Mike Cioffi, director of Maintenance Services for Borst Landscape & Design in Allendale, addressed a group of 30 business leaders at the Paramus Sunrise Rotary Club. He discussed techniques for improving curb appeal to sell a home, landscaping and snow removal, as well as environmentally friendly approaches in use today.
“When selling a home, first impressions really matter,” Cioffi notes. “Whether trying to attract homebuyers in a tough real estate market like ours or to create an image for your commercial property, what visitors see first sets the tone for everything that follows.”
Tips for improving a property’s image in the winter involve cleaning up and putting away items from warmer weather, and keeping the property neat and trim. In addition, holiday decorations, including wreaths, garlands and container plantings, as well as festive lighting, can enhance the exterior of the home and landscape.
Cioffi responded to rotarians’ questions about environmental trends for snow removal. Borst’s new Snow Management Division provides commercial services, and the company has a strong commitment to use environmentally safe practices for snow removal. This includes the use of products like Magic Salt, which are less corrosive to the hardscape, and less harmful to lawn, plants and shrubs.
Cioffi also reviewed the importance of using porous hardscape surfaces that allow rainwater to filter down through the soil – a natural means of purification – rather than becoming runoff that brings harmful chemicals into the water system.
“Just like everything else in life, environmentally safe landscaping is all about stress management,” said Cioffi. “Healthy soil is the key, and the organic approach relieves the stress on the soil and allows it to return to its natural state.”
At the end of the presentation, Cioffi received a Certificate of Appreciation from Anthony Iacono, president of the Paramus Sunrise Rotary Club and Paramus Borough administrator.



















