Services Overview

One of your company's major investments is your property and facilities.  Improving the appearance of the property will improve the image of your company. It is also a very cost-effective way to preserve and enhance that investment.

Commercial Landscape maintenance and design from Precision Landscape Management will help achieve a high quality appearance for your property. The professional image of your company will be improved for your visitors and/or prospective tenants.  Your employees and contractors who work in your facilities will enjoy a more pleasant and attractive atmosphere.

You will save time and money by having the trained and certified experts from Precision Landscape maintain your lawn, plants, and flower beds. Our reliable and dependable crews will provide prompt, courteous, and professional service.

 

Landscape Maintenance

	Landscape Maintenance Specifications
	Seasonal Color Change
	Sprinkler Maintenance
	Chemical Applications
	Additional Landscape Maintenance Services

The standardized landscape maintenance program practiced by Precision is a result of more than 25 years of experience working with many of the most prominent commercial properties in North Texas. An important part of this program is the integrated function of the maintenance, landscape, irrigation, chemical and arborlogical divisions within the company. Thoughtful scheduling, teamwork and professional pride ensure consistent, high-quality results for every project. Projects managed by Precision have garnered more than 21 state and national awards as judged by the Professional Landscape Network and the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association. Foremost among these are recent Grand Award designations (the landscape industry’s most prestigious honor) received by The Mansion on Turtle Creek and the Dallas Galleria, both Precision clients. Working in concert with bilingual field personnel is a team of landscape consultants, who monitor the condition of a property’s landscape — an essential aspect of Precision’s maintenance program. All turf areas are cut in different directions each time a property is mowed. Blade edgers are employed to maintain a clean straight edge at sidewalks. Line trimmers are used to maintain turf areas along steel edged bed lines and to trim selected groundcovers. To prevent damage to tree trunks at their base, Precision personnel maintain protective rings around trees that also define plantings. Maintenance crews selectively remove low hanging tree branches that may impede pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The standard practice is to prune tree canopies to achieve a 6 to 8-foot clearance.

Landscape Maintenance Specifications Mowing All turf areas mowed weekly, at recommended heights, during the growing season.  Noticeable clippings on turf areas removed.  Every week the lawn will be crosscut to help prevent the grass from growing in one direction and becoming rutted.  Parking areas, sidewalks, courtyards, etc., will be blown to remove excess grass clippings. Edging Turf edged and trimmed weekly. Groundcover along building walls, sidewalks, steps, curbs, edging, etc. are trimmed as needed during growing season.  All edging will be with a fixed blade edger that leaves a sharper edge (not a monofilament trimmer). Monofilament Trimming Grass around fences, buildings, trees and posts will be trimmed.  Grass will be removed around trees to create small tree wells to prevent damage to tree trunks. Shrub and Groundcover  Trimming Shrubs, ground covers, espaliered shrubs and vines are pruned according to recommended horticulture practices to maintain a clean, attractive appearance. Ornamental Trees Trim, prune and remove suckers from ornamental trees (Crape myrtle, Purple Leaf Plum, Yaupon Holly, etc.) to allow trees to grow properly. Tree Pruning Trees will be selectively pruned to remove low branches for pedestrian and vehicular clearance. Also, dead and damaged wood is removed to improve the structure, strength and appearance.  Generally crews will prune what they can reach from a 6' step ladder. Turf Fertilization A 4-1-2 fertilizer, rate 5-8 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, applied during the growing season.  The fertilizer contains 4% iron and trace elements.  At least 80% of the nitrogen will be in a slow-release form (methylene urea).  Soil tested regularly to determine the exact fertilization needs. Shrub Fertilization Two applications with a 4-1-2 fertilizer, rate 6 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, applied during the growing season.  The fertilizer contains 4% iron and trace elements.  The nitrogen source will be 100% Nitroform. Tree Fertilization Trees up to 6" caliper are soil-injected with slow release fertilizer.  An iron supplement will be added to treat iron deficient soil. Turf Herbicides Pre-emergent herbicides such as Surflan and Gallery are applied two (2) times per year for non-overseeded turf, one (1) time per year for overseeded turf.  Herbicides consist of the most environmentally friendly, broad spectrum and long lasting Pre-Emergent available.  Post-Emergent herbicide applied at least two (2) times per year, April or May and the second application as spot treatments throughout the season.  Spot treatments with MSMA herbicide applied throughout the season for continued control of crabgrass, etc.  All pesticide operations fall under licenses by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) or Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB). Shrub Weed Control Twice a year a Pre-Emergent herbicide will be applied to prevent the growth of noxious weeds.  Weed and grass control in beds will include hand pulling and spraying weeds as needed.  Bed edges are kept clean and well defined. Spray Lines Grass around fence and building lines, paved areas, cracks, sidewalks and posts are treated with herbicides to retard weed growth. Unsightly Shrubs In order to maintain an acceptable appearance, we will prune or remove any plant material that does not meet an acceptable standard.  The property manager will be notified if any plant material is removed.  After researching possible causes of deterioration, we will present different options for replacements. Debris Disposal All litter and debris created by the above functions shall be bagged and transported away from the site unless a trash receptacle is available for use. Insect Control Shrubs and trees will be treated in the dormant season with an oil base spray to control insect pests.  All other insect pest control measures for lawns, shrubs and trees will be additional upon property manager's request. Over Seeding Turf areas will be over seeded with a custom blend perennial Winter Rye to provide an even, healthy stand of cool season grass during the winter months.  Over seeding is usually done in October.  Over seeded turf will be mowed weekly throughout the cool season with two additional applications of fertilizer.

Seasonal Color Change Seasonal color will be installed around the focal points of the property to enhance the appearance of the property.  The price of color will include plants, labor and a preventive spray fungicide and fertilizer program. Precision Landscape Management has a comprehensive seasonal color program, and we strive to produce a consistent product with few problems.  As a result, we have developed a multi step process that has worked well for us. 1 Selection and Consultation We will consult with property managers to decide what type of color will work best for each location. 2 Bed Preparation and Planting Existing color (if any) is removed at the appropriate time and the beds are prepared for the new plants.  Our preparation includes adding composted, organic material each time we plant color and applying slow release fertilizer.  The 4" plants or bulbs are then planted. 3 Preventive Treatments Our program is designed to combat fungal problems. Broad spectrum fungicides, are applied and different kinds rotated, so fungal organisms do not develop immunity to the treatment.  A preventive spray program is carried out on all properties with color since fungal problems present the greatest challenge and difficulty to seasonal color.  Fungicides and insecticides sprayed to help prevent and control against insects and diseases.  However, these are not foolproof or perfect controls.  Like other life forms, plants are subject to mortality from sickness, disease, and physiological problems. 4 Curative Treatments Occasionally, despite our best efforts, plants will still be attacked by some type of fungus or insect.  At that point, a curative treatment must be applied. Costs Steps on through three are all included in the price of seasonal color.  Curative treatments are more extensive and involve more expensive materials and labor, and will result in an additional cost. Guarantee Seasonal color cannot be guaranteed against damage from vandalism, wind, rodents, insects, diseases, freezing temperatures, or any other act of Nature.  What can be guaranteed is the initial installation will be made with healthy plants and the best Horticulture procedures will be used to plant and maintain them.

Sprinkler Maintenance A routine visit to the property will be made to check the working order of the sprinkler system via a "system check."  Each zone will be turned on for a short period while the irrigation technician notes the problem area.  Necessary adjustments are then made.  These can include any or all of the following:  adjusting spray patterns by either turning the head or changing the nozzle, unclogging nozzles, and resetting clocks.  These practices allow us to concentrate on water conservation without jeopardizing the plants.  Most commercial properties are needlessly over watered and each year thousands of plants through the metroplex die as a result. Sprinkler systems on commercial properties seem to attract damage from vandals and vehicles.  Repairs to the system such as broken or missing heads, risers and pipes result.  Valves and other mechanical components wear out over time and can malfunction.  To expedite repairs and keep costs lower, we offer Property Managers the option of giving approval for minor repairs, made at the time of a "system check."  The pre-approved repairs are based on a predetermined dollar amount (such as $200.00).  This allows minor problems to be corrected while on property and eliminates a second trip.  Technicians will bring the defective parts to the Property Manager at their request.  Any repair that will cost more than the predetermined figure will be brought to the Property Manager's attention so that approval may be obtained before work commences. Broken sprinklers inadvertently caused by maintenance crews while mowing or edging landscape will be repaired by Precision Landscape Management staff, at our expense.  We cannot be responsible for sprinkler heads installed above ground level or shrub risers installed in grassy areas.  These are particularly susceptible to traffic or mower blades. Ongoing fine tuning of the irrigation system is crucial to maintain healthy plants, aid in water conservation, and saves money.

Chemical Applications The pest control industry is regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture, 1700 Congress, 11th Floor, Austin, TX  78711.  The Board licenses the businesses, certified applicators and technicians who perform structural pest control work.  If a pest control service of any nature is used, all work must be supervised by a licensed certified commercial applicator, otherwise a certified non-commercial applicator must perform the service.  Certified applicators and technicians must pass a written examination to receive their licenses and complete continuing education units each year to maintain them.  These strict guidelines help prevent improper use and abuse of chemicals and helps keep workers and tenants safe.  Our company welcomes strict rigid control of this area of our industry.  You may contact the Texas Department of Agriculture, 512-463-7476 to verify a company holds a current license and proper insurance to apply pesticides.

Additional Landscape Maintenance Services Additional landscape services may be recommended by your landscape consultant and are also available at the request of the owner or owner's representative.  At that time, a written estimate for the work will be submitted and must be authorized in writing by the owner or owner's representative prior to the beginning of work. Some services available are: Core Turf Aeration loosen tight soils and encourages healthy turf growth Insecticide Application controls White Grubs and Army Worms Fire Ant Control excellent for preventing structural and electrical damage to buildings, lighting systems, and heating and cooling systems, etc. Repairs resulting from damage due to vandalism, theft, vehicular and pedestrian traffic, construction and weather related damage Verticut Mowing thatch control, common in Bermuda and St. Augustine Mulching shrub, groundcover, and flower beds for moisture conservation and weed control Supplemental Fertilization foliar or granular for shrubs, trees, color and turf Preventive Spray Programs trees, turf and shrubs and color Landscape Related Drainage erosion problems, including French drains Supplemental Watering due to irrigation system interruptions Irrigation System Evaluation fine tune system Tree and Shrub Installation Guying and Bracing Major Tree Pruning Landscape Designs any other landscape construction related services Seasonal Color Winter Protection seasonal color and Live Oaks Environmental Improvement Programs picnic areas, recreational areas such as volleyball courts, trash receptacles, smoking area, arbors, meditations areas and park benches with landscape design, and tree planting programs to satisfy the most ardent person.

Landscape Design / Construction

Landscape Construction, including architectural design, is an important service provided by the respected landscape professionals of Precision. Registered design experts have the skill and judgment to create new environments or update older established plantings at all types of commercial sites.

	The Landscape Construction Division is responsible for the installation of trees, shrubs, hardscapes, seasonal color, drainage systems and ornamental fencing. All of these features often play a role in the creation of areas for recreation, picnics or meditation to enhance the environments of office properties.
	Year-round seasonal color consultation with our clients ensures stunning color and unique designs.
	Precision’s Landscape Construction Division has the expertise and resources to enhance a commercial project of any size.

Irrigation

The primary services of Precision’s Irrigation Division are the inspection, evaluation and repair of irrigation systems.  Design and installation of new irrigation systems are also areas of expertise.

	Monthly irrigation inspections are performed and, if necessary, repair proposals are prepared. Each initial irrigation evaluation contains recommendations to address all issues that pertain to water conservation and increased precipitation rates.
	A team of technicians works closely with landscape construction projects, facilitating revisions and upgrades to accommodate new landscape designs and plant material.
	Precision is committed to water conservation and works daily in numerous commercial environments, each with different regulations and requirements. With licensed irrigators on staff, including President Bruce Birdsong, and an average of more than 15 years of experience among irrigation specialists, Precision stands ready to professionally manage irrigation systems.

Arborlogical Services

Precision’s highly skilled arborists are experienced in all facets of shade and ornamental tree care. They perform major tree pruning work, including the thinning and lifting of tree canopies.

	Trees are a valuable asset of every property and can often be a distinctive focal point. Consequently, the professional tree maintenance provided by Precision’s full-time personnel is a valuable company service.  Precision specialists working in the Arborlogical Services Division are a highly trained team operating in a system known for producing top quality results.
	The Arborlogical Services Division performs aesthetic pruning to remove dead, diseased or damaged branching.
	The specialists are also proficient in ornamental tree maintenance and in the proper guying and bracing of trees.

Chemical Services

Precision’s Chemical Services Division is vitally important in maintaining a healthy landscape environment. High-quality products applied by state licensed chemical applicators make a difference. Preventive measures also matter. Specific preventive applications, such as dormant oil, are part of the integrated pest management system employed by Precision.

	A team of trained technicians safely performs a myriad of chemical services. Among these are turf, tree, shrub and groundcover fertilization, pre-emergent weed control, broadleaf and grassy weed control measures, along with insect and disease control applications.
	Precision conducts all chemical services under regulations of the Texas Department of Agriculture. These strict guidelines help prevent improper use and abuse of chemicals and help keep workers and tenants safe.

Material Safety Data Sheets

Chemicals associated with manufactures

Chemical	Manufacturer	MSDS
Activator 90	United Horticultural Supply	[Data Sheet]
Aliette WDG	Bayer Environmental Sciences	[Data Sheet]
Barricade	Sygenta	[Data Sheet]
Ceasefire	Bayer Environmental Sciences	[Data Sheet]
Certainty	Monsanto Company	[Data Sheet]
Chaser Ultra Turf	United Horticultural Supply	[Data Sheet]
Dimension	Dow Agrosciences	[Data Sheet]
Eagle 20EW	Dow Agrosciences	[Data Sheet]
Finale	Bayer Environmental Sciences	[Data Sheet]
Fusilade Turf & Ornamental	Sygenta	[Data Sheet]
Gallery 75 dry	Dow Agrosciences	[Data Sheet]
Glyphosate Pro	ProKoZ, Inc.	[Data Sheet]
Liberate	United Horticultural Supply	[Data Sheet]
Mec Amine D	United Horticultural Supply	[Data Sheet]
Merit 0.5g	Bayer Environmental Sciences	[Data Sheet]
Merit 75WP	Bayer Environmental Sciences	[Data Sheet]
Monument 75wg	Sygenta	[Data Sheet]
MSMA 6 Plus	United Horticultural Supply	[Data Sheet]
Orthene Turf, Tree & Ornamental	Valent	[Data Sheet]
Pendimethalin	Helena Chemical Company	[Data Sheet]
Talstar PL	FMC	[Data Sheet]
Topchoice	Bayer Environmental Sciences	[Data Sheet]

Environmentally Conscious Landscaping

Precision Landscape Management is environmentally sensitive and strives to provide the lowest impact landscape services to all of our clients. Our company has made a commitment to become a ‘green’ company. A "Green Consultant" has been hired by our company to provide the necessary education for our staff to know and follow the LEED-EB program of the USGBC (United States Green Building Council). It is our intent to provide continuing education to our staff and do all we can as a company, one day at a time, to promote a better environment.

Precision Landscape Management provides the following services to all of our clients:

MAINTENANCE:

• Mulching mowers are used alleviating most bagging and any clippings that are picked up are all recycled, which reduces solid waste disposal.

• All of our large mowing equipment has EFI (Electronic Fuel Injected) engines. These machines are more expensive initially, however the increase fuel efficiency and the cleanliness of the exhaust, makes the additional expense a good decision.

• Maintenance routes for trucks are carefully planned to reduce fossil fuel usage.

• When using the backpack blowers all debris is blown back into the landscape and not concrete surfaces.

IRRIGATION:

• Precision continually works to reduce the use of potable water for landscaping purposes. A monthly irrigation system inspection is performed and recommendations are made which will assist our clients in reducing water usage. In addition to identifying damages to the system, we also provide an audit type check to identify items that would improve the efficiency of the system. In many cases the irrigation was originally installed many years earlier. New innovations allow us ways to improve, and minimize water usage.

• Precision has implemented the use of an ET (Evapo-Transpiration) based device that allows the existing irrigation controller to run only when the plants are requiring water. This saves approximately 30% of your irrigation water use.

LANDSCAPE:

• Our company understands the Heat Island affect caused by buildings and parking lots. Precision will work with the Property Manager to employ strategies to reduce the heat island's affect by planting trees and shrubs in locations around the building and parking lot to create shade and reduce heat absorption.

• Potless trays are used for color plantings. All plastic pots are recycled.

• Precision, in following a more ‘green’ landscaping program, will actively promote and research seasonal color that require less water and do not have to be changed on a regular basis.

• We have many opportunities to make major changes to the properties. When possible we design environmentally friendly updates to the existing landscape. There are many Native plants available as well as many others that are drought tolerant.

• All old flowers as well as any other old plants are brought back the office where they are separated and all landscape waste is sent to a composting facility and eventually returned to properties.

TREE CARE:

• Each of our tree pruning crews carries a large chipper that reduces the debris by 70%. In some cases we are able to re-use the wood chips as mulch.

• All tree limbs are shredded and where they are separated from other landscape debris, and sent to a composting facility.

CHEMICAL:

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is used in the areas of Insect and Disease control. We monitor the activity of any insect or disease until certain thresholds are met. In the event that these thresholds are met and there is a need to treat chemically, we only use low dose, low environmental impact chemicals.

• We use certain organic compounds when possible, such as citric byproducts for insect control.

• For weed control, we also use the low dose, low environmental impact chemicals for post emerged weeds. *For pre-emerged weed control we use low dose as well as products that have a very low solubility. The low solubility prevents the product from moving in the soil. It attaches to the soil particles on the surface so that it does not run off or leach through the soil profile.

• For fertilizer, we use a slow release fertilizer on split applications throughout the growing season. At times we will have as much as 100% slow release. The result of the slow release product is to minimize the amount of inorganic compounds in the soil as well as reduce the top growth of the plants. Reduced top growth makes for a healthier plant, and sends less waste to the landfill.

• A slow-release fertilization plan is followed. Due to ground water concerns our company is constantly researching new fertilization processes.

SHOP:

• Equipment is serviced and maintained on a regular basis which in turn extends the life of the equipment on average by two years. This reduces solid waste disposal in the landfills and the use of virgin resources.

• All used oil from trucks and equipment is reused to heat the shop.

• Mower blades are sharpened regularly which increases the life of the equipment and reduces the CO2 output of the equipment.

Precision Landscape is implementing the LEED-EB Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy for our entire operation.

It is our intent to register our office under the LEED-EB program to achieve a LEED-EB certification.

Precision Landscape Management is available to assist you, our client, in writing a Landscape Program as required by the USGBC LEED-EB Program.

 

Please contact us with further questions.

Budget Analysis

Our experienced team of landscape consultants offers our clients an annual budget analysis for each site’s landscape needs. Our clients find this very helpful when preparing  the annual budget for their projects.   The consultant works along with the client to establish not only the monthly landscape contract amount for the budget year but also provide budget numbers for landscape enhancements, irrigation repairs/upgrades,  tree pruning, mulching, chemical treatments, etc. 

  [See a Sample Budget]

Backflow Prevention Testing

The backflow is the undesirable reversal of the flow or water or mixtures of water and other undesirable substances from any source (such a used water, industrial fluids, gases, or any substance other than the intended potable water) into the distribution pipes of the potable water system.


Why are the backflow prevention assemblies  needed?

It protects the potable water supply from contaminants being introduced into the potable water system by back siphonage or backpressure.

The Law

Texas Water Code Chapter 37, Texas Health & Safety Code chapter 341.033 and .034, Title 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 30, Subchapters A & B and Chapter 290 states that “All backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested upon installation by recognized backflow prevention assembly tester and certified to be operating within specifications. Back flow prevention assemblies which are installed to provide protection against health hazards must also be tested and certified to be operating within specifications at least annually by a recognized backflow prevention assembly tester.”