Modern technology has changed the face of business across all industries, and landscaping technology continues to evolve. Horticulture, plant biology, landscape design and maintenance, outdoor facilities planning, and many other associated fields are affected daily by new knowledge and emerging techniques. The development of computer software with better controls and monitoring aids, smart machines, and advanced tools allow more sophisticated options to shape our environments — from individual backyards to entire planned cities — in ways that better serve and stimulate us.
Landscaping Technology: The New World of Computer Software
Computer programs simplify the design and installation of residential and commercial landscapes, from landscape planning to planting schedules. The computer-assisted design allows clients to actually visualize what a newly-planted landscape will look like when mature. Desired alterations can be quickly and easily made before the first spadeful of dirt is turned. Interactive technology allows us to serve current and prospective clients faster and more easily, and to respond fully to requests for project changes.
Scheduling software keeps our teams organized, providing options that allow us to factor in contingencies. Material deliveries, potential delays, change orders, and weather all affect job completion, but we can more readily make an adjustment with our interactive software. We combine a comprehensive analysis with on-site observation and testing. The results enable us to better plan all aspects of landscape management, from turf aeration and dethatching to seasonal fertilization and shrubbery trimming. We can respond to changing needs following severe storms and we can alert both employees and customers about potentially damaging weather events.
Lawn Care Technology for Monitoring and Control
Just as smart devices have revolutionized communication, digitally-controlled devices are now used to monitor soil moisture and control irrigation systems, analyze nutritional needs, and determine fertilization schedules. We routinely test for soil health to determine what environmental additives are advisable. At ASI Landscape Management, we embrace emerging landscaping technology to help us care for the plants in various Florida micro-climates. We adjust our care routines based on our analytics to ensure that we can meet clients’ landscape needs, depending on sun, soil, wind, water, and nutrient conditions at any given time.
Water Smart Landscaping Technology
Cloud-based technology drives our Weathermatic irrigation systems, automatically adjusting for weather variances, soil conditions, and plant types. Our systems have the ability to shut down when necessary, and they have helped lower costs, save water and become more sustainable.
Office Processing Automation
Just as “back office” duties were simplified by computerization, new forms of automation make all business processes easier and more intuitive. At ASI Landscape Management, we heartily endorse the speed and convenience that automation has brought to routine tasks, as well as to corporate communication. We continue to watch for new ways to streamline our office operations with effective workflow management programs and client-targeted improvements made possible through computer automation. We now live in a digital universe, and we reap the benefits. We will never give up the opportunity to actually speak to our customers, on the phone or in person, but we will use emerging technology in every way possible to improve client service and to enable faster response to customer requests and concerns.
Battery-driven Landscape Technology
The detrimental effect and increasing cost of gas-powered lawncare equipment are under scrutiny by landscape companies, environmentalists, and municipalities throughout the country, and there is a move toward alternative tools for the future. Although battery-powered large equipment is not yet completely viable for large-scale landscape operations, the time is probably not far off when rechargeable mowers, trimmers, blowers, and a variety of smaller tools and equipment will be clean and green.
Robotic Mowers
When there are large expanses of lawn with no impediments, there is little reason anymore for a human to have to walk behind a mower or sit on a riding mower. Automatic mowers equipped with sensors can be programmed to do the job quickly and efficiently with no human intervention and to return to a designated point when the mowing is completed. If this sounds like “space-age” technology, it is. But it should be no more sensational than a “Roomba” in your home, driverless pizza delivery vehicles, or drone package delivery. It is simply the wave of the future.
Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality
Architects and designers now have the ability to walk clients through the rooms of their future homes and offices virtually, without taking a single step, and before a building site is even cleared. We believe the time is not far off when landscape planners can offer a tour of a virtual public garden, a landscaped hotel pool or entertainment complex, or a newly-designed outdoor wedding venue before a single flower has been planted. We look forward to that ability.
Future Directions for Landscape Technology
Human beings have had a unique relationship with the natural environment for all of known history. Although some cultures continue to live in harmony with nature, others view the natural landscape as something to be “tamed” and shaped to meet human needs.
The ideal would be a creative synergy between the built environment and the outdoor landscape. We know how to restore and maintain soil health, how to nurture plants, animals, and sea creatures, how to harness light and energy to produce food, and how to stimulate plant growth, prevent disease, and control environmental pests in natural ways. Technology benefits not only large-scale farmers but backyard gardeners as well. Technology also helps us create pleasing outdoor “rooms” that nourish body, mind, and spirit.
Other advanced technologies that are well-suited for use as landscaping tools include smartphone apps to control landscape lighting and a “garden watch” automatic time-lapse camera that allows you to watch your garden grow over time.
Is It Time to Create a New Landscape?
Scientists and horticulturists, landscapers, and sociologists share a common purpose. All agree that plants and pleasing vistas create better living environments. Greenscaping with plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers is not only attractive, but it reduces pollution, improves air quality, lowers ambient temperatures, and affects human moods and energy. That’s what technology has taught us. Now it’s time to turn emerging landscaping technology to good use by using newer tools to help create those beneficial environments.
It’s not an impossible dream, just an ambitious one.
How can we help you realize your dream for a landscape that enhances your property and excites your imagination? We hope you’ll contact us, at either our Tampa or our Orlando location, to explore possibilities for your beautiful landscape. ASI Landscape Management has built its reputation on comprehensive services that extend from project planning through completion, and beyond.
