Author: Petalon Landscape

Lawn Drainage, Complete Landscape Services and Irrigation, Walnut Creek, CA

5 Things We Look at For Drainage Repair

Written by Petalon Landscape on February 21, 2019. Posted in Blog, Landscape Maintenance, Lawn Care, Water Management.

Efficient Drainage Repair – Top 5 Things We Look At

Experienced Landscape Management Services to Prevent Waterlogging

Ponding water is a property manager’s nightmare. The resultant swampy landscape, rotting plants, structural damage and mossy walkways can mean hundreds of dollars in cleanup and restoration. With drainage issues being so common, taking preventative measures is less expensive than the cure. Read the 5 things we look for in drainage repair and how to prevent them.

Signs Your Landscape Has Drainage Issues

Standing water: A soggy lawn and plant beds or pools of standing water or accumulated mulch, leaves and soil on your manicured landscape after it rains are a clear indication of drainage issues. Formation of rivulets, another sign of trouble, also points to water runoff and possible soil erosion. While improper grading could be a factor, most often, compacted soil, clogged downspouts and drain pipes or French drains are the cause.
Staining or moss on walkways and stairs: Unsightly black stains or moss on your hardscapes, walkways and stairs indicate deeper problems. Simply cleaning them off is a waste of time, effort and money. They are likely to reappear if you do not eliminate the root cause. Compacted soil and poor drainage promote moss growth which will spill over from your garden to the hardscapes.
Malfunctioning downspouts: Clogged, broken, improperly-sized and wrongly-located downspouts tend to direct large amounts of rain water onto your lawn, plant beds or hardscaping. Replacing or redirecting them can help reduce the problem.
Clogged or broken drain pipes: Falling leaves and debris are the most likely culprits of blocked landscape drainage pipes. Tree root infiltration is another possible cause. Older pipes can crack, corrode or collapse due to age. Ground shifting on account of freeze-thaw cycles can allow roots to find their way into the drainage system.
Choked or improperly installed French drains: While installation of French drains is meant to prevent flooding, they are not without problems. Silt, sediment and other debris can clog the drains and cause backup and overflow. Installing slotted pipes rather than ones with holes will help prevent sand and soil from getting in. We also recommend putting in filters where the drain starts, to make for easy cleaning. This is less troublesome and expensive than digging up and cleaning or replacing the entire system.

Count on our drainage and irrigation solutions to help you maintain a healthy and attractive landscape throughout the year. Our landscape maintenance team will perform routine checks and carry out tree, plant and turf care to keep your property looking its best. Clients benefit from our integrated approach to landscape and irrigation maintenance. We can help kickstart your water-efficiency initiatives and significantly reduce your property maintenance expenses.

Property owners, developers and managers across the San Jose and East Bay areas, including in Fremont, Milpitas, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and Danville depend on our comprehensive landscape management services.

Call 408-453-3998 to further discuss what we look at for drainage repair. You can also contact us online to request a quote for landscape drainage services.

Hotel and Commercial Building Landscape Services, East Bay, CA

5 Ideas for Cost Effective Landscaping for Estates

Written by Petalon Landscape on February 14, 2019. Posted in Blog, Landscape Maintenance, Lawn Care, Water Management.

Hire an Experienced Landscape Management Company

There are many ways to reduce maintenance costs without sacrificing the curb appeal of your estate property. A low-maintenance, drought-tolerant garden with a smart irrigation system is one of the most rewarding ways to minimize costs. To achieve this, you need careful planning, an efficient design and skilled installation. Our experts share their top 5 ideas for cost-effective landscaping that estates in the San Jose Area can easily implement.

Reducing Landscape Maintenance Expenses is All About Good Planning

Be smart about plant selection: Installing native plants that require less water will streamline your landscape maintenance budget. At Petalon, we go a step further by helping you lower landscape watering requirements and reduce cleanup efforts significantly. Ask us which trees and plants require little water and minimal cleanup of leaves, sticks and fruit.
Consider xeriscaping: Create a landscape with attractive native plants and ground cover that survive on available rain water. With drought and the consequent water-use restrictions, xeriscaping is gaining popularity in the Mountain View, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Morgan Hill and Menlo Park areas. It involves creative plantings of drought-resistant vegetation in an aesthetically-pleasing, natural environment.
Opt for water-wise irrigation systems: Struggling to get your water conservation efforts off the ground? Installing rain gauges and master valves with flow meters, upgrading to evapotranspiration-based controllers and converting overhead sprinklers to high-efficiency heads wherever possible, can help kickstart and sustain your efforts. Our recommendations are based on your unique requirements, keeping in mind your property’s soil type and climate in the area.
Invest in a tree care program: Our proactive approach protects the health and beauty of your trees. Selecting the right types and identifying suitable planting locations is a good start. However, regular pruning to manage height, fruit production and growth is equally critical. An annual tree maintenance program overseen by arborists that includes periodic trimming, crown reduction, fertilization, disease and pest-control is more cost-efficient than random services.
Schedule weekly garden maintenance: Weekly tree, plant and lawn care can be less expensive than emergency care. Clear and elegant walks using safe and modern materials are less costly to maintain. We offer a range of options with custom maintenance plans to fit your budget and improve the overall health of your estate landscape.

Count on our estate landscaping services to make your property the envy of the neighborhood.

Estate owners and managers across the San Jose area, including in Mountain View, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Morgan Hill and Menlo Park depend on our comprehensive landscape management services.

Contact us online for a quote or call 408-453-3998 to discuss cost-effective landscaping for estates in the San Jose area.

Bay Area, Commercial Arborist Tree Care, San Francisco, CA

Tree Care Needs for Spring

Written by Petalon Landscape on January 18, 2019. Posted in Blog, Tree Care.

How to Keep on Top of Tree Care Needs for Spring

Hire an Experienced Landscape Management Company

The right care at the right time by tree experts will help your green investments thrive. Commercial and retail property owners and managers often have many trees and plants to manage and limited resources to do so, but we can help. Here is a simple guide to managing your tree care needs for spring.

Spring Tree Maintenance Tips for Commercial Properties

Inspect trees for winter damage, pests and disease: With reduced foliage after the winter, it is easier to see signs of stress on the bark and limbs. Seek the help of an arborist to properly identify current and potential issues. You can request a detailed report and comprehensive plan to help nurture your trees back to good health. This will also help with budgeting for the rest of the year.
Prune branches: When done correctly and at the right time, pruning promotes healthy growth. Early spring is an ideal time for trimming crisscrossing, weak and dead branches, and thinning deadwood. Delaying this maintenance activity can expose your trees to pests and disease.
Clean mulch rings: Remove fallen debris like broken limbs and twigs, leaves, as well as excess mulch. You can leave 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the base of the tree. This makes it easier for sunlight and water to reach the roots. It will also deter fungi and mold growth.
Examine the root system: Tree roots are responsible for providing nutrition, water and structural support. Though below the ground, they too are susceptible to damage and disease. Check for signs of trouble like exposed roots, those crossing over the trunk or pushing through the grass and concrete structures. Assess the root zone for drainage issues; prolonged flooding can kill your trees. Compacted soil is also a problem as it prevents nutrients, water and sunlight from reaching the roots.
Fertilize: Winter causes hardening and depletes nutrients in the soil. Loosen and fertilize the soil around tree bases to feed and nurture the roots. A strong root system offers greater resistance to pests, disease and extreme weather while promoting healthy branch and leaf growth. Incorporating scheduled fertilization into your annual tree maintenance program will help take care of this important need.
Check and maintain irrigation systems: To ensure that everything is working properly before summer comes and the rain stops.

Count on our arbor care services to keep your trees beautiful and healthy. From planting advice to disease and pest control management and tree stump removal, we provide every arbor care service you may require. Clients love our integrated approach to tree care, landscaping and irrigation maintenance.

Call 408-453-3998 to discuss your tree care needs for spring or contact us online for a quote. Contact Petalon for certified arborist services as part of your commercial landscape management needs.

Landscape Maintenance Services, Walnut Creek, Eastbay, CA

Integrate Pest Control With Plant Health Plans

Written by Petalon Landscape on December 20, 2018. Posted in Blog, Landscape Maintenance.

Hire An Experienced Landscape Management Company

Plant health care and pest management go hand-in-hand. Based on an understanding of the ecosystem surrounding your garden, they involve using natural solutions to develop your landscape’s resistance to pests and disease. The greatest benefit of practicing this green approach is year-round curb appeal at a significantly lower cost. Here are some tips on how to integrate pest control with plant health plans.

Sustainable Landscape Maintenance Tips for Commercial Properties

Choosing plants for your property: The first step for creating a vibrant landscape is selecting disease and pest-resistant varieties that will thrive on your property. The right plants in the right place encourage natural adaptation and healthy growth. Maintenance or control options will not compensate for site conditions if plants do not adapt suitably.
Maintain soil health: The healthier your soil, the more nourishment it will give your plants. Soil quality is essential to holding water, transporting nutrients and maintaining organisms that are beneficial to plant growth.
Minimize environmental and nutritional stress: Holistic plant health care is all about being proactive rather than reactive. The right nutrients, pruning methods and watering techniques strengthen plants by stimulating their natural defense systems. Equally important is managing destructive pests such as moles, slugs, aphids, weevils, wasps, even deer and certain birds to prevent plant damage. With periodic inspections, pruning, soil management and natural corrective treatments by trained professionals, you can keep your commercial landscape pest-free.
Maximize the effects of beneficial organisms: Altering the microenvironment to create less favorable growing conditions for pests works better than trying to suppress existing pests. Knowing and sustaining organisms that control pests, enhance soil quality and improve plant health offers a natural and less expensive way to maintain your commercial landscape.

Rely on our integrated pest management services to resolve your plant health issues. You can avoid using expensive chemical treatments that pollute water sources and upset the ecological balance. Clients love our cost-effective sustainable landscaping programs which produce great results with minimal impact on the ecology, community and maintenance budget.

Call 408-453-3998 or contact our landscape management company requesting a quote for integrated pest control and plant health care plans.

What to Look for in an HOA Landscaping Company

Written by Petalon Landscape on December 10, 2018. Posted in Blog, Landscape Maintenance, Lawn Care, Water Management.

The Essentials: Experience, Knowledge, Customer Service

Maintaining an attractive landscape for a busy residential development can consume a large part of your maintenance budget. A landscaping contractor with relevant experience can help minimize costs and deliver the best results. Here’s what to look for in an HOA landscaping company.

How to Select a Landscaping Contractor for Your Bay Area HOA

Evaluate experience: Ask the right questions during the vetting process. Do they take on small and large jobs? Can they develop cost-effective plans for installing and maintaining your lawn, trees and plants? What measures will they adopt to keep your HOA attractive and safe? Thoughtfully-designed and properly-maintained landscapes are resistant to pests, accidents, fires and other liabilities caused by overgrown plants and trees.
Assess scope of services: Managing large gardens, decks and patios with seasonal arrangements requires an experienced team. List your HOA’s landscaping requirements and check what’s included in the contract offered by your shortlisted companies. Although landscape design and installation, mowing, weeding, pruning, trimming, seasonal plantings and upkeep, irrigation installation, repair and maintenance are common services, some contractors may not offer all of them.
Ask about sustainable practices: Conserving water and other natural resources is key to reducing your landscape maintenance costs. Converting to a sustainable landscape with attractive, drought-tolerant plants is a smart way to boost curb appeal and water efficiency. Hire a company that is well-versed in xeriscaping, green landscaping practices and irrigation management. This will have a positive impact on your budget, environmental footprint and business image. Be sure to ask them how they can help you save money and resources.
Check references: To get a better idea of how your property will look under their care, request references and visit some of their current clients. You want to know if they are satisfied with the quality of work and customer service.

Our full-service HOA landscaping company simplifies property management. We have decades of experience maintaining large commercial and multi-dwelling complexes. Take advantage of expert landscape management services, weekly gardening programs and smart irrigation solutions to get your property noticed.

Property owners, developers and managers across the San Jose and East Bay areas, including in Fremont, Milpitas, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and Danville rely on our comprehensive landscaping care services.

Call 408-453-3998 or contact our HOA landscaping company for a quote.

Expert Tree Care Starts with Experience

Written by Petalon Landscape on November 15, 2018. Posted in Blog, Landscape Maintenance, Tree Care.

Expert Tree Care Starts with Experience!

Trained Arborists Keep Your Landscape Beautiful

Trees are like living artwork adorning your commercial property. Regular maintenance keeps them looking beautiful. To see the best results, it is important to hire trained arborists. Skilled in the science and art of tree management, they know how to protect your green investments and business image. There’s no denying it—expert tree care starts with experience!

5 Essential Tree Care Services for Your Commercial Property

Healthy trees make a positive impression about your company and its premises. Tree maintenance goes beyond trimming a few branches every year. Learn why your trees deserve expert care by certified arborists.

Tree selection, placement and planting: Choose the right ones for your landscape and enjoy trees that are healthy, have a long life and can contribute to lowering your maintenance efforts and cost. Beautiful trees must be planted correctly. Arborists consider the soil condition, drainage, space availability, insect and disease susceptibility as well as sun and wind exposure when selecting and planting trees on your property.
Tree pruning: In addition to keeping your property neat and attractive, pruning strengthens trees by removing any limbs that may be hampering healthy growth. With a sound knowledge of tree systems, experienced arborists know how much to prune, preventing permanent damage.
Tree disease management: Left unchecked, pests and disease can turn your beautiful trees into expensive liabilities. Arborists are tree care experts. They correctly diagnose the problem, administer the right treatments and monitor their health to optimize their lifespan.
Tree removal and transplanting: Some trees are not suitably located and must be moved to an area where they will not obstruct public access or destroy buildings and power lines. Tree specialists have the equipment to get the job done safely and correctly. You can rely on them to protect your trees and landscape during the removal and transplanting process.
Arborist reports: These are helpful in many ways, including obtaining tree removal permits for property development purposes. However, one of the greatest benefits is reducing landscape maintenance expenses and liabilities. Tree inventories and risk reports are valuable tools in determining management strategies, prioritizing needs and allocating resources.

You can rely on our full-service commercial landscape management company to maintain attractive premises in all seasons. Our expert tree maintenance services, weekly gardening programs and smart irrigation management will make your property stand out.

Call 408-453-3998 or contact our landscape management company requesting a quote for tree care.

Landscape Management Services, San Francisco Bay Area, CA

Is it Time for Drainage Maintenance…Again?

Written by Petalon Landscape on October 18, 2018. Posted in Blog, Landscape Maintenance.

Yes! Landscape and Irrigation Experts Say Fall is Ideal

Yard drains control the flow of irrigation and rainwater from your landscape to the sewer system. Pooling around the gutters or standing water on your lawn are clear indications that they need attention. As with the drainage system inside your building, clogged or broken pipes can cause back up, flooding and costly damage outside. Unsightly and unhygienic surroundings will reflect poorly on your business. While you may have done it earlier this year, fall is a good time to get professional drainage maintenance done again.

Leaves, grass clippings, dirt, rocks and even trash will find their way into drains, despite best efforts to keep your commercial property clean. Tree roots are also likely culprits for blocking and damaging the landscape drainage system. Timely cleanup and repair in the fall will help prevent flooding from heavy winter rains. Rather than struggle with breaks and blockages when the weather is cold, plan your drainage maintenance before winter sets in.

Tips to Prepare Your Drainage System for Winter Storms

Drainage inspection: Examine the water inlets and outlets on your landscape. Some termination areas may be located on the street or in a basin. Puddles that never dry up are a sure sign of a drainage problem and could result from clogging or a pipe that needs repair. Petalon conducts visual landscape inspections for run-off, water leaks and standing water to help you avoid expensive drain repairs.
Clean out the debris: Remove the drain covers and clear out any leaves, trash and debris from the pipe. Run a snaking hose (or auger) to remove dirt and soil. Then, flush the pipes with running water to ensure they are clean. This may be a challenge if the drain branches out in multiple directions. Your landscape maintenance company may be able to help with drain machines or hydro-jetting that clears clogs fast.
Repair or replace broken pipes: Older or poor-quality pipes can break because of weather, age, or with pressure from tree roots. From drain pipes, grates and basins to rain gauges and master valves with flow meters, Petalon has you covered. Our irrigation management experts can also help you achieve your water conservation goals.

Count on our full-service commercial landscape management company to help you maintain year-round curb appeal. Our attractive, drought-tolerant landscaping designs, weekly gardening programs, smart irrigation management and landscape drainage solutions keep your property looking its best in every season.

Call 408-453-3998 or contact our landscape management company requesting a quote for drainage maintenance.

Commercial Lawn Care for Fall and Winter

Written by Petalon Landscape on September 24, 2018. Posted in Blog, Landscape Maintenance, Lawn Care.

Tips from Our Landscape Maintenance Experts

Hot summer weather, insects, disease and increased foot traffic can take a toll on your grass. To prepare it for the chilly months and the next growing season, follow our recommended commercial lawn care advice for fall and winter.

Fall and Winter Lawn Maintenance Guide

Clear the leaves: In addition to making your property look shabby, fallen leaves tend to starve your lawn of sunlight and moisture. Leaving them on the grass could also result in dead spots which will encourage weed growth in spring.
Mow to the correct height: As grass can continue to grow until the first frost, it is important to mow regularly and to the right height. Keeping it too long encourages mold and fungi. Cutting it too short, on the other hand, damages the root system.
Change the watering schedule: Continue to water as required. Your lawn typically needs around an inch of water every week. Your irrigation schedule will depend on the amount of rain you receive. A rain gauge will help you keep track.
Aerate the soil: Fall is the ideal time to aerate your lawn. This loosens the compacted soil, helping your grass roots receive oxygen, water and fall fertilizer in preparation for the growing season. Spring aeration, on the other hand, can increase weed growth.
Weed control: Like your grass, weeds also absorb all they can during fall. This makes any weed control treatments more effective and saves you the effort in spring.
Feed your lawn: The application of a slow-release fertilizer provides essential nutrients for the grass to grow deep roots and build strength for the chilly winter months. However, fertilizing at the right time is critical and your lawn care company can help with that.
Seed: Spread seed all over the lawn to encourage lush and healthy growth in spring. Be generous around any unhealthy and bare spots.

Timely fall and winter lawn maintenance can make a huge difference come spring. At Petalon, our lawn care specialists remove dead grass, expertly prepare the soil, and patch with sod or reseed to restore your lawn’s healthy appearance.

Count on our full-service commercial landscape management company to ensure your business location is always fresh and inviting. Our weekly gardening and seasonal cleanup programs keep your property looking its very best.

Property owners and managers across the San Jose and East Bay areas, including in Fremont, Milpitas, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and Danville depend on our proven landscaping solutions and outstanding customer service.

Call 408-453-3998 or contact our landscape management company requesting a quote for commercial lawn care in fall and winter.

BFQP Seal, Irrigation and Landscape Maintenance Services, East Bay, CA

Bay-Friendly Certified Staff

Written by Petalon Landscape on June 20, 2018. Posted in Blog.

Ryan Valentine, Petalon’s Sr. Account Manager is now Bay-Friendly Certified

Creating and Maintaining Sustainable Landscapes Just Got Easier

With our expertise in environmentally-friendly landscaping, we help you maintain an attractive property while lowering your water usage. Committed to learning and adopting the latest drought management techniques, Petalon is happy to announce that our Senior Account Manager, Ryan Valentine is now Bay-Friendly Certified. From storm water management to water conservation, irrigation, plant selection and care, soil health, and more, we offer a range of services to keep your commercial property looking great throughout the year.

What Does the Bay-Friendly Certification Mean?

Based on 7 key principles, ReScape California’s Bay-Friendly Training & Qualification Program offers a systematic process to creating a healthy landscape with minimal impact on the environment and natural resources. More importantly, it helps us address many of our clients’ landscaping concerns such as:

Lowering water bills
Reducing risks associated with some landscaping chemicals
Complying with storm water regulations
Creating suitable habitats for bees, birds and other pollinators, as well as beneficial wildlife

With this new certification, we now have enhanced capabilities to design, build and maintain water-efficient landscaping that will achieve your conservation goals. Our flexible approach enables us to adapt what we have learned and apply it to varying client needs, including residential properties and business premises, institutional campus playgrounds, areas for growing food, city parks, and so on.

Conserve Water with Low-Maintenance Landscapes

Are you considering drought tolerant landscaping? Exploring smart irrigation systems that will help you avoid water penalties? We offer customized landscaping and irrigation solutions to meet your unique needs and budget. Many of our clients who have made the switch, enjoy significant savings and sustained curb appeal.

Count on our full-service commercial landscape management company to ensure your business location is always attractive and inviting. With our weekly gardening and seasonal flower planting programs, your property will look vibrant throughout the year.

Property owners and managers across the San Jose and East Bay areas, including in Fremont, Milpitas, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and Danville depend on our sustainable landscaping solutions and exceptional customer service.

Call 408-453-3998 to request a quote or contact our Bay-Friendly Certified team online.