If you’re welcoming spring with open arms, you’re not the only one; the southern chinch bug is, too. These tiny insects can pack a mighty punch to your lawn, quickly transforming it from lush to languishing. It’s likely you’ve even seen a chinch bug infested lawn before, but didn’t know it. That’s because the chinch bug’s damage closely mimics that of drought.

Here’s how to make sure the chinch bug doesn’t fly under the radar at your property.

What You Can’t See Can Hurt You

Chinch bugs have a distinctive appearance, which would be great if it were easy to see them. Measuring approximately 1/5” long, chinch bugs have black bodies and white wings marked by a black triangle. Some can fly, while others have wings too short to allow it. But most importantly, all have piercing mouthparts that allow the chinch bug to not only suck sap from your grass, but also inject a toxin in the process.

These warm-weather-loving bugs are inactive in the winter, and begin reproduction come spring. One female can lay hundreds of eggs, which hatch in just a couple weeks. Like all babies, the nymphs have voracious appetites, accelerating damage to your lawn. Chinch bugs are especially fond of St. Augustine, but have also been known to nosh on zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, bahiagrass, and bermudagrass. The thicker the turf, the more attractive they find it.

How to Spot the Chinch Bug’s Calling Card

Look for wilting grass blades, yellow-brown spots, and dried areas that have died. Areas along sidewalks and curbs, or portions of the turf that have poor irrigation coverage are where you’re mostly likely to see chinch bug damage first. If you suspect chinch bugs have taken up residence in your lawn, you might be able to spot them with a magnifying glass.

Alternatively, grab a metal cylinder or tube (such as a tin can with ends removed), and submerge it a few inches into the soil. Fill the cylinder with water and let it sit for 10 minutes. If chinch bugs are present, you’ll see them floating in the water. You might also see their nymphs, which are red or pink in color with a white stripe across the mid-section.

Get Rid of Chinch Bugs (and Keep Them Away)

The first step in preventing a chinch bug infestation is ensuring uniform irrigation coverage. Drought stressed lawns typically show damage soonest. Raise irrigation heads so they can spray the turf canopy without interference. It may also be necessary to add irrigation heads in areas with insufficient coverage.

Next, consider applying preventative applications of a systemic insecticide during May and June. This treatment will provide 3-4 months of control and help prevent damage from occurring. If an active chinch bug population is found, immediate treatment with an insecticide will reduce damage.

Most importantly, don’t fail to act. Without treatment, infestations can result in significant turf loss and the need to install sod in damaged areas. And, let’s face it—that would put a real damper on your spring (not to mention your budget). But, with good irrigation management and preventative treatment, you won’t have to worry about the chinch bug sucking the life out of your lawn.

Schedule Your Chinch Bug Damage Analysis 

Suspect you have chinch bug damage? If left untreated, damage will continue to spread. BrightView's expert team can get your turf back on the right track, request a free analysis or give our team a call at 844.235.7778">844.235.7778.

Whether it’s a hot zip code, a desirable community, or legendary address, every town has one. We’re talking about the “it” neighborhoods, the places where everyone wants to live. What makes these neighborhoods stand above the rest? Curb appeal. Here’s how your HOA can steal a page from their playbook.

Make a Good Impression

When prioritizing upgrades, consider the first thing residents, prospective residents, and visitors see when they arrive at the community. Entrances set the tone for the value — both real and perceived — of the properties inside the neighborhood. Clever landscape design can accent focal points, such as signage or water features, to make them more prominent. The same goes for amenities you want to stand out, such as recreation centers and pools. These are the perfect areas to invest in seasonal color rotations, since the periodic change in appearance will help attract eyes, even for frequent passerby. If budget is limited for seasonal color rotations, talk to your landscape provider about utilizing perennials for some or all of the design. This will yield the same lush appearance without the need to replace plant material regularly.

Landscape is also a cost-effective way to conceal less attractive features. Ornamental grasses and shrubs can hide utility boxes and other eye sores that might otherwise detract from your community’s finer features.

Tend to the Details

You’ve heard the saying: “the devil is in the details.” Think of all the details prospective buyers will consider when evaluating your community — from big (the presence of amenities) to small (the presence of weeds). While you can’t always control what a prospective buyer will think, you can control what they’ll see. Here’s how:

• Pressure washing: It’s hard for a property to sparkle when it’s covered in dirt, grime, and mildew. Regularly pressure wash building exteriors, signage, and trim to keep a fresh appearance.


• Landscape maintenance: Don’t skimp on routine landscape maintenance. Weeds and unkempt lawns and beds send the wrong message to potential buyers. Also, be sure to swiftly replace trees or shrubs that have succumb to disease, been irreparably damaged by severe weather, or didn’t survive the winter.


• Hardscape damage: This one isn’t just an aesthetics issue, but it’s also a risk management issue. Address the underlying cause and repair buckled, cracked, or uneven concrete, paving, or masonry before it gets worse or someone gets hurt.


• Uncommon features: Want to really stand out? Differentiate your community by adding features others don’t have. Koi ponds, water features, dog parks, and walking trails are just a few ideas that add charm and value.

Cast Some Shade

Looking to maximize the value of your outdoor living and recreation spaces? Just add shade. The only thing more attractive than indoor/outdoor living spaces are ones that can be enjoyed year-round. During the sweltering summer months, shaded areas make it possible to continue to enjoy the outdoors.

The allure of tree-lined streets is undeniable. However, for areas where people gather, trees aren’t your only option. Gazebos, pavilions, arbors, pergolas, and shade sails add visual interest and create outdoor rooms where residents can enjoy nature while protected from the elements. It’s a cost-effective way to add another amenity and enhance your community’s landscape.

Turn Grey

Irrigation can be a significant expense for any community, let alone one in a drought-affected area. Converting the community’s irrigation system to utilize reclaimed or recycled water can be an attractive feature to both green-minded and budget-conscious buyers. Reclaimed or recycled water is wastewater that has been treated to make it safe for other uses. While it’s not potable, it is a beneficial source of irrigation for landscape. This makes the benefits twofold — helping to reduce a community’s water bill while enhancing the appearance of the landscape through an unrestricted water source.

As you consider options for enhancing your community, be sure to loop in your landscape partner early in the deliberations. An experienced landscape partner can provide valuable insight into the improvements that will provide the greatest return on investment. They may also be able to provide guidance on how projects can be spread out over time to lessen budgetary impact, making your community’s big ideas that much closer to reality.

The pumpkin spice lattes are so close, we can almost taste it. Fall is just around the corner and the only thing we look forward to more than fall flavors are the arrival of beautiful fall colors. Get your property’s containers and hanging baskets in on the fun with bountiful autumnal displays. Here are some ideas to consider:

Make the Transition

You don’t need to start from scratch in your containers and baskets to give your property a refresh. Some plants, such as red fountain grass and sweet potato vine, will transition effortlessly into the cooler months. Mix in classic fall plants, such as mums or ornamental kale or cabbage, and you’ll have a fresh new look with less expense and waste.

Think Ahead

Similarly, consider planting cold weather-compatible plants now to get more bang for your buck. Pansies, violas, mums, verbena, and dianthus can all withstand the first fall frosts and chillier temps ahead. With a range of compact and trailing varieties, these flowers are well-suited for container and hanging basket designs. Plus, they come in a wide array of colors — providing maximum flexibility to create a look that best accents your property.

Don’t Forget the Foliage

Flowers are fantastic, but don’t underestimate the power of foliage. In containers and hanging baskets, foliage acts as a visual anchor. Ivy, dusty miller, ornamental kale, or cold-tolerant herbs, such as sage, rosemary, and thyme, can all provide a hit of texture and contrast. As a bonus, many of these plants will last longer into the winter than flowers, giving your displays greater longevity by maintaining a full appearance after blooms have faded. In the case of ornamental kale and cabbage, their color actually intensifies as the weather gets colder.

Go All Out with Color

One of the best parts of creating fall displays is the availability of richly-hued plant material. Your containers and hanging baskets are like jewelry that accent your property — the perfect, low-commitment place to experiment with bold color schemes. While red, yellow, and orange are a classic fall color combination, don’t rule out the jewel tones. Deep emeralds, purples, and silver-hued plants look right at home next to autumn’s burgundy and golden hues, creating an unexpected, yet pleasing look that helps your property stand apart.

Now, back to those pumpkin spice lattes. As soon as they start to appear, it’s time to get your fall containers and baskets in order. Plant as early as September for maximum enjoyment, especially if you plan to do a winter rotation in advance of the holidays.

Staying healthy takes work. From eating right to exercising, getting enough sleep and managing stress, good health doesn’t happen automatically. The same is true for plants and trees. When it comes to maintaining a vibrant landscape, Plant Health Care is the answer.

How does Plant Health Care work?

Plant Health Care is a program prescribed by your landscape professional and tailored to the needs of your property to maintain or restore the health of your landscape. Here’s how it works:

• Your landscape’s major trees and shrubs are evaluated and inventoried, making note of the species, size, and location.
• If any diseases, pests, or structural problems are detected, one of our certified arborists or plant health care specialists will advise on the best course of action.
• A cost-effective management plan is developed according to your landscape’s specific needs, using the most environmentally sensitive treatments and practices available.

One of the many benefits of a Plant Health Care program is that treatments are evaluated for their effect on your landscape as a whole, not just individual plants or trees. A treatment applied to a tree, for instance, can affect surrounding grass or plants. A Plant Health Care program takes these interdependencies into account.

How do I know if Plant Health Care is right for me?

When your plants and trees are in top form, they’re better able to resist disease and pests. Plant Health Care is a cost-effective way to guard against costly removals or renovations down the line. 

For landscapes already in decline, implementing a plant health care program can help stop the downward spiral and begin to nurse your landscape back to health.  Symptoms such as discolored leaves, hazardous dead or dying branches, early leaf drop, early fall color, or visible pests can be a sign it’s time to act. However, plant health care programs aren’t just for landscapes in need of some TLC. Even healthy landscape can benefit. In addition to reaping the valuable preventative benefits, Plant Health Care can optimize a landscape’s growth and help it reach its full potential. 

Is a Plant Health Care program costly?

Not necessarily. Plant Health Care programs are tailored to each property specifically, so costs can vary. Recommendations may be as simple as adjusting your irrigation schedule, amending soil or targeted treatments for key areas or trees. Further, Plant Health Care programs are designed to be flexible, meaning they’ll be adjusted over time as your needs change. Following a site visit and assessment, your Plant Health Care Specialist will prescribe a plan that helps you meet your goals and fits within your budget.

For the second time in five years, BrightView Landscapes has won the ELITE Award for Customer Service by Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC).

The award recognized BrightView for its client service with Cherry Hills III Homeowner Association, which chose BrightView maintain their landscape because of their comprehensive understanding of the property and ability to meet residents’ expectations. They applauded BrightView’s professionalism, quick response time, and knowledgeable staff.

“We all met with Tom Westing, the Association Manager for Cherry Hills III, and the HOA Board multiple times during the RFP Process to ensure we had a comprehensive understanding of the property and the resident’s expectations,” said Sah Parrish, BrightView Business Developer. “Once we were awarded the work, the transition was quite smooth, due to the work that had already been done up front during the RFP process.”

The ELITE Awards honor outstanding landscapes and reflect Colorado’s 21st Century values of environmental sustainability and solutions, customer service, community stewardship, and best management practices. 

To read the full article, visit The Denver Post.

Orange County Great Park features diverse amenities, vast open space, pathways, neighborhoods, and a sports park. The Great Park Neighborhoods are interconnected through walkways and a bridge, though each has its own distinct identity. The Great Park Sports Park is almost 200 acres of facilities for numerous sports. All of this makes the Orange County Great Park a special place to live.

(For the full transcript, see below.)

THE CHALLENGE

Upping the Curb Appeal and Reversing a Downward Trend-Fast

Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, Md., is the 12th largest continuing care facility in the country. When the management contacted us, the community's curb appeal and overall landscape were sub-par and the occupancy rates and satisfaction were being affected. Asbury's property management needed a way to revamp the landscape and further their sustainability efforts without negatively impacting their bottom line or their current in-house maintenance crew. And they wanted results fast. 

THE SOLUTION

Short-Term Enhancements

As soon as we started working with Asbury, we partnered with their HR department to transition their current workers to our team of landscape professionals. We also developed a plan to complete short-term grounds enhancements within 90 days. To make maintenance operations more environmentally sensitive, our team used propane-fueled mowers, battery-operated weed eaters, and biodegradable plant containers. Working with Asbury's own Wildlife Committee, we controlled invasive species and planted pollinating trees, shrubs, and flowers.  

THE OUTCOME

45-Day Transformation and $1.1 Million Saved Annually

The landscape enhancement plan was completed in 45 days, well under schedule. Our team also helped Asbury coordinate the sale of their existing landscape equipment. Renovations of the grounds surrounding the main office and community entrances increased curb appeal and reduced Asbury's liability with safer, more easily navigable walkways. 

Over the course of our five-year contract with Asbury, we've helped the community realize $1.1 million in savings. Better profitability, more sustainability, and a landscape that welcomes and attracts residents — that's something we can all feel good about and take pride in.