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Landscaping
Keeping the Grass Greener
Chicagoland is not exactly known for year-round sunshine and palm trees. At
first glance, greenery, lawns and lawn care may seem to be non–issues for many city residents, but like most Americans, Chicagoans have a love
affair with lush green turf.
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Eco-Friendly Landscaping
In the face of rising water costs, maintenance costs, and a continued depressed
housing market, many community associations are finding long-term savings
through new landscape strategies that also help our environment. Eco-friendly
landscaping practices are not just the domain of the hardcore nature lover
anymore. They can mean significant returns on your investment.
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Greening Your Lawn
Chicago is a city known far and wide for its harsh weather—and like its residents, Chicago's lawns are built to withstand the icy winter
blasts off Lake Michigan. That doesn't mean that your condo or HOA's lawn
doesn't need a little tender loving care every now and again, however. A lush,
green swath of lawn is an asset to its community—it increases curb appeal, beautifies the property, and ultimately increases
resale values.
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Invasive Species
A pair of Asian carp made headlines last spring when they were found in the
Garfield Park Lagoon. Although officials from the Department of Natural
Resources think they were long-term residents, possibly remnants of a fisherman’s bait bucket, the discovery highlighted the mounting concern about this
invasive species in the region. Read More
Chemical Concerns
Since the 1950s, American lawns have been “hooked” on petroleum-based and synthetic chemicals. A plethora of post-war pesticides,
herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers were eagerly embraced by both homeowners
and landscape professionals dazzled by the dramatic results; an almost
instantaneous, lush, green lawn. There was a downside, however. Grasses become
dependent on an endless feed of chemicals for their sustenance, and the
underlying soil became sterile and inhospitable. Take away the chemicals, and
the lawn quickly withered and went brown, unable to sustain itself.
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More Than Just a Pretty Face
These days, money is tight for just about everybody, including the boards and
managers trying to run the day-to-day business of their condo community or
homeowners association. Everyone is looking to get maximum return on all
expenditures—and that includes landscaping and lawn care.
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The Irrigation Situation
One of the things that attracts people to a condo or HOA are the beautiful
grounds and lush landscaping that surrounds the property. Because of the
topography of the Chicagoland area, depending on where a home is located, water
could be plentiful or the area could be drought-stricken. It’s almost always necessary for properties to use irrigation technology to keep
their lawns, trees and shrubs healthy and green.
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Treating Trees
When it comes to weather, Chicago's climate conditions are as changing as an
adolescent's emotions. One day it's 55 and sunny, the next day you are
shoveling snow off your sidewalk. This turbulent weather combined with poor
landscaping and a lack of knowledge about proper maintenance can really take a
toll on your landscape, particularly your trees.
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The Big 10
Part of the job of a condo board is to keep your association’s grounds or lawn looking healthy and attractive. After all, curb appeal can do
wonders when it comes to appraisals and even the morale of your community
members. But most condo boards—whether their urban or suburban—are populated with volunteers, few of whom are likely to be professional
landscapers or horticulturalists.
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Feeling Flowerful
Spring is here, which means the sky is blue, the grass is green, and the flowers
will be blooming—that is, if you plant them. From knowing which plants do best in which location
to keeping up with everyday care and maintenance, keeping your condo or co-op
property looking nice can be hard work, but worth every minute and dime spent
in the end. And with some extra knowledge from the inside, not only can
properties uphold a high level of aesthetics, the endeavor can be
cost-effective, even in this day in age.
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