Richard D. Fadal, founder of TexaScapes, Inc., was the first professional landscape contractor in Austin to maintain commercial grounds using organic-based methods. Today, this Greener Grounds Maintenance approach is the cornerstone of his company’s landscape philosophy.

In 1985, Fadal founded TexaScapes after serving for nine years as Texas Instruments’ regional landscape manager. He went to work at TI in 1977, the same year he earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Texas Tech University. While in charge of TI’s 600 acres on three campuses, Fadal switch to organic-based landscape maintenance methods and reduced the number of synthetic chemicals used from hundreds to only a handful. Fadal stuck with this earth-friendly approach, which he calls Greener Grounds Maintenance, when starting his business. TexaScapes’ uses the safest and most environmentally beneficial methods and products for its commercial grounds maintenance customers, resulting in a well-maintained site that is 60 to 95 percent organic.

Fadal’s creativity and expertise in landscape design, horticulture and plant biology guide TexaScapes’ second specialty, designing and building landscapes for homeowners with lots of a half-acre or larger. With his and TexaScapes’ Landscape Architect’s and Project Manager’s help, many Austin area residents have artistically transformed their properties into beautiful environments – from theme gardens featuring tropical exotics to drought-tolerant native plant habitats.

Many of Fadal’s clients have been with him for years, some since TexaScapes’ founding. Long-term customers include the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Wells Branch MUD, HEB Central Market, and the City of Sunset Valley.

As the Green Gardener for KEYE-TV Channel 42, Fadal shares his environmentally friendly landscaping tips with viewers at least weekly during the 6 p.m. news. He delivers “how-to” advice and answers viewer questions about topics such as dealing with garden pests, selecting the right plants, creating a compost pile, building better turf, and encouraging helpful insects.

Fadal and TexaScapes have also been featured in the Austin Business Journal, the West Austin News and Port Aransas South Jetty. He’s been guest host of KLRU-TV’s “Natural Gardener” and featured on the station’s “Central Texas Gardener.” Fadal has also been interviewed for articles in regional and national magazines, including Austin Home & Garden, Texas Highways, Landscape Architecture, Organic Gardening, Wildflower, and Metropolitan Home.

Fadal is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects dating back to associate student membership in 1975. He has also been a member of and served on the committees and/or boards of the Association of Landscape Contractors of America, Travis County MUD # 13, Capital Area Suburban Exchange (CASE), Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Keep Austin Beautiful, Austin Chamber of Commerce, Coastal Conservation Association Austin Chapter, Texas Tech Parents Association, Eco Fair Texas, the Capital Soccer Club, Texins Employee Association, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, and All Saints Episcopal Church.