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Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Principles

Designing Safer Spaces with CPTED Principles

In today’s world, safety and aesthetics can – and should – go hand in hand. Thoughtful landscape design not only enhances the beauty and usability of outdoor spaces but can also play a crucial role in deterring crime. Enter CPTED: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design – a proven framework that uses the built environment to reduce criminal behavior and enhance the quality of life.

What is CPTED?

CPTED (pronounced ‘sep-ted’) is a multidisciplinary approach that uses urban and environmental design to reduce the opportunity for crime. The theory is simple: by influencing how people interact with spaces, we can create environments that naturally deter criminal behavior.

CPTED Core Principles

CPTED is based on four core principles:

– Natural Surveillance

– Natural Access Control

– Territorial Reinforcement

– Maintenance and Management

1. Natural Surveillance

This principle is about maximizing visibility. Criminals are less likely to target areas where they feel observed. Strategies include:

– Strategic planting to preserve sightlines

– Adequate lighting

– Open sightlines to public spaces

2. Natural Access Control

This involves directing people through appropriate routes and discouraging access to vulnerable areas:

– Defined pathways

– Decorative fencing or barriers

– Controlled and visible entry points

3. Territorial Reinforcement

Encouraging a sense of ownership helps people care for spaces and deters criminal activity:

– Use landscape elements to define boundaries

– Add community touches like gardens or signage

– Differentiate public vs. private spaces

4. Maintenance and Management

Well-maintained areas show care and deter vandalism:

– Regular upkeep

– Use of durable materials

– Quick response to damage or neglect

Case Example

A park redesign using CPTED includes better lighting, replacing dense shrubs, and adding a community garden. In a few months, crime rates drop and public engagement improves.

Designing for beauty and safety can work together. By integrating CPTED into your landscape strategy, you can create secure, vibrant, and welcoming spaces. Good design isn’t just about appearance, it’s about how spaces serve and protect their users.

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A bed of purple and green Sun Coleus Flowers

10 Underrated Annuals & Tropicals That Add Bold Color to Landscape Beds

When it comes to landscape design, annuals and tropicals are the quickest way to deliver seasonal color, texture, and drama. Yet many of the most show-stopping plants often lose attention to more traditional options like impatiens or petunias. Below, we’re spotlighting 10 underrated picks — from vibrant foliage to exotic blooms — that perform beautifully in landscape beds, borders, and containers.

Whether you’re refreshing a poolside garden or designing an entrance bed, these plants bring serious wow-factor.

1. Sun Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)

Why it’s underrated: People often think of coleus as a shade plant, but the newer sun-tolerant varieties thrive in full sun.

Best feature: Bold, richly patterned foliage in red, chartreuse, burgundy, and everything in between.

Great for: Foliage contrast, low-maintenance beds, and modern container designs.

2. Ageratum (Floss Flower)

Why it’s underrated: This low-growing annual offers delicate texture and rich, true blue blooms — a rare color in summer beds.

Best feature: Continuous blooms that attract butterflies and pollinators.

Great for: Edging, mass plantings, and softening hardscapes.

3. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

Why it’s underrated: Overshadowed by newer hybrids, classic zinnias are tough, drought-tolerant, and provide armloads of blooms.

Best feature: Vibrant colors and multiple shapes, from daisy-like to double blooms.

Great for: Hot, sunny beds and cut flower gardens.

4. Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)

Why it’s underrated: Too often, a “porch pot” plants, zonal geraniums, add structure and reliable color to landscape beds.

Best feature: Large, showy blooms and scented leaves that repel deer and rabbits.

Great for: Front entry beds, commercial spaces, and Mediterranean-style designs.

5. Setcreasea (Purple Heart)

Why it’s underrated: A gorgeous trailing groundcover with striking purple foliage that intensifies in full sun.

Best feature: Unbeatable foliage color, drought tolerance, and a spreading habit.

Great for: Underplanting taller tropicals or creating contrast in mixed beds.

6. Crossandra (Firecracker Flower)

Why it’s underrated: This heat-loving tropical produces apricot-orange blooms from spring through frost.

Best feature: Glossy green leaves and a nonstop bloom cycle.

Great for: Bright, protected garden beds or containers in southern climates.

7. Angelina Sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)

Why it’s underrated: Often in rock gardens, this golden sedum is a surprising, low-growing filler in traditional beds.

Best feature: Neon chartreuse foliage that turns orange in cool temps.

Great for: Sun-drenched areas, borders, and spillover in raised beds.

8. Celosia (Cockscomb or Plume Types)

Why it’s underrated: This annual is more than just funky — it’s durable, sun-loving, and thrives in tough conditions.

Best feature: Unusual textures in warm colors that last all season.

Great for: Adding height, texture, and drama to floral displays.

9. Hibiscus, Cannas, and Tropical Gingers

Why they’re underrated: These tropicals bring instant lushness and a vacation vibe to home gardens, but are often underused in seasonal beds.

Best feature: Bold foliage and large blooms that make a statement.

Great for: Poolside beds, large containers, and focal points.

10. Bird of Paradise & Selloum Philodendron

Why they’re underrated: Traditionally seen as houseplants, these giants make stunning tropical accents outdoors in summer.

Best feature: Bird of Paradise offers exotic blooms, while Selloum adds deeply cut foliage and architectural interest.

Great for: Tropical-themed beds, shade gardens, and backdrop planting.

Pro Tip:

Mixing tropicals with flowering annuals gives landscape beds more dimension. Use tall varieties (like canna or bird of paradise) for height, medium growers (like sun coleus or zinnias) for color, and trailing types (like Angelina or setcreasea) for spill and texture.

Ready to Revamp Your Beds?

Whether you want a tropical oasis or vibrant seasonal color, these underrated plants are powerhouses in the right design. Want help creating a jaw-dropping display?

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Up close image of freshly cut grass

Fun Fact of the Day – What is That Fresh Cut Grass Smell?

That Fresh-Cut Grass Smell Is Actually a Plant Distress Call!

Ever taken a deep breath after mowing your lawn and thought, “Ahh… that fresh-cut grass smell is so nice!”? You’re not alone—but here’s the twist: what you’re enjoying is actually a plant’s version of a scream.

When grass is cut, it releases a group of organic compounds called Green Leaf Volatiles (GLVs). These airborne molecules are responsible for that signature sweet, green scent we associate with summer lawns and hayfields. But they aren’t just pleasant-smelling byproducts—they serve a very specific purpose in nature.

Diagram of Green Leaf Volatiles being released from a leaf

GLVs are part of a plant’s natural defense system

Think of them as botanical 911 calls. When a lawnmower (or a grazing animal) slices through grass blades, the damaged cells release GLVs as a distress signal. These compounds have multiple fascinating functions:

Warning Other Plants: Neighboring grass and plants can “smell” the GLVs and ramp up their chemical defenses, becoming more resistant to damage or disease. It’s a bit like shouting, “Heads up, danger’s coming!”

Calling in Reinforcements: Even cooler? These volatiles can attract beneficial insects like parasitoid wasps or ladybugs—tiny allies that prey on plant-eating pests. It’s nature’s version of calling in the cavalry.

Healing Help: GLVs can also help the plant itself by slowing down microbial growth at the wound site and activating internal healing responses.

So, the next time you breathe in that fresh, nostalgic scent after mowing, remember: you’re not just smelling summer—you’re eavesdropping on a fascinating conversation between plants and their ecosystem.

Plants may be rooted in place, but they’re not silent. They just speak in chemistry.

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Freshly cut grass with a family out of focus in the background

Eco-Friendly Mowing Services in Louisville, KY

Our eco-friendly mowing services in Louisville are designed to keep your yard looking immaculate throughout the year. A well-maintained lawn increases the beauty and value of your home. We offer reliable and professional lawn care for homeowners throughout the Louisville area.

  • Regular Mowing and Lawn Maintenance: Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly mowing based on your lawn’s needs.
  • Edging and Trimming: We provide crisp edging along sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, and fences to maintain a polished look.
  • Customized Lawn Care: Tailored services that fit your lawn’s specific needs, including fertilization, aeration, and seasonal clean-ups.

Eco-Friendly Commercial Mowing Services in Louisville

A pristine lawn reflects well on your business. At the Fransen Group, we provide professional mowing and lawn maintenance services to businesses throughout Louisville, KY, ensuring your property always looks professional and inviting. Our eco-friendly commercial lawn care services are perfect for offices, retail centers, industrial parks, and more.

  • Consistent Lawn Maintenance: Weekly or bi-weekly service to ensure your commercial property is always looking its best.
  • Landscaping Services: We also offer additional landscaping services to complement your lawn care, including planting, trimming, and seasonal maintenance.
  • Flexible Scheduling: We work around your business hours to minimize disruption to your daily operations.

Why Choose the Fransen Group for Mowing Services in Louisville, KY?

Experienced & Professional Lawn Care Experts

Our team at the Fransen Group consists of trained professionals who use the best tools and equipment to ensure your lawn is mowed to perfection every time. We treat every lawn as if it were our own.

Affordable & Transparent Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on all our services without sacrificing quality. Our upfront, no-obligation estimates allow you to budget for your lawn care needs with confidence.

Eco-Friendly Lawn Care

We use eco-friendly practices to reduce our impact on the environment. Our team utilizes equipment that is both efficient and environmentally conscious.

On-Time & Reliable Service

We understand that your time is valuable. We pride ourselves on providing reliable, punctual service and ensuring that every job is completed as scheduled.

Service Areas in Louisville, KY

We are proud to serve homes and businesses across Louisville, KY, including the following neighborhoods:

  • Downtown Louisville
  • Highlands
  • St. Matthews
  • Indian Hills
  • Rolling Fields
  • Glenview
  • Mockingbird Valley
  • Riverwood
  • Prospect
  • Norton Commons
  • Hurstbourne
  • Lake Forest
  • Middletown
  • Anchorage
  • Crestwood
  • Peewee Valley
  • Crescent Hill
  • East End Louisville
  • Oldham County
  • And more!

If your area is not listed, don’t hesitate to contact us – we may still serve your location!

Get a Free Mowing Quote in Louisville, KY

Ready to transform your lawn? Whether you need residential or commercial mowing services in Louisville, KY, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover why we’re the preferred lawn care provider in Louisville.

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“The Fransen Group transformed our lawn into the envy of the neighborhood. Their attention to detail and professionalism are unmatched.”

– John D., Residential Client

“We’ve been using the Fransen Group for our commercial properties and have seen great results in their overall care, attention to detail, and professional Horticultural and Turf services.  

– Jon A., Commercial Client

This is a close up image of purple Eastern Bee Balm flowers

10 Perennials You Should Cut Back in the Summer for More Blooms

Tips for Gardening in Louisville, Kentucky

Gardening in Louisville, KY, offers the perfect blend of Southern warmth and Midwestern reliability. But even in our fertile Ohio Valley soil, perennials can lose their luster if not properly maintained. One of the best ways to keep your flower beds bursting with color is by cutting back certain perennials during the summer months. This practice—called deadheading or shearing—encourages plants to redirect energy into producing more blooms rather than seed.

Here are 10 perennials that thrive in Louisville’s Zone 6b climate and benefit from a summer trim:

1. Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Why Cut Back: After the first flush of flowers fades, coreopsis can start to look ragged. Shearing it back by one-third encourages a fuller second bloom and prevents legginess.

2. Salvia

Why Cut Back: Salvia’s first round of blooms peaks in late spring or early summer. By trimming stems down to the base of new growth, you’ll get a vibrant encore in mid to late summer.

3. Catmint (Nepeta)

Why Cut Back: Once its soft purple blooms fade, catmint tends to sprawl. Cutting it back encourages a neater habit and a fresh round of fragrant flowers.

4. Veronica (Speedwell)

Why Cut Back: Trimming after the first bloom helps reduce disease and encourages a cleaner, second flowering late in the summer.

5. Shasta Daisy

Why Cut Back: Deadhead individual blooms, or shear off spent stems once the main flush is done. This can trigger a second, though smaller, bloom cycle.

6. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Why Cut Back: After flowering, bee balm can become mildewy and untidy. Prune it back to encourage fresh growth and to reduce powdery mildew risk.

7. Yarrow (Achillea)

Why Cut Back: Once the flower heads fade, cutting them down to lateral buds can result in a second bloom and a tidier plant.

8. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)

Why Cut Back: Though often left for seedheads (great for wildlife), cutting some flowers midseason encourages new blooms and extends the show into fall.

9. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

Why Cut Back: These bloom machines thrive when deadheaded frequently. You can also shear them back by one-third if they start to decline in midsummer.

10. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

Why Cut Back: Remove spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves to encourage reblooming varieties to keep going strong through August.

Bonus Tips for Gardening in Louisville:

  • Water consistently during dry spells; cut-back perennials will need hydration to recover and rebloom.
  • Add a light layer of compost or slow-release fertilizer after pruning to give plants an extra boost.
  • Watch the weather: Avoid cutting back during extreme heat waves. Aim for early morning or late evening on cooler days.

By giving your garden a little midseason attention, you’ll keep it looking lively and colorful well into the fall. These simple cuts now will pay off with more blooms and a longer-lasting display that makes the most of Louisville’s growing season.

Need help rejuvenating your landscape this summer? Reach out to us for professional seasonal maintenance or perennial garden design tailored to the Louisville climate.

Contact Us Today

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louisville commercial landscaping

Best Practices For Curb Appeal on Commercial Properties

Foundational Landscape Best Practices that Make a Big Difference

In commercial landscape management, every detail matters—not just for the beauty of the property, but for its efficiency, safety, and maintenance costs. By following a few core best practices, commercial property owners and managers can significantly improve their property’s appearance and function while keeping expenses in check.

1. Clean Bed Delineation & Smart Contours Promote Turf Quality and Mowing Efficiency

A well-defined edge between turf and planting beds isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic choice that impacts maintenance time, turf health, and safety. Clear delineation:

  • Reduces mowing time by eliminating guesswork and excessive trimming.
  • Protects plant material from mower damage.
  • Improves turf quality by reducing competition with bed plantings and reducing runoff or erosion into turf zones.
  • Prevents mulch migration during storms or irrigation.

Proper landscape bed contouring also helps direct water where it’s needed and creates natural flow lines that are both functional and visually appealing.

2. Tree Canopy Care & Structural Pruning

Trees are often the most valuable and expensive assets in a commercial landscape. Regular pruning and canopy management provide long-term benefits:

  • Increases mowing efficiency: Reducing slowing down and maneuvering around low branches
  • Increased safety: Removes weak, dead, or hazardous limbs that could pose liability risks.
  • Improved light and airflow: Enhances turf growth under trees and reduces disease pressure.
  • Prevents infrastructure conflicts: Keeps branches from interfering with signage, lighting, or pedestrian zones.
  • Prolongs tree life: Structural pruning during youth promotes strong branching, reducing future removal costs.

3. Cost-Saving Landscape Practices for Property Managers

  • Smart irrigation: up to 30% water savings
  • Mulch benefits: 50% less weed pressure
  • Seasonal pruning: 40% fewer emergency calls

How intentional landscape management can reduce your long-term costs:

  • Smart plant placement reduces replacements and irrigation needs.
  • Mulching best practices save water, suppress weeds, and insulate roots.
  • Scheduled cleanups prevent overgrowth and reduce emergency costs.
  • Irrigation audits and smart controls lower utility costs.
  • Proactive pest/weed management prevents widespread damage.

When landscape design and maintenance are approached with efficiency and long-term value in mind, the results are clear:

Healthier landscapes, reduced maintenance costs, safer environments, and more attractive properties that leave a lasting impression on tenants and visitors.

Ready to Improve Your Property’s Landscape Performance?

Let our experienced team at The Fransen Group help you implement cost-saving, visually stunning, and low-maintenance solutions that elevate your property’s value.

Request a Free Landscape Assessment Today

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Poison Ivy showing three leaves

Poison Ivy in Your Garden or Yard

With Tips for ID, Elimination, and Prevention
By: Donna Hibbs, Fransen Group

Poison Ivy – “Leaves of three, let it be!”

Ah, summertime—the perfect season for weeding, planting, and enjoying your garden. But among your roses,

rhododendrons, and tomatoes might lurk an uninvited, itch-inducing guest: poison ivy. This pesky plant (and its cousins) can turn your peaceful garden time into an irritating nightmare—literally.

Let’s explore how to identify, understand, and eliminate poison ivy from your property safely.

Know Your Itchy Enemies – Poison Ivy vs. Poison Oak

Poison Ivy

  • Appearance: Typically has three leaflets, with the center leaf on a longer stalk. Edges may be smooth, toothed, or lobed.
  • Growth: Can appear as a vine, groundcover, or small shrub.
  • Color: Leaves are green in summer, turning reddish-orange in fall.
  • Location: Common in shady, wooded areas, along fence lines, or at the edges of landscaped beds.
Poison Ivy showing three leaves

Poison Oak

Although less common in Kentucky, poison oak is present in some areas.

  • Appearance: Looks more like a small shrub than a vine. Also has three-leaf clusters, often fuzzier than poison ivy.
  • Growth: Grows upright and bushy.
  • Location: Prefers drier, sunnier spots than poison ivy.
Poison Oak in the fall red leaves.

A Side Note – Not Poisonous: Virginia Creeper

One common lookalike is Virginia creeper, which is NOT poisonous. Key difference: It has five leaflets, not three. Each leaflet can have finely toothed edges, unlike poison ivy, which has lobes or larger teeth. It can be very difficult to tell the difference. A native vine usually found around fences, climbing trees, and walls.

Virginia Creeper – note the 5 leaflets

  • While Virginia creeper can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals, it lacks the oil that makes poison ivy toxic.

What Makes Poison Ivy So Itchy?

The culprit is a sticky, invisible oil called urushiol, found in the leaves, stems, and roots of poison ivy, oak, and sumac.

Even brushing against the plant can transfer this oil to your skin, tools, or clothing, leading to an itchy rash that may last for days or even weeks.

Fun (not-so-fun) fact: Urushiol remains active on surfaces for years, so always clean your gear after exposure.

Got It? Here’s How to Get Rid of It

1. Chemical Control (Herbicides)

  • Use a product containing glyphosate or triclopyr, applied directly to the leaves when the plant is actively growing.
  • Cut large vines near the base and treat the freshly cut stump with herbicide.
  • Always follow label directions and protect nearby desirable plants from overspray.

2. Manual Removal (Carefully!)

  • Gear up: Wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection.
  • Use hand tools to dig out the roots—urushiol is present even in dead roots.
  • Bag all removed material in sealed trash bags.
  • NEVER burn it—inhaling urushiol can cause serious lung inflammation.

3. Smothering Small Patches

  • Cover with black plastic, newspaper, cardboard, and top with mulch or soil.
  • Starving the plant of sunlight takes weeks to months. Patience pays off!

4. Let Goats Do the Dirty Work

  • Goats are immune to urushiol and love to eat poison ivy.
  • They can clear large, overgrown patches, but:
  • You’ll need to fence them in.
  • Don’t pet them after grazing—the oil can remain on their fur.
  • No, it doesn’t transfer to their milk.

Goats make great eco-friendly weeders

5. Hire a Pro—Like Us!

Some infestations are too large or too tangled to tackle alone.

At Fransen Group, we specialize in the safe, effective removal of poison ivy and other invasive species—from delicate landscapes to wild wooded edges.

We’ll help you reclaim your space without the rash!

Don’t Wait for the Itch

If you see something suspicious in your yard—three-leaved and thriving—don’t take chances. Identify it early, take action carefully, and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Need help identifying or removing poison ivy from your property?

Contact us at Fransen Group today, so you can enjoy summer itch-free.

Contact us today for all your Landscape and Horticultural services

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502-909-4257

landscaping on a green roof in Louisville, kentucky. Two chairs and a planter box with a tree.

Hidden Costs of Hiring Unqualified Green Roof Management Providers

Green roof maintenance is one of the most innovative and sustainable landscape solutions for commercial properties. They reduce stormwater runoff, improve energy efficiency, extend roof life, provide a natural aesthetic in urban settings, and create additional usable space. But when improperly maintained—especially by non-certified green roof professionals or untrained horticultural personnel—green roofs can quickly go from an asset to a liability.

In Louisville, KY, where green infrastructure is increasingly embraced in commercial and institutional developments, we’ve seen far too many green roof systems suffer unnecessary damage over the years due to mismanagement.

The Pitfalls of Hiring Non-Certified Green Roof Maintenance Providers

1. Lack of Understanding of Green Roof Systems

Unlike traditional landscapes, green roofs are complex living systems. They require knowledge of specialized soil substrates, drainage layers, irrigation, root barriers, and waterproofing membranes. Improper maintenance can lead to:

  • Soil erosion and substrate contamination
  • Blocked drainage systems, causing ponding and structural risk
  • Invasive weed pressure that chokes out desirable plantings
  • Physical damage to the roof membrane from improper foot traffic or tools
  • Voided Warranties 
  • Fire safety hazards 

2. Untrained Eyes Miss Early Warning Signs

Trained professionals know how to identify early indicators of failure—like root intrusion, nutrient imbalance, or stressed plant zones—before they escalate into major problems. Untrained crews often treat a green roof like a typical landscape bed, applying incorrect fertilizers, ignoring weight restrictions, or using weed control products not suited for rooftop environments.

3. Risk to Safety and Liability

Green roofs require OSHA-compliant safety practices, specialized equipment, and knowledge of fall protection systems. Untrained teams increase the liability exposure of property owners and property managers. Improper use of ladders, failure to use anchor points, or misuse of rooftop irrigation lines could result in injury or litigation.

The True Cost of “Cheap” Labor

Initially, untrained contractors might appear to offer cost savings, but those savings evaporate quickly when your green roof needs:

  • Replanting or complete restoration
  • Replacement of damaged irrigation or waterproofing systems
  • Structural assessments due to excessive loading or water pooling
  • Emergency repairs to restore stormwater management compliance

In some Louisville properties, we’ve seen repair costs exceed 3x the original maintenance budget, just to get the system back to its designed function.

The “cheaper” option may cost up to 4x more in the long run due to avoidable failures.

The Real Cost of Green Roof Mismanagement

The “cheaper” option may cost up to 4x more in the long run due to avoidable failures.

Best Practices for Green Roof Maintenance in Louisville

To preserve the function, safety, and investment value of your green roof:

  • Hire certified green roof professionals
  • Ensure your vendor understands stormwater compliance, native plant care, and irrigation best practices specific to rooftop systems
  • Schedule regular inspections tied to seasonal performance goals and municipal code requirements
  • Document all maintenance and repairs to protect warranty and insurance eligibility

Local Insight: Why Louisville’s Green Roofs Need Special Care

Louisville’s variable seasonal climate—marked by humid summers, fluctuating rainfall, and winter freeze-thaw cycles—puts additional stress on rooftop systems. Maintaining plant health, ensuring proper drainage, and avoiding overloading are critical to keeping your green roof functional and compliant with local sustainability standards.

Green Roof Maintenance Checklist

Here’s a comprehensive seasonal checklist commercial property managers can use to ensure green roof systems remain healthy, compliant, and cost-effective.

Checklist Includes:

  • Seasonal plant health and weed inspections
  • Drainage and irrigation system checks
  • Soil media depth and erosion monitoring
  • Membrane inspection coordination
  • Documentation for warranty and compliance

Need Expert Green Roof Maintenance?

If your commercial green roof isn’t thriving—or if you’re unsure whether your current maintenance vendor is qualified—The Fransen Group is here to help. Our certified horticultural and stormwater professionals provide detailed assessments, restoration plans, and ongoing care to keep your green roof performing as originally intended.

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and inspection.

Contact Us Today

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commercial landscape

Maximizing Quality and Horticultural Value

Best Management Practices for Commercial Landscape Management

When it comes to commercial landscape management, curb appeal isn’t just aesthetic—it’s strategic. A professionally maintained landscape sends a strong first impression, reinforces your brand, and supports tenant satisfaction, customer engagement, and even employee wellness. But achieving a lush, vibrant, and healthy landscape doesn’t happen by chance. It requires strategic planning and execution grounded in Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Here are the top BMPs commercial property owners and managers should expect from a high-quality landscape management partner:

1. Site-Specific Planning and Design

Every commercial site has unique environmental, structural, and functional needs. A high-performing landscape team begins by evaluating:

  • Soil conditions and drainage
  • Sunlight exposure
  • Foot traffic and usage patterns
  • Seasonal considerations
  • Business branding goals

This data informs a maintenance plan and planting palette that supports long-term success, not just short-term aesthetics.

Pro Tip: Native and adaptive plants often provide the best ROI, requiring less water, fertilizer, and labor while thriving in your region’s climate.

2. Integrated Maintenance Scheduling

Seasonal landscaping needs vary, and your contractor should implement a maintenance calendar that aligns with growth cycles and climate conditions. This includes:

  • Weekly mowing and edging
  • Seasonal pruning for health and structure
  • Fertilization timed with plant nutrient uptake
  • Mulching for root insulation and weed suppression
  • Seasonal flower rotations for year-round color

Coordinated scheduling ensures nothing is overlooked, while also maximizing labor efficiency and visual appeal.

3. Horticulturally Sound Pruning Practices

Over-pruning and improper timing can damage plant health and ruin a site’s appearance. Quality landscape management firms employ certified horticulturists who:

  • Prune to promote healthy structure and flowering
  • Remove only the necessary growth
  • Time cuts to avoid pest vulnerability and disease spread

Quality Tip: Avoid shearing shrubs into unnatural shapes—natural form pruning creates healthier, longer-lived plants.

4. Smart Irrigation Management

Efficient water use is crucial for both sustainability and budget control. BMPs for irrigation include:

  • Smart controller installation with weather-based adjustments
  • Regular system inspections for leaks, coverage issues, or broken heads
  • Hydrozoning to separate turf, flower beds, and shrubs by water needs

A responsive irrigation plan can reduce water usage by 20–50%, all while supporting plant health and minimizing disease risk.

5. Proactive Weed and Pest Control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the gold standard for modern commercial landscapes. Instead of blanket chemical spraying, IPM combines:

  • Routine scouting and monitoring
  • Use of biological controls where possible
  • Targeted chemical use only when necessary
  • Mulching and plant selection to prevent weed growth

This not only protects the environment and public health, but it also keeps the landscape looking professional and clean.

6. Soil Health and Turf Management

Everything starts with a good foundation! Healthy soil = healthy plants. That’s why ongoing soil analysis and improvement are core BMPs. This includes:

  • Aeration to relieve compaction and improve root development
  • pH balancing and amendments based on lab soil tests
  • Compost applications to support microbial life
  • Proper mowing height and frequency to strengthen turf and prevent weeds

Investing in soil health creates a more resilient and attractive landscape over time.

7. Sustainable Plant Choices and Renovations

Outdated, overgrown, or water-thirsty plants should be periodically replaced with:

  • Drought-tolerant or native species
  • Pollinator-friendly plants
  • Lower-maintenance groundcovers or ornamental grasses

Smart renovations every few years keep the property modern, reduce costs, and increase ecological value.

8. Clear Communication and Reporting

The best landscape firms prioritize communication just as much as curb appeal. Look for a provider that offers:

  • Digital service logs or reporting portals
  • Before/after photos of projects
  • Quarterly site reviews and recommendations
  • Fast response times for emergencies or extra needs

Proactive communication gives property managers peace of mind and supports better planning.

9. Safety, Compliance, and Professionalism

A commercial landscape crew should:

  • Wear uniforms and high-visibility safety gear
  • Follow OSHA and ANSI tree care standards
  • Use well-maintained, quiet equipment
  • Be fully insured with proper licensing and certifications

Professional behavior on-site protects your liability and maintains the integrity of your business environment.

Final Thoughts on Commercial Landscape Management

A well-managed commercial landscape is an investment that pays dividends in visual appeal, property value, tenant satisfaction, and operational efficiency. When you choose a landscape partner who follows these best management practices, you’re ensuring that your green space reflects the same quality, professionalism, and pride that your business stands for.

If you’re looking for a trusted commercial landscape team in the Louisville, KY area, the Fransen Group is here to help with tailored maintenance programs, seasonal color, and sustainable solutions designed for results.

Truck arriving to schedule power seeding in Louisville, KY

Summer is the Time to Schedule Power Seeding

Plan Now for a Lush Lawn This Fall

If you’re aiming for a thicker, greener lawn this fall,  summer is the time to schedule power seeding.  At The Fransen Group, we know that the best fall lawns are the result of smart summer planning — especially when it comes to power seeding, one of the most effective ways to repair and rejuvenate turf across commercial and residential landscapes.

Why Schedule Power Seeding

Power seeding — also known as slit seeding — uses specialized equipment to plant grass seed directly into the soil with precise, shallow slices. Unlike traditional overseeding, power seeding ensures better seed-to-soil contact, which results in:

  • Good soil temperatures faster germination
  • Higher seedling survival rates
  • A denser, more resilient lawn
  • Thick and established lawn before winter
  • Beautiful, lush, and healthy lawn for Spring

Power seeding is ideal for repairing thin, bare, or damaged areas, and it’s an excellent way to improve turf health after the stress of summer heat, pests, and disease.

Summer Is the Ideal Time to Plan

Although fall is the optimal season for seeding in the Louisville, KY region (thanks to cooler temperatures and reduced weed competition), summer is when you need to get on the schedule. Here’s why:

1. Scheduling Fills Up Fast

By late August, most professional landscaping companies are booked for aeration and power seeding. Waiting until fall to request service could mean missing the ideal planting window.

2. Site Prep Takes Time

To get the best results, lawns often need prep work, like weed control, dethatching, soil testing, or summer irrigation adjustments. Tackling these issues in summer ensures the lawn is in prime condition for fall seeding.

3. Seed Selection and Strategy

Every lawn is different. Planning in advance gives your landscape provider time to choose the best seed blend for your conditions — whether you need shade-tolerant varieties, drought resistance, or faster germination.

4. Maximize Investment

Power seeding isn’t just a one-and-done task. Pairing it with aeration, fertilization, and follow-up watering makes it more effective. When you plan early, your contractor can develop a complete turf health program that delivers real results.

What You Can Do Now

As a property owner or manager, here are a few summer to-dos to get ready for fall power seeding:

  • Book your consultation early. Let us evaluate your lawn now to build a fall plan.
  • Keep mowing and watering regularly. A healthy summer lawn makes for better seeding success later.
  • Treat summer weeds. Avoid competition with new seedlings by starting weed control now.
  • Test your irrigation system. Make sure your sprinkler zones and timing are tuned up for late summer and fall watering.

Why Schedule Power Seeding With The Fransen Group?

We specialize in professional turf renovation and understand the unique soil, sun, and seasonal challenges across Louisville and surrounding areas. With our locally tailored seed blends, expert crews, and guaranteed scheduling, The Fransen Group ensures your lawn gets the strongest start possible this fall, beginning with summer planning.

Let’s build a better lawn — starting now.
Book your fall power seeding consultation today

Contact Us Today

502-909-4257

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