You Need A Budget for your Landscape

It is important to have a budget and to tell your potential landscape construction contractor what that is. I know, I know, you want to see what he or she says (to see if one of them is trying to rob you, but that’s a different post), but the truth is, you can spend $1,000 on your yard or you can spend $100,000 on your yard.  Were you thinking a small patio and a brick walk or would you like an entire waterfall that cascades into a pond with a flagstone patio next to it?

And are you transforming your yard in a series of phases or doing all that you ever would do, this season? Are you going to live in your home for the rest of your life or only a few years?

 You don’t have to know your exact figures, but remember to be realistic. If your budget is $10,000 then tell your contractor $8,000. This amount will give both of you room to move. Remember that phasing in your dream projects over 2-3 years can get you within your annual budget. A good contractor will be able to tell you what to start with. Think this through. Don’t plan on putting in a large tree or a large stone in a spot next year where a stone patio or walk is installed. There is the possibility of damaging the walk or patio with heavy equipment. This future planning will affect the budget and scope of work. 

 Know your property and understand the restrictions and limitations your property poses upon the contractor. Is your property on an island with no vehicular access? Are the neighbors’ houses only 10′ from yours on each side creating a lack of machine access? This will increase your labor costs. Is your yard heavily shaded and you want to plant trees or plants that thrive in the sun or want sod to grow there? Understand your property and set a realistic budget.

Many people say, but I don’t know what things cost. That’s okay. Ask yourself a few questions:

1) Can I do the work I need done and make sure it is done to last for decades? Do I want to do this work?

2) What is my time worth? If you are a professional yourself, what do you feel is fair compensation to other professionals? Don’t discount the value of a qualified landscape professional.

3) Can I access plants and materials of good quality? 

4) Do I want to hire a full-fledged company that is fully insured, with warrantees and with employees run through a payroll system? Can I afford to not worry about a company without workmen’s compensation? What will I do if a worker without workmen’s compensation is hurt on my property and I then am liable?

5) When comparing estimates, am I looking at apples for oranges? Will they install a proper base for my brick pavers? Will they use retaining wall systems that will not fall down in a couple of years? Is it worth my money in the long run to hire a slap-it-in landscaper? We have repaired many of those kind of jobs, so the homeowner spent wasted monies the first time around.

Don’t be afraid to tell your landsape contractor what you want to spend.  Check their references and their portfolio, even if you can only afford a $1300.00 brick sidewalk.

Here is an excellent article on the value of landscaping in today’s real estate market:

http://liquidmarket.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/6-landscaping-tips-that-wow-buyers/

Soil Preparation and Amendments for the 10$ Hole

Soil prep is one of the most important things that can be done when planting. This will help with moisture retention, nutrient retention and root development of all plants.

When you excavate for a new plant, no matter what size plant, mix with the native soil your amendments.

Amendments are peat moss, compost, sand (preferrably sharp sand), top soil, fertilizer and even moisture absorb crystals.

Amendment amounts per plant on average (adjust according to size of root ball): ~ approximately 3-5 pounds of spagnum peat moss ~2-3 heaping shovelfulls of compost, top soil and sharp sand (not beach sand) ~ approximately 2 cups of fertilizer.

Add a little more sand, if you have clay soil.

Add 3/4ths of the fertilizer to the amended soil and reserve the final 1/4th to sprinkle over the top of the root ball.

Do NOT put amended soil over the top of the rootball. Rather, apply a layer of mulch on the top of the rootball. This will prevent suffocation if the plant was planted too deep. 

With the excavated soil in a pile next to the planting hole, mix your amendments into the pile. After mixing, backfill your plants, compacting the soil around the root ball of the plant with your hands, end of the shovel, pry bar knob end, or even a 2×4 scrape. Compacting the soil around the root ball is very important to remove air pockets. Also, fill the hole with water to help settle the new soil.

Also important before planting, I cut slits in the burlap of large balled & burlaped trees and shrubs. For smaller balled & burlaped plants, I completely remove the burlap. Attending the burlap speeds the plants ability to spread roots and grow in its new spot. Girdling of the trunk can occur if the ropes are left on.

Ten Dollar Hole for a Two Dollar Plant

Spend ten dollars on a hole for a two dollar plant. Spend money for the proper soil amendments when planting new plants. The proper soil preparation is costly at first but will pay for itself over time.

Make sure the plants have the correct moisture level at planting time. Water them when dry before planting. Watering the plant after you have back filled may not guarantee the proper water exchange to the plant.

Make sure the soil ball of the plant is well moist throughout the first year after planting to help ensure the root system will grow and expand into the existing soil, giving the plant a more secure future to thrive.    

If you are going out of town after you have planted, make sure you have someone come and water — even if it will rain. And make sure they water enough. Keeping your new plants and trees properly watered their first year is well worth the time and ensures a good start for your investment. Plants and trees have different watering requirements, make sure you ask the nursery or your landscaper. Knowing how much will also prevent overwatering.

Ajuga Reptans

Don’t Use Weed Barrier Under Mulch

Do not use weed barrier under mulch.

Only use weed barrier under gravels and decorative stone.

Mulches decompose and add welcome nutrients to the soil. If you put a weed barrier down first then the composting of the mulch cannot mediate into the soil.

Detroit Home Awards Third Place Winner

Landscape Artisan took third place in Landscape Water Feature last night at the 2009 Detroit Home Design Awards!

Designed by Jeffrey White of Jeffrey White, Inc & Associates and built by Landscape Artisan.

Here is the winner:

Contact us through our website at www.landscapeartisan.com if you’d like us to build you a potentially winning landscape in next year’s prestigious Detroit Home Awards Show.

The Spring 2009 Detroit Home Design Awards magazine hit newsstands today.