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CT Invasive Species Control and Removal

28

May
2013
Posted By : ASL Admin 0 Comment
Categories :Invasive Species, Services

Over the past decade, the State of Connecticut in partnership with the Department of Transportation has become more aware of the inherent threat that invasive species pose to our native habitats. These non-native species have multiplied at aggressive rates, out-competing native species that provide beauty to our landscape and in addition, many ecological benefits to birds and wildlife. In an effort to protect Connecticut\’92s natural ecosystem, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and CT DOT Office of Environmental Planning (OEP) now mandates that all invasive species must be removed within project limits before any work can commence on any state construction project.

All Seasons Landscaping Contractors has had many years of experience performing invasive removal on many projects all across the state. Our crew members are all DEEP Licensed Pesticide Operators that spray under the direction of a Licensed Commercial Supervisor. We also have the equipment that can handle clear cutting invasive species, including sizable caliper woody ornamentals, close to the ground. This enables us to quickly and efficiently, mechanically remove invasive species covering large surface areas.

After spending countless hours combing over detailed specifications and project plans, then having to aggressively bid against your competitors, it is frustrating enough to get a signed contract and permission to start work after finally being awarded the job. The last thing any contractor needs is to have their job delayed any further because invasive species have not been eradicated on the job site.

If you have any questions in regards to invasive removal on your next project, please read our new whitepaper “The Invasion of Invasives” which you can download for free by clicking the image below.

Types of Green Roofs: Intensive vs. Extensive

16

May
2013
Posted By : ASL Admin 0 Comment
Categories :Uncategorized

Already a popular trend in Europe, vegetated green roofs are becoming increasingly popular throughout the United States. They are being installed on office buildings, skyscrapers, large manufacturing plants, and even residential homes in cities and towns across the country. Green roofs are most common in dense, urban settings where there is not much room for vegetation to grow at ground level. There are two different types of green roof systems: extensive and intensive.

Extensive Green Roof Systems

Extensive systems are simpler and lighter weight than intensive systems. These systems range in thickness from 2-6\’94, and weigh approximately 15-30lbs per sq ft. Due to their light weight and low profile, they require less structural support and can be used on roofs with a slope of 30\’b0 and higher. They generally consist of tough, hardy succulent plants that are tolerant of the extreme heat, wind exposure, and temperature fluctuations on roof tops. Sedums are most commonly used in extensive systems because they are low maintenance and drought resistant, meaning they require minimal nutrients and irrigation. They are shallow, rooting self-generating plants which spread rapidly to quickly create a dense, vegetative cover with minimal soil. Typically extensive systems are grown in modular trays that make installation fast and simple.

Although these simple systems are a cost-effective, low maintenance alternative roof, there are some disadvantages when compared to intensive roofs. There are much less design capabilities available for extensive green roofs as there are a limited variety of plants, such as alpines, succulents, herbs, and some grasses, that are suitable for use in these modular trays. These systems also generally do not permit rooftop access and recreation.

Intensive Green Roof Systems

Intensive systems are high profile, rooftop gardens and parks. They range in thickness from 6-15\’94+, and weigh approximately 50lbs+ per square foot. These intensive systems are most applicable on flat, level roofs which are structurally engineered to hold their tremendous weight. A limitless variety of plants, including large trees, shrubs, and perennials can be incorporated into the rooftop planting design. This style is more permissible for human access and recreation, and therefore includes walkways, terraces, and other structural features to make it an enticing public space to spend time. However this style of planting will most likely require irrigation and maintenance as opposed to the extensive systems which are minimal care. As these rooftop gardens are much more elaborate, they also tend to be more expensive to install in comparison to the extensive system.

There are many challenges when planting green roofs as these projects require a lot of coordination and planning to ensure that everyone stays safe and installations run smoothly. All of the equipment and material necessary to complete the job must be approved to meet weight restrictions on the roof top. Logistics also play a large role as cranes for lifting equipment and materials along with scheduling with other contractors.

Green Roof Contractors

All Seasons Landscaping has the experience coordinating with crane operators and roofing contractors, finding the right, lightweight equipment to do the job, and thoroughly planning and scheduling all aspects of green roof installations.  If you have any questions bidding your next green roof project, please contact All Seasons Landscaping Contractors.

Hydro Seed in CT: Bonded Fiber Matrices vs. Flexible Growth Medium

14

May
2013
Posted By : ASL Admin 0 Comment
Categories :Hydroseeding, Services

While there are several types of Bonded Fiber Matrices (BFMs) available on the Hydroseeding market, they do not provide as high a level of protection and vegetation as a Flexible Growth Medium. They are, however, still a better option in several situations. Flexible Growth Medium on the other hand only has two products in its category, which include Flexterra HP-FGM and CocoFlex ET-FGM both of which out perform any other hydraulically applied mulch in terms of performance and longevity.

 

When to Hydroseed with FGM

FGM is the perfect solution when you are in need of immediate vegetation establishment or the site demands immediate erosion protection and you need to eliminate risk from approaching wet weather. This product is also perfect when a site is in need of both mechanical and chemical bonds to withstand greater surface flow and/or sever slopes. In terms of longevity, FGM can provide soil with erosion protection for 12 to 18 months.

Overall, Flexible Growth Medium is the perfect solution for soil erosion projects. It longevity and proven high performance makes it stand out and almost impossible for other products to compete as well as it can on the job site.

 

When to Hydroseed with BFM

Bonded Fiber Matrices are a valuable option when it is almost positive that heavy rains will not follow application. The soil must be dry and rain should not be expected within 24-28 hours of application. The chemical bond is strong enough to meet slope severity and longevity needs. The required functional longevity of soil protection is 12 months or less.

Bonded Fiber Matrix is the best choice for difficult terrain and extended longevity. BFM sprays on to the location as mulch, but dries to form a blanket which bonds with the soil to effectively prevent erosion. This makes the product more cost effective and results in quick application compared to erosion control blankets.

 

Key Takeaways

When it comes time for a hydroseed application make sure to ALWAYS check the composition of the product you are going to use. A BFM should consist of defibrated fibers and cross-linked insoluble hydro-colloidal tackifiers to provide erosion control and facilitate vegetation establishment on steep slopes. Other products may include fibers and tackifiers that only last up to three months and not effectively establish vegetation quickly.

Both BFMs and FGMs are successful when used for erosion control jobs, however FGM is usually the better choice. While both have several effective attributes FGMs will give you quicker vegetation establishment and better longevity.

 

Learn More About All Seasons Landscaping:

If you are in need of immediate hydroseeding All Seasons Landscaping has the equipment and the team to handle your project ASAP. Visit our website or contact us to learn more about our services.

The Difference Between a Detention Basin and a Retention Basin

07

May
2013
Posted By : ASL Admin 0 Comment
Categories :Erosion Control, Services

Basins play an important role in storm water management on new construction sites.   Basins control Storm water flow in critical areas to prevent flooding and erosion.  The basins eventually release some or all of the contained water at slow controlled rates as to not impact surrounding areas.   

The main difference between detention and retention ponds is whether or not they contain a permanent body of water.  A detention basin or dry basin is a basin that does not permanently have water in it.  A detention basin will contain water after a storm and will eventually drain out and remain dry between storm events.  In comparison, retention basins are intended to always have some permanent body of water.   Retention basins water level will rise following a storm and will slowly subside to its normal level.

An experienced landscape contractor needs to know the difference between these basins as the seed mixtures and vegetation that are selected will vary depending on the type of basin.  Seed mixes and plant material should be decided based on the water level and typical conditions.  In addition to seed mix selection, it also is important to select the correct species and verify proper placement of the plant materials. Selecting the wrong species or planting in an improper location could easily be fatal to the plant material and also reduce the effectiveness of the basin as well as its ability to prevent erosion. Typically an assortment of aquatic plugs and native plant materials are ideal for these wetland sites.  Aquatic loving plants should not be mulched, because as the water level rises it will remove and carry away mulch and leave the area bare and susceptible to erosion. The best solution is to utilize a seed mixture that is specifically labeled for wet areas and basins which in turn will provide suitable vegetative coverage.

Employing an experienced wetland landscaping contractor will greatly increase the intended outcome of a planned detention or retention basin\’92s construction. If you are in need of these services contact All Seasons Landscaping to learn more.

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