As property managers, you hold the power to transform your commercial landscape into an eco-friendly oasis—one that not only enhances aesthetics but also leaves a positive impact on the environment. Take a look below at some easy sustainable practices you can implement with the help of an expert commercial landscape provider:
Nutrients and Inputs
Natural Fertilizers: Select organic fertilizers that enrich the soil without harmful chemicals. Compost and well-aged manure are excellent choices.
By enhancing soil quality through improved water-holding capacity and a lighter structure, these fertilizers create the perfect environment for robust plant growth. The inclusion of organic matter nurtures a healthy soil ecosystem, fostering beneficial bacteria and supporting nutrient breakdown. Moreover, the slow and continuous release of nutrients ensures consistent growth and development for your plants.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): For many HOAs and commercial properties, managing pests can be a daunting task. However, Integrated Pest Management IPM, is a comprehensive approach that combines multiple pest control techniques to manage pests effectively and sustainably. By implementing IPM, commercial property owners can enjoy reduced chemical usage, lower pest control costs, and a healthier environment for their tenants. At the same time, it encourages beneficial insects and birds to control pests naturally.
Plant Management
Native Plants: Native species are adapted to local conditions, requiring less water and maintenance. They also support local wildlife. Native plants can be an excellent addition to any landscape design and can help promote sustainability in several ways. Native plants are better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions than non-native varieties, which means they require less fertilizer, maintenance, and water. This reduces the need for irrigation and often helps you save on your water bill. They also have natural defenses against pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Furthermore, native plants often have deep roots that help improve soil health and prevent erosion. They absorb more rainwater, which helps reduce runoff and they require fewer resources, reducing the risk of soil depletion.
Diverse Plant Communities: Mix different plant types—grasses, perennials, shrubs, and trees—to create resilient ecosystems. Our Texas climate can be hard on delicate blooms, so make sure and trust certified experts to select the right plants for your specific area and conditions.
Water Management
Smart Irrigation Systems: An often-overlooked solution for many HOA communities is the use of predictive watering technology. Predictive watering technology is a cutting-edge solution that allows property managers and HOAs to optimize the watering schedule based on real-time weather forecasts and soil moisture data. With this technology, you can conserve water, save time, and improve the health and beauty of your plants.
Some of the key features of predictive watering technology include advanced sensors that measure soil moisture levels, sophisticated algorithms that analyze weather data, and intuitive mobile apps that make it easy to control the watering schedule from anywhere.
Companies like Weathermatic, a trusted irrigation and landscape maintenance partner of Terry’s Landscape, are transforming landscapes with smart water technology with affordable, user-friendly, and seamlessly integrated solutions. Weathermatic uses proven irrigation science and market leading technology called SmartLink which automates labor, reduces expenses and just as importantly, saves water.
Drip Irrigation: Deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste. Drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the roots of your plants and trees. Another innovative choice is subsurface irrigation systems, which provide an efficient solution for water use and healthy plant growth. By delivering water directly to the root zone, these systems minimize water loss due to evaporation while protecting from disease.
Mulching: Apply organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keeping a good layer of high-quality mulch will protect your plants from temperature swings, promote plant health, and regulate moisture. A thick layer of mulch not only looks great but also contributes to soil health and erosion prevention. Plants must remain properly hydrated, and mulch helps smooth variations in the moisture content of your soil.
Terry’s Landscape is a team of true landscape professionals. We invite you to explore our work and our services, and then contact us for your next project! We are happy to share many sustainable and eco-friendly landscape techniques that will create beautiful outdoor spaces.