Top Landscaping Services in Highland Beach, FL, 33487 | Compare & Call
GIG Lawn Maintenance Services is your trusted Highland Beach lawn care expert, dedicated to preserving the vibrant, lush landscapes our coastal community is known for. We understand that local homes o...
Q&A
Why does my lawn in the Bel Lido neighborhood struggle to absorb water and nutrients?
Highland Beach's coastal sandy calcareous soil naturally has a high pH and low organic matter, creating poor water and nutrient retention. On a property built around 1982, the soil has been compacted for over 40 years by construction and maintenance, severely reducing permeability. Core aeration and the incorporation of composted organic matter are essential to improve soil structure and biological activity, counteracting the inherent limitations of this alkaline, compacted fill.
How can I keep my St. Augustine grass alive with only two watering days per week?
Year-round mandatory conservation requires precise water management. A smart Wi-Fi ET-based controller, paired with soil moisture sensors, automatically adjusts runtime based on real-time evapotranspiration data and actual soil conditions. This system prevents overwatering, promotes deeper root growth in sandy soil, and ensures your Floratam or Seville St. Augustine receives exactly what it needs within the legal allotment, maximizing efficiency.
My yard floods during high tide or heavy rain. What's a permanent solution?
Tidal surge and compacted calcareous fill create chronic low permeability. The solution integrates subsurface French drains with catch basins to intercept water and direct it away from structures. Surface grading should use permeable concrete pavers or oolitic limestone to enhance infiltration, meeting Town of Highland Beach runoff standards. This combined approach manages both stormwater and incidental saltwater intrusion.
Are permeable pavers a better choice than wood decking for my patio?
In Highland Beach's moderate Fire Wise rating zone and salt-air environment, permeable concrete pavers offer superior longevity and defensible space. Unlike wood, they are non-combustible, resist rot and insect damage, and require no chemical treatments. Their permeability also reduces stormwater runoff, a key municipal concern. Oolitic limestone provides a natural, durable, and locally-sourced alternative with similar benefits.
What permits and licenses are needed to regrade my 0.25-acre lot?
Regrading that alters drainage patterns requires a permit from the Town of Highland Beach Building Department. For any project involving significant earthmoving or structural changes, the contractor must hold a license from the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. This ensures they are bonded, insured, and knowledgeable about coastal building codes and environmental regulations, which is critical for property of this size to avoid costly violations and erosion issues.
If a storm causes tree damage and the HOA issues a compliance notice, how fast can a crew arrive?
For emergency cleanup to meet HOA deadlines, our standard dispatch originates near the Highland Beach Town Hall. Crews travel via State Road A1A, with a target arrival window of 20 to 30 minutes during peak conditions, accounting for traffic and debris. We prioritize electric equipment to comply with local noise ordinances, allowing work to begin immediately upon arrival within permitted hours.
What invasive species threaten my landscape, and how do I control them during the fertilizer blackout?
Brazilian Pepper and Mexican Petunia are prevalent invasive alerts in this area. Manual removal or targeted cut-stump herbicide application is effective and legal year-round. Crucially, these methods do not involve broadcast fertilizers, so they comply with the local ordinance prohibiting nitrogen and phosphorus applications from June 1 through September 30. Always dispose of invasive plant material off-site to prevent re-establishment.
I want to reduce mowing, blowing, and watering. What should I plant?
Transitioning to a climate-adaptive landscape with native plants like Sea Grape, Coontie, and Beach Sunflower drastically reduces resource inputs. These species are adapted to coastal Zone 11a conditions, requiring minimal irrigation once established and no weekly mowing. This shift ahead of 2026 standards also future-proofs your property against tightening noise ordinances on gas-powered blowers and mowers.
