August 2018

August 2018                                       EDITION 114

817-488-2718  Phone | http://www.highlandlandscapingLLC.com

COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE II

In last month’s newsletter, we gave a basic overview of our commercial maintenance program.  This month we present more specifics to assist businesses new to our area and climate in understanding what is necessary for an attractive, healthy and sustainable landscape.

Proper care and maintenance of a landscape continues to enhance the character of a business setting.  Understanding what elements are needed, and when, is what makes for a great commercial maintenance package.

Lawn Mowing

We recommend that lawn areas be mowed, on average, every 7-10 days during the growing season.  Mowing the lawn this often keeps the soil rich in nutrients and maintains regular growth.  Additionally, the grass will better withstand diseases, weeds, and insects throughout the year.

Lawn maintenance also includes edging, trimming, and native/pasture mows.  A comprehensive package would also include fertilization and pre– and post– emergent weed control.

Bed Weeding

For maximum benefit, a maintenance program should include a minimum of 12 visits throughout the year.  Every program should include pre– and post– emergent weed control applications.  Beds free of weeds benefit the health of the plants, and vastly improve the appearance of the property overall.

Hedges /Shrubs/Groundcover Trimming  

During our North Texas growing season, trimming should be done roughly six times per year to promote the health of the plants, reduce overgrowth, and create privacy, if needed.  Well-manicured hedges, shrubs and groundcovers enhance features of the property.

Perennial Pruning  

Perennials should be pruned once annually as is appropriate for the particular plant.  For example, Lantana would be pruned after its bloom cycle ends, or during the winter when it is dormant.  Evergreen perennials, including Yuccas and evergreen Daylilies need their stocks pruned after they finish a blooming cycle.

Fertilization

A comprehensive fertilization program would include two lawn pre-emergent applications, three lawn fertilization and selective herbicide treatments, one landscape bed slow-release fertilization application and five landscape bed pre/post emergent treatments.

Irrigation

Any complete irrigation maintenance program should include regular inspections of the system to check for broken or malfunctioning components;  and, to program the working system to water efficiently each season.  In addition, attention should be given to changes that may be needed as the landscape grows and matures.

Additional Visits to Property

A complete maintenance program with Highland Landscaping would include additional periodic visits to “tidy up” seasonal issues (such as falling leaves), which allows our teams to “put eyes” on the property in between maintenance visits.  Our own accountability system requires the team to inspect a property on each visit and report anything that needs attention.  Our management and sales team also do periodic inspections.   All-in-all, our teams visit a property, on average, 65 times during the year.

Highland Landscaping’s commercial maintenance program is an innovative and holistic approach to landscape maintenance.  We work with the businesses management team to create a program that best meets the needs of the individual design and the budget of the business owner.

 

“If God sends us on stony paths, He provides strong shoes.”

                        -Corrie ten Boom

 

Plant trivia

Which plant in our “Seasonal Color” list on page four is commonly known as “Blazing Star” or “Gayfeather”? (look for the answer at the end of our blog)

 

Featured project

Granite Place, one of the newest buildings in Southlake Town Square, was installed and is maintained by Highland Landscaping. By using extraordinary native Texan plants, we were able to keep the maintenance down to a minimum.  The Brake Light Yuccas, Delosperma, Lantana,  and Mexican Bush Sage bring exquisite and ravishing pops of purple, red, and yellow to the property. This beautiful building is a stunning reflection of the Brian Stebbins Park  that both compliment each other and Town Square.

Brooke Sugden Photography : 817-948-6428 brookesugdenphoto@gmail.com

 Seasonal color this month…

Angelonia, Bachelor Buttons, Butterfly Bush, Chenille Plant, Firecracker Plant, Gaura, Liatris, Mandevilla, Moonflower, Pentas,Periwinkles, Scaevola,Texas Firebush

August landscape Tasks:

• Mulch landscape beds to 3”
• Increase irrigation run times for heat
• Hand-water plants and trees as needed
• Inspect for cinch bugs
• Feed lawn organically
• Fertilize landscape beds and potted plants
• Plan landscape projects
• Remove roses infected by RRD
• Inspect for bag worms and web worms
• Inspect for aphids

Trivia Answer

Liatris

Featured plant—GREGG’S PRAIRIE-CLOVER

Gregg’s prairie-clover (Dalea Greggii), also known as Gregg’s Dalea, Trailing Indigo Bush and Indigo Bush is a member of the pea family.  Native to the Southern Trans-Pecos in Texas, New Mexico and to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico, Dalea Greggii has found a home in many other locales.  Its native habitat is predominantly limestone, yet it adapts well to other soils as long as there is good drainage.  This semi-evergreen perennial  is right at home in a full sun location where it thrives even in high heat and with only occasional water.  Its heat/drought tolerance makes it a good recommendation for areas with reflective heat;  such as driveways, sidewalks  and other concrete areas.

The leaves of Dalea Greggii are one of the top reasons for growing it.  Silvery, blue-green compound leaves have been described as “lacy” due to the delicate appearance. During the spring and summer (occasionally in the fall), clusters of tiny pea-shaped purple flowers burst from fuzzy purple flower balls. This low-growing (6-12” ), spreading (2-4’) subshrub becomes a dense silvery mound. A subshrub is a short shrub that is woody at the base, but has herbaceous stems of new growth during the growing season.

As in its native habitat, Dalea Greggii is an excellent choice for rocky slopes, rock gardens, xeriscape designs, and for erosion control. It lends itself well as a border plant, in mass planting, or as an accent specimen. It is a must in butterfly gardens.

In 1840, Asa Gray (1810-1888), who is considered the most prominent American botanist of the 19th century, embarked on an expedition that resulted in the study and writing of the plants found in Texas and New Mexico. The endeavor resulted in the publication of Plantae Wrightianae. Gray’s intellect and Faith earned him the designation as the most important American botanist of his time.  He was firm that there was a genetic connection between members of a species.  Gray’s Darwiniana explained how religion and science “were not mutually exclusive”.   He was against hybridization and in favor of allowing plants to evolve with guidance from God.

Josiah Gregg (1806-1850), for whom Dalea Greggii was named, was born in Overton County, Tennessee.  In the summer of 1841, Gregg set out on a trip through Texas and up the Red River valley.  Known to be a great adventurer, Gregg’s travels were a combination plant hunt and commerce scout.  He  searched for  resources that  would assist in the establishment of needed businesses.