Landscaping Should Be Deemed Essential Service

Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance Should Be Considered Essential Services Pugh's Earthworks Customers & Others This May Concern: NALP is the national trade organization representing the $82 billion landscape industry in the United States. Member companies specialize in lawn care, landscape maintenance, tree care, irrigation, and water management. Landscape professionals work daily throughout the Nation servicing homes and businesses to maintain their landscapes, sustain the environment, and take pride in our communities by enhancing and maintaining healthy green spaces. As a Nation, we are all struggling to combat the rapid transmission of the coronavirus “COVID19,”and we understand and acknowledge that in some instances, drastic steps are being taken, including shutting down businesses deemed non-essential. We are communicating with you today to assure you that landscape services are essential services and must continue during any emergency declaration or quarantine scenario. Landscapers are partners during this critical time in assisting in the protection of public health and public safety. Without the landscape industry conducting these valuable services, we will undoubtedly see increased instances where people may be harmed or become sick from other illnesses compounding our already stretched medical resources. Recently, Counties in and around the greater San Francisco metropolitan area enacted a temporary “lockdown.” We anticipate other municipalities and states to take similar precautionary steps. The “lockdown” issued by these counties exempt “essential services,” pertinent for the landscape industry is the below portion of the exemption: ix. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses For the foregoing reasons, landscape services should be deemed “essential.” Landscapers are protectors of public health performing essential treatments to lawns and green spaces to reduce the transmission of dangerous and deadly diseases through pests like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Landscapers protect property and maintain greenspaces that could otherwise jeopardize public safety. Unkept fields and green spaces increase the chance of injuries. Crime rates are increased in areas where green spaces are not maintained. Tree removal is also a critical function of our industry to avoid damaging homes and their families. Landscapers play a critical role in boosting morale and mental health during a difficult time for our Nation. Without landscape services fields, parks, businesses, and homes will become overgrown and unkept, which can have dramatic psychological effects on the mental and well being of our communities. Spring is a critical time of year for our industry due to the abundance of growth in the spring that requires prompt maintenance and care. Any halt or delay in landscape services during this time of year only magnifies potential safety problems and become much more difficult to maintain later in the year. Lastly, our industry is taking aggressive steps within our organizations to stop the transmission of COVID-19. Because our industry functions outside this greatly reduces the chances to come into contact with other individuals. Within the industry, strong policies are being put in place to maintain social distancing with both clients and within our teams that are working in the field. We are all in this together, and the Landscape industry stands with our public officials to stop the rapid transmission of [...]

By |2020-03-22T18:10:15+00:00March 19th, 2020|Categories: Essential Service, Pugh's Earthworks|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Landscaping Should Be Deemed Essential Service

April is Lawn and Garden Month

Every April, communities, businesses, and individuals across the celebrate gardening during National Garden and Lawn Month.  It brings awareness to the beauty found in nature as well as the benefits gardening provides all of us. Gardens and lawns contribute to better health, improve the aesthetics of cities and businesses, and provide an overall attractive look to everything around us to enhance moods. This celebration was started by the National Garden Bureau who worked with 23 national horticultural organizations to legislate National Garden Week. Former President Reagan signed the Proclamation on April 18, 1986. National Garden Week was first celebrated April 12 to 18, 1987. Then, in 2002, the National Gardening Association decided to extend the celebration to encompass the entire month of April. From 2003, National Garden Month has been celebrated during the month of April. Here are some ways to celebrate the month: Participate in a city or neighborhood beautification day. Visit a farmer's market or garden center. Volunteer to clean up a park or street. Work with others to develop a city garden. Add a garden or more greenery at your workplace. Include more houseplants in the office. Take a local garden tour. Find ways to be more environmentally sensitive, including using less pesticide, water, and electricity. Start an indoor herb garden. Buy locally grown food. During this month, you may also want to work with a professional commercial company like Pugh's Earthworks to manage your commercial lawn and garden or find a way to redesign it so it uses less water thanks to new drough-resistant plants. Contact us today to learn more!    

By |2019-04-04T22:22:12+00:00April 4th, 2019|Categories: Commercial Landscape Maintenance|Tags: , , , |Comments Off on April is Lawn and Garden Month

Apply Fertilizer in the Spring to Strengthen Roots and Promote Growth

With the official start of spring nearly upon us, it's time to think about getting your commercial landscape ready for the seasonal changes. Since each season has some specific landscaping tasks to accomplish, one of the spring tasks involves fertilizing. Here's why. Lawns need fertilizer during the early spring when the grass begins to green up. Feeding the lawn, shrubs, flowers, and other aspects of your landscape promote growth while also strengthening the roots so the temperature changes aren't an issue. There are several ways to apply lawn fertilizer during the spring season. A spreader ensures more even coverage than fertilizing by hand. Also, hand fertilizing may result in burns where the fertilizer is concentrated and pale areas that don’t get as much fertilizer as they should. Try a broadcast or rotary spreader because they are easy to use and don’t cause striping like a drop spreader. However, a drop spreader ensures that there is no chance of overthrow where fertilizer lands on streets, sidewalks, or driveways. At the same time, a drop spreader requires two trips over the lawn at right angles. Apply the fertilizer and then thoroughly water the lawn. This rinses the fertilizer off the grass blades so they won’t burn and lets the fertilizer sink into the soil to do its job. Keep people and pets off the lawn for 24 to 48 hours. There are different types of fertilizer that can be used. Slow-release doesn't have to be used as often, but these are more expensive. Fast-release offers quick results, but you have to apply it in smaller amounts and more often. Your risk of burning your lawn increases. Weed and feed is another fertilizer option. You'll need to be careful around trees, shrubs, and garden plants. You can use organic materials like compost and manure, but you will have to use a lot  Also, horse manure may contain weed seeds. Liquid fertilizers aren’t recommended because they are difficult to apply evenly and require frequent applications. Be sure to water the lawn a few days before you plan to fertilize. When you do apply the fertilizer, make sure the grass blades are completely dry to avoid burns. If you would like help with fertilizing and maintaining your commercial landscape, contact us now to find out how a monthly plan can ensure you enjoy a beautiful commercial landscape throughout the year that welcomes your visitors.

By |2019-03-12T16:04:00+00:00March 12th, 2019|Categories: Fertilize|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Apply Fertilizer in the Spring to Strengthen Roots and Promote Growth

Commercial Landscape Services For Retail Shopping Centers

One of our commercial property specialties is retail shopping centers. We've been taking care of retail shopping center landscape for decades, including parking lots, open areas, and indoor landscaping at shopping malls. Unlike other commercial property landscapes we handle, a retail shopping center has its own unique set of challenges. This includes maintaining it despite ongoing crowds and foot traffic as well as parking lot traffic. However, if you can work with a commercial landscape service provider that gives you a well-maintained landscape, it can help your retail center tenants improve their image and the shopping experience, driving repeat business. Here's what our commercial landscaping service can do for your retail center: Maintain and refresh the green areas around all of your storefronts and entranceways; Conduct all commercial landscape work during no- to low-traffic times; Prepare for holiday and special events that involve the landscape; Develop a landscape that fits the environment, including the mix of hardscape, irrigation, and landscape that defines it, and offers solutions for less water usage; Offer monthly commercial landscape maintenance and design that aligns with your budget; and Create a retail shopping center landscape that keeps its beauty even in high-traffic conditions. Every aspect of your retail landscape gets our attention. That includes taking care of any water features and irrigation systems as well as planters, green areas and lawns, and flowerbeds.  It also means we handle mulching, trimming, mowing, reseeding, pruning and edging. We specialize in numerous landscape design elements that are commonly added to retail centers to enhance their aesthetics and draw customers in. This include planting beds, tree installation, walkways, rock features, and lighting. Even during the winter season, you can take advantage of our snow and ice. Contact us today to learn more about our monthly commercial landscaping services for retail shopping centers.    

By |2019-02-25T16:51:00+00:00February 25th, 2019|Categories: Shopping Center Landscape|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Commercial Landscape Services For Retail Shopping Centers

Changing Your Commercial Landscape To Fit Each Season

Every season brings different weather conditions that impact your commercial landscape. That's why it makes sense to regularly adjust your commercial landscape to fit the season. This creates a year-round beautiful and welcoming look to your commercial landscape. Here's what you can do to make sure your commercial landscape fits each season: Your first plan is to have an overall year-round commercial landscape and planning strategy that involves selecting trees and shrubs that you can prepare to replace the following season. That way, there will always be a focal point to your commercial landscape design. Since spring is the next season coming up, let's start there. After a drab, cold winter, you will want to show some color in your commercial landscape. Look for the earliest-blooming shrubs, trees, and flowers to get ready to plant. You'll most likely start enjoying various colors by mid-spring. And, to carry on your staggered planting strategy, summer should consist of trees and shrubs that are heartier and can withstand the heat and humidity of the season. From there, fall offers a lot of opportunity for colorful foliage and deep colors across shrubs and trees. When winter arrives again, most of the plants and trees will go into hibernation, so be prepared to focus on colors like white, brown, and gray for a few months with the exception of the seasonal evergreen tree. Then, there is your year-round commercial lawn care to consider. This area of your landscape should also have a strategy to keep it inviting throughout each season. With spring nearly here, it's time to sharpen those lawnmower blades and clean up all the debris. Keep an eye out for weeds and begin fertilizing. From there, each season will involve trimming, watering, and feeding until the lawn goes dormant again in winter. And, if you need expert and professional help making your commercial landscape fit with the season, then you should contact us today to learn more about our commercial landscaping design and maintenance packages.

By |2019-02-17T20:46:21+00:00February 17th, 2019|Categories: Commercial Landscape Maintenance|Tags: , , , |Comments Off on Changing Your Commercial Landscape To Fit Each Season

Revitalize Your Commercial Landscape

Your commercial landscape most likely has served you well over the years, offering a professional look. However, like everything, this might be the time to think about a makeover to revitalize that commercial landscape. There are many reasons to consider this change. First, changing the commercial landscape creates new interest for visitors and offers them a fresh, inviting place. Second, the changes in environmental concerns mean you'll need to think about water conservation and a move to drought-resistant plants. Third, like the outside of your commercial building, it could just be time for improvements due to age, wear and tear, and weather impact. In all situations, you don't want dead or broken trees and shrubs to impact others' impression of your business. Plus, any fallen limbs or ragged branches can put employees and visitors to the property at risk for injury. Now that it's a new year, it's a good time to think about getting professional commercial landscape services like Pugh's Earthworks to revitalize how the surroundings of your business look. We can come up with a plan on how to change it as well as a timeline to revamp your landscape in a way that doesn't interfere with visitors and clients coming to your business. Our services include collecting and hauling away debris, trimming back, or pruning bushes and mature trees, and planting new flowers, plants, and greenery that complement your building's architecture. We'll recommend a way to use less water and make improvements to your existing irrigation system. If you have grass, then we'll also take care of your lawn and bring it back to life if it needs more attention. This also involves weed control and other preventative measures to help ensure a beautiful commercial landscape. Contact us today to find out what we can do for your commercial landscape to make it an attractive and welcoming way to greet visitors and clients.  

By |2019-02-03T20:15:35+00:00February 3rd, 2019|Categories: Commercial Landscape Maintenance|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Revitalize Your Commercial Landscape

Our Expert Staff Can Re-Design Your Entire Landscape

Whether it's an office building, hotel, or retail location, it's important to consider how the outside of your company can reflect the inside. Plus, in doing your part for the local community, you want to ensure that you are being water-wise and offering a pleasant aesthetic to enhance how your city looks to residents and visitors. Our commercial landscaping services can help develop or re-design your entire landscape area whether it is expansive or just minimal in an urban setting. We create some of the most incredible outdoor environments you have ever seen. Hardscapes We offer a wide range of hardscape services for our commercial landscape design. These include: Walkways and sidewalks, using concrete, stone, pavers, and brick features Driveways Seating areas Retaining walls Fencing Water features Planters Bike racks Lighting Lighting is a key feature that many companies forget about it. This feature adds interest and keeps the property well-lit for security and advertising purposes during the evening and overnight hours. Also, lighting can help guide visitors in the evening hours to your front door. We offer LED bulbs, which are an efficient lighting solution for commercial properties. Also, low-voltage lighting solutions are an economical lighting solution. All types of fixture options are available to fit your architecture and landscape design. Sod, Plant, and Flower Installation From fresh grass and artificial turf to plants, flowers, and bedding, we offer a full range of commercial landscape installation services. Our commercial landscape designers create and oversee the installation and replacement of flowers, shrubs, and trees. Adding bright colors, shade, and natural ambiance provide a way to have a stunning look for your business. Drought-Tolerant, Water-Conscious Landscape Design With a greater focus on sustainability and environmental practices, it's important to consider this within your commercial landscape design. That's why we are able to come and provide recommendations on how to reduce water consumption through the use of artificial turf as well as drought-tolerant plants and landscape features, including crushed granite and other types of rock and gravel designs. Other Services Also, we offer commercial landscape maintenance services for mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and irrigating your landscape. Additionally, we have a pest control service to ensure no pests ruin that beautiful commercial landscape design. Contact us today to find out what we can do for your commercial landscape!    

By |2018-08-12T16:12:52+00:00August 12th, 2018|Categories: Landscape Design|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Our Expert Staff Can Re-Design Your Entire Landscape

First Impressions Count: Add Attractive Landscaping to the Front of Your Business

An unattractive entrance to your business is not inviting to potential new clients. It may send the message that your business is not concerned with the details, which prospects may think will then apply to them. Instead, they would rather work with a company that takes pride in itself. That first impression counts. Here are the basics of what defines good commercial landscape design: Gain Customer’s Interest Your commercial landscape should add interest and encourage them to stay awhile. For example, consider adding things like benches, picnic tables, and water features. Direct Traffic Flow You don't want your customers or prospects to be confused about where to enter your business. You can use landscaping to direct traffic flow right to your front door. Use decorative concrete lined by plants or flowers to lead the way. Accent Architecture Make sure the landscape fits your building's style. This will highlight architectural features and blend the natural with the structure in an aesthetic way. Convey the Right Message Your business and your building have a brand so your landscape should reflect that. Is that message about sustainability, fun, professionalism, or forward thinking?  This may mean dancing water features for fun or native grasses and wildflowers for sustainability-focused buildings. Conserve Water and Energy Now, more than ever, conservation is a critical part of commercial landscape design. You also want to present yourself as a socially conscious, environmentally friendly business. The landscape can provide shade to the building. If possible, you can also consider adding a "green" roof or roof-top garden, which can lower heating and cooling costs. Think About the Future When thinking about commercial landscape design, consider how it might landscape as it matures. This is important when deciding where to place trees and shrubs, which will change scale over time. Also, think about the type of maintenance that your commercial landscape design will require, weighing the cost and time needed to keep it looking beautiful. Work with a Professional Commercial Landscape Company Chose Pugh's Earthworks to carefully sculpt your landscape. They can select the best plants and have expert designers that make good use of space, accommodating the look of your company's building and surrounding area. Contact us today!

By |2018-08-05T20:13:14+00:00August 5th, 2018|Categories: Landscape Design|Tags: , , |Comments Off on First Impressions Count: Add Attractive Landscaping to the Front of Your Business

It’s Not Too Late to Plant Shrubs in the Spring

Pugh's Earthworks Spring Is A Great Time To Plant While spring is already in full swing, we know that here in Memphis and nearby the spring season has been a little delayed this year. We are now looking forward to warmer weather and enjoying the rest of spring. That's why it's not too late to consider what you may want to plant during this spring season. Shrubs and flowering shrubs are great ideas for your yard. No matter what size yard you have, shrubs are a great way to add depth, texture, and color to a garden. Location, Location, Location When you plan on planting shrubs, it's important to consider where you are going to put them. Consider any zoning or Homeowners Association rules as well as be aware of property lines. While you may love the shrubs you are planting, your neighbors may not. And, the last thing you want is to have to pull it out after all that hard work. Then, there are sunlight and shade requirements to think about. Also, check to see how big the shrubs may get to ensure you've picked a location that will accommodate how big the shrub will get. How to Plant Shrubs When you take the time to plant a shrub properly, it will grow faster. Plus, it may even enjoy a longer life. The mild temperatures in spring are the right time to give the shrub the chance to take root and grow. The soil is the right temperature to help the shrub. Shrubs are typically purchased in containers. The shrub has been growing in the container for some time, which also gives it a better chance of survival. There are numerous sizes of containers and shrubs that allow you to pick the size that is appropriate for your planting area. To plant a shrub, first, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball. Make sure to loosen the soil around the hole so the roots can start to penetrate it and make a home for themselves. Remove the shrub carefully from the container and put it in the hole as soon as possible. The bare roots are vulnerable to light and air so they need to get back into the dirt as soon as possible. Lightly push the soil down around the shrub to get rid of any air pockets. You can also add water to settle the soil. This also helps the root ball to start receiving the water it needs to stay healthy. Add mulch around the shrub to start giving it nutrition. Shrub Maintenance Even after planting it in the spring, there is still much to do to maintain your shrubs. You'll need to keep an eye on your shrubs over the course of the first year to make sure they are getting enough moisture as the weather heats up. Signs of moisture distress include wilting leaves or hard soil. Continue adding water and mulch around the newly planted shrub. You won't need [...]

By |2018-04-26T19:20:32+00:00April 26th, 2018|Categories: Planting Tips|Tags: , , , |Comments Off on It’s Not Too Late to Plant Shrubs in the Spring

Nashville Office Makes Commercial Properties Gorgeous

Pugh's Earthworks Serving The Greater Nashville, TN Area Nashville has some of the most beautiful properties in this region. New construction in the area is at an all time high. Homes, apartments and condo values are soaring. According to Pro Tech Valuation Services, from 2010 to 2015, the Nashville metro area’s population grew by 9.2 percent. As a result, this influx of new families has led to a rapid increase in home prices. From a price-per-square foot of living space perspective, home prices are 50 percent above pre-crash highs. Pugh's Earthworks is ramped up and ready to take on commercial properties of all kinds in the Nashville area. Drew Douglas, the Nashville area manager, is happy to take a look at your property and provide you with an estimate for weekly property maintenance. He has years of experience in all aspects of the landscaping industry.

By |2018-04-25T03:09:53+00:00April 12th, 2018|Categories: Nashville Landscape Firm, Pugh's Earthworks|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Nashville Office Makes Commercial Properties Gorgeous
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