Green Reserve Study

The biggest asset to your Landscape is to get ongoing information so your Board can make educated decisions. A strong landscape plan, once set in place can be used as an intricate tool for the successful development of your community. Most Communities set their level of landscape care with only short-term goals and inappropriate budgets rather than extended planning and long term budgeting based on education and proper maintenance practices.

This evaluation is an excellent step to understanding short and long term needs, of how maintenance services should be provided by setting "prescription" specifications, and the necessary budgeting parameters for an improved environment. Appropriate guidance will be an important asset to your community before money is spent with limited return or before a poor maintenance program causes irreversible conditions which can negatively affect your environment. If proper attention is placed on making the necessary adjustments to improve existing deficiencies, we anticipate a very successful change for the better.

Although it should be expected that some tree and plant conditions may be irreversible; with appropriate budgeting, planning, and improved landscape maintenance practices what you will gain from improving your overall landscape environment will far outweigh what you lose.

GES - Green Earth Strategies (GREEN AUDIT)

Your community does and always will represent you and your investment. It is important to make the necessary planning, expenditures, and budgeting so as to ensure that your value is not lost. At Live Oak, April Showers, and JAJ, it is our passion in developing a revolutionary new concept in extended landscape planning. Our Green Reserve Study has enabled the Associations we have worked with to make wise decisions about short and long term planning, caring, and budgeting for their entire "landscape environment" including the soil, turf, landscape, trees, and irrigation.

The following information is a brief and simplified outline describing our approach to furnishing your community with the necessary guidance to make informed decisions.

The first step is to make or finalize a landscape goal. This goal is somewhat of a mission statement that will make a "this is our intentions" statement to your residents.

The second is to evaluate the property. This evaluation is based on a number of elements inclusive but not limited to the results of soil samples, landscape aesthetics, outdoor special needs and usage, and property safety. Since a landscape is an ever growing and changing system it will be necessary to make periodic adjustments to the overall plan, maintenance specifications, and budget.

The third part of the plan is to prioritize the needs of upcoming projects set in the property evaluation.

The last part of the plan is to set a budgetary value to each of the projects. The initial budgetary value will be a general approximate value. This will enable you to better set the timing of the project in coordination with the annual operating budget.

These are the KEY LANDSCAPE INDICATORS which will be focused on for your community review. Each Evaluation will be properly researched with appropriate professionals in the landscape field inclusive of Certified Landscape Architects, State Certified Arborist, and trained horticulturalists.

  • Design Challenges/Environmental Stressors
  • Landscape Maintenance Specification Review and Development
  • Cost Analysis and Budgeting for Maintenance
  • Turf Condition and Care
  • Soil Evaluation and Specification
  • Young/Mature Shade and Ornamental Tree, Conifer, Shrub, and Mulch Conditions
  • Insect Awareness and Treatment for Trees and Shrubs
  • Tree and Plant Care and Development
  • Drainage Solutions
  • Irrigation Development and Water Conservation

The Green Reserve Analysis puts the power of knowledge in your hands to save you money and to help your community. Call today to set up your initial consultation. We are offering a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the information or savings we provide to you.

Root Collar

Root Collar is just one of the many important aspects that are analyzed during a Green Reserve Study but one of the most important.

Normal vs. Abnormal Root Systems

Root collar examinations are used to determine if root system abnormalities are impacting a tree. In landscape trees, abnormal root systems often develop through cultural practices rising form Nursery production methods or post installation "Volcano" mulching practices.


Performing the Examination

A root collar examination typically takes from fewer than 20 minutes for smaller trees and less invasive examinations, to more than two hours for larger trees or more extensive operations. Most diagnostic examinations need not be extensive but to simply probe into the soil near the trunk flare to detect the depth of branch and encircling roots.


Basis for Concern

Mulch should not be touching the trunk. Some trees may develop girdling roots under the mulch pile. The trunk flare is not visible and note the discoloration on the stem just below the mulch line. This discoloration may develop into disease and decay.