EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article is the fourth and final in a four-part series highlighting one of the four phases of landscape planning - design, installation, maintenance, and upgrades and modifications - presented through the courtesy of The Groundskeeper.
The Groundskeeper is an employee-owned landscape firm specializing in all types of landscapes in the deserts of the Pacific Southwest. Their seven branches cover the desert southwest areas of Arizona, Nevada and California. Progressive training practices continue to propel the quality of service forward, as The Groundskeeper builds itself upon knowledge and commitment.
For more information on The Groundskeeper call 800/571-1575 or visit the company’s web site at www.groundskeeper.com.
For additional articles in the series please click the following links:
TUCSON, Ariz. - The Groundskeeper developed questions and contacted its own experts in the desert southwest region. These professionals offered their experience and expertise for your benefit.
Respondents gave similar answers on some questions. Representative remarks are included, and all viewpoints are represented. Answers marked by the initials of the respondents indicate distinctive answers. Most are not direct quotes, but reflect the intent of the speaker.
The Groundskeeper offers its sincere thanks to the professionals who so willingly participated in these interviews:
- AC: Allison Caronna, Landscape Consultant, Tucson, Ariz.
- LG: Lorene Gilbert, Supervisor, Gilbert, Ariz.
- PK: Paul Keaney, Branch Manager, Gilbert, Ariz.
- RR: Robert Reyes, Improvement Supervisor, Tucson, Ariz.
- RS: Robert Sagasta, Improvements Supervisor, Tucson, Ariz.
- PS: Paula Smith, Landscape Consultant, Tucson, Ariz.
What Is The Difference Between An Upgrade And A Modification?
An upgrade involves a major change, or creating a new look. It can include something as complex as a new irrigation system, so this is a significant undertaking. A modification is less complicated and often less expensive. As RS put it, “A modification is like putting a Band-AidÔ on the problem. An upgrade is like taking stitches in it.”
How Do You Determine When It Is Time To Do An Upgrade?
The age of the property has a lot to do with it. Plants may be overgrown, outdated or dying. Irrigation systems wear out, or are no longer efficient because plants have matured. A landscape is a living, changing thing; it must be cared for continually.
RS: In the middle of the dead heat of summer, it’s pretty easy to tell when plants are screaming for water (meaning the irrigation system is outdated). Also when the curb appeal is gone - when it doesn’t stand up and grab you - it needs work.
PS: If you find yourself spending a lot on repairs to the irrigation system, it’s time to replace it.
RR: Oversheared plants decline quickly. Plants placed too close to pavement begin to push up the sidewalk/roadway. When shrubs and trees mature, the roots can kink poly line. Roots will also find small leaks and grow inside the poly line. All these situations need attention.
PK: It’s like clothing styles: the popular plants and rock colors change over time. More efficient plants are introduced.
What Is The Best Way To Approach A Large Upgrade Project?
It’s best to have a concept plan. If the work has to be done in sections to accommodate budget, a working plan ensures continuity in the design.
AC: Have a plan. The customer should have suggested changes listed according to budget priority. Sometimes the budget is the priority.
RS: We like to make several visits to the site with the customer to review ideas. This way it’s clear what the customer is looking for and what the budget will buy.
LG: It’s usually best to start with the entries - the high-impact areas - unless there are specific problem areas that need attention. Then we can work the rest of the plan in sections.
PS: If you need to replace a whole irrigation system, it’s more efficient and more cost-effective to do it all at once. Landscape is disturbed to lay new line; the design can be finished as the line is buried.
What Are The Usual Reasons For Modifying An Existing Landscape?
Changes are most often made to reduce maintenance costs and conserve water, to eliminate liability (e.g. trees or shrubs pushing up sidewalk or hanging over walkways), or to accommodate a change in use.
Do We Need A Designer/Landscape Architect To Lay Out The Changes?
For minor changes, the answer is “no.” Our supervisors are highly experienced and can handle a lot of situations. For larger projects, it’s a good idea to have drawings available. They help both the customer and the landscape professionals visualize the entire project. That way, even if property managers change, the plan is in place, and can be worked through to completion.
PS: On existing properties, The Groundskeeper is uniquely qualified to assess the landscape. We have highly qualified people who can look at problem areas (e.g. rain runs off the roof there, these roots are pushing up, this area is too shaded for the plants trying to grow here, drainage is a problem over there) and redesign those spaces to allow them their maximum usage and beauty. It’s a different perspective than an architect would have.
What Are The Most Costly Changes To Make In A Landscape?
The number one answer is irrigation systems. However, this is usually the most cost-effective change you can make and is the most crucial element of any desert landscape. It doesn’t matter what you plant if you can’t get water to the material to keep it healthy.
Another factor in cost is maintenance. For instance, lots of turf means lots of water, mowing and trimming. Planting trees and shrubs that require a lot of pruning will cost more, too. Cost of planting can be controlled by choosing plants of different sizes - perhaps larger ones in highly visual areas and smaller ones in areas where they can take a little more time to mature.
What Are The Least Costly Changes To Make In A Landscape?
The number one answer here is to top dress with new rock. Rock requires no irrigation, mowing or pruning - just occasional raking. Annuals are a great way to add a lot of color for little money. Again, planting costs can be controlled by choosing plant size carefully and considering the amount of maintenance they will require.
Which Changes Have The Most Visual Impact?
For color, it’s annuals and flowering shrubs. There are different considerations, though.
PS: If you have old trees, adding some low flowering plants is dramatic. If you have all shrubs, you can add trees for height and shade (particularly important in desert regions). You have to look at a landscape as an art piece. Dimension is important. The design can soften the lines of a building and focus certain areas.
Please Comment On The Importance Of Considering Maintenance Costs For The Newly Landscaped Area.
LG: It’s very important. You have to know that if you add a lot of turf areas, you’ll have more upkeep. Choosing plants is critical, too. Some require more water or more trimming than others. You should be sure there is an adequate budget to maintain what is installed.
AC: New plants will take less trimming for the first couple of years, while they get established. We can run the figures to show you what costs will be over a number of years.
RR: Management can make a difference. Some people like shrubs sheared, which is time-consuming and therefore more costly. Selective pruning is lower maintenance.
RS: Whatever you decide to put in, you must plan to maintain it. You must protect your investment.
Is There Anything Else You Think We Should Know?
PK: Upgrades and modifications can provide a return on the investment that can be identified and forecast. It may be a few years down the road, but it will pay off.
LG: It’s very important that we understand the intent of landscaping requested. For instance, if the customer says he/she wants three trees in a certain spot, are those trees supposed to provide shade, block the view from a window to the street or perform some other function? If we know what the customer wants to accomplish, we can provide the landscape that will fill that desire.
AC: It is wise to look at the long-range goals of landscaping. Making a “quick fix” to impress visiting dignitaries may endanger the long-term health of the property, and may be costly to reform later. We want to do it right the first time.
RS: Research the project thoroughly, and give yourself time to make sure the design is what will function best for you. Choose a reputable company that warranties their work. You must have confidence that your landscape company will work to maintain your investment.