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The True Value of a Tree: Battling Climate Change Amid Rising Costs
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)It’s no secret that climate change is unrelenting, casting an especially potent spell over regions like Florida. Big winds, heavy storms, and harsh heat are messing things up. Amid this harsh climate, tree farm nurseries like TreeWorld Wholesale are shouldering a tremendous burden. We’re on the frontlines of the fight against climate change, knowing well that trees are our strongest allies in restoring ecological balance. But as tree nurseries in general struggle to make strides, other considerations such as operational costs and strained resources must be considered. Becoming a complex story that often remains untold when clients question the price of a tree. Clients often don’t see the whole picture or the real value of a tree they purchase. What challenges tree farm nurseries are facing right now To have a brief context, we need to talk about what’s happening right now on the Florida peninsula. As it is well-known, global warming has led to increased average temperatures, which affect us in many ways as a tree farm nursery. Some of the main implications include: reduced growth rates, increased water needs, and heightened vulnerability to pests and diseases, which also affect costs of tree planiting. Moreover, Florida is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, which leads to more frequent saltwater intrusion, affecting the quality of water available for irrigation. This, in turn, causes salt stress, especially in trees not adapted to saline conditions. Not to mention, strong winds and hurricanes have become more frequent and hit harder every time, leaving damaged plants and, in some cases, destruction. While heavy rainfall, which normally leads to flooding, seems to occur more frequently. It’s also worth noting that, while we are used to specific wet and dry seasons, climate change has resulted in unpredictable rainfall patterns, forcing tree farm nurseries to accommodate and respond more quickly to these events. Finally, the high temperatures affect our trees directly, leading to reduced efficiency, sunburn, increased irrigation needs, and even a shift in plant hardiness zones. Affecting the viable trees for the region and endangering some species. With the above in mind, we are going to try to explain why the business of trees is not as easy as many think it is. Understanding the true price of a tree is a little bit more complicated than basic costs. The value of a tree goes far beyond that, and here is why and how it has shifted lately! Growing trees: the business of time Tree farm nurseries are in the business of time, something unusual in today’s fast-paced world where immediacy is prized and patience is overlooked. Unlike most industries, there are no instant results or shortcuts for our trees. Trees don’t sprout overnight. When you visit a tree nursery, remember that at our core lies an intricate dance between time, care, and patience. Trees require years of nurturing, making it a long-term investment business. In many ways, we take our time seriously so you can enjoy the tree that fits your landscape dream, that provides proper shade, flowers in the right season, and provides its owner with its natural […]
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Best Low Maintenance Hedges
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)Is there anything more appealing to a project than low-maintenance hedges? Because, let’s face it, hedges are crucial to landscape design for several reasons. And certainly, nothing is more attractive to a project designer or homeowner than finding the right low-maintenance hedging plants. But the key lies in truly understanding what low maintenance entails. And how you can integrate it into your design or project. As something that works for some may not work for everybody. Low-maintenance landscaping refers to design principles and plant selections that require minimal time. Effort, and resources to maintain their health and appearance. A low-maintenance landscape is designed to reduce the need for frequent watering, pruning, fertilizing, and other maintenance tasks typically associated with traditional landscapes. By incorporating these principles into plant selections. A landscape can be designed to require less time, effort, and resources for upkeep. Allowing homeowners or property managers to enjoy a beautiful landscape with reduced obligations. So, for us to identify the best low maintenance hedges for the area, we need to expand on the need for hedges and their particularities. These landscape elements function as natural barriers, providing both privacy and security. Additionally, hedges contribute to the visual appeal and aesthetics of a landscape. They can be shaped into various forms, from formal hedges with clean lines to informal hedges with a more organic appearance, adding both structure and beauty to outdoor spaces. Besides, hedges offer practical benefits like wind and noise reduction. By acting as windbreaks, they help create a more pleasant microclimate and reduce the impact of strong winds. Definitely, hedges are essential elements in landscape design, which is why the tree selection process is crucial, especially to guarantee low-maintenance hedging plants. Factoring a hedge selection process to pick the best low-maintenance hedge plant for you But instead of just listing the best low-maintenance hedges, we want to go through the design process, walking through the different considerations to have in mind during the tree selection process. Especially when we are designing for a tropical area such as Florida and the Caribbean, that holds certain challenges. Functionality Functionality refers to ensuring the tree material will respond to the function it is meant to provide, whether it be decorative, windbreak, noise reduction, privacy hedges, or border definition. One of our favorite and best-performing hedges is Calophyllum Brasiliensis, also known as the Brazil Beautyleaf. Due to its dense foliage with glossy, dark green leaves, it has a characteristic that allows it to create a visually appealing and effective hedge that offers privacy and serves as a windbreak. With low maintenance requirements once established. Being resistant to pests and diseases reduces the need for extensive treatments or interventions. Besides its generous spread, the dense, round crown makes the tree a great fit if you have large areas to cover. Another tree that meets most of the requirements when revising functionality is the Bayrum tree (Pimenta racemosa). The tree naturally exhibits a dense and compact growth habit, making it well-suited for creating a solid and effective hedge. Its foliage tends to grow close together, providing […]
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Creating a sustainable landscape
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)Aren’t landscape designs supposed to be sustainable? What exactly is sustainable landscape design? All questions that come to mind when discussing best practices for landscape architects and urban planners. The natural landscape, in its original state, can be considered inherently sustainable since it has evolved and adapted over time to function within its ecological context. However, human development, urbanization, and classical landscaping methods often have negative impacts on the environment. Such as the loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, water pollution, excessive water use, destruction of ecosystems, and greenhouse gas emissions. What Is Sustainable Landscaping, and Why Is It Important? The concept of sustainable landscape design arises from the need to mitigate these negative impacts and restore or create landscapes that are designed and managed in a more environmentally responsible manner while still addressing human needs and adding aesthetic value. Sustainable landscape design strategies seek to reduce consumption, preserve natural habitats, promote biodiversity, and support the ecosystem. By incorporating sustainable landscaping principles and adopting eco-friendly management practices, it is possible to reduce the ecological footprint while contributing to the well-being of both humans and the environment. The Benefits of Sustainable Landscape Practices a As discussed before, sustainable landscape refers to the design, development, and maintenance of spaces in a way that minimizes negative environmental impact while promoting conservation and enhancing the overall well-being of the ecosystem and community. Integrating ecological principles and practices into the planning and management of landscapes creates an aesthetic and resilient environment. But what are the guidelines that landscape architects and urban planners should keep in mind to succeed in creating resilient environments? Conservation of resources Sustainable landscapes aim to minimize the use of resources such as water and energy. One of the most common sustainable landscaping practices includes efficient irrigation systems and the incorporation of strategic tree material in the design. This not only adds aesthetic value but also serves a double purpose. For instance by planting native trees that will reduce the use of energy and water required, as they’ve already adapted to the area. Also, the usage of drought-tolerant trees that will cut water run-off. And shade trees that will guarantee to cool-off the environment avoiding additional energy costs especially during summer months. Shade trees like the southern live oak (Quercus Viriginiana), West Indies Mahoganie (swietenia mahogani) and Gumbo Limbo (Bursera Simaruba). Will help with carbon sequestration, cooling off the environment and enriching the landscape. Biodiversity In Environmentally-friendly Landscape Designs Attracting native wildlife is important, and trees play a big role in restoring and protecting natural habitats. Choosing native trees also helps control pests in a natural manner. As predatory insects, birds, bats, and other native species feed on pests. Therefore reducing the need for chemical pesticides in landscaping and promoting a healthier environment. Native trees also add visual interest and attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. For example, the Jamaican caper (Caparis cynophalora). Which highlights the landscape with its showy white flowers and purple stamens, is a host plant for the Florida white butterfly. The evergreen Simpson Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans), which bears clusters of tiny white flowers […]
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Adding color to your landscape design!
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)Landscape design is a celebration of color! And there is no better time to talk about the implications of color in landscape design and its palette than now. Because, even though we don’t get seasons per se in South Florida, we do get seasonal trees. And when we think about color, it’s important to acknowledge their blooming period, as it has a direct implication in color and on the overall look and feel of the design. Because depending on the desired aesthetic, certain colors may be more preferable than others. And their blooming period should be taken into account. For example, warmer colors can help create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. While cooler colors can create a more modern, sophisticated look. In addition, certain colors may be better suited to match existing furniture and home décor. Applying the Color Theory to Your Landscape Design Therefore, we need to come up with a color scheme for the outcome we expect from the landscape design and use it as a guide. So, naturally, it is important to integrate the basics of color theory into your project. Analogous colors First, we have the analogous colors, which basically refer to the colors of leaves and bark that are similar to each other. Examples of analogous colors in trees include shades of green. A good example is when you mix some of our favorite evergreens, the Calophyllum brasiliensis (Brazil Beauty leaf) and Bayrum tree (Pimenta racemosa). Complimentary Colors Secondly, you need to play with your opposites! And when it comes to complementary colors, you can have: blue and orange, red and green, or yellow and purple. These colors can be used to create visual contrast and interest in a landscape. Besides, when trees of complementary colors are grouped together, they create a stunning effect. And a sense of unity to the landscape as they create a cohesive look. Some of our favorites to play with are the Pride of Cape (Bauhinia Galpinii), Orange Geiger (Cordia Sebestena), and Purple Glory (Tibouchina Granulosa). Hot/Cold Colors Third, we have color temperature. On one hand, we have the vibrant hues: red, orange, and yellow. Great colors to create focal points, as they are considered to have powerfully present hues. Some of our best examples are: African tulip trees (Spathodea campanulata), Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia), Yellow Geiger (Cordia lutea), Verawood tree (Bulnesia arborea), and Orange Geiger (Cordia sebestena). And on the other hand, the soothing, cool colors, which on many occasions call for sophistication. Are some of our go-to palettes in warmer climates. They include blue, green, white, soft pinks, pale yellows, and pastels in general. This category includes the Tree of Life (Guaicum officinale), Native Tree of Life (Guaicum sanctum), Blue Jacaranda (Jacarada mimosifolia), and most of the trumpet-shaped trees (Handranthus), formerly known as Tabebuias. Multifaceted Gray Standing in the middle of the spectra is the gray. Which allows a change in color without saturating the design and highlighting other trees. Our best example is the native Silver Buttownwood (Conocarpus erectus Var serieceus). Color Value Finally, to understand color schemes, we also need […]
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