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Commercial landscaping can make a huge difference in the way customers see your business. Well-designed and well-maintained landscaping says that the owners care about their property and anyone who may visit it, while an unkept property may as well be a ‘stay away’ sign to potential customers. Here are a few ways your choice of landscaping can make or break your business.

Overgrowth

A lush landscape is a wonderful thing to have, but too much can easily fall into the category of ‘overgrown’. Be sure to design smartly and take care of any green space you have. Overgrown plants and shrubs will make a business look at best neglectful and at worst abandoned. Invest in a good maintenance routine for your landscaping to keep the space looking inviting.

Drainage

On the practical side, your landscaping should be functional as well as beautiful. Neglecting to take your actual space into account when designing is a huge pitfall and can lead to issues like improper drainage and standing water after rain storms. Always take careful stock of what the property needs to function at its best before you begin any major landscaping project.

Pests

One of the most common mistakes you can make is designing a landscape with plants that attract insects. Plants which attract ants and aphids can also attract spiders as they enjoy having a ready food source. To minimize the risk of your lawn or business being infested, be sure to choose plants which do not naturally attract creepy crawly visitors.

Do you need help with your commercial landscaping project? Contact us at Metro Lawn Care today! Metro Lawn Care is a full service commercial landscape company, and we’re proud to have served the Dallas area for over 34 years. We provide commercial landscape maintenance and construction, as well as irrigation installation and repairs.

Covid-19 has put a variety of businesses in a holding pattern. Many are re-imagining the ways they will interact with the consumer. Part and parcel of this consideration is the investment in commercial landscaping. What are trends we see developing at this time?

Locally Sourced Products vs. Imported Pieces

With temporary supply chain problems leading to empty shelves, the consumer is looking closer to home for all types of goods. For the commercial landscaping specialist, this means sourcing irrigation pieces, pergola hardware, arbor wood, plants, and fertilization products locally. The business client does not want to wait. Commercial irrigation problems need to be fixed now – not when a piece comes back in stock. Therefore, it is essential to rethink the dependence on imported goods versus locally sourced products.

An Emphasis on Customized Designs vs. Standard Choices

Better landscaping designs lead to superior durability of grassy areas, seating arrangements, and flowerbeds. Property managers are spending more time filling vacancies, which means they have less time to deal with landscaping issues such as failing irrigation, tree pruning, or drainage problems. This means the integration of native plants and trees for sustainability versus the use of non-native species for looks.

Social Distancing and Hygiene Concerns Take Precedence

Commercial landscape design will incorporate seating areas that are smaller to minimize the numbers of people having their lunches there. However, there will now be more seating spaces throughout the landscape. Benches will be distanced and may have shrubs between them. Offset designs are also gaining in popularity. You will notice additional litter receptacles. In contrast, public drinking fountains are now a thing of the past.

How Will Your Commercial Landscaping Change after COVID-19?

Have you been thinking of having your landscaping overhauled to support distancing and boost healthy habits? Metro Lawn Care wants to help. Whether you need a complete redo from the ground up, want to make a few changes to an existing commercial landscape, or are rethinking the ways you are currently using your green areas, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about your options.

Landscapes can be the biggest source of trouble that a property manager will have to deal with. Fortunately, following these landscaping maintenance tips will save you a great deal of hassle while still giving a stellar-looking yard.

Prefer Hardscapes

Anyone wanting to save time on their property while still having a gorgeous landscape will want to try out hardscapes. These are the non-living features of a property: pergolas, walkways, porches, and the like. These don’t need watering and are often simple to keep clean and presentable. They aren’t going to wilt or need replacing once their growing season is over. This makes hardscapes the low-maintenance landscape option.

Check Out Irrigation Options

There are many ways to get water to your plants, and some are more efficient for your business than others. Choosing the right set-up will keep your property at its best while saving you lots of hassle down the road. Some options are drip lines that deliver precise amounts of water directly to thirsty roots, smart watering software that waters only when necessary and can be set to a timer, and landscaping features that conserve and direct what natural water you get. You will want an expert to help you find the right setup and customize a watering schedule unique to your needs.

Utilize Native Plants

Flowers, trees, and shrubs that grow in an area naturally have adapted to their environment. If they are native to dry places, they tend to resist drought conditions and require less water. Native plants develop ways to deter pests that are native to their homes, and they have a taste for the type of soil conditions and climate conditions your property already has. This saves you a ton of work and money in maintaining your plants, as they need less pampering to thrive.

Lay On The Mulch

Every gardening book recommends keeping a couple inches of mulch over the ground around a plant’s roots, or indeed around the ground. Mulch is just a generic term for any ground cover, such as bark. It is pretty to look at, chokes out weeds before they can sprout, and protects the plant life from extreme temperatures that can damage their appearance. Mulch is the cheap and easy way to keep your property neat in all kinds of weather.

Get On Good Terms With Your Favorite Landscape Management Company

A landscape needs regular inspection and tweaking in order to look its best, and you can do this most efficiently by choosing one trustworthy landscaping company that does everything you need them to and set up a schedule for them to clean up your property. They can find and fix problems before they become expensive, and you can talk to them regularly about what your landscape needs.

Metro Lawn Care wants to make the lives of property managers easier, so if you want more information, contact us.

If you own a large commercial property, then you know that taking care of the land itself can be a big task. When it comes to mowing, hiring a professional for commercial tractor mowing is a great option. Here are three reasons to hire a professional for your commercial tractor mowing.

Create A Regular Schedule For Mowing 

Hiring a professional to take care of your commercial mowing gives you the opportunity to create a schedule that works well for you. The professional will come as often as you need them to and will perform whatever mowing tasks you need them to. This regular schedule helps to ensure that the mowing always gets done on time and gives you one less thing to stress about.

Keep The Commercial Area Looking Great 

Another awesome reason to hire a professional for commercial tractor mowing is because they will make sure that your commercial land looks great. They will carefully mow all the areas that you have requested and will carefully mow around all of your trees and plants. Areas that are hard to get to, such as hills and valleys, will also be carefully mowed using specialty equipment.

Take Advantage Of Additional Services 

When you hire a professional do to your commercial tractor mowing, you also have the opportunity to have them provide other maintenance services for you as well. This can include clearing large portions of land, brush hogging, and a variety of other tractor services. This makes it much easier for you to get all of your landscape maintenance done because you can hire the same service to do several things for you.

To learn more awesome reasons why you should hire a professional for your commercial tractor mowing, or to hire a professional today, visit us at Metro Lawn Care.

Commercial water management systems are important for most businesses. They are part of the infrastructure that makes your business possible. Most importantly, they keep your water bill manageable. In order to get the most out of it, you should hire experts to install your system. There are three reasons why.

New Tech

Water management has come a long way since dams and levees. There are timers for sprinklers, special drip lines, and all sorts of other technological wonders that can be brought to bear on your water management systems. Expert landscapers will know what mechanical arts can be applied to your property and which will bring you the most return on your investment.

Range Of Experience

Every property has its own quirks that require some special tweak to the usual irrigation routine. Someone with a lot of experience with many commercial properties will know what those tweaks could be. These experts will also have the training to recognize new and unusual circumstances so that they can accommodate your company’s particular needs.

Technical Know-how

Installing things, even something as seemingly simple as a French drain, takes specialized knowledge. That’s important to know because the consequences of doing it incorrectly can be costly, including flooding your business and high utility bills. A water management expert has been trained on how to put in a variety of irrigation systems, and that person can be called to account if they make an expensive mistake. You can be sure that your system will work as advertised when you hire an expert.

Fortunately, Metro Lawn Care in Dallas cares deeply about saving your company money on its utility bills. We specialize in commercial landscaping, including irrigation services and commercial water management, and have 34 years of experience in serving our community. Contact us if you want more information on this or any other commercial landscaping subject.

Modern design is rising in popularity, anywhere it can be seen. With good use of space, aesthetically appealing design, and a contemporary feel -landscaping is also following suit.

In the big picture of modernism, features like sharp lines, clean edges, symmetry, and minimalism are used. It may seem odd to place something as wild and free as nature into these categories. Yet, with the right designs and execution, modern landscaping is stunning.

Places like commercial areas, offices, shopping centers, and overall architectural design are moving in this direction. Landscaping alongside these structures can be achieved with a few key factors being used. Read to see what elements modern landscaping includes to see if it’s a good fit for your space:

The elements of modern landscaping 

1. Material

Modern landscaping uses fewer materials used to create the look or design. A good example is the use of concrete. It provides a very neutral tone and a clean look. Concrete can be used for walkways and structures but also works well for flower beds and planters. Woods and metals are then used for accent looks and added design. Modern landscaping bypasses brightly colored planters or mixing of materials and plastics.

2. Symmetrical forms

Symmetry plays a primary role in landscaping and applies to many parts of the appearance. An example would be the same number of trees on each side of a walkway, evenly spaced, or the same planter with the same potted plants on each side of a front door. It may sound a bit monotonous but it adds to a sense of equal-ness and balance seen in the more modern look.

3. Clean Design

There is definitely a certain design element when creating modern landscaping. This will include elements like sharp angles, geometric designs, open spaces, and an uncluttered look. These design choices can be used for the planters used, how far apart the plants are placed, keeping areas well-kept, and plants trimmed.

4. Plants

The plants used in modern landscaping can still vary. Considering things like the local weather, where the plants are located on the property, their needs, and of course personal tastes. Working to achieve the modern look though, you can include plants that are straighter or narrowed, versus plants that grow outwards or wildly. Plants that are more natural in color will likely fit in more and also including plants in pairs or symmetrically placed. Having some variety can absolutely be used, and paired with the other elements of modern landscaping will help achieve the modern design.

Upgraded modern landscaping is sure to look amazing in your commercial space, let Metro Lawn Care make it happen by contacting us today.

Proper landscape can make a significant difference in property management. The plants, trees, and lawn adds value and makes the property more attractive. The process protects the property and improves drainage.

Landscaping improves the appearance of the properties you are managing and indicates to clients, tenants, and prospective customers that the properties are well-managed.

Here are the different ways you can use proper landscaping to benefit your managing properties.

Choose the Right Plants

Selecting the right plants for your property is essential in different ways. It enhances the way the property looks and helps in avoiding unwanted pests.

You can ensure that you get the best plants for your property by consulting a professional about the best plants for the soil type in your area that will not attract pests.

Carry Out Regular Trimming

Overgrown branches and trees give an unkempt appearance to the property you are managing. Also, the trees and branches give pests easy access to the structures on the property.

Therefore, it is crucial to regularly undertake the trimming of the branches and trees on your property, especially those hanging over roofs and those close to any structures.

It is also crucial to remove stumps that are close to the property because they can harbor pests.

Carefully Mulch

Mulch is important to your landscape in different ways. It helps the ground to retain sufficient moisture and creates a favorable environment for your trees and other plants.

Given that it also creates a favorable environment for some pests, you need to be careful with how you mulch. For example, it would help if you remove old mulch before applying a new one.

Do Not Over Water

As much as plants need water, pests also do. Therefore, it is vital to avoid supplying excess moisture that can attract pests or sustain their survival.

If your property has a water surface, you need to keep it well maintained not to serve as a breeding ground for pests.

There are numerous reasons why proper landscaping is important for property managers. Our experienced and skilled professionals can help you with all aspects of commercial landscape management and other landscaping services. Contact us for our extensive services that will keep your property looking their best.

Winter time is planning time. As you are making development plans for your commercial acreage this coming spring you should consider scheduling a tractor mow now to help you get ready.

A tractor mow session from Metro Lawn Care is an ideal way to prep all types of land for further development or for appearance maintenance.

Undeveloped Land—A Canvas for Your Plans

Undeveloped land can be a clean slate for your projects once you have mown down the overgrowth. Our brush hog equipped tractors quickly and safely take down grasses and brush, so you get a clear view of what you are working with. It also makes it easier to clear out rocks, snags and other impediments to construction start. Metro Lawn Care can help you by removing branches, shrubs, and heavier material now to prevent them from growing when the weather warms up. If you are building structures, mown ground makes it easier to see and correct drainage issues, so they don’t become bigger problems when the spring rains begin.

Better Spring Green up

Borderlands surrounding developed land also benefit from a good winter tractor mowing. The cut grass acts as mulch to help provide more weed-free land and faster spring green up. Plus, mown fields just look better any time of year. Your spring maintenance is also easier. Once tractor mown, lands can be maintained with a finish mower for a manicured appearance or put on a field mow schedule to hold them ready for further development.

Land Prep Made Easy

We know that as a builder or developer, you have a lot to worry about besides getting your land construction ready. Metro Lawn Care is your one-stop source for every service you need to get land clear, drainage-issue free and ready to build. Contact us to find out more.

Safety is always a big concern for property managers. Fortunately, good property management landscaping can make business properties much safer. It’s a preventative measure that can keep away the following problems.

Bugs

Many people coming to your properties will be sensitive or overly reactive to insects, and some insects can eat at some types of infrastructure. All these conditions create hazards. Landscaping your property with this in mind can make sure that customers and employees alike are unlikely to come across these problems by designing spaces that bugs can’t nest in or find food in.

Tripping Hazards

Your properties have many people walking through them, and some are not steady on their feet. Even the people with perfect balance can trip if your property is full of sinkholes and no paths through safe areas that they can use when transporting things. Your landscapers can put in walkways that will be safe for everyone. The landscaping can also encourage people to use the safest routes by putting flower beds where they shouldn’t walk.

Damage To Building And Paths

Poor landscaping and landscape management leads to things such as tree roots tearing into foundations and dead branches piercing windows. Water can seep into structures from bare land and rot them until they splinter and break. This property damage can create hazardous situations for people such as broken glass on the ground and broken stairs. Landscapers can prevent this by tending the plants, putting them where they are safe, and creating easily-controlled spaces.

Puddles

Drainage problems create hazards: slippery paths, sinkholes, and unplanned pools of stagnant water. This doesn’t even encompass the infrastructure damage that makes buildings hazardous. A big part of landscaping is creating land that drains easily, helping you avoid all that.

Metro Lawn Care knows how much landscaping matters and will help you maintain and create a great yard. For more information, contact us.

One of the responsibilities commercial property managers face is maintaining the landscape. It’s vital to keep the landscape in good condition. A poorly-maintained landscape leaves a negative impression of a property. The following tips for better landscaping will help Dallas property managers keep their properties looking their best.

Incorporate Hardscaping Into the Design

Hardscaping refers to man-made components of a landscape design, such as walkways, patios, and pergolas. Adding hardscape features reduces the size of your lawn—and the time spent on lawn maintenance—while boosting the curb appeal of your commercial property.

Ensure Proper Drainage

A good drainage system is critical for your landscape, especially if your property is in a flood-prone area. One option is to install a stone swale. A swale is a shallow trench that follows the natural contours of your landscape and directs water away from your building. Another solution is a French drain system—a gravel-lined ditch that funnels water into an embedded pipe.

Fertilize Regularly

Fertilization is essential to keep your plants healthy. Undernourished plants are susceptible to disease. Keeping your plants fertilized ensures they will receive all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.

Install an Irrigation System

Consistent watering is a critical part of maintaining your lawn. Installing an automatic irrigation system will make watering your lawn quick and easy. You’ll save time and save water while ensuring your landscape looks its best.

Maintain Sidewalks and Walkways

Any commercial landscape maintenance needs to include keeping the property clean and safe. Inspect all sidewalks, walkways, and patios for cracks and other signs of damage, and make any necessary repairs. Ensure that all paths are free of litter, debris, or fallen tree limbs.

The experts at Metro Lawn Care have over 40 years of experience providing commercial landscape maintenance. Contact us for quality landscaping services in the Dallas area.