You might be surprised to learn that BrightView has been maintaining golf courses across the country for more than 40 years. In fact, we have a specialized team of golf course maintenance experts—including agronomists, operations experts, and golf course and landscape architects—all dedicated to the art and science of creating top-notch course conditions. Go behind the scenes with these nine facts.

1. We’re like a golf course coach

Partnering with BrightView isn’t outsourcing your golf maintenance in the traditional sense. You maintain control of your club, while we focus on boosting course conditions, increasing player satisfaction, and improving your bottom line. We assume employment responsibility for the crew and superintendent, who remain onsite as your dedicated course maintenance staff. The only difference is now they’re surrounded by an extended team of experts typically beyond the reach of individual clubs.

2. We create a customized agronomic plan for every course we serve

We conduct diagnostic testing onsite annually. Then, our agronomists use the information to develop a fertility, pest/weed control, and cultural program completely tailored to the course. No two programs are the same.

3. Our clients get an agronomist on speed dial

Our agronomic experts visit each client multiple times per year, but if something emergent pops up in the interim, our agronomist is on-call 24/7.

4. We can provide interest-free financing for capital improvements

Yes, you read that right. In addition to helping courses plan for future capital renovations and improvements to mitigate disruption of play and the impact to budget year-over-year, we help make needed updates possible sooner by providing interest-free financing.

5. Our purchasing power also helps clubs keep more capital in their pocket

Because we’re the largest landscape management company in the United States, we have the best purchasing power in the industry. We pass that benefit along to our clients to reduce the cost of maintenance materials and equipment. And speaking of equipment, we’re even able to purchase existing equipment from a client to use for their benefit, giving them more cash on hand.

6. Our clients can get access to the latest and greatest innovations before anyone else

We often offer opportunities to participate in field trials for new turf varieties, fertilizer technologies, and plant protectant chemistries, giving you a competitive edge.

7. In addition to agronomic excellence, we also help clubs achieve their operational best

We have management and operations experts on staff to assist with implementing best practices in safety, efficiency, and efficacy for day-to-day work and larger projects. We also offer administrative systems and technology that minimize paperwork and the amount of time your superintendent is stuck behind a desk. And finally, we offer ongoing training for your superintendent and crew, so they can operate at their best, too.

8. Partnering with us for golf course maintenance can yield up to 10-percent annual savings

Our purchasing capabilities, ability to troubleshoot agronomic problems as they arise, and our proprietary work planning process all contribute to better course quality and cost-efficiency for our clients.

9. We’ve got a wide network of support that can jump in, in good times and bad

When natural disasters or severe weather events strike, we’re able to call upon our national footprint to bring in additional crews to help you get back on your feet sooner. And when it comes to projects that extend beyond the scope of your course—say maintenance for the HOA, or landscape construction at the clubhouse—we’ve got the capabilities to handle that, too.

If you enjoyed this quick 9-hole round, check out our additional golf maintenance resources, including tips and news, here, and contact us to get the ball rolling.

If you’re over landscape construction cost overruns and delays, this article is for you. Finishing a project on-time and on-budget isn’t a lucky break; it should be a standard expectation. So, how can you vet potential partners to determine who will actually get the job done right? Here are the three capabilities to dig into before you sign on the dotted line.

Pre-Development: Create a Clear Path 

There’s a lot to consider before you can break ground, but with pre-development services a good landscape development partner will leave no stone unturned. They should ensure:

• Designs fall within the city’s overall plan, development, and zoning requirements;
• Local benefit is justified; and
• Consideration is given to pedestrian and traffic impact, environmental impact, and utility consumption.

This is why working with a company that has a track record of landscape construction management can make all the difference in preventing costly delays and mistakes. Not only do pre-development services make the process less stressful, but it also demonstrates to local authorities and decisionmakers you’re working with a trusted, knowledgeable entity. 

Project Management: Put a Plan in Place 

Project management is the antithesis of jobsite chaos, heading off resource and material availability issues before they can delay your project or compromise quality. Hallmarks of good project management include:

• Outlining key milestones and timelines for each activity;
• Weekly progress reports; and
• Constructability review during the concept phase to ensure feasibility of the design.

Surprises are great in many respects, just not on your jobsite! Engaging a landscape development partner that is skilled in project management keeps everything on-track, from start to finish.

Landscape Construction: Show Me the Track Record

It’s important to feel confident the craftspeople and specialists working on your jobsite have extensive experience. A qualified landscape development partner should have a portfolio of past projects that demonstrates their proficiency. Some key indicators of a qualified partner include:

• The ability to work in a wide variety of capacities, from general contractor to subcontractor;
• A reputation for installing healthy softscape and well-executed hardscape; and
• Experience executing technically challenging pool and water features.

Ensuring you’ll be working with well-trained, competent professionals is critical to avoiding costly rework or repairs down the line.

Finding these qualities in a landscape development partner is possible. Look no further than BrightView. With a simple “get it done” approach, we never compromise on our commitment to doing right by our clients, even when it means going the extra mile. Get in touch to discuss how we can help meet your projects’ goals.

There’s more to good landscape maintenance than just “mow-and-blow.” A comprehensive approach to landscape care is key to maintaining a consistent appearance and avoiding costly problems down the line. So, what services are a “must” for your landscape maintenance program? This checklist will help you dig into the details.

Lawn Care

In addition to clipping, edging, and blowing the grass, your lawn will benefit from regular treatment with the following:

• Pre-emergent to prevent weeds
• Fertilizer to fortify growth, making your lawn more resistant to disease, pests, and weeds
• Core aeration, roughly every one to two years, to avoid soil compaction that makes it harder for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots of your lawn

Bed Maintenance

Ornamental beds need regular attention, too.  A good landscape care program should include a plan for weeding, pruning, mulch, and fertilization at regular intervals.

Weed & Pest Management

Proactive treatment can spell the difference between a minor nuisance and a major problem. Weed and pest management has come a long way, and today there are a number of organic solutions that can be integrated as a regular component of your maintenance program.

Irrigation

With many regions facing increased water restrictions, ensuring your irrigation system is in top form is more important than ever. Regular inspection by an irrigation expert can help you avoid costly leaks and repairs by catching and remedying problems early. Plus, an optimized irrigation system can effectively maximize the application of every droplet, so you can do more with less.

Tree Care

Generally, trees under 15 feet tall can be cared for by your regular landscape maintenance crew; anything taller and it’s time to call an arborist. A certified arborist and experienced tree crew are able to provide structural pruning that ensures the safety of your tree and surrounding people and property. They can also prescribe fertilizer applications that reach the deep roots of mature trees, growth regulators that prevent encroachment, and pest and disease treatment.

Storm Preparedness & Response

Fallen branches and debris resulting from severe storms can compromise the safety of your property. That’s why it’s important for your landscape partner to prepare a storm preparedness and response plan. The plan should include pruning trees in advance of storm season to reduce wind resistance and outline a plan for restoring safe passage to your property after a storm, prioritizing main points of entrance.

Exterior Maintenance

Finally, don’t forget about the exterior maintenance that keep your property safe and tidy, like power washing sidewalks and walls, plus parking lot sweeping, sealing and striping.

Together, these services represent a comprehensive landscape maintenance plan. And, as you may have noticed, many go hand-in-hand: such as fertilizing your lawn after a core aeration for better absorption or making storm preparedness part of your broader tree care plan. That’s why having a partner who offers all of these capabilities is crucial for making your landscape care seamless. Luckily, at BrightView, we can handle all of the above (and then some!). Contact us for a free consultation to see how we can make your landscape care stress-free.

Whether you’re in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, monsoons, snow, ice, or thunderstorms, one thing is for certain: you need storm preparedness services. Yes, storms come in many shapes and sizes, but all have the potential to wreak havoc on your landscape. An ounce of prevention can help you avoid headaches, or worse, a disaster.

What is Storm Preparedness?

Storm preparedness encompasses preventative services designed to mitigate risk and improve the resilience of your trees and landscape. One key component of storm preparedness is regular inspection by a certified arborist, who can spot signs of distress in your trees that could make them vulnerable to damage.

Why is Storm Preparedness Important?

Diseased or damaged tree limbs, overly dense canopies, and even problems below the soil surface can compromise the integrity of your tree. In a storm, high winds, heavy precipitation, or ice accumulation can break off weakened limbs or uproot the entire tree, endangering people and property. 

Your certified arborist will prescribe a plan to remedy any issues found in your trees and landscape, so they can be in good shape in advance of severe weather. This could include pruning, addressing drainage issues, pest and disease management, and implementing proper staking.

What is storm response?

In addition to taking proactive steps to strengthen your landscape’s defenses, it’s important to have a plan in place for how clean-up will be handled. In the event of the worst, the last thing you want to handle is coordinating the storm response for your property. That’s why pre-authorizing clean-up efforts can be helpful.

Downed trees and landscape debris can block safe passage to your property, hindering restoration efforts. When you pre-authorize clean-up efforts, a plan is drawn up and approved in advance that dictates how services will be delivered and your key priorities, such as critical pathways, entrances, and exits that should be returned to safety soonest to enable contractors to reach your property safely.  This enables your BrightView team to spring into action without delay. Plus, thanks to our national footprint, we’re able to bring in team members and equipment from unaffected regions to maximize our response.

The first step to ensuring storm preparedness is scheduling your free consultation. Post-storm repairs and clean-up can easily dwarf the cost of prevention, making inaction risky. Storm preparedness is a small price to pay for peace of mind. 

If you haven’t yet lined up a snow removal provider, don’t continue to put your plans on ice. Finding a partner you can trust is easier than you think. Snow and landscape industry publications consistently rank BrightView as a top snow and ice management provider, and we’re an inductee to the prestigious NBRI Circle of Excellence. We owe our success to a few key factors that help us stand out from the rest.

1. Scalable, Proactive Response Plans

We begin planning long before the first storm arrives, creating a scalable plan for your property designed to minimize downtime, maximize safety, and use your budget wisely. Once a storm enters the forecast, we spring into action, and thanks to our proactive planning, you know exactly what to expect. We monitor the storm 24/7 and keep you in the loop throughout.

2. National Footprint

Whether you manage a single property or many, our national footprint means we can seamlessly provide snow and ice services to all. With more than 200 branches and 7,500 service partners, we’re uniquely equipped to handle every weather event at every location.

3. Right-Sized Equipment

Thanks to our extensive fleet, our certified snow professionals are able to use right-size equipment for every job to avoid costly inefficiencies or damage to curbs and hardscapes.

For more tips on purchasing snow services, check out our FREE e-book, The Smart Guide to Purchasing Snow Services: What to Do & Know Before Cold Weather Arrives. Download it here, or get in touch with one of our snow experts for a free consultation.

Get ready to challenge what you know about xeriscapes. Many people associate xeriscape with minimalist design; but when it’s done well, the only thing minimal is the water use. Here are the seven core principles that deliver maximum impact, in aesthetics and water conservation.

1. Plan for Success

Good xeriscape design begins with a thoughtful base plan that takes into account property lines, fences, slopes, existing plant material, driveways, sidewalks, and even spigots. This approach ensures the greatest functionality in your end result.

2. Conduct a Soil Analysis

The quality of your soil can impact your water use. Soil testing ensures you’re set up for success by determining if amendments are needed to help your soil better retain and release water.

3. Irrigate Efficiently

Xeriscaping avoids sprinklers that throw water high in the air or releases it in a fine mist. Except in the case of turf (more on that in a moment), drip, spray, and bubbler emitters are preferred. They release bigger drops closer to the ground, which results in less waste.

4. Zone Your Plants

Different plants have different needs, like sun exposure and moisture. In xeriscaping, it’s best practice to group plants with similar light and water requirements.

5. Make Use of Mulch

Mulch is an M.V.P. at regulating soil temperature, reducing evaporation, and keeping weeds at bay, making it a xeriscaping “must-have.” Xeriscaping design typically utilizes organic mulch (like bark chips) or inorganic mulch (like gravel).

6. Reconsider Turf

Sod grass is one of the biggest water guzzlers and can be resource-intensive to maintain. Keep turf only where only practical and necessary. Consider replacing the rest with alternatives like buffalo grass and blue grama grass, or clusters of low-water-use shrubs.

7. Conduct Mindful Maintenance

Good xeriscape should be easy to maintain and may reduce your maintenance overall. Still, it’s important to stay on top of certain tasks that will keep your landscape healthy, such as weeding, cutting back perennials, and pruning trees and shrubs.

Finally, don’t forget the cost of your xeriscaping project could potentially be offset by rebate programs. This is especially true if your project involves a turf conversion. At BrightView, we track current programs in each region so we can help clients get the most bang for the buck on every project. Find out what’s available to you by scheduling a free consultation. 

We’ve always thought landscape had calming properties, so when we hear someone say, “go touch grass,” we’re here for it. But what if your turf isn’t exactly the type you’d want to touch? If you’ve got bare spots, weeds, or discoloration, this guide is for you. We’re breaking down the turf care basics you need to know to finally achieve a lovely lawn.

1. Aeration for the Win

If you have compacted soil or a build-up of excessive thatch (that’s the layer of roots and stems that lies between your grass and the soil), you need to aerate. Drainage issues, thin grass, grass that struggles to grow and discoloration are all signs your lawn may need aeration.

Aeration is the process of poking holes into the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to more easily penetrate. It also breaks up soil compaction, so roots can expand with ease. As an added benefit, the plugs that are removed in the process are left in the turf, where they decompose and enrich the soil.

Aeration is best completed in the spring or autumn and can be performed in conjunction with overseeding—a treatment in which grass seeds are applied to improve the density of the lawn. In fact, completing these two at the same time helps improve the end result. However, if 50 percent or more of your turf has been overcome by weeds, you may be better served by a turf renovation.

2. Mow in the Know

You’ve probably heard of the rule of thirds. Well, it applies to mowing, too. You should never remove more than 1/3 of the grass height at one time. Dramatic reductions in grass height cause stress, as it eliminates a large portion of the leaf surface used for photosynthesis.

For this reason, regular mowing is key. Mowing every seven to 10 days during the active growing season is a good rule of thumb. For most lawns, an ideal height is somewhere between 2 to 3 inches. Warm-season grasses, like Bermuda and Zoysia, tend to do best with a shorter length, whereas cool-season grasses, like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue, will be happier on the longer side. Keeping your grass at the right length will help it resist stress in the hottest months of the year and allow it to more easily crowd out weeds.

And for bonus points, don’t bag those clippings! Mulching mowers, like the ones used by BrightView, turn the clippings into a natural fertilizer that enriches your lawn and diverts waste from the landfill.

3. Fertilize the Right Way

Generally speaking, most turf will benefit from twice-a-year application of a slow-release fertilization. The exact timing depends on where you live, but generally, it’s somewhere around spring and fall. Before applying anything, however, it’s wise to get a soil test. Soil testing provides valuable insights about your lawn’s current pH and nutrient levels. This will ensure the fertilizer that’s applied gives your lawn just what it needs (and nothing it doesn’t). For example, high calcium may explain why your lawn has taken on a yellowish color, or why growth is stunted. Conversely, a lack of calcium could be causing leaf curling or die-back at the tips.

4. Win Against Weeds

All the strategies above will help you keep weeds at bay. However, there’s one more important piece to the puzzle and that’s pre- and post-emergent. For best results, you’ll need applications of both. Consider it a one-two punch.

Pre-emergent addresses weed seeds in the soil and prevents them from sprouting. This can be applied in the spring and fall. Consistency is key. Staying on a regular program will pay dividends in a healthier lawn. But what about weeds that have already germinated? Post-emergent herbicides will do the trick. Your landscape partner can apply a selective post-emergent, which will target specific types of weeds without harming the surrounding turf.

With these tips, your lawn will look greener than ever. For more helpful insights like these, be sure to subscribe to our Dig Into series. And to really take the guesswork out of caring for your turf, schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable local teams. We’ll make it seamless, so you have more time for the things that really matter… like, touching grass.

Sure, you want your property value to climb, but you definitely don’t want your water bill to climb with it. Thankfully, there are many ways to increase curb appeal while conserving resources (and your budget). Yes, water management is a real win-win, and if you’re not implementing these successful strategies, you’re missing out. Here’s what to consider.

Get a Water Usage Analysis

During a water usage analysis, we conduct a detailed audit of where your water currently goes and compare the data against benchmarks from similar sites. Then, we make recommendations for water reduction that will help you eliminate waste and as save as much as 15 to 20 percent off your water bill.

Utilize Smart Technology

Upgrading your irrigation system with the latest smart technology could save you big money (and big headaches down the line). Today, there are smart controllers that automatically adjust watering according to current conditions, rain sensors that prevent watering during a storm, and leak detectors that shut off the system should a problem be detected.

Have Your Irrigation System Inspected Regularly

Regular monitoring of your irrigation system ensures your system is running at its most efficient. In addition to catching potential issues early while they’re easy to fix, inspections are an opportunity for your water management expert to:

• Inspect for damage and leaks
• Test spray patterns
• Adjust settings as needed to maximize plant health

Make Mindful Swaps

Your landscape (and water bill) might benefit from a few smart swaps to your irrigation system. For example, if you currently have fixed-spray heads, swapping for high efficiency sprinkler heads could deliver water more effectively at a lower flow rate. Your water management professional might also recommend converting to drip irrigation in your ornamental beds.

And let’s not forget the plant material itself. Simply changing out a high-water use plant for something better adapted to your climate could deliver big aesthetic gains while lowering water consumption.

Take Advantage of Rebate Programs

Bonus: many of the changes mentioned in this article can be offset through rebate programs. At BrightView, we track available programs across the country and bring them to you when applicable. We’ll even help with the application process, making your changes simple to implement.

We think water management solutions should be easy for all our clients. That’s why we offer industry-leading expertise, the latest technology, and regional experts who understand the nuances of your local conditions. Schedule a free consultation to explore the solutions mentioned here or check out our library of resources for more water management strategies.

Treat your trees well and you could see more green (and we don’t just mean in the canopy). Healthy, mature trees boost property value and can cool temperatures by up to 10 degrees in an urban environment. That makes tree care one of the smartest investments you can make in your property. Here’s how to maximize your ROI.

1. Only Work with a Certified Arborist

Utilizing an unqualified crew for your tree care could cause serious harm to your trees and expose you to unnecessary risk. At BrightView, our on-staff certified arborists oversee professional tree care crews that are trained to our stringent safety standards.

2. Prune Regularly

Regular pruning improves wind-resistance, maintains good clearance and sight lines, and removes dead, diseased, or weak branches before they can cause harm to people, property, or the tree itself.

3. Employ a Health Management Plan

Health management plans are designed to address and correct existing deficiencies and guard against any that could arise. After examining the conditions that impact your trees’ health—such as irrigation, soil compaction, and pest pressure—a certified arborist develops a proactive plan to help your trees thrive.

4. Cable and Brace At-Risk Trees

Young trees often need extra support; but you might be surprised to learn there are other situations that require cabling and bracing as well. For example, if a tree is leaning, showing cracks, has suffered storm damage, or has overextended limbs, it could benefit from a helping hand. An arborist may prescribe the installation of cables or braces to fortify your tree, and ultimately ensure its viability for the long term.

5. Don’t Ignore Damage to the Roots, Trunk, or Crown

The full extent of the damage could take years to become apparent, and by then, it may be too late. Plus, injury to roots, limbs, or the trunk could make your tree more susceptible to serious infections or infestations. Certified arborists can see signs the untrained eye might miss, catching problems early while they’re easier to treat and preventing costly tree removal down the line.

6. Have a Plan for Before and After Severe Storms

Regular pruning and inspection by a certified arborist are key to keeping you and your trees safe in the event of a severe storm. But what about after a severe storm? That’s where it can help to have an ongoing relationship with a qualified tree care team like BrightView. We create a customized storm response plan for our clients in advance of storm season. Then, in the event of an emergency, we’re able to mobilize our local and national resources to quickly restore safety to your property.

7. Protect Against Lightning

And speaking of storms, if you have a particularly old or valuable tree on your property, you may want to consider lightning protection. A series of copper cables can be installed (with flexible connectors that won’t impede the tree’s growth) to divert lightning bolts to the ground.

From lightning protection to routine pruning, our certified arborists and experienced tree care crews can do it all. Even better, all the services mentioned above are available with a single call, putting the expertise you need at your fingertips. Now that’s how you make tree care truly a breeze.

Much like professional athletes, sports turf is expected to perform at a higher standard. As a result, sports turf requires the care of knowledgeable, specialized pros at every phase of its lifecycle. Finding this expertise in a landscape partner is unusual, but not at BrightView. In fact, we’re the Official Field Consultant of Major League Baseball, and our experts have consulted on fields from the municipal-level up to the Olympic-level. Dig into how this expertise provides our sports turf clients with a competitive advantage.

Designed to Win

Creating a winning field begins in the design phase. Our team of experts consults on key factors like layout, location, drainage, and irrigation to ensure the best possible outcome. They also consider other use-cases for the field, such as concerts, and local weather conditions so that the potential impacts can be mitigated with smart design.

Built for Performance

Our technical evaluation limits problems before they begin. Experience makes the difference in recommending the most durable surfaces, controlling maintenance costs and maximizing investment. But the attention to detail isn’t limited to the concept phase; it also carries into execution. From the moment we break ground, we adhere closely to a comprehensive project plan that keeps track of all activities, important dates, and budgets. This ensures all trades stay in close communication and issues are troubleshooted before they become a problem. The result is a high-quality build finished on-time and on-budget.

Championship Maintenance

Once a field is complete—regardless of whether it has natural or synthetic grass—it needs continuing specialized care to stay in top form. This is also true of existing fields that are rehabbed to their original glory. At BrightView, regular aeration, irrigation tune-ups, mowing, and graphics are performed with care. And, in the event of weather events, careful steps are taken to protect the field in advance. But that’s not the only way we help protect your investment. We also consult on event scheduling to help preserve the field and conserve your maintenance budget.

If keeping your sports field in top form sounds like an Olympic sport, that’s because it is. However, having the right experts to rely on makes the task easy. Athletes at all levels deserve a consistently safe, high-quality playing surface. BrightView is the MVP you need to make it happen.