Maintenance
It is important to maintain a landscape with the design’s goals in mind. Too often, good landscapes suffer from maintenance efforts that aren’t informed about their particular needs. You can’t always just “Mow, blow, and go,” without knowing how the landscape was intended to develop.
Madrone Landscapes offers a maintenance service, which we call “Garden Detail.” Our trained horticulturists will establish and maintain today’s landscapes in superior condition, with the knowledge and care they deserve.
Garden Detail – Good Maintenance is crucial to the success of any landscape, even “low maintenance” landscapes. Proper care of a landscape built with sustainability in mind will include several factors:
-Extra care and observation during early establishment
-Monitoring, adjusting and maintaining irrigation systems
-weed control and mulch maintenance
-Pruning and trimming plants as needed
-Monitoring and maintaining lighting systems, water features and other components of the landscape
-General grounds cleanup
It has been estimated that 80% of the total cost of a garden over a 20-year life span is for maintenance. That means 20% for design and construction. Using sustainable principles and practices will undoubtedly go far in reducing maintenance costs.
Reduce chemical use by integrated pest management techniques to control critters and weeds. This common-sense approach stresses using the least toxic solutions first, before escalating to chemical warfare. Mow that small lawn higher. Recycle the clippings into compost. Grind up your tree and shrub prunings. But there shouldn’t be a lot because you designed plants that fit their intended space and don’t need much pruning. Don’t top trees. It encourages faster, poorly structured growth.
Mulch. A 2-inch to 3-inch layer throughout the planting area gives us so much. In this case that means less. Less evaporation, less heat on roots during the day, less cold during the night, less erosion and runoff, less compaction, less vulnerability of drip lines, and less need for fertilization as the mulch decomposes. Water wisely and intelligently, and don’t rely solely on automatic controllers.
Take the time to observe and participate in what’s going on out there. It’s the best way to ensure success in the garden, AND unwind and enjoy yourself at the same time.