Monarch's Picks for Trees 20'-70'

Magnolia Grandiflora. 'St. Mary' - Southern Magnolia

This is the first clone of Magnolia grandiflora selected and named within the U.S.

Description- Bushy compact form, growing to an eventual height of 20'. This Magnolia is faster growing than the the 'Little Gem' and has the traditional white flowers that help identify Magnolias.

Platanus X Acerifolia 'Columbia'- London Plane Tree

This tree has character. Exfoliating bark in shades of greys and greens. These large tough shade trees were hybridized and selected for their resistance to the fungal disease Sycamore anthracnose. This tree does well in demanding sites. This tree will reach maturity around 50 tall in 25 years. Great replacement for California Sycamore which prefers plenty of water.

Lagerstromia Indica- Crape Myrtle

Originally from Asia, this tree has been naturalized through the U.S. First introduced in the eighteenth century, this tree is not cultivated throughout the world. This tree has become popular in Southern Ca. due to the beautiful blooms and manageable height (approx. 25'). Crapes can grow larger based on conditions and maintenance practices.

Quercas Ilex- Holly Oak

The tree can also be referred to as the holm oak or evergreen oak. Native to Mediterranean Europe and Africa. This tree can live for well over 100 years and grow up to 65 feet tall. This oak grows almost 24" a year. 

Rhus Lancea- African Sumac

Originally from Africa this small to medium sized evergreen tree will grow up to 24' tall and equally wide. Dark gray or brown leaves with course bark give this tree a beautiful look. This tree requires very little water once established. The Sumac is a good alternative to the Brazilian Pepper.

Sustainable, Efficient and Beautiful

Life Cycle

Plants are living breathing organisms. All living organisms go through life stages. Plants germinate, grow, develop and decline. During this process they establish, flourish and eventually decline. So why are we so surprised when plants die? As stewards of our environment, it's important that we replace the plants with material that is sustainable, efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

 

Sustainability in a broad sense, is the capacity of maintaining a certain process or state.  An example of a sustainable plant would be an appropriate material that is allowed to grow to maturity with minimum maintenance. 

Efficiency is much the same-  an efficient planting will allow for minimal maintenance, water and fertilizer. Efficient landscapes allow for reallocation of resources. 

Aesthetics -There is no perfect palette for every situation. So here is a list of question to ask when considering removing material:

1. In what way will the property be effected by removing this material? Will this removal add or subtract value?

2. What grade would you give the quality of the material? A, B or C ?

3. What life cycle stage is this material in. Improving or Declining. If declining, what is your plan for replacement. Give a grade for the declining material and create a list of plants that fall in to "A" material. 

Establishment-

Now you have made great decisions on removals and replacements. What's next? Make sure the contractor is attending to the new material. New plantings require TLC up front. 

Rain

In Southern California if we have to turn our windshield wipers on we get upset. However, the current rain storm is much needed to replenish our short water supply. Here are a few tasks your contractor can and should complete during inclement weather.

1. Turn off the irrigation
2. Pick up broken branches and debris
3. Drive property 
4. Inform property manager of potential safety issues caused by weather
5. Clear drains 

WATER, WATER, WATER

Water is the source that supports life on this Planet. Water is even the center of the new James Bond movie. Monarch was recently certified by Weathermatic for there wireless ET based controllers. Another fantastic option for water saving s and rebates is the MP ROTATOR. Hunter manufactures this piece but there are others like it that offer similar benefits. Have Monarch do an assessment of your irrigation system and see how you can better steward your water usage.

Mass Shrub Planting on Slopes

Xylosma congestum is an extremely fast growing shrub. In the right location, it works quite well.  However, Xylosma demands a lot of man power when formally trimmed. Think with the End in Mind when it comes to choosing plants.

Reducing Landscape Cost

Reducing cost in the landscape takes out of the box thinking. However, it doesn't always required deferred maintenance that can dramatically increased cost down the road.  Think sustainable. 

WET WEATHER TIPS

This picture shows an unusually HIGH soil level. Over the years poor plant coverage and soil runoff can lead to major issues for the community.  Fall, Winter and Spring are a great time to create a master plan for replanting.

A few tips as we head into wet weather.

1. Verify v-ditches and drain have been cleared
2. Don't be fooled by hot weather. The soil is much cooler and the days are shorter - so reduce your watering. 
3. Ask your contractor for a report of the watering schedule for each irrigation timer. 
4. Know which water meters are yours. This will help with early detection of leaks.
5. Catch up on the to-do list for the community. Set up a punch list for the contractor to accomplish by spring.
6. Call Monarch

Fall is here

With the cooler months we typically see a pick up in tree trimming. Due to shorter days, soil cooling and many other reasons the tree is slower to "bleed" after a cut. Trees like Eucalyptus and Pines need to be trimmed in the winter for this very reason. However, many coastal communities allow for trimming all year round.  Monarch provides tree management services that will work in concert with your Arborist.  Trees add tremendous value to your property. Let's make sure we use Certified Arborist who understand the guidelines set forth by the ISA.

knowledge is POWER

The IA (Irrigation Association) held they annual trade show. Monarch was there to meet and greet vendors with new ideas and industry leaders. The industry is ever evolving for the better. Irrigation is one area that has changed tremendously over the past decade. I met with Metropolitan Water District to idea share about the rebate programs to better serve our clients. Fertigation is another item that has been around in the golf industry for years and is now making huge gains in the commercial market. The picture of the tank shows a fertigation system. Fertigation feeds through the irrigation system and eliminates granular use.  This process is good for urban runoff and plant health. Monarch Recommends

Be the Voice

The above picture shows a valve that is being repaired. It's critical in water management that leaks are detected early and repairs made. 

Water is one of our most precious natural resources.  70% of the earth's surface is covered by water, 3% of that 70% is fresh water from streams, lakes and rivers. Only 1% of that 3% is drinkable. Most contractors main goal is to make the client happy. If the client (property manager, board member, campus director, owner) makes it evident that one way to make them happy is through  great water management - guess what- we will all benefit from better stewardship.   Let's protect our 1% by Being The Voice

Inspections

Nothing like hiking slopes in 95 degree weather with the Santa Ana winds blowing.  Today I was onsite in Mission Viejo to grade completed work and review invoices

Monarch

This past week I had the privilege of speaking at both of the Southern and Northern Ca. CACM conferences. The topic was based on Hoa's dealing with delinquencies which in turn effect community budgets as a whole. Over 770,000 homes are included in Hoa's in O.C. alone. Water, labor, and materials are on the rise. How do we maintain or drive down cost in our current Economic environment? I believe this is an opportunity for the landscape industry to make some appropriate adjustments that will benefit everyone. In the fall and winter issues of Vision Magazine I wrote articles that promote some creative ideas on a few of these items.