Forestry Mulching

Remove unwanted vegetation, trees & stumps

Tree Services

Tree Removal Services

Landscaping Services

Residential & Commercial Landscaping

Aquatic Services

Aquatic Management Services

Forestry Mulching & Land Management  Restoration 

Wetland & Upland Management

    • Upland Restoration (habitat restoration, ecological recovery, invasive species control)
    • Hydroseeding (erosion control, lawn establishment, revegetation)
    • Landscaping services (design, installation, maintainance)
    • Land Clearing & Grading
    • Forestry Mulching (land clearing, brush removal, soil enrichment
    • Land Clearing & Grading
  • Aquatic Ecosystem Services:
    • Aquatic Management (lake & pond cleaning, algae control, shoreline restoration)
  • Arborist & Tree Care:
    • Tree Services (tree trimming, tree removal, storm damage cleanup, ISA Certified Arborists)

Wetland & Upland Services We Offer

Our goal is to provide exceptional services every day to the greater Sarasota and Bradenton area including Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key & Siesta Key. We service Municipal, commercial and residential properties, including large corporate environments, city parks, shopping malls and apartments.

Forestry Mulching

Landowners gain significant advantages by choosing forestry mulching for land clearing. This method not only enriches the soil with vital nutrients from mulched vegetation, but it also dramatically reduces hauling and disposal expenses. By eliminating the need for burning or hauling debris, forestry mulching provides an environmentally responsible and sustainable land management solution.

Upland Restoration

Restore the natural beauty and ecological balance of your land with our expert upland restoration services. We specialize in transforming disturbed areas into thriving natural preserves, utilizing a comprehensive approach that combines extensive experience with proven mechanical and chemical control techniques. Our services encompass all facets of land restoration and maintenance, ensuring long-term ecological health and sustainability.

Tree Services

Healthy trees are a valuable asset to any landscape. Professional tree services ensure your trees thrive, providing a multitude of benefits: cleaner air, increased property values, lower energy costs, and enhanced curb appeal. Trees also create vital shade, support wildlife habitats, and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant ecosystem.

Aquatic Management Services

Enhance the beauty and health of your lakes, ponds, and retention areas with our professional aquatic management solutions. We offer a complete range of services throughout Sarasota and Bradenton, including lake and pond cleaning, algae removal, shoreline erosion control, and retention pond maintenance. We also install, service, and maintain fountains and bubblers to add beauty and enhance water quality. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you create a thriving aquatic environment.

Hydroseeding Services

Transform your landscape with our expert hydroseeding services. We utilize a specialized blend of seed, mulch, fertilizer, and other additives to establish a lush, healthy lawn quickly and efficiently. Hydroseeding offers faster germination, superior erosion control, and even seed distribution compared to traditional methods. It’s the ideal solution for establishing new lawns, restoring bare or damaged areas, and stabilizing slopes.

Landscaping Services

For over 35 years, we’ve been transforming commercial and residential properties with exceptional landscaping solutions. From lush lawns and vibrant gardens to intricate hardscapes and water features, we create outdoor spaces that inspire and delight. Our expertise extends to a wide range of properties, including large corporate environments, city parks, and shopping centers. Let us bring your vision to life!

Services By Category | Commercial & Residential

Horticultural Services

  • Clean ups & Hauling
  • Fertilization
  • Landscape Design & Installation
  • Landscape Maintenance
  • Lawn Maintenance

Right Of Way Services

  • Boom Arm Mowing
  • Clear Zone Reclamation
  • Edging & Sweeping
  • Exotic Removal
  • Herbicide Application
  • Large & Small Machine Mowing
  • Litter Pickup & Removal
  • Power Shearing
  • Line Clearance
  • Mitigation
  • Tree Trimming & Removal
  • Underdeck Herbicide Application

Hydroseeding Services

  • Hydro Seeding
  • Hydro Mulching
  • Seed & Mulch
  • Pasture Seeding
  • Drill Seeding
  • Wildlife Food Plots
  • Property Improvement
  • Storm Water Management

Permitting Services

  • Agricultural Permitting
  • Environmental Permitting
  • Hydric Soils Determinations
  • Mine Permitting
  • Mitigation Monitoring & Maintenance
  • Phase I Site Assessments
  • Right Of Way Permitting
  • Soils Mapping
  • Water Use Permitting
  • Wetland Delineation

Land Management Services

  • Fence Installation & Repair
  • Fireline ServicesFire Replacement
  • Mulching of Trees & Brush
  • Prescribed Fire Services
  • Roller Chopping
  • Restoration & Planting
  • Trail Trimming
  • Vegetation Mowing
  • Wildlife Surveys

Tree Care Services

  • Cabling & Guying
  • Demossing
  • Fertilization

    Inoculation

  • Mycoryzal
  • Stump Grinding
  • Tree Trimming & Removal

Lake & Canal Maintenance

  • Weed Control
  • Littoral Shelf Maintenance
  • Herbicide Application
  • Hand Clearing
  • Vegetation Removal
  • Water control Structures

Utility Services

  • Endangered Species Services
  • Heavy Mowing
  • Herbicide Application
  • Line Clearance
  • Right of Way Reclamation
  • Side Trimming/Power Shearing
  • Tree & Brush Mulching
  • Vegetation Management

Site Preparation

  • Clearing & Grubbing
  • Culverts
  • Land clearing & Excavation
  • Shell & Fill

Read Our Google Reviews

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Leiza Fitzgerald profile picture
Leiza Fitzgerald
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After Helene & Milton our 10 acre Oaktree Oasis around our home was a wreck. Tree tops broken, branches everywhere and trees down. We hired the Rick Richards team and within days our yard & pastures were beautiful again. Everyday they left, the yard was straightened up, side walks were blown off, equipment was nicely stowed & nothing was left in a shambles. The crew was prompt to return in the mornings, competent and priced fair. We couldn’t have asked for a better job.
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Paradise Lover profile picture
Paradise Lover
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Most knowledgable in the area. Professional work with fair prices. Simply the best!
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G
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I cannot recommend and am extremely disappointed as I paid nearly a thousand to get professional seeding done but the folks who showed up (definitely not Rick) simply distributed seed on the ground and very little picked up, despite the watering and fertilization. I was recommended using them by another company and was told they'd take care of everything. Had I known better, I could have done the same for 1/40 of the price. And I'd have done the aeration to get the seeds below the surface. Edit: I followed up and contacted the owner as he asked. I've been berated on two different emails. Edit 2: The owner's response isn't true. It was his company contracted through a lawncare company. There was no resolution attempt, no offer to re-seed. He offered to have the job done again but not for free. No, the majority of it did not germinate. Lastly, he seemed ignorant to the fact we had service done at this address when spoken with, how could he suddenly recall all of these details, including things never mentioned? The lawn was watered religiously for months following the schedule.
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Norman Stockton profile picture
Norman Stockton
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I had Rick Richards Inc. come in today to address some oak trees that needed trimming and hedging and to remove one diseased oak tree. My goal was to get all of the work done prior to hurricane season. From start to finish it has been a flawless and professional experience. They arrived on time and completed all work as contracted. There were no issues. His work crew checked back with me regularly to make sure that the work was preceding to my satisfaction. I could not be happier. Thank you to Rick and his team for a job well done.
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stan gorski profile picture
stan gorski
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The right man for the job, five stars says it all.
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Linda Schmidt profile picture
Linda Schmidt
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These people are experienced, competent, careful, and do a great job! Ritchie King (foreman) really knows his stuff. I have used other tree services in the past, but there is definitely no comparison. We will NEVER use anyone else! Robyn, in the office, is gracious and caring. We had quite the mess after hurricane Ian. What we got was a careful evaluation, a clear proposal, and prompt service. Can’t be beat!
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Teri Koss profile picture
Teri Koss
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Could not have been more pleased! Rick Richards Inc. did an awesome job trimming trees and grinding brush along our fence line that was extremely overgrown. Not only did they do a great trimming job, they did a great clean up as well. Very polite and professional! Our fence line has never looked so good! Thank you, Teri
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Mike Ryan profile picture
Mike Ryan
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Rick Just wanted to let you know I was out by my land today it it looks AWESOME! You guys did a great job and I will definitely be reaching out if I need anything else. Thanks again for the great work and great communication! Mike
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CL K profile picture
CL K
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The owners of the company are very responsive to my needs for yard maintenance and bush hog mowing my pasture. They get here as quickly as possible and they have never let me down. Their crew is clean cut, professional, well trained and highly skilled. They make an extra effort to make sure the job is done well and to your satisfaction.
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Marion Krajewski
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Land Management Blog

Frequently Asked Questions – Rick Richards Inc. | Sarasota & Bradenton Land Management Experts

What services does Rick Richards Inc. offer in Sarasota and Bradenton?

Rick Richards Inc. provides comprehensive land management and restoration services since 1987, including forestry mulching, upland restoration, tree services, aquatic management, hydroseeding, landscaping, right-of-way maintenance, wetland delineation, environmental permitting, stormwater management, and site preparation. We serve residential, commercial, HOA, municipal, and utility clients throughout Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and surrounding areas.

What is forestry mulching and why choose it in Sarasota?

Forestry mulching is an eco-friendly, single-pass land clearing method that grinds trees, brush, palmettos, and invasive vegetation into fine mulch on-site. It enriches the soil as the mulch decomposes, prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, and eliminates costly hauling and disposal. Our low ground pressure, high-horsepower equipment allows us to work efficiently in sensitive or difficult terrain while saving you time and money.

How does upland restoration benefit my property?

Upland restoration revitalizes disturbed or overgrown areas by removing invasive species and promoting native vegetation. This enhances biodiversity, improves habitat quality, increases property value, and helps with stormwater management and long-term ecological health. We use proven mechanical and chemical techniques tailored to Southwest Florida’s unique environment.

Do you provide professional tree services in Sarasota?

Yes. Our ISA Certified Arborists offer safe tree trimming, tree removal, storm damage cleanup, cabling, fertilization, and stump grinding. Healthy trees improve air quality, boost curb appeal, lower energy costs, and enhance wildlife habitat while keeping your property safe after hurricanes.

What is aquatic management and when do I need it?

Aquatic management includes lake and pond cleaning, algae control, shoreline restoration, retention pond maintenance, weed control, and installation of fountains or bubblers. It’s essential for maintaining water quality, preventing flooding, meeting regulatory compliance, and keeping your lakes, ponds, and canals healthy and attractive year-round.

What are the advantages of hydroseeding over traditional sod or seeding?

Hydroseeding is a fast, cost-effective way to establish lush lawns or revegetate slopes. It mixes seed, mulch, fertilizer, and tackifiers in a slurry for even coverage, superior erosion control, and quicker germination—often in just 7–14 days. It’s ideal for new construction, post-storm repair, stormwater ponds, and large areas where traditional methods are impractical.

Your TitleCan Rick Richards Inc. help with environmental permitting and wetland services? Goes Here

Absolutely. We offer wetland delineation, hydric soils determinations, environmental permitting, mitigation monitoring, gopher tortoise surveys and relocation, and stormwater management compliance. Our team has decades of experience navigating local, state, and federal regulations to keep your project on track and fully compliant.

Do you handle right-of-way and utility vegetation management?

Yes. We specialize in right-of-way reclamation, line clearance, boom arm mowing, power shearing, herbicide application, and vegetation management for utilities, roads, and pipelines. Our services keep corridors clear, safe, and compliant while minimizing environmental impact.

How experienced is Rick Richards Inc.?

We have been providing cost-effective, professional, and environmentally sound services since 1987 — over 35 years of local expertise in Sarasota and Manatee counties. We are fully bonded, licensed, insured, a drug-free workplace, and licensed Gopher Tortoise Agents and herbicide applicators for aquatic and terrestrial sites.

Is forestry mulching and land clearing environmentally friendly?

Yes. Our methods preserve topsoil, reduce erosion, recycle vegetation into nutrient-rich mulch, and avoid burning or heavy hauling. We focus on sustainable practices that support long-term soil health and native ecosystems while delivering faster, cleaner results than traditional bulldozing or excavation.

What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve the greater Sarasota and Bradenton area, including Myakka City, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and all of Sarasota and Manatee counties. Our services are available for both small residential lots and large-scale commercial or municipal projects.

How much do your services cost?

Pricing depends on the scope, acreage, terrain, and specific services needed. Forestry mulching and hydroseeding are often more affordable than traditional methods because they require fewer steps and less disposal. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation site assessment and detailed quote.

How do I get started with Rick Richards Inc.?

Call us at (941) 322-2375 or email rrinc@mailmt.com. We’ll schedule a free property evaluation, discuss your goals, and provide a clear, competitive proposal. Whether you need emergency storm cleanup, routine maintenance, or full habitat restoration, our experienced team is ready to help.