Skip to main content

Author: Petalon Landscape

Natural Replacements for Lawns

drought tolerant plants great for saving water

Best Options for Natural Replacements for Lawns

Choose Alternatives to Grass from Wildflowers to Moss

Traditional grass requires a lot of time, water, and money to maintain. Typically, it also needs chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides to remain in pristine condition. However, there’s another way to carpet the lawn of your retail, commercial, campus, or large estate property.

The good news is that you don’t have to go all in. Instead, you can follow the pattern of many businesses and homeowners by transforming a portion of your landscaping to grass alternatives. Learn more about natural replacements for lawns available through Petalon’s landscape management service.

What Natural Replacements Are Ideal for Lawns?

From wildflowers to fescue to clover to moss, there are many natural replacements for lawns.

  • Fescue: Although technically a type of grass, fescue does well in hot and cold climates and has a high drought tolerance. If overseeded for two to four years, it naturally takes over your traditional grass, and you can let it overgrow to create undulating waves reminiscent of a meadow and perfect for large estates.
  • Dutch clover: This plant pulls nitrogen from the air to help nourish your soil. Growing 4 to 6 inches tall, it does well in shady areas where traditional grass might not grow well. It’s also a great idea for groundcover for large shady spaces on large estates or campuses.
  • Wildflowers: It costs less than $100 to sow dozens of varieties of wildflowers over a 3,000 square foot area. Your Petalon crew can lay down polyethylene to kill your problematic grass and seed a test area with wildflowers. With little to no watering required, you can enjoy a beautiful space full of diverse wildflowers that customers, guests, and visitors love. This is a great idea for HOAs looking to save money on water and lawn care. Wildflowers also attract bees and butterflies, turning the bed into an impromptu habitat.
  • Mosses: Ornamental mosses make a great alternative to grass in wet, shady areas. Keep in mind that while moss feels great underfoot, it doesn’t handle heavy traffic well, so it’s not recommended for busy areas of your lawn.

Looking for more green alternatives that can help you comply with strict water usage rules? Consult with the experienced landscaping team at Petalon to learn more about drought-resistant plants and trees to incorporate into your commercial landscaping. We serve the entire SF Bay Area including Pleasanton, San Jose, Walnut Creek, Redwood City and Hayward, and Morgan Hill and Gilroy areas.

Contact Petalon today to find out about your alternatives for natural replacements for lawns. Call 408-453-3998 for a quote.

Water Management Ideas for Bay Area Commercial Properties

Water Management Ideas for Bay Area Commercial Properties

Conserve Water with Smart Commercial Landscaping Strategies

drought tolerant plants great for saving water

With many communities in the Bay Area restricting water usage, it’s important to save every possible drop. The team at Petalon has put together these water management ideas for Bay Area commercial properties. We can help you conserve water without sacrificing your lush landscape.

Water Conservation Tips from Veteran Landscapers

Here are the landscape maintenance strategies we employ to cut down on water usage for our commercial clients:

  • Electronic controllers. Irrigation controllers allow you to set your irrigation system to come on at specified times. You can also specify the duration to ensure plants get enough water without wasting a drop.
  • Timing of watering. We can set your irrigation system to turn on in the morning, so plants and trees have plenty of time to absorb the moisture. Watering your plants at night can lead to puddles that cause root rot, insect infestation, and fungal growth. Plants and soil naturally absorb less water at night, so watering after sundown can prove detrimental.
  • Underground and drip systems. Drip systems are easy to install underground, where water won’t evaporate too quickly. These systems drip water just where you need it. You can adapt drip systems to the toughest terrain in the Bay Area — simply install the irrigation system on the surface and cover it with mulch.
  • Don’t water dormant grasses. Some grasses go dormant during hot, dry weather. They will come back when the weather turns wet and cool. You can conserve water by letting them remain dormant instead of watering them year-round. Dormant grasses include Kentucky bluegrass and Ryegrass.
  • Watch for runoff, broken heads, and hoses. Avoid applying water faster than it can soak into the soil. Leaks from broken heads and hoses can also waste water.

Petalon’s landscapers can help you create colorful, drought-tolerant landscapes using native and low-water plants. It’s also important to repair or replace your outdated irrigation system, which can help save money on your water bill.

Water Management Suggestions from the EPA

According to the EPA, grouping plants by the amount of water they use and limiting the amount of grass on your commercial property can also save a lot of water. By hiring professionals such as the experienced landscapers at Petalon, you can gradually improve the quality of your soil, which increases water retention and helps you maintain a lush landscape.

Our landscape designs include climate-appropriate plant selection. Regular landscape maintenance services such as pruning can save water and keep your property looking well-groomed. We also offer comprehensive irrigation management.

Contact Petalon today to request a water-saving evaluation or to learn more water management ideas for Bay Area commercial properties. Call 408-453-3998 to get a quote for your property in the SF Bay Area, including Pleasanton, San Jose, Walnut Creek, Redwood City, Hayward, Morgan Hill, and Gilroy.

HOA Landscaping and Maintenance

Select a Proactive Company for HOA Landscaping and Maintenance

Petalon Offers Comprehensive Landscape Management for Bay Area HOAs

commercial landscaping

If you sit on the board of your neighborhood HOA, you already know how hard it is to find a reliable company to install, maintain, and improve the greenery around your outdoor spaces. Fortunately, Petalon Landscape Management Inc. handles that task with ease and understands the finesse needed to juggle all the factors that influence HOA landscaping and maintenance in the Bay Area.

These factors include:

  • Keeping the plants and trees in good health
  • Maintaining a harmonious blend of greenery that residents love
  • Practicing water management to control costs and support sustainability
  • Managing the installation, irrigation, maintenance, replacement, and health of your landscaping elements.

We know that keeping the landscaping looking great is just part of the equation. Maintaining visibility for security purposes is also top of mind when we trim, prune, and add new elements to your outdoor space.

Tips for HOAs Contracting a Landscaping Company

Because we work with HOAs in remote locations and urban settings throughout the Bay Area, we’re familiar with the requirements of cautious HOA boards. We’re on board with doing whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable from a service, legal, and financial standpoint.

Here are some tips to help make the process go smoother so we can maintain your HOA landscaping to your high standards:

  • Set clear guidelines in your request for proposal to avoid misunderstandings and substandard service
  • Have an HOA attorney review the landscaping service contract and address any missing elements that may impact your liability
  • Confirm the insurance status and referrals of each contractor you consider
  • Look into the company’s practices for drought management and sustainability
  • Confirm the company’s insurance status

HOA Landscaping and Maintenance Services

Whether you need someone to completely redesign and install your landscaping or to keep your trees and plants fresh and healthy, Petalon technicians have the experience and know-how to deliver:

  • Landscape enhancements: Hardscapes such as patios, stonework, water features, and seating areas add organization and utility to your landscape. If you would like us to replace the turf or design artistic gardens, we would love to demonstrate our skills.
  • Landscape maintenance: We offer full-scale maintenance from turf and arbor care to integrated pest management.
  • Irrigation system management: Water conservation and drought management are an important aspect of our business. We promote landscape elements that keep your water bill under control while delivering lush outdoor settings that nurture the soul.

Petalon Landscape Management brings beauty to HOA neighborhoods and properties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area including Pleasanton, San Jose, Walnut Creek, Redwood City, and Hayward.

For assistance with your HOA landscaping and maintenance, contact Petalon today. Call 408-453-3998 to get a quote.

Ideal Trees for Low-Maintenance Landscapes

Select the Ideal Trees for Low-Maintenance Landscapes

Identify Bay Area Trees that Provide Shade without the Mess

western redbud tree

If you’re looking to add trees to your commercial property in the Bay Area, consider the ideal trees for low-maintenance landscapes.

First, think about the purpose the tree will serve. For public spaces, hospital campuses, businesses, schools, and commercial properties, keep the following criteria in mind:

  • Produces shade
  • Does well in full or partial sunlight
  • Offers an attractive canopy
  • Grows flowers but not fruit
  • Drought-resistant
  • Native species
  • Pest-resistant

Additionally, many business owners prefer deciduous trees which lose leaves to let in the sun during the colder months while providing shade in the summer. At Petalon Landscape Management, we recommend fruitless, flowering trees that add beauty and shade without fruit that falls onto walkways, creating a slippery mess. Keep reading for a few expert recommendations to get you started on selecting the ideal trees for low-maintenance landscapes.

How to Choose the Best Trees for Your Bay Area Commercial Property

As part of our arborist services, we are happy to help you find the right tree for the right location. Here are a few recommendations for flowering trees that provide privacy screening and shade without bearing fruit:

  • Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis). This deciduous tree grows magenta flowers during the spring and reaches 10 to 18 feet in height. It’s resistant to oak root fungus and attracts hummingbirds and bees.
  • Ginkgo Biloba (also known as Autumn Gold). These lovely trees reach 25 to 50 feet but can be trimmed to your preferred height. They resist oak root fungus and have green flowers that give off a pleasant aroma. They are also resistant to gypsy moths and other pests. The male version of this smog-resistant tree bears no fruit and looks gorgeous.
  • New Zealand Christmas Tree (Metrosideros excelsa). Reaching 30 feet in height, this tree has a 15-foot canopy, and its scarlet flowers attract bees. This evergreen keeps its leaves year-round to provide cool shade in the summer and greenery in the colder seasons. Although it has aggressive roots, this unique tree does well in a spacious landscape.

Tree Care Services for Low-Maintenance Commercial Landscapes 

Petalon’s tree specialists can help you choose the ideal trees for low-maintenance landscapes in the Bay Area. After we install your tree, our award-winning team can return for the following services:

  • Pruning
  • Trimming
  • Soil maintenance
  • Pest control
  • Tree and stump removal
  • Year-round tree health and wellness

Petalon Landscape Management serves the San Francisco Bay Area including the communities of Walnut Creek, Redwood City, Pleasanton, San Jose, and Hayward.

For assistance with choosing the ideal trees for low-maintenance landscapes, contact us today. Call 408-453-3998 to get a quote.

The Importance of Tree Selection in Landscaping

How to Choose the Right Trees in Northern California

tree maintenance

As you look out on your commercial property in the Bay Area, do you notice a lack of shade? How do you go about picking the right trees to add shade and beauty without needing a ton of attention? Petalon Landscape Management Inc. has walked many commercial clients through the importance of tree selection in commercial landscaping design. Let us help you select unique, drought tolerant trees, as well as ornamental and fruit trees your visitors and employees will love.

Why Consider Drought Tolerant Trees?

Drought-resistant trees and shrubs help you conserve water without sacrificing shade and serenity. Petalon offers drought-resistant commercial landscaping services for your Bay Area commercial property.

Selecting Shade Trees for Your Commercial Landscape

Shade trees add beauty to any commercial property. Graceful, arching limbs cast a cooling shade over walkways and lawns, making them excellent additions to your commercial landscape plan.

Here are examples of hardy shade trees to consider for your commercial campus:

  • Laurus nobilis ‘Saratoga’ is a great addition to your Northern California landscape. It’s wind-resistant and has unique waxy leaves. This drought-tolerant species develops dense foliage for screening and shade.
  • Lagunaria patersonii is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can reach 30 feet in height. From summer throughout fall, it bears lovely pink star-shaped flowers.
  • Acer rubrum ‘Armstrong’ is a hardy city tree featuring a conical shape suitable for tight urban spaces. This deciduous maple tree reaches 45 feet and grows quickly in full sun.

Challenges with Growing Fruit Trees and Other Ornamentals in Northern California

Many fruit trees and ornamentals can beautify your campus, retail property, or commercial landscape. However, they aren’t always ideal for commercial spaces in Northern California. Here are some of the challenges with choosing fruiting trees and shrubs:

  • Messiness and wasps: Trees that produce fruit can make a mess on your property when the fruit ripens and falls and can also attract wasps, which your visitors or employees might not enjoy.
  • Maintenance requirements: Fruit trees and ornamentals tend to be more delicate than shade trees and evergreens. This might include susceptibility to pests and diseases that you will need to manage to keep your fancy trees healthy.  
  • Time-consuming: Keeping fruit trees properly pruned is crucial to maintaining an attractive shape and for fruit production.

If the unique look that you have in mind for your commercial landscaping involves fruit and ornamental trees, you can rely on our tree specialists to keep them healthy and flourishing. We can also recommend flowering trees and shrubs that don’t produce fruit, to avoid the associated problems.

Tree Maintenance Services

Petalon’s commercial tree services offer complete care from planting through maintenance. You can rely on our team to fertilize, mulch, trim, and prune the trees on your hospital campus, retail space, sprawling estate, or other commercial property across the entire SF Bay Area including Pleasanton, San Jose Walnut Creek, Redwood City and Haywood.

We also offer a full suite of plant health care services including water management, deep fertilization, and disease and pest control.

For more information on the importance of tree selection in landscaping decisions, contact a Petalon tree specialist today. Contact us online or call 408-453-3998 for a free consultation.

2021 Water Management Ideas for Commercial Landscapes

Consider New Water Management Ideas for Your Commercial Landscapes in 2021

Conserve Water Without Sacrificing the Beauty of Your Bay Area Property

irrigation management service

Petalon Landscape Management Inc. can help you integrate new water management ideas for your commercial property in the Bay Area. From ground cover selection to irrigation upgrades that include weather tracking, remote control, and electronic monitoring, our crews will help keep your green spaces lush without wasting precious water.

Whenever possible, we incorporate drought-tolerant landscape designs and encourage our commercial clients to prioritize water conservation for more efficient lawn and landscape care. Petalon’s water conservation experts offer the following tips on how to get serious about water smart landscaping in 2021.

Tips to Make Your Bay Area Commercial Landscape Water-Efficient

Save water and introduce exciting new elements into the landscaping of your corporate, institutional, commercial, or large estate property. Follow these tips:

  • Use mulch to retain moisture: Mulch acts as a barrier, trapping moisture in the soil. It prevents water from evaporating in the Bay Area’s dry climate. Natural mulch also provides vital nutrients to your soil and freshens your outside areas.
  • Replace high-maintenance grass with water-conserving plants. Ground cover, meadow flowers, and low-maintenance oak trees provide areas of visual interest without requiring a lot of water. These plants can restore the soil and attract butterflies and birds while creating unique landscaping opportunities.
  • Introduce conservation-friendly water features. People are undeniably drawn to water, which can mask background noise, create soothing sounds, and provide relief to birds, butterflies, and bees. You can install features that have moving water or mimic ponds, streams, and fountains. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
    • Birdbaths
    • Small containers converted to water features
    • Sculptures with low-maintenance water features
    • Ponds with floating lilies that reduce evaporation
    • Small fountains
    • Dry stream bed that gives the illusion of moving water
    • Zen gardens that use little to no water

When you put water features in shaded areas, it significantly reduces evaporation.

Conserve Water in Your Irrigation System

You can also save water and reduce costs through smart irrigation upgrades. This may involve making changes to your current watering schedules or replacing your system with a more efficient one. When you hire Petalon Landscape Management, we’ll inspect your irrigation system, recommend and make changes such as:

  • Repairing or replacing broken pipes and fittings
  • Moving sprinklers for balanced water delivery
  • Optimizing the sprinkler spray pattern for better coverage of plants
  • Adjusting the radius nozzle in particular areas to conserve water
  • Raising sprinklers blocked by plants or objects
  • Performing regular inspections to ensure effective irrigation throughout the year

Consider investing in automated irrigation systems that track humidity, temperature, weather, and other factors affecting watering needs. Ask our lawn service pros about irrigation controllers that automate watering schedules and reduce water runoff. Our top landscape management team serves commercial properties across the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Pleasanton, Redwood City, San Jose, Walnut Creek, and Hayward, CA.

For more water management ideas for commercial landscapes in 2021, contact us online or call 408-453-3998 to schedule a consultation.

Rethink Your Commercial Lawn Care in 2021

Implement a Water-Wise Landscaping Strategy for your Bay Area Property

commercial landscaping

Creating drought-tolerant commercial landscapes requires a focused strategy that goes beyond routine landscaping and lawn care. If water conservation is a key priority for your Bay Area property, it is time to rethink your commercial lawn care in 2021. Petalon’s drought management experts offer guidance on how to achieve water-wise commercial landscapes.

Tips to Make Your Bay Area Commercial Landscape Water-Efficient

Water conservation does not mean just being smart about drainage or irrigation. There is a lot that goes into planning and maintaining drought-tolerant commercial landscapes. Here are some strategies to consider:

  • Limit the turf: Your lawn is one of the biggest water guzzlers in your commercial landscape. Reducing your turf or replacing water-hungry grasses with other varieties, such as Fescue, Bahia, or Buffalo grass can reduce the overall water intake of your landscape. After dry years and low water tables in the Bay Area, another popular option to conserve water is xeriscaping (planting ground cover and low water usage plants). Besides restricting water usage, xeriscaping also reduces the use of pesticides and fertilizers, in turn creating a positive impact on the environment.
  • Improve your soil: Soil amendments contain rich organic materials that encourage plants to grow a broader root system and improve the soil’s water retention qualities. Better soils also allow more natural aeration and drainage, thus preventing runoff.  
  • Mulch your plants: Mulch forms a protective layer between the plant roots and outside air, encouraging greater moisture retention in their root systems. Mulching also keeps water from evaporating, especially in the Bay Area locations that experience a hot, dry climate.
  • Invest in water-saving technologies: Consider installing automated irrigation systems that measure and monitor the temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and watering needs of specific plants. With sensor-based controls and intelligent features, these smart irrigation controllers auto-calibrate your watering schedule, reducing wastage and shrinking your water bills. Many modern systems come with remote-controllable apps that allow you to adjust and manage the settings anytime and from anywhere.
  • Some additional water-efficient landscaping solutions include:
    • Planting native, drought-resistant species
    • Grouping new plants according to their watering needs
    • Planting shrubs, perennials, and flowers in low spots to create rain gardens that capture and clean the groundwater before infiltration
    • Creating rain barrels or cisterns to capture runoff and reuse water for irrigation purposes

Drought-Tolerant Commercial Lawn Care and Landscaping Services in the Bay Area

At Petalon Landscape Management Inc., we specialize in smart, cost-efficient, drought-tolerant landscaping solutions, including turf care, arbor care, irrigation, and drainage. Our network of experts works collaboratively to help you achieve sustainable landscapes.

We serve a wide range of commercial properties across the entire Bay Area, including Pleasanton, San Jose, Walnut Creek, Redwood City, and Hayward, CA.

For a comprehensive suite of water-efficient landscape management services in the San Francisco Bay Area, count on the skilled and licensed professionals at Petalon. Contact us online for a quote or call 408-453-3998 to discuss your commercial lawn care requirements for 2021.

Landscape Installations for Commercial Properties and Estates

Enjoy Attractive, Inviting Spaces and Enhanced Curb Appeal

landscape maintenance

Landscape installations for commercial properties and estates can be exciting but also challenging. Expert landscapers consider it like creating a stunning piece of art—you have a bigger canvas and plenty of scope for creativity. Skill, experience, and strategic planning will drive the success of your project and maximize return on investment. Thoughtfully designed and well-planned landscapes, hardscapes and seasonal gardens can help you achieve inviting spaces that enhance your property’s value and appeal. Petalon’s experts specialize in landscape installations for commercial properties and estates throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Creative Landscape Installations for Beautifying your Premises

Investing in estate or commercial property landscape installation is all about increasing curb appeal, driving up traffic, and improving business prospects. Whether it is a large retail complex, a corporate campus, or a private estate, outdoor spaces take up a significant portion of the overall property management budget. Consequently, it is important to hire an efficient and affordable landscape management company that can provide multiple services under one roof. We work with an integrated network of professionals, including skilled landscapers, qualified hardscaping contractors, and experienced water management specialists across the Bay Area.

Here are some ideas for landscape installations that you may want to consider:

  • Plant selection and placement: One of the key landscape management challenges in Bay Area properties is the microclimate. From heat and chill, to fog, rain, and sunshine, every element may vary significantly between properties. ISA-certified arborists will study the microclimate and soil conditions of your landscape before carefully choosing the plant species, planting location, and spacing. The goal is to create a healthy, full, and vibrant landscape that is easy to maintain, and appears attractive all year round.
  • Seasonal gardens: Artistically designed, eye-catching flower beds can be the highlight of your landscape. With the right mix of seasonal flowers, suitable plants and shrubs, and hardscaping elements, seasonal gardens can help maximize your landscape management return on investment.
  • Hardscaping elements: Decorative pergolas, stunning water features, attractive sculptures, shaded seating, and safe and clean walkways or driveways are excellent additions to any landscape. These hardscaping elements will help in
  • Creating convenient walking, driving and resting spots for visitors or passersby
    • Enticing prospects and increasing traffic to your premises
    • Driving up business for the shops and establishments housed within your property
  • Water management: Besides installing efficient irrigation systems, certain landscaping or hardscaping elements can help reduce your water usage and increase your water management efficiencies. For example: Addition of retaining walls or borders for creating barriers and preventing erosion
    • Turf replacement through xeriscaping
    • Turf reduction by adding stone or concrete patios

Hire the Bay Area’s Award-Winning Landscaping Installation Company

At Petalon, we provide a comprehensive range of landscape installation and enhancement services. From lush lawns and manicured gardens, to efficient hardscapes and water-wise landscapes, you can count on us for cost-effective designs, skilled installation, and consistent customer service.

Property owners and estate managers across the Bay Area count on us for landscape installation services, estate landscaping, and sustainable drought management solutions. We serve properties in and around Pleasanton, San Jose, Walnut Creek, Redwood City, and Hayward, CA.

For all your commercial and estate landscaping requirements, hire the experts at Petalon. Call 408-453-3998 or contact us online to learn more about our services.

Fall and Winter Plant Replacements

Fall and Winter Plant Replacements for Commercial Landscapes

Maintain Healthy and Beautiful Green Spaces All Year Round

Commercial landscape enhancements san jose

A fall and winter plant replacement service is an essential step in maintaining your Bay Area commercial landscape. Restoring the summer weary plants and adding winter hardy varieties can help you enjoy attractive and healthy green spaces throughout the year. Petalon’s experts explain the many benefits of reviewing your commercial landscape in the fall.

Seasonal Services for Your Bay Area Commercial Landscapes

A periodic review of the trees and plants in your commercial property landscape involves three key aspects.

  • Restoring dull, lifeless trees and plants: Whether it is an occasional heat wave or prolonged drought conditions, summer can take a toll on the plants, shrubs, and trees in your commercial landscape. While some species may not survive the extreme heat, others may become dull and unattractive. During a planned review, ISA-certified arborists can take a closer look at your landscaping, identify the problem areas, and take necessary corrective steps to:
    • Nurture the impacted trees and plants back to health through fertilizer applications and other treatments
    • Clean up the seasonal gardens and carry out necessary lawn care to make your landscape winter-ready
    • Conduct seasonal arbor care activities, including pruning, tree pest control, fertilizing, and mulching
    • Remove the weak trees if their damage is irreversible
  • Plan landscape enhancements, renovations, or updates: As your landscape matures, the shade conditions and watering needs of certain areas of your grounds may change. Similarly, an increase in foot traffic or vehicular traffic may necessitate enhancements in the hardscaping elements on your property. A planned fall and winter plant replacement service is the best way for your commercial landscaping specialists to
    • Take stock of the tree and plant inventory and their growing conditions
    • Replace part of the existing landscape with hardy fall and winter plants, and relocate trees, where necessary
    • Carry out turf enhancements on extended areas of the property, or promote your green goals by reducing and replacing the turf with water-wise plants or hardscapes
  • Upgrade the irrigation and drainage systems: A fall and winter plant replacement appointment with your landscaping specialists is the ideal time for undertaking water management upgrades. Adding smart controllers, moving to drip irrigation, grading for better drainage and erosion control, and routine mid-season irrigation system tune ups will help you save on your landscape management expenses.

Comprehensive Commercial Landscaping Services in the Bay Area

At Petalon Landscape Management Inc., we believe fall is a great time to review, plan, and budget the maintenance and upgrades to your commercial landscape. Our network of ISA-certified arborists, lawn care specialists, hardscaping professionals, and irrigation management experts offer accurate assessments and plans to address the current and future landscaping needs of your property. Take advantage of our comprehensive services for design, installation, enhancement, and maintenance of your commercial landscapes.

Commercial property owners and managers across the Bay Area, from Gilroy to San Jose, up the peninsula to Palo Alto and Burlingame, and East Bay through Fremont, Dublin, Danville and Livermore count on us for their fall and winter plant replacements, as well as a range of other landscape management activities.

Need to schedule an appointment for fall and winter plant replacements? Call 408-453-3998 or contact us online.