Struggling with Rainy Season Issues?

We've Got Solutions:

Each rainy season here in Florida, we receive urgent calls from homeowners with drainage issues such as water intrusion, neighbor's runoff, topsoil erosion, standing water, uprooted trees, and lawn fungal diseases. We are here to help diagnose the source of these issues and make a drainage plan to solve your problems. No matter how challenging your issue may appear, we've seen worse and can provide you with drainage and lawn care solutions to suit your needs.

DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS:

Typical Earth Works drainage solutions include:

Gravity Drainage with Drain Boxes for collection points. We use a rigid pipe or an ADS Corrugated Pipe to move water from the problem area to a lower outflow area. A transit or automatic level shoots the elevations to ensure proper gravity flow. If there is no adequate fall, we can install a sump pump system to move the water out of the problem area.

French Drains to catch runoff and provide gravity drainage solutions. French drains connect to systems of various configurations and types of pipes.

Channel Drains are appropriate drainage solutions for pool decks, outdoor kitchens, hardscaping, and driveways. Channel drains connect to downspout systems or one of our custom drainage systems.

Swales and Cisterns are examples of options for onsite water retention required in many Northeast Florida counties due to the presence of environmentally sensitive ecosystems. We can provide underground water retention with aquabloxs or a dry well if the soil is sandy enough. For a point of interest in your yard, we can combine aquabloxs with a pond, pondless waterfall, or bubbling water feature.

Gravity Drain

Channel Drain

Swale

Check out our Youtube Drainage Playlist to see informational videos and the residential drainage projects we have completed.

STAKING TREES:

 Staking trees is a method to safeguard tall, newly planted trees from heavy rain, causing soggy lawns and strong winds. These environmental factors can loosen the roots of the trees and cause them to topple over, leading to potential damage to the tree and surrounding property. It is generally recommended to stake trees, especially tall ones like palms, for six months to one year after planting. Earth Works Landscaping offers tree staking services for large trees and also provides staking kits at their garden center.

MANAGING FUNGUS:

Overwatering your garden or poor drainage can lead to fungal growth, posing a significant threat to your lawn and plants. Fungi love damp conditions and can rapidly destroy sod and various plants, including vegetable plants, fruit trees, shrubs, ornamental plants, shade trees, and lawns. It is common to see different types of fungi, such as powdery and downy mildew, black spot, brown patch, leaf spot, and blight, in these plants. Earth Works Gardens offers fungicides - Liquid Copper Fungicide, Broad Spectrum Fungicide, and Neem Oil to combat this issue. These products are safe for organic gardening. Furthermore, the Earth Works Lawn Care division provides services for diagnosing and treating lawn fungus, as well as, turf fertilization, disease control, weed management, and pest control.

See our June Newsletter - Lawn Maintenance Tips, for lawn fungus diagnosis and solutions.

LANDSCAPE PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Going Beyond the Basic Builder Package and More!

You're Sure to Fall in Love With This Heartfelt Combo.

That blooming bleeding heart vine was the eye-catching inspiration for this recipe. The white and red flowers lead to the red heart-shaped caladium and the exotica begonias' electric red foliage. The variegated leaves of the flax lily and ajuga create a bright backdrop for all that drama. Although some of the plants in this recipe are "hot to trot," this grouping will be happiest with a bit of morning sun, dabbled light, to shady conditions.



1. Dianella Flax Lily is a classic thriller with thick variegated leaves. Its flirty flower spikes perfectly fit our theme. Full sun to shade makes it an easy care choice.
2. Caladium Hot 2 Trot is one of Proven Winner's new sun or shade-loving caladiums! As their name says, they can take the heat. With deep red heart-shaped leaves, they are drought tolerant and deer resistant too!
3. Bleeding Heart Vine The inspiration for this combo, we are using this gardener's heartthrob as a trailer. But she will want to climb, so she'll be spilling and thrilling before you know it!
4. Ajuga Burgundy Glow is most often used as a ground cover. In our recipe, its spreading nature makes it a perfect spiller.
5. Begonia Exotica is an exciting rarity from the rain forests of New Guinea. Its large, metallic-looking leaves sport bright-pink variegation that demands attention. This prefers shade and moist soil to thrive and keep its leaves' rich color.

LAWN MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR JULY

Harnessing the Power of Rain Gauges for

Efficient Irrigation & Lawn Care

In Jacksonville, where our St. Johns River is central to the vibrancy of our city, the importance of efficient water usage cannot be overstated. As a resident who appreciates the harmony between suburban life and nature, my morning neighborhood strolls often include sightings of sprinklers dousing lawns, even after an overnight downpour. While reflecting our love for lush landscapes, this scene also points to the need for more intelligent irrigation in Jacksonville.

Integrating rain gauges is a step in the right direction in the quest for balance between maintaining our beautiful landscapes and preserving water. As a Jacksonville resident, I hope my morning walks will soon include fewer sights of post-rainstorm sprinkler activity. After all, each conserved drop signifies a win for our environment. With rain gauges, we can make strides towards responsible water use, setting a great example of environmental stewardship in the Sunshine State. Let's make every drop count together.

WATER GARDENS

Sensory Garden for Some Special Students

We are excited to share this amazing collaboration benefiting the

North Florida School of Special Education students. Earth Works and an enthusiastic team of volunteers from Fanatics came together to construct a one-of-a-kind sensory garden. This project is all about the sensory impact of water and all the benefits it can bring to humans and the ecosystem around it.