5 Landscaping Ideas for Schools & Universities 

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Landscaping for schools and universities is important for aesthetics and identity, and yet, it can present a serious challenge. School and university campuses need to be consistent with the brands of the institution, but it also has to be pleasing for students and faculty alike.


In this article, we will go over six landscaping ideas that are great for universities and schools.

1. Vegetable Gardens

Vegetable gardens in schoolyards are becoming more and more popular. They serve a practical function and provide some aesthetic value, and respect the institution’s reputation for being green. They can also be a source of pride for students and faculty alike. Additionally, some vegetable gardens can get tied in with sustainability and organic farming. These gardens, however, need to be maintained and taken care of well.

2. Flowers

Flowers are one of the most common landscaping ideas for schools and universities. Adding flowers can help add color and vibrancy to an otherwise dull or drab day. Flowers can help to make the atmosphere of the campus more inviting. Nonetheless, there are many problems with using flowers as a landscaping idea for schools and universities. As flowers die and get old, they need to be replaced, meaning that the floral budget will have to be planned out well in advance. Flowers require a lot of maintenance.

3. Water features

Water features are an excellent way to add a splash of beauty to the school grounds. Different kinds of water features can get used depending on what is desired. A waterfall, jet stream, pond, or fountain will add a unique aesthetic to the school grounds and supply water if it needs to be conserved from an extreme drought or heatwave.

4. Open Green Spaces

For both schools and universities, open green spaces with tall trees can help to provide the campus with shade, which is incredibly important during the hot summer months. It also helps to give you and your students a place to congregate, relax, study and socialize. The greenery also helps remove some of the excess noise from cars driving by on the street.

5. Outdoor Seating

In the times of COVID-19, outdoor seating on a college campus or school has become a recent trend. There are many different seating options to choose from, including stone benches, Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, benches, and even hammocks. Whatever the option is, consider creating an outdoor space where people will feel comfortable congregating.

6. Natural Landscaping

Natural landscaping can get used in various ways throughout the institution’s campus. It can get used in secret gardens, campus pools, or landscaped entrances. Natural landscaping can provide a great sense of beauty to the campus grounds while nourishing and enhancing the environment. Additionally, natural landscaping can be relatively cheap and easy to maintain.

At Better Grounds Management, we are a landscaper in Lowell, MA providing professional landscaping for schools and universities. Learn more about our commercial landscaping services, and how we can make your campus look terrific!

6 Eye-Catching Landscaping Ideas for Retail & Shopping Centers

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As a business owner, you know that first impressions are everything. The same is true for your retail or shopping center – landscaping plays a huge role in creating an inviting environment for customers. Here are six landscaping ideas that will help improve the appearance of your retail or shopping center!

1) Lighting

Lighting can be appealing to the eye and help set the mood for a shopping center. Consider adding features such as lamps, hanging lights, or string lights. It will improve the appearance of the shopping center and make it more inviting for customers. Put the lights in strategic places such as near the entrances or courtyards to make an impact.

2) Signage

Use creative fonts and designs for your signage to make it stand out. This will help customers locate your shopping center quickly and easily. Try using different materials such as metal, wood, or stone for a unique look. You could also use plants or other natural elements to create a rustic feel.

3) Color

A splash of color can really brighten up a shopping center. Use cheerful colors such as yellow, pink, or light blue to create a happy and upbeat atmosphere. You could also use contrasting colors to make your shopping center stand out even more. Just be sure not to go too extra with the color – too much can be overwhelming and distracting.

4) Pathways

A well-manicured pathway can lead customers right to your shopping center. Use stones, bricks, or pavers to create a polished and professional look and add some greenery for a touch of color. Make sure the pathways are well-lit and easy to navigate to make shopping as convenient as possible for your customers. Additionally, keep the pathways clean and free of debris.

5) Gardens

Adding gardens to your shopping center is a great way to make it more inviting. Gardens can be used to create a green paradise for customers to admire or to add a touch of nature. They can also be used as a decorative element and help improve the overall appearance of the shopping center.

Remember, shopping center landscape maintenance is important for creating a polished and professional appearance at all times, so make sure to hire a qualified professional to maintain the gardens.

6) Water Features

Water features are a great way to add some relaxation and ambiance to any shopping center. A bubbling fountain or a peaceful pond can really help customers calm down and take a break from shopping. They also make for a beautiful focal point.

At Better Grounds Management, we are a landscaper in Lowell, MA providing professional landscaping that will make your shopping center or reatil storefront look welcoming and eye-catching. Learn more about our commercial landscaping services.

Organic Fertilizer for Your Lawn

4 Benefits of Using Organic Fertilizers for Your Lawn

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The decision to use organic fertilizer for your lawn is an excellent idea if you are looking for ways to make it healthier and greener. There are many benefits of organic fertilizer, such as better soil health, no chemical runoff into the ground or water supply, and less expensive than other fertilizers. If you want your lawn to be lush and green in the summertime without having to spend too much money on fertilizers, then this blog post is just what you need.

Create Stronger, Healthier Soil

Using organic fertilizers for your lawn is a great way to create stronger and healthier soil in your yard. When you use chemical fertilizers, this tends to weaken the grass and the dirt in the ground due to their high nitrogen levels. However, adding organic fertilizer such as composted manure, peat moss, or grass clippings adds essential nutrients to the soil without taking away from how soft it is. This means that your soil will be stronger and more resilient against heat waves and cold snaps throughout the year.

No Chemical Runoffs

When you use organic matter to fertilize your lawn instead of chemical pesticides, you will not have any runoffs into the ground or water supply. This is especially important to consider in areas where there are bodies of water that chemical fertilizers can severely pollute.

It’s Less Expense

Using organic fertilizers for your lawn is typically less expensive than purchasing regular chemical fertilizers. You can use several different types of organic materials, like grass clippings, composted manure, or peat moss. You may need to empty your compost bin if you have any extra; otherwise, purchasing these items at a store could make it quite inexpensive for you in the long run when compared to other fertilizing techniques.

More Nutrients Added

Using organic fertilizers can help add more nutrients back into the soil. All chemical fertilizers tend to take out essential nutrients from your grass and dirt, especially those with a high nitrogen level or those used for long. However, using organic matter can help replenish these lost nutrients without leaving a negative effect on your soil. If you want the healthiest lawn possible, it is best to use organic fertilizers instead of chemicals.

Wrapping Up

The benefits of organic fertilizer are a great way to maintain healthy soil in your lawn so it can grow lush and green throughout the year. Organic materials such as composted manure, peat moss, or grass clippings can be used without having to worry about chemical runoff or damage down to your dirt. Even better, using this type of fertilizer means you won’t have to spend very much money on them compared to other types of fertilizer. Finally, these organic materials will help replenish any nutrient loss within the soil, thus giving you the healthiest possible yard.

 At Better Grounds Management, we are a landscaper in Lowell, MA providing professional and quality services for commercial and residential properties. To learn more, contact us today to get started!

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6 Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas

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When people think about landscaping, they often think of the hours of labor and expensive plants required to maintain a beautiful lawn. That’s not always necessary! There are many low-maintenance landscaping ideas that you can use to transform your yard with little work on your part. Keep reading for six great low-maintenance landscaping ideas on how to improve the look of your property without spending all day outside.

1. Plant Low-Growing Ground Cover

One of the easiest methods for landscaping is to plant low-growing ground cover in all of your flower beds and around any trees or shrubs. This will fill out your landscaping without taking up a lot of time on your part. Many excellent varieties can thrive in full sun or partial shade that you can switch out every year if they become too weathered. Be sure that you choose one variety per area – mixing them may cause some plants to struggle and die.

2. Plant Annuals but Don’t Replant Each Year

If you have a flower bed, consider planting annual flowers instead of perennials so that you don’t have to do as much landscaping each year. Annuals will look great for a single summer, and then you can remove them as they fade away. This is especially helpful if you have children to participate in the planting and removing flowers every year! You’ll still need to weed out any remaining roots from the previous plants, but this won’t take long, and it will save you some time next spring when you’re ready to plant again.

3. Plant Shrubs around Your Tree Trunks

Planting shrubs around your tree trunks allows you to eliminate any grass that may be struggling to grow underneath your trees. As people walk by, they generally have no idea that there are bushes right beneath their feet – all they see is a lovely tree with lush greenery! This is perfect for homeowners that want to plant something but don’t have the time necessary to maintain a full lawn.

4. Try Decorative Rocks Instead Of a Full Lawn

If you need to fill out an area of your yard quickly, consider trying decorative rocks instead of grass. Choose large flat stones so that people have a comfortable place to walk, and then install some lighting along the edges so that it shines on the rocks at night. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly this adds style and charm to your landscaping project! Remember not to use any sharp or jagged rocks, though – nobody wants to trip over them.

low maintenance landscaping ideas

5. Plant Bushes with Interesting Foliage

Bush landscaping is a great way to quickly fill out any area of your yard because there are so many varieties to choose from. However, planting bushes with boring leaves will not look as nice as those with interesting foliage. Try installing a few ornamental trees, placing them near the center of your landscaping project, and then adding bushes around that have dark green or other brightly colored leaves. This combination will show your landscaping contractor’s creativity while giving you an effortless lawn.

6. Use the Land to Your Advantage with Slopes and Edging

Suppose the only place to install a flower bed is on one side of your yard, where it gets lots of sun but no shade, consider taking advantage of this prime location by building a slope along the side. This will allow you to install some sod or other greenery that requires a lot of sun and add a natural element to your landscaping project. Just be sure that the slope is not too steep – nobody wants to fall! You can also use this same method to create an interesting look by installing edging around your flower beds. Mix bright flowers with small ornamental trees and shrubs around the perimeter for an attractive combination.

Use These Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas

These are just a few low-maintenance landscaping ideas for homeowners who are short on time but want their property looking its best! Remember, good landscaping takes planning, excellent design knowledge, creativity, and hard work – not endless hours spent mowing grass.

 At Better Grounds Management, we are a landscaper in Lowell, MA providing professional and quality services for commercial and residential properties. To learn more, contact us today to get started!

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5 Landscaping Features That Help & Hurt Your Home’s Value

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As a homeowner, one thing you can do for yourself is to find ways to boost your home value. The trick is figuring out what things you should and shouldn’t do. The following list is filled with things to consider regarding landscaping.

5 Features That’ll Boost Value

If you ever asked, does landscaping increase home value? The following five features should answer that question:

1. Trees

Everyone loves trees, and it shows when homeowners sell their homes. You want trees facing the driveway. You can also have a number of them in your backyard.

2. Automatic Sprinklers

Automatic sprinklers are a great addition to your backyard. Folks like to have things like this installed. It makes life easier, and it’ll make your life easier while you’re living there.

3. Shrubs

Privacy is a big deal. This is the reason having shrubs outside the windows is a good idea. Fence-like hedges are also a desired feature.

4. Low Maintenance

The other thing you can do is low-maintenance landscaping. This could be done by investing in plants that grow naturally in your region. Look for plants that remain all year. You could also do it by using landscaping stones or pebbles instead.

5. Pretty Pathway

A great pathway is a good investment. You want to create anticipation. A winding pathway with wildflowers or small shrubs along the way will work. There should be no cracks or other visible defects.

5 Features That’ll Hurt Value

Just as there are things that’ll help, there are things that won’t. The following are five of those particular things;

1. Kai Ponds

These do look beautiful, but they are also quite costly. Maintenance is time-consuming, and homebuyers might not want to deal with that. This addition could hurt value.

2. Custom Installation

Another thing that may not help is custom installations. These may be appealing to you, but that doesn’t mean everyone will love what you do. Skip that pizza oven installation or that outdoor cooking area installation.

3. Lawn Ornaments

Sometimes, people add too many lawn ornaments. Adding a few here and there is no big deal, but if you add too much, it’ll start looking unkempt and distracting. Keep them down to just a few choice ornaments.

4. Concrete

Too much concrete is not a good thing. While there’s no issue breaking out your backyard with some concrete, it shouldn’t be more than 30 percent of your yard.

5. Seasonal Plants

It’s a good idea to avoid seasonal plants, especially flowering plants. These may look great when they are in full bloom, but they won’t look so pretty when they aren’t.

In Closing:

Investing in landscaping will definitely help improve your home’s value. Now, you have a few ideas to help keep your home’s value high. In addition to working with a professional landscaper, it’s always a good idea to discuss landscaping features with a local real estate agent.

 At Better Grounds Management, we are a landscaper in Lowell, MA providing professional landscaping that will boost your home’s value, the team at Better Ground Management is here to help. Learn more about residential landscaping.

5 Dog-Friendly Landscaping Tips for Commercial Properties

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Whether you own an office building or a retail location, you want people to feel welcome when they see your building property. Landscaping is essential to make a good impression. You may be tempted to simply put up an “open” sign and let the rest take care of itself, but when it comes to landscaping for dogs, you’ll need to give some serious consideration before settling for less. The following are dog-friendly landscaping that you might want to consider for your commercial property.

1. Provide Shade

As a commercial landscaper, we know just how important it is to be able to provide shade for your customers for hot summer days. The dog-friendly approach would be to make sure that you can maximize the number of shaded areas by planting trees and plant selections that are also good choices for commercial landscapes since they typically grow quickly; this will help promote shade.

2. Include Dog Waste Waste Bins

A way to make a good impression with customers is to ensure that they can dispose of their dog’s waste in a clean, sanitary, and convenient location. This will not only help keep your landscaping looking better but will also keep the neighborhood more attractive for residents and passers-by. Choosing an appropriate location for the waste station is key.

3. Provide Dog Water Stations

One of the most critical dog-friendly ideas would be to provide your customers with water stations so their dogs can stay hydrated, even if they are outside at times when it’s too hot or too cold for them to want to go outside. This will also help keep your landscaping looking better since dog droppings will be less likely to get into your flower beds, trees, and shrubs.

4. Avoid Planting Hazardous Plants

Whenever possible, you should avoid planting poisonous plants in your landscaping. If a dog ingests toxic plants, they would likely have to visit a veterinarian emergency room and could result could be serious illness or even death. You can use potted trees and shrubs in areas where dogs are less likely to go, such as under a deck or in a shed.

5. Create Walk Aways

A commercial landscape should also include designated walkways for dogs that they can use to get from one place to another: A great landscaping idea for pets. This will help keep your landscaping looking better, and it will also make it easier for people with dogs to walk around the property without having to go through other areas. This can be achieved by using mulch or landscape bark in paved areas and gravel elsewhere, so you won’t have problems with mud and messes getting tracked around.

These are some of the landscaping ideas for pets landscapers should use to make their property dog-friendly landscaping. By following these tips, most customers might be willing to let their dogs off-leash, which will also increase your business.

At Better Grounds Management, we are a landscaper in Lowell, MA providing professional and quality services for commercial and residential properties.

Landscape Ideas for Office Buildings

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4 Awesome Landscape Ideas for Office Buildings

Landscape design for office buildings is something that often gets overlooked. The landscaping features in an office building can vary depending on what type of company it houses. Still, there are a few general landscape ideas that many companies would be wise to consider. In this article, we will give you four of these landscape ideas for office buildings.

1) Potted Plants

Potted plants are an excellent way to give your office building a touch of natural beauty. They can be placed right outside the door or in the lobby, and they won’t require very much space at all. 

You will need someone who can keep them watered daily, but this should not prove too difficult for most companies. These indoor plants are also excellent for keeping the air inside your office building clean and healthy, which can be especially important to employees who have respiratory issues or problems with allergies.

Image credit: normalaquatics.com

2) Water Fountains or Ponds

Water fountains can be an excellent addition to your office building’s landscaping. They provide employees and visitors with something pleasant to look at while they sit outside, and the sound of running water has been scientifically proven to improve concentration levels. These features also help keep people hydrated throughout their day, which is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Water features can be as small or large as you need them to be, depending on the amount of space available for them at your office building’s location. They can also come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so finding one that appeals to all of your employees should not prove too difficult.

3) Outdoor Plant Walls

Outdoor plant walls can be a nice touch for your office building property. Plant walls can be made from just about any plant that you like, and they come in a wide range of styles as well. You will need to hire someone who can properly take care of them regularly, but this should not prove too difficult for most companies with the right budget.

4) Outdoor Gardens

Outdoor gardens can be a great way to create an outdoor gathering space that employees will love. They are especially helpful for bringing your office building’s occupants together in the spring and summer when they want to take advantage of the nice weather while it lasts. These spaces also provide employees with somewhere quiet where they can get away from their busy workday.

You will need to hire someone who can maintain your outdoor garden regularly, even if it’s just once per week. Outdoor gardens are also best for companies with the right budget that can afford to set up this type of feature in their parking lot or other open areas outside of the office building itself.

Massachusetts Landscaping for Office Buildings

Could your office building property use some landscaping? At Better Grounds Management, we are a Lowell, MA landscaper providing commercial landscaping for Massachusetts office buildings. Contact us today to get started!