3 Reasons To Choose A Commercial Landscape Contractor Focused On Landscape Maintenance

You’re vetting landscape firms to maintain your commercial property, and there’s much to consider. You want a company that can manage all of your needs: installing plants, caring for landscape beds, maintaining the irrigation system and handling weekly (or more frequent) mowing, edging and basic property maintenance. It’s a tall order.

In the maintenance world, you get what you pay for—and there are plenty of companies out there that bid low and promise a lot (they probably don’t know better). Do your homework, and consider the advantages of working with a commercial landscape contractor focused on maintenance. When maintenance is the specialty, it drives design decisions, informs crews’ performance and raises the quality. The result: a landscape investment that retains its value.

Here are a few reasons why you should hire a landscape firm that focuses on maintenance.

Reason #1: Projects Are Designed With A Maintenance Mindset

Right plant, right place—less maintenance. When plant material is properly selected based on site conditions (soil content, sun exposure, weather in general), you’re giving those plants the best chance to thrive.

Landscape companies that consider maintenance as they execute designs are careful to choose plants that can be maintained successfully. Also, the company will better maintain irrigation systems because it knows the ins and outs of the design and system components.

When landscapes are designed with a maintenance mindset, they actually cost less to maintain. It’s a more budget-conscious approach.

Reason #2: Specially Trained Crews Can Troubleshoot Problems

Maintenance crews have an eye for detail and are trained to identify weed and disease issues in the landscape. They have knowledge of plants and irrigation systems and can make recommendations to improve the look of your property.

And, because they are on the property weekly (sometimes more often) they establish a sort of relationship with the landscape. They get to know its plants, they understand the site’s challenges and are committed to keeping the landscape healthy.

Reason #3: Protect Your Landscape Investment Over The Long-Term

Your landscape is a significant investment, and a regular maintenance schedule performed by an experienced landscape contractor is the best insurance on your living environment.

A landscape left unattended can actually decrease the value of the property—it becomes an eyesore. But the property will thrive if knowledgeable landscape professionals carefully maintain it.

As with anything, you get out of the landscape what you put into it. Hiring a landscape firm that focuses on maintenance will help retain its value for years to come.

We’re Focused On Maintenance

Maintenance matters!

Find out how No Ka Oi Landscape Services can help you make the most of your Kauai commercial landscape investment.

Give us a call at 808-335-5887, or email info@nkolansdcaping.com to learn more about what we can do for you.

3 Hidden Landscape Maintenance Costs On Your Kauai Commercial Property

You’ve got big plans for your landscape, and that includes an inspired plant list of flowering shrubs, annuals, perennials and trees that will captivate an audience.

As a commercial property, you recognize that curb appeal translates to attracting customers who spend. A properly planned landscape can be a welcome mat that reels in revenues.

But maintenance can be a costly drain on finances if a landscape project isn’t planned with the after-care in mind. A professional commercial landscape company will go beyond creating the design and lay out a maintenance plan, as well.

In the meantime, here are three hidden maintenance costs to consider—and beware if your landscaper isn’t telling you about these culprits up front.

Hidden Maintenance Cost #1: High-Maintenance Plants

A landscape plan should take into account your site’s conditions: sun exposure, soil content and quality, and overall environmental conditions. On Kauai, your property’s “weather” can depend on whether the site is located on the eastern, middle or western part of the island.

With northeast tradewinds bringing precipitation and ample rainfall to eastern properties, those clouds dissipate mid-island and western areas can be very dry. Plant selection should be based on the property’s microclimate, and on Kauai, every site can demand different considerations.

Hidden Maintenance Cost #2: Too Much Turf

The ideal image of a golf course’s green lawn is not necessarily what nature intended. The reality is, turf can require frequent irrigation and a meticulous lawn care program to manage weeds and disease.

That said, an expanse of the proper turf for Kauai (turf selection is key!) can be much easier and less time-consuming to maintain than small patches that require reel mowing. To reduce maintenance costs, talk to your landscape professional about the best turf type to use on the property.

Also consider enlisting in a landscape maintenance company that can regularly keep the property looking its best through proper cultural practices.

Hidden Maintenance Cost #3: Overgrown Plant Life

No maintenance at all is high maintenance. A landscape in decline requires more care, attention and expense to get it back into shape.

It’s like cleaning a house: If you let it go for months, you’ll pay a cleaner much more to get the home back into nice condition. Then, regularly maintaining it is easier, faster and less costly. The same goes for the landscape.

Property owners that prioritize maintenance and keep the site in good condition all year will avoid a backlog of maintenance tasks (and bills).

We Can Help!

Right plant, right place: That’s our mantra at No Ka Oi Landscape Services. 

Let us help you reduce your property's maintenance costs by designing sustainable landscapes that look the way nature intended. 

Call us at 808-335-5887 or email info@nkolansdcaping.com. Or, visit our website to learn more about the services we offer.

5 Questions to Ask When Planning Your Kauai Commercial Landscape

You’re ready to embark on an overhaul of your commercial landscape.

It’s time to revamp, or completely renovate and start from scratch. This is a big decision, and a wise one. The returns on a landscape investment are many, including: increased foot traffic on a commercial property, and more enjoyable experiences for site visitors, who will be likely to stay on the property longer. They may even spend more money!
Landscaping can also be a competitive advantage over other commercial properties. As consumers, we often choose with our eyes: What appeals wins.

That said, a lot of planning is required before breaking ground. Here are five questions you should ask yourself while planning your commercial landscape.

Start With W’s: Who Will Use the Space — When and Why?

Let’s start with the basics: Who is the “audience” on your property, and why do people go there? Are they guests of a luxury resort who have traveled far to get there? Or, are they shoppers in a retail complex—or individuals going to work at an office building?

Also, consider when the property will be used. This helps when planning features such as landscape lighting and other functional/safety aspects of the property.

What Are The Property ‘Pains?’

Every property has its high and low points. What challenges does your site present? Are there slopes that prompt erosion issues? Is drainage a concern? Examine sun exposure and identify plant beds need attention. (There’s always a reason why: sun exposure, soil content, maintenance, etc.)

Keep in mind, these property pains can be addressed, and an experienced commercial landscape contractor will find solutions, work around any limitations and highlight your property’s assets.

What Opportunities Does The Property Offer?

It’s not all bad, is it? Now, make a list of the property’s positive qualities. What do you like best about the landscape? Is it the showy bed of annuals at the entrance that invites guests inside, or a tall, swanky palm that has been on the property before any person’s foot every set ground there? Do you love the direct sun the property gets, or the shady spaces that provide protection from the heat?

A well-executed landscape design will enhance your property’s best qualities while addressing aspects that are cause for concern. The result: No one will notice those property “pains” you addressed.

What Is Your Landscape Budget?

You probably have a number in your head for what you can afford to spend on the landscape, and if you don’t then now is the time to put pen to paper. It’s never too early to talk budget. What can you afford this season?

Remember, landscaping is a long-term commitment, and once a master landscape plan is developed, projects can be broken down into manageable phases that accommodate your budget.

How Will The Property Be Maintained?

Over the life of a landscape, the design and installation is a small portion. The real work involved comes with maintaining the property so it thrives. Proper, ongoing maintenance is critical for ensuring the health and vitality of the landscape—and protecting your investment. The good news is, a low-maintenance landscape can be designed to reduce the time and cost associated with weekly and seasonal care.

Also think about who will ultimately maintain the property. Is the company that installed the landscape equipped to continue with maintenance? This is a best-case scenario, because you’ll know that the landscape was designed with maintenance in mind. Plus, the team will be personally acquainted with the plants and layout of your property, not to mention committed to its success.

No Ka Oi is the only commercial landscape company to focus on maintenance, but we can also help you plan your new landscape installation with future maintenance and upkeep in mind. Ready to plan your Kauai commercial landscape and not sure where to start? Let No Ka Oi walk you through the process, and help you identify the challenges, assets—and potential—on your property.

Give us a call anytime. Ring us at 808-335-5887 or email info@nkolansdcaping.com.

No Ka ‘Oi: What’s In a Name?

Simply: the best.

That’s the meaning of No Ka ‘Oi in Hawaiian, and we adopted the name for our Kauai landscaping firm because we set high standards for our work. We want our clients to know that we live up to our name. Being the best means operating a business that is relevant, focused on quality and delivers uncommon customer service—we care about every property as if it were our own.

Here's a look at what No Ka 'Oi means to the No Ka Oi Landscape Services staff.

Dedicated To Manuahi

By that, we mean taking the extra measure. We strive to exceed clients’ expectations, and because of that they talk about us. A significant percentage of our work is based on referrals, so we know that many of the clients who hire us do so because of our no ka ‘oi culture.

It’s our job to uphold our reputation by going the extra mile, whether that means suggesting sustainable solutions that will ease maintenance and lessen the environmental impact, or ensuring that every property looks immaculate after delivering landscape maintenance service.

Focused On Commercial Landscape Maintenance

No Ka ‘Oi Landscape Services is dedicated to commercial landscape maintenance. Eighty percent of our work is maintenance, and 20 percent is design/build, mostly enhancements for our maintenance clients, which allows them to work with a company that truly understands their needs.

We aren’t trying to be everything to everyone. We are the only company in Kauai focused on maintenance, and we like installation relationships to transition into long-term maintenance. That way, we know we can maintain the integrity of the landscape.

Committed To Sustainability

Kauai is known as the garden island — it is our responsibility to create and maintain landscapes that are natural and sustainable. This means we must look at new ways of approaching challenges in Kauai commercial landscapes.

We search for ways to lighten our environmental footprint—and our clients appreciate that the sustainable landscape we design and maintain are much easier to care for and look lush because the plants are intended for our island environment.

Training the Best Landscapers

We invest in educating our employees and emphasize safety. This is important to clients who can rest assured that our team members approach every job with care and consideration.

No Ka ‘Oi Landscape Services is a two-time recipient of PLANET’s no accidents/injuries award. That means our company had a perfect safety record for two five-year stretches—something we’re very proud of.

Spreading the No Ka ‘Oi

Looking for “the best” commercial landscape company in Kauai and not sure where to start? We’ve got a good idea. Our priority is educating others about the value of landscape, and we’d love to talk to you about why hiring a contractor with high standards matters to your business.

Give us a call anytime. As we tell our clients, we’re big, we’re beautiful—and we’re nice. Ring us at 808-335-5887 or email info@nkolansdcaping.com.

Don’t Settle: Qualities to Look For In Your Kauai Commercial Landscape Contractor

An attractive, thoughtfully maintained landscape speaks volumes about a business. Natural, healthy plantings roll out the red carpet for guests. Lush landscapes set the tone for visitors arriving at high-end Kauai resorts, and shoppers are more likely to pull into a retail plaza and spend money there if the atmosphere is appealing.

Who will you trust to care for and maintain
your Kauai commercial landscape?

Landscape management goes far deeper than curb appeal. Hiring a landscape contractor to care for your Kauai commercial property is a big decision—and a significant investment, depending on the size and scope of your property.

Savvy business owners in every industry know to focus on their talents, and seek out professionals who are experts in their fields to manage other critical tasks. That means sourcing a reputable, high-quality commercial landscape company that will execute on your goals. (Yes, you should absolutely get a return on this investment.)

But what should you look for when vetting a commercial landscape company? As you embark on the bidding process, or at the very least interview a few firms for the job, here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you make the decision.

Quality #1: Solid Qualifications

You usually get what you pay for, so forget price shopping if your goal is to hire a quality commercial landscape contractor. Instead, consider the company’s portfolio of clients: What other commercial establishments in your area use this firm, and how do their properties look?

 
Look for certifications and membership in professional associations, such as the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). Involvement in the local chamber of commerce shows a commitment to the community. Find out if the landscape company has received awards for their work. This is an indication that the firm is a high-performer.

Quality #2: Problem Solving

A professional landscape management company will generally conduct a property walkthrough prior to providing a bid to get better acquainted with your landscape and its needs. This is an ideal time to ask questions.

Find out how the company would manage a trouble spot. Ask about solutions for an overgrown area, or sustainable landscape choices that will reduce maintenance costs. You want to hire a company that does more than cut the grass and trim back hedges.

A quality commercial landscape contractor will help solve problems and constantly seek ways to improve your property’s appearance and increase its value.

Quality #3: Dedication

Ask the commercial landscape companies you’re vetting to explain how they’ll communicate with you about your property, including progress updates, potential problems and ideas for landscape enhancements.

Set expectations concerning service frequency, and get on paper a commitment to fulfill your maintenance objectives. Look for a maintenance company that specializes in landscape management. You’ll know they are bringing you best-in-class service because maintenance is their sweet spot.

Quality #4: Safety

It’s rarely the first thing you’ll ask a landscape contractor—but it probably should be: What’s your safety record?

How does the company train its crewmembers to stay safe while executing high-quality service? (What about eye and ear protection?) Commercial landscape companies with a clean safety record usually take extra measures when hiring employees, including drug testing. All this sets a higher standard for quality.

Quality #5: Stellar References

Word of mouth is the best way to source a quality Kauai commercial landscape contractor. Why? Because when we’re happy about the work someone provides us, we want to brag about it. If you’re hearing positive feedback about a landscape company directly from another client, take those referrals to heart. (Think about it: We’re more likely to complain about a company than sing its praises—so if another owner is boasting about their landscape firm, listen up.)

Be sure to call references provided by the landscape company. Ask those contacts specific questions, such as: Tell me about a time when you were not pleased, and how did the company make it right? By asking a couple of on-point questions, you’ll gain a more honest perspective of the company’s performance.

No Ka Oi Means The Best

Looking for a commercial landscape company on Kauai — but don’t know where to start? We’ve got a good idea.

Our priority is educating others about the value of landscape, and we’d love to talk to you about why hiring a quality contractor can boost your own company’s profile.

Give us a call anytime. As we tell our clients, we’re big, we’re beautiful—and we’re nice. We can’t wait to talk to you! Ring us at 808-335-5887 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we'll get in touch with you.

“O Tannenbaum - Hawaiian Christmas Tree Story"

There are many stories about when the “Christmas Tree” and the celebration tradition of the seasonal holiday came to Hawaii. Here's NKOs!

Reading “The Peopling of Hawaii” by Eleanor C. Nordyke” we know plantations brought German immigrants to the islands to support th sugar mills in the late 19th Century. They brought with them their culture and traditions which include celebrating with Yule trees. 

The German people are credited with introduction of the “Christmas Tree” tradition that has been adopted by cultures around the world and eulogized in the seasonal mele “O Tannenbaum (Christmas Tree) O Tannenbaum” … Your branches green delight us!” School children learn about the nature of the “Christmas Tree” through the lyrics “In beauty green will always grow. Through summer sun and winter snow.”

The Black Forest and Alps Region of Europe of are native to all kinds of fir and pine trees and naturally would be a source of decoration for the villages in Deutschland (Germany). Many of the fine holiday tree ornaments sold in department stores like Neiman Marcus are still handmade in Germany. 

According to Gary A. Warner, Travel Writer, “on December 25, 1786 the British ship Queen Charlotte was anchored off present-day Waimea, on the west side Kauai. This was eight years after Capt. James Cook had come into Waimea Bay and "discovered" what he would call the Sandwich Islands, after the Earl of Sandwich, the Lord of the Admiralty.” Warner says the sailors sent trinkets ashore to the native women and children on Kauai and were in return gifted with fruits and pig from native Hawaiians…celebrating the first Kauai Christmas.

In 1846, the popular British royals, Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing with their children around a Christmas tree. Undoubtedly Prince Albert, a Dutchman, brought his Yule traditions to the British Court. This image was circulated around the world. Victoria was very popular with her subjects, and what was done at court immediately became fashionable not only in Britain but in the new America. The Christmas tree had arrived as a holiday tradition.

In 1856, King Kamehameha IV moved the official national day of Thanksgiving to Dec. 25, more than coincidentally coinciding with Christmas. A large Christmas party was held on the Royal Residence grounds in 1858, including what is believed to be the first Christmas tree. A few years earlier we know that the Australia's Norfolk Island fir, the Norfolk pine was introduced to Hawaii.

Kauai has a close connection with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. A view of the famous English monarch, in profile, was fashioned by nature along the distinctive green Ha'upu Mountain Range that graces Kauai’s south side. It is a delight for visitors and locals to find this unique natural sculpture and ponder its very creation! Hawaii’s own royal Prince Albert Edward Kamehameha, the only child of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma Kaleleonalani Naʻea, was the Godson of the Queen and given the royal family name in honor of the dear relationship between Queen Victoria and Queen Emma.

In a 2006 Honolulu Advertiser Duane Choy wrote “ The first Norfolk pine seedlings were brought to Hawai'i from the Sydney Botanic Garden in 1852 in a cargo addressed to the "King of the Sandwich Islands." This large pine grows to 130 feet tall and is native to Norfolk Island, which is near the east coast of Australia. It is known botanically as Araucaria columnaris, and is sometimes called the Cook Island pine. 

Once cut down, Norfolks will stay green, healthy and gorgeous for more than a month making them a perfect choice for a Island “Christmas Tree.” Norfolk pines do not need much water so they are sustainable. Before mainland fir tree importers and as late as the 1970 Norfolks were the only live trees available for Hawaii families for the season. With its near perfect branches it makes a graceful traditional Yule tree. Today in Hawaii a few nurseries specialize in growing the Norfolks for folks who want a live tree and for those who care about keeping foreign invasive species from being unleashed into our island environment, which is a risk with mainland trees.

Come to NKO nursery and see Flora in the garden for a perfect Yule gift of a live plant for someone special on you list!

POINSETTIA – Flor de Nochebuena

It’s the most wonderful time of the year if you’re a lover of the traditional Christmas plant the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)! 

Native to Mexico the Aztecs called the vibrant red plant "Cuetlaxochitl." Modern Mexicans know the plant as Flor de Nochebuena (Christmas Eve Flower) whose blooms herald the beginning of the Season. 

In the early 19th Century Joel R. Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico brought back Poinsettias cuttings to his South Carolina home. A physician by trade Poinsett was an avid armature botanist who cultivated the cuttings in his greenhouse and sent plants to his friends thereby introducing the plant to America. When the commercial market began to take off Poinsett was given the honor of having the plant named after him. Even though Poinsett had an outstanding career as a United States Congressman and as an ambassador he will always be remembered for introducing the poinsettia into the United States.

Poinsettias became popular in the United States and around the world and today is a significant agriculture product. Popular it is! During the holiday season 85% of plants sold are the beautiful Poinsettia with a market of over 60 million plants grown for sale in all 50 states! The U.S. growers market supplies 90% of the worlds Poinsettia plants. That’s amazing…

Most folks know the Poinsettia as a dazzling red plant but today they are cultivated in many colors including a deep purple. Red, White and Pink are the most common colors you will find at your local nursery or garden shop and often they will have variegated color leaves. Poinsettia plants require a specific kind of care for growers to develop the striking colors. Did you know that Poinsettias does not really have a flower rather “modified leaves” similar to the Bougainvillea? 

Selecting Poinsettias
• Choose a plant with dark green foliage down to the soil line.
• The poinsettia should look full, balanced and attractive from all sides.
• The plant should be 2 1/2 times taller than the diameter of the container.
• Check the plant’s soil. If it’s wet and the plant limps this could be an indication of root rot.

Will my Poinsettia last during the holiday season?
How long your Poinsettia will stay beautiful after you bring it home depends on how old the plant is at time of purchase and how you treat the plant. Poinsettias can retain their beauty for weeks and some varieties will stay attractive for months.
• If the Poinsettia comes in a plastic sleeve remove it immediately. 
• Keep your plant in indirect light. Six hours of light daily is ideal. 
• On the mainland keep Poinsettias away from warm or cold drafts from radiators, air registers or open doors and windows.
• Check the soil daily. Be sure to punch holes in foil so water can drain into a saucer. Water when soil is dry. Allow water to drain into the saucer and discard excess water.
• Fertilize the poinsettia if you keep it past the holiday season. Apply a houseplant fertilizer once a month. Do not fertilize when it is in bloom.
• Water only when the soil is dry.
• Placing your poinsettia in a cool room 55 to 60°F at night will extend blooming time.

December 12th is National Poinsettia Day. 
Learn more here: www.poinsettiaday.com/