Objectives

2. Objectives Describe various landscaping tasks, including: cleanup, spring cleanup, mowing and trimming, edging, chemical applications, shrub maintenance, ground cover, tree management, leaf removal, planting beds, irrigation, and weed control List at least ten best practices for managing snow removal

3. Landscaping Management of plant materials Grading of soil to improve natural contours Installation of rocks, stones, and other hardscapes Good landscaping increases curb appeal Storm water management

4. Landscaping Landscaping scope depends upon Location Class Owner�s vision Position in the market Type of property Not all buildings have landscaping Urban buildings

5. Landscaping Vendors Small landscapers Regional (mid-range) landscapers Full service landscapers A good landscaper is both an artist and a scientist

6. General Landscape Maintenance

7. Edging

8. Irrigation Techniques to reduce water use Read the water bill Choose plants wisely Xeriscaping v. Zero-scaping Reduce/eliminate large flower beds Maintain mulch Drip irrigation Use gray water or rain water

9. Irrigation Irrigation controller Senses need for water System does not come on unless soil conditions warrant it Irrigation at right time of day

10. Turf Management Mowing and trimming Mulching mower Compost or recycle Cut to right height (2.5� to 4.5�) Remove 1/3 of blade of grass at a time Match mowing schedule to needs of turf � not calendar

11. Chemical Applications Fertilizer Broadleaf weed control Crabgrass control Spot treatments Soil test pH (maintain between 6.0 and 7.0)

12. Turf Rejuvenation Aeration Overseeding

13. Plant Material Management Deciduous Evergreen Shrub Care Never use electric clippers on shrubs! Use hand pruners

14. Groundcover Fills in planter bed areas or areas where grass will not grow Groundcover is chosen based on Shade/sun Wet/dry Aesthetics

15. Tree Management Pruning Insect and disease control Tree care is part of any landscaping contract � don�t wait until there is a problem to call in a tree crew

16. Tree and Shrub Care Very poor tree pruning techniques

17. Planting Beds Perennials Annuals Bulbs Mulch Repels weeds Maintains moisture at roots Weed control

18. Interior Plantscaping Not usually handled by exterior landscaper Temperatures constant year round, so plant material can be tropical or exotic Balance art and science Aesthetics Good management of plants, insects, etc.

19. Snow Removal Potential liability Cost of lawsuit pales in comparison to cost of snow removal Aggressively manage snow and ice Prepare for snow well in advance Make sure everyone knows the expectations

20. Snow Removal Guidelines Meet with team, vendor, and tenants long before first snow Over communicate Manage snow and ice regardless of accumulation Make sure vendor has plan for large storms with significant snow

21. Snow Removal Guidelines Larger equipment (higher price) for fewer hours (lower overall cost)? Stock up on equipment and supplies before season Perform maintenance on machinery and equipment before season Use appropriate chemicals for concrete areas and parking structures

22. Snow Removal Guidelines Give instructions for managing snow/ice on parking deck/garage Expansion joints Coatings Weight limits/height limits Document site before and after with photos

23. Snow Removal Guidelines Use snow stakes Provide site plan for snow plow trucks Push snow to low side of property Remove snow from parking surfaces as soon as possible Treat ice aggressively

24. Snow Removal Guidelines Manage vehicles on parking lot Fleet vehicles Shift workers Don�t plow snow against loading dock!