Donnalee Harman

As a Property Manager or Facilities Director, it is your responsibility to ensure that the property you oversee is maintained to a level that will accomplish your objectives whether it be appearance, safety, security, or functionality. Landscaping of the exterior grounds is a primary part of that. It’s everyone’s first visual impression, and we all want to make a good first impression.

There are multiple segments of the landscaping to include in your maintenance scope of work.

• Turf Care: Mowing, trimming, weed and fertilizer applications are all staples of the plan. You should make sure the number of occurrences coincides with the level of “neatness” you would like. You should also make sure if your property is irrigated that you have enough mowings to cover the consistent growth throughout the normally “dryer” weeks of the summer.A step-child of the regular turf care that should always be included in your program is Aeration and Overseeding. This once-a-year service will keep your turf strong and weed free. If budget is an issue, consider performing this on a third of your property annually, or just high visibility areas.

• Spring Clean Up: This is necessary to prep the site for mulch, and subsequent mowing services. Any grasses and perennials not cut back late fall will be cut and made ready for new spring growth.

• Turf applications: If your local ordinances allow, you should include a minimum of 4 turf applications for both weed control and fertilization. 

• Bed Care: Mulching and edging is an obvious must for your landscape beds. A properly prepped bed in early spring made ready for a new coat of dyed shredded mulch will keep the beds looking neat and tidy through the season.

• Plant Care: Tree and shrub pruning should be included as appropriate to keep a tidy appearance. Make sure that if you have shrubs that should grow a bit more naturally (think Nandina, or Forsythia) that these are not sheared or pruned incorrectly.

• Leaf Management: Include an appropriate number of leaf management occurrences considering the site’s tree canopy, and variety of trees. These days, most professional landscaping companies utilize mulching mowers to mulch up the initial leaf drop and allow it to incorporate into the turf giving it extra nutrients. 

• Optional services: This is where seasonal color is added if appropriate. Make sure you consider if you need sun or shade loving plants and deer resistant if necessary. A lime application is only necessary if your soil Ph is off. Make sure a soil test is completed annually.

The basics of your scope of work go a long way to keep your property in tip-top shape. The main component to it all is partnering with a reputable, experienced professional Landscape Management Company. Ask them if after viewing your property if they feel there are items you have in your scope that may not be necessary or is there anything that should be added. 

The main objective of a good landscaper is to make you look good, without you having to expend tremendous amount of time and effort.

Victoria Valente

Many of us aren’t thinking of snow as we are hanging on to the last bits of summer, but as a property manager, this is exactly the time you should be thinking about your snow and ice management plan.  It won’t be long before temperature cools and weather arrives, so making sure you have a partner in place now is crucial to keeping your property safe and operable when the first storm arrives.  

Just like landscapes, every snow and ice management plan is unique. Chapel Valley understands this and spends thorough time ensuring we have the correct individuals, equipment, and detailed plan in place to service your property. Having these discussions in the summer provide property managers ample time to assess their snow removal needs and develop tailored solutions with their contractor. 

Additionally, as winter approaches the demand for snow and ice management services surges, further leading to a limited availability of contractors and services. Knowing this, it is particularly important to consider snow management beforehand to ensure there are enough resources available to service your property.  

Hiring a snow management contractor in the summer also allows property managers the opportunity to incorporate the cost associated with snow management services into their annual budgeting. By proactively obtaining quotes for services, property managers may find it easier to accurately forecast expenses associated with snow management on their commercial properties. 

While summer may seem distant from the chill of winter, it’s imperative that property managers recognize the importance of planning ahead for snow services. By taking proactive steps to hire a snow removal contractor during the summer months, property managers can beat the seasonal rush, tailor solutions to their specific needs, and budget effectively. 

Property managers understand that maintaining a commercial property is hard work. Maintaining lush and healthy landscapes is a crucial aspect of property management that attracts visitors and boosts curb appeal.  Having a proper irrigation system in place is an essential part of creating and maintaining vibrant landscapes.

Water management is the practice of monitoring the water application for large properties that require a system to help manage the amount, flow, and timing of water distribution. Having a proper and efficient irrigation system on your commercial property helps promote the proper growth of plants and ensure the correct levels of moisture are present in the soil.

One of the ways to make sure your system is working effectively and efficiently for you is by utilizing rain sensors and other smart irrigation control technologies. Systems such as these ensure the use of water is regulated and is in-line with current climates and temperatures. 

Having a professionally installed and maintained irrigation system on your commercial property is essential to the long-term appearance and investment of your property.   By investing in irrigation technologies, adopting water-saving practices, and prioritizing responsible water usage, property managers can reduce costs and promote their commitment to sustainability. 

Victoria Valente 

Like most things in life, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.  The same goes for creating a functional landscape that maximizes your return on investment. A well-designed and maintained landscape can increase property value and improve curb appeal.

By partnering with a design-build company, you are working with one entity to handle both the design and implantation of your landscape. This ensures what is designed meets your expectations while being executed within your budget.  Utilizing a single company provides streamlined communication, which is imperative during the planning and installation phases.  

 A new or updated landscape design is a great way to enhance and upgrade the outdoor spaces of your commercial properties.  Intentionally designed outdoor areas provide tenants with additional options for work or leisure. 

Aside from the added functionality that landscape design brings, it also does wonders for the first impression of your property. The exterior of your business is the first thing noticed by tenants and potential customers. Creating a clean and welcoming environment is imperative to making a memorable first experience for property visitors and helping them feel safe and welcomed. 

Lastly, sustainability is becoming an ever more important component of landscape design. Not only are sustainable landscape designs helpful for the environment, but they can also prove helpful for a manager’s bottom line.   By implementing sustainable landscaping practices such as native plants and implementing energy and water efficient systems, property managers can reduce expenses and demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility. 

The value of an effective landscape design cannot be emphasized enough. Partner with Chapel Valley today to increase your property’s value through an updated and functional landscape design. We will streamline the process from planning to installation while eliminating headaches and current pain points.

Warm, sunny days are ahead! Is your property ready for springtime? Ensuring your property is refreshed for spring is crucial not just for maintaining a beautiful landscape, but also for the health of the landscape. Utilize these tips and services to prepare your outdoor space for spring!

Implementing Efficient Irrigation

Ensure your irrigation system is up and running effectively. An up-to-date water management plan for your turf is crucial for keeping a space fresh and beautiful in all types of climates.

Integrated Pest Management

Warmer weather brings everyone outside. While an eye-catching landscape is inviting, you don’t want pesky pests spoiling the fun on your property.

Having an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program in place helps to keep your plant material healthy. IPMs are designed to manage and improve plant health by the prevention of pest activity, suppression of pests, and the preservation of beneficial insects.

Fresh Flowers for Spring and Beyond

What catches the eye more than colorful flowers? Having a seasonal flower rotation that changes with the seasons makes a great first impression. Adding new plant varieties and choosing seasonal colors will make your property stand out.

By implementing seasonal color into your property, you have a fresh look that leaves a great impression and maximizes the unique beauty each season has to offer. Contact us for more information on summertime flower installations!

Start Your Spring Successfully with Chapel Valley

As the springtime sunshine draws you outdoors, the new season is a perfect time to transform your property. Our approach to beautiful, state-of-the-art landscaping emphasizes the best of the seasons and enhances your commercial property. Leap into springtime with Chapel Valley–contact our professional landscaping team to embrace a fresh, beautiful new look for your outdoor space today!