Pests have no place in your desert garden, but can you get rid of them without the concerns that chemical pesticides present? The answer is yes—there are a number of all-natural pest control tricks to enhance the beauty and health of your Tucson landscaping. These methods are safe for use in yards with children and pets, and will even protect your local ecosystem when used in place of toxic chemicals.

Eliminate Standing Water

Especially in the dry desert climate, pests are drawn to sources of fresh water. Check your landscaping regularly to spot standing water or leaks in your yard’s irrigation system. Contact a landscape management service to handle any water issues—this will not only make your yard less appealing for pests, but save you money on wasted water as well.

Use Diatomaceous Earth

Made from the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton, diatomaceous earth is a crushed powder that can be spread over soil and other landscape areas. When insects, snails, or slugs move over areas that contain diatomaceous earth, the powder causes them to dehydrate, eliminating them without the use of chemicals. Diatomaceous earth is effective on many types of pests, including ants, fleas, silverfish, cockroaches, ticks, tomato hornworms, beetles, and slugs.

Create Homemade Ant Baits

Boric acid is a very low-toxicity mineral used in many green pest management practices. You can get rid of ant activity in your landscaping by dissolving one teaspoon of boric acid into two cups of water. Add six tablespoons of sugar to sweeten the mix. Pour the mixture into a jar lid or small dish, then place one to two cotton balls into the solution and set the lid in the suspected path of ants. Over time, the ants will remove pieces of the cotton balls and take them back to the colony to feed others.

Santa Rita Landscaping is dedicated to providing ecologically-friendly Tucson landscaping and landscape maintenance in Tucson. Call us today at (520) 623-0421 to discover how our experienced landscape professionals can enhance the look of your home. Check out our blog for more gardening, landscaping, and lawn maintenance tips!

Today, many homes and businesses are interested in improving their sustainability. Sustainable landscape management utilizes practices that minimize or reuse valuable resources to reduce the negative environmental impact of landscaping and maintenance. Santa Rita Landscaping proudly uses sustainable landscape management practices in all of our commercial landscaping services.

Sustainable Landscape Management Practices

Sustainable landscape management practices make use of reusable or renewable resources in the field of landscape maintenance. One of the most popular sustainable landscape management practices is the use of “gray water” systems, which recycle non-potable water from sinks, tubs, showers, dishwashers and washing machines into landscaping irrigation systems. Recycled products, such as glass, rubber, wood, and tiles, can be used to create mulch, paving stones, and decorative elements for landscaping purposes. The use of compost-derived fertilizers, solar-powered landscape lighting, and integrated pest management techniques are further examples of sustainable landscape management practices.

Importance of Sustainable Landscape Management

Over time, non-sustainable landscape practices have a significant negative effect on the environment. Soil erosion and chemical runoff can contaminate local water sources, destroying their delicate ecosystems and threatening human residents as well. Harsh chemical pesticides can kill beneficial wildlife as well as the pests they are meant to target. Overuse of water and electricity results in water shortages and unnecessary pollution, while failure to utilize recyclable materials increases the volume of items in local landfills. Sustainable landscape management can minimize or completely solve many of these problems, benefitting commercial clients as well as their surrounding environment. Less water and electricity usage means lower utility bills and less overall pollution, while the use of safer pest control methods protects the local ecosystem. Sustainable landscape management practices show not only a dedication to protecting your local community but the global environment as well.

If you’d like more information about Santa Rita Landscaping’s commercial sustainable landscaping management practices in Tucson, contact us today by calling (520) 623-0421. Our landscaping team will work with you to create a sustainable and beautiful landscape you’ll love for its longevity and reduced costs. Check us out on the web for more information about sustainable landscaping and Tucson landscape design.

Choosing plants suited to the Sonoran Desert add beauty as well as ease of maintenance to your home’s landscaping features. Desert plants thrive on the conditions found in the Southwest, requiring plenty of sun but very little water to grow. Keep reading to discover just a few of the beautiful plants you should consider adding to your Tucson yard.

Guara

Guara are hardy perennials that produce white or pink rosette-shaped flowers on long stalks. The unique flowers of the guara plant are said to resemble butterflies. These fast-growing flowers are native to the Southern Arizona and Mexico regions. They are hypoallergenic and have no thorns, making them ideal for any yard. Guara also produce very little plant debris and will bloom from summer through fall.

Arizona Poppy

You can add a little state pride to your Tucson yard with the Arizona poppy. This summer-blooming flower features orange or yellow petals and a dark red center—colors reminiscent of those found on the state flag. Arizona poppies flourish during the monsoon season, adding bright flowers and dark green foliage to your landscaping.

Pink Muhly

Pink muhly grass is a great landscaping plant that can be placed around fountains, pools, and other features. This grass bursts into color in the fall, producing airy pink plumes that transform your yard into a blanket of deep pink and rose. Pink Muhly is a fast-growing grass that produces medium green foliage that fades to tan in the fall, then reappears in the spring to begin its growth cycle anew.

Flame Honeysuckle

If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your Tucson yard, flame honeysuckle is an excellent choice. This moderate-growth desert shrub produces beautiful orange flowers in the summer through late fall, and offers medium-coverage, sprawling foliage cover at other times of the year.

Are you ready to try out some of these beautiful plants in your Tucson yard? Contact Santa Rita Landscaping today at (520) 623-0421 to discuss your custom residential landscaping options. Please visit our website for more information and landscaping inspiration!

Landscaping is an extremely important factor in maintaining your business’ appeal. Regular landscaping services keep your grounds neat, clean, appealing, and safe for visitors. Property that is in good shape also shows your clients that you care about the appearance of your business. Santa Rita Landscaping is pleased to offer a variety of professional landscape maintenance services to ensure your Tucson business looks its best all year long.

Maintenance Is an Ongoing Task

Many people believe that ongoing landscape maintenance is not necessary—once plants are placed, they will continue to grow without assistance. However, even the hardiest of plants require attention to thrive. Regular landscape maintenance will ensure that the landscaping you paid to put in continues to look its best, month after month. Storms, wind, sun, and wildlife can all play a role in affecting the overall look of your landscaping, but you may not have the time to keep your grounds clean without help. Hiring a professional landscaping service to maintain your grounds will ensure your landscape, lighting, irrigation, and pathways remain in good repair even if you do not have time to address these issues personally.

Maintenance Proves You Care

The way your business looks—both on the outside and the inside—affects how your clients perceive you. Just as you dress your best every day to put forward a positive image, your building and landscaping should project that same well-kept appearance. Landscaping that has been allowed to overgrow, die, or spread litter without attention sends the wrong message to your clients. Pathways that are worn or dirty can even present a hazard to visitors. When you ensure that your grounds are cared for professionally, they will in turn reflect positively back on you and your business.

If you’re looking for an ideal Tucson landscaping solution, look no further than Santa Rita Landscaping. Our commercial landscape management services utilize sustainable practices to save you money and protect the environment. Visit us on the web or call (520) 623-0421 to reach us today.

Springtime in Southern Arizona brings glorious weather and many new blooms. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy outdoor living. Spend even more time outside this spring by incorporating these backyard features into your home landscaping.

Artificial Turf For Outdoor Play

In the rocky desert landscape, it can be difficult to maintain grass. That’s why many homeowners choose to add artificial turf to their landscaping. Artificial turf gives your home that green, healthy look and allows little ones, or even pets to frolic outside on a soft, welcoming surface. If you love golf, you can even use turf to add a personal putting green to your outdoor oasis.

Fire Pits for Warm Nights

Springtime in the desert means that temperature still cool down quite a bit in the evenings. This is a great time of year to get out the marshmallows and enjoy a toasty fire in your backyard.  From more natural looking rock pits to modern, sleek sculptural designs, there are fire pits to match every type of home style. Plus natural gas designs are easy to use and maintain.

Water Features for Relaxation

Incorporate a water feature to your landscape design and enjoy the relaxing sound of water falling travelling over rocks or a bubbling spring. Similar to fire pits, water features are available in a variety of custom natural or architectural designs. Recreate the essence of a natural pond in your yard, or install a sophisticated Mediterranean style fountain. Water features are guaranteed to add soothing sights and sounds to your home.

At Santa Rita Landscaping, we specialize in helping businesses and homeowners maximize the potential of their outdoor areas. Contact us at (520) 623-0421 to learn more about our services.