More Testimonials from this Summer!

Thanks to our wonderful and inspiring customers for these recent testimonials and also for a successful summer in the Motor City!!

Would you recommend Landscape Artisan, LLC to a friend or colleague? Yes

Describe Your Experience with Landscape Artisan, LLC:
Bob and his team were outstanding in every phase of this project. He completely met my expectations and I would absolutely hire his crew again.   West Bloomfield, Michigan

****

Would you recommend Landscape Artisan, LLC to a friend or colleague? Yes

Describe Your Experience with Landscape Artisan, LLC:
Landscape Artisan did an excellent job on our paver patio and pergola.  Highland, Michigan

*****

Would you recommend Landscape Artisan, LLC to a friend or colleague? Yes

Describe Your Experience with Landscape Artisan, LLC:
we wanted something unique, customized and not built from a kit. we had some special requirements that other contractors told us they could not provide. Landscape Artisans said YES and indeed, they did a wonderful job. we are very pleased with the outcome. we love our new pond! Daniel and Kin C      Franklin, Michigan

New Testimonial

Would you recommend Landscape Artisan, LLC to a friend or colleague? Yes

Describe Your Experience with Landscape Artisan, LLC:
“Price was significantly lower than competition. Work was done professionally as promised and completed on time. Completed patio project made my wife proud. I would definitely do business with this company again.” Southfield, Michigan

Thank you to our clients!!!

The Baby Bird Update

Bob took the baby bird to a songbird rehabilitator and she will raise it and release it.

It is a male Cardinal, almost a fledgling and in very good health.

Landscape Artisan gave Teresa a donation as she cares for many injured and orphaned song birds.

Our New Mascot- Elle Aye

Yesterday, we purchased a spruce tree at John Deere Landscape nursery in Armada Michigan to plant at a client’s house in Southfield. Inside the spruce tree, we found out later at the job site, was a bird nest with a nestling in it. Bob brought the nest home and we are raising the baby bird.

We are feeding this nestling every 15 to 30 minutes — chopped up earthworm, mealy worms, bits of raspberries, and soaked-in-water dry dog food.

It makes a funny squeaking sound when hungry. It did sleep through the night.

We are calling it Elle Aye.

Why Should A Homeowner Pay For A Landscape Design/Plan?

The design for a landscape is a valuable product. The value can be measured in many ways.

• The designer spent time studying what plants grow in the soil and the exposure of the project.
• The designer knows how different plant material grows and works with other plants. Some plants are toxic to each other and should be placed correctly. Designers know how big plant material will grow, etc.
• The designer knows that color plays a key role and how a landscape can accent or contrast a house.
• The designer takes into consideration the location and shape of patios, walks, fire pits and outdoor living areas.

Landscape designers will take the guess work out of a landscape. These plans will (or should) give clear steps in the process to completion of the project. The plan will explain what should be installed and in what order.

Most people phase their landscape project over the course of several years. A plan will tell the homeowner where to start and where not to. No homeowner wants to build a patio that then must be altered or moved to continue with the overall design and look the homeowner desires.

Remember that no landscape company gives free designs. The homeowner is paying for the design somewhere in the bid process unless the homeowner has purchased the design outright. The cost of purchasing a design will depend upon the size of your project, the project’s complexity and the designer hired. The design is a worthy investment for any home, much like the investment in the building plans.

Here at Landscape Artisan, we only charge for the drawing when a homeowner wishes to keep it. Or when a homeowner wants to DIY their project and hires us to design. Otherwise, the design is covered through our overhead. The average design with completed drawing takes approximately four to eight hours, depending on its complexity and scope. Our designer spends a minimum of two hours on any project that involves design in any way. This includes the development of the concept, laying out of the concept and pricing and locating materials.

Smaller projects will get what Bob calls a “napkin sketch” : a sketched out drawing of the concept. Smaller may mean less complexity rather than size. Larger projects “go on the board” and are drawn on vellum paper according to the measurements of the project and with specifications for project completion. This is when Bob pulls out all of his catalogues and reference books and materials and his reading glasses and really thinks about what will meet the homeowner’s needs and transform their space. He will sit there for sometimes a very long time, watching a Tigers game and drawing then erasing then drawing again and asking for research into this or that on the computer. For instance, prices on stone posts or ways to reduce highway noise.

Since we expect a homeowner’s input, we expect that revisions will be made to the original design and we look forward to that process. Bob will bring the drawing “back to the board” and revisions can include working on ways to make the project happen within a certain budget.

Don’t feel sorry for Bob though- he loves what he does!!!

Estimates from Landscape Artisan

What can you expect when you request an estimate from Landscape Artisan?

We receive leads from a variety of sources, primarily through the Internet. So, depending on how you choose to contact us will determine how quickly we receive your contact information. Calling us usually results in the information getting to us the fastest. If we are sent your contact information through the Internet and it is past working hours, the information may not reach us until the next day. There also seems to be a delay in emails being delivered at times. Remember also, we try and take Sundays off to spend time with our families.

Once your contact information is received, we decide on which one of our designers is best suited to contact you and the information is sent or phoned to that person. Landscape Artisan then expects most of our customers to receive an initial telephone call from one of our team 24 to 48 hours from the time the designer received the information. 

Remember that we are not a lawn maintenance company nor an irrigation system repair or maintenance company nor do we trim large trees. If we can, we will send your contact information to the proper company if we do not perform that service. We do perform horticultural services for our existing customers and on a limited basis. Another factor in hearing from us, is how far away your project is.

The initial telephone call will determine what you need from us in terms of an estimate. Usually, an appointment time will be scheduled. Some repair/maintenance jobs will not require an appointment but will require one of our team to visit the project.

Why so long you might ask?

• We are blessed and fortunate in this difficult economy to be pleasantly and wonderfully very busy. Our designer Bob is either meeting with customers, drawing for customers, phoning customers or working in the field at the customer’s house, ensuring our exacting standards of craftsmanship are followed.

Secondly, an appointment will be scheduled at your earliest convenience when our designer is also available. Sometimes, customers simply are not very available and we try our hardest to work around your schedule while not neglecting our other customers.

Will you receive an estimate at the appointment? Sometimes. It depends on your project. The complexity of your project will determine how long it takes to get an estimate and design back to you. Our designers are passionate about the art of landscaping and they want to deliver to you the most unique concept at the lowest possible price. This means research may be involved in securing affordable materials, or in determing the best plant materials to achieve the desired effect, etc. Our general rule is to get back to our customers with a design within two weeks.

If you are on a time crunch, it is important to tell us that during the initial phone call. We do help customers transform their yards for special events, such as graduation parties, weddings, family reunions. Just let us know.

Can we always get your project in? No. And not because we don’t want to, only because as I said before, we are blessed to be very busy. Projects are scheduled and delays occur at times. Weather, especially heavy rains can impede a project’s progress and add-ons will increase the time we spend at another customer’s home. We love add-ons! Many customers need to find out they can trust us to do the job right and when they find this out, they will add-on to their project. This is always a blessing to Landscape Artisan.

So, what can you expect when you request an estimate from Landscape Artisan?

• One of our team will phone you within 24- 48 hours of receiving your contact information. They will attempt to phone you again if you do not call back. But, it is much better for you to return the call at your earliest convenience.
• The estimate is free.
• Our team will treat you and your project with courtesy, respect and professionalism. Our team will be passionate about the design of your landscape project.
• Our team will present completing your project above the board. Permits will be pulled, township ordinances will be followed, our company carries liability and workmen’s comp. insurance, our employees are on payroll and are U.S. Citizens, etc.
• Our team will expect your full input into your project. What is your budget? What flowers and plants do you like? What do you want your outdoor space to do for you? Do you have pictures of landscape elements that are pleasing to you? What do YOU think? If you are in a relationship, we will expect to meet with both of you. We want both of you to be pleased with the final outcome.
• We will revise the plan and the estimate to meet your needs, within our power to do so. Revisions are an expected part of the progress of finalizing a landscape design/plan.

Three Recent Testimonials

To Adam at HireitDone.com> “Just wanted to let you know that we used your web site for paver repair quotes. 
Landscape Artisans got the job from the estimates received and they did a great
job.  They showed up when they said they would, worked with us on our budget and
did a great job (including taking care of a few things some might consider
picky, but things that made us ‘totally satisfied.’)  Thanks for the web site
referral service.  We will use it again and can recommend Landscape Artisans. ” Shelby Township

“We LOVED Landscape Artisan!  We hired them after receiving their information
through this great website, and Mark and Chad and the whole crew were just
wonderful.  Our patio looks spectacular and we would recommend them highly to
anyone who’ll listen!  They came in on time, on budget and the design is
beautiful!!  Thanks Adam!! “   Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

And to Service Magic:

“Would you recommend Landscape Artisan, LLC to a friend or colleague? Yes

Describe Your Experience with Landscape Artisan, LLC:
This project far exceeded my greatest expectations. Our backyard was transformed from a no-privacy open space to an enjoyable outdoor living area. Design ideas originally set this company apart from other contractors. We did not have a good idea of what wanted and really liked his original design. Bob was willing to come to our house several times before we committed to him, making minor changes to the design to fit our budget and for additional requests. When the project started, the crew was timely, friendly and worked hard. Most importantly, the craftmanship was first rate. After this experience, I would never use another contractor.”  Oxford, Michigan

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