Addressing Site Challenges
Credit One Stadium, home of the Credit One Charleston Open, required a landscape capable of supporting a premier tennis venue, concerts, and high-profile events. The Lowcountry’s clay-based soils and heavy rainstorms create drainage issues and bed washouts, while over 150 mature trees—including live oaks, sabal palmettos, Japanese maples, and crepe myrtles—require customized care plans. The site’s irrigation system covers nearly 90% of the property with over 11,000 heads, including zones integrated with subsurface watering for the clay courts. Moisture sensors automate watering by zone, but continual monitoring and rapid response are critical to prevent damage during storms or high-use periods. Seasonal events, such as the Charleston Open, demand precise flower timing, turf management, and temporary bed installations to accommodate tents and guide patrons, adding complexity to day-to-day maintenance.
Achieving the Client’s Goals
For 22 years, Ruppert Landscape has partnered with the stadium to ensure the landscape complements the facility’s aesthetic while supporting diverse uses. The team maintains 13,500 annuals, 1,000 shrubs, 500 perennials, 13 acres of turf, and 150 mature trees. Seasonal overseeding, fertilization, and irrigation adjustments keep turf lush and vibrant for tournaments, while hand pruning, fertilizing, and systemic insect treatments maintain tree health. Temporary beds, planters, and walking paths are installed for events, with plant replacements carefully matched for color and size. Mulching, edging, and debris removal across 3.5 miles of sidewalks and beds ensures the property is always presentation-ready. These practices create a pristine, cohesive, and resilient landscape that supports the stadium’s status as a premier venue.
Overcoming Execution Challenges
Maintaining a high-traffic, high-visibility site requires flexibility, precision, and rapid response. Routine maintenance occurs early to minimize disruption, with teams adjusting schedules around private lessons, concerts, and last-minute requests. During the Charleston Open, 15 team members work before dawn to hand-water turf and beds when irrigation is shut down for tents, while cleaning, replacing plants, and removing debris. Design enhancements, such as river rock in washout-prone areas and heavy dyed cypress mulch, reduce storm damage and post-event cleanup. Strategic planning, long-term site knowledge, and real-time problem solving allow Ruppert Landscape to maintain aesthetic excellence, ensure operational readiness, and preserve the Lowcountry charm that defines Credit One Stadium.