Category Archives for "Blog"

Palm Tree Maintenance? Xeriscaping? We Do It All!

Looking for a team to help with xeriscape landscaping or other special projects? U.S. Lawns is well-qualified to care for “garden variety” trees and shrubs, but we can also tackle more complex projects, and provide maintenance for plants that need more specialized care. We have teams across the U.S. with years of experience caring for regional plants, and our collective knowledge is unparalleled. Find a few examples of some of our specialized services below.

Palm Tree Maintenance

Palm trees thrive in areas like the hot, dry regions of the U.S, as well as the southeastern states, California and Florida, and their tropical beauty has made them a favorite commercial landscape element. They come in many varieties, so there’s an option for every landscape design. However, their needs are very different from other ornamental trees because they are so unique. For instance, pruning a palm tree requires expertise: a mistake could seriously damage the tree! They have extremely specific maintenance requirements and need to be tended to carefully from the moment they’re planted.

U.S. Lawns can help you care for the palms on your property and, if you’re in a temperate zone and want to add palms, we know just when to plant and how to nurture young trees.

Xeriscape Landscaping 

Xeriscaping has always been a popular landscaping trend in regions like the southwest that are naturally more dry and arid, but other regions have embraced the practice too. It relies on choosing native plants that are likely to thrive in your landscape without needing as much water as a lawn or non-native flowers might require. Xeriscaping is a great way for commercial properties to maintain a beautiful appearance while also saving money on water bills. 

Visitors to commercial properties with xeriscapes love their regional charm and appreciate the efforts to conserve water. Our crews help clients design, create, and maintain these unique and interesting landscapes. Whether you’re looking to create a small garden or redesign your entire landscape, our experts can simplify the xeriscaping process. 

We Can Take On Your Unique Projects

If you’ve been thinking about landscape enhancements that are outside the box, U.S. Lawns is well equipped to help you turn your plans into reality. Our teams have years of experience working with all manner of grasses and plants, and we know just what it takes to carry out your projects efficiently and sustainably. We can even tackle hardscaping and irrigation jobs.

U.S. Lawns can also help you reach your landscaping goals over time. We’ll review your budget, along with your goals, and help devise a plan for realizing the improvements you want to see. We stand out from other landscapers because we don’t just think about the job at hand – we plan far into the future to help save you time, money, and hassle at every opportunity.

Contact us today to learn more about xeriscape landscaping, palm tree maintenance, or any other special projects you have in mind.

Commercial Landscaping and Lawn Care with Local Owner/Operators

Although U.S. Lawns is a national brand with an expansive network of industry experts and suppliers, our locations are run by local owner/operators who are just as invested in commercial landscaping and lawn care as you are — if not more so. Partnering with U.S. Lawns gives you access to the quality control and resources of a national brand, with the community spirit of a business run by neighbors who love to give back. Here, learn more about the benefits of teaming up with your local U.S. Lawns crew. 

U.S. Lawns’ Commercial Landscaping and Lawn Care Services Do It All

Unlike other locally owned and operated landscape businesses, U.S. Lawns is your source for virtually all of your commercial landscaping and lawn care needs, including:

– Snow and ice management

– Regular maintenance

– Ornamental tree care

– Plant health

– Lawn care

Irrigation management and enhancements

These are just a few of the many services we have to offer! Best of all, we can work with you to create a long-term plan that combines some, or all, of these services to help you achieve your landscaping goals. Our priority is to totally manage all of your landscaping needs so that you can focus on the bigger picture of managing your property. 

The Power of the Network

Since 1986, U.S. Lawns has been growing throughout the country and building our commercial landscaping and lawn care network along the way. We’ve developed partnerships with key industry players like suppliers, manufacturers, and experts to pass key benefits along to our customers. Whether it’s competitive rates on the materials needed to get the job done right or expertise to beautify your unique landscape, the network gives us major advantages that can’t be matched by the competition. 

We’re Invested in Your Community

At U.S. Lawns, our priority is achieving 100% customer satisfaction – not just increasing our bottom line.  All of our local owner/operators are provided with resources to help them go above and beyond, such as an estimating and proposal tool that provides accurate pricing to meet the prospect’s budget. Thanks to our many industry connections, owner/operators are also kept up-to-date on the latest products and technologies so they can offer you unparalleled service.

Our owner/operators are most interested in building lasting relationships and planning for the future so that your landscape always looks its very best, without any hassle for you. They take pride in driving by commercial landscapes that beautify communities and are invested in doing the best job for every customer. 

Contact U.S. Lawns today to see how our local team can improve your commercial landscaping and lawn care.

3 Ornamental Tree Types That Add Dimension to Your Landscape

One of our most popular commercial landscaping services is ornamental tree care. A well-planned landscape has beautiful features below, at, and above eyelevel, and ornamental trees are a great way to build that dimension into your property. If you already have ornamental trees on your property, we’re well equipped to care for them throughout the year. If you’re looking to add ornamental trees, a few of our favorites are listed below. When you contact your local U.S. Lawns location, their commercial landscaping team can give you more specific advice about the kinds of ornamental trees that will thrive in your region.

1. Palm Trees

If you live in a warm subtropical region, or a dry desert region, palm trees could be a beautiful addition to your property. They come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s lots of room for choice and creativity.

While these trees are relatively low maintenance once they’ve matured, they have special care requirements in their early days — especially just after they’ve been planted. Our crews have years of experience planting and caring for palm trees during all stages of life to help them flourish, and can help get property managers and owner the best results for their investment.

2. Japanese Maples

Japanese maples generally thrive in cooler climates but can do well in warmer regions if they’re cared for properly. If you’re interested in adding these ornamental trees to your property, we can assess where and how to integrate them into your commercial landscape. 

These trees are especially popular because their brightly-colored leaves liven up landscapes in the spring, summer, and fall. They require minimal pruning, and many property owners love that these trees stay beautiful though every season. They even come in a dwarf variety, so you can choose the size that would look best on your grounds. 

3. Crape Myrtles

Especially popular in the South, these trees are beloved for their summer and fall flowers in shades of white, pink, red, and purple. Crape Myrtles allow property owners to incorporate color and dimension into their landscapes. 

It’s important to carefully prune these trees in the spring and summer, and they should be planted in full sunlight to thrive. Regular pruning can beautify Crape Myrtles by directing growth energy to specific branches and can help them better withstand high winds and inclement weather. 

Our commercial landscaping teams can ensure that Crape Myrtles (along with other ornamental trees) on your property stay healthy year-round. Our expert crews keep track of when to prune, soil health, and pest control so your ornamental trees can flourish. U.S. Lawns can even ensure that your irrigation system is in good working order to care for these trees!

Contact us today to learn more about the commercial landscaping work our teams do to keep ornamental trees healthy.

Prepare Your Lawn for Scorching Summer Heat with Commercial Lawn and Landscape Maintenance

Getting the right commercial lawn and landscape maintenance services in place for summer is crucial. While many landscapes are in “full flower” throughout the summer months, the scorching heat can take a major toll on plants and lawns if they’re not cared for properly. Here are a few things you can do now to keep your landscape healthy throughout the season. 

Maximize the Efficacy of Your Irrigation System

Is your irrigation system in good working order? Will it be able to water all the plants on your property? U.S. Lawns can assess this for you, and now is the time to be sure. When we visit your commercial property, we’ll carefully inspect your irrigation system to ensure that it’s working well and will keep your plants watered and healthy. If adjustments are needed, our crews can make them for you. We can also help you upgrade to a smart system so you can keep your landscape healthy while conserving water throughout the summer. 

A great irrigation system is the key to proper commercial lawn and landscape maintenance!

Keep Weeds to a Minimum

Just like the other plants on your landscape, weeds thrive during the summer. Not only are they unsightly, weeds can also trigger allergies and leach from your lawn by stealing water and nutrients that grass needs to survive. Furthermore, they create competition for your turf, edging out the plants you want to cultivate. 

It’s important to choose an effective technique when removing weeds. The wrong solution could make the problem worse. Through a variety of products and applications, U.S. Lawns can provide solutions to help maintain a weed-free lawn. Our knowledgeable crews will select the option that makes the most sense for your property. 

Invest in Professional Commercial Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

Many property managers know that regular mowing, along with other proper lawn care practices, is the key to a healthy lawn. But sometimes, the details are overlooked. For instance, many people don’t know that factors as simple as the weather can determine best mowing techniques.

What is the weather like when you mow? What’s the temperature? How long or short should you cut your grass? In what direction should you mow? U.S. Lawns takes into account factors like the weather conditions, mowing heights for specific turf grass types, and alternate mowing patterns to ensure the best results.

U.S. Lawns crews understand the nuances of these and many other considerations when it comes to lawn care. 

Contact us today to learn how our commercial lawn and landscape maintenance services can keep your turf healthy during the scorching summer heat.

Is Your Property in Good Shape for Spring and Summer?

There’s no doubt that spring and summer are some of our favorite seasons in the commercial landscaping industry. Vibrant green grass, bright seasonal color, and blossoming trees are a welcome change from dreary winter landscapes. Smart commercial property managers ensure a spring cleanup is added to their annual maintenance contract, along with any enhancements. This way, they can make the most of the season and get their property into shape. A spring cleanup is a wise investment.   Cleaning up the winter debris and improving your landscape aesthetics will provide a jumpstart for the rest of the year.

How is Your Lawn Holding Up?

Many lawns emerge from winter looking less than their best. Turf areas require special services which help them recover quicker and ensure that they’re healthy. An initial mowing will clean up leaves, sticks, and twigs that have accumulated over the winter improving the lawn. Furthermore, disease, weeds, and pests can spread quickly if left unchecked. So why wait? Schedule a spring cleanup now to get your lawn healthy and looking its best.

Is Your Irrigation System Up and Running?

Our teams help customers get their irrigation systems back into shape after winter by evaluating systems for optimum performance. For instance, if a blowout was performed on the system before freezing, it will need to be primed again. Once the system is under pressure, we take the opportunity to inspect for any signs of damage and assess how effective your current irrigation system is. If it’s necessary, we can work with you to perform any repairs. We can even help you upgrade nozzles, spray heads, rotors, and controllers to improve the efficiency of your system, allowing you to provide better hydration to your landscape while also conserving water. 

How Would Spring Cleanup Impact Your Landscape?

Spring is a great time for landscape enhancements big and small. U.S. Lawns is well-equipped to provide just about any enhancement services our clients need.

For instance, flowers add to curb appeal and invite visitors to stop and check out your property. Our teams have connections with local nurseries to find you the annuals you want, and they know just when to plant and how to care for flowers to ensure that you enjoy their maximum lifespan.

It’s also an especially good time to plant and care for ornamental trees. Cherry trees, rose trees, Virginia creepers, and wisterias all benefit from careful pruning in the springtime. The proper care now can ensure that they look great throughout the year.

Mulch is another important springtime consideration. Mulching in the springtime can prevent soil erosion, improve your soil and plant health, and even better prepare your property for next winter! 

In addition to these (and many other) enhancements, U.S. Lawns can assess your hardscapes for any winter damage and can facilitate repairs or upgrades should they be needed. If your parking lot or sidewalks sustained winter damage, our crews can likely help repair them while we’re taking care of your spring cleanup.

Ready to schedule a spring cleanup for your commercial property? Contact U.S. Lawns today!

4 Qualities to Look for in a Commercial Landscaper

Finding the right commercial landscaper is critical for any business. They have the power to make or break your curb appeal, which directly impacts your property’s reputation in your community. Furthermore, having a well-cared-for commercial landscape can impact the experience of visitors to your property, and even affect your bottom line! Here are a few insights on what you should look for in a landscaper based on our 30+ years in business. 

1. They Keep Their Word

Just like any strong partnership, your commercial landscaper should be trustworthy and reliable. You should be able to count on them to do the job while honoring the agreed upon scope of work, visit your property at the agreed upon time, and provide you with the quality of service you’d expect. This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many landscapers struggle with one or more of these expectations, so make sure to check out the online reviews of your local landscapers to see how they measure up. 

U.S. Lawns values lasting partnerships with our customers, so keeping our word is one of our key values. We’ve even developed a tool for providing the most accurate estimates possible, taking every detail of your property into account so you’re never surprised by a bill. 

2. They Think Ahead

Your commercial landscape changes with the seasons, so it’s important to find a landscaper who is always thinking ahead. Do they help you plan for snow services during the summer, before winter weather hits? Before spring arrives, are they helping you decide which flowers would thrive on your property? Finding a landscaper who prepares for the future ensures that you’ll never be caught without a plan when the weather changes. 

3. They Offer a Range of Commercial Landscape Services

There are plenty of landscapers who excel at one or two services, whether it’s lawn care, ornamental tree trimming, weed and pest management, and so forth. Many of these companies are great at what they do, but having to contract with various individual companies can suck up valuable time that could otherwise be spent managing the day-to-day operations of your business. You’d be wise to try to find a commercial landscaper who can offer you multiple key services. 

U.S. Lawns stands out in this regard. We handle all of the services listed above and many more – even snow and ice management! We strive to be the one-stop resource for all of our clients’ landscaping and maintenance needs. 

4. They Have Experience with Properties Like Yours

The needs of a commercial landscape are very different from those of residential grounds, and even within the commercial sector, there are vast differences between apartment complexes, industrial parks, retail establishments, and so forth. Make sure to do some research on any landscapers you’re considering, to ensure that they’ve had experience tending to properties like yours. Having been in business since 1986, U.S. Lawns has seen it all and is prepared for any job on any commercial property.

Want to learn more about what makes a great commercial landscaper? Contact U.S. Lawns today to see the difference for yourself.

Adding Color With Annual Flowers

Use the colors of annual flowers to attract customers to your property. The quality of your landscape is often the first thing people see when they are approaching your commercial property or business, so it’s important to make a statement. Obviously, you want to make sure the grass is mowed regularly and looks green and healthy. The trees and shrubs should be neatly trimmed, and your grounds clear of weeds and debris. But one very effective way to attract attention to your property is by utilizing the colors of annual flowers in your landscape.

Whether you’re a commercial property owner or manager, a facility manager or you’re responsible for keeping occupancy rates up in an apartment community, office building or retail space, your company has specific goals. You want to utilize all the means at your disposal to achieve them – starting with making the right first impression.

Make focal points pop with the right seasonal color

Do you want your grounds to stand out from the surrounding competition? Or, do you need to draw attention to your company’s signage, or the entrance to your community or facility? Adding the right seasonal color in just the right place can really make focal points pop. Our U.S. Lawns professionals understand how to use annual flowers to best accomplish just that.

We can line sidewalks and pathways with brightly blooming flowers, or if your entryway is small, we can use colorful container plants around entrances to complement the building or your hardscape features. We can also use annuals around trees and shrubs or to draw special attention to important signage around your grounds; or to make specific locations easy to spot; and of course, to help beautify the grounds with flower beds filled with annuals.

Why annuals?

1. The whys for using annuals, especially in a commercial landscaping setting are many:
2. You can replace them on a seasonal basis, so there is always fresh color.
3. They offer variety and versatility in color, shape and size that can be expertly planted in flower beds to create an eye-catching pattern.
4. Annuals can be a cost-effective way to create an inviting atmosphere that draws customers and makes your property memorable.
5. There are annual flowers for virtually every type of climate and environment.
6. Annuals tend to have a longer blooming period than perennials.

What’s the difference between annual flowers and perennials?

The short answer is this:

1. The complete life cycle of annuals is just one season, but they bloom for a long time.
2. Perennial plants can live for many seasons.

Now here’s an interesting point. Depending on climate and growing conditions, some plants can be both annuals and perennials:

In the Northern zones, some plants like fuchsias are not hearty enough to survive the harsh winter temperatures but will grow and thrive for years in southern regions.

Alternatively, some plants such as certain varieties of lavender require the winter dormancy stage to come back and bloom in the spring or summer.

Then there are favored and popular annuals like begonias and marigolds that have a one-season lifecycle and can thrive almost everywhere.

There’s so much to know, but the good news is, commercial landscape management experts at U.S. Lawns can make it easy for you. As a locally owned national brand, we live in your neighborhood, so we know what will thrive and we’re committed to being a true business friend – getting to know you and to understand your goals. That’s how we help you save time, energy, headaches and your budget.

So take advantage of the planting seasons to help your property look beautiful and inviting. Start early to put a plan in place that works for you and your company.

Helping the Environment and Your Bottom Line with the Right Commercial Landscape Irrigation System

In times of economic downturn, upgrading your commercial landscape irrigation system might seem like a frivolous expense. However, the truth is just the opposite. Having an efficient irrigation system can actually conserve water, saving you money on your utility bills. Of course, these systems are great for more than conserving resources. A properly set-up and maintained irrigation system will also help protect your most expensive landscape elements, such as ornamental trees and shrubs. They recover slower than turf grass after drought events and need close care for their first two to three years after planting. Adequate hydration is a must for keeping them healthy. 

How Do Smart Irrigation Systems Work?

Smart irrigation systems differ from traditional timer-based systems because of the sophisticated technology they utilize. For instance, some smart systems rely on soil sensors: if the soil is already well-hydrated, they won’t turn on. If water is needed, they’ll activate themselves until adequate hydration is achieved, then turn themselves off. Timer-based systems, on the other hand, turn on and off indiscriminately. They run for a set period of time between certain hours of the day, so overwatering and underwatering are real concerns. Features of smart irrigation systems include:

1. ZIP code input or latitude input
2. Sprinkler type input
3. Plant type input
4. Soil type input
5. More/Less ET Tuning
6. Watering run times
7. Review menu displays accumulated ET deficits by zone
8. Display maximum run time and minimum soak time
9. Displays temperature readings (daily high/low) for previous five days
10. Accumulates total run times by zone from the last reset date
11. Clear deficits for all zones
12. Extended rain delay programmable from 0 – 99 hours

How Do I Find the Right System for My Property?

Finding the right irrigation system for your property might seem like a daunting task, but U.S. Lawns will take care of the details. We’ll look at factors like the weather in your area, the size of your property, and the varieties of plants on your landscape to generate options for you to consider. We’ll even handle the installation, so you won’t need to worry about a thing. 

U.S. Lawns Helps Maintain Customers’ Commercial Landscape Irrigation Systems

In addition to streamlined selection and installation processes, our customers don’t need to go through any hassle to keep their systems running smoothly. Our teams maintain commercial landscape irrigation systems throughout the year to keep them in good working order.

We think you’ll be impressed by the difference a smart irrigation system can make for your landscape and your budget. If you’re looking to conserve even more water, our teams can help analyze your water usage and make suggestions.

The U.S. Lawns—Weathermatic Partnership

U.S. Lawns is proud to partner with Weathermatic, giving our customers access to the most sophisticated commercial irrigation systems on the market. Weathermatic is the water industry’s largest provider of EPA-certified, smart irrigation controllers with over 600,000 units worldwide. These controllers are perfect for large properties, such as resorts, because they allow for 24/7 monitoring and save significant amounts of water — 38% on average! Through leasing options, U.S. Lawns can help clients save thousands in up-front installation costs. Read more about Weathermatic here.

Contact U.S. Lawns today to learn more about how an upgrade to your commercial irrigation systems could improve your landscape and save you money.

Why Commercial Landscaping is a Top Priority

Spring cleanup landscaping is a necessity for commercial properties of all kinds. We know that it can be difficult for property managers to make the time to get their landscapes into shape, which is why we take the hassle out of spring cleanup landscaping for our customers. Our commercial landscaping services include getting properties ready for spring and summer, helping them to regain their vibrancy after the winter months. Here, we’ll show you why we prioritize landscaping year-round – and why you should, too! 

Regular Care Now Prevents Costly Problems Later

No matter how busy life gets, putting commercial landscaping services on the back burner isn’t a good decision: regardless of the other matters on your plate, your grass will keep growing! That being said, regular grounds care doesn’t have to be a hassle. U.S. Lawns works with all of our customers to come up with unique maintenance plans. From there, we carry them out so you don’t need to be bothered. All you and your property’s guests need to do is enjoy the results.

U.S. Lawns teams regularly visit our customers’ properties to provide them with maintenance as well as enhancements (like seasonal flowers) when needed. This also allows us to spot problems early on before they become larger and more expensive to address. For instance, regular mowing can prevent pest infestations, weeds, excess thatch buildup, and other problems that can destroy a beautiful lawn.

No One Wants to Get Behind on Spring Cleanup Landscaping

Every commercial landscape requires special seasonal care to maximize their property’s beauty now and next season. This is especially true in the springtime. For instance, it’s important to plant annuals at just the right time to ensure that you can enjoy them for their full lifespan. U.S. Lawns helps our customers to find and care for beautiful spring flowers to impress visitors and beautify their neighborhoods. 

Our regular visits ensure that when the seasons change, you’ll be well-prepared for dropping temperatures and falling leaves. Seasonal maintenance helps you to get the most for your money while also planning ahead for your landscape’s future needs. 

Curb Appeal Always Matters

Just as your grass doesn’t stop growing, people don’t stop passing by your property. Countless prospective customers walk or drive by your landscape every day, and the state of your grounds communicates a lot about your company’s values. An overgrown lawn and wild shrubbery could indicate that you don’t put much care into the details – and people remember first impressions.

U.S. Lawns can help ensure that you make a great first impression on everyone who passes by your property. Whether it’s through enhancements (like planting ornamental trees or adding walkways) or simply maintaining the existing features of your landscape, you can count on us to keep it looking great during every season.

Want to learn more about our spring cleanup landscaping services? Contact U.S. Lawns today!

Our Commercial Lawn Services Include Irrigation Maintenance

Do your current commercial lawn services include irrigation management? The key to a beautiful landscape is proper hydration, but attention to irrigation systems often falls to the wayside. U.S. Lawns can help with every aspect of your irrigation maintenance, including upgrading to an entirely new system. Here, we’ll review a few of the ways we tend to our customers’ irrigation systems year-round.

Seasonal Maintenance

Neglecting to properly prepare your irrigation system for winter could lead to damage like burst pipes. We’ll winterize your system by blowing out the pipes and ensuring that it’s prepared to withstand cold temperatures. When spring arrives and you’re ready to start watering your grounds, we’ll ensure that your system is in good working order. Our experts can assess any damage that may have occurred throughout the winter and can help get it up and running smoothly.

Regular Assessment with Our Commercial Lawn Services

When we visit your property for regular maintenance, checking on your irrigation system will be a key task. We’ll ensure that your plants are being properly hydrated and are healthy. U.S. Lawns crews make sure that your system stays in good working order, and they can identify any problems or areas in which your system is underperforming. We’re well-qualified to handle most maintenance ourselves, saving you time and hassle.

Not only do we regularly inspect your irrigation system, you can count on our attention to the details that make up every part of your commercial property. From lawns to ornamental trees to hardscapes, our crews are trained to spot potential problems early on so that our customers aren’t taken by surprise. Our comprehensive commercial lawn services make life easier for property managers.

Upgrades

If your system is underperforming or wasting water, we might recommend that you switch to a smart irrigation system. These systems use weather and soil sensors to measure your lawn’s hydration, taking factors like the weather into account. They’ll automatically start when your landscape is dry and will turn off when it’s adequately hydrated. For instance, if it’s been raining and the ground is already wet, your system won’t turn on at all – saving you valuable money and resources. As you can imagine, these systems are especially popular in areas where water usage is closely monitored.

These systems, combined with our commercial lawn services, are a great way to provide your landscape with better care and potentially save money on your water bill. We’ve helped many of our customers upgrade to better-performing smart systems, and we can help you find a model that meets your unique needs. We’ll even handle the installation!

These are just a few of the ways U.S. Lawns can help you get the most out of your irrigation system. Contact us today to learn what our commercial lawn services can do to improve the hydration of your commercial property.