California Landscaping Essentials

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Landscaping in California is a beast of a different nature. There are many factors to consider, such as water availability during the inevitable droughts or how to make the most of the unique landscape. Once you start researching, it can become overwhelming! That's why we created the following guide to California landscaping essentials. If you need to rent or shop equipment for sale in order to get your landscaping done, check out the options at Bobcat Central. Our dealership is based in Northern California and Reno, Nevada. We also proudly serve those in Stockton and Sacramento, California.

Pick An Aesthetic Approach

Sure, you could simply throw together plants haphazardly and call it a day. But that's not going to result in a nice looking yard. If you want a more polished look, consider designing your landscaping around a central aesthetic.

Common California landscaping themes include:

Tropical - a focus on palms, hardwood decks, bold textures, and dramatic colors.
California Cottage - a focus on flowers, rock pathways, and other quaint details.
California Native - a focus on native plants as a way to celebrate California's natural beauty.
Southwest - a focus on a desert vibe with plants that pair well with Spanish colonial design elements.

Consider Your View

California is home to many stunning vistas full of mountains, bodies of water, hills, woods, cities, and so on. You don't want to accidentally ruin your own view by planting trees or building fences in the wrong spot! Think about any areas of your view that you want to protect and where you will be enjoying the scenery from (An outdoor patio? Your bedroom? Etc.). As you plan out your landscaping approach, think long-term about how those elements can grow and negatively affect your view.

Keep Water Conservation In Mind

In California, the largest use of urban water is watering landscaping. Due to increasing water demand paired with frequent droughts, energy conservation is important. As you decide what vegetation to plant, stay aware of their water needs. If you find a plant you like and it guzzles water, see if there's a swap you can make to a similar looking option.

Beyond the initial planting, you can keep water conservation in mind with your landscaping upkeep practices. For example, avoid using a hose to clear away yard waste. Instead, try using a rake or a broom. This will conserve water, prevent pesticides and fertilizer from entering the waterways, and even give you a bit of exercise.

Buy The Essential California Landscaping Tools

You'll need the right landscaping tools to properly maintain your yard. Here, you are trying to strike a balance. You don't want to purchase every possible landscaping tool and end up wasting money and running out of storage space. You also don't want to pass on tools that you really do need.

We recommend getting the following essential landscaping tools:

Gloves to protect your hands
Pruning shears to keep unruly plants under control
Garden fork for effective digging into dense Californian soil
Rake for clearing away debris
Garden hose for watering your plants
Wheelbarrow for transporting mulch, compost, fertilizer, soil, or unwanted debris

Know When To Rent Landscaping Equipment

You may need landscaping equipment, but that doesn't mean you need to OWN it. In many cases, a short-term rental is the best match for your budget and project.

For example, there may be heavy duty equipment that is helpful for getting your yard set up but isn't necessary for maintenance. It'd be a waste of money and storage space to purchase it. Instead, chat with the folks at Bobcat Central about landscaping equipment rental options.

Don't Forget About Attachments

Finally, look into equipment attachments. These handy add-ons can instantly make your landscaping equipment more versatile and efficient. In some cases, they can serve your purpose well enough that you can avoid buying a separate piece of heavy equipment. It's a budget-friendly and storage space-friendly approach.

We hope you found this guide to California landscaping essentials helpful! If you need assistance getting the right equipment for your landscaping projects, chat with the experts at Bobcat Central. We can walk you through the various rental options, equipment for sale, and attachments for sale. Our friendly staff is happy to help you figure out exactly what suits your needs and budget, so don't hesitate to reach out!