Pot Holes - why they keep coming back

It is that time of year when we start to think of green grass, flowers, trees blooming and wheel alignment. Wheel alignment is as true to spring as the Easter bunny. It is pothole season.  You say...POT HOLES!

We just came out of the snowiest February in history for Colorado and many parts of the country accompanied, with bitter cold temperatures. Now as the temperatures begin to moderate back toward seasonal norms, the appearance of potholes is definitely in full bloom. In fact they grow overnight. I know that sounds like a bit of a story, but it is actually true.

Most roads in this country are built in the same manner, compacted soil topped with road base and then paved with either asphalt or concrete. The formation of a pothole is a product of cracks, water, cold and then warm temperatures. Water will find its way under a paved surface, whether by way of a crack in the surface or by infiltration from the roadside due to differing levels of compaction in the sub-grade and / or the expansion and contraction from the environment. If there is a low spot, water will find it. Once there is an opening and water seeps into the road structure the natural freeze /thaw cycle will begin the process of separating the pavement from the sub-grade and an air pocket is formed. The pocket allows a weakening beneath the paved surface and viola! A pothole is born. The size of the pothole is dictated by the number of motorists that hit that same area. Giving a size description ranging for a dip, depression, cavity, pit to cavity; some large enough to engulf some of the vehicle on the road.

As all of our roadways age, the need for maintenance increases. The older the infrastructure the greater the chance for potholes and it always seems that the pothole situation gets more pronounced every year. I saw that the City of Denver has repaired over 10,700 potholes this year as compared to 6,100 the previous year. The best fix is to dig out the affected area and replace the road base and then replace with hot mix asphalt. This process takes time and when there are hundreds to thousands to be repaired, the most common is to perform a temporary patch and hope it lasts until there is sufficient time to make a permanent repair.

The bottom line is that potholes are a part of our driving environment and the battle to minimize them is an ongoing maintenance problem that is guided by dollars that have been squeezed by ever tighten budgets of every agency and municipality in the United States. I know this is a silly statement, but slow down a little and pay attention to the road, those road crews are out there doing their best and trying to keep you safe an those wheels aligned. 

By Bill Winfield - Terracare Associates

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Mark Slicker - A Passion for Landscaping and Sustainability

Mark Slicker, Business Development Manager for Terracare Associates, Texas, is a lifelong landscaper with a passion for the environment.  He worked on a field maintenance crew at a local landscape company over the summers to raise money for college.  After graduating from University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration he worked in the green industry before joining VMC Landscape Services in 1994.  With the recent acquisition, he heads up the Texas business development team for Terracare Associates.

Mark noticed early on in his career, that creating a sustainable landscape environment not only pays off for clients, but it also contributes to the longevity of the plant health and can save money for his clients.  He was particularly concerned about drought conditions and water use on landscape projects. 

A Commitment to Sustainability and the Environment 

Mark believes that it is not only the environment changes that makes us concerned, but societal pressures as well. As the populations grows, it places a strain on resources, infrastructures and more importantly, the water supply. To stretch our water resource, we need to be smarter on how we install and maintain landscapes.

Most of the states in the Western United States have experience severe drought conditions over the past five years.The extremes in weather and temperature with long hot summers presents landscape maintenance with unique perpetual challenges.The EPA reports about 30% of the residential water use is contributed to the outdoors. So many HOA’s, industrial and commercial properties and city parks have elevated concerns during drought conditions and seeking expert advice to take action.

Sustainability is becoming vital for the commercial landscape industry. For each new building, the landscaping installed is being designed with sustainability in mind. Existing buildings are also moving toward renovating their landscape with a more sustainable and water-wise design.

LEED-AP Certification

After several clients asked for help achieving LEED certifications on their buildings, Mark decided to achieve his LEED certification. In 2009, Mark achieved the LEED-AP designation. LEED certification is a professional credential from the U.S. Green Building Council signifying you are a leader in the field of sustainablity.  To get this certification, Mark underwent learning volumes of material supporting sustainable practices and ending with an extensive test. It also requires yearly continuing education classes to keep certifications active and relavant. The LEED Certification means that Mark can better serve his clients by focusing on ways to improve the "green" initiative through proper landscape design and water conservation.

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3 Reasons You Should Consider Turf Conversion

Silverado CA - Before Conversion

From California to the Southwest, the drought conditions continue. As we suffer through yet another year of harsh climate, property managers will find it a challenge to keep turf grass green and healthy. In addition, higher water costs and frequent water restrictions have us reevaluating landscape maintenance options.

With no end to the drought in sight, we have to think more proactively of ways to landscape with less water. What can you do to:

•    Maintain the beauty of the landscaping on your property?

•    Use less water in your landscape?

•    Keep your plants alive and healthy?

One of the best ways to accomplish these goals is with a turf reduction conversion.

What is Turf Conversion (or reduction)?

Turf reduction or landscape conversion involves replacing selected sections of turf grass with drought resistant, native plants or other landscape materials. Turf reduction conversion doesn't mean covering your property in pea gravel or monkey grass.

With the vast selection of beautiful native plants with low water needs, creative design and use of alternative landscaping materials, you will not miss the turf areas.

Native Plants and Xeriscaping

Based on the climate and layout of your property, you can use a variety of low-growing ground covers such as Asiatic Jasmine and Lamb’s Ear that can take the heat and have low water requirements. Water-wise perennials and ornamental grasses will also add color and texture to the landscape design.

Landscape Alternatives
Crushed granite, mulch and river rocks are a few landscape alternatives to replace irrigated turf grass in areas that are long and narrow or small and odd-shaped.



Silverado CA - After Conversion

Why You Should Consider Turf   Reduction Conversion

1. Uses less landscape water and reduces watering costs

Did you know that landscape watering accounts for nearly 30% of your residential water bill?

Everyone loves the look of a beautifully manicured, lush, green turf area on their property. However Turf reduction can substantially reduce your water needs.  Because of the rising cost of landscape watering, many municipalities offer a rebate for reducing the turf areas on residential and commercial properties. Silverado HOA saved more than $5,000 in water costs first year of installation.

2. Is turf grass the best choice for certain areas?

The best use of turf grass is on areas where people will be sitting or playing. Ask yourself: Is it necessary to have turf grass in parking strips/islands or on south-facing slopes? Why pay to water turf in these hard-to-maintain areas, when that water can be used for the most valuable things in your landscape: trees.

3. Sustainability and being green

Today, being water-wise and sustainable are not just buzzwords. Irrigation modifications, using native plants and xeriscaping design are not only good for business, but reducing your water usage is the right thing to do.  This can help with property values and attractiveness to tenants who value sustainability.

Is turf reduction right for your property?
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