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Preparing Landscapes for Gulf Coast Hurricanes: A Seasonal Guide for Property Managers

Preparing Landscapes for Gulf Coast Hurricanes: A Seasonal Guide for Property Managers

Introduction
The Gulf Coast’s beauty comes with its own challenges—particularly hurricane season. For property managers, investing in hurricane-ready commercial landscapes is more than just protection; it’s a key element of long-term landscape management and cost control. With proactive planning, storm damage can be minimized, ensuring properties remain both safe and appealing.

Strengthening with Wind-Resistant Plantings

Choosing hardy plant species is essential in hurricane-prone areas. Trees like live oaks and southern magnolias thrive in Louisiana commercial landscapes because of their strong root systems and flexibility. Proper landscape maintenance, such as pruning weak limbs and thinning dense canopies, reduces wind resistance and minimizes debris hazards.

Drainage and Hardscape Considerations

Flooding is a major risk along the Gulf Coast. Properties should integrate stormwater management systems, retention ponds, and permeable hardscape materials to reduce standing water. This kind of commercial landscape design protects structures, prevents erosion, and helps landscapes recover quickly after heavy rains.

Post-Storm Recovery Plans

Having a post-hurricane landscape management plan is just as important as preparation. Crews should be ready to clear debris, assess tree safety, and rehabilitate damaged turf. Partnering with a professional commercial landscape company ensures rapid response and minimizes business downtime.

Conclusion
Hurricane preparedness is not a once-a-year task—it’s an ongoing part of professional landscape maintenance. By making smart choices before the season, property managers safeguard both their investments and the communities they serve.

Need a hurricane-ready strategy for your property? RCI specializes in resilient, sustainable commercial landscapes across the Gulf Coast. Contact us today.

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June 9, 2025

Celebrating Landscape Architecture Month at RCI: Insights from Gene Peters, Director of Landscape Architecture

As we celebrate National Landscape Architecture Month this April, RCI is proud to highlight our talented team of landscape architects and designers who work tirelessly to create exceptional outdoor spaces. In this post, we sit down with Gene Peters, our Director of Landscape Architecture, to learn about his journey, the evolving field of landscape architecture, and RCI’s unique approach to design. A Journey Rooted in Passion and Creativity Gene Peters’ landscape architecture career began in his hometown in Mississippi, where he grew up working at a young age mowing lawns. “My first real job was for Live Oak Landscape in Natchez, MS when I was 16,” Gene recalls. It wasn’t until college that he discovered landscape architecture as a profession. After initially considering civil engineering, a conversation with a friend introduced him to landscape architecture, and by the end of the day, he switched majors and never looked back. His passion for creativity and sketching would become the foundation of his future in the field. The Role of Director of Landscape Architecture at RCI As Director of Landscape Architecture at RCI, Gene leads a dynamic team of landscape architects and designers, focusing on achieving departmental goals and delivering high-quality, on-time, and on-budget projects. “I work closely with ownership to set and meet annual budget goals for the department, manage our talented team, and ensure that we consistently provide exceptional results for our clients,” Gene explains. RCI’s design division specializes in providing creative solutions for public and private estate, resort, commercial, and institutional clients across the southeast. The Evolution of Landscape Architecture Over the years, landscape architecture has evolved dramatically, especially with the introduction of computers and software programs that have streamlined the design process. Early in landscape architecture, drawing was done by hand, and computers have certainly improved productivity and project management,” Gene notes. However, he also believes that there’s something irreplaceable about the hands-on approach: “Drawing by hand is a skill that’s still valuable, especially for problem-solving and impressing clients. I encourage my team to be avid note-takers and sketch alternate solutions during client meetings.” Embracing the Future: Trends in Landscape Architecture One trend that Gene finds particularly exciting is the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in landscape architecture. “AI is already making its mark and will only become more integrated into our work,” he shares. He cautions that those who don’t stay ahead of technological advancements risk being left behind. Sustainability: A Core Principle Sustainability has always been a cornerstone of landscape architecture, long before it became a popular buzzword. “Great designers use sustainable practices to lower long-term costs, conserve resources, and educate clients and the public,” says Gene. While sustainable design principles can sometimes raise initial construction costs, they ultimately pay off in the long run, making them a vital component of modern landscape projects. What Sets RCI Apart? RCI’s approach to landscape architecture is unique due to our specialization in design-build services. This single-source project delivery method allows our team to work seamlessly from design through construction, ensuring clear communication and faster project completion. “Design-build enhances efficiency, saves clients time and money, and allows projects to move quickly through the design and construction phases,” explains Gene. RCI’s services, including commercial hardscaping, irrigation systems for businesses, and HOA landscaping services, benefit from this streamlined approach. A Project to Be Proud Of: Splash RV Resort One of the standout projects that Gene is particularly proud of is the Splash RV Resort. “RCI started working on this project when it was an undisturbed pasture with mature live oak and other character trees. We modified their land plan to save more trees and designed a wildly successful watermark. The resort is a major destination today and the success started with a client that understood the value of the trees and was willing to partner with RCI’s thoughtful design, attention to detail, and professional construction services,” he says.