Year: 2018

A Guide for a Successful Commercial Landscape Request for Proposal

Published on by Jackson Holliday

Finding the quality commercial landscaping company for you property will have a direct effect on the overall look of your location. When your organization uses a request for proposal or a RFP you will be able to let a potential landscape company know what to expect; from whom you are to what your budget is. Below is your guide to making the most out of your RFP to obtain and sustain a beautiful property.

Why is a RFP important?

Compare the RFP process to hiring an employee at your company. With so many potential employees seeking a position, it can be extremely overwhelming. However, when you look at the resumes you can more clearly filter through to find the stand out applicant.

An RFP allows potential applicants to:

  • Have a better idea who you are and what you’re looking for
  • Understand what kind of budget you have and whether it is fixed or flexible
  • Know what kind of materials are needed to be an effective applicant

Your RFP will identify the commercial landscaping provider that will meet and surpass your needs and expectations.

La JollaDescribe Your Property

An essential step when filling out your RFP is to provide pertinent information regarding your property to the prospective landscaping company. Clearly explaining your goals and expectations is extremely helpful. Whether your property is modest or large in size the more information received will be a real benefit.

Be Clear About Your Selection Criteria

The next focus you will want to address is your standards or criteria for the landscape provider. It’s important to gather specific information about a perspective landscape provider. Of course, the cost is at the top of your inquiry, but look for other essentials such as years of service, range of service, number of employees and timeliness can be very important too.

Determine Submission Requirements

The main goal of your RFP will be to have the potential landscape companies respond with the essential information to determine who is best for your budget and commercial landscape property’s needs. A few things to include in your submission guidelines might be:

  • BCBSTXSpecific formatting details, making it easier to compare the applications
  • A deadline for the RFP to be submitted
  • A length of proposed contract
  • References from similar clients
  • Proof of applicant’s fiscal stability
  • Detailed description of services
  • A depiction of the current staff and their expertise

Read RFP Submissions Carefully!

Once you are ready to send the RFP, decide on an appropriate period to get quality responses. Allowing the landscape companies time to a put together a quality proposal is always a good idea.

This level of professionalism in your hiring process will provide you with extra information about a landscape company. If a prospective landscape company cannot stick to the submission guidelines, required RFP format, or make the submission deadline, then you cannot expect them to provide timely, quality services. Their response to the RFP says a lot about the quality of their landscaping installation and maintenance services.

5 Steps for Handling Snow Damaged Trees

Published on by Jackson Holliday

For many of us, snowy conditions can lead to potentially hazardous situations. One of the harmful conditions that commercial landscape property owners constantly have to deal with is snow-damaged trees. Snowstorms often create wet, heavy snow and the snow’s weight can cause considerable damage to a property’s trees and shrubs. Knowing how to react or prepare, can help minimize damages. Here are five tips for handling snow damaged trees and shrubs:

Assess the area.

Before clearing branches, make sure the surrounding area is safe. Broken tree branches often affect and damage utility lines. Be sure to take the proper steps to ensure the situation is safe – this could mean cutting the power to those lines until clean up can be handled.

Check the damage.

Trees and shrubs that bend under the weight of the snow will recover. If a tree is overall healthy and possess its main branch, most of its major limbs, and 50 percent or more of its crown (top branches), then the tree has good chances of making a full recovery.

Be patient.

During a snowstorm, or the days immediately following, there is little that you can do to help a tree. Remove any hazards and broken branches, but save major decisions for later. Concentrate on how to save the tree rather than making an impulse decision to chop it down.

Do not over prune.

Remove and prune the damaged parts of the tree. The tree might look uneven for a time however know that new foliage will soon cover up the bare areas.

Seek help.

If the job requires a chainsaw or ladder or is just too much to handle, contact an insured, certified, commercial company. They will be better equipped to access the situation and help with the cleanup.

It is not too late to get help with your snow removal needs. Send us a note or give us a call and we will get back to you with a proposal and estimate for how we can help you.
Contact Us.

Great weather, here is how to take advantage

Published on by Jackson Holliday

We have been experiencing very interesting weather across the United States. In locations such as Colorado, there has been significantly less snow than normal. Take advantage of this weather, and getting in front of any issues that might have occurred to your roads or parking lot. Below are three crucial areas that should be addressed to help preserve the look and life of your pavement.

Sweeping and Cleaning

First impressions are important, when clients and customers are walking into your building; one feature that always stands out is the cleanliness. A clean parking lot can be a reflection of your organization and can directly shape the perception of your brand. On top of that, maintaining a clean parking lot can also minimize pollution, deter rodents or other pest and prevent erosion. To provide your clientele with a well-kept environment, schedule a routine cleaning including regular trash pickup, sweeping and power washing.

Crack Sealing Repairs

Early intervention is crucial in preserving your pavement and saving you money. When your pavement has a crack in it, moisture can seep down. This causes problems such as further cracking or widening in the pavement, potholes and potentially a major pavement failure. These problems can be very detrimental and extremely costly. We recommend crack sealing, which is the method of cleaning, drying with a heat lance and filling pavement with a hot melted rubberized material.

Pothole Repairs

A pothole occurs when your pavement has a structural failure in it. This can be caused by several issues such as water weakening the soil underneath your pavement, traffic applying pressure or stress from on top or a bad sub-surface. Eventually a breaking point will happen and this will cause the formation of a pothole in your pavement. This issue needs to be addressed quickly to prevent spreading, which will make the situation worse.  The best solution is to dig out the affected area, replace the road base, and then replace with hot mix asphalt.

What’s Next?

Does your parking lot or road require attention? Our experts at Terracare would be glad to help! Please click below and let us know how we may best serve your needs.

 

Schedule an Appointment.

5 Budget Tips For Commercial Property Managers

Published on by Jackson Holliday
Each year, as a commercial property owner, you make a budget for landscape maintenance. And each year do surprising or unexpected costs arise? Even after careful planning, organizing and budgeting you may still be taken by surprise. You mean well, but you’re left wondering why you cannot stick to your budget? If this is you, you are not alone!

 

We are here to help. By following these five simple steps, you will not only meet your budget, but also come in under budget! Are you ready to write a budget you can count on to make it through the entire year? Let’s get started!

1. Have strong guidelines

Be very critical when it comes to your bid. Make sure it is specific to your wants and needs. Ensure that it includes how many visits, how many applications needed, how many services are desired and provided. To receive the most accurate bid possible every single detail needs to be accounted for in the contract.

2. Include extra expenses

Have you ever had a sprinkler head break or decided to include a property enhancement mid-year? Unexpected services are a common occurrence in the landscape maintenance world. There is no telling what may come up throughout the year so it is important to be ready when that time comes. Setting aside money now may be crucial down the road.

3. Ask questions

Don’t sign on those dotted lines until you ask some very important questions from your landscape provider. These can range from: What awards nationally or regionally has their company won? What is their company’s safety record? Does the landscape provider hire
certified, trained professionals? It is very important to make sure you have all your questions answered before you enter a contract.

4. Prioritize enhancements

Analyze which services or projects need to take place this year. Does your irrigation system need improved upon or modified? Does a flower bed need renovated? Do you have a turf conversion project to be done? These different projects can help keep your property in pristine condition; however, they can also influence your budget. Plan now to avoid unexpected expenses.

5. Hire a qualified landscape company

You may think that all you need from your landscaper is to ensure that your grass is cut and weeds are pulled. However, there is a lot more to choosing a quality landscape company. Search for a landscape provider that invests in the training and education of their employees. A landscape provider that guarantees that their legal workforce is held to a high standard whether that be by drug testing or by background checking their team. A professional landscape provider has a crew that holds industry certifications and also adheres to strict safety guidelines. In addition, you want a landscape provider that cares about the project, not just the numbers. Simply put, these types of landscape providers are a step above their competition.

What’s next?

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 Project Manager at Terracare Associates. We at Terracare will help you achieve all your commercial landscape goals.

Schedule an Appointment.

NALP Award Winning Property: North City Water Reclamation Plant

Published on by Jackson Holliday

Contact:  Bill Mohler

                                                                                    Title: Senior Projects Manager

Phone: (213) 465-5338

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company RECEIVES A NATIONAL LANDSCAPE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Littleton, CO, January 12, 2018 – Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company is proud to announce it has been awarded an Award of Excellence- Merit Award by the National Association of Landscape Professionals for the North City Water Reclamation property.

North City Water Reclamation Plant, California-

North City is the premier water reclamation plant for the city. This landscape restoration project focused on the conversion of what used to be turf (80% reduction) and original overgrown plant material, into a drought tolerant landscape. This project sits on approximately four acres of land which includes the grounds, upper and lower level meeting areas, and parking lots. Through the landscape provider, the landscape designer, and in coordination with the city, the intention was to create an North City Water Reclamation Plantattractive and engaging water-wise landscape for drought conditions that would comply with minimal water usage on this property. There are certain viewpoints and seating for the public to enjoy at their leisure, which capture views of ocean-inspired designs including a variety of beaches, a fire pit, crashed boats, dropped buoys and coral reefs.

Each year, the National Association Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence recognizes exceptional landscape, lawn care, and interior plantscape design projects from around the nation. This year only, 136 awards were bestowed for maintenance, design/build or contracting projects across the United States.

“It’s a team effort to ensure our customer’s properties are well maintained and are promoting water conservation. We are thrilled to receive national recognition for a job well done allowing us to celebrate our successful partnership with our customers and employees” said Dean Murphy, President of Terracare Associates. 

About Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company

Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company, 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.

For more information regarding the Awards of Excellence, click here, and to view pictures of North City Water Reclamation and learn more about Terracare Associates’ achievements, visit the 2017 Awards of Excellence Gallery/North City Water Reclamation application.

About NALP

The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry that employs nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment. For more information about caring for your lawn or landscape, visit LoveYourLandscape.org.

                                                        

NALP Award Winning Property: Los Colinas Corporate I & II

Published on by Jackson Holliday

Contact: Brian Schendzielos

                                                                                    Title: Branch Manager

                                                                              (214) 488-5642 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company RECEIVES A NATIONAL LANDSCAPE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Littleton, CO, January 8, 2018 – Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company is proud to announce it has been awarded an Award of Excellence- Recognition Award by the National Association of Landscape Professionals for the Los Colinas Corporate I & II property.

Los Colinas Corporate I & II, Texas-

Los ColinasLos Colinas Corporate I & II is set on more than seven acres that supports close to 450 employees.  When the current landscape maintenance contractor began servicing the property, the Las Colinas’ new property manager was disappointed with the upkeep and curb appeal of the previous property manager’s style and the lack of ongoing maintenance.  The building management company was concerned that occupancy rates might fall due to the marginal upkeep.  The building needed to attract and retain more tenants.  The new management reached out to the landscape maintenance company with high expectations for maintenance and enhancement work, but they had a limited budget.  The landscape contractor worked closely with the property manager to design a phased plan to meet the budget constraints and exceed the property management company’s expectations.  In addition, the front entrance courtyard was of particular interest to the management team to add a focal point to the entrance of the corporate complex.

Each year, the National Association Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence recognizes exceptional landscape, lawn care, and interior plantscape design projects from around the nation. This year only, 136 awards were bestowed for maintenance, design/build or contracting projects across the United States.

 “It’s a team effort to ensure our customer’s properties are well maintained and are promoting water conservation. We are thrilled to receive national recognition for a job well done allowing us to celebrate our successful partnership with our customers and employees” said Dean Murphy, President of Terracare Associates. 

 

About Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company 

Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company, 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.

For more information regarding the Awards of Excellence, click here, and to view pictures of Los Colinas Corporate I & II and learn more about Terracare Associates’ achievements, visit the 2017 Awards of Excellence Gallery/Los Colinas Corporate I & II application.

About NALP

The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry that employs nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment. For more information about caring for your lawn or landscape, visit LoveYourLandscape.org.

NALP Award Winning Property: Sewell Automotive Group

Published on by Jackson Holliday

Contact: Andrew Lenz

                                                                                    Title: Branch Manager

                                                                            (817) 752-4839

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company RECEIVES A NATIONAL LANDSCAPE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Littleton, CO, January 11, 2018 – Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company is proud to announce it has been awarded an Award of Excellence- Merit Award by the National Association of Landscape Professionals for the Sewell Automotive Group property.

SewellSewell Automotive Group, Texas-

Sewell Automotive Group’s intent for this project was to keep the property pristine under all circumstances.  Excellent customer service is a top priority because the company only wants to work with vendors that provide superior customer service. The client is known for being a benchmark of customer service with clean, modern and bright departments that reflect a memorable showroom environment. The landscape service provider had to be invisible to clients and staff when performing lawn maintenance. The landscape needed to remain understated while keeping the grounds free of litter and weeds, the grass mowed to the proper height, the shrubs pruned at proper height, and vibrant blooming flowers maintained. The client also relied on the landscape service provider to make recommendations for improving the property while also maintaining a strong relationship.

SewellEach year, the National Association Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence recognizes exceptional landscape, lawn care, and interior plantscape design projects from around the nation. This year only, 136 awards were bestowed for maintenance, design/build or contracting projects across the United States.

“It’s a team effort to ensure our customer’s properties are well maintained and are promoting water conservation. We are thrilled to receive national recognition for a job well done allowing us to celebrate our successful partnership with our customers and employees” said Dean Murphy, President of Terracare Associates.

About Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company

Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company, 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.

For more information regarding the Awards of Excellence, click here, and to view pictures of Sewell Automotive Group and learn more about Terracare Associates’ achievements, visit the 2017 Awards of Excellence Gallery/Sewell Automotive Group application.

About NALP

The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry that employs nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment. For more information about caring for your lawn or landscape, visit LoveYourLandscape.org.

NALP Award Winning Property: Centennial Center Park

Published on by Jackson Holliday

Contact: Bill Winfield

                                                                                    Title: Branch Manager

                                                                                  (720) 587-2572

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company RECEIVES A NATIONAL LANDSCAPE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Littleton, CO, January 9, 2018 – Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company is proud to announce, that it has been selected for an Award of Excellence- Merit Award by the National Association of Landscape Professionals in the commercial landscape management for multi-use properties category for services TCA provides the City of Centennial at Centennial Center Park.

Centennial Center Park, Colorado-

Recognized regionally and nationally as an award-winning park, the 11- acre park includes a 5,000-person amphitheater, a Nautilus water play area, a large shelter and plaza. This park has surpassed its goal of providing a strong sense of community. TCA has worked with the City to achieve this goal by reducing the landscaping water demands in the Park through the installation of drought-tolerant grasses and plants, including a xeric garden with plants native to Colorado.

Cen ParkEach year, the National Association Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence recognizes exceptional landscape, lawn care, and interior plant scape design projects from around the nation. This year only, 136 awards were bestowed for maintenance, design/build or contracting projects across the United States. Terracare is proud to have this on-going project be included in their annual selection.

“It’s a team effort to ensure our customer’s properties are well maintained and are promoting water conservation. We are thrilled to receive national recognition for a job well done allowing us to celebrate our successful partnership with our customers and employees” said Dean Murphy, President of Terracare Associates. 

About Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company

Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company, 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. With our headquarters in Littleton, Colorado, we are proud to serve Colorado, Northern and Southern California and Texas. TCA has partnered with CH2M for over 10 years to provide landscape maintenance services under a Facilities, Parks and Fleet Maintenance Service contract with the City of Centennial.

For more information regarding the Awards of Excellence, click here, and to view pictures of Centennial Center Park and learn more about Terracare Associates’ achievements, visit the 2017 Awards of Excellence Gallery/Centennial Center Park Application.

About NALP

The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry that employs nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment. For more information about caring for your lawn or landscape, visit www. LoveYourLandscape.org.

NALP Award Winning Property: Travis Credit Union

Published on by Jackson Holliday

Contact: Kris Dasso

Title: Branch Manager

(925) 374-0060

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company RECEIVES A NATIONAL LANDSCAPE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Littleton, CO, January 2, 2018 – Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company is proud to announce it has been awarded an Award of Excellence- Merit Award by the National Association of Landscape Professionals for the Travis Credit Union property.

Travis Credit Union, California-

Travis Credit UnionTravis Credit Union is a five-acre campus which includes common areas for customers and employees, an upstairs deck with planters, a natural meadow maintained as an open space and many shade trees.  A focal point of this project was water conservation. The client’s intent was to work closely with the district to reduce water while also provide enjoyable areas for employees to go on their breaks. There is a strong relationship between the water district and the landscape provider due to a commitment to being conscious of water savings.  It was determined that the maintenance contractor would maintain a well-manicured, professional appearance for customers by creating inviting and conveniently located landscapes.

Each year, the National Association Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence recognizes exceptional landscape, lawn care, and interior plantscape design projects from around the nation. This year only, 136 awards were bestowed for maintenance, design/build or contracting projects across the United States.

“It’s a team effort to ensure our customer’s properties are well maintained and are promoting water conservation. We are thrilled to receive national recognition for a job well done allowing us to celebrate our successful partnership with our customers and employees” said Dean Murphy, President of Terracare Associates. 

About Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company 

Terracare Associates- TCA, a Monarch Landscape Company, 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.

For more information regarding the Awards of Excellence, click here, and to view pictures of Travis Credit Union and learn more about Terracare Associates’ achievements, visit the 2017 Awards of Excellence Gallery/Travis Credit Union application.

About NALP

The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry that employs nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment. For more information about caring for your lawn or landscape, visit LoveYourLandscape.org.