Get To Know Marty
How long have you been doing commercial landscape maintenance and how did you get into landscaping?
I started landscaping after I graduated from college with a degree in horticulture in 1976. A friend of mine had a gardening route and wanted to do something else. I took over his business and after getting my contractor’s and landscape architects license, I built the route into a full-service commercial landscape maintenance and design company, serving HOA’s, apartment complexes, shopping centers and other commercial properties.
Landscape beautification was what really brought me joy, and I soon realized it was one of my greatest strengths. That is why I started to focus on landscape maintenance and landscape renovations for my existing clients. I now help to meet a desperate need faced by many property managers: trying to find an experienced landscaper they can trust and who easily gets the job done. I am known for bringing peace of mind to my customers, and they have said they find me capable and reliable.
I’m known for my straight-talking, problem-solving, integrated approach to landscaping. I’m also known for the landscape maintenance systems that I’ve developed over the years that provide consistent maintenance without ups and downs; your property will always look consistent. I’ve been doing this long enough to know what works and what doesn’t. And if these strategies can help my current clients, then they can help you too!
What’s so great about working with you?
What’s great about working with me is that I have actually performed the work of mowing, edging, planting and designing landscapes myself, since 1985. Plus, I personally walk all jobs and interact with all my clients; you’re not going to have a different supervisor or foreman show up for a job walk who knows nothing about your property (because the last guy quit). You get…me! I know what it takes to get the results you want–no excuses.
I’ve made a commitment to dedicate the rest of my professional life to provide the best landscape maintenance services to my clients whenever I’m entrusted with a project. I will speak honestly and give accurate advice so that you, the landscape steward, can make accurate decisions that best fit your property’s budget and goals. I provide, you decide.
Who are your clients exactly?
I work with Property Managers,Homeowner 
Associations, Board Members, Property Owners, Developers, Commercial and Retail Centers, Municipalities, pretty much anyone who’s responsible for a property’s landscaping. That is, professionals just like you who are really good at what you do and don’t have the time or expertise to see that the landscaping is consistent and beautiful year round. You have other things to tend to–I’ll make sure your property is clean and green!
How do you price a job?
Over the years I’ve developed a computer estimating system that delivers VERY accurate quotes. Here’s how it’s accomplished. I measure every property on foot with a measuring wheel and, if needed, by going online and use Google Earth. I then input all the square footage, the type of terrain, the type of plants to be maintained, the size of mowers to be used, slope size, bedding size, types of trees, travel time, percent of ground cover, percentage of plants and special conditions. Once the computer crunches all these factors, I get a report that tells me the amount of man hours needed for the job, the amount of chemicals, fertilizer, gopher bait, snail bait, weed spray, etc. which is needed for your property. This program factored in with my visual analysis, as well as my years of hands-on expertise, give me an extremely accurate quote for large and small projects.
How are you different from other landscape companies?
It all starts with management. Most landscape companies have really hard-working, experienced gardeners, foremen and supervisors. They’re experts in operating the equipment and making basic gardening decisions. Mowing the lawn requires some basic knowledge, as well as operating a blower, but they’re not experts in landscape horticulture, water management or plant biology. That’s why my supervisors and I inspect all our properties on a regular basis. My supervisors have all been personally trained by me and/or have at least 5 years experience as a supervisor. We cycle through our properties every month, inspecting and looking for any new problems that may need attention and then present the findings to you, with solutions, waiting for your approval to implement them.
I also grade our service. Every weed, piece of debris, dry grass, dead or missing plant, overgrown shrub, insect-infested shrub, overgrown groundcover, and water useage is graded. If the property grade ends up below 85% the foreman is notified and must correct the items immediately–he is accountable. All the grades are filed in the employee file and are used during the annual employee evaluation as a reviewing tool.
This is how we keep the properties consistently looking good. The foremen knows exactly what they’re going to be graded on and what is required of them. Therefore, they know how to keep your property looking great!
Reliable, consistent, experienced, creative
Reliable - I do what I say I’ll do. If we agree
on something, it will be done. I won’t make promises I can’t keep.
Consistent - Your landscaping will remain green, neat and clean as a result of our consistent and steady care. There are never any unexpected lapses of quality in your service.
Experienced - My recommendations are based on over 20 years of experience in the landscape industry. I’ve pushed the mowers and operated the blowers; I’ve designed the properties and installed them. I’ve seen it all. There isn’t much that will surprise me. I know what works and what doesn’t.
“So, you’re saying you’ve got the perfect company? Ha!”
Oh my gosh! Of course not! As in any service-based business, we will experience bumps in the road, this is to be expected. How these problems are handled separates us from the rest of the crowd. If we cause a problem that requires repair, we will do so at our own expense. I will not jeopardize ANY relationship over a minor landscape issue that can be easily rectified. If we break it, we’ll fix it.
Creative – Mow, blow, and go? No! Why do some properties
look better than others? Believe it or not, there’s an art to landscape maintenance. Shrub trimming requires soft edges to look natural. Lawn mowing develops patterns in the lawn that must be considered in order to look good. Consistent applications of the correct blend of nutrients keep the grass green and the flowers blooming. Proper tree pruning develops beautiful branching that allows your trees to develop into large specimens that you will enjoy for years to come, and water management saves you money.
Landscape architecture and design
Did you know that certain plants work better together than others? Textures, colors, size, shape, water and shade requirements, soil types. All must be considered when planting a new slope or just one plant. The latest Home Depot shrub isn’t always best. My landscape architecture background, creative eye and 20 years of field experience gives me the expertise needed to create a beautifully lush landscape.
License/Membership/Certifications
• Landscape Contractor License #921794
• Landscape Architect License #5218
• Qualified Pest Control Applicator #119543
• Certified Reclaimed Water Specialist
• Member Community Association Institute
• Member of California Landscape Contractors Association
• Member of American Society of Landscape Architects
• Member of California Native Plant Society