Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Work with the Earth

Our company slogan, "Work with the Earth", can be viewed on all our equipment and employee uniforms.  When I came up with the slogan for my company, I came to the realization that my whole goal for WikWorks,Inc. was to be a company that strives to "work with" all the site conditions of a clients landscape. The first step we take in evaluating a landscape project is establishing the sites strengths and limitations. If the chosen location is one of low light, then plants requiring minimal amounts of sun light will thrive. However, if the area contains both shaded and full sun conditions, then your plant options have increased drastically. Plants always need to be located in an area which meets their light requirements, making it very important to understand your plants. Seeing that we are located in the greater Boston, Massachusetts area, all our project locations receive plenty of moisture due to the fact that we are in a region considered to be somewhat of a "rain forest" with high amounts of moisture each year. Although varying light and moisture conditions can be considered limiting factors to a landscape project, they also can be considered strengths when the appropriate plants are chosen. The next step is to examine all existing plants. Are any of the plants struggling to survive, do they require excessive maintenance? If a plant has outgrown the site or they suffer from insect attacks or disease, it is best to remove entirely.  We then evaluate the existing non plant conditions of the site. Are there problem areas causing drainage issues? Are there steep slopes? Are the existing hardscapes functional? Are there areas for relaxing and for outdoor activities? All of these observations help in the success and satisfaction of each landscape project. This analysis helps us in selecting plants and non plant features that will "Work with" the current conditions of the landscape projects chosen location. Get to know your soil, its texture, soil structure, drainage/water holding capacity, ph levels and fertility. Understand the sites fertilization requirements, temperature ranges, light and shade levels, microclimates and more. Whether it be grading and drainage issues, varying ph levels in the soil, light conditions, moisture conditions, accessibility and so forth, our goal is to "Work with the Earth" and not against it. We approach every job, no matter how different they all may be, with this slogan in mind.  


For help Working with your Earth?
Contact Ryan Wikman, the owner of WikWorks, Inc, also visit our contact page or visit our website

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