Greetings!
April showers brought May flowers and June brings heat and water restrictions. In our last newsletter we jogged your memory about a topic on almost every homeowner's mind and this month we are giving you the breakdown.
What does the outside of your office or commercial property say about the inside? You will be surprised what studies show that will have you calling us for advice.
Whether you are planning a wedding; moving into a new house or a new office space; planting Calla Lilies and Gladiolus or attending one of the many flower shows this month, June is the time to rev-up hortipalooza! |
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Perennial Office Rates
A study in the Journal of Arboriculture, The Influence of Trees and Landscaping on Rental Rates at Office Buildings, investigated the effect of trees and landscaping on office rental rates based on a detailed field survey of 85 buildings, consisting of 270 separate and unique leases.
In past similar studies, several benefits and costs related to urban forests and landscape trees have been investigated, such as energy conservation, air quality, carbon sequestration and even the impact of trees on the reduction of domestic violence. In the specific study, the landscape characteristics were graded mostly on how well the landscape trees and plants provided a benefit. Variables included: visual screening, noise attenuation, shade to parking areas, shade to building ratio, recreational enhancement, space definition, and aesthetics. Conclusions from this study show a clear direct relationship between quality landscaping and office retail rates.
If you own office space that you are trying to lease, take a look around. Does the outside landscaping encompass the above attributes? How can you create a more feasible exterior in order to maximize office rental rates? If you are not sure how to get started, contact the professionals at TotalScape Solutions.
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Know The Law
Besides the hot weather, Florida has a hot topic concerning HOAs and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program.
Last month we refreshed your memory from a law passed in 2009. In our second installment of this steamy issue, we will enlighten you on specific HOA landscaping requirements. Note that the following restrictions do not apply to HOA agricultural committees or landscaping committees, but they do apply to committees that did not previously exist:
- Inappropriate placement of plants that require regular irrigation to keep the plants healthy
- Excessive or improper fertilization
- Excessive use of pesticides
- Violation of South Florida Water Management District water use restrictions
- Reasonable and appropriate use of mulch
- Plants attractive to wildlife such as butterfly or hummingbird gardens or other non-nuisance wildlife
- Attractive, well suited plants in the landscape in favor of other plants that are less well suited to the site (wrong plant, wrong place) swales or rain gardens, waterfront buffers or other protective practices, composting bins or rain barrels, etc.
Keep in mind if you are an HOA you can enforce reasonable limits or requirements for Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and if you are a homeowner, this means your HOA cannot deny landscaping ideas that meet the definition of xeriscaping (a.k.a. a landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates that utilizes water-conserving techniques such as the use of drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation) under the statue. For more information for HOAs and homeowners on "Florida-Friendly" dos and don'ts, please visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection here.
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Aesthetic Over Pathetic 
If you want your commercial property to bloom this summer not only financially, but aesthetically, you may want to follow these three tips:
1) What the exterior of your building looks like reflects what the interior may look like as well, at least that is the general public perception. If your property is clean and organized on the inside, wouldn't you want the same on the outside? That means no weeds on the sidewalk, no overgrown plants and no liter.
Create an "oasis" atmosphere where people will want to stay instead of running away.
2) If your property has signs that are not clearly visible because of unkempt shrubs and trees, this may cause a safety concern for visitors or tenants. Keep bushes, trees and other greenery trimmed and well-maintained to avoid accidents and confusion.
3) Think of your property as a canvas. When you add color to landscapes, you add vibrancy and a positive tone to the overall property. Plant some flowers; plant some exotic trees and add watch your property turn from bland to grand.
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 Jimmy Dennis, TotalScape Solutions Sales Manager
Jimmy has been in the landscape industry for 24 years, specializing in landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance for both commercial and residential properties. Jimmy was a part of the Horticulture Team at Sea World for 5 years, where he launched his career. As Sales Manager, he supervises client accounts daily and during his time off, Jimmy enjoys meeting new people, traveling and spending time with his family.
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Did You Know?
The Wonderful World of Flowers
 If you missed the largest number of front-entrance topiaries ever at the 19th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival that ran March 7-May 20th, here are some fun facts to share with friends and family that will make them go, "hmmmmmmm"...
- 30 million blooms cover the park throughout the festival
- 22,615 plant plugs of 15 plant varieties make up the Fantasia front
- 4,000 Blushing Bride air plants from Guatemala color the two hippos' tutus and 300 Cotton Candy air plants from Peru feather the wings and tails of the three ostrich topiaries
- 1,250 feet of quarter-inch irrigation tubing is woven into the Fantasia front
- 1,000 native butterflies represent up to 10 species at the expansive Bambi's Butterfly House
- More than 500,000 plants, trees and shrubs are planted for the festival
- 700 container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and vegetables in clay pots, barrels and urns enhance the landscape throughout Epcot
- 400 Walt Disney World horticulturists are needed to install the festival landscape, topiaries and many exhibits
- It takes more than one full year and about 24,000 cast member hours to preparefor the annual festival.
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About Us
Totalscape Solutions is a full-service, comprehensive landscape solutions company serving the greater Tampa Bay Area for over 10 years.
The company is founded, owned and managed by Mark Gonzales, a businessman who has leveraged his knowledge, experience and success working in the corporate world to provide over a decade of outstanding service and skill in the landscape industry.
In addition to best practices and skills, Mark, a longtime resident of Tampa, and his team have an intimate understanding and working knowledge of the different geographic areas that comprise Tampa Bay. Their landscaping is carefully cultivated to meet the climate differences within the Greater Tampa Bay Area.
Photo Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net
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Contact Us!
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813-348-09601717 E. Busch Blvd.
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