Top Landscaping Services in Arabi, LA, 70032 | Compare & Call
Picture Perfect Landscaping is a dedicated local landscaping company serving Arabi, LA. We understand the common challenges homeowners face, such as overgrown shrubs and troublesome sprinkler leaks, w...
Questions and Answers
Why is my soil so dense and hard to dig in here in the Arabi Historic District?
Arabi lots have developed on 60+ year old Alluvial Silty Clay, a legacy of Mississippi River deposition. This soil naturally compacts over decades, reducing permeability and root penetration. Core aeration and incorporating 2-3 inches of composted organic matter are essential practices to rebuild structure and mitigate the native high pH of 7.2-7.8.
I'm tired of weekly mowing. Are there lower-maintenance, native alternatives to grass?
Transitioning to a native plant palette is a strategic reduction in resource inputs. Swamp Sunflower, Beautyberry, and Blue Mistflower thrive in Zone 9b with minimal irrigation once established. This xeriscape approach drastically cuts mowing frequency, fuel costs, and noise, future-proofing your landscape against tightening ordinances on gas-powered equipment.
Do I need a permit to regrade my backyard, and what kind of contractor should I hire?
Altering drainage patterns on a 0.12-acre lot typically requires a grading permit from the St. Bernard Parish Department of Community Development. The contractor must hold appropriate licensing through the Louisiana Horticulture Commission or Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This ensures they are bonded and knowledgeable about local subsidence issues and proper slope away from foundations.
Should I use wood or oyster shell for my new garden path?
For longevity in Arabi's humid climate, crushed oyster shell or permeable concrete is superior to wood, which rots and harbors termites. These inorganic materials provide stable, permeable surfaces that do not decompose. In our low Fire Wise rating zone, they also contribute to defensible space by not providing combustible fuel adjacent to structures.
My yard floods after every rain. What's a permanent solution for this soggy ground?
Persistent pooling indicates our region's high water table and the poor infiltration of Alluvial Silty Clay. A graded French drain system tied to a sump is the primary remedy. For hardscapes, using permeable concrete pavers or crushed oyster shell paths instead of solid concrete significantly improves surface permeability and can help meet St. Bernard Parish runoff management standards.
How do I keep my St. Augustine lawn green under Stage 1 water conservation rules?
Effective irrigation in Arabi requires precision. A Wi-Fi ET-based system calculates daily evapotranspiration, applying water only when the turf needs it, often at a fraction of traditional schedules. For St. Augustine cultivars like Palmetto, this means deep, infrequent watering paired with drip zones for beds, maximizing efficiency while respecting voluntary municipal limits.
What's taking over my flower beds, and how do I stop it without harming my plants?
You are likely describing Chinese Tallow or Torpedograss, aggressive invasives common in the area. Manual removal for seedlings and targeted, systemic herbicide application for mature stands are necessary. All treatments must be phosphorus-free to comply with local ordinance, and timing is critical—apply during active growth phases, avoiding dormant seasons and forecasted rain.
My HOA cited me for overgrowth; how fast can you get a crew here for emergency cleanup?
An emergency compliance crew can be dispatched from the Arabi Food Store intersection, routing directly down LA-46 (St. Claude Ave). Accounting for local traffic, we target a 20-30 minute response window. Crews are equipped with electric trimmers and blowers to begin immediate remediation while adhering to the 9:00 PM noise ordinance cutoff.
