Lawn Watering: The Importance of Conservation

Posted on June 23, 2022 by Matt Solis

The ideal lawn should grow in your environment without lots of supplemental watering. In general, turf grasses only need about one inch of water per week to maintain their green color and active growth. However, there are numerous other factors to consider when determining your lawn’s water needs, like soil and weather conditions. Here are a few guidelines to follow. Read more

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Posted in: Landscaping Tips
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Industry Organization Spotlight: California Landscape Contractors Association

Posted on September 07, 2021 by James Florence

CLCA-LogoThe California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is a nonprofit trade organization dedicated to promoting the statewide landscaping industry and its associated causes. In addition to licensed landscape and landscape-related contractors, the organization’s membership includes public officials, educators and students.

CLCA’s stated mission is “to serve and protect the interests of its members, promote professionalism, and advance public awareness of the landscape industry.” Read more

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Specialty Spotlight: Hardscaping

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Suzanne Carroll

hardscaping in back yard

Most of us spend more time outdoors during the summer doing activities like gardening, playing sports, grilling meals and socializing with friends. If you’re trying to create the perfect yard for enjoying the warm weather, it’s important to focus on both landscaping and hardscaping. A pathway, patio, retaining wall or any built-in feature in your yard is part of its hardscaping. Below, we’ll explain how hardscaping features can make your yard more beautiful, better for entertaining and even safer. Read more

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Posted in: Decks and Patios, Specialty Spotlight
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Diamond Certified Experts: Tree Care Basics

Posted on March 16, 2021 by James Florence

Like all plants, trees have basic nutritional and maintenance needs that must be met in order for them to thrive. However, meeting these needs isn’t as simple as it often seems, which is why property owners need to follow proper protocol when caring for their trees. To learn about this in greater detail, we’re joined by seven Diamond Certified Expert Contributors in the tree service industry. Read more

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Posted in: Diamond Certified Experts, Landscaping Tips
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What to Do About Soil Erosion

Posted on January 07, 2021 by Suzanne Carroll

retaining wall

California’s steep terrain and forceful winter rainstorms make soil erosion and landslide risk a yearly threat to homes. After months of bone-dry conditions, strong storms can quickly alter hillside terrain. While soil erosion is an inherently natural process, homeowners can take steps to reduce the negative effects erosion may have on their properties.  Read more

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Posted in: Hardscaping, Landscaping Tips
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A Guide to Gravel

Posted on November 05, 2020 by Suzanne Carroll

Homeowners in the Bay Area are increasingly turning to gravel for their landscaping projects. That’s because gravel can be the right solution for many local landscaping problems. Gravel helps reduce soil erosion by slowing the flow of rainwater, and it’s an attractive groundcover option for areas where plants have difficulty growing. Also, since it doesn’t need irrigation, it’s a great solution for homeowners who want to reduce their water usage. Gravel can even help protect your home by acting as a barrier against encroaching wildfire.  Read more

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Firescaping Your Property

Posted on September 08, 2020 by Suzanne Carroll

The Bay Area has already seen numerous destructive wildfires in 2020, and there are still several weeks of hot, dry weather ahead of us. As wildfires become an increasingly common threat to the region, many homeowners are turning to “firescaping,” which is the coordinated use of fire-resistant plants and building materials around the home. With the right plants and hardscaping features, you can make it harder for wildfire to take hold and spread. Firescaping is a type of landscaping, which means you still have many options to create a garden that reflects your personal style. Aside from improving safety and adding beauty, firescaping can increase the value of your home. Read more

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Posted in: Fire Prevention, Uncategorized
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