances, is it stunning?  Have a TCA representative complete a walk through of your property to perform this audit to suggest improvements or identify potential issues that otherwise would have gone unnoticed.

Need Help?

 

Below are some examples to consider when looking to improve your commercial property’s landscape:

 

Graph

Step 4 – Complete your budget with end result in mind

How do you want your property to look? Include all landscape maintenance services that create the property you expect.  We have developed a simple budget worksheet exclusively for our customers to easily and quickly define services needed and associated costs. Contact your TCA account manager for help with the budget worksheet.  After clearly defining your property landscape maintenance needs, it’s a simple process to complete the development of a comprehensive budget.

Schedule an Appointment.

 

Interested in learning more about budgeting appropriately for next year? Let us talk today about how to budget for your commercial landscape maintenance needs, and why managing expectations is critical for a positive year long experience and partnership.

Evaluate and Prioritize your Landscape Projects

Part 2

During the month of August, we will provide you a 5 part series on how to easily create your 2018 budget, with the help of your commercial landscape company. Below are the links to the other blog posts in this series:

Where to Start

Now that you have considered the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) of your property, this is a great time to decide where your projects fit into your budget. In addition, phasing and scheduling out when each project will occur will help ease and relax your budgeting season.  Most importantly, you have a plan for all of your property’s landscape needs.

Determining Your Costs

As a property manager or owner, you almost certainly are assessing costs, but how do you identify projects, prioritize and offer continual improvements to the surrounding landscape?  To simplify, let’s break it down into two distinct budgets.

Chart

Why is this important?  Because some property managers and owners may think adding one installation or simply performing monthly maintenance is enough.  In reality, it is a combination of regular maintenance and planned upgrades that keep your property in pristine condition.  It’s not in the best interest for your property to just submit the same budget as last year.  In the end, carefully reviewing the operating and capital budget with your landscape service company will minimize urgent repairs, protect precious resources and be cost effective.

3-Year Plan

Think long term. We recognize budgets are limited and most properties have multiple goals for improvements.  It can be over-whelming and sometimes seem impossible to get all of the projects complete in one year.  Here is where you can get the advice from your commercial landscape maintenance provider on phasing and scheduling out projects:

 

  • TrimmingThis year – what are some quick fixes you have money to support this year? Is it mulch to spruce up an entrance, fall flowers to plant in planters or additional lawn care for healthy turf.  Consider starting some improvement projects now.
  • The first year is geared toward general maintenance improvements. Improvements may include additional lawn care treatments, plant health care needs, comprehensive pruning and trimming beyond monthly maintenance requirements. This year may be a good time to begin large multi-year projects with phases.
  • The second year is focused on enhancements and major repairs or upgrades.  This may include, irrigation repairs, plant and tree replacement, and drainage upgrades.
  • The third year is focused on multi- year project completions and may include, water conservation strategies or drought tolerant plantings.

Whether you are clear about the commercial property landscape goals or you need help to define a plan, take a moment, and schedule a consultation with your Account Manager at Terracare.  It’s worth the time!

 

Need more budget help?.