James Martin Associates, a landscaping company serving Bannockburn since 1977, received an award from PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) for landscape maintenance at a residential development in Bannockburn, IL.

The project consisted of landscape maintenance of the common areas. A requirement of the development is that each lot must maintain a certain percentage of wooded screening which reinforces the forest feel that the Village is known for, but yet the common areas must be welcoming, drawing the homeowners in with manicured lawn areas and tree lined streets.

The lawn areas along the road are mowed weekly and are treated when a specific issue arises to minimize the impact on the surrounding natural areas. The extensive planting beds are maintained with weekly weeding and cultivating. Edging of the beds and lawn edges are carefully maintained to preserve a gentle balance between the groomed common areas and the
wooded and native areas.

Two of the highpoints of the development are the water features used to emphasize the development. The first is a stone streambed winding its way through the road median. The streambed was built from outcropping stone and is meant to look and feel like it has always been part of the property. The maintenance of the stream requires that debris and leaves are removed as well as monitoring the water and algae levels to keep the water clear and fresh. The landscape relies on the use of perennials and grasses to give the area a native natural look, additionally seasonal annual flowers are planted throughout the medians with specific flowers chosen for their brightness and ability to compliment perennials and natural features. Over 1,000 perennials
were planted along the pond edge which requires weeding and cultivating on a weekly basis.

To the rear of the development a second water feature was built in to a large naturally landscaped berm, which is used to screen the railroad tracks. The Village also requires a certain amount of plant screening, so the woody plant material must be pruned and cared for to ensure its
appearance and function. The streambed is maintained in the same way as the first one with regular removal of debris and leaves and regular monitoring of the water and algae levels.

James Martin Associates provides Bannockburn homeowners with comprehensive landscaping maintenance services. Regular weekly lawn maintenance for most homes includes cosmetic work such as mowing, weeding and cleaning up plant debris, plus periodic horticultural care.

For more information on all of our services contact us at [link=http://www.jamesmartinassociates.com]www.jamesmartinassociates.com[/link] or call us at 847-634-1660. Stay connected with us on Facebook.