HOA Summer Landscaping Tasks

Serving Greater Orlando Florida | Windermere | Oviedo | Longwood

HOA Summer Landscaping Tasks

A person taking a handful of rich dirt in Orlando, FL

Warm weather throughout Central Florida is a beloved time to play outside, grill, and explore your own “backyard.” It’s also a great time to have your HOA management company start preparing the neighborhood for the hotter season ahead.

This will ensure the landscaping features are ready for the change in temperature and humidity and that they maintain a consistent look throughout the neighborhood.

When you work with a landscaping company, you get unrivaled knowledge of trees, plants, and grass. They know which plants are native to the area, which can withstand the temperatures, and which work well together.

1. Plant Native Plants

The climate is unique in Florida. When choosing plants for your landscape, go with ones that are native to the area and that can tolerate the weather patterns. This will make landscaping maintenance easier and allow those plants to thrive in the summer.

2. Check the Sprinkler System

Proper hydration is important for your lawn and plants. Overwatering and underwatering can both harm them. Ensure your sprinkler system is working properly and set the watering schedule to the morning. This allows water to be absorbed deeper into the ground, rather than be evaporated quickly by the sun.

3. Clean Up Hardscapes

If vegetation has taken over your paths and landscaping walls, now is a great time to cut them back. Overgrown vegetation is not only unsightly but it also provides harborages for pests.

4. Remove/Kill Weeds

The longer you wait to pull weeds, the more likely they’ll spread their seeds throughout your property, leading to a bigger weed problem. You can pull weeds out by hand with a garden knife, cultivator, or hoe or you can use an herbicide.

5. Mow Your Grass On a High Setting

A common misconception we hear is that short grass is a sign that it’s healthy. But, it’s actually better for your grass to keep it pretty high. We recommend not mowing your grass shorter than 4 inches. This will protect the soil, keep it hydrated, and help limit weed growth. Plus, the roots will already be stressed from the summer heat.

6. Treat for Lawn Pests

Grubs, billbugs, cutworms, and many other insects can ruin a lawn, quickly. You need to stop them at the first sign of damage. Investing in lawn pest control is often the best way to eliminate these issues and prevent them in the first place.

7. Test Soil

Your lawn’s pH levels can impact its growth. Make sure it’s healthy by testing the pH of your soil. This can also be helpful in determining a treatment plan to ensure it absorbs the fertilizers you apply.

HOA Landscaping Contractors in Orlando FL

Plants and lawns thrive in the summer, but they’re also prone to pest infestations, drought, and rot so they need some extra attention this time of year. To make sure your HOA property stays beautiful and consistent all year round, turn to Grasshoppers. Our landscaping team specializes in HOA landscaping maintenance, everything from lawn care to hardscaping. Contact us today to see why so many HOAs have trusted us!

Choosing a landscaping company for your HOA

Aerial view of a neighborhood with green trees in Orlando, FL

The right landscaping can help boost property values and keep your HOA community satisfied, but it’s often tough without the help of the right HOA landscaping company. This is why we at Grasshoppers are offering tips as we approach summer.

Unrivaled Plant Knowledge

Hardscaping Design

Hardscaping involves strategically placing gravel, bricks, and pebbles among greenery. Think landscaping walls, walkways, firepits, and stone seating areas. Other options include ponds and water features. Combining plant life with hardscaping will add depth and layers to your landscape as well as boost its overall visual appeal.

Landscaping Plans

HOA landscaping contractors understand that HOAs have limited budgets. They not only stick to the budget, but they also work from a plan. If your community is focusing on mostly upkeep, they’ll provide year-round maintenance. If you regularly change out flower beds as the seasons change, they’ll design and install your flower beds as well.

Irrigation Services

Lawn care is more complex than it may seem. Landscaping contractors also take into account irrigation, fertilizer, weed control, and pest control for lawns. They’ll monitor for signs of disease or damage and treat them accordingly before they impact the entire yard.

HOA Landscaping Services

A well-sculpted and manicured lawn allows you to be proud of your community and it leaves a good impression. Hiring a professional landscaping company to care for it will save you time, give you peace of mind, and boost your curb appeal.

If you run a homeowner’s association (HOA), you know how strict the requirements are for the community. When you want to make sure your community is taken care of, contact the team at Grasshoppers. We proudly provide HOA landscaping services throughout the Orlando FL area. Contact us today to request an estimate and see how we can help your HOA community thrive!

Spring Cleaning your Florida Landscape

Person using shears to trim down a rose plant in Orlando, FL

Spring means new beginnings, renewal, and growth–a great time to prepare your landscaping for planting. While we only experience mild winters in the Orlando area, it’s important to prime your landscape for summer. But what should you focus on? We at Grasshoppers are offering some outdoor spring cleaning tips below.

1. Prune

Some plants benefit from being pruned in spring, while others benefit from being pruned in fall. Prune dead, diseased, and damaged foliage.

2. Cut Back Perennials

Perennials are plants that regrow each spring. If they’ve started to take over your landscape, you’ll want to give them a trim to allow for growth. Don’t be afraid to trim them down to the base.

3. Remove Fallen Branches & Debris

After pruning and trimming is complete, take time to remove branches and debris. Dead foliage can block growth. Removing it from your landscape will not only help tidy it up but also promote growth once the temperature warms up.

4. Replace Damaged Plants

After removing dead flora, you can replace them with new plants for the season. Do your research and make sure you’re choosing plants that are appropriate for the area you’ll be planting them in–whether in the sun or shade.

5. Mulch

Next, it’s time to apply mulch. Mulch helps keep your plants cool and moist, which is especially important in our Central Florida climate. Plus, it looks great and keeps weeds at bay. It’s a good idea to remove your old mulch before applying new mulch because too much of it can attract pests. Also, keep the depth of your mulch to 2 to 3 inches.

6. Check Sprinkler System

Spring is also a good time to ensure your sprinkler system is working properly. Check your rain shut-off device and make sure it works correctly. Then, turn on your sprinklers and walk through each zone, checking that filters and emitters aren’t clogged. This is also a good time to calibrate your sprinkler system to ensure each zone is getting an adequate amount of water.

Licensed Landscapers in Orlando FL

Spring cleaning your landscape is a great way to boost your curb appeal and make a positive impression. If you’re seeking a commercial landscaping company to handle your spring cleaning, turn to Grasshoppers. We proudly serve businesses and HOA communities throughout the greater Orlando Florida area. We offer tree care, lawn care, landscape design, flower bed installation, irrigation services, and more. Give us a call today for your personalized quote!

Ways to Care for Your Lawn

A healthy lawn with old trees in a yard in Orlando, FL

As spring approaches here in Central Florida, it’s time to have your HOA management company start preparing the community for warmer temperatures. This will ensure all of the homes maintain a consistent look and are protected when the temperatures and humidity levels change.

Fortunately, Grasshoppers is here for you. Here are some tips to care for your lawn so that it can continue to thrive all year long.

Mow Your Lawn Often

As you know, it rains nearly every day during a Florida summer. With all of this extra water, your grass will grow faster, so make sure to mow your lawn often. It will keep it under control and help keep pests away.

Change Your Watering Schedule

Speaking of rainy months, it’s a good idea to reduce how often you water your lawn. Too much water promotes disease and insects. A good way to check if your lawn is thirsty is to inspect the blades of grass. When they’re folded in half, they are attempting to conserve water. During the warmer, non-rainy months, it’s recommended to water your lawn two to three times a week.

Use Fertilizers

Over time, lawns naturally lose the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Consider using a fertilizer for your lawn. It will keep your lawn well fed by providing it with essential nutrients and help combat certain lawn pests. In Central Florida, this often means using fertilizer in early to mid-fall or in late spring.

Use Insecticides

From chinch bugs and sod webworms to billbugs and cutworms, there are several lawn pests in Central Florida looking to feast on your lush green lawn. Consider using insecticides to keep those pests at bay.

Expert Lawn Care in Longwood FL

Does taking care of your lawn sound like a daunting task? When you want to ensure your HOA community is well taken care of, trust the team at Grasshoppers. We’ve been serving the community since 2002. All of our managers have over 15 years of landscaping and turf care experience. We’re fully licensed and insured so your property has full protection. Give us a call today for quality lawn and landscaping service!

Crepe Myrtle Trimming

Crepe myrtles are great for when you want to incorporate greenery into your landscape without taking too much space. These shrubs love hot climates and produce beautiful, vibrant pink flowers when they bloom–when pruned properly that is.

All too often we see crepe myrtles that have been severely butchered, destroying them of any chances to reach their full potential. This results in ugly stumps and weakened branches. This improper pruning technique is so widespread that it has been coined, “crepe Murder” but why do people continue to do it?

The most common reason people top crepe myrtles is because they’ve outgrown their space. If your crepe myrtle is too large, it’s better to replace it then it is to mutilate it. Then, make a wiser selection next time. Read the label on the plant so you can learn about its size range.

Downsides of Crepe Murder

While many people think crepe murder is benefitting their tree, it isn’t. In fact, it’s doing the entirely opposite. Below are some downsides to chopping crepe myrtles down to nubs.

Unattractiveness: severely cut crepe myrtles are left looking like sticks
Weak branches: severely cut branches will grow thinner and weaker, then won’t be able to support their blooms
Stress: severe pruning will put the tree under tremendous stress, making it more susceptible to pests and diseases
Uncontrolled growth: severe pruning of a crepe myrtle may result in bushy growth

The Correct Way to Prune a Crepe Myrtle

Now that you know why you shouldn’t perform “crepe Murder” here are some tips to correcly prune your crepe myrtle.

The main objective to pruning a crepe myrtle is to maintain its natural vase-like form so that it can grow strong branches to support its flowers
To keep crepe myrtles looking full, you will want to prune them in early spring, before breaking dormancy
Remove crossed, diseases, or damaged branches
Cut unwanted branches before they get thicker than a pencil
Prune the tips of branches to remove old flowers

Professional Crepe Myrtle Trimming

Whenever you have questions about pruning, selection, or removal of trees for your commercial property, contact Grasshoppers, serving Orlando FL and Longwood FL. We have ISA Certified Landscapers on our team that will happily provide you with guidance.

Crape Myrtle

Tips for Winter Tree Care in Florida

Neighborhood street aligned with lawns and palm trees in Orlando, FL

Florida winters are not brutal but you still need to care for your plants and trees. All it takes is a single night of 30 to 40 degree temperatures for your them to suffer damage.

You can’t bundle your trees up in hats and gloves, but you can prepare them for cooler temperatures and storms with these helpful tips from Grasshoppers Landscaping.

Dormant Pruning

Pruning your trees during dormancy, in the coldest part of the winter is best practice because wounds will heal faster, there are less risks for disease, and it’s easier to prune when all leaves are gone. Pruning in the coldest part of winter will also result in more vigorous growth when spring arrives.

Fertilize

As with pruning, timing is also important when it comes to fertilizing. In central Florida, it’s recommended to fertilize your lawn in October and November with a high-potassium fertilizer.

Mulch

Mulch helps moderate the soil temperature, keeping tree roots cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Mulch also helps reduce weed growth, soil erosion, and improves the overall health of your trees. Because mulch helps retain water, it also will reduce the watering needs of your trees.

Water Appropriately

If you have newly-planted trees, you’ll want to continue watering them as usual since it doesn’t rain often in the winter here in Florida. While the plant above ground may be dormant, the roots will continue growing if they’re properly hydrated.

Although our winters are quite mild, it’s still smart to prepare your trees and landscaping for the cooler weather and shorter days. Palms, in particular, require special care and can easily suffer damage in sudden drops of temperatures. So you’ll want to pay close attention to your trees and treat them quickly at the first sign of damage.

We understand taking care of your trees and landscaping can seem like a huge undertaking, especially as a business owner. You have other things to worry about like customer satisfaction, sales, your brand, and more. Let us take care of all of your landscaping needs. We specialize in commercial landscaping afterall! Our team is composed of ISA Certified Landscapers, FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professionals, and landscape contractors so you’re in good hands. Interested in a quote? Contact us!

How to Prevent Plant Diseases in Winter

Powdery mildew on a cucumber plant. Grasshoppers talks about ways to prevent plant diseases this winter in Orlando, FL

Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can all cause diseases in your plants. These diseases aren’t much of a problem during cold winters, but if you live in a warm climate like Florida where you have mild winters, you’ll want to take action. Plant diseases can cause significant damage to your landscaping.

Common Plant Diseases

Armillaria Root Rot: Armillaria root rot also called mushroom root rot infects the root of a plant, causing it to wilt and eventually die. Armillaria root rot can continue to live in the soil, so if you’re going to replant in the same area, consider finding a plant that is resistant to the fungi. Armillaria root rot attacks:
- Loquats
- Azaleas
- Ligustrum
- Oak trees
- Hickory trees
- And more
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a serious fungal disease. It causes plants to become distorted and stunted. It can attack a variety of plants including:
- Rose bushes
- Sycamores
- Crapemyrtles
- Squash
Sabal Palm Disease: Sabal Palm Disease also called, lethal bronzing is transmitted by a tiny winged pest called the American palm cixiid. This disease causes a palm’s leaves to turn brown and eventually die. Sabal palm disease is often difficult to diagnose because it shares similar characteristics as a tree that’s been over-fertilized. If you believe your palm has this disease contact your local landscaper or tree expert. They may be able to save it with oxytetracycline injections.

Prevent Plant Diseases with Good Practices

Oftentimes people wait until their plants are already sick and/or dying when they decide to take action and by then it’s too late. The best way to cure a plant disease is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Below are some good practices to help keep your plant disease-free.

Remove leaves and debris from your lawn to prevent mold growth
Continue mowing your grass through the winter until it has stopped growing
Prune trees and shrubs during the dormant season. Pruning during the growing season causes sap to flow which attracts insects like bark beetles.
Winterize sensitive plants like roses and young trees with thin bark. Tender plants can be seriously damaged in the winter, putting them at risk for a secondary infection like canker fungi.
Keep an eye on stressed plants and water them to promote healthy root growth.

Keeping your lawn and plants well-fed, watered, and cared for is your best defense against plant diseases. When a plant is stressed, it is more vulnerable to diseases and is more likely to be affected by lawn pests.

At Grasshoppers, we understand these steps may be a lot which is why you may want to consider hiring a professional landscaper for your property. In addition to being knowledgeable about the plants native to Florida, we’re also familiar with plant diseases, including how to prevent them and treat them.

Hardy Plants Native to Florida

Lantana plant. Grasshoppers in Orlando FL talks about some hardy plants native to Orlando, FL

Thinking of adding plants to your landscape, but worried they won’t survive with our unique Florida climate? Don’t let that get the best of you. There are plenty of Florida-native plants out there you can use to build your perfect landscape!

We at Grasshoppers have put together a list of our favorite Florida plants that can endure the humidity, drought, and heat we often experience in Florida. Let’s get right into them.

Agave

The agave plant is a perennial succulent that has large rosettes of thick, pointy leaves. These plants are easy to grow and are very drought-tolerant.

Beach Sunflower

Beach sunflowers love the sun, in fact, their flower heads always follow the sunlight! These bright yellow flowers are often used for groundcover. They are drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant, so they’re great if you live on the coast.

Blanket Flower

Blanket flowers are a bright red and gold flower in the sunflower family. These short-lived perennials are easy to grow and love direct sunlight. They make a great companion for the beach sunflower.

Firebush

The firebush is a large perennial shrub in the coffee family that works well on its own or in hedges. This shrub grows best in full sun, but it can also be planted in areas with partial shade. Firebush is also slightly salt-tolerant, so it can work well in coastal areas. Many people love this shrub because its flowers and berries attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and songbirds.

Lantana

Latana plants are one of the most popular landscaping plants available. Used for groundcover, these plants are low-maintenance, salt-tolerant, heat-tolerant, and drought-tolerant. They also come in several varieties.

Passion Flower

The passion flower is as drought-tolerant as it is strikingly beautiful. These perennial plants produce flowers that come in shades of purple and lavender. Each flower lasts around a day or two during the summer and fall, then matures into a green fruit.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto plants are another popular landscape plant because they tolerate a range of conditions. These palms prefer direct sunlight but will grow nearly everywhere. If you’re trying to landscape a walkway, saw palmetto is not a good choice. These plants have sharp, saw-like teeth that can cut through skin.

As a commercial business, you know how much of an impact your landscape has. This is just a shortlist of hardy Florida-native plants you can add to your landscape. To learn about more drought-tolerant plants or to revamp your landscape, give us a call. We can provide you with an expansive list of plants, flowers, and shrubs you use as part of your landscaping.

Agave Beach Sunflower Blanket Flower Firebush Lantana Passion Flower Saw Palmetto

How to Prepare Your Lawn for Hurricane Season

September is the most common month for hurricane landfall in Florida, so we at Grasshoppers are offering some ways you can help keep your lawn and plants safe before a storm hits.

Check Drainage

Clean out your gutters, downspouts, and storm drains. If they’re filled with debris, they won’t drain properly, leading to flooding. Standing water can spell disaster for your property because it can cause trees to fall over even long after the storm.

Prune Branches

Unhealthy and dying branches are weak and more likely to fall off during a strong storm, which can damage roofs, cars, and siding. Prune these now and remove the debris off of your property to help prevent a safety hazard.

Take Care of Small Plants

Have decorative plants outside? If they’re small enough, bring them indoors. If they’re on the larger side, put them in another protected area or lay them on their sides.

Stake Delicate Trees

If you have young or delicate trees on your property, consider staking them. Young trees don’t have strong root systems like mature trees do so they are more prone to being uprooted.

Turn off Irrigation

Many sprinklers turn off automatically when rain hits, but if a storm is imminent, you’ll want to turn them off manually. Hurricanes already bring lots of heavy rain. Pair that with your irrigation and this will only cause trees to uproot and plants to become overwatered.

Mulch

Mulch is often washed away from plant beds during heavy storms so plan to replace your mulch once the storm clears. If your plant beds are still quite wet, wait for them to dry before mulching. Some edging materials can help contain the mulch, but they also hold water in.

Clean-Up or Tie Down Belongings

Walk around your property and remove any debris or other items that can pose safety hazards during a hurricane. You’ll also want to make plans for your patio furniture and other large items you cannot store indoors. Tying them down is one option.

Are You Prepared for a Hurricane?

Many businesses and HOAs try to handle problems on their own. While we understand landscapers can’t do everything for you, there are instances when you can’t afford to use their services. If a storm wreaks havoc on your property, don’t wait to get it cleaned up. Instead, contact us. We provide storm cleanup services for businesses in the Orlando area. Our experts will clear out downed trees and haul away debris, eliminating any hazards on your property so you can get back to business.

Top Benefits of Landscaping Your Business

Grasshoppers Commercial Landscaping Portfolio in Orlando FL & Longwood FL

If you own a business, you know that time is money, and taking care of your own landscaping is a huge undertaking, especially if you have a large property. There are trees to prune, grass to mow, sprinklers to manage, and flowers to take care of. These examples alone are perfect reasons to hire a landscaping company to maintain your business. But that is just the tip of the iceberg, having a properly manicured lawn also comes with other benefits.

1. Curb Appeal

Never underestimate the power of curb appeal. The exterior of your building and the landscaping are the first things people see after all! Beautiful, well-kept looking landscaping may influence and attract potential buyers, thus increase more sales, while unmanaged eyesores may turn people in the other direction.

By beautifying your landscaping, you’re also showing customers that your business cares about its image.

2. Help Increase Your Property Value

Attractive and well-maintained landscaping can also provide you with a high return on investment as good landscaping help increase property values.

3. Support Sustainability

A great way to support sustainability in your community is to go green. Consider planting native trees and plants on your property or installing drainage systems to properly channel stormwater.

Plants and trees are great for the environment. They can filter out dust and pollutants from the air and help lower your heating and cooling costs. Trees are also attractive and can help make your business more appealing to customers. In fact, one study found trees highly influence consumer perceptions and behaviors.

4. Improve Safety

It’s important that you, your customers, and staff feel safe at your business. Keep in mind, trees can get sick and flower beds can be harborages for rodents and insects. Landscapers can diagnose plant diseases and provide pest control services on properties. They can also spot weak branches and prune them before they become safety issues. Not only that, landscapers will also ensure your walkways are in good condition as most companies also provide hardscaping services.

Lighting is another important aspect of landscaping that can improve safety. Not only can it highlight your storefront or business sign, but lighting can help people avoid stumbles in dark places or even help deter criminals.

5. Improve Employee Morale

In addition to these other benefits, landscaping your business is also a great way to improve your employee morale. You can provide them with a nice outdoor space to unwind and take breaks or even create a staff garden for team building and stress management.

Landscaping for your business is very important as you can see. If you’re interested in landscape maintenance, irrigation, patio installation, lighting, and more contact Grasshoppers. We specialize in commercial and HOA landscaping in the Orlando Florida area. We look forward to helping meet your landscaping goals.