Proudly serving over 150 HOA's and Commercial Projects throughout Orange and San Diego Counties.
         
  
 
Seasons
Earthco Newsletter

Spring 2015 
Issue VII  

ADD COLOR - REDUCE COST

 

  

Turf replacement may be the new buzz word for the landscape maintenance industry as well as a variety of water agencies, but we believe it is much more than that. It is our future, and it is time to embrace the change and look forward to the benefits. While lawn

areas offer much needed outside activity areas, some turf areas are simply ornamental,and these are the areas where replacement or improvement would be recommended.

 

 

Areas of turf between the sidewalk and curb become a perfect candidate for turf

replacement. The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MDWOC) is still offering a $2.00 per square foot reimbursement for replacing turf with more water-wise plant material. There are some agencies that have added incentives, but we are seeing them

disappear. Spring is the perfect season to make the change if you may be considering a turf replacement program in your community.

 

Our team at Earthco Commercial Landscape has enjoyed tremendous success with a variety of turf replacement projects, and during this season we are seeing how beautiful these projects have become. There are a variety of ground covers and low shrubs that have added color and visual impact to the community while saving the homeowners' 

associations hundreds to thousands of dollars in water costs. Quite often the rebates offered, pay for the initial replacement, depending upon the plant material selected and

the scope of the work performed. Some water-wise plants offer an abundance of bloom while others offer unique form

and color with their leaves. Gray and silver colored plants are extremely water-wise as their color reflects the sun, while "Sierra Blue" Ceanothus and Mexican Lobelia offer vibrant blooms with contrasting dark green foliage.

   

The size, scale and type of plant recommended will vary depending upon the type of soil, the location, and overall appeal you are trying to achieve. It is important to work with an

experienced landscape architect and landscape maintenance firm to help spearhead the effort for overall appeal and sustainability.


 

 

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of turf replacement for you community, please contact Dan Morrision, Client Relations Manager at

[email protected], or call (714) 571-0455
 
 

We have already sprang forward with the recent time change, capturing more daylight in the evening. This allows those of us who spend far too many hours inside an office, an opportunity to enjoy some much coveted outdoor time later in the day. Even in our Southern California microclimate, we can see the changes spring brings. Although our winter was much milder than originally predicted, and the rainfall we received did not deter the ever-present drought, spring is definitely all around us.


 

This issue of Seasons addresses not only the changes we see with the abundance of new growth this season, but how best to manage it. This spring also represents another season of positive change at Earthco by continuing to carefully manage our growth as we methodically add new business. We remain committed to our on-going educational programs and seminars which offer a valuable resource to our team members so they can continue to succeed.  My congratulations to Gelasio who has served a remarkable, ten-year tenure at Earthco. We look forward to growing and learning together.


Sincerely,


Robert Morrison
President
Earthco Commercial Landscape
  GELASIO TAPIA CELEBRATES 10 YRS. AT EARTHCO
 

Gelasio joined Earthco with three years of landscape maintenance experience. He became trained in irrigation management and served initially as an irrigator for Earthco. Communication was a key component of success in that position,and Gelasio gained a ground-level, in-depth understanding of the commercial landscape industry.

 

Tapia's commitment to the company as well as his positive attitude and exceptional problem-solving ability gained him a position of assistant account manager. Gelasio quickly became recognized as a tremendous team player. Instead of focusing on how to best solve a problem, he concentrated his efforts on being proactive and attacking issues that could result in a potential problem. His knowledge, hands-on experience, unique insight and dedication earned him the position of account manager.

 

"Gelasio is a true asset to Earthco, and he is a key member of our management team," stated Robert Morrison, President of Earthco. "Gelasio continues to learn and grow, he embraces new technology with enthusiasm, and we rely on him to assist us in educating and keeping our standards high with our new team members," concluded Morrison. Gelasio currently provides excellent account service to the variety of homeowner associations throughout Orange County.

 MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR SPRING

 

Add Color to Entries- Spring is the season many of our communities ask to add annual color at entries and monuments. This is an opportunity to introduce more sustainable water-wise plants to the mix, so annual replacement can be minimized in the future. Create a layering effect with medium shrubs such as Electric Blue Salvia, accented with Margarita Penstemon. Consider adding more sustainable plant material that will renew its bloom the following year, and reduce the annual color replacement for both water and cost savings over time.

Slope Planting - Spring is the best time of the year to plant slopes. Any dead plant material should be removed. Erosion should be minimized since most of the rain

should be behind us. Be careful with plant selection as this is the last possibility to plant California Natives and have success. California native plants and drought-tolerant plants do need water to establish correctly. This may be the last opportunity until early winter to plant and be able to take advantage of any rainfall we may hope to obtain during the season. It may also be the prettiest time for these plants. 


 

Shrubs- Spring is the best time to revitalize old shrubs. Many varieties can be cut back 

to old wood and will sprout new growth just below the cuts at the crown  of the plant. We usually promote natural pruning, but with older shrubs, it is  recommended to cut back and allow for new growth. While now is the time that there is  so much additional color within the community, the cut back on the shrubs will not be as  noticeable, and this practice will provide lasting quality.