Landscaping is often thought of as a purely aesthetic endeavor. Adding native plants and trees to your outdoor spaces, and building hardscape installations will certainly beautify the area. However, landscaping also has a practical purpose. When done correctly, it can be a natural form of pest management.
Plant trees away from the building.
When they grow to their mature height, trees and large shrubs may have branches that extend over the building, or directly touch the roof or walls. These overhanging branches are like a highway for pests. Mice, squirrels, and other pests can easily run along the branches to get on top of your home or office building. Before planting any new trees or shrubs, check with the landscaper about the spread of the mature crown. Locate the new trees farther away from the building than its spread.
Remove the old mulch.
Mulch is far more attractive when it’s fresh, which is why homeowners prefer to replenish it every year. Unfortunately, many people skip the step of removing the old mulch first. If you continue to pile on new mulch on top of the old year after year, you’ll end up with a very thick layer of mulch. This is attractive to all sorts of pests. Instead, ask your landscaper to remove the old mulch before adding a fresh layer.
Install a drip irrigation system.
Drip irrigation systems are vastly preferable to sprinkler systems, especially in desert climates. A drip system will save precious water, and compared to sprinkler systems, drip irrigation systems don’t result in large areas of standing water. By eliminating standing water from your yard, you can discourage mosquitoes from making their home there.
For all of your home or business landscaping needs, you can rely on the experienced team at Complete Landscaping. From plants to hardscapes, we do it all. Call our office in Tucson at (520) 323-8918 to take advantage of our landscapers’ 100 years of combined experience.