Tag: Commercial Landscape

Evaluate and Prioritize your Landscape Projects

Published on by Jackson Holliday

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?.

Four Smart Tips to Start a Commercial Landscape Budget – It’s SWOT

Published on by Jackson Holliday

Part 1

Studies show a beautiful commercial landscape can raise your property value and attractiveness by as much as 20%.  Simply, through careful planning, a well-maintained property can transform into a place people will enjoy year round. This all starts with a budget.

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:
Commercial Landscape Budget

It’s SWOT

Start with a walk through with your landscape provider. This opens the discussion on four key areas:

  • Strengths
  • Weaknesses
  • Opportunities
  • Threats or challenges

 

A SWOT analysis breaks down the property’s features into good or challenging areas and evaluates the property as a whole. Even better, it builds a dialog between you, the property manager, and your landscape account manager on expectations and priorities. Discuss with your Terracare representative the following as you walk the property.

 

 

Strengths

Weaknesses

• What do you like about the property?

• Are the property entrances a focal point and well kept?

• Are there shade trees throughout the property?

• Do you have enough color?

• Do you have irrigation issues?

• Are there quick fixes like mulch you can take care of today to improve quickly?

• Are there any menacing pests that will harm trees or plants?

• Does your turf need more luster?

Opportunities

Threats or challenges

• Think long term.


• What projects would you like to do, if costs were not part of the equations?

• Consider upgrading your irrigation system to be eco-friendly and conserve water usage significantly.

• Plant replacement or converting turf area to more sustainable plants.

• Ask your landscape provider how to help build a 3-year landscape plan and start in stages.

• What limitations do you have on the property?


• Will there be more growth?

• Will foot or car traffic increase in the future?

• Look at areas that are more vulnerable, and if left untreated this might have a costly outcome.

•Do you have defined outdoor areas for future visitors or workforce?

 

What’s next? –  start now, schedule your property walk through with a SWOT in your hand and simplify the decision with this assessment tool.  It’s a smart way to begin your budget process.  See part 2 next week on how to prioritize your landscape projects.

 

Schedule an Appointment.

Is Your Property’s Irrigation System Wasting Money?

Published on by Jackson Holliday

It’s HOT!  Don’t send money down the drain! Your landscape provider can help you maintain and monitor your property’s automated irrigation system to ensure this is the most efficient way of watering your landscape. Having a properly maintained irrigation system is also one of the best ways to minimize water waste and lower overall watering costs.

Smart scheduling saves water

An irrigation controller can help monitor your system’s watering schedule to fit \ the watering needs of your property.  Here is what your landscape provider is looking to do:

  • Setting the timer for early in the morning or in the evening can minimize water evaporation by up to 30%.
  • irrigationA rain or soil moisture sensor controller to monitor and adjust your watering schedule regularly and based on seasonal weather conditions and other factors. Weather-based controllers automatically adjust the irrigation schedule as weather conditions change.
  • Consider the amount of sun, shade, and wind exposure on the plants and schedule individual zones to be most efficient. The type of soil will also affect how much water can be absorbed without runoff. The landscape provider will evaluate the setting to the irrigation system to run for three or four short intervals, allowing time between each for the water to soak more deeply into the soil.
  • Checking often on the sprinkler heads to ensure they are set properly to avoid watering driveways, sidewalks, or buildings.

 

Regular irrigation system maintenance saves water.

Like any other mechanical system, the irrigation system also needs regular maintenance to keep it working efficiently. Parts will break or wear out and must be replaced. An older system may not be able to handle the needs of a new landscape design or other changes to your property.

Retrofit the system with a rain or soil moisture sensor to prevent over watering. Rain sensors stop the system from operating when it rains; soil moisture sensors use long metal probes to measure moisture at the root zone and turn the system off when no additional water is needed, this is highly encouraged for water conservation practices.

At Terracare Associates, we recommend performing a regular irrigation system audit. Your irrigation systems should be regularly inspected for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or other damaged components. During our regular inspections, we evaluate pressure and adjust it as needed so your sprinklers work optimally to distribute the water.

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Free Irrigation Audit

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Five Perfect Shade Trees for Your Property

Published on by Jackson Holliday

Planting trees on your commercial property is a great way to make your landscape more attractive, but did you know it can also save you money in the long run? 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. Here are five trees that are perfect for adding shade to your property this summer and for many years to come.

hybridHybrid Poplar

The hybrid poplar tree is a popular shade tree because of its fast growth rate of up to 8 feet per year. The triangular leaves on the hybrid poplar reach 3-6 inches long and 4-5 inches wide with rounded teeth. Because of this the hybrid poplar provides plenty of protection from the sun. This tree is a cottonless hybrid so it will not create a mess on your property come spring. When it reaches maturity, the Hybrid Poplar stands 40-50 feet tall with a 30-foot spread.

sawtoothSawtooth Oak

The sawtooth oak is a great shade tree for any property because it adapts to a wide range of soil and climate conditions. It has a spreading canopy of leaves that provide ample shade and beauty, opening a beautiful yellow color in the spring and turning green in the summer before transitioning to golden brown in the fall. The sawtooth oak reaches a height of 40 to 60 feet tall when mature with a spread of 40 to 60 feet. This tree has the added bonus of producing acorns which will attract a variety of wildlife to your property.

hornbeamHornbeam

This tree is a more compact shade tree that is perfect for smaller properties. When it reaches maturity it stands 20-40 feet tall with a 20-30-foot spread. The hornbeam will put on a show in the fall as its leaves turn yellow, orange and crimson.

ZelkovaZelkova

The zelkova is a great shade tree for properties located in urban areas because it is tolerant to drought and air pollution. It is known for its beautiful shape, attractive bark and resistance to Dutch elm disease, making it the perfect low-maintenance eye-catching addition to any property. The zelkova grows to be 50-80 feet tall. It also has a similar spread if planted in full sun.

tulip treeTulip Tree

A beautiful shade tree is the tulip tree. It produces tulip-shaped flowers 1-2 inches in diameter that bloom in May and Junealong with a spreading canopy of leaves that block sunlight. This tree has a mature height of 60-90 feet and a spread of 30-50 feet. Contact the experts at Terracare Associates to learn more about which trees are best for your commercial property.

 

Planting the right tree in the right place is a decision you should discuss with your landscape provider.  Some of the above suggestions of trees grow better in certain geographic areas, while others need proper positioning on the property to ensure strong growth.  Contact Terracare Associates landscape management team for advice on best shade trees for your commercial property.

 

 

 

3 Reasons to Install Hardscape Enhancements This Year

Published on by Jackson Holliday

There are a variety of enhancements property managers, municipalities, and cities can invest in to improve the look, feel and safety of their landscape and property.  Implementing a few easy hardscape enhancement can result in  benefits to tenants, neighborhoods or citizens.   The right blend of landscape and hardscape enhancements can drive visitors to your property through style and attention to detail. We recently highlighted three simple enhancements worth investing in.

Hardscapes can level and shape the look of your commercial property. Hardscapes refer to hard landscape materials which are incorporated into a landscape. Hardscapes include paved areas, retaining walls, amphitheaters, sleeper walls, walkways, picnic or bench areas, and any other landscaping composed of materials such as wood, stone, concrete, etc. which are included in a landscape.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Terrace

Hardscapes have several benefits:

  • Create new spaces. build areas for people to gather. Think patios, walkways and other similar hardscapes provide places for groups to meet, eat lunch, and relax. The right installation is welcoming, safe, integrated into the space properly, and increases overall satisfaction for visitors to the property.
  • Focus on low maintenance. Hardscapes, such as patios and retaining walls, require little maintenance (think time and money) as they help reduce landscaping needs and costs while providing additional ways people can enjoy the space.
  • Sustainability rules. Consider adding a large rock slab walkway (i.e. flagstone) or permeable pavers to allow water to run off into the surrounding ground. These two options are more environmentally-friendly as they are designed to let rain and other precipitation penetrate the ground directly to nourish plants and replenish groundwater supplies.

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Ready to take your commercial property to the next level? Contact us for a free assessment on how and where to best implement these enhancements into your property.

How to Find the Best Commercial Landscape Contractor for You

Published on by Jackson Holliday

 

The pressure to control costs, while maintaining the value and beauty of your property, is a constant balancing act for many commercial property managers. Maintaining the outside areas of your commercial property is much like maintaining curb appeal for your home. In a recent survey of Society of Real Estate Appraisers, 95 percent of the respondents said professional landscape maintenance adds dollar value and can improve attraction to tenants. The property’s overall landscape, well maintained turf areas, floral beds and trees are the first things a potential tenant will see when evaluating property options. Is your property making an impression?

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Think about this when you prepare your annual budgets or when you are vetting bids; your landscape should be a priority, not an afterthought. Consideration should be taken for a variety of landscape projects; curb appeal is important to attract tenants, while water-conservation efforts can reduce costs and meet mandated reductions. Significant landscape projects may be needed, so carefully review projects like turf conversion, enhancement projects, or irrigation repairs before you select your landscape contractor. As a property manager, where do you start in determining what landscape services you need, and what is important?

 

What a Commercial Landscaping Company Can do for Your Property

Commercial landscaping refers to the management and healthcare of the plants, flowers, turf mowing, trees and shrubs. It also includes necessary maintenance services such as irrigation inspection, storm management, plant health care and water conservation improvements. Because of the inherent differences between residential and commercial property, it is often recommended to seek a contractor that specializes in commercial and public landscape services. As a property manager, having a basic understanding of landscaping services may be critically important when you develop your annual budget. It is also very important when you compare landscapers, as not all provide the same breadth and depth of services.

 

Key Questions to Ask your Current or Potential Landscape Provider

We have developed a qualifier form to help to evaluate and select a landscape contractor. A sampling of questions are:

  • What size property can the landscape provider or contractor adequately service?
  • How long has the company been in business?
  • Does the contractor have the required liability insurance?
  • Are they licensed to apply pesticides and work irrigation systems?

 

Knowing what you want in a landscape contractor is essential, properly forecasting and budgeting for your needs is the key to a beautifully well-kept property. Terracare Associates – TCA offers a free service to help you assess your property for landscape services and get what you need.

 

Contact us for more information about how we can provide the kind of landscape maintenance services your property deserves.

Steps to create a budget for your commercial landscape property

Published on by Jackson Holliday

As a commercial property manager, you may cringe when you hear the word budgets. 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 landscaper. Eliminate guessing games by using your landscape partner to help determine the level of service you expect year round. We recommend three 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 – Build 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 want.  We have developed a simple budget worksheet exclusively for our customers to easily and quickly define services needed and associated costs. This 10 to 15-minute process assesses landscape services and improvements to help you to develop a comprehensive budget.

 

Step 3 – Contact your Landscape Professional

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 landscaper who has the right experience, the right focus on customer service, and the right resources to get the job done.

 

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

Creating a Community Friendly, LEED Certified Complex in Texas

Published on by Jackson Holliday

How do you create a sustainable, welcoming outdoor environment meeting strict LEED certified specifications for both corporate employees and a community to enjoy together?

 

That’s where Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas found itself in 2010. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas moved their headquarters to the heart of Richardson, Texas, in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area. As the 34-acre LEED Silver Certified complex was completed, the company sought to beautify the outdoor spaces, gardens, and trails that would embody the company’s mission of health and wellness for employees and the community while also ensuring the landscaping synced with LEED specifications.

Blue Cross Blue Shield TerraceBlue Cross Blue Shield Pathway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tackling the Project

Terracare Associates – TCA has been a valuable partner to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for 18 years providing extensive customized landscape maintenance within budget during long summer months of extreme heat while also complying with local water restrictions. TCA set to work, alongside the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas team, planning and developing ongoing maintenance plans for the property’s landscape, which included manicured flowerbeds, two acres of turf grass, three acres of wildflower beds, and 10 acres of natural grass fields. The landscaped area would require full maintenance services including full service land management, extensive mowing, plant healthcare, integrated pest management, irrigation services, tree and shrub pruning, enhancement and construction projects, and ongoing clean-up and repair. This was a massive project to both undertake and maintain, and that’s what TCA did.

Natural Grass at Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas Blue Cross Blue Shield Tree Walkway

 

 

 

 

Customized Solutions

TCA worked hard with the team at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas to create a customized maintenance plan and procedures for the entire property, ranging from specific plans and timelines for the individual environments to property-wide systems. Plans and procedures included tailored maintenance outlines for each type of turf grasses, wildflower areas that were reseeded annually, and perennial beds that were monitored for pruning and growth. The TCA team also provided additional dedicated staff to sections of the property that required more attention. For instance, a dedicated irrigation project manager worked to manage and maintain the system – adjusting for environmental changes and plant requirements. TCA also provided ongoing consultation to ensure LEED requirements and documentation were completed and submitted appropriately to maintain LEED certification for the entire complex.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Walkway

Can TCA help your community or city improve your landscape? TCA’s team would love to chat with you about how we can help. Why not consider sending TCA a request for proposal?

3 Landscape Enhancements Worth the Investment

Published on by Jackson Holliday

Enhancements to a property are an easy way to add curb appeal and value to your property. So what’s holding you back from investing in enhancements for your property?

 

Terracare Associates — TCA knows that enhancement projects, which fall outside the ongoing maintenance contract, often fall to the bottom of the to-do list or budget allocation. However whether you’re investing for the first time or reinvesting in upgrading or refurbishing sections of your landscapes, many property managers agree that enhancement projects are worth the time, manpower, and budget allocation.

 

Before getting started on enhancements projects, work with your landscape provider to evaluate the purpose you want the enhancement to provide. They will help evaluate the main purpose for investing in landscape enhancements on your property include beautifying, safety and damage control, and cost savings. All enhancements should add a clear purpose or interest to your landscape. For instance, when adding sprinklers or irrigation to a property make sure that proper drainage is installed as well. This ensures excess water can properly drain so areas do not flood, become damaging to concrete or unsafe to visitors.

 

Once you’ve evaluated the purpose for enhancement to your property, here are three quick ideas for enhancements worth investing in right now:

1.Integrated Perennial Plants

Perennial plants return year after year blooming on their own. Perennial flower beds and plants (often referred to in short as “perennials”) help enhance a property in two ways — reducing costs and establishing a property. While the upfront costs for purchasing perennials can be substantial, over the long-term, they reduce costs by enabling properties to purchase and plant flowers once. They also can make a property feel like it’s been there longer. As Terracare Associates Enhancements Manager, Khalana Gocken notes, “Perennials attract investment. They give visitors and passersby the impression the property is established, approachable, and pays attention to detail.” In addition, your landscape provider can recommend annuals flowers to add pop of color to incorporate with perennials creating that “wow” factor for your landscape.

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2. Trees

It’s no secret that trees add value to your property. Trees provide shade and cool the surrounding area, help create a welcoming atmosphere around a property, and provide food and shelter for wildlife. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture believes, “The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.” Trees can save money and protect the visitors from the harsh hot summer sun. However, adding trees shouldn’t be haphazard; every tree is different so think about the ideal placement for the size, shape, and growth habits of each tree. Your landscape provider can work with you to find the perfect trees for your landscape needs.

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3.Drainage

So you’ve invested in trees, bushes, shrubs, and flower beds – a big rain storm hits your property and the surrounding area and now it is flooded. But you haven’t invested in adequate drainage so your plants are drowning in excess water having nowhere to flow. Worst yet, poor drainage can flood area buildings, parking lots, and even surrounding parking areas and roads making it unsafe. Keeping your landscape, plants, and trees properly watered by allowing excess water to drain is extremely important to your property. In severe cases, building detention or retention ponds, serving an important flood control, may be necessary in extreme flood stricken areas. Swales are low track lands, specifically moist or marshy land areas, that can be naturally created or manmade, and are designed to manage water runoff, filter pollutants, and guide water run off away from populated areas. All of these drainage enhancements can protect your property investment from rain and snow run off making your landscape areas safe and healthy.

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Looking to add enhancements to your property? Why not drop Terracare Associates a line to learn how our experts would help add value to your property?

3 Reasons Enhancements Improve Your Property

Published on by Jackson Holliday

A commercial property, municipal park, or other landscaped areas need ongoing improvements, but it is not always easy to justify the expense. When evaluating your landscape enhancement needs you may be looking at projects such as:

  • Adding a bed of perennial flowers near a parking lot
  • Sprucing up an entrance with trees for shade and protection
  • Installing a state-of-the-art water efficient sprinkler system to save money
  • Creating a patio area for visitors to use and beautify the area

 

You likely realize enhancement projects add to your property’s curb appeal, but do you know how else they can help your property? Here are a few ways.

 

Reduce water costs

Think long-term when it comes to your property’s landscape. Enhancements can reduce your water costs and usage. A few examples of enhancements that can help cut water use:

  1. Upgrade to new water-efficient smart controllers for your water system will cut water usage and costs.
  2. Invest in turf conversion in areas that grass is not used for recreation or relaxation.
  3. Install drought-resistant plants and grasses can help reduce water usage and overall maintenance.

 

Increase desirability of property

Think about the last time you were on a property that was appealing and comfortable. Now think about what landscape features that property exhibited. Was it a nice water feature or vibrant flower bed? Any of these enhancements can often conjure positive feedback and attraction for visitors and employees who are on the property. It increases the property’s desirability and has proven to help raise occupancy rates or visitors, increase overall value of the property, and most importantly, those living or working in the area, have an increased desire to stay.

 

Protects existing landscape investments

You’ve already invested time, manpower, and money into developing and maintaining your property. Now is a good time to consider protecting these landscape assets with enhancements. Examples of enhancements that will help protect and maintain your landscape:

-Drainage: Ensure plants and trees have adequate drainage and excess water is flowing into the correct areas.

-Mulch: Mulch can reduce evaporation from soil, stabilize soil moisture, and more.

-Arbor services: You’ve invested in trees. Now make certain those trees thrive through pruning and proper fertilization.

 

Interested in learning more about how enhancements can improve your property? Reach out to Terracare Associates and we’ll happily answer your questions and work with you to identify which enhancements are best for your property.