[Rons Landscaping]

When it comes to making choices for your special landscape project for your home there are many different choices to be had. Not everyone likes or wants the same Palm trees, and everyone's budget is different, and there are many different looks to be had. We do everything from basic landscape projects to something you would see at Disney.

When someone makes a post here on TOTV about there landscaping project that we just finished, they are proud of their project and want to share it with others. I have noticed some of the remarks people have posted back telling our customers they have made a bad choice with their Palm tree choices or plant material. I think that is negative and somewhat rude, let me explain why. When I started in this business around 30 years ago, I was a grower here in central Florida and supplied plant material to 12 counties and to many of the major theme Parks here in Florida. We supplied places like Publix and Albertsons; many, many landscaping companies and floral shops; and many garden centers throughout the State. Our plant material was also used at the University of Florida in Gainesville for there horticultural classes back in the early 90's.You can see our work here in The Villages if you go to our web site at Ronslandscapinginc.com.

When I talk to a potential customer in regards to their landscaping project, It is my job to guide them with their plant and tree choices along with a design they may want. I will tell them everything they need to know in regards to how the plant grows, and how it will do in this climate here in The Villages. The final decision is up to them in regards to what they pick out for plants and trees. All I can do is guide them, it is their home and their money, and they are the ones that make the final decision. Some customers are willing to roll the dice when it comes to the plants and trees they choose even though I have told them what could happen if we have a hard freeze again. That is the look they want so they go with it.

I have written articles here on TOTV for people in order to help guide them, so when or if they decide to landscape their home, it may help them with their decisions know matter who they choose to use for there landscaping company. So, when someone makes negative remarks about a person's post and tells them that they made the wrong choices with their trees and plants, I think it's wrong. After all, it is their home and their money and that's the look they want.

[redwitch]

Well said!

[OCsun]

Ron,
I have never used your services but, I could not agree with you more. I have some plants which are not winter hardy, but that was my choice not my original landscapers.

[philnpat]

Ron...thanks for your posts. I find them honest and helpful. When it comes time for a landscape change, I'll definitely call you for a quote.

[Houselover]

Ron, I have found your posts informative and spot on. I also appreciated all the advice you gave us while doing our landscaping project for us. You were the only one who listened to our concerns and recommended the correct plants for our project.

[Bonanza]

I believe Mr. Ron is referring to a previous post that I made regarding a Queen Palm that he planted for a lady who simply loves it. This lady may love that palm, but as a 'professional,' he should have refused her request and pointed her in the direction of a different palm.

No, I was not being rude and my 'opinion' is based solely on facts. In parts of Australia it is on their restricted list. in Florida, it is considered invasive. Any professional and/or licensed landscaper should not provide it -- period -- even when a customer requests one, because it IS invasive in Florida. In addition, it is not really suitable for our landscape zone here in The Villages (zone 9A). They are probably, understandly, the least expensive palm available. They harbor many insects and diseases (cockroaches love them) and as palms go, are a high maintenance palm. With so many alternatives, there is no reason for a landscaper to even suggest one. In addition, I have NEVER seen one here in The Villages that does not have 'frizzle top," even those that have just been planted!

Pure and simple -- the Queen Palm is a junk tree!

[asianthree]

Still its the customer that is paying for the landscape. ..if that's what palm they want. .it will come from somewhere. ..I think Ron's is a fair and honest company.

[redwitch]

Bonanza, I hate palms in general and truly think Queen Palms are flat-out ugly. That being said, I do believe the customer is always right. If a landscaper gives all the reasons why a plant should not be used and the customer wants it regardless, then I believe the customer has a right to that plant. The landscapers I object to not only do not tell people why a Queen is a bad idea, they actually recommend them! I know that Ron does his best to convince folks to not get a Queen but some folks want what they want. So, I think your criticism is unfair.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Still its the customer that is paying for the landscape. ..if that's what palm they want. .it will come from somewhere. ..I think Ron's is a fair and honest company.

I agree. I appreciate the free advice he gives us on this forum and his diplomatic way of presenting his views.

[Irishman]

In my dealings with Ron I have found him to be very honest in giving the customer the information required to make a decision on what they finally decide is the plan for them. The final product may vary from what Ron recommends but--Ron is the expert; the customer is the boss.

[mbrown]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

I believe Mr. Ron is referring to a previous post that I made regarding a Queen Palm that he planted for a lady who simply loves it. This lady may love that palm, but as a 'professional,' he should have refused her request and pointed her in the direction of a different palm.

No, I was not being rude and my 'opinion' is based solely on facts. In parts of Australia it is on their restricted list. in Florida, it is considered invasive. Any professional and/or licensed landscaper should not provide it -- period -- even when a customer requests one, because it IS invasive in Florida. In addition, it is not really suitable for our landscape zone here in The Villages (zone 9A). They are probably, understandly, the least expensive palm available. They harbor many insects and diseases (cockroaches love them) and as palms go, are a high maintenance palm. With so many alternatives, there is no reason for a landscaper to even suggest one. In addition, I have NEVER seen one here in The Villages that does not have 'frizzle top," even those that have just been planted!

Pure and simple -- the Queen Palm is a junk tree!

An individual's decision to purchase what they want (as long as it is not illegal) is certainly that individual's right.

[Bonanza]

If someone professes to be a professional in a given field, there are always rules to be followed. If someone maintains their 'professional' stand -- in this case landscaping, gardening, etc., then they should be following the "rules" that IFAS has on their invasive list for Florida. Regardless of what a customer wants, a professional in that field should politely explain that the tree is undesireable and invasive and go a step further mentioning why.

It is so easy to politely go on to mention other palms that are less of a problem and absolutely, better looking. The professional should tell his customer in so many words that because he is a professional he will not deal with Queen Palms as it is a variety of tree that he simply will not plant because it IS invasive. Just look at the problems the Melaleuca has caused in the Everglades and has cost millions of dollars. The tree is still not eradicated and the problems are far from over. Kudzu is just one more good example of a really terrible plant.

I'm sorry, but I will never agree that a professional landscaper should EVER plant something that is on Florida's invasive plant list under any circumstances.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Bonanza, I hate palms in general and truly think Queen Palms are flat-out ugly. That being said, I do believe the customer is always right. If a landscaper gives all the reasons why a plant should not be used and the customer wants it regardless, then I believe the customer has a right to that plant. The landscapers I object to not only do not tell people why a Queen is a bad idea, they actually recommend them! I know that Ron does his best to convince folks to not get a Queen but some folks want what they want. So, I think your criticism is unfair.

We all know the old adage that the customer is always right, but in reality, we also know that it isn't true. I don't think my criticism is unfair by any means. The University of Florida works very hard to try to keep Florida safe plant-wise. A great deal of study goes into their decision to put a plant on the invasive list. Every state does this, as a matter of fact. In my mind if a professional in the field does not follow their easy and simple guidelines, they aren't a professional, particularly when there are so many other alternatives.

[redwitch]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

We all know the old adage that the customer is always right, but in reality, we also know that it isn't true. I don't think my criticism is unfair by any means. The University of Florida works very hard to try to keep Florida safe plant-wise. A great deal of study goes into their decision to put a plant on the invasive list. Every state does this, as a matter of fact. In my mind if a professional in the field does not follow their easy and simple guidelines, they aren't a professional, particularly when there are so many other alternatives.

Personally, I would not be willing to give up a job just because the homeowner insisted on planting something that I knew was not right but I would certainly give them all reasons why their choice is a bad idea. Let's face it, if Ron and other ethical landscapers didn't give it to these homeowners, someone else would.

[JB in TV]

Is the Queen Palm invasive or is it just a poor choice here in TV due to its poor cold weather tolerance? I think that distinction would make a big difference in a landscaper's decision to plant it at a homeowner's request.