Need Some Advice for Your Landscape?

Helpful Landscape Tips: Questions to Ask About Your Landscaping

Choosing the right landscape designer and contractor is the best way to ensure your landscape project runs smoothly and look beautiful. It's relatively easy to start a business and call yourself a landscaper so be careful not to be swayed by the lowest bid.

Ask the following key questions when choosing a landscape contractor:

A wheelbarrow sits in front of a pile of dirt
  • The shocking truth about topsoil

    What every homeowner should know about topsoil.


    Almost every homeowner with any property has said at sometime, “We need to buy some topsoil.” It could be to fill flower beds, build up the vegetable garden or cover sandy or clay soils when putting in a lawn. But do they really know what they are getting?


    Myth #1: Topsoil means that it is going to be good, dark and rich soil.

    Fact: There is no legal definition of the word topsoil. Technically, it is whatever is on the top..

    Always go to look at what you are buying if you are unfamiliar with the soil seller to know what you are purchasing.


    Myth #2: Good topsoil is very black.

    Fact: Very black soils are not always the best soils. You should be able to feel some grit when you rub a small amount of soil between your thumb and forefinger. This is the mineral portion of the soil, which is critical for plant growth. Those minerals include phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and many more. The black portion is the organic portion, which is slowly decomposing nitrogen. The soil should contain both minerals and organic material. Most Topsoil will be a brown color, and could contain sand (sandy loam) that is great for drainage.


    It may be very good soil and not black.


    Myth #3: There are no weed seeds in good topsoil.

    Fact: All topsoil comes with weed seeds. There is no way for even the most diligent seller to remove these. If the soil was heated to kill the seeds, it would also kill all the valuable microorganisms in the soil. This sterile disaster would create more problems than it would solve.

    Soil equals seeds, and when plants appear, they are often plants that you will recognize because they are not currently growing on your property.


    Myth #4: All I have to do is spread it over my existing soil and jump back and watch great things happen.

    Fact: Topsoil sitting as a completely separate layer on top of the existing soil is going to create drainage and growing problems. When adding soil, it is almost guaranteed to be different from the existing soil. It will create problems for roots growing downward. Roots will stop at the original soil layer, especially if it is denser. To create a natural way for water to drain and moisture to percolate up, it is very important to mix some of the soils together. Add 2 or 3 inches of new soil and till it to mix in. Then, more can be added because you have just created that transitional layer. It is well worth the additional effort.


    Myth #5: I don’t have to fertilize when I use topsoil.

    Fact: What you have just purchased may be lower in nutrients than what you already own. The seller is providing soil, not fertilizer. Topsoil may provide tiny amounts of nutrients, but don’t avoid soil testing because you think nutrient problems have been resolved.


    Myth #6: There will be no rocks in my topsoil.

    Fact: Even the best producers of topsoil cannot guarantee this. The screens they use to take out large particles of material do not screen out small rocks. Topsoil is mass produced into enormous pills to be loaded into semi trucks for distribution.

  • Can you show me pictures?

    Every professional landscape contractor will have a portfolio of past work. If you don't like the looks of their work, no sense going any further.

  • Can you provide references?

    Find out if previous clients were happy with their end results. Did the design match their vision? Did the project stay within budget? Did the designer offer creative alternatives? Were the workers professional? Was the project completed on time?

  • How does the design process work?

    A professional landscape contractor will start by asking you questions to guarantee the end result reflects your style and personality. If they start telling you what they'd do, watch out! You might end up with a generic looking landscape.

  • What's included?

    Will they handle design, installation, irrigation, lawn, lighting, permits, and disposal? One stop shopping makes the process smoother.

  • Will you educate me?

    Ask your landscaper how and why specific plants are chosen. If you're doing any type of hardscaping (patios, walks, decks, walls) ask about ground preparation, drainage plans, and material selection. A professional landscaper will take the time to offer clear explanations.

  • Do you have a written guarantee?

    Construction work should be guaranteed, in writing, for two full years and specified plants should have a written one year Warranty

Let There Be Light

Who wouldn't want an artfully lit landscape on a warm Michigan summer night? Buying and installing lights is not incredibly difficult or expensive, knowing which fixtures to buy and what to light is the secret. A well-lit home is safer and more secure than an unlit home. Use the tips below so your lighting will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing:

Who are the lights for?

Do you simply want your house to look pretty for others passing by or do you actually do things outside at night? For example, strong beams on a driveway basketball court can add hours of post-dusk fun.

Consider the source. The goal is to see the landscape features, not the light source that is shining. Be sure to purchase lights

that can handle hard Michigan winters. LED lights require less electricity; however, they do not get hot enough to melt the spring

snow around them.

Flashlight plan. Use a "big" flashlight to test out ideas and sketch an accent lighting plan.

  • Uplighting. Do you have specific architectural features such as an archway or arbor? Do you have favorite trees to highlight? Set the flashlight at the base of several features. Uplighting is great for tall ornamental grasses as well.
  • Downlighting. Try shining the flashlight down on features you want to highlight. Downlighting is commonly used for paths and walkways.
  • Backlighting. Are there any features you'd like to silhouette? Place the flashlight behind them to see the effect.
  • Crosslighting. Find another flashlight, light a feature from two different directions for added dimension.
  • Submersible lighting is great for ponds. Have a waterfall? Consider spotlighting it.

Patios, Pathways, Walls & More

Hardscaping is a term landscape contractor’s use referring to the part of a home or building's grounds consisting of structures, such as patios, retaining walls, and walkways made with hard materials. Anything made of hard material that's not living is hardscaping. Whether attempting a hardscaping project yourself or hiring a professional to do it for you, use the following tips to avoid expensive pitfalls:

Look at the big picture. Even if you're only tackling one element at a time, consider designing the entire area before you begin. Once a hardscape project is in, it can be costly and difficult to tear out and move

Pay attention to drainage. Make sure you have adequate drainage and when possible capture the water and use it on site.

Balance boulders. A big rock, sitting on top of soil does not look natural. Bury boulders deep enough so they blend in and balance them with plants.

Love your lines. Think about the natural lines of your outdoor space, use curves to transition gracefully from one element to the next for a natural look. Hard rectangles and squares work well for a contemporary design.

Leave some lawn. Many homeowners in southwest states opt for all hardscape and plants but there's nothing like walking barefoot in your yard during summertime in Michigan. Leave enough grass to mow.

Carefully mix colors. Complement your home's exterior by finding two or three materials that coordinate with each other and your home. Consider texture as well as color and remember wood decks and railings count as a texture and color.

Consult an engineer on big projects. No explanation needed; it will cost you plenty if a big project fails structurally.

Use good material. A great design will only last as long as the material used holds up and don't skimp on site preparation only to have your hardscape settle and heave in frost.

We’re only a phone call away! Call (248) 625-8844 and let us know how we can help.