As this past winter fades into memory, Southern California is emerging from a season of abundant, record-breaking rain. In fact, according to the National Weather Bureau, Los Angeles has received more rain this year than Seattle.

The result? A lush spring season characterized by verdant landscapes and vibrant wildflowers. While the beauty of this transformation is undeniable, property owners must remain vigilant as the hot summer months loom ahead.

In a region known for its propensity for wildfires, proactive measures are essential to safeguarding your property and community. Here are five crucial tips to help protect your property from the threat of Southern California wildfires:

Create defensible space:

Creating defensible space around your property is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the risk of wildfire damage. Clear vegetation, dry leaves, and debris from around structures, creating a buffer zone of at least 30 feet. Trim trees and shrubs to prevent them from overhanging roofs or touching exterior walls.

Maintain your property’s exterior:

Regular maintenance of your property’s exterior can significantly reduce the risk of fire damage. Keep gutters free of debris and install gutter guards to prevent the accumulation of dry leaves. Repair or replace damaged roofing materials and ensure that vents are equipped with ember-resistant screens.

Create an emergency evacuation plan:

Prepare an evacuation plan for your property and communicate it to residents, tenants, and employees. Identify multiple evacuation routes and designate a meeting point outside the affected area. Keep important documents, medications, and emergency supplies in a readily accessible location.

Stay informed and be prepared:

Stay informed about weather conditions and wildfire activity in your area by signing up for emergency alerts and monitoring local news and weather channels. Keep a well-stocked emergency kit on hand with essentials such as water, food, and first aid supplies.

As Southern California transitions from a wet winter to a hot, dry summer, the risk of wildfires should be front of mind for property owners. By implementing these proactive measures, you can help protect your property and community from the devastating effects of wildfires. Remember, preparedness is critical to minimizing risk and protecting your assets.

Have you considered the steps involved in switching landscape vendors? Oftentimes, a switch is made to achieve budget savings or service quality. Whatever your goal is for making a switch, keep these best practices in mind to ensure a seamless transition that meets both parties’ expectations.

• One-time cleanup to ensure a fast transition
• Weeding
  • Control overgrown plants and create favorable growing conditions
  • Remove dead brush and plant material
• Mulch installation
  • Improve appearance instantly and inhibit weed growth
• Trimming
  • Cut back shrubs, trees, and hedges
• Irrigation audit
  • Optimize water schedule
  • Ensure all valves, lines and timers function properly
  • Repair broken sprinklers

Early spring is the perfect time for building managers to act on landscaping and tree trimming plans for the year ahead. Working with a landscape services company now can give your greenery the deep-rooted foundation for a successful growing season.

The goal is to maximize plant health early in the season to establish long-term success. Here are the types of maintenance landscapers should be doing for your property according to experienced professionals.

Be sure to continue watering your plants appropriately. Even if you’ve neglected other landscape maintenance throughout the winter, watering should remain consistent to maintain plant health and to prevent the onset of disease.

Tree trimming is a top priority in early spring, well before the crown reaches full bloom. The foliage is at its thinnest, making broken and damaged branches most visible. These branches should be removed to improve the overall strength and health of the tree.

Schedule heavy pruning and cutbacks on plants and trees during the dormant season, November thru March, that typically impact public walkways, gutters, and building eaves later in the year. Consider the overall attractiveness of the landscape now and throughout the summer. Move or replace plants which have outgrown their space.

Trim plants early to prevent massive overgrowth, especially shrubbery. Be sure to prune shrubs and trees before buds break for blooming or the pruning will stress the tree. This is especially important for fruit trees and summer-blooming varieties.

Professional inspection and care of trees and shrubs is an important and highly visible aspect of good building management.

Get an early jump on weeding. Remember that the fertile growing season is equally effective for all plants, good and bad. Heavy weeding in the early spring can minimize future problems and provide more resources for managed plants. Be sure to discard weeds rather than mulching, as you don’t want their seeds to be distributed.

Now is the time to utilize a pre-emergent weed killer, before crabgrass and other weeds take control. Reducing competition from weeds is a great way to ensure plant survival.

Fertilizer can be another key ingredient for growing success. If you fertilize, landscaping pros should test the soil every few years to make sure it has the proper pH balance and the right nutrients for your plant needs. Sometimes additional fertilization is unnecessary and should be decided by the soil condition. Trees and shrubs also enjoy fertilizers but be sure to use a slow-release product.

Mulching provides both decorative and functional protection for landscapes. Besides adding an attractive top layer, mulch helps soil retain moisture, buffers against weed growth, and provides organic enrichment to the soil. A mulch layer about 3 inches thick is ideal.

This is also the ideal time to address those bare spots in the lawn. The professionals know to mix soil with grass seed, cover generously, and water liberally until the bare patch starts to fill. Sod may be more appropriate for larger problem areas.

Begin an overall assessment of the property’s landscaping. Decide which plants stay and which go. Struggling areas should be reinvigorated or replaced. Early spring is definitely the time to make these decisions, enabling any new vegetation to solidify its position prior to the peak growing season. Planning and budgeting will make all of the difference in successfully achieving your landscaping goals.

You may consider the convenience of a company that offers comprehensive building and landscape maintenance as an all-in-one service. With an expertise in landscaping, these professionals can also identify and address issues related to hardscape and building maintenance.

CAM Property Services is one such company, providing property maintenance services for over 1,300 commercial, office, multifamily, retail, warehouse, and institutional properties across California. With a reputation for knowledgeable and personal care, this team has been helping facility directors and property managers maintain safe and beautiful environments for clients big and small.

Call 800-576-3050 now if you would like to learn more about incorporating California’s best professional landscaping services for your commercial property.

’Tis the season, and that not only means heavier traffic at your property but winter weather, as well. Although Southern California property owners are spared from the harsh winter conditions experienced in other regions, all it takes is one heavy rainstorm to put your building or parking lot out of commission.

So, is your property ready to weather the storm this winter?

It pays to be proactive, literally. By taking these necessary precautions before winter storms hit, property owners can save money by avoiding costly repairs after the fact. CAM Property Services is here to help you take action — before it’s too late.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Heavy rain causes strain on your stormwater management system. If not fully functional, the Clean Water Act can impose fines as high as $5,000 per day. California standards can be even stricter, including regulations tied to business license renewal.

SITE MANAGEMENT

Stormy weather can also cause wear and tear on your building, which can lead to costly repairs. Be one step ahead of potential damage by hiring an experienced Area Manager from CAM Property Services. Our Area Managers can identify problems before they become catastrophes and can establish a presence that puts customers and tenants at ease.

LANDSCAPING

Winter can wreak havoc on your landscaping. From fallen leaves to muddy puddles, the first impression of your property can be significantly diminished. Take back control with the help of our landscaping pros at CAM. Utilizing the best irrigation techniques and seasonal floral, your landscape will never be out of season with our help.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to look out for when preparing for winter weather. Fortunately, the solution is only a phone call away with CAM Property Services. Start the conversation today.

Maintaining a luscious, green lawn cannot be accomplished with watering and mowing alone. Healthy turf depends on many factors including nutrients, which are essential elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) that are absorbed by the roots of the grass from the soil.  When the soil does not provide adequate nutrients for your lawn to be in healthy shape, fertilizer is necessary to fill the void and help maintain that potent green color of the grass.

When is a good time to fertilize your lawn? It usually depends on the color of your grass. A proper fertilized lawn will be a homogenous, dark green all over. When applying fertilizer on a lawn, it is always better to start with a dry lawn. Apply the fertilizer using either a drop spreader or a broadcast and use the recommended amount over the lawn. Following directions when fertilizing your lawn is extremely important because over-fertilizing can burn your grass. After completing the fertilizing process, it is necessary to water your lawn because material needs to wash off the grass and into the soil for the fertilizer to start working. Depending on the size of your lawn, fertilization should be used four times a year on average.

CAM Services has nearly 30 years of experience in landscape services on properties throughout Southern and Central California; contact CAM Services at 800-576-3050 for a landscape inspection by our proven staff.

As California’s drought rages on, water is becoming more and more of a commodity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of water is rising faster than the rate of U.S. inflation and any other utility service. Here in the Golden State, water usage is being significantly cut back with the implementation of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Phase 3 Water Restrictions. This initiative aims to curtail water usage by 20 to 30 percent, with violators potentially being charged up to $2,400 in fines.

For business owners, such developments are of particular concern. And there’s no time to waste getting your property’s water usage in compliance with the latest regulations.

It may come as a surprise to some, but the majority of a property’s water usage is outside the building. According to a recent study by the University of Utah, a staggering 70 percent of all water used within the City of Los Angeles was used to irrigate lawns.

That’s a lot of water to use on just landscaping. If you’re looking to cut back on water usage (and really, shouldn’t we all?), perhaps the lawn is the first place to start. But you don’t have to do it alone. Fortunately, CAM Property Services can help curtail your water usage in several simple and effective ways.

CAM can help you get on track, cutting down this overuse, in a variety of ways. First, our property pros can install a drip irrigation system, making sure that only the exact amount of water needed is used. Second, we can schedule the optimal times to water your landscaping, ensuring you get the most out of the precious water being used. Finally, we can help maintain your irrigation system, making sure leaks are handled properly and in a timely fashion so water is never wasted.

Drought Tolerant Planting

CAM can also help you save water (and money) by installing drought-tolerant plants. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, switching to drought-tolerant plants can cut water usage and cost down by about 80 percent. We can completely replace your current landscaping with drought tolerant plants, which are not only excellent at retaining water, but also maximizing the amount used.

Recently, one of our clients wanted to replace their grass lawn with Xeriscape. The total landscaping area was 6,983 square feet so the project would have cost $21,982. However, CAM was able to secure a whopping $20,517 in rebates, so the client only paid $1,465 for the entire makeover!

As you can see there are many ways to save on your water bill, but there’s only one company that can help guide you through your options and decide which plan is best for you: CAM Property Services.

Call 1-800-576-3050 to see how we can help you reduce your next water bill. And the one after that, and the one after that…

As the world continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, many commercial building owners and shopping center managers are feeling optimistic for a return to pre-pandemic conditions. And with that expectation comes an emerging trend in which tenants are seeking out new locations that offer superior leases and amenities.

We call it, “The Great Relocation.”

After successfully weathering a global pandemic, now is not the time to get left behind. Restoring your property to its pre-COVID shine should be of utmost importance in order to retain your current tenants and gain new ones.

Luckily for you, CAM Property Services is here to help. Our property experts perform an array of critical services that can help bring your building back to life without breaking the bank. From making a strong first impression with superior outdoor maintenance to keeping your interiors looking as good as new, CAM has you covered.

EXTERIOR SERVICES

People make first impressions, and so do places. This is why properly maintaining the exterior of your building is so critical. Visitors form an impression long before they step inside. Is it clean? Is there paint chipping away? Is the landscaping up to date? Is the parking lot well lit? Are there potholes?

All these elements should be considered before introducing a potential new tenant to your property.

Cigarette butts, glass, trash bags, and other debris aren’t just eye sores — they’re hazards that can cost you a tenant in the long run. CAM can help prevent this from becoming an issue with our parking lot sweeping services. We don’t just make your parking lot feel safer, we’ll make it more appealing. Additionally, CAM can haul illegal dumping from your property.

Other headaches like damaged facia from sign removal, old signage, vandalism, and neglected landscaping can further damage your property’s image and value. CAM’s experienced team can handle these problems and others. From using nutrient-rich mulch in landscaping to repairing damaged areas surrounding the building, we’ll have your property looking its best in no time.

INTERIOR SERVICES

Once potential tenants are inside, the real sales pitch begins. Having a clean space to showcase can make or break a deal. CAM can help smooth the transition from one tenant to the next through our vacancy prep services. These services include cleaning the interior and exterior of your vacancy, shelling out the space, and smoking out the windows to effectively showcase your property.

After a new tenant has signed on, keeping them happy is paramount. An attentive area manager can do just that. CAM’s experts have a keen eye for floor care, maintenance, and handyman services. Both tenants and customers will feel at ease knowing that your property is well maintained and monitored.

Getting your property back to pre-pandemic levels can feel like a major challenge. With help from CAM, you can make your property appeal to new tenants while retaining your current ones. From maintaining your parking lot to keeping your interiors looking as good as new, CAM is your property management partner.

Call us today to get started at (800) 576-3050.

Your property is being judged before people even step foot on it. If your grounds aren’t enticing or aesthetically pleasing, the first impression to tenants and visitors is already sullied. An ideal way to keep your business park landscaping curb appeal pristine is with pre-emergent spraying.

As a property professional, there’s nothing worse than putting time, energy, and resources into your commercial landscaping — only for it to be slowly taken over by pesky weeds. Luckily for you, CAM Property Services offers pre-emergent spraying to keep those uninvited guests at bay. Prevention is key, and we’re here to help.

Here’s how it works:

When utilizing the pre-emergent spraying process, herbicide is sprayed (before weeds are visible) to create an invisible barrier below the soil. As weeds begin to grow and hit that barrier, they are killed upon contact, and never break through the soil.

When it comes to weed control, the pre-emergent process is the most effective preventative measure. It’s safe to use around essential plants, and once applied, kills weeds permanently. This is not to say that dormant weeds can’t make a return down the road, or that animals or uncleaned mower head decks won’t transport seeds. It’s not a miracle worker. Some things just cannot be controlled.

Keep in mind that pre-emergent is only effective if employed before your property has a weed infestation. Once germination begins, it’s very difficult to stop. Proactive spraying prevents the germination process from even initiating. This is why we recommend an herbicide treatment before or during Spring. When done then, you can look forward to a weed-free summer.

CAM Property Services is here to help keep your maintenance and landscaping to the highest standard. We currently provide the highest quality services for over 1,300 properties across California, and that number is constantly on the rise. Commercial landscape pre-emergent weed control is just one of the many services we offer. Our reputation for knowledgeable and personable care is unmatched, and we’re always taking on new clients, big and small.

Call (800) 576-3050 to find out how you can onboard California’s ultimate landscaping services for your commercial property.

Summer is coming to an end, and with it all the vacations, barbecues and outdoor adventures that make the season so memorable. However, wise property owners and managers know this is the time to look ahead and begin preparations for the inevitable transition to fall.

At CAM Property Services, we understand the importance of early planning and prudent budgeting to ensure a seamless shift from the warmth of summer to the crisp embrace of autumn. Here are three key areas CAM recommends you put on your fall checklist now:

LANDSCAPING

When the vibrant hues of summer fade into the coziness of fall, you might assume that the responsibilities of landscaping wane with the temperature. However, fall is a critical season for nurturing and maintaining your outdoor property. And the care you invest during these months sets the stage for a lush and vibrant landscape come spring.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, fall landscaping plays a pivotal role in preserving the health of your plants, trees, and shrubs, ensuring they endure the harsh winter months and emerge revitalized when warmer days return. Enter the Landscaping Pros at CAM Property Services, who are equipped to handle all your greenery needs from winterizing your lawn to properly trimming your trees during the dormant months of fall/winter. No matter what your outdoor areas need, CAM can get the job done.

ROOF INSPECTION

The coming of fall brings many things, including cooler temperatures, the changing of leaves, and some rain. That’s why having your property’s roof inspected before fall showers can save costly damage to your building. This preventative measure safeguards against potential hazards and ensures a seamless transition into the wetter months.

A comprehensive roof inspection from CAM identifies and addresses any existing or potential issues, such as loose shingles, deteriorated flashing, compromised seals, or clogged downspouts — before they escalate into more extensive and costly problems. The Property Pros at CAM can perform a comprehensive analysis of your roof using aerial drone technology or setting foot on top of your roof to identify current and future problems, and prepare you for the Fall and Winter days to come. So, enhance the structural integrity of your property and extend the lifespan of your roof today with CAM.

PARKING LOT SERVICES

On the topic of rain, it can not only affect your building but your parking lot as well. As we saw this past winter, excessive rainfall can erode your asphalt and create potholes, and gusty fall winds can fill your property with unsightly trash and debris.

Enter CAM’s Parking Lot Pros, who not only slurry seal asphalt, they repair potholes and restripe and restencil faded parking lot lines to give your property a clean and impressive first impression. Our lot sweeping and pressure washing teams maintain your site in first class condition at all times.

By taking proactive steps now to allocate resources, you can fortify your property and ensure that when fall arrives, you’re fully equipped to face whatever the season brings without any unforeseen financial hiccups. Call CAM Property Services today at (800) 576-3050 or visit https://www.camservices.com/ to receive a quote and budget for the future.

Transform your property with CAM’s hauling and junk removal services

In the ever-evolving landscape of property management, maintaining a clean and welcoming environment isn’t an option — it’s a necessity. The presence of graffiti, homeless encampments, dirty dumpster bins, and unsightly trash can tarnish the perception of your property and lead to an array of problems.

Fortunately, this is where CAM’s hauling and junk removal services can help. Our team of skilled Property Pros provide much-needed assistance to building owners and managers throughout Southern California by swiftly, effectively and affordably disposing of any unwanted items and debris.

Conscientious property owners know that taking a proactive approach to addressing these issues is not only essential for aesthetic reasons, but also for the safety and well-being of their tenants, renters and neighbors. Here’s how CAM can help mitigate these challenges:

Regular Maintenance

Preventing issues before they escalate is always the best approach. Regular visits from our Property Pros can help deter common problems such as:

• Trash overflow: Once such areas become a problem, they tend to attract more trash and debris, turning into convenient, unpatrolled dumping grounds.
• Bulk item disposal: The drop-off of costly bulk items like furniture, appliances, and construction debris can be a headache for property managers. CAM can efficiently remove these items, keeping your property looking pristine.
• Waste reallocation: CAM can reallocate trash and large debris to your empty dumpster bins right before a scheduled trash hauler visits your property. This proactive approach can save you from hefty fines and high hauling costs.

Trash Bin and Dumpster Enclosure Maintenance

Maintaining the cleanliness of your trash bins and dumpster enclosures is essential for ensuring a pleasant environment and a positive first impression for your property. CAM offers comprehensive maintenance services, including:

• Bin cleaning: We thoroughly clean both the inside and outside of trash bins, ensuring they remain fresh and odor free.
• Enclosure cleaning: Our Property Pros steam clean to remove grease and grime build-up from dumpster enclosure walls, floors, and doors. This not only improves the aesthetics but also ensures a hygienic environment.
• Lock maintenance: Properly functioning dumpster doors and locks are crucial for security. Regular maintenance checks help prevent homeless individuals from overtaking these spaces.