Xeriscape Series Part Two...

Arizona Soil Preparation



Each type of plant requires a slightly different type of soil in order to thrive. Most Arizona soil is very heavy in clay and/or content and lacks natural fertilizing properties. Most plants will benefit from the use of compost and mulching to amend the hard soil. However, you might be surprised to learn that many of our Sonoran desert species actually prefer the hard, dense Arizona soil. In fact, some trees and plants thrive in gravely or rocky soil with very little water.




It is very important to choose plants and trees that fit the existing Arizona soil... or the soil needs to be amended to fit the desired plants. 





If you are ready for a more environmentally-friendly landscape that conserves water, call ProQual at 480-456-0608.

Great Job ProQual!

This morning we received an email from the supervisor of a project that we just completed. I am so proud of my staff... I had to share!

Good morning Scott,

Just wanted to thank you and your staff for going WAY above and beyond with your assistance in the Veramonte reclaimed water conversion project. I was the project manager for the conversion and the project’s success has a lot to do with your staff. I can’t say enough about how awesome Matt and Mike are, their knowledge, customer service, and willingness to help really made a positive impression with City staff. Yesterday we conducted the dye test to ensure that there were no irrigation leaks or cross connections, we completed the test in 3 hours. In previous tests at different properties, the same test has taken up to 4 days! ProQual’s property knowledge and irrigation knowledge proved to be an invaluable asset to the success of this project. Again, thank you for allowing Mike, Matt, and all of your staff the time and resources to make this conversion a success, I greatly appreciate it. I look forward to working with ProQual again! 

City of Surprise Public Works

CIP Project Manger

Xeriscape Series Part One...

Xeriscape Design & Planning

Xeriscape design in Arizona begins with a sketch of the property perimeter and all structures and hardscape elements that will remain intact. It is important to include driveways, patio areas, sidewalks etc. Then add any existing plants or trees that will remain after the xeriscape renovation.

Once the base plan of the existing property is complete, it is time to consider any major additions like screened areas, dog runs, park benches or pergolas etc. When sketching in aerial view, it is easy to overlook the elevation view and the desired curb appeal of the finished project.

The final planning step is to add areas for turf, perennial beds, views, screens, slopes etc. Xeriscape requires careful planning in regards to drainage in order to make the most what little rainfall we receive in the Phoenix AZ area. At this point, most of the bugs should be worked out so the plan can be drafted to scale and put into motion.

Considering a xeriscape renovation on your property? Call ProQual @ 480-456-0608

What is Xeriscaping…?

When you live in an arid part of the country like we do in Phoenix Arizona, you tend to hear the term “xeriscape” quite often. So, what is xeriscape and how does it differ from traditional landscaping? Quite simply, xeriscaping takes a drought-friendly approach to landscape in order to reduce water consumption in regions where the water supply may be a concern. Most xeriscape plans focus on using plants and trees native to the region that will flourish with little to no additional irrigation.

With many local municipalities contemplating potential water usage restrictions, it may be a great time to consider updating some areas of your Phoenix AZ landscaping to be more water efficient. ProQual has experienced Arizona Landscape Management Professionals on staff, including Arborists (Tree Specialist) and Horticulturists (Plant Specialists). They are uniquely qualified to handle hardscape and landscape upgrades using the xeriscape approach to modern landscaping in Arizona.

It is our goal to increase the value of your landscape by using sustainable landscape management practices tailored for our dry Arizona climate. Please follow our blog in the coming weeks as we complete a ten-part series on The Principles of Xeriscape in Arizona. Here is a preview of the brief articles to come:

Xeriscape Design & Planning
-       Arizona Soil Preparation
-       Irrigation Efficiency
-       Arizona’s Plant Zone
-       Tree & Plant Selection
-       Mulching in Arizona
-       Alternative Turf Solutions
-       Hardscapes in Arizona
-       Landscape/Xeriscape Maintenance
-       Drainage Considerations
-       Getting Started

Contact ProQual Landscaping at: 480-456-0608

Annual Flowers

Love it when our flowers look like this!

Commercial Landscaper Having a BLAST at the CAI Trade Show in Phoenix AZ!

The NASCAR them at this year's Community Associations Institute Trade Show show in Phoenix was really fun. We hope everyone is enjoying it as much as we are... here is a 360 degree photo of the event as it is happening :)

Thanks to Great Sponsors... CAI & COIT!!

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE COMPANY IN PHOENIX ARIZONA AZ

APARTMENT COMMUNITIES - HOA - BUSINESS COMPLEX

ProQual 500 Shirts Are In...!

ProQual is sponsoring a booth this Friday at the CAI Trade Show in Phoenix. The Community Associations Institute has over 700 members in the Phoenix - Central Arizona Chapter and this is a great opportunity to see what's happening around our state and network with other members.

Stop by our booth (Numbers 84 & 85) for a chance to win one of our cool new t-shirts designed especially for this show theme! See you there :)

ProQual Racing T-Shirt!

Arizona Commercial Landscape Management Company

Specializes in Multi Housing Communities - Residential and Commercial HOA

Water Management in Arizona…

Water is essential for a healthy landscape. With utility rates on the rise, water usage must be managed better than ever. Our Water Management Specialists utilize the highest level of technology to create specific Water Management programs for each property. Satellite based irrigation controllers and local weather stations, allow us to create an irrigation schedule to use just the right amount of water for your landscaped area… keeping your landscape looking good, while sustaining your water budget in Phoenix AZ.

How often should you water plants in Arizona? Regular watering schedules need to be adjusted throughout the year depending on the temperature and humidity levels of the season. It is a good idea to inspect your plants regularly for signs of overwatering or underwatering and adjust irrigation of plants to present conditions on your property.

Believe it or not, a plant can tell you whether or not it is stressed if you learn how to recognize the signs. Here are a few simple tips to understand what your plant is feeling...

Signs of underwatering:

• Older leaves begin to drop after turning yellow or brown
• Lower part or root zone fells too dry
• Leaves are wilted or dropping
• Leaves begin to curl up
• Stems or branches die back

Signs of overwatering:

• Mushrooms or algae are present near plants
• Top soil is constantly damp
• Leaves turn lighter green or begin to yellow
• Younger shoots are droopy or wilting
• Excessive plant growth
• Leaves are green but feel brittle

Visit our blog often for new articles on landscaping in Phoenix Arizona and surrounding area!

Planting Winter Flowers in Arizona

The weather is cooling and it's time to plant and enjoy the winter blooms!!!  People often think that the winter is a "down time" for vibrant colors in desert landscape.  At ProQual, we take advantage of our Arizona climates by planting a wealth of desert adapted plants that provide colorful winter displays all season.



Among the vast possibilities, a few Arizona Winter flowers to consider are:
·
• Geraniums

• Snapdragons
• Petunias
• Pansies
• Calendula
• Fairy Duster
• Desert Lavender
• Lantana
• White Alyssum

Creating the proper planting conditions is crucial for the survival of winter plants. For best results of an abundance of foliage and blooms, planter beds should contain mulch and plant fertilizer to promote a healthy growth.



Watering is key! To avoid wilting or dying of annual flowers, the soil should be kept slightly moist.  Dry soils, even during the winter months, can cause annual flowers to wilt or die.  Supplement rainfall, and water as needed.  Too much water can cause fungi to grow, which can kill the plants, just as too little water can.

Native flowers and succulents will most likely sustain the winter months unless a severe frost hits them.

Give ProQual a call to see how we can make your community's Winter floral display spectacular!

Happy Halloween from ProQual...!

We hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween tonight!

We really enjoyed delivering a little "treat" to go with all of the "trick" that goes along with daily business. We hope you all enjoyed our Green Pumpkins!

We appreciate our great customers and look forward to finishing 2011 with a BOO-M..!

Arizona's Premier Commercial Landscape Maintenance Company