Organic lawn care and landscaping maintenance offer unique opportunities for property managers in the Austin area. By embracing sustainable and eco-friendly practices, property managers can not only improve the health and appearance of their properties but also use these services as an upselling tool for potential tenants or buyers. This guide will cover the essential aspects of organic lawn care and landscaping, providing a step-by-step approach for property managers to implement these practices and maximize their benefits. We have highlighted key ideas to help the discerning property manager with keywords and demographics data should time is of the essence. For avid readers and deep thinkers, we hope you find this blog post insightful. We are here to arm you with the best industry-leading knowledge and to standout from the thousands of other property managers in Austin. Everything introduced here are included in our organic lawn care service subscription and groundskeeping services for one very low flat monthly rate.

First, An Introduction: Why Does Organic Lawn Care and Landscaping Matter?
Organic lawn care and landscaping practices hold significant importance for the Austin area due to the range of benefits they provide, including environmental advantages, aesthetic appeal, and increased property value.

Environmental Benefits
Austin, Texas is known for its natural beauty and commitment to environmental sustainability. By adopting organic lawn care and landscaping practices, property managers can contribute to this ethos while reducing their environmental impact. Organic methods improve soil health, preserve biodiversity, and protect local water sources from harmful chemicals.

Key environmental benefits include:

Soil health 
Organic practices promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms that enhance soil fertility and structure, enabling better water retention and nutrient availability for plants.

Biodiversity 
Organic landscapes support a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to a balanced ecosystem and reducing the need for chemical pest control.

Water Quality 
Chemical-free lawn care practices prevent synthetic fertilizers and pesticides from entering local waterways, helping protect the health of Austin's rivers, lakes, and aquifers.

Aesthetic Appeal
Well-maintained, organic landscapes offer a lush, healthy, and visually attractive environment for tenants and property owners. Organic lawns and gardens often display more vibrant colors and a greater variety of plant species, creating a sense of harmony with the surrounding natural landscape. The improved aesthetic appeal can significantly impact a property's marketability, attracting eco-conscious tenants or buyers who appreciate the beauty and benefits of sustainable living.

Increasing Property Value
Organic lawn care and landscaping can have a positive effect on property value. With the growing interest in sustainable living, an increasing number of potential tenants and buyers are seeking environmentally responsible properties. A well-maintained, organic landscape can be a unique selling point that sets a property apart from its competitors, ultimately leading to higher demand, increased rental rates, or sale prices. Additionally, a healthy organic landscape may require less maintenance and repair in the long run, which can lead to cost savings and improved return on investment for property owners.

Implementing Organic Lawn Care and Landscaping Practices
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving organic landscape. Regular soil testing is crucial to understanding its composition, nutrient levels, and pH balance. This information will guide property managers in choosing the appropriate organic amendments and treatments to improve soil health.

To enhance soil fertility, consider:

1. Adding organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold to increase nutrient content and improve soil structure.
2. Using cover crops or green manure to enrich the soil, suppress weeds, and prevent erosion.
3. Applying organic mulch to retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

Organic Fertilization and Pest Control Methods
Organic fertilization and pest control methods provide essential nutrients and protect the landscape without the use of synthetic chemicals. Key strategies include:

1. Applying organic fertilizers such as compost, aged manure, or fish emulsion to provide essential nutrients.
2. Practicing integrated pest management (IPM) by identifying and addressing the root causes of pest problems and using natural counter predators.
3. Encouraging beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, by planting their preferred habitat or releasing them into the landscape.

Water Conservation and Irrigation
Water conservation is particularly important in the Austin area, where drought conditions can be common. Implement these water-saving strategies to maintain a healthy landscape while minimizing water usage:

1. Install a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and waste.
2. Water during the early morning or late evening hours to minimize evaporation.
3. Use rain barrels or cisterns to collect and store rainwater for irrigation.
4. Implement smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels.

Native and Drought-Tolerant Plant Selection 
Choosing native and drought-tolerant plants can significantly reduce water usage and maintenance requirements while supporting local ecosystems. Consider these tips when selecting plants for your landscape:

1. Research native plant species that are well-adapted to Austin's climate and soil conditions.
2. Select drought-tolerant plants that require minimal watering once established.
3. Plant species with similar water needs together to optimize irrigation efficiency.
4. Use a diverse mix of plants to create a more resilient and visually appealing landscape.

Marketing Organic Lawn Care and Landscaping Services as an Upselling Tool and Differentiator
Targeting eco-conscious tenants and buyers: Eco-conscious tenants and buyers are increasingly seeking properties that incorporate sustainable practices. To effectively target this demographic, ensure that marketing materials and advertisements highlight the organic lawn care and landscaping features of your property. Utilize various marketing channels, such as social media, websites, and print materials, to emphasize your commitment to environmental responsibility and attract like-minded individuals.

Showcasing the Benefits of Organic Practices 
It's important to showcase the tangible benefits of these practices. In your marketing materials, emphasize the following advantages:

1. Environmental benefits, such as improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, and reduced pollution of local water sources.
2. Health benefits for tenants, including reduced exposure to toxic chemicals and improved air quality. This is especially important for new parents. 
3. Aesthetic appeal, with vibrant colors and a diverse range of plant species that contribute to an attractive and harmonious landscape.
4. Cost savings due to reduced water usage and lower long-term maintenance costs.

Incorporating Organic Features Into Property Tours and Walkthroughs
When conducting property tours and walkthroughs, highlight the organic features of the landscape, drawing attention to the eco-friendly practices used in lawn care and landscaping maintenance. Point out specific elements, such as native plants, drought-tolerant species, rainwater collection systems, and organic fertilization methods. By educating potential tenants or buyers about these features, you can demonstrate the value and benefits of an organic landscape.

Establishing and Maintaining Partnerships with Local Organic Service Providers
To successfully implement organic lawn care and landscaping practices, property managers in Austin should establish and maintain strong partnerships with local organic service providers. These partnerships will ensure access to high-quality services and expertise, helping to maximize the benefits of organic practices.

Researching and vetting providers: Before entering into a partnership, property managers should thoroughly research and vet potential organic service providers. Consider the following steps:

1. Identify local providers who specialize in organic lawn care and landscaping, focusing on those with a strong reputation for quality and reliability.
2. Request references and check online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction and the provider's track record.
3. Verify certifications, licenses, and insurance coverage to ensure that the provider meets all legal requirements and industry standards.
4. Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your property's needs, the provider's services, and their approach to organic lawn care and landscaping.

Negotiating Contracts and Service Agreements
After selecting a suitable organic service provider, it's important to negotiate a contract and service agreement that meets the needs of both parties. Keep these points in mind:

1. Clearly outline the scope of services to be provided, including specific tasks, materials, and equipment.
2. Determine a schedule for regular maintenance, as well as any seasonal or one-time services.
3. Agree on pricing and payment terms, taking into consideration any potential discounts for long-term contracts or multiple properties.
4. Establish performance metrics and a process for evaluating the quality of the provider's work.
5. Include provisions for resolving disputes or terminating the agreement, should the need arise.

Ensuring Quality Control and Ongoing Communication
To maintain a successful partnership with your organic service provider, it's crucial to ensure quality control and maintain open lines of communication. Follow these guidelines:

1. Conduct regular site visits to assess the quality of the provider's work and identify any areas for improvement.
2. Request periodic reports on the health of your property's landscape, including soil test results, plant health assessments, and recommendations for future care.
3. Maintain an open dialogue with the provider, addressing any concerns or questions promptly and seeking their expertise on best practices for organic lawn care and landscaping.
4. Provide feedback on the provider's performance, recognizing their successes and discussing any necessary improvements.

Measuring the Impact of Organic Lawn Care and Landscaping on Your Property
To assess the success of your organic lawn care and landscaping efforts, it's essential to measure the impact of these practices on your property. By tracking improvements in property health and appearance, monitoring tenant satisfaction and retention, and analyzing property value growth and ROI, property managers can make data-driven decisions and adjust their strategies as needed.

Tracking Improvements in Property Health and Appearance
Comparison photos can tell a lot of improvements. Simply take photos and compare. Did the property improve at first glance? If yes, then continue in assessing the health and appearance of your property's landscape is a crucial component of measuring the impact of organic practices.

Consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Conduct regular visual inspections to monitor the overall health and appearance of the landscape, noting any changes in plant growth, color, or density.
2. Schedule periodic soil tests to track improvements in soil health, fertility, and pH balance.
3. Document changes in water usage and irrigation efficiency, which can serve as indicators of the effectiveness of your water conservation efforts.
4. Record the presence of beneficial insects and wildlife, as well as any changes in pest populations, to evaluate the success of your organic pest control strategies.

Monitoring Tenant Satisfaction and Retention
Tenant satisfaction and retention are valuable metrics for understanding the impact of organic lawn care and landscaping on your property. To monitor these factors, consider the following approaches:

1. Conduct regular tenant surveys to gather feedback on the landscape's appearance, maintenance, and the perceived benefits of organic practices.
2. Track tenant retention rates, comparing properties with organic landscapes to those with conventional landscaping to identify any correlations.
3. Monitor the number of inquiries or applications from potential tenants who specifically mention the organic landscape as a factor in their interest.

Analyzing property value growth and ROI
Assessing the impact of organic lawn care and landscaping on property value and return on investment (ROI) can help property managers justify their efforts and make informed decisions about future investments. To analyze these metrics:

1. Compare property values before and after the implementation of organic practices to identify any trends or changes.
2. Track rental rates and occupancy levels, analyzing any differences between properties with organic landscaping and those with conventional methods.
3. Calculate the ROI of your organic lawn care and landscaping investments by considering factors such as installation costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, and any potential savings from reduced water usage or lower long-term maintenance costs.
4. Evaluate the impact of organic landscaping on property marketability, noting any increased interest from eco-conscious tenants or buyers.

By measuring the impact of organic lawn care and landscaping on your property, property managers can effectively demonstrate the value of these practices and make data-driven decisions to enhance their properties' health, appearance, and marketability.

To conclude, implementing organic lawn care and landscaping practices in the Austin area can greatly enhance property appeal, attracting eco-conscious tenants or buyers who value sustainable living. By following the steps outlined in this guide, property managers can effectively use organic lawn care and landscaping as an upselling tool, benefiting both their clients and the environment.

Summer Clean-up
Summer is at its best growing season. That is why we need to have an extra care on our lawn in order to survive the grass well and turn at its luscious green growth because this season also is the stressful part of the season. Periods of drought are experiencing, diseases or even at its worst. By using some techniques, you can achieve a beautiful lawn. What can you do guys to keep your lawn looking good at summer?

Here are some tips on how to care in your lawn this summer:

Mow the lawn

• Mow your lawn regularly during extended dry periods. This is a great start to your lawn as it will be at its good condition. If your grass is experiencing drought, mow at least once a week. While, if your grass is receiving enough amount of rainfall mow at least twice a week.
• The best time to mow is early in the morning or even late in the afternoon as the sun starts to set. When the temperature is cool it gives less stress in the lawn.
• The standard height to keep your lawn at its best is about 2-3 inches. Check its measurement by using a ruler.
• When the temperature is very hot, avoid cutting the grass too short as it can cause weeds and moss in your lawn.
• Check and edge your mower blade after mowing the lawn to know if your blade is blunt or sharp. Sharpened it. If you are not knowledgeable doing that let the professional lawn mowers do that for you.
• Leave your grass clippings on the lawn. This will serve as a fertilizer to your lawn and is the effective way to get back the nutrients to the soil and make them healthy.

Water and Fertilize the lawn

• Regular deep watering is best for your lawn’s health. Water your lawn in the early morning and evening. Before the sun dries up, it allows the grass to soak up in water.
• If possible, use rain water to water your lawn. Get water through rainfall by collecting it and stored in a container. Let it water on your lawn as rain water is soft and ideal.
• Water your lawn enough to keep it from turning brown. Turning brown of your lawn does not mean that your lawn is dry and dying. It only becomes dormant.
• Apply fertilizer if desired, as this makes the soil healthy. Be careful when applying fertilizer in summer because failure to apply it correctly may lead to dryness and dying.

Aerate the lawn

• Aerating the lawn alleviates soil compaction, leads to absorption of air, water and nutrients. It also prevents the fertilizers to leach on our rivers, streams, lakes etc.
• Measure and check the roots before summer because during this season is the period when they will be longer. If it is 1-2 inches deep, aerate it.
• Mechanically aerate the lawn with core aerator. It is performed by extracting ½ — ¾ inch diameter cores of soil and deposit on your lawn. Hole it 1-4 inches deep and 3-6 inches apart. Avoid spikes as these will increase soil compaction.
• Before we aerate the lawn, make sure that the lawn is moist and wait for 1-2 days that is the time you can start aerating. This will give your lawn best results.
• Go all over the lawn aerate it back and forth across the lawn. So that, all the part of your lawn had been through aerating in different directions. This will improve the movement of air, water and nutrients in your lawn.

Weed the lawn

• Spot the weeds around your lawn. Distinguish weeds and if the lawn is not trimmed recently you can easily identify if weeds are recurring now in your lawn.
• Avoid using chemical weed killer instead apply organic weed killer. You can dig it up naturally by using a garden spade or even perform it by hand pulling and trimming.

Fall Clean-up
Fall season is a sign of beautiful grass-green growth. At this time, it is the right decision to work for your lawn. Have to clean them up or grab for a fall clean-up. It is a wise decision to do that to prepare your lawn for the upcoming winter season.

These are the to-do list to achieve a beautiful and healthier lawn:

Soil Test
-check for your lawns soil ph and the availability of nutrients present in the soil by using a soil fertility test. The best soil ph balance commonly used in turfgrass, flowers, and shrubs is between soil ph 6.0 – 7.0. By this season you should start working to restore soil ph balance and promote green and healthy lawns for the upcoming spring.

Fertilize the lawn
-we need to fertilize the lawn because it stimulates root growth to make the soil healthy to have a greener lawn in springtime and yes, it is best to fertilize your lawn in fall because at that time the soil is moist and it helps the turf to absorb the fertilizer easily. It also builds up the stamina of the grass before winter comes. We encourage your lawn to have the plants fertilize at least four times a year. It restores energy to survive especially during winter.

Overseed the lawn
-Fall is the best season to germinate grass seeds. It reduces unwanted weeds and the amount of rainfall and its moisture is much better at fall. Start spreading all over seeds on your lawn especially on thin lawns, roots are established before winter and this will give the lawn thicker and stronger grass when springtime comes.

Fix bare spots

• Bare spots can lead to soil compaction (it is heavy foot traffic), chemical burn, drought, disease, or even weed infestation. Make some repairs on bare spots to avoid weeds that will take root in the soil. While dead grass invites your lawn on diseases. Start to fix at fall because fall temperature affects to support the quick establishment of the lawn and the soil at its moist is best.

Get rid of thatch

• Your lawn will benefit when the thatch is so thin to protect or cover-up the lawn. But when the thatch is so thick that should be removed because it can cause diseases and the movement of air, water and nutrients blocks their passageway. Dethatching is the process of removal of thick barrier pile of organic matter. Remember, never dethatch your lawn in the cold season as this can cause trouble in your lawn.

Aerate lawn with compacted soil
-Fall is a great start to aerate the yards before you overseed. Compacted soil is particles that are compressed together. The air, water, and nutrients are limited throughout the soil. It is mechanically removed by an aerator, making holes out of the lawn and it allows the air, water, and nutrients to pass on the soil. These help the roots to grow deeper and your lawn will become stronger.

Water the lawn well
-Established lawns generally need to water as grass in fall is good to know that it keeps growing. Much of its growth occurs underneath even if you don’t see unnecessary growth changes on top. But as fall arises, you can let rainfall help or even keep your lawn to water regularly.

Mow the lawn regularly

• Keep your lawn trimmed until the grass started not to grow, as it makes the grass healthy when winter arises. Always keep in mind even if cold temperature arises, to mow the grass shorter than normal to avoid winter fungal diseases and scatter the trims out to condition your lawn and can maintain a shorter height.

Weed the lawn
        -Weeds are everywhere even in fall. Fall is at its best time to get rid of weeds because they easily absorb energy and then they will prepare for the upcoming springtime. We can help you to achieve a weed-free lawn. Our services perform hand pulling, trimming, or application of organic soil amendment on existing weeds on your plant beds, pathways, patios, driveways, and sidewalks.
 
Have a leaf clean-up
-Leaves begin to fall so in this season it is the right time to clean-up the leaves in order to prevent diseases. Sometimes we think that leaving the leaves on the lawn is the best way to do but you are wrong. Leaving them behind may cause a big problem and greater damage to your lawn. It is performed by raking the leaves, bag, and compost a large number of leaves while mow and mulch in smaller quantities. Adding that organic matter on your lawn makes the soil enriched and supports microbial growth. Fall is the best time to make use of your extra leaves as compost and it is cheaper than commercial compost.
 
Winter Clean-up
Winter season is a great time to clean up your garden and maintain the beds. By doing so, it will be easier to see weeds that need to be treated or hand-pulled. It also provides a good opportunity for perennials and vegetables to grow in the next season. Additionally, take time to assess your garden and give them that tender love and care they need during this season.
Here are the best practices that you can do in winter to keep your landscape beautiful and healthy:

Prune Shrubs & Trees
Prune shrubs and trees that are dormant during winter. Not only this will help you achieve the shape that you desire when they bloom during the growing the season, this practice will also provide your shrubs and trees enough energy to support new growth. It also helps prevent diseases and insect invasion.
Some of the shrubs that can be pruned in winter:

• Barberries
• Camellias
• Flowering Currants
• Evergreen shrubs (yew, holly, and boxwood)
• Hydrangeas
• Magnolias
• Mallow

 
Some of the trees that can be pruned in winter:

• Chaste Tree
• Fruit Trees (Apple, Cherry, Pear etc.)
• Junipers
• Oak
• Smoke Tree
• Spruce
• Tulip Tree

Clean Plant Beds
It is essential to clean your beds up in winter as this will greatly prepare your garden when spring comes. Treat and pull those nasty weeds out for your plants to have more room to grow, for them to be healthier, and for them to live longer.

Apply Corn Gluten Fertilizer and AACT Treatment
Our Corn Gluten Fertilizer is 100% organic. It is a non-selective all natural fertilizer that we recommend for all types of turf grass and plants. It has pre-emergent tendencies and contains slow release non-burning nitrogen sources. It is proven effective in controlling weeds.
Corn Gluten Fertilizer is best paired with our AACT Treatment. Our AACT Treatment increases breakdown of organic matter, improves soil water retention, and maximizes active beneficial microbial diversity to encourage root growth.

Blow off & Turn off Sprinklers
Shut off your irrigation system before the temperature drops below the freezing point to avoid system damage like pressure build up or leaky and clogged pipes.

Roof and Siding Clearance
Doing roof and siding clearance in winter prevents ice buildup that can lead to water penetration which may highly cause significant structural damage. Heavy snow and ice may cause ventilation issues to your attic. Try to clear heavy snow from your roof to prevent melting snow go through the cracks especially if your roof and siding have foundation issues.

Spring Clean-up
Never neglect your lawn during spring. Taking care of it during this season is one way to prevent weeds from growing. Encourage deep and strong root growth by doing the necessary steps listed below. These steps will keep your lawn healthy and beautiful despite having a hot and dry weather condition.

Yard Clean-up
To ensure fresh and new growth, it is a must to clear and haul away those leaves, fallen trees, branches, and other organic debris. If these debris stay on your lawn for a long time, it may result to pest infestation or diseases.  Keep your family safe by making sure you do not skip spring clean-up. We do not want our kids running around knowing that there might be dangerous pests like snakes, lurking around our yard. This step is the start of getting the beauty and health of your lawn back.
 
Corn Gluten Fertilization
After a long winter, your grass surely needs to replenish their energy and nutrients. This season is a great time for proper fertilization. We all know that growth is faster in spring. Therefore, give the new growth and existing grass all the nutrients they need.
 
Talking about proper fertilization, it is undeniably true that weeds spread uncontrollably. They compete with your previous plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Shoo those nasty seeds away with the help of our organic fertilizer, Corn Gluten Meal. Ideally applied all over your lawn and plants beds. Water immediately afterwards. Give the nutrients time to be absorbed before mowing.
 
Start Mowing!
It is time to dust off and get those mowers out! Before doing so, make sure to assess the height of the grass. Ideally, you start mowing if the height of the grass is already at 3 inches tall. You may want to wait a little longer if the grass is still short. Mowing short grass may be the cause of unwanted disease and pest.
 
Pruning and trimming trees and shrubs
Winter is finally over! Remember to prune excessive growth of a tree or shrub this spring. Do not remove more than 10 percent of the tree’s branches as this may result to disease or insect infestation. Remove dead limbs or branches as these leech off the rest of the healthy ones, stealing the nutrients away from the living and healthy plants. By doing this step, having new growth is out of the question. Shape your tree accordingly.
 
Organic fertilizer for shrubs and trees
Shrubs and trees should never be taken for granted. Just like your lawn, they too require fertilization. Fertilizer is a vital ingredient for healthy growth. Schedule fertilizing your trees and shrubs at least twice a year. Ideally done once in fall and spring.
 
Soil Fertility Test
Before fertilizing your lawn, shrubs, and trees, have your soil tested first. Testing your soil helps you decide whether to fertilize or not. Soil fertility test determines the soil’s pH primary nutrient levels (nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K)). The results of this test will definitely help you understand how much fertilizer will be appropriate for any deficiencies in the soil.