Blooming On Kauai

Foot traffic is exactly what Kauai commercial property owners strive for—the more guests, the merrier. Well-maintained landscapes lure visitors to explore the grounds and soak in the garden feel, and to take their time in the space. (We know that the longer our guests stay on our properties, the more they will spend.) The question is: Can your Kauai commercial landscape hold up against foot traffic?

Ideally, your property will offer a range of plantings that are selected based on each area in a landscape’s sun exposure, soil content—and just how much traffic that land will bear.

It goes back to our motto: Right plant, right place. By incorporating high-traffic landscape solutions into your Kauai commercial landscape, you can reduce maintenance demands and improve the overall appearance of your property. Why? Because you won’t be forcing a delicate plant to grow where people walk.

Here are five beautiful, hardy potential solutions for high-traffic Kauai commercial landscapes.

How does your Kauai commercial property compare to others that surround your location? Is your grass greener—are your flowers fresh and colorful? What about the details on your property: Are sidewalk cracks free of weeds and drainage grates cleared of debris?

Your Kauai landscape sends a clear message to customers about the standards you hold. That’s why you want to partner with a Kauai commercial landscape maintenance company that shares your commitment to quality. But you should not have to constantly monitor performance — this responsibility falls on the landscape firm servicing your property.

What tools does the company have in place to assure the quality you expect? This is an important question to ask when vetting a Kauai commercial landscape company.

Kauai is known as Hawaii’s Garden Isle, a lush escape where visitors and locals alike can experience the beauty of the landscaping. The goal for many of our commercial clients is to recreate that garden oasis feel in their landscapes.

A healthy, well-maintained commercial property is the ultimate welcome mat. Maintenance is the foundation for a garden-like landscape. A beautifully maintained property will invite shoppers to stop in and stay awhile — and, in doing so, they’ll likely spend more.

Verticutting, or vertical mowing, removes thatch buildup in the lawn so turf can breathe easy, better absorb nutrients, and soak in much-needed moisture.

Thatch is a layer of dead stems and roots that forms between the grass and soil. It isn’t all bad. Small amounts can actually reduce compaction in high-traffic commercial areas.

But when thatch exceeds a half-inch, all that biomass starts eating up the good stuff that belongs to your turf: air, water and food. Plus, insects and disease fester in thatch—more bad news.  

You’ll know your lawn has thatch buildup if it feels spongy when you walk across it. You can manage it with annual verticutting, and right now before the growing season is prime time to treat your commercial property to this service.

Supporting our Kauai neighbors in need is so important, and the Visitor Industry Charity Walk is one way that No Ka Oi spreads the spirit of aloha.

Giving back is a big part of what we do, whether by improving properties and contributing to the Garden Isle’s beauty, or working at the ground level to benefit the community by participating in local fundraising efforts.

The Charity Walk is just one way our firm, and our employees, give their time and talent to help others.

Impatiens are known for their hardiness in high heat, and because these shade-loving annuals are available in a range of vibrant colors, they’re a go-to for commercial landscapes looking to turn up the volume in plant beds.

But impatiens are not foolproof, as we’re finding out yet again, as we’re spotting more cases of downy mildew cropping up throughout Hawaii.

The key to staying ahead of this disease:

• Know the symptoms so you can identify and treat it quickly

• Create an environment in the landscape that discourages downy mildew

• Consider alternatives to impatiens that deliver their color and vigor — without downy mildew risk

Here’s a closer look at downy mildew treatment for impatiens on Kauai. Arm yourself with knowledge to protect your Kauai commercial landscape!

Is it time to update your retail property’s landscaping? Should you make do with the existing entrance beds, or invest in a more elaborate presentation? Have you neglected maintenance?

Even a short time of overlooking basic care like mowing, pruning, edging and lawn care applications can make a once-vibrant property look old and tired.The good news: Even small changes can make a big impact, such as adding more color to landscape beds or pruning and edging high-traffic areas to neaten up visitors’ first impression.

Still not sure if now is the time to update your development? Here are four strong signs that the landscape needs your attention — and perhaps a hand from a professional landscape contractor with experience designing, installing and caring for Kauai commercial properties.