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Spring Clean

FROM THE COMMON ASSESSMENT MAGAZINE, MARCH/APRIL 2006

Nature assists greatly in the aid of freshening up the landscape and exterior or presentation of our communities with natural rainfall, sunshine and a plant palate allowing colorful displays.

Although nature does so much to aid in the landscape presentation of the communities we live in, more can and should be done. Mulch is often a nice additive to beautifying the barren space of planter beds and natural dirt areas. Freshen the flower display at entries, clubhouses and pools with new flowers that are no longer a Christmas theme. Fill in voids in the landscape with a planned design matching your existing palate. Plan a new design to freshen the look of an old palate. As we all know the irrigated desert we live requires us to water year ‘round. You are reminded every month with towering water bills; emphasize the importance to the landscape contractor the proper timer settings for a spring and summer watering cycle.

Mulch is often mentioned in many communities as a “bonus feature”, however it is much more than that… mulch provides an aesthetic base that is both pleasing to the eye and retains moisture for less watering applications. There are many different varieties of mulch spreading from tree mulch (left by the tree contractor in the corner of the property) to cocoa mulch and beyond. When embarking on the mulch process be aware of which mulch is being applied ahead of time. Another groundcover that is commonly overlooked is our rock beds. Often, like a wood base mulch rock beds should also be refreshed and in some applications power washed or cleaned. Often these rock areas collect sediment and need to be reset and adjusted. Both mulch and rock can be a large investment for communities, but is one that gives an immediate impact the day it’s done.

Color, color, color!
Often landscape contractors refer to color as an annual flower which is seasonal, giving an average life of 3-6 months. These plantings are usually at entrances, pools, and sometimes doorway entry areas. Annual color can be costly and time consuming to maintain, but makes a huge impact on emphasized areas. For budgets that are getting ever tighter, most communities revert to perennial plantings giving seasonal color year after year without costly change-outs. For spring cleaning purposes it would be a great time to change your annual planting beds to spring and summer flower varieties.

. With new building, condo conversions and the home and garden network, we are constantly reminded of how our homes could look. One challenge often run into is the lack of planning and design to accommodate the theme of architecture, color and micro climate. Spring often initiates energy to change things but don ’t put the cart before the horse. Consult an architect or a designer to work with your landscape contractor to find ideas that will work long term for your community and your budget.

As the lack of rain continues in Southern California, we are even more reliant on our automated irrigation systems. These systems should be thoroughly evaluated as part of a spring cleaning. Although irrigation systems should be analyzed on an ongoing basis, there is no time more important than the beginning of summer. It is here “hot spots” can be alleviated. By making sure the clocks are functioning properly with adequate run times, valves are operating from the controllers, and lateral line systems are free of breaks, your community will have a head start on summer heats.

As summer approaches, work closely with your landscape contractor through maintenance practices, enhancement and irrigation projects to get your community looking the best it can. As nature does its best to bring the beauty, let’s do our part to maintain it as it was intended.

Zoen Baldwin, is the Operations Manager for Pacific Green Landscape, Inc.

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