June 2008 Newsletter
AllScape has many certifications and licenses,
and we wanted to give you more detail on what that means to you. For example, AllScape is a
certified Irrigation Contractor.
Irrigation Contractors will do layout, staking, excavation, boring, trenching, grading,
back-filling, and full service design. They will install all piping and water delivery
components. They will install the irrigation controls, including mechanical, hydraulic,
and electrical systems. Contractors will troubleshoot and repair all of these components and systems.
Irrigation Contractors read site, contour, and grading plans, as well as the various "shop drawings"
used in installation. They should have knowledge of the various soil conditions which affect the
installation and operation of the irrigation system. They should be able to effectively choose
and schedule the required installation equipment.
Irrigation Contractors work with all types and classifications of pipe. They should be able to
perform the necessary cutting and joining of these different materials, understand the limitations
of each piping system, and have knowledge of the required fittings and components of the water
delivery system, including backflow prevention components. They should understand basic hydraulics
as applied to pumps, irrigation piping, sprinkler heads, water hammer, and backflow prevention principles.
Irrigation Contractors should have knowledge of the various types of control devices used in irrigation
systems, including mechanically, hydraulically, and electrically controlled valves and irrigation
controllers. They should have basic electrical knowledge needed for installation of electric motors
and associated electronic control systems. They should have knowledge of the required licensing laws
and codes in their respective states.
It requires passing a 4-hour, closed book exam consisting of 180 equally-weighted, multiple choice
questions to become a certified irrigation contractor.
An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees. An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. It operates without mandate of law and is an internal, self-regulating device administered by the International Society of Arboriculture. Certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual’s knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care.
Certification is not a measure of standards of practice. Certification can attest to the tree knowledge of an individual but cannot guarantee or ensure quality performance.
Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care. Certified Arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they are more likely to be up to date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.
AllScape has a certified arborist on staff.
AllScape maintains memberships in the following associations:
- Building Owners and Managers Association International
- Carolina Grounds Management Association
- Carolinas Irrigation Association
- North Carolina Association of Nurserymen
- North Carolina Landscape Contractor's Registration Board
- Turfgrass Council of North Carolina
- International Facility Management Association
- International Society of Arboriculture
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AllScape can evaluate your current system and make
recommendations that may save you money.
(704) 552-6335
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Are there contaminates in your water supply?
Backflow Prevention Devices are used to prevent contaminated water from your sprinkler system
from entering your drinking water. When backflow occurs, water runs backwards through your
pipes and into the drinking water system.
There are four basic devices used to prevent backflow:
- Air Gap
- Vacuum Breakers
- Double Check Valve Assembly
- Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventers (RPZ)
Backflow in plumbing systems is often unnoticed. Many times it happens silently without
the knowledge of any one. It may occur briefly during a pressure fluctuation only to have
normalcy restored before notice is taken of the situation. If the normal potable water was
contaminated during the low-pressure period, the tainted water may still be present in the
internal plumbing of the structure. Even with dilution with the normal water supply, the
tainted water, depending on the contaminating substance, may contain enough of that contaminant
to present health risks if ingested or if skin contact is made.
Invest in your landscaping.
A beautiful, lush, green landscape significantly enhances the image of your business in the community, preserves and increases your property's value and protects your investment. With our proactive approach to commercial landscape maintenance, you can rest assured that your investment is well protected. We work with you to review all aspects of your landscape investment, identifying potential problems and proposing solutions -- considering not only how to improve your property, but how to control costs as well.
How much do commercial properties appreciate? Some appraisers say as much as 10-20% more could be added to the value of a property if the landscaping is “impressive”. Others say 5% might be more realistic. While it’s difficult to clearly define what makes a pleasing landscape, its absence is obvious to everyone. A landscape which looks neglected (poor lawn, overgrown shrubs, weedy beds, and so on) gives the idea that the owner of that property doesn’t care about his business or his customers either. And if the property is for sale, it may look like the owner doesn’t want the property because there’s something wrong with it. This “increases the likelihood of bidding below the asking price” for this property. (The same response can happen with residential properties as well.) On the other hand, attractive landscaping can actually reduce the apparent age of a building, further bolstering curb appeal and improving the potential asking price when wishing to sell the property.
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