When you think of pool safety, you might think about fences, no running, and lifeguards on duty.
However, you also need to consider making sure that your commercial property landscape is safe for your clients as well.
Plants provide beauty and privacy around a swimming pool.
They soften the harsh lines of swimming pool equipment and help swimming pools to blend more naturally with the surrounding environment. If you grow plants that are tall enough, they can even form privacy screens around the pool area.
But plants must be chosen wisely. Here are some plants to consider avoiding and some solutions to plants that could cause safety issues.
Fruit Trees and Bushes
Trees with sweet fruits or bushes with berries can make a real mess on your pool deck, But more importantly as you may have already guessed, These plants attract bees. For people who are allergic planting these trees can be a fatal mistake.
Flowering Plant Varieties
Flowering plants are nice to look at around a pool, especially if you design with perennials for continuously blooming beds. But as with fruit bearing plants, flowering plants need pollination, which will inevitably end up being bee magnets.
Thorns
Roses, Cactus or Aloes are absolutely wonderful plants... to look at. These and many other plants contain thorns. Imagine a client tripping and ending up in a cactus, Yeowch!
However these can still make good poolside plants, with their drought tolerance and little need for shade. When designing your landscaping consider placing these plants in decorative raised beds 3 to 4 feet off the ground and up against the pool fencing. After that an added layer of protection might be hedge type plants placed two feet in front of the raised beds, a sort of plant security fence.
Just be mindful of what and where when your landscape goes in and don't be afraid to make changes. After all safety of your clientele is of paramount importance.
You can let Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance do all the work for you and take the burden off your shoulders all together. Give us a call at 623-848-8277 and let’s talk about it.
Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net
Living in Arizona, pools in the summer are a way of life. A fun way for your clients to beat the heat. If you are a business where an outdoor pool is part of life, you are aware of the need of landscaping in that area, but poolside gardens can bring to mind some possible problems.
Planting Around Pools
Planting around pools raises some concerns and challenges.
Typically the first concern is about chlorinated water splashing on the plants. However, this is actually not a problem for plants. You could even water the plants with the pool water if you wish with no long term health problems for the plant.
Finally, consider the plant’s needs. The pool is likely situated in full sun where there is quite a bit of exposure. And since they will get splashed a lot, avoid plants that prefer dry conditions.
Whether planting them directly in the ground in an area around your pool or growing them in raised beds or containers, there are a number of poolside plants that can make your poolside sing.
Good Plants for Poolside Landscaping
Succulent plants afford a nice way to dress up the area with little debris and are hardy in the dry Arizona environment. The following plants are examples of desert loving poolside plants.
Queen Palm trees sway gently in the breeze and provide light shade
Agave, aloe, and yucca need little maintenance and are heat lovers that are easy to grow in full sun.
Small palms and cycads, like sago palm, bring a tropical look to poolside gardens.
Planting around pools with hardy cactus species, such as Echinocactus and Opuntia, really adds a unique look to the area too, but keep them far enough away that their spines do not pose a threat to anyone.
Lower profile bushes might include:
Arizona Rosewood
Mountain Laurel
Dalea
Turpentine Bush
Calliandra
Buddleia
Indian Mallow
Plants for Poolside Pots
One of the best ways to manage plant care is by using large containers or pots. This allows you to bring in several interesting colors and textures all in one container. The mixes create brilliant shows with plenty of variety. Plants for poolside pots will require additional watering, as containers tend to dry out more quickly than garden beds.
Trailing plants like creeping jenny or desert broom can cascade over the edges of the planter. Then fill in with other flowering or uniquely foliaged species such as:
Lantana
Blue Euphorbia
Tufted Evening Primrose
Germander
Penstemon
Salvia
Verbena
Plants around the pool must be able to withstand the high light reflection off the water. The area around the pool may be tiled or concrete, but either way it gets really hot. Plants will need more frequent irrigation and should be heat loving and drought tolerant. Raise container plants off the hot surface with rollers or saucers. When you do plant, leave plenty of room in the pot for air circulation.
Poolside gardens enhance the area and create an inviting ambiance that your clients won’t be able to wait to take a dip in your beautifully designed oasis.
You can let Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance do all the work for you and take the burden off your shoulders all together. Give us a call at 623-848-8277 and let’s talk about it.
Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC. is a service oriented family owned business specializing in commercial landscape maintenance in the Phoenix Metro area.
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance has been maintaining commercial properties in the Valley of the Sun, here in Arizona, to the highest level. We have many years of experience here in the valley caring for plants in our desert climate and in commercial property landscapes.
We are always a reliable source for all of your property maintenance needs. We employ a well educated, fully trained and experienced staff who can attend to all of your needs in a knowledgeable and professional manner.
Our services include all facets of Property Management. We cover property maintenance to customized lawn treatment programs, tree & shrub diagnostics and care, annual color programs, enhancements, Irrigation System management, We can help with your Holiday and Event Decorating. Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance has a full time staff to fulfill any and all of your needs twelve months a year!
We are certified, licensed and insured to meet all local requirements and regulations. Contact our award winning company to schedule a commercial property consultation today.
We will design and develop a custom program for your specific property and budget needs. You can be on your way to improving your property’s appearance and value with our guidance and expertise.
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC, features first class customer service, providing unmatched value, superior products, our extensive local experience and unquestionable reliability.
All of our vehicles are clearly marked and all of our employees are in uniform for easy identification. Many of the small unexpected things that other companies charge for, are included in our everyday service.
Or you can let Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance do all the work for you and take the burden off your shoulders all together. Give us a call at 623-848-8277 and let’s talk about it.
Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net
There are numerous types of landscaping shrubs. They can range in size from the smaller forms on up to the larger tree-like varieties. There are evergreen shrubs, which retain their color and leaves year round, and there are deciduous shrubs, which eventually lose their foliage in the fall. Read more to learn about landscaping shrubs and their uses.
Choosing Shrubs for the Landscape
Shrubs have many uses within the landscape such as foundation plantings, privacy hedges, and specimen plants. They can be used as backdrops, to define garden beds, and to simply add seasonal interest. Foliage differs from plant to plant, so look for foliage colors that will create a pleasing visual effect and subtle contrast to the other plants within the landscape. Fall foliage colors can range from silver, gold, and varieties of red, purple, and dark green.
The best time to plant landscaping shrubs is in the fall or early spring, if necessary. This gives roots plenty of time to become established within the landscape, upping their chances of survival.
Before placing any shrub in the landscape, you should first consider the overall height and width of the shrub once it reaches maturity. There should be adequate space available for the shrub to grow. For instance, if a shrub is being used as a foundation planting, ensure that its mature growth will not block windows or obstruct walkways.
It is very important that landscaping shrubs complement their surroundings. Therefore, it is a good idea to research native shrubs as well as landscaping shrubs in order to become familiar with their growing conditions, especially in your given area.
Common Commercial Landscape Shrubs
Azaleas/Rhododendrons – Azaleas and rhododendrons come in a multitude of colors and their striking blooms are a welcome sight in spring. While they typically have a short-lived blooming cycle, many evergreen varieties will provide year-round interest. These shrubs are good choices for foundation plantings, borders, shade and specimen plants.
Forsythia Shrubs – The yellow, spring flowers of the forsythia provide much needed color after the dull, darkness of winter. Other than its obvious aesthetic purpose, this easy-care shrub makes a great choice for screening and can even soften corners around the landscape.
Hydrangea Shrubs – Hydrangeas are also quite popular in landscaping. There are various forms available (pink, blue, and white), and their clustered, summer-flowering blooms are spectacular.
Juniper Shrubs – Another good evergreen shrub is juniper, with the low-growing variety most commonly used within landscapes. These shrubs are well suited for filling in empty spaces between other, larger shrubs and trees.
Holly Shrubs – There are many types of holly for the landscape. English holly, which is most common, is an evergreen shrub popular for its spiny-edged leaves and clusters of red berries, especially during winter. While this shrub can definitely stand on its own, it is commonly used in the landscape as a screening hedge or foundation planting.
Some landscaping shrubs are used strictly for their pleasant aromas. These can include Lilac, witch hazel and roses.
There are other ways to use shrubs in the landscape. Nearly any shrub can be successfully grown in containers; which make excellent accent pieces to frame entryways or walkways. They make excellent focal points and are ideal for screening, even blocking views of parking lots. Whether you are considering using them for outlining boundaries, privacy and screening, foundation planting, or simply for specimen plants, you should always plan ahead in order to find the right commercial landscaping shrub for you and your landscape.
Please feel free to speak with us and we can help design and plan the care of all your Shrub's needs. It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of commercial landscaping in between, we can help. To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.
Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net
Greenskeeper will work with you to create colorful and memorable flower beds and containers to draw interest and make your property visitors want to linger. Adding seasonal beds and an assortment of flower pots to your property can take your space from boring to memorable and make your property stand out from the competition. Annuals are a great addition to your flowering areas. There are many bright and colorful plants that are perfect for all commercial landscaping styles.
Owl-clover - 6-inch spikes of red-purple flowers top these inconspicuous plants in spring. Owl clover grow up to 1 foot tall and provide much sought after nectar for hummingbirds. This plant will add color to landscape, especially when grown with native grasses or other wildflowers.
Desert Sunflower - Also known as Desert gold, this plant blooms large, showy yellow flowers from January to June on 2-foot-tall plant. The seeds of this plant are good spring and summer food source for desert rodents, doves, quail, finches and sparrows.
Desert Bluebells - Loose clusters of bright blue flowers dance above a plant of deep green foliage. Growing 6 to 24 inches tall, these flowers would do well in the ground or in decorative pots. If you're interested in keeping some feathered guests around this provides seed in late spring and early summer for birds.
Skeleton Weed - Not a name that you would associate with a beautiful flowering plant, but this summer annual sports numerous, tiny pink flowers all over its delicate, finely branched stalk. Common along desert roadsides, skeleton weed will quite often plant itself in desert landscapes.
Sunflower - We are all familiar with the remarkable beauty of the sunflower, with its Medium or dark-green leaves and yellow flower heads. They can grow from 2 feet to an amazing 6 feet tall. Most are annuals, and are blessedly free of thorns. Native species are available as seed in any local store. The seeds are produced in summer and fall; in case you're interested in a little snack while you're on the go.
Indian Blanket - Also known as Firewheel due to the dark red and yellow 2-inch flowers that bloom above hairy, bright green leaves. Bloom begins in April and may last through summer if watered. This plant grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, hence the blanket name.
Lupine - Beautiful blue or purple flower spikes are borne above bright-green foliage in spring. Lupine can grow up to 24 inches in total height. The desert species of this plant are annuals.
It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of commercial landscaping in between, we can help. To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.
Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net
Flowers bring the most stunning colors to your commercial property landscape as well as bringing native birds and butterflies to your property. This week was supposed to be a discussion about non - native plants that thrive well in Arizona, but after some research about the subject and finding out the damage that some of the more invasive non-native plants can cause, I have acquired the following list of Native perennials.
Poppies - Bright orange or yellow flowers bloom above blue-green foliage in spring. These are annual or short-lived perennials. Doves and sparrows love their abundant, late-spring seeds.
Penstemon - Numerous showy, tubular flowers blossom in tall spikes rising 2 to 3 feet above low foliage. This lovely plant is also an attractive nectar source for hummingbirds.
Many species occur in Arizona. Several do well in the desert:
P. eatoni. Red flowers March to June.
P. parryi. Pink flowers in spring.
P. pseudospectabilis. Shocking pink flowers in spring and early summer.
P. subulatus. Scarlet flowers February to May.
P. superbus. Coral flowers in April and May.
Paperflower - These yellow flowers set on a rounded gray-green plant in spring and fall. They also bloom in summer after rain. Some blooms present nearly year-round. The dry petals remain on plant for weeks. Usually 18 to 24 inches tall; this perennial produce seed for birds in late spring and fall; year-round cover for small animals.
Globe Mallow - This plant has numerous showy stalks of orange flowers extending up to 2 feet above a plant that is 3 feet tall and equally as wide. Also available in white, lavender, pink or red flowers, this perennial produces abundant flowers in spring and sometimes fall, and a few during the rest of the year. Doves, quail and sparrows feed on seeds, especially in late spring and early summer. If your landscape is close to the foothills and desert areas, you may find desert tortoises eating the foliage.
Blackfoot Daisy - This lovely bloom boasts white, sweet-scented flowers from March to November. Summer and fall seeds are a food source for sparrows, finches and desert rodents.
Desert Marigold - Numerous, large yellow flowers held above gray-green foliage, bloom nearly all year if watered occasionally during summer. Flower stalks can grow up to 18 inches tall. This short-lived perennial, reseeds itself well and is very drought-tolerant.
Wild Buckwheat - Most of the dozens of species are valuable to wildlife. Seeds attract quail, towhees, finches, sparrows and desert rodents, in summer and fall. Rodents, tortoises and deer browse the flowers and leaves.
Indian Ricegrass - This Perennial bunchgrass has delicate, airy, graceful flowering stems. This is obviously not a lawn grass, but it is attractive among wildflowers or rocks. It has a moderate water requirement, but can tolerate a bit of drought. Seeds attract sparrows, finches, doves and desert rodents in the summer and fall.
These outstanding native plants would make any landscape come to life no matter the season.
It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of commercial landscaping in between, we can help. To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.
Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net
Arizona's unique climate has made a huge impact on its native plants. Although many are beautiful, sometimes they can be as harsh as the environment that created them, baring thorns and sparse amounts of leaves that oft times provide little shade. There are however, some non- native plants that do thrive in our state and provide copious amounts of shade, as well as stunning color all year round. Trees are the largest plants for our landscapes and provide the greatest benefits. They add permanent structure to the design and can become the ceilings and walls of our outdoor spaces. Let us help you choose the right trees for your landscape.
Bradford Pear
Bradford Pear trees are one of the more popular and widely used trees seen in landscaping. With its dark green foliage, rich autumn color and beautiful snow-white blossoms in the spring make the Bradford Pear Tree the perfect addition to any landscape.
Bradford Pear trees have a neat, dense upward growth that provide immediate esthetic appeal to any landscape. Reaching heights of nearly 60 feet tall, this tree is a fast grower that will make an immediate impact in cramped spaces or wide open areas of your landscape. Drought tolerant and resistant to the hot Phoenix summers make it an excellent 3 season addition to Valley landscapes.
Ficus Nitida
The Ficus Nitida, also referred to as an Indian Laurel, looks fantastic and has many landscape uses. Handling the summer heat better than almost any other tree, the Ficus nitida is more desired than many others. The dense evergreen foliage of the Ficus nitida is not only bright and shiny, but creates immense amounts of much needed shade.
The Ficus nitida is often used as a privacy screen from noise, light, unwanted views, and flying objects such as golf balls.
Eucalyptus
This ultra-fast growing tree is native to Australia, but have been grown in the desert for many decades. Eucalyptus are suitable for any desert environment and have proven durability, strength & growth.
Eucalyptus trees sizes can range from medium to very large. Nearly all Eucalyptus are considered fast growing. Eucalyptus trees mostly grow with more height than width.
All Eucalyptus trees that are commonly grown in our area are evergreen and feature that refreshingly clean Eucalyptus fragrance.
Ash
There are actually quite a few Ash varieties to choose from, the following are the most popular.
The Shamel Ash is a great solution for just about any landscape that needs a larger & fast-growing shade tree. The classic, larger-leaved, green foliage is very attractive and compliments just about any landscape. Generally grown in parks, commercial areas, and large landscapes; this is a heavy-duty shade tree that is most suitable in open, sparsely populated areas. The Shamel Ash is simple to grow and always results in a nearly perfect, park style shape with minimal pruning and maintenance. The Shamel Ash is very heat resistant and ideal for surviving the Phoenix summers, and recover very quickly in the rare instances they take on damage.
The Fan Tex ash can be a wonderful addition to many landscape designs. Though a little smaller that most ash varieties, the Fan Tex is an ideal shade provider for small to medium areas of most landscapes. Even though it is deciduous, it's still a relatively easy tree to take care of. Leaves come off quickly in the fall, allowing for a fast, one time clean up. Light and warmth is also allowed into your yard during the cooler winter months. Shade returns quickly in the spring and is the thickest during the summer months, when it's needed the most.
Raywood ash has become an increasingly popular choice in landscapes across the southwestern deserts. Raywood ash is a reliable shade provider that's uniquely dark green compared to most tree varieties commonly grown in our area. In the late fall, leaves provide a stunning show of rich red to deep burgundy color.
Our landscaping experts can help if you have any questions.
It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of commercial landscaping in between, we can help. To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.
Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net
