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.

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

Summer is here and the longer, warmer days greatly affect the environment of your office. Even though people don’t always look forward to working in a cubicle with noisy coworkers, studies show that the addition of indoor plants, water fixtures, and access to a garden can increase alertness, longer attention spans, and lower blood pressure, leading to reduced employer’s health expenses. A happy and healthy staff will be even more productive and appreciate the brighter environment. Landscape design is crucial to an appealing property and thus requires the right balance of plants. Drought-resistant landscape is low maintenance and limits water usage, which is important due to current water restrictions in California.

Adding areas for outdoor meetings and work breaks will appeal to the health and well-being of your employees and surrounding community. More importantly, customers appreciate curb appeal when it’s clean, healthy, and in prime condition. Repurposing outdoor walkways with high and low vistas creates a better view and image for the company.

To encourage a healthy, active lifestyle, repurposing an outdoor space will give employees a reason to stay on-site after a long day of meetings. Additionally, it increases the social interaction between employees and brings a positive atmosphere back into the office. If you are interested in improving your property for the summer months, CAM Services has the right staff and expertise in design to get the most out of your property. Call us at 800-576-3050 and schedule a meeting today!

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.

After an unusually cold and wet Winter, Spring has finally sprung here in Southern California. And you know what that means — it’s time for Spring Cleaning.

If you own and/or manage multifamily, retail or office property, this task can seem like a daunting undertaking. Fortunately, the Property Pros at CAM Property Services are here to help lighten your load with everything from repairs and enhancements to cleaning and landscaping.

JANITORIAL

Let’s start with the most straightforward way we can help achieve your Spring Cleaning goals. No matter the challenge, our Janitorial Pros will make your property truly sparkle. From general facility cleaning to floor and window care, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another team with as much experience and versatility to make your tenants happy. Our team communicates with you using state-of-the-art technology to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

DAY PORTER SERVICES

This Winter brought a barrage of storms to SoCal, resulting in potential harm to your property. Pooled water on rooftops and parking lots, can lead to bigger problems if left unattended and unreported. Fortunately, our perceptive and highly trained Day Porters can identify and report these issues before they become major headaches to their supervisor. Your mind will be at ease knowing a true professional is acting as your ‘eyes and ears’ keeping your property in tip-top shape.

PARKING LOT SWEEPING

Our Parking Lot Pros not only remove cigarette butts, paper, glass, bags, and all types of debris that create hazards and eyesores, we also know how to assess and extend the life of your asphalt. Compromised asphalt from recent storms will show ‘alligatoring’ and dangerous potholes can damage tires opening your property to liability claims. Water is abrasive and will remove and fade the striping of your parking lot and curblines. The Property Pros can help repair water damage by filling cracks and potholes to restriping the lot to full asphalt removal and replacement.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also bring unwanted debris into your stormwater system. Fortunately, stormwater management is one of the many services our Property Pros excel at. We can help with compliance, design, and construction of your system to treat stormwater and handle anything that washes in.

LANDSCAPING

Speaking of May flowers, what about landscaping? Our Property Pros are experts when it comes to plant and flower selection, cultivation, irrigation design, and repair, resulting in landscaping that really wows. We also specialize in maintaining and selecting the right plants for the right season, so your property is always in bloom. And with all the recent rains expect to see weeds in your landscape, which can be prevented with application of pre-emergent herbicides.

As you can see, when it comes to Spring Cleaning, CAM is the right call to spruce up your property. Just let us fix all of the above!

Click HERE to learn more.

Southern California’s unprecedented precipitation this past winter relieved the region’s years-long drought conditions and helped in creating rain-soaked, snow-covered scenery for millions of Instagram accounts. However, with the onset of spring comes both warmer temperatures and the potential for uncontrolled growth of weeds, grass, and other vegetation to wreak havoc.

While it may not seem like such a big deal now (give it time, it will be), this excess greenery can quickly become a fire hazard waiting to happen. With wildfire season practically year-round in California, property owners must stay diligent when it comes to maintaining safe conditions under state, city, and community regulations. Failure to do so can result in costly fines, potential property damage, and possibly even worse outcomes.

Fortunately, you don’t have to combat overgrown landscaping alone — CAM’s Property Pros are here to help you manage the situation before it becomes unmanageable.

Fire Hazard & Weed Abatement

One of the most common causes of wildfires is an abundance of dead vegetation. Overgrown trees, weeds, bushes, and excess grass and leaves can all become fuel for wildfires should they be left unattended. In this case, property owners can face heavy fines for their neglect.

Fortunately, CAM Property Services has you covered. From tree trimming to dead plant removal, our Landscaping Pros start by giving
you a detailed report on the issues at hand, followed by innovative solutions to get the job done.

Fire Hazard Prevention

CAM also provides expertise in the form of proactive measures such as preventing the accumulation of dead grass and drying soil. Curb appeal is our specialty — we trim, mow, rake, and clean your property to keep it looking attractive and safe.

We also provide discing and fuel modification services, improving your soil’s health to nurture a variety of plants while also ensuring that wildfires don’t have the fuel required to spread.

Aerial Drone Surveillance

Unsure of where to check for fire hazards on your property? Maybe it’s time for a new perspective. CAM provides state-of-the-art drone inspection for a fresh vantage of your property.

CAM conducts full perimeter scans of your property, giving you detailed information on your landscaping and potential hazards present. With this new outlook, you can make better-informed decisions, and we can provide more innovative solutions. And that’s a win-win, from any perspective.

Wildfire season is coming, whether you’re ready or not. Click HERE to find out more about how CAM Property Services can help you prepare.

From drone inspections to pressure washing and landscaping, our Property Pros can get the job done

With temperatures seemingly reaching all-time highs on a daily basis, this summer is proving to be a real scorcher — and the heatwave across Southern California shows no sign of letting up any time soon. With record temps in the forecast and the dog days of summer looming, it’s a critical time for property owners and managers to ensure that their buildings are running as efficiently as possible.

Enter CAM Property Services, well equipped with the tools and highly trained experts to help your building keep its cool, no matter how hot it gets. From drone inspections to pressure washing, landscaping and irrigation, our Property Pros can help:

Aerial drone inspection

Instead of climbing on top of a hot roof or walking a scorching asphalt parking lot, have CAM inspect your property using aerial drone video and photography. Our drone experts are FAA certified — not just glorified hobbyists — and can get you the data you need using GIS mapping. That information is then stored safely in the cloud, so it can be accessed at any point to create a detailed forecast of preventative maintenance and capital expenditures. Trust CAM to be your certified eye in the sky and collect high-value information.

Landscape and irrigation

Our team can handle the most valuable seasonal work on your property, such as sustainable irrigation and landscaping upgrades. To boot, we can help you take advantage of rebate programs for plant material and irrigation components that conserve water, saving you some green while making your property look ‘best on block’.

Pressure washing

Summer is a good time for pressure washing your property. With warmer weather and longer daylight hours, the conditions are ideal for effectively cleaning the exterior of your building. By removing dirt, grime, mold, and mildew that may have accumulated during the winter and spring, pressure washing not only enhances the appearance of your property but also prevents potential damage. It can also prevent paint from showing its age, postponing the need for a repaint down the line.

Parking lot services

Speaking of services that are ideal for summer, parking lot maintenance is a must. With longer days, projects can be performed in fewer moves, reducing the inconvenience for tenants. From applying parking lot seal, re-striping, and performing curb line painting and re-stenciling, there are many ways to refresh your parking lot and give it a new shine.

Take advantage of the summer season and partner with CAM Property Services to ensure your building is running as efficiently as possible. Call us today at (800) 576-3050 or visit www.camservices.com to get started.

When it comes to taking a stance on issues customers care about, companies can no longer afford to stay on the sidelines. According to Envirotech, 65 percent of sales measured globally were generated by companies that conveyed a commitment to social and environmental value.

The takeaway is clear — to stay competitive, you must use your voice.

When considering how your company approaches this challenge, it helps to break it down into three categories: environmental, societal, and governance, otherwise known as ESG.

Environmental issues include reducing your carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment. Societal issues include promoting volunteerism to increase employee well-being. Finally, governance involves demonstrating an adherence to following government guidelines.

Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle ESG alone, CAM Property Services is here to help you practice what you preach.

ENVIRONMENTAL

The environmental aspect of ESG most typically involves the implementation of green energy to reduce your carbon footprint. That can mean moving to solar energy or driving electric vehicles. Another way companies are being environmentally mindful is by implementing more water-wise strategies and consumption practices.

CAM Property Services can be of assistance in this undertaking. Our experts can ensure that your business’ solar panels are well maintained and that the energy being collected is being put to good use. We can also assist in the installation of EV charging stations and secure rebates to reduce the cost. CAM can help ensure that water isn’t being wasted from leaks while transitioning your business to more water-friendly landscaping to reduce overall use.

From solar to water, CAM is your go-to expert in being a more environmentally mindful business.

SOCIAL

The social aspect of ESG is commonly associated with maintaining the emotional well-being of your employees. People take note of companies that treat their employees well and studies show that mental well-being can lead to an increase in productivity. It may seem like a daunting task, but there are several ways one can improve the mental wellness of their employees.

One major way is to improve and maintain the workspace. CAM Property Services’ consultants are specially trained to evaluate the workplace, ensuring everything is optimally designed, safe and up to code. By keeping the workplace in order, employees feel safe and are often more productive.

GOVERNMENT

The final aspect of ESG concerns following government ordinances. In California, there are plenty of restrictions and regulations that can cost you a pretty penny if left ignored. Fortunately, CAM’s experts can help you navigate this minefield. From following the Clean Water Act to making sure your building is ADA compliant, CAM is the team you can trust.

Whether your company needs assistance with the environmental, societal, or governmental aspects of ESG, CAM Property Services is your go-to helping hand. Learn more by clicking HERE.

The drought has hit the state of California hard. In March, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the first three months of 2022 were the driest ever recorded in the state’s history. On top of this, in 2021, all 58 California counties were under a drought emergency proclamation.

It’s clear that we all need to do our part to help reduce water usage and get California back on track. As individuals, the state of California recommends water usage tips such as turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth and taking five-minute showers, but what can companies do to conserve water usage and avoid overuse fees?

CAM Property Services, your commercial property management expert, recommends the following best practices:

1. Install Smart Irrigation Systems
A large amount of our water is used outdoors for landscaping, but according to the state of California, much of it can be lost through evaporation, wind, and runoff. More efficient irrigation systems can prevent this, resulting in reduced water usage and preventing overuse fees. Our CAM Property Services experts can help not only pinpoint water loss but also install smart irrigation systems to prevent it.

2. Install Drought Tolerant Landscaping
Another way to reduce the amount of water used outside is to install drought-tolerant landscaping. According to Save Our Water, the use of drought-resistant plants and trees can save you 30-60 gallons per 1000 sq. ft. each time you water them. CAM can help in this process by removing your current landscaping and installing more water-conservative fauna that is indigent to the area.

3. Set Your Mower Blades to 3 Inches
If you’ve grown attached to your lawn, don’t fret! Another easy-to-implement tip to save water is to set your mower blade to three inches. According to the state of California, such a simple trick can allow your grass to grow deeper roots, saving up to 50 gallons of water per day. Our experts at CAM Property Services can easily implement this tip, saving you water without sacrificing the landscaping you’ve grown to love.

4. Fix Leaks On Your Property
This may come as no surprise, but fixing any leaks both outside and inside your building is one of the most effective ways to save water. According to the state of California, a leaky faucet that lets out one drip-per-second can lose you over 3,200 gallons of water per year! Luckily for you, the experts at CAM Property Services are trained not only in fixing leaks inside and outside the building but in identifying them as well. You’ll have peace of mind in knowing that we identify and eliminate all leaks, reduce the amount of water your building uses, and help avoid costly fees.

There are many ways to reduce water usage for your building. Let CAM Property Services help get the job done.

Call (800) 576-3050 to find out the many ways we can help you be water-wise and do your part during the drought.

From roof inspection to stormwater management, CAM has you covered

As the winter season approaches, Southern Californians may not experience the frigid temperatures and snowfall that residents in other parts of the country do. However, it’s essential for commercial property owners to recognize that even in milder climates, winter weather can bring its own set of challenges.

At CAM Property Services, we’re uniquely attuned to those needs, and available to assist property managers, building owners and municipalities prepare for the colder, wetter months ahead. By taking a proactive approach to winterizing your property, you can ensure its longevity and the satisfaction of its tenants.

Roof Inspection

Southern California may not see snowfall this winter, but rain and occasional storms still pose a threat — especially during an El Niño winter. That’s why you should initiate the winterization process now with a thorough inspection of your property’s roof, utilizing CAM’s Drone Inspection Service.

Our eye-in-the-sky technology can reveal signs of damage, loose shingles, water leaks and other issues. A thorough and professional roof inspection by our Property Pros can identify potential vulnerabilities and prevent more extensive damage from occurring during winter precipitation.

Stormwater Management

Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water damage to your property, especially during the winter months. CAM’s Property Pros will clean out gutters and downspouts, removing any debris that may have accumulated over the year. This can help ensure that stormwater is directed away from your building, preventing potential flooding or damage to the foundation.

The proper treatment of stormwater runoff is important on several levels. CAM can help commercial property owners with compliance, design, and construction to overcome potential penalties and permitting issues. We also perform stormwater inspections and certification for municipalities by conducting regular inspections of their equipment.

Exterior Inspection

CAM’s Property Pros will thoroughly inspect your building’s exterior for any cracks, gaps, holes, or other structural vulnerabilities. Once identified, we’ll repair any openings in the walls, windows, or doors to prevent drafts and heat loss during those chilly winter nights.

Proper insulation not only keeps your commercial property comfortable but also contributes to energy efficiency, reducing utility costs.

Irrigation Systems

Southern California typically experiences cooler temperatures and increased rainfall during the winter months. Commercial property owners can take advantage of these seasonal conditions by having CAM adjust their building’s irrigation systems.

Our Property Pros can reduce watering frequency and adjust the schedule to align with the seasonal weather patterns and daylight savings time This not only conserves water but also prevents overwatering, which can lead to issues like mold and mildew.

CAM has the knowledge, experience, and expertise to beautify your landscaping while reducing water use and costs. We do this by conducting extensive water audits, installing weather-tolerant landscaping and smart irrigation systems throughout your commercial property.

Outdoor Furniture and Landscaping

Our Property Pros can help protect outdoor furniture and landscaping elements from potential winter damage. From moving sensitive plants or covering them during colder nights to storing outdoor furniture in a dry, sheltered location to prevent weather-related wear and tear, CAM has you covered.

By taking these steps, commercial property owners can preserve the aesthetics of their property and extend the life of outdoor assets.

Pressure Washing

The aftermath of winter storms can wreak havoc on your property, not only causing damage but robbing it of its aesthetic appeal with accumulated dirt, grime, and damage. Fortunately, CAM has a variety of tools and techniques to keep your commercial property looking its best. We understand that every hard surface is different and requires special cleaning methods — and we have them all.

CAM employs cleansers, detergents, disinfectants, virucides, germicides, environmental green solutions, and high-temperature agents to clean and sanitize. Our Property Pros get the job done by utilizing pressure washing and steam cleaning to make your commercial building sparkle again like new, delaying the need for re-painting for up to another year.

CAM Has You Covered

Winterizing your Southern California property may not involve heavy snow removal or extreme cold-weather preparations, but it’s still essential to address specific challenges associated with the season. By taking a proactive approach to maintenance and preparation, you can ensure the resilience and longevity of your commercial property.

At CAM Property Services, we are committed to helping commercial property owners navigate the unique needs of Southern California. Implementing these winterization strategies will not only protect your investment but also contribute to the overall comfort and satisfaction of your tenants and visitors.

By properly preparing your commercial property for the winter season, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to safeguard your investment.