The Benefit of Offering Rainwater Harvesting Services

Rainwater harvesting is a very simple technique that anyone can practice, no matter what part of the country you’re in. All you need is an effective rainwater harvesting system.

Harvesting rainwater is the process of collecting rainwater and storing it for future use. Though it’s an old method for storing water, it’s highly effective and proves to be a highly reliable option. Here are some advantages of rainwater harvesting for your landscaping clients.

1. Rainwater Harvesting is good for the pocketbook.

Do your customers think that they don’t get enough rainfall for rainwater harvesting to be worthwhile? If so, then just point out the fact that even with only 1/2 inch of rainfall, a 1,500 sq ft house can accumulate nearly 500 gallons of water!

To put this into perspective, the average American uses 50 gallons of water for one car wash, so that’s 10 free car washes! The average car wash service is $6.34, so that’s $63 dollars of savings for minimal effort.

And of course, a rainwater harvesting system can be directed at free watering for landscaping, which means more potential opportunities for your company projects!

2. Rainwater is healthier for plants.

This one is a no brainer. It’s proven that rainwater is just healthier for plants compared to any other water source. For instance, unlike regular water, rainwater is slightly acidic and contains minerals and nutrients that plants love – like sulfur and potash.

It also contains no salt, so there’s no need to worry about salt causing any potential harm to the plants.

Because of the above factors, plants that reap the benefits of rainwater harvesting will be greener and healthier.

And if that isn’t enough reason to make the switch to harvesting rainwater, then here’s another one:

You can sometimes get free fertilizer in the form of nitrogen solution when there are thunder storms.

Your clients will definitely be shocked to hear this (pun intended).

3. Lower supply – greater demand.

On a more somber note, it’s no secret that many parts of the world are currently suffering water shortages. For example, it was a big story in international news that Cape Town South Africa will be the first major city in the world to run out of water.

And in the United States, Flint Michigan hasn’t had clean drinking water since 2014.

So clearly we shouldn’t take free and clean water for granted – and this is what rainwater harvesting allows. The possibilities are continuing to evolve so being a pioneer could be a game changer for your company.


Our hardscape supply partner, Techo-Bloc, has permeable pavers that have assisted in making them a leader in the Rainwater Harvesting arena. We have access to experts that will be glad to advise you on projects that would benefit from this technology.

Rainwater Harvesting using permeable pavers

Here is a contractor project that might offer some insight:

Xeriscape Plants – The Sustainable Landscape of the Future is Here

xeriscape plants- CSWN

Xeriscaping may be a new word for you unless you’re a landscaper, contractor or an outdoor property management company. Typically, xeriscaping is used as another word for dry landscaping, or desert landscaping.

Xeriscape is there to fill the void in the areas of the world that are too dry to have a lush, colorful garden.

However, within the context of landscaping, xeric doesn’t necessarily equal “dry”. The true definition of xeriscaping is: water efficient usage of resources.

Xeriscaping is at the very heart of sustainability. Xeriscapes consume less water and are often more attractive than other common types of landscapes. Interested? Then read on as we discuss xeriscape landscaping, xeriscape plants and xeriscape planting.

Getting Started With Xeriscape Landscaping

Xeriscaping can be applied to almost any local environment. The proper materials for xeriscaping can replace the existing materials in the environment to simulate the desert environment.

Xeriscape gardening and landscaping is ideal for gardeners living in dry conditions. A couple examples of xeriscape type gardening includes rock gardens and cacti gardens.

With a rock garden it is important to choose mostly native plants that are accustomed to living among rocks.

You aren’t limited to just those choices for your garden however. You can opt for traditional types of flowers and grass, you just have to better plan your irrigation methods.

As for your lawn, a xeriscape will typically either eliminate the lawn entirely or it will keep it as a side piece only.xeriscaping-small

Xeriscape Planting

There are many different methods for xeriscaping. One method is to group plants that require the same amount of watering together in order to conserve water. This is good for plants that do better in dry conditions because this will ensure none of them get too much water. Likewise, it will be good for plants that need more water because it will ensure that all the thirstiest plants get enough water.

Xeriscape Plants

A good choice for xeriscape plants are cacti. They don’t need much watering. There are also many different types of cacti, so you can give your desert garden a very unique look.

Another good choice for xeriscape plants are seedums. Seedums are perennials that can grow in almost any climate in the Continental US. Usually they bloom in the fall season. Other options include: vines, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and ground cover.

As the world moves towards greener living, xeriscaping will probably become the future of landscaping, so everyone should research it. Help your friends make the world more sustainable by sharing this article with them and point out the diagram below.

why-xeriscape

The 17 Year Cicadas are Near: Helpful Resources for Your Preparation

17 Year Cicadas - Country Springs Wholesale Nursery

17 Year Cicada Facts

17 year cicadas (also known as 17 year locusts) are the most feared of cicadas because of the damage they cause to trees. This 2016 Brood V (5) 17 year cicadas are currently emerging by the thousands, in parts of Virginia and Maryland. They begin emerging first in the southern-most ares and gradually emerge in the northern-most areas. For a list of the states and more detail on the geographic range of 17 year cicada, see this page. http://www.cicadamania.com/cicadas/brood-v-17-year-cicadas-due-in-spring-of-2016/
17 year cicadas normally begin to rise from the ground (when the soil 8″ beneath the ground reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit) around the third week of May all the way through June in areas where they are expected to emerge.

What is a 17 year cicada exactly?

17 year cicadas look like giant flies. They are often referred to as locusts because of their size.
They are not harmful to humans and don’t bite or sting; however, they may mistake part of a human (such as the arms) as a tree or tree limb and attempt to feed. This will barely sting though, so simply remove the cicada from your person and continue your business.
They will feed with their long proboscis under their head, which they use to insert into plant stems in order to feed on sap.

Why 17 year cicadas are a problem17 Year Cicada Egg Scars - Country Springs Wholesale Nursery

So what’s the big deal about these insects? Well as you probably knew already, 17 year cicada are locusts that are known to wreak havoc on trees, particularly young trees as well as ornamental fruit trees.
Female cicadas will lay their eggs deep in tree branches, which will cause the branches to turn brown and wilt. This may result in young trees losing most or possibly all of their branches. 17 year cicadas are also particularly attracted to dogwood, oak, maple and fruit trees.

Where to find 17 year cicadas in your yard

Cicadas will emerge in sunny areas of your yard before cicadas in the shady areas, so check those areas first. Indicators of cicada presence include human finger diameter shaped holes in the ground. You may also find them under stones and slates.
For more information on their potential locations as well as the distinctive sounds they make, check out this page. http://www.cicadamania.com/where.html
For protecting your trees, use 1/4″ mesh cicada netting. This will make it iimpossible for the bugs to crawl through to the tree. Put the net over the entire tree and secure it to the trunk so they can’t crawl under the opening.

As mentioned earlier, Brood V is the one to watch for this year. The map below indicates the areas of highest risk.

17 year cicada calendar - CSWN

 

3 Benefits of Native Plants That Landscapers will Love

Benefits of Native Plants - Counytry Springs

Top 3 Secret Benefits of Native Plants That will Save You Time and Money

The benefits of native plants for landscapers are many. The benefits of using native plants for the environment are also great.
Native plants are plants that have lived in an environment for more than hundreds of years, without much human influence.
If you want your garden or backyard to look good all year round, you should consider the benefits of planting native plants.

Why not Foreign Plants?

Unfortunately, many people don’t know the benefits of planting native plants and instead plant invasive foreign plants.
Too many foreign, exotic plants contribute to less wildlife. This is because many species of wildlife are being threatened by habitat loss, which is being caused partly by the growing amount of foreign plants.

Native Plants Benefits

Planting native plants is the best thing for the environment and for landscapers as well.
Since domestic plants are so hardy, they tend to be slow growing at first, but after they have been established you can reap all of the benefits of having native plants in your yard.
Native plants will give your backyard or garden a more natural look without the maintenance and the costs. Learn why this is as we uncover 3 little known benefits of planting native plants.

Benefits of Native Plants Northern Virginia - Country Springs

1. Save Money, Time and Effort

Purchasing imported plants is more expensive (factor in the transportation costs). Imported plants also need more maintenance and more water.

You can conserve water by planting native plants. You only need to water them while they are getting established. They have existed for hundreds if not thousands of years in your environment, so they can survive on their own. Another benefit of native plants is that they are very drought resistant (due to their very deep roots).

With native plants there is less need for fertilizer and insecticides, they are easy to overwinter, and they are generally disease free.

With imported plants, if you miss one maintenance routine, the quality and look of the plant may wither.

2. Hidden Value

Many native plants are just as uniquely beautiful as foreign plants. They just aren’t as popular because they aren’t sold in nurseries as much as exotic foreign plants are.

Sadly, many Americans don’t get a chance to see the beautiful native plants because they aren’t as popular.

In fact, American tourists have visited other countries and been amazed at the beauty of their plants, only to realize later that they were plants native to America.

Here are a few more hidden benefits of native plants:

-cleaner air

-cleans the rainwater and runoff that goes into our aquifers

-stronger fragrance and aroma

3. Save the Wildlife

Native plants and trees have coevolved with native species for millions of years. Native species are fonder of plants and trees that are familiar to them. This is because the native species’ depend on the native plants for their survival.

By planting native plants, you can provide your local wildlife with their natural habitat.

Planting native plants in your yard will bring you many types of birds, butterflies, and bees (processes such as pollination are easier done with native plants).

In the end, you will enjoy reaping the benefits of native plants while ensuring the survival of many species, which is a win-win for you and the animals.