As businesses across the country are forced to close due to the pandemic surrounding COVID-19, state-by-state guidance is being provided by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), to help landscaping service companies navigate provisions, allowing continued operation as essential businesses.

In California, the provision related to landscaping services is: “Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.”

Benchmark wants to assure all of our clients that during this time of uncertainty paired with the recent challenges our crews face from heavy rains, standards of service will remain at the highest level, as we’re committed to maintaining these “essential” elements of your property.

Turf

Regular mowing is an important part of landscaping and provides benefits beyond just aesthetics. Routine mowing helps keep turf healthy, eliminates and prevents pest infestations, and ensure that debris and/or trash is cleared.

Irrigation

Irrigation management is a fundamental component of functional landscaping. Other than the obvious – saving time AND money –  water management programs reduce water waste, help to prevent runoff that would otherwise filter into storm drains, and allow for turf and plants to get proper nutrients.

Shrubs

One of the most effective ways to prevent rodent and other animals is to routinely trim and prune shrubs. Shrub care also helps to enhance safety on the property (limiting unseen areas), promote healthy plant growth, and reduce disease and pests.

Slope

Regular slope maintenance prevents erosion, helps to reduce slip and fall hazards, and controls drainage issues. Slopes must be checked often for areas of standing water, signs of erosion or earth movement, excess soil and/or debris, integrity of structures (such as fences or walls) on slopes, and irrigation. 

Drainage

Drainage issues can cause significant property damage. Landscape maintenance includes proper care of retention basins and brow ditches, eliminating the possibility of flooding.

Pest Management

As Qualified Applicators, it’s our job to diagnose and treat for pest infestations related to the landscape. A Qualified Applicators License (QAL) allows for the supervision of pest management, ensuring safe and legal application of products and materials. This license is obtained through testing, continued education, and ongoing training.

Trees

Property safety is a concern for all property owners and a key element of commercial landscape maintenance. Our on-staff Arborists are required to visit properties on a regular basis to ensure safety standards are met. Arborists have extensive knowledge in tree care, technical expertise, and are qualified to make recommendations and decisions related to tree trimming, removal, restructuring or balancing, deep root fertilization and more.

In addition to carrying out the essential operations of landscape maintenance, the health and safety of your properties and our clients and team members is our highest priority. Our dedicated team is here to help in any way we can; please reach out to your account manager with any questions or concerns, or contact us now.