ECOSystems Landscape Services

Developing Win-Win Bid Specs - ECOSystems Landscape Services

As budget season begins, many property managers are preparing landscape maintenance bid packages. While it can be tempting to send out last year's specifications, taking the time to create clear, comprehensive bid specs can save countless hours and headaches throughout the year.

Well-written specifications create a win-win for everyone involved. They help landscape contractors provide accurate pricing while giving property managers the confidence that they are comparing apples to apples.

Why Good Bid Specifications Matter

A detailed scope of work provides several important benefits:
-Clearly communicates your expectations so every contractor understands exactly what is required.
-Makes bid comparisons much easier by ensuring each proposal includes the same services.
-Creates a roadmap for implementation and contract compliance, reducing misunderstandings and helping vendors deliver consistent results throughout the year.

When expectations are clearly defined from the beginning, everyone is set up for success.

What Should Be Included?

While every property has unique needs, industry standards for a comprehensive commercial landscape maintenance program typically include:

-42–43 landscape maintenance visits per year
-Mow, blow, and edge
-Turf and bed fertilization (3 applications per year)
-Turf pre-emergent applications (2 per year)
-Post-emergent w**d control (2 per year)
-Continuous w**ding of landscape beds and tree wells
-Monthly irrigation inspections
-Shrub trimming
-Tree trimming up to 8 feet
-Tree fertilization (2 applications per year)
-Perennial cutbacks (2 per year)

Additional Services to Consider
Depending on your property's needs, you may also want to include:

-As-needed fungicide applications
-As-needed insecticide treatments
-Monthly removal of tree water sprouts
-Mulch installation
-Seasonal color change-outs

Including these services in your specifications helps eliminate uncertainty and reduces the likelihood of unexpected change orders during the contract term.

Make It Easier for Your Landscape Partner
One of the best ways to help your landscape contractor provide an accurate proposal is by supplying as much property information as possible. Consider including:

-Community map
-Irrigation map
-Pond maintenance responsibilities
-Major tree work requirements or exclusions

The more information provided upfront, the more accurate the pricing and the smoother the transition after the contract is awarded.

We're Here to Help
Developing thorough bid specifications produces better proposals and builds stronger partnerships that lead to healthier, more attractive landscapes.

If you'd like ECOSystems Landscape Services to evaluate your property and help develop a landscape maintenance solution tailored to your property, we'd be happy to help.

Contact us at [email protected] or 512-977-0052.

July Landscape Tips - ECOSystems Landscape Services

This wetter than normal spring has put us in a great position for successful plant material. But, the hot, dry weather is starting to build. So, you may have to reevalute how you care for your plants throughout the summer.

Irrigation
If you have an irrigation system, make sure it is as efficient as possible to prevent water waste. Be certain to set the controller for correct time and day settings based on your water utility restrictions. Make sure to check every head and nozzle and adjust them for proper coverage. Remember long watering cycles waste a lot of water.

It is highly recommended to utilize multiple start times with shorter run times. Doing this can greatly improve the appearance of the landscape during a drought. For example: if you run your irrigation systems for 4 cycles per day, (basically sprays for 7 minutes and rotors for 20 minutes) instead of once per day this wastes less water by using shorter cycles more often and you get less run off and more saturation. This works much better than running all the zones for hours at a time.

Also, as soon as you notice excessive runoff or pooling of the water, then you have reached the maximum run time for that area. In other words, if you reach pooling in 4 minutes, then shorten your run time to that (4 min) time and then add the additional time using another start time.

Turf
Adjust the mowing height of your lawn mower based on your turf type. Mow your St. Augustine as high as you can about 4”– 6”. Cutting St. Augustine too low can stress your turf and make it susceptible to drought, insects, and disease. Bermuda and Zoysia can be successfully maintained at a lower height. But, keep in mind that if the height is taken too low too soon, the turf could brown out and during this extreme heat it may be difficult to reestablish it.

Remember to mulch the clippings as this is best for your turf by putting much needed nutrients back into the earth. Increasing your mowing height will reduce water need and develop deeper roots. Keep your blades sharp on your mower and try to never cut off more than 1/3 of the blade at a time.

Trees
If your trees need water, make sure to water the drip line of the trees as this is where the roots take in the water best. Running a slow drip hose works wonders as it too will allow for better water depth. If you have not gotten all the dead wood out of your trees yet, now is the time.

Plants
Make sure to keep your plants mulched to help make better use of the water. Because of water restrictions, you may have to utilize a bucket or a hose if you do not have drip irrigation.

If you would like more information on your landscape please contact ECOSystems at 512-977-0052 or E-mail at [email protected].

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July Landscape Tips Email from ECOSystems Landscape Services     July Landscape Tips Reevaluating Landscape Maintenance by Kim Goyette Business Development Manager This wetter than normal spring has put us in a great pos

June Landscape Tips - ECOSystems Landscape Services
We have been enjoying the gift of a real spring in Texas! The recent, consistent rain has set a great foundation for plants to root and thrive. Get ready for more heat and dry conditions in the upcoming months.

Here are some things you can do:
-Hand water newly installed plants 2 or 3 times per week to soak the soil encouraging better, deeper roots.
-Check your irrigation, unclog nozzles, fix leaks, adjust heads. Set timers correctly. -Avoid water run-off.
-Remove or cut down struggling plants so you do not waste water trying to keep them alive.
-Mulch. This is the #1 water and plant conservation tool that can be done. Mulch not only insulates the soil from the heat, it holds in moisture, defines the bed and prevents w**ds. Keep a good layer on beds and tree rings through the heat. This could be the difference between success and failure of your plants.

Water Wise Plants
The plants in the City of Austin Native and Adaptive Plant Guide are selected for their heat and drought tolerance, resistance to pests and disease and their low water use. Some of them can survive even with very little water once they are established.

Irrigation
During the heat of summer, you generally need 1 inch of water per week to keep plants healthy. This of course depends on your plant selections. Refer to your irrigation manufacturer’s literature or their website for guidelines for “precipitation rate”. The typical spray head puts out 1 inch of water in 60 minutes. That would have to be split up between multiple days to prevent run off. Think about setting up 2 start times per night, 2 nights, 6 minutes each.

Always use the run-soak-run technique. This means short, repeated cycles on your watering day. The cycle should be short enough to prevent runoff. Many older irrigation systems have the old-style “rain shut-off” devices. Newer wireless and advanced devices are available that are less likely to fail or allow watering when you do not need it.

There are also advanced models of irrigation controllers that assure that the system waters only when the weather dictates. They link to weather stations near your home and make the most of your water use and prevent waste better than ever.

Some are even programmable from your smart phone. See your irrigation service dealer for more information.

Turf
Do not let your turf dry out, just because it got a lot of water this spring does not mean it won’t need watering all summer long. Try not to use w**d controls in the heat of summer as they can do more harm than good if done incorrectly.

If you would like more information on your landscape please contact ECOSystems at 512-977-0052 or E-mail at [email protected].

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June Landscape Tips Email from ECOSystems Landscape Services     June Landscape Tips A Real Texas Spring! by Kim Goyette Business Development Manager We have been enjoying the gift of a real spring in Texas! The recent,

May Landscape Tips - ECOSystems Landscape Service
🌿 The Hill Country is coming alive with vibrant spring color. Recent rains have triggered a beautiful flush of blooms following last year’s drought and extended cold. Now is the time to stay proactive because what you do over the next few weeks will set the foundation for how your landscape performs through the summer heat.

🌱 Mulch: Protect and Preserve
With leaf and pollen season behind us, it’s the perfect time to refresh your mulch. Proper mulching helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and improve overall plant health.

A few key tips:
-Keep mulch pulled back a few inches from tree trunks to prevent insect and disease issues
-Apply mulch in a flat, even layer avoiding “volcano” or “doughnut” shapes
-Ensure water can easily pe*****te down to the root zone
Done correctly, mulch acts as a protective barrier that supports long-term plant health.

💧 Irrigation: Set Yourself Up for Success
Establishing strong root systems now is critical before the summer heat arrives. The key is deep, infrequent watering.

We recommend:
-Performing a full irrigation system walkthrough
-Checking for clogged heads, leaks, misalignment, and poor coverage
-Measuring output using a simple method (like a tuna can) to determine inches per hour
During peak summer, turf typically needs ¾ to 1½ inches of water per week. To maximize efficiency, use a run–soak–run cycle becasue breaking watering into shorter intervals allows better absorption and reduces runoff.

🌾 Turf: Mow Smart, Not Short
As temperatures rise, mowing height becomes increasingly important:
-St. Augustine: Maintain at 3 inches or higher to shade soil and protect roots
-Bermuda & Zoysia: Can be kept shorter, but avoid cutting too low too quickly
-Longer blades help retain moisture and protect turf from heat stress, leading to a healthier, more resilient lawn.

🌸 Beds: Right Plant, Right Place
Now is the time to fine-tune your ornamental beds:
-Complete seasonal cutbacks to encourage fresh growth and blooms
-Match plants to their ideal light and soil conditions
-Remember: many native perennials thrive with full sun and minimal water once established
Thoughtful plant selection and care now will deliver stronger performance all season long.

🌿 Fertilization & W**d Control
Wrap up your post-emergent w**d control before temperatures climb too high because applications in extreme heat can stress or damage turf.

If you haven’t already:
-Apply a balanced fertilizer to strengthen turf and shrubs
Prepare your landscape to handle summer conditions with healthy, active growth

🌼 Let’s Get Your Property Summer-Ready
Spring is the ideal time to evaluate your landscape and make sure everything is performing at its best. Whether it’s maintenance, irrigation adjustments, or enhancements, proactive care now leads to better results all year long.

📞 Contact ECOSystems Landscape Services at 512-977-0052 or email [email protected] to schedule a walkthrough or discuss how we can support your property.

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May Landscape Tips Email from ECOSystems Landscape Services     May Landscape Tips Spring is in Full Bloom! Is Your Landscape Ready for Summer? by Kim Goyette Business Development Manager 🌿 The Hill Country is coming a

April Landscape Tips - ECOSystems Landscape Services

🌿 Spring Has Arrived—Let’s Make the Most of It

Spring is finally settling in, and even if the season arrived a bit later than usual, the wildflowers are beginning to put on a beautiful show. With recent rains coming and milder temperatures, now is the perfect time to set your landscape up for a vibrant and healthy season ahead.

🌳 Trees: Set the Foundation for Summer
This time of year is ideal for strengthening your trees before the summer heat arrives. Proper hydration and nourishment now will go a long way in helping trees withstand stress later.

While pruning is generally not recommended during active growth cycles, sometimes it’s necessary. If so, be mindful:

Avoid removing more than one-third of the tree’s canopy
Minimize stress by ensuring consistent watering
Use a slow drip irrigation method at the drip line for deep root hydration
A little attention now can significantly improve long-term tree health and resilience.

🌸 Ornamental Beds: Embrace Native Beauty
Spring is one of the best times to introduce new plantings, especially perennials. In Central Texas, native and well-adapted plants offer both beauty and durability. Check out the Native Adapted Plant Guide put out by The City of Austin for more than 200 varieties of plant that are successful in our Central and South Texas conditions.

Benefits of native plants include:
-Lower water requirements
-Strong adaptability to local soil and climate
-Seasonal color that reflects the natural --Hill Country landscape

A few standout choices include:
-Salvias (Mexican Bush Sage, Autumn Sage, Indigo Spires)
-Lantana (a true low-maintenance favorite)
-Turks Cap, Pavonia, Copper Canyon Daisy, Fall Aster, Black-Eyed Susan

Be mindful of light and water needs because many natives actually perform better with less water once established, producing stronger growth and more vibrant blooms.

🌱 Turf: Healthy Growth Starts with Smart Mowing
Routine mowing is essential, but mowing height plays a critical role in turf health especially as temperatures rise.

-St. Augustine: Maintain at 4 inches or higher to protect roots and retain soil moisture
-Bermuda & Zoysia: Can be kept shorter, but avoid cutting too low too quickly

Longer blades provide natural shading, helping soil retain moisture and protecting root systems from heat stress. Proper mowing now sets the stage for a fuller, more resilient lawn through the summer.

🌼 Looking Ahead
Spring is a season of opportunity. With the right preparation and plant choices, your landscape can thrive beautifully through the hotter months ahead.

If you’re considering enhancements, renovations, or evaluating your current service, this is also an ideal time to explore your options and ensure your property is receiving the highest level of care.

ECOSystems is Here for All of Your Landscape Needs

Spring is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your landscape. Whether you’re considering improvements or exploring new service options, connect with ECOSystems Landscape Services today at 512-977-0052 or [email protected].

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April Landscape Tips Email from ECOSystems Landscape Services     April Landscape Tips Spring is Here! by Kim Goyette Business Development Manager 🌿 Spring Has Arrived—Let’s Make the Most of It Spring is finally settling

March Landscape Tips - ECOSystems Landscape Services

Spring is in the air and the first signs of wildflowers have appeared all over town. It is time to prep your landscaping for a successful year!

Turf
Now is the time to prepare your lawn. If you have not done so yet, get your pre-emergent w**d control applications completed in order to help prevent w**ds. Once the last freeze hits, lower your mow height by about 1/3 to remove some of the brown blades. Do not scalp St. Augustine to the ground, as this will do more harm than good. Lowering the mow height will also help to allow the soil to warm up faster.

Apply a high nitrogen fertilizer; look for slow release formulas to help feed your lawn. Remember, even dormant turf needs to have the roots fed.

Spot spray any remaining w**ds in shrub beds and turf areas with appropriate herbicides. Once these are dead, the pre-emergent should provide satisfactory control for at least two months. DO NOT use non-selective herbicides in your turf or you will end up with dead brown circles.

Shrubs
Clean up all the leaves from around the base of your shrubs when doing your perennial cut-backs. Shrubs planted early in March and April will have a much better chance of surviving the hot summer heat and the watering restrictions.

Irrigation
Check and repair your irrigation system. When watering is needed, try so soak the soil to a depth of about 4" and allow the soil to "dry out" before watering again. If rainfall is adequate, turn your controller off or install a rain sensor to do it automatically for you as to not waste water.

If you would like more information on your landscape please contact ECOSystems at 512-977-0052 or E-mail at [email protected].

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March Landscape Tips Email from ECOSystems Landscape Services     March Landscape Tips Spring is Coming! by Kim Goyette Business Development Manager Spring is in the air and the first signs of wildflowers have appeared al

February Landscape Tips - ECOSystems Landscape Services
Is it winter or spring? Central Texas sure has had some wacky weather this season. Cold and in the teens one day, beautiful and 70’s the next. No matter what the weather, if you can’t wait to get back to work on your yard, there are plenty of things you can do to prep your landscaping.

Trees
This is a great time of the year for pruning of Oak trees to help prevent possible spread of Oak Wilt. Remove deadwood, crossing branches, and raise canopies as needed. Use pruning paint on all cuts to seal the wounds. Do your best to complete all tree pruning by the end of the month before trees come out of dormancy.

Ornamental Beds
Cut back perennials to about 2”- 4” above the ground after the second hard freeze of the year. Removing dead wood from some perennials before the last freeze may remove the last line of defense the plant has from lasting frost damage. Cut back ornamental grasses to 10” – 12” above ground. Trim back roses right after Valentine's Day.

Fertilize ornamental beds with balanced slow release fertilizer. Deadhead winter annuals such as Snapdragons, Pansies, Dianthus, and Cyclamen. Continue to fertilize your flowers to maintain blooms but remember the freezes can set them back.

Treat or hand pull broadleaf w**ds such as Dandelion and Clover. Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied in February to help minimize spring w**ds. Begin cleaning up leaves and debris in shrub beds in preparation for your pre-emergent herbicide applications. Remember to keep your mulch depth at about 1” - 2” to help protect the roots and make the best use of water.

Turf
Although we just got some much needed rain, remember to continue to water as necessary since the root systems of your grass are still growing even in the winter months. This is a good month to do your pre-emergent and fertilize your grass. Remember to keep the leaves cleaned up and not allow them to lay on the grass and cause it to die.

If you would like more information on your landscape please contact ECOSystems at 512-977-0052 or E-mail at [email protected].

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February Landscape Tips Email from ECOSystems Landscape Services     February Landscape Tips Getting Ready for Spring! by Kim Goyette Business Development Manager Is it winter or spring? Central Texas sure has had some wacky

ECOSystems Landscape Services January Landscape Tips

Winter is the time to start preparing for spring and if you can’t wait to get back to doing yard work, no need to wait any longer. This is an ideal time for many tasks that will help ensure success in your landscape in the upcoming season.

Irrigation
Automatic irrigation systems for homeowners can be shut off for the season as long as it continues to rain. Be sure to water about 10-15 minutes every couple of weeks if there is no significant rainfall. Plants and turf still require minimal water during the winter months. If you don’t intend to utilize your irrigation system, be sure to run it for 3-5 minutes once a month to keep it in working order and to check for leaks or breaks. Remember to water according to current water rules as set by your water supplier.

Trees
Winter is the best time of the year for pruning of Oak trees to prevent possible spread of Oak wilt. Remove deadwood, crossing branches, and raise canopies as needed. Use pruning paint on all cuts greater than 1” in diameter. Complete all tree pruning before the trees come out of dormancy.

Ornamental Beds
Cut back perennials to about 2”- 4” above the ground after the second hard freeze of the year. Removing dead wood from some perennials before the last freeze may remove the last line of defense the plant has from lasting frost damage. Cut back ornamental grasses to 10” – 12” above ground.

Fertilize ornamental beds with balanced slow release fertilizer. Look for a Nitrogen/Phosphorus/Potassium ratio of 1-1-1. Deadhead (Pinch blooms off) winter annuals such as Snapdragons, Pansies, Dianthus, and Cyclamen. Fertilize winter annuals with a high Phosphorus fertilizer to keep the bloom cycle going.

Minimize broadleaf w**ds using w**d controls or hand pull w**ds such as Dandelion and Clover. Pre-emergent herbicides applied in February will be more effective if the turf areas are free of w**ds. Please try to refrain from using “w**d and feed” products as they have been known to have an adverse affect on trees. Begin cleaning up leaves and debris in shrub beds in preparation for February pre-emergent herbicide applications.

After shrub beds are free of w**ds and debris, apply pre-emergent herbicide, in February, to minimize w**d seed germination. Add enough new bark mulch to maintain a 2” – 3” depth in February or March. (Note: If your property has Live Oak Trees, you might wait until the trees have finished shedding their old leaves to avoid raking/blowing new mulch away).

Turf
For now make sure to keep the leaves and “winter” debris cleaned up. Do not allow your turf to suffocate under excessive amounts of leaves. This can cause dead areas in your turf. Start planning now for renovation of your lawn if it didn’t survive the drought. You may want to consider more drought tolerant grasses and plants.

If you would like more information on your landscape please contact ECOSystems at 512-977-0052 or E-mail at [email protected].

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January Landscape Tips Email from ECOSystems Landscape Services     January Landscape Tips Winter Gardening Preparation! by Kim Goyette Business Development Manager Winter is the time to start preparing for spring and if yo

November Landscape Tips - ECOSystems Landscape Services

These cooler temperatures in Central Texas are the perfect time to start planting, so lets get going!

1. Planting trees and hardy shrubs should start now. With our cooler/wetter weather, plants have 8 months to put down roots to prepare for our hot summer of 2025. Be sure to know and understand the light and watering requirements of all your plants, and the best time of the year to plant them. Do not mix plants in a bed that have different water and light requirements.

2. After planting, cover all bare areas with mulch. This will keep the ground cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter and will break down to form organic matter in the soil. This mulch will save you much work watering and removing w**ds.

3. If you have not done your fall pre-emergent and fall fertilizer do it this weekend! The weather should be great!

4. Time to have your trees professionally pruned if not done yet! Keep those limbs pruned back from your buildings and lights.

5. Keep the thick piles of leaves from accumulating in your turf. It might save you time now but will do damage in the long run.

6. Remember unless you are doing water averaging to keep from paying absorbent fees, remember to run your system during the winter. You do not need as much water, but you want to ensure that the system is working properly and running it helps keep all the parts working. Don’t let your landscaping dry out too much as all plants and grass need water to live.

If you would like more information on your landscape please contact ECOSystems at 512-977-0052 or E-mail at [email protected].

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November Landscape Tips Email from ECOSystems Landscape Services     November Landscape Tips Cooler Weather is Finally Here! by Kim Goyette Business Development Manager These cooler temperatures in Central Texas are the perf

October Landscape Tips - ECOSystems Landscape Services

The crisp mornings indicate that the cooler fall weather is right around the corner. Let's hope this brings some much needed rain as well!

Turf
Keep up with leaf removal as it occurs. Large number of leaves left on grass can cause disease problems and suffocate the turf, leaving dead spots. Continue mowing St Augustine grass at 3-4 inches and Bermuda and Zoysia a little shorter, and mow as consistently as possible. As the weather cools a bit, the landscape naturally wants to bounce back and begin storing energy for the winter. If you have not done so already you should be in the process of putting down pre-emergent w**d controls on your landscape.

Mulch
It is time to mulch again. No matter what type of mulch you apply be sure to install between 1” and 2” of mulch depending on existing depths. Keep mulch away from tree trunks and visible root flares to help minimize damage to the tree. Mulch helps to protect against erosion, reduces compaction, and conserves moisture and reduces water use. This mulch will save you much work watering and removing w**ds.

Trees
The dangers of spreading oak wilt decrease dramatically between the months of July and January, so now is an ideal time to prune Oaks as well as most other landscape trees. Some trees are easier to prune after the leaves have dropped, but minor canopy pruning can be done anytime. Keep in mind, when pruning Oak trees, any wound should be sprayed with pruning paint, this will help seal the wound and further help prevent the spread of disease. Also, be sure your pruning tools are sharp. Make sure to disinfect between cuts on different trees, especially oaks, to help minimize spread of disease. Cuts should be made parallel to the branch, and no closer than a quarter inch from the branch.

Irrigation
Please remember to adjust your irrigation based on your landscape needs. Plants still require nutrients in the fall and winter so if there is not sufficient rainfall, then you may need to supplement with additional irrigation.

If you would like more information on your landscape please contact ECOSystems at 512-977-0052 or E-mail at [email protected].

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October Landscape Tips Email from ECOSystems Landscape Services     October Landscape Tips The Fall Weather is Almost Here! by Kim Goyette Business Development Manager The crisp mornings indicate that the cooler fall weathe