Advantages of Retail Landscaping

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Landscaping can really make or break your property. A beautiful landscape enhances the curb appeal of any retail space. You want to make a great first impression with those potential customers. A stunning flower bed, gorgeous shrubs, and well-maintained grass say a lot about your business. If you have been considering commercial lawn care for your retail business, here are a few advantages landscaping provides for your property.

Attracts Clients and Boosts Curb Appeal

When someone has a well-maintained yard or garden, these spaces tend to attract more attention. You want to bring that attention to your retail spaces. Pedestrians will stop and look at the flowers and shrubs. Plus, these potential customers could walk into your store, restaurant, or other business when they stop to admire your landscape.

A well-maintained landscape also presents some significant psychological effects. Many people love to look at beautiful things, and those excellent features can create pleasure in the form of happiness or bliss. As you can tell, a stunning landscape does more than just draw in and captivate those customers.

Offers Better Security and Privacy

If you want to add some increased privacy for your business, a little bit of greenery can provide security to your property. Along with that, all that concealment makes it harder for those passing by to look into your windows. You might even reduce your chances of someone breaking into your property.

Since landscape can help to limit the view of your business, you can give your patrons some privacy. This landscaping is the ideal addition for restaurant cafes and outdoor patios. You could add certain trees and shrubs to create a beautiful green screen.

Increases Spending from Clients

If you want to attract clients, your business needs to be properly maintained with some aesthetically pleasing features. Those landscaping elements are more likely to attract customers who are willing to spend more on services and products.

With professional landscaping, your potential patrons will see your business as well-organized and competent. A stunning landscape can do more than just improve the overall look of the property. These features are the perfect way to increase sales. It will go a long way to boost your retail space’s beauty and add to an increase in revenue.

Boosts Your Market Value

Along with adding to your sales, commercial landscaping can improve the value of your property. When you make an enhancement to your space with well-manicured landscaping, it does boost your market value. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it has economic advantages for you. You can think of landscaping as a sound investment.

If you ever decide to sell your business, your property will not be languishing on the marketplace for too long. You are more likely to receive offers on your property, and some of them might offer more than what you had initially paid.

Show Your Concern for the Environment

Many retail owners are turning to greener ways to improve their space. With a well-maintained space, it does show that you care for the environment. Plus, clients are more likely to support those businesses that practice eco-friendly landscaping. You will show that you are concerned for the environment by doing your part to help improve the local area.

Shrubs, flowers, and trees have some advantages for your property. These plants can improve air quality by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Along with that, these plants show your commitment to improving the health of the area.

If you want to add beneficial plants to your retail space, you should talk to a company specializing in commercial lawn care services. These professionals will be able to find the right plants, trees, and shrubs that can enhance and enrich the fauna and flora around your property.

Produces Greater Productivity

Beautiful plants and shrubs can also improve the productivity of your employees. Some studies have shown that a work environment with natural elements can contribute to the improved mental health of their workers. Your employees can take a break in a well-manicured space that will give them a positive experience and help them recharge during that downtime.

As a result, you will have workers who put in extra effort to increase their productivity. Plus, a productive environment leads to satisfied clients. In turn, these clients will support your company and help spread the word about your business.

Saves Money and Time

When you want to maintain your retail landscape, it can be time-consuming. You have a business or retail space to operate, and the last thing on your list is keeping up with the landscape elements. For that reason, you want to hire a commercial landscaper to help with those chores.

With these services, you can redirect your focus to those more pressing issues. You don’t have to worry about watering, trimming, or planting your shrubs. Professional landscapers can help find the best trees and plants that make your property stand out from the crowd. For example, you can elect to have rotating flowers that change with the seasons.

These experts have the right tools, knowledge, and experience to transform the look of your retail landscape. In addition to that, they can boost your curb appeal as you save time and money. However, the rewards will be significant since you will see more clients patronizing your business.

Charlestown Landscaping Can Help With Retail Spaces

Retail landscaping can help your business in a variety of ways. From creating a positive atmosphere to attracting new customers, you want to add these elements to improve your retail space. You don’t have to do it all by yourself. Charlestown Landscaping LLC can assist with commercial lawn care. Our team has the experience to handle all these chores, and you can focus on operating your business.

Along with traditional lawn care needs, we can also help with snow removal and seal coating your lots. You get a complete one-stop service from us. Our team will help you achieve the landscape of your dreams. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at (610) 608-3965.

Summer Lawn Care For Commercial Properties

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In the summertime, your lawn will see a lot of action. People will walk across the surface, children often play and run over the turf, and some social gatherings can add equipment to the green spaces. If you are a property owner, you want to have a healthy lawn throughout the year.

Along with heavy traffic, heat and low rainfall can cause troubles for your lawn. Even the best-made maintenance plans can be derailed when the weather refuses to cooperate. For a healthy lawn, you will want to know the specific lawn species on your ground. With the right care plan in hand, you can minimize damage and stress as you continue to develop a healthy and green lawn.

Different Lawn Types

Before you can create a maintenance plan for your lawn, you need to find out what species you have at your property. In the Mid-Atlantic regions, you will typically find cool-season grasses. These varieties include ryes and fescues. This type of grass does well when the weather is cooler in the spring and fall. By summertime, the turf will go dormant unless you provide it with plenty of supplemental water.

In the southern part of the country, you will typically find warm-season grasses. Bermuda grass and zoysia are some examples of these grasses. These species will thrive in dry and hot summers. When it is spring and fall, they will tend to have a dead appearance.

For most commercial properties, you will find a blend of these grasses. However, the local climate will dictate whether cool- or warm-season grasses should be used for your property.

Tips for Summer Lawn Care

If you want a lawn that shines in the summertime, there are some care tips that you need for your space. First, you should think about raising the level of your lawnmower. The lawn should be mowed at no less than 3 inches in the summer. At this height, the grass can shade out any weeds, and it will help to encourage deep roots. If you mow too often and too close to the ground, the turf is more susceptible to high heat and droughts.

Avoid Heavy Fertilizers

You already know that you need to feed your lawn. However, you should avoid any heavy fertilization in the summer. During those hot months, the fertilizer can burn the ground. All that excess nitrogen can create disastrous results, especially if your area is experiencing a drought. You also might find that your lawn is more brittle than usual. Summertime feedings can be added to your maintenance plans, but make sure you are keeping your lawn hydrated with an automatic irrigation system.

Give the Right Amount of Water

If you have already noticed, lawns need water for a lush and healthy appearance. An established lawn requires about 1.5 inches of water each week. That is the equivalent of 30 minutes of water about three times a week. For those properties with an irrigation system, you should adjust the zones of your space for additional moisture. You can always consult with a professional company that offers commercial lawn care services. They will be able to help you determine the ideal amount of water for your lawn.

Restore Your Grass

People can do plenty of damage to a lawn. During the summer, you don’t want foot traffic trampling your already-stressed blades of grass. In some cases, the grass can die in the fall. However, that doesn’t mean you need to rope off the lawn and keep everyone off your turf. You might want to schedule an overseeding treatment and aeration in the fall. These treatments can re-establish grass and increase turf density. With these processes, you can restore those spaces that have suffered damage from those summer crowds.

Keep Fido Off the Lawn

Pets love those nice grassy areas. Unfortunately, pet waste contains high levels of ammonia, and it can create brown spots on the lawn. You don’t want to leave those unsightly areas on your grass. If you want to stop treating those damaged areas, it might be time to rope off a section just for your four-legged friend.

Manage Those Weeds

Weeds are another summertime issue, but you might want to skip some of those harsh treatments. Crabgrass and gooseberry are annual weeds that will eventually die off at the first frost. The best type of treatment involves an aggressive pre-emergent in the spring. With this method, you can keep weeds from sprouting. However, clover and nutsedge are best removed in the summer. When you use weed control measures during this season, it can leave open spots that will need a reseeding session in the fall.

Creating a Summer Maintenance Plan

Before the start of summer, you want to create a plan to keep your lawn healthy throughout the season. Summer lawn maintenance typically includes weed control, mowing, pest control, and irrigation. If you don’t want to handle these chores by yourself, you should think about outsourcing the work to a commercial lawn care service. These companies have the experience to address your lawn care needs.

When you have a well-maintained lawn, it can increase your property value by as much as 15 percent. Part of a beautiful landscape includes summertime lawn care, and there are some tips to follow. You should try to reduce the number of chemicals used on the property. It is also important to add supplemental water and prevent any mechanical damage to your turf. By putting these measures in place, you can ensure that your grass will stay strong well into the fall.

Let Us Help With Summer Lawn Care

During the summer, you don’t want to break your back with this hard work. At Charlestown Landscaping LLC, our team of professionals will take care of those heavy chores. We will make sure your grass is free from weeds and pests. Along with that, we’ll provide the right amount of irrigation for a healthier and greener space. Your lawn is in the right hands during the fall as we provide overseeding and aerating services.

We can help develop a summer lawn care program that is right for your commercial property. Don’t neglect your lawn this summer! If you are ready for a professional touch to your summer maintenance plans, please give us a call at (610) 608-3965.

Landscaping For Hotels: 7 Ways To Enhance The Guest Experience

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Over the past year, the travel industry has taken a few hits. However, more people are choosing to take vacations, and you will want to attract them to your hotel. Landscaping is the ideal way to increase your guests’ experiences and keep them returning to your resort. Plants and flowers provide a relaxing and inviting way to boost the appearance of your property. Here are a few ways that you can use landscaping to enhance those spaces around your hotel.

Make a Great Impression

You have probably heard about curb appeal. It works the same way for hotels and resorts. You have only one chance to impress your guests. With some well-maintained features and a modern design, you can create a beautiful atmosphere for guests and employees. Let’s look at the seven ways you can boost the resort-like experience for your guests.

1 – Add Some Natural Appeal With a Garden

Some of the most famous hotels and resorts use park-like grounds and manicured gardens to treat their guests. For those urban resorts, you might want to add some colorful plants to the property’s exterior areas. The beautiful blooms and aromatic scents provide some natural aesthetics to your hotel space.

Many hotels will use greenery to break up those cold concrete spaces around a pool deck. The area can be spruced up with hanging flower baskets filled with seasonal colors for an outdoor bar or patio. Trellises and ramadas not only provide shade, but they will add some natural elements to your property, especially if you use vines to encourage growth in these areas.

2 – Pool Deck Alternatives

Pools are great amenities for hotel guests, but you can stand above the crowd by adding a sculpture court or zen garden to your space. These areas will refresh the mind and body. With their simplicity, they can be soothing and only need minimal upkeep.

By adding some modern chaises and benches, you can treat your guests and create opportunities for conversations. Some people might even want to take time to indulge in a good book. These low-key spaces are great people-pleasers.

Outdoor cafes are another gem that you might want to create for your guests. They can enjoy a drink or snack around your beautiful manicured space. These outdoor rooms are gaining in popularity with homeowners, and you should think about adding these spots to your hotel.

3 – Create Family-Friendly Retreats

Families are getting back into vacation mode, and they want to find a hotel with family-friendly amenities. A learning garden is a new feature for many places. With this garden, you can plant specimen trees, flowers, and shrubs with plaques to tell a story. You should think about adding a grassy picnic area for the kids or design a family-friendly space with a sandbox. Some bouncy animals or swing sets can add to a family’s fun at your resort.

However, you need to be mindful of safety concerns. If you want to add these features to your hotel, it might be time to find a company specializing in commercial lawn care services. These professionals understand landscaping design, and they can help you create a fun and safe environment for adults and children.

4 – Add Some Whimsy With Hotel Landscaping

No matter the age, everyone will enjoy fun outdoor games and activities. You can think outside of the traditional sand volleyball court or putting green. A bocce ball court, croquet lawn, or horseshoe pits are some unexpected but welcome amenities for guests. You might want to add benches to encourage others to watch a match. Add some tables for an outdoor game room, and make sure to brighten up your space with plenty of flowers and greenery.

5 – Trade Water Features for a Fire Pit

Almost every hotel has a swimming pool and hot tub. When you have these features, you are not standing out from the crowd. However, if you have a fire pit, you can create a space that will produce exciting conversations from the guests as they gather around the fire. For an added touch, bring some ottomans and outdoor lounges to the space. Coffee bars and alcohol services will lead to a good time for all those adult guests. You don’t have to be formal. By adding some low-maintenance features, you can enhance the experiences for your guests.

6 – Light Up Your Spaces

Bright lights and neon signs are old-fashioned elements. You can add glowing orbs near the ground level. Solar pathway lighting and artistic light posts are other great lighting features. In your trees, think about stringing up a “firefly” light near the trunks. With those lights, you can add plenty of drama to your spaces.

If you have garden art or bare walls, increase their appeal with colored lights and changing patterns. Along with that, you want to be generous with plenty of security lighting.

7 – Professional Advice for Hotel Landscaping

When you have a hotel property, you want to maintain your landscaping with a one-of-a-kind outdoor environment that sets you apart from competitors in the area. Beautiful and welcoming landscaping strikes a chord with many guests. They will love these features, and those amenities are part of what makes guests return to your property. It takes plenty of experience to upkeep these areas. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you should consult with an experienced team to design your perfect hotel outdoor space and maintain it throughout the year.

Let Charlestown Landscaping Design Your Hotel Dream Space

If you are looking for the best commercial lawn care service in the area, reach out to the team at Charlestown Landscaping LLC. From hotel properties to commercial buildings, we understand the unique needs of your space. We know that you want to stand out from other hotels. Our team will help you find the best landscaping features to enhance all your guests’ experiences.

Lawn care is more than mowing the grass and trimming the trees. We will help maintain your grounds from spring to winter. You can schedule a consultation with our team. If you need help to beautify your hotel space, call us at (610) 608-3965.

Front Walkway Landscaping Ideas for Commercial Outdoor Spaces

Front Walkway Landscaping Ideas for Commercial Outdoor Spaces

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When you own a business, you want to make sure that every element of your property catches the eye of new and returning customers. You put time and effort into your business, and you don’t want to leave out any details. However, most people often overlook their property’s most essential feature: the front walkway. If you have clients coming to your office or headquarters, you want a welcoming space for them. A neglected landscape does not make a great impression. Your front walkway needs to look its best to greet your employees, clients, and guests. Here are a few ways that you can enhance the look of your front walkway for those commercial outdoor spaces.

Improve Your Design

Walkways are essential, but they are often overlooked on your property. When these areas are improved, it can boost the look of your commercial space. As a business owner, you understand that your company and landscape go together. Meeting clients in a poorly maintained landscape sends the wrong message. If you are serious about the look of your commercial outdoor spaces, there are a few ways to brighten up those landscaped areas.

Create a Beautiful Pathway

If you have an old walkway, it might be time to install a newer path to your office. You can always get some input from employees and clients about what should be added to your front space. For those who are creating a new walkway, you should avoid any multiple curves or sharp turns. You never want to send clients through a maze to reach your front door. It is better to stick with straight or sweeping curves to give a more formal impression to your entranceway. These natural pathways will complement the design of any landscape. You also want to have plenty of space for a walkway. You should design a space with at least a minimum width of 4 feet. Before you dig, consider the shape of the path and traffic flow. As visitors walk up to your building, give them enough room so that they can admire the rest of your property’s beautiful landscape.

Boost Your Borders

It can take a lot of planning to design a functional walkway. You can use a few methods to boost the look of your outdoor space. Many property owners create a whole new concrete path, but others will look for ways to add a new feature, like a border, to these spaces. You can line the sides of the path with an edging of sawdust or wood chips. Landscaping rocks also make excellent liners for your pathways. You might even want to use colored rocks and stones for added beauty to your borders. Small shrubs and ferns are the perfect cover plants, and they fit into those tiny border areas. You might want to use native plants to provide some beauty throughout the year. As an added bonus, these plants require minimal maintenance.

Add Ornamental Flowers

Ornamental flowers are always an excellent idea for your landscape. If you want some more color, consider placing a few beautiful flowers along the walkway. With a touch of color, you can break up the concrete path’s harshness. There are many choices for your space, and you can choose the right selections with the help of a commercial lawn care company. These professionals have the expertise to find the right colors and species for your space. Flowers can add beauty to your office building during the spring and summer. In addition to that, these plants are often easy to maintain.

For those edges, you should choose the low-growing verbena. Variegated liriope works well as a border plant, and it can even tolerate the occasional trample from pedestrians. If you are looking for color, you should select a perennial flower like the hibiscus. Tulips are also popular choices to brighten up your commercial landscape. However, you always want to make sure that these flowers highlight your walkway and not block them. You don’t want clients having to fight through a jungle of shrubs and flowers to make their way to your office. Some commercial lawn care services can help you choose the right shrubs, trees, and flowers for your space.

Shed a Little Light

Safety is always a concern for property owners. You want to keep those pathways safe and visible after the sun has set. There are several ways that you can incorporate low-voltage LED lighting into your landscape design. Many property owners choose LED products because they are efficient, need little maintenance, and last for several years. You might even want to look at solar-powered lights to cut down on energy and installation costs.

When you place these lights on your property, they need the right amount of space. You never want too many lights on the property, or it can look like you are stepping into a spotlight. It is important to allow the shape of the walkway to determine where you place the lights. These lights should be situated at the walkway’s entrance, spots where the path changes direction, and near the path’s end. During those darker days, your visitors will appreciate the added lights as they keep everyone safe on your property.

Make Your Space Shine With Commercial Landscaping

If you are ready to take your landscaping to the next level, you need the assistance of a professional landscaping and lawn care company. Many of these companies offer design services that can improve the look of your outdoor spaces. With the right design concept, you can find a landscape that will fit perfectly into your property.

At Charlestown Landscaping LLC, we will strive to help you achieve a landscape that will promote your business, attract more customers, and revitalize your outdoor spaces. From snow removal to lawn care, we can improve the look of your space. If you want to boost the appearance of those tired outdoor spaces, make sure to reach out to us. You can schedule a consultation by calling our office at (610) 608-3965.

Beginner's Guide to Spring Landscaping

Beginner’s Guide to Spring Landscaping

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The snow is finally melting, and spring is almost here. Spring is a great time to start preparing your commercial space for the growing season. If you are new to those spring landscaping chores, make sure to read this handy guide. From pruning to planting, these few tips will help beginners spruce up their landscapes.


Spring Lawn Care Is Important


In the spring, it is vital to tend to all those outdoor chores. If you want a well-maintained yard for the summer, now is the time to start doing a bit of maintenance. By summer, you will appreciate your hard work as you enjoy a green and lush landscape.

You want to keep up with the look of your yard. A well-maintained space adds some beauty to your property. It also improves the appearance of your neighborhood. A healthy lawn can help to absorb any extra rainfall throughout the season to prevent flooding. Healthy plants and turf will stop soil erosion, create more oxygen, and trap pollutants in the air. Along with that, these landscaping elements are known to cool down the air around your property.

Planting in the Spring

Spring is the best time to plant, but you want to wait until the temperature reaches above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Certain grass seeds thrive at specific times in the spring. Some grass grows better with an early spring planting, and others will flourish when planted closer to early summer.

There are two types of grasses: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. These grasses grow best in their respective climates. For example, cool-season grasses prefer those areas with mild summers and colder winters. On the other hand, warm-season grass thrives in hot and humid springs and summers.

Cool-season grasses can typically be found around the Pennsylvania area. Fescues, bluegrasses, and bentgrasses are part of these varieties. If you want to plant during this season, make sure to sow them about mid-spring. That schedule will give the seeds plenty of time to develop in the cool soil before facing the summer’s warm temperatures.

There are several types of warm-season grasses. Bermuda, St. Augustine, and zoysia are some examples of these grasses. As the temperatures start to rise, these seeds enjoy all the benefits of the warmer soil.

No matter the type of grass in your landscape, you want to plant the seeds according to their specific requirements for your area.

Think About Fertilizing

Fertilizer adds essential nutrients to the soil. You want to know the ideal time to feed your plants and grass. Typically, feeding should be done between March and May. Some grasses will grow very fast in those warmer climates. However, if you feed the lawn too early in the spring, it can actually promote the growth of weeds. Your lawn will thrive when you fertilize in the spring as the growth cycle begins for the season. As the blades begin to develop, the grass enjoys that extra boost of nutrition.

Plant Those Perennials in Spring

After a long and cold winter, you might be ready to add some color to your landscape. Spring is the ideal time to plant flowers around your property. You will need to plant when the ground is moist. For most places in the country, that is about March to early May.

You might have heard flowers described as perennials or annuals. Perennials will live for about three years, and the annuals typically last for only one growing season. Those annuals produce more vibrant blooms than perennials. You can enjoy the look of annuals throughout the growing season. Some annuals include zinnias, petunias, and marigolds.

Perennials will live in your landscape for a few seasons. As a result of that, these plants and flowers do not bloom as long as an annual. Many homeowners and professional landscapers pair annuals with perennials to maintain some color throughout the season. Lilies, asters, and tulips are some examples of perennials.

If you have flower bulbs, you will want to plant in the spring. Gladiolus and dahlias have tender bulbs, and it is best to plant them in the early spring. Most perennials will thrive in slightly moist soil. It is best to plant in March or early May. Some of these spring plants include geraniums, peonies, daffodils, and pansies.

For those who want tulips for spring, you may be out of luck if you wait until springtime to plant them. Tulips provide a beautiful tapestry of colors for the spring, but it is essential to plan for their growing season.

Tulips are grown from bulbs, and they need 14 weeks of cold weather to store up nutrients from the ground. If you plant tulip bulbs in the spring, these pretty flowers might not show up until the following spring season. For the best time to plant these beautiful flowers, you should target a time in the late winter.

Check Your Hardiness Zones

If you want your plants and flowers to thrive in your landscape, you need to check your hardiness zones. A hardiness zone is a geographical region in the United States. The USDA specifies these zones, and they give landscapers and homeowners information about which plants can grow in their areas.

Spruce Up Your Space

Before the growing season kicks into full gear, you want to walk around your property and clean up some of that winter mess. You can rake up any debris in the garden beds. Check your lawn for damage from the snow. Springtime is the perfect opportunity to do some maintenance work on your space before the hot weather creeps into the area.

Early spring is a great time to get your commercial property ready for the late spring and summer. If you are looking for professional help, make sure to contact a commercial lawn care company.

We Can Help With Those Springtime Chores

If you want a beautiful landscape without the hassles, we are ready to help. Charlestown Landscaping LLC provides commercial lawn care services throughout the year. Our team will maintain your spaces so that you never have to worry about your plants, trees, or lawn. If you want to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at (610) 608-3965.

Common Problems Managers Face with Commercial Grounds Care

Common Problems Managers Face with Commercial Grounds Care

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When you are managing a commercial property, it is no easy task. This role carries plenty of responsibility, especially if you need to handle the grounds care. Maintaining the look of your commercial property is more than trimming trees and mowing the grass. You need to be concerned with the safety of your clients, residents, and tenants. Along with that, commercial properties want to have landscaping that stands out from the crowd. Here is a brief look at some of the common ground care problems facing managers.

Managing the Entire Property

As you already know, a property manager is responsible for the entire commercial property. You must make decisions that will affect the functionality and appearance of your outdoor spaces. It is also your responsibility to keep those areas safe for clients, tenants, or other visitors. If you want to succeed, you should implement a program that can keep your spaces looking great throughout the year.

If you want to take something off your plate, consider hiring a commercial lawn care company. They have the expertise to handle all these tough outdoor jobs. You have enough on your schedule, and you can reduce your workload with help from an experienced landscaping team.

Common Problems

There are plenty of sneaky issues that can affect the look of your commercial landscape. Watch out for these problems around your property.

Poor Drainage

Drainage is always a concern for many property managers. If your drainage system leaks, you could experience flooding around the property. Drainage issues don’t just cause problems in the summer. If the downspouts drain on the sidewalk in the winter, you could be facing some severe consequences. Dangerous ice buildup can become a hazard for your employees and clients. A lawsuit from a slip and fall accident will only cause more issues.

Drainage can affect other areas of your landscape. If the parking lot floods, your customers might not be able to reach the front door. Those wet, sunken spots in your lawn will turn into unsightly brown patches throughout the summer. It is better to get these problems fixed before they turn into a big headache.

Bad Mowing and Watering Schedules

As you manage your property, you will want to set a schedule for mowing and watering the grass. Most people think that watering the grass at night is an ideal time. However, that water can linger on the grass blades as diseases develop in the yard. You want to opt for an early morning watering schedule. With this time, the sun can evaporate any leftover water droplets. As a bonus, if you water early in the morning, you don’t have to worry about getting visitors wet with the water sprays.

An early mowing schedule can also be beneficial for mowing the lawn. On that schedule, your clients and employees can avoid walking in the path of a lawnmower or getting sprayed with cut grass debris.

No Tree Trimming

Like most property managers, you probably have some trees around the property. If you want those trees to shine in your landscape, they must be trimmed. Many managers think they can live without professional pruning, but it can affect the health and appearance of your trees. Pruning helps the tree grow into a stable, healthy, and well-shaped specimen. If you skip pruning at a critical time in the growth stage, you might end up with a tree that is prone to diseases. The appearance of the tree will also suffer. Your tree might grow into a walkway or building. In the worst cases, you might even lose the tree.

Inadequate Irrigation Systems

Irrigation is another factor that many property managers tend to overlook. If you can get water during the rainstorm, why bother with irrigation? In many places, summers bring dry spells. You can keep your trees, shrubs, and flowers well-watered with an irrigation system. For even more convenience, you might want to consider installing a smart water irrigation system. Many of these modern systems even have rain sensors so that you don’t waste money on water. These smart systems also have controllers to turn off certain parts of the system if a line breaks in your yard. With these systems, you can save money on your water bills and keep up the health of your landscape.

Inefficient Snow Removal

Now that all the summer problems are covered, you should think about those wintertime issues. Snow removal is often a headache for many property managers. When the snow falls, it has to be removed from your commercial property. You need to plan for proper snow storage. If you don’t have a designated place for the snow, then it can block parking spaces for your clients and workers.

Plowing can also cause issues with your landscape. When the property boundaries are not marked off, snowblowers end up plowing snow into your landscape and tearing up plants and grass. Along with that, you also have to worry about keeping those slick surfaces safe from ice.

With a bit of planning, you can prevent these problems for the winter. If you want fewer snow removal hassles, you should contact a landscaping company to remove that snow. Many commercial lawn care services offer commercial property help throughout the year.

We Have Solutions To Your Problems

At Charlestown Landscaping LLC, we understand those commercial grounds care issues. Our team can help with the maintenance, irrigation, tree care, and snow removal around your property. With our services, you can be confident that your commercial property’s landscaping is in the right hands.

As a property manager, you have plenty of issues to handle. Why should you keep worrying about grounds care and maintenance? With our services, we are ready to help with all your landscaping needs. Our professional team has the right equipment and expertise to handle all those tough jobs. If you are ready to let the professionals take care of your commercial space, make sure to contact us. You can schedule a consultation by calling our office at (610) 608-3965.

Landscaping Tips for Commercial Properties

Landscaping Tips for Commercial Properties

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If you want your landscape to look flawless throughout the year, you must maintain the lawn, trees, flowers, and other elements on your property. A well-maintained space increases your reputation and invites customers to your business. Many property owners often put the maintenance of these outdoor spaces on the back burner. However, with commercial landscaping, you can present the best image to your clients and surrounding community. If you need some tips to maintain your commercial space, keep reading this guide. With a few tricks and ideas, you can boost the look of your outdoor areas.

Your Landscaping Matters

If you want to enhance your commercial property’s appearance, you need to take care of a few key areas. A beautifully landscaped property not only looks great, but it can create a healthier environment for your employees or tenants. In turn, many people will have a favorable opinion of your business and property. Those who need help with their landscaping should reach out to a professional lawn care company. These professionals have the expertise to make your outdoor spaces stand out from other businesses.

Pay Attention To the Entrance

If you have a commercial building, you will want to create an appealing and inviting entrance for your workers and clients. You can spruce up the entrance with a few potted plants or small shrubs. The main entrance should be free of any debris and garbage. No one wants to walk up to a building that looks like it is unmaintained. For an added touch, think about using materials with different colors and textures. Unique pathways are the perfect way to attract new customers to your business.

Add Some Plants

As mentioned, plants can do wonders for the appearance of your landscape. You can frame your company’s sign with shrubs and plants. With some brightly colored plants, you might even catch the eye of those would-be customers. However, make sure to choose plants that will complement the style of your landscape and building.

Buy Some Outdoor Furniture

You might not think about it, but those outdoor spaces are perfect for meetings or other gatherings. Outdoor furniture is an excellent way to allow your employees to enjoy the beautiful landscape. It is also an ideal spot to meet with potential customers.

Add Some Decorative Hardscapes

Along with trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants, you might want to use some decorative features, such as fountains. Stone walkways and colorful flowers are the perfect way to create a pleasant environment around your property.

Provide Better Visibility

Trees are lovely, but they can block the entrance and other parts of your building. You want to have your building seen by people in all directions. By using bright colors, you can make the building “pop” in the neighborhood. Outdoor lighting is also essential for any business. Not only does it help with security, but it increases your visibility in the community. Your property will shine at night with a little extra lighting.

Now that you have found ways to improve the look of your commercial property, there are some other things that you will want to keep in mind. Maintenance should be your top concern. With these tips, you can keep your property free from hazards throughout the year.

Inspect for Damages

You always want to take time to walk around your property. With a little stroll, take note of any wear and tear throughout the grounds. Damage can include sinkholes, broken pavement, and other walking hazards. When you spot an issue, you want to get it repaired as soon as possible.

Check Your Irrigation Systems

For your landscape, it is vital to have a working irrigation system. If there are any damages to the irrigation system, it can lead to problems for you. You always want to check the valves, sprinklers, nozzles, and water pipes for any damages. Whether they are working or not, check these components before you have an issue with soggy soils and floods.

Clean Up Any Debris

If there is litter around your property, clean it up. No one wants to visit a place that looks like a garbage dump. Clean-up should also be completed around your trees, shrubs, and other spots throughout your property. With a little extra care, you will make a great impression with your clients and employees.

Use the Right Fertilizer

If you want your plants and grass to remain healthy throughout the year, you need to feed them at the right time. You can use compost from around your property or add some commercial fertilizer to your spaces. Whatever you choose, make sure to read all the instructions and feed at the ideal time for your grass and plants.

Overseed Your lawn

Most patches in your lawn can be fixed with overseeding. These seeds will germinate in the ground and fill in those unsightly spots. Once the grass has grown, you will want to mow it. By cutting, you can keep up the appearance of your turf as it remains healthy throughout the spring and summer.

Control Weeds and Pests

Weeds are an eyesore for many commercial property managers. They can pop up and choke the life out of your flower beds and grassy areas. You can use some chemicals, but you should leave this job to the professionals. They have all the tools and equipment to get rid of weeds and pests.

With a few tips, you can boost the appearance of your property. If these chores seem like too much work, then it is time to find a company that offers commercial lawn care services. They can help you keep your property looking great throughout the year.

Need Help With Your Commercial Lawn Care?

If you are ready for some assistance with your commercial property, turn to the Charlestown Landscaping LLC team. Our company understands your commercial needs. From mowing the grass to irrigating your lawn, we can help with all those tasks. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at (610) 608-3965.

Is Your Grounds Management Provider Reliable?

Is Your Grounds Management Provider Reliable?

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When searching for a commercial grounds management team for your property, you want to find a professional and reliable company. Anyone can say that they will complete the job to your satisfaction, but very few can actually deliver on those promises. If you doubt your current team’s reliability, make sure to ask a few questions. With these tips, you can find the right commercial management team for your space.

How Long Have They Been in Business?

In today’s world, many people can start a business with little to no experience. While they might deliver outstanding results, you should stick with experience for your property. Landscaping and lawn care are too important to leave to an amateur team, especially if an accident can lead to a lawsuit. You want to make sure your grounds management team can maintain your space and resolve any issues with your property.

Are They Accomplishing All Their Tasks?

The grounds maintenance field can cover a very broad range of services. Many companies try too hard to provide several services or cover too many industries. As a result, these companies might take the contract and give a lackluster effort to your commercial jobs. The best companies understand their limitations and will be upfront with you. If your grounds maintenance team is promising the world but failing to meet your standards, they might not be the right company for you. Great companies understand their strengths and weaknesses. You want to choose a company that will strive to meet your property’s needs.

How Are You Treated?

You understand that there are other customers, but you should get high-quality service. If you have a service request, comment, or complaint, you want your company to respond in a timely manner. Many companies have 24/7 services that allow them to address those issues around the clock. The best companies have a plan to take care of every problem, especially those that need immediate assistance. If your company is avoiding your calls, that is a sign they are unreliable. It might be time to move on to another professional.

Do They Follow Up?

If any problems or concerns are not resolved, that can leave you feeling frustrated. You want to hire a company that reaches out to you and ensures that everything is up to your satisfaction. You should never feel like you are paying for service but receiving poor results. All issues need to be resolved in a timely manner. At the end of the day, you should feel that your grounds management team is living up to your standards. There are plenty of problems that can arise during the year. You want to ensure that your landscaping management company is committed to the job, your professional relationship, and the property’s success.

Strive for Reliability and Professionalism

Many commercial property owners have bad experiences with landscaping management companies. First, you want to choose a company with exceptional communication skills. You also want to find someone who is reliable and consistent. A great professional relationship is built through regular communication. That relationship does not stop when the contract is signed. From the start to the finish of a contract, many great companies have a process in place that shows a commitment to their clients. If your landscaping management team has followed this communication process, you know that they’re a reliable company for your property.

The Process of Hiring a Reliable Contractor

If you haven’t hired a landscaping management team, these few tips can make the process easier for you. There are a few ways to know if you are hiring a reliable landscaping company. When you meet the landscaping management team, you want to see if they are a good fit for your property. The main objective is to establish your goals and budget for the expected service. Along with that, this meeting can help you find solutions that match your needs.

After the introduction meeting, you can get a better feel for the company. When addressing your commercial property needs, you want feedback on how they plan to accomplish the task. At this time, you will know whether the landscaping management team understands your requirements and standards for service.

When you receive a proposal, your grounds maintenance team addresses any concerns and makes any necessary changes to your plans. These in-person or phone meetings allow both parties to ensure they are on the same page before a contract is signed for services. For the signing of the agreement, most ground management companies meet in person. You want to review the start date, project scope, legal language, and site map during this time. After you have signed the agreement, you often have a meeting to introduce the team that will take care of your property.

Most companies want you to get familiar with their landscaping management team as well. You can find the person to contact if there are any issues or questions with your services. Once the contract has been signed, a reliable property management team continues communication with you. Follow-up calls are important as they can note your satisfaction with their service and work quality. A reliable company prioritizes your satisfaction by offering professional services, responsive communication, and comprehensive solutions.

Your Grounds Management Team Should Understand Commercial Landscaping

In short, you want to hire a landscaper who understands your property. A reliable company will specialize in commercial landscaping management. This type of landscaping is different from those residential jobs. You want someone who has the resources to provide you with exceptional services.

You can find out the answers to these questions by looking through their portfolio or checking out those online reviews. These little steps can ensure that you find the right management team for your commercial space. At Charlestown Landscaping LLC, we have the expertise to meet all your commercial property needs. You can count on our reliability and professionalism on the job. If you want to schedule a consultation for your property, make sure to give us a call at (610) 608-3965.

Important Questions To Ask When Hiring an HOA Landscape Contractor

Important Questions To Ask When Hiring an HOA Landscape Contractor

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For those HOA owners, you want to find the right commercial lawn care contractor for your outdoor spaces. Many HOAs landscape contractors sign a contract based on the price and convenience of the services. However, not all landscaping companies are created equal, and some are not qualified to tackle those big jobs. In turn, you could be stuck with a contractor who doesn’t have the right experience and can’t deliver on those landscaping promises. Before that happens to your community, here are a few questions that you want to ask any potential commercial landscaping contractor.

Making Big Decisions

If you are an HOA manager or board member, you must make decisions for your community. It is your responsibility to find a commercial landscaper who can deliver excellent results for your outdoor spaces. After all, your HOA landscape contractor needs help with irrigation management, lawn care maintenance, landscape installation, and tree care. You don’t want to trust those jobs to just anyone. Make sure to ask these questions before you sign on the dotted line.

Are You a Full-Service HOA Landscape Contractor?

What is a full-service landscape contractor? Some HOA landscapers offer full services for your outdoor spaces, but they often cannot fulfill those promises. You want to find a company that can provide a multitude of services that extend beyond primary lawn care and landscaping. It is important to choose a company that can clarify what services will be provided for your community.

Even if you are hiring on a temporary basis, you still want a professional team to trust for future projects. You also want to see if your HOA landscape contractor uses in-house workers for all projects. Some additional services can include concrete installation, water conversion, drip irrigation, and architectural design. In some cases, these companies use subcontractors to outsource those jobs. If they use subcontractors, make sure these workers have the proper experience, insurance, licenses, and credentials to perform the job.

What Safety Practices Do You Use Being an HOA Landscape Contractor?

Many HOAs want to find a contractor who understands and uses safe landscape practices. You want to keep your spaces green and healthy. It is vital for your residents to choose a company that is concerned about the community’s health and safety. Children and pets often play in green spaces. You don’t want to hire a service that will spray dangerous chemicals on the ground. If they need to treat an area, these professionals should be ready to provide sufficient notice to the community. A professional company is also concerned about your landscape’s sustainability, and they may incorporate native plants and trees into your space. Along with that, these experts can give tips to help with water management, create a plan to use eco-friendly products, and reduce carbon emissions around your spaces.

What Are Your Contract Options?

While you want to improve your landscape’s look, you also might want to save a few dollars on your bottom line. Many contractors often give discounts for those services that are bundled together. For example, you can bundle your summer lawn care services with wintertime snow removal. In some cases, you will save money when you sign long-term contracts. If you use a time and material contract, you might also be able to apply discounts to specific services. Many companies are willing to work with you, and they will offer their best deals for your property. For even more savings, make sure to sign with one contractor. Not only will you save money, but you can also save time and resources with a single contractor. One commercial lawn care service can streamline your maintenance needs.

Do You Have a HOA Landscape Contractor License or Certification for the Job?

Anyone can claim to have the experience, but you want to know that they have the proper designations, certifications, and licenses for the job. With these credentials, you can guarantee the right training and professionalism are in place for your landscaping maintenance. Certifications are a great way to see that the company cares about its employees’ professional training. Along with that, certificates and licenses also ensure that your community’s landscaping meets professional standards in service, value, and quality.

Will You Strive for Quality Control?

Many commercial lawn care services claim to have a quality control process in place for HOAs. These processes can help to measure the quality of your landscaping maintenance. However, there are many ways to monitor your landscaping services’ quality. You want to ensure that the company will keep the same work level from the start of the contract to the end. Without these measures in place, you might see some areas unattended in your community. An excellent company continually monitors your landscape to find solutions to problems and maintain the space’s appearance.

How Will You Communicate With Me?

As you can tell, communication is key to any business, especially landscaping. If there are any issues, will they contact you or reach out to another person? You should find out if you will receive a report at the end of the day. Many companies send an email or leave a written report of the day’s progress. You also need to understand the process for reporting a problem. If an emergency occurs, like a broken irrigation system or tree branch, who is the company’s contact? With the answers to your questions, you can avoid any hassle when you need to reach out to the company for service.

Let Us Help With Your HOA

It can be hard to choose the right HOA commercial lawn care service for your community. However, with a few questions, you can find a company that will meet all your needs and provides you with the best service in the area.

At Charlestown Landscaping LLC, we excel at commercial landscaping work at HOAs. We strive to create a beautiful space for you and your residents. When you sign up with us, we can help with tree care, irrigation, lawn mowing, and snow removal. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at (610) 608-3965.

How to Prepare Commercial Landscape for Spring

How to Prepare Commercial Landscape for Spring

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Spring is the time for renewal throughout your landscape. While it might be cloudy and dreary outside, this downtime during the winter is the perfect time to get your commercial landscape ready for the growing season. Some of these tips you can accomplish by yourself, but others you may want the help of a commercial lawn care service. Here are a few things you can do to get your commercial landscape ready for the spring season.

Check Your Tools

During the winter, you might want to go over your gardening tools. You should sharpen blades and oil those hinges. Along with that, make sure that all your equipment is in proper working order. If you have rusty blades, you can use a mill file to sharpen those dull edges. Penetrating oil is an excellent option to remove any corrosion. When you need to cut or dig, the task will be easier with the right equipment. You can get many things accomplished while the weather outside is still cold and gray. When spring comes around, you can spend more time working on your commercial property’s landscape. Even if you hire a professional service, make sure you have some supplies on hand to help with their job.

Clear Out Debris, Mulch, and Weeds

Winter can leave a mess in your landscape. Remove all weeds, mulch, and waste from the bare soil. With that dead organic matter, make sure to place it in the compost pile. Any well-composted mulch can stay on the ground, but your fresh mulch needs to be raked to expose the soil. You should also rake dead branches and old leaves out of your landscape. With a little cover, weeds can quickly take over your space during spring. Any weeds should be completely removed from the soil. You never want to leave any weeds in your garden beds, or you will see them compete with your plants and flowers for water and nutrients.

Repair Any Damage from Snow Plows

Winter can be brutal, especially for a commercial property. When snow is removed from your space, the snow truck can do a little bit of damage. In some cases, the walkways and parking lots are cracked by the snowplows. You will want to repair any damage. Not only is the damage unsightly, but it can be a safety hazard for pedestrians, tenants, employees, or visitors.

Inspect Irrigation Systems

Many property owners or managers understand the importance of a great irrigation system. These systems can help keep your grass and plants green throughout the year. However, winter cold temperatures can cause the pipes to freeze and break. Commercial lawn care services have experts who test out your system and ensure it is in good order. You might have to wait for warmer temperatures, but they will check each sprinkler and monitor your space for leaky pipes. If there is an issue, they will fix it before you need water in the spring or summer.

Repair Damaged Grass

After months of snow on the grass, there is bound to be damage to your turf. As the snow piles melt, you might notice bare spots around your property. You can fix these issues with some extra soil and seeds. If you have severe damage, you might need to replace those areas with sod.

Apply Fertilizer and Mulch

If you don’t have mulch, then late winter is a good time to apply a thick layer. Mulch can keep weeds from establishing in your garden beds. Those pesky weeds will flourish in your landscaping without a layer of mulch on your soil. When the ground thaws, you need to fertilize those plants and grasses. Fertilizer provides the right nutrients for your landscape to reach its full potential.

Prune Trees and Plants

Many trees and plants could use a good pruning during this time of year. Cutting is necessary for trees that bloom on new wood. Late winter and early spring are great times to cut back old wood. When you prune, you can increase your plants’ fruitfulness and growth. This time also allows you to check out any branches damaged by the ice and snow. You can also shape the plant before the buds come out of dormancy. By clearing and trimming those branches, you can enhance your commercial property’s look.

Apply Pest Control Measure

If you want to stop pests in their tracks, you need to start early. At the beginning of spring, you will want to start treatments to eliminate any insects in your lawn. When you do this, you can prevent pests from infesting your landscape.

Prepare Your Soil

Once the frost has lifted, you need to prepare your garden beds. Over the winter season, the soil can become compacted. You can loosen it up by turning or tilting the soil. Any well-composted mulch can be mixed into the ground. After that, you want to add those amendments to the compost. A simple soil test allows you to see if you need to adjust the pH or nutrient levels. If there are problems, you can add some amendments to improve the soil’s texture and nutrient content. Rake the soil and water the ground. Doing these steps gives the ground time to settle and release air pockets.

Groom Your Entrance

Winter can leave behind plenty of dirt and grime, especially near the front of your commercial property’s entrance. You might want to have the walkway power washed for a cleaner appearance. When the weather warms up, you can add potted plants for color near the front door as you make the entrance more attractive for your employees and customers.

We Can Take Care of Those Winter and Spring Tasks

A professional commercial lawn care service can help you tackle these late winter and early spring projects. You can leave all the hard work to the professionals. At Charlestown Landscaping LLC, we can take care of your commercial landscape for the spring season. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at (610) 608-3965.