The Path to A Comprehensive Landscape Plan
Donnalee Harman
As a Property Manager or Facilities Director, it is your responsibility to ensure that the property you oversee is maintained to a level that will accomplish your objectives whether it be appearance, safety, security, or functionality. Landscaping of the exterior grounds is a primary part of that. It’s everyone’s first visual impression, and we all want to make a good first impression.
There are multiple segments of the landscaping to include in your maintenance scope of work.
Turf Care: Mowing, trimming, weed and fertilizer applications are all staples of the plan. You should make sure the number of occurrences coincides with the level of “neatness” you would like. You should also make sure if your property is irrigated that you have enough mowings to cover the consistent growth throughout the normally “dryer” weeks of the summer.A step-child of the regular turf care that should always be included in your program is Aeration and Overseeding. This once-a-year service will keep your turf strong and weed free. If budget is an issue, consider performing this on a third of your property annually, or just high visibility areas.
Spring Clean Up: This is necessary to prep the site for mulch, and subsequent mowing services. Any grasses and perennials not cut back late fall will be cut and made ready for new spring growth.
Turf applications: If your local ordinances allow, you should include a minimum of 4 turf applications for both weed control and fertilization.
Bed Care: Mulching and edging is an obvious must for your landscape beds. A properly prepped bed in early spring made ready for a new coat of dyed shredded mulch will keep the beds looking neat and tidy through the season.
Plant Care: Tree and shrub pruning should be included as appropriate to keep a tidy appearance. Make sure that if you have shrubs that should grow a bit more naturally (think Nandina, or Forsythia) that these are not sheared or pruned incorrectly.
Leaf Management: Include an appropriate number of leaf management occurrences considering the site’s tree canopy, and variety of trees. These days, most professional landscaping companies utilize mulching mowers to mulch up the initial leaf drop and allow it to incorporate into the turf giving it extra nutrients.
Optional services: This is where seasonal color is added if appropriate. Make sure you consider if you need sun or shade loving plants and deer resistant if necessary. A lime application is only necessary if your soil Ph is off. Make sure a soil test is completed annually.
The basics of your scope of work go a long way to keep your property in tip-top shape. The main component to it all is partnering with a reputable, experienced professional Landscape Management Company. Ask them if after viewing your property if they feel there are items you have in your scope that may not be necessary or is there anything that should be added.
The main objective of a good landscaper is to make you look good, without you having to expend tremendous amount of time and effort.