Christopher Rice Inc Blog

If you’re tired of the high-maintenance lawn routine, rewilded landscaping might be just what your yard needs. This growing trend in eco-friendly design ditches traditional manicured lawns in favor of natural, native environments that thrive with less effort and do a world of good for local ecosystems. If you’re thinking about rewilding your yard in Jacksonville, contact the Christopher Rice Inc team. What Is Rewilded Landscaping? Rewilded landscaping is all about letting your yard return to a more natural state. Instead of endless turf grass, it embraces native plants, wildflowers, shrubs, and even small trees that naturally grow in your region. The idea is not to let your yard grow wild, but to design it in a way that supports biodiversity, attracts pollinators, and reduces your ecological footprint. Why Jacksonville Homeowners Are Taking Notice In a warm, humid climate like Jacksonville’s, a typical lawn requires a lot of upkeep: regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Rewilding cuts down on all that. Native plants are already adapted to local conditions, meaning they need less water and are more resistant to pests and diseases. Plus, they can survive Florida’s wet summers and dry spells with minimal fuss. The Benefits Go Beyond Looks Rewilded yards are more than just trendy, they help restore local ecosystems. Native plants attract butterflies, bees, and birds, turning your yard into a haven for wildlife. They also improve soil health and reduce stormwater runoff, which is a big deal in areas like Jacksonville, where heavy rains can quickly flood streets and yards. Is Rewilding Right for You? If you're looking for a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly yard that still looks stunning, rewilded landscaping is worth considering. It may take a little planning up front, but the long-term benefits, such as less upkeep, more wildlife, and a yard that thrives naturally, are well worth it. Landscape Design and Installation in Jacksonville The team at Christopher Rice Inc excels at creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. We utilize tasteful design practices that result in areas that are well thought out and maximize aesthetic appeal and usability. You can count on us for all of your landscaping needs in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. From small garden bed design and construction to complex landscaping installation , we do it all. If you have a vision for your property, give our local landscaping business a call at  904-487-7680  to schedule an onsite consultation and estimate to begin your project. We look forward to giving your property a great new look!

Spring in Jacksonville is the perfect time to breathe new life into your yard. Whether you're dreaming of vibrant flower beds or a lush, green lawn, proper preparation is key to making your landscape pop. Here’s how to get your yard spring-ready without breaking a sweat or your budget. When it’s time to spring clean your yard in Jacksonville, contact the Christopher Rice Inc team. Start With a Clean Slate First things first: clear away the remnants of winter. Rake up fallen leaves, remove dead plants, trim back any overgrown shrubs, and pull weeds that have taken root during the cooler months. This makes your yard look tidier and gives new plants the space and sunlight they need to thrive. Test and Treat Your Soil Northeast Florida soil can be sandy, acidic, or nutrient-poor depending on your location. Before planting anything new, test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. You can find easy-to-use kits at most garden centers. Once you know what you're working with, add the appropriate fertilizers, compost, or soil amendments to give your plants a healthy head start. Lawn Love If your lawn has bare patches or looks a little dull, now’s the time to act. Aerate compacted soil to allow water and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. Reseed patchy areas, and choose a warm-season grass variety that suits Jacksonville’s climate, like St. Augustine or Bermuda grass. Plan Your Planting Spring is ideal for installing new flower beds, planting shrubs, and refreshing your mulch. Choose native or drought-resistant plants that can handle Florida’s hot, humid summers with ease. These plants are less maintenance-intensive and require less watering. Irrigation Check Make sure your sprinkler system or irrigation setup is ready to go. Check for leaks, clean out clogged nozzles, and adjust settings for spring growth. A well-watered yard is a happy yard. Landscape Maintenance in Jacksonville Christopher Rice Inc can help to beautify your garden with gorgeous flower beds and landscape maintenance, including landscaping fabric installation. If your existing garden has outdated or damaged beds, allow us to remove flower beds with simple demolition services that prepare the ground for a new look. We can then work with you to design flower beds that better suit your needs. Upon your approval, we’ll perform flower bed installation and ensure all your favorite plants are in the ground before we finish the job. You’re going to love the way your garden looks when our experts are done with it. Call us at  904-487-7680  for landscape maintenance services in Jacksonville.

Fertilizer is a fantastic tool for boosting plant growth, but if not used correctly, it can cause serious damage—commonly known as fertilizer burn. This condition occurs when the concentrated nutrients in the fertilizer essentially “scorch” your grass and plants, leading to brown, withered patches in your yard. In Jacksonville, where the climate can be harsh and the growing season long, it’s important to know how to prevent this common problem. When you need professional landscaping in Jacksonville, contact the Christopher Rice Inc team. What Is Fertilizer Burn? Fertilizer burn happens when plants receive too much fertilizer or when the fertilizer is applied incorrectly. The salts and chemicals in the product can draw moisture away from plant roots, causing dehydration and damage. This process can accelerate in sunny, hot conditions like Jacksonville, leaving your yard parched and unhealthy. Proper Application Techniques The key to preventing fertilizer burn is to follow the application instructions to the letter. Use the correct amount recommended for your yard size, and avoid applying fertilizer during peak heat hours. Early morning or late evening applications are best, as cooler temperatures help the soil absorb nutrients more slowly, reducing the risk of burn. Water It Down Water is your best friend when it comes to preventing fertilizer burn. After applying fertilizer, be sure to water your yard thoroughly. This helps dissolve the fertilizer, dispersing it evenly into the soil and reducing the risk of concentrated spots that can harm your grass and plants. In Jacksonville, where water restrictions can sometimes be an issue, consider investing in a smart irrigation system that ensures optimal watering without waste. Choose the Right Fertilizer Consider using slow-release or organic fertilizers that provide nutrients gradually over time. These alternatives are less likely to cause burns because they minimize the risk of nutrient overload. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure and promote long-term soil health. Regular Maintenance Keep an eye on your lawn and garden after fertilization. Regularly inspect for signs of burn, such as yellowing or browning leaves, and act quickly if you notice any damage. Adjust your fertilizer schedule and amounts based on the season and your specific soil conditions. Landscape Maintenance in Jacksonville Christopher Rice Inc can help to beautify your garden with gorgeous flower beds and landscape maintenance. If your existing garden has outdated or damaged beds, allow us to remove flower beds with simple demolition services that prepare the ground for a new look. We can then work with you to design flower beds that better suit your needs. Upon your approval, we’ll perform flower bed installation and ensure all your favorite plants are in the ground before we finish the job. You’re going to love the way your garden looks when our experts are done with it. Call us at  904-487-7680  for landscape maintenance services in Jacksonville .