Retaining Walls Falling Down

These retaining walls are falling down in Oakland Township, Michigan. Even the short walls are leaning and seperating.

Why?

1) The blocks used to construct these walls are not retaining wall blocks. They are planter retention wall blocks and can only be used in walls up to 16″ high and that is only under optimal conditions . These walls are 48″ high.  The builder should have used something like Unilock’s Pisa II block, or Anchor Wall (Versalock).

2) All the blocks of these walls do not have glue to hold them together and some blocks had only a dab of glue.

3) Improper drainage behind the walls.

4) I suspect an improper base was used due to the shorter walls leaning and seperating. Proper base for walls of these height is 8″ – 12″ deep of compacted gravel and the base should be wider than the wall. A 12″ wall should have a minimum 18″ wide base.

These walls were only 7 to 8 years old. Properly built walls, using appropriate materials, should stand straight and tall for twenty years without any issues for the homeowner. We do not recommend attempting to repair these walls.

It is vital that when you shop for a landscape contractor, you do not only choose your contractor based upon price. There are a lot of guys with a truck and a shovel, make sure they can build your landscape project to stand the test of time.

  

 

Landscaping in Lake Orion, Michigan

Another recently completed design and build project in Lake Orion, Michigan.

We designed and built the bed and planted boxwoods — a Magnolia tree, hydrangea, ornamental grasses, astilbe, hostas.

Landscape Project in Royal Oak, Michigan

We recently completed a front yard design and install project in Royal Oak, Michigan– sidewalk, porch, plantings, sod.

We used Unilock Brussels Block brick pavers for the sidewalk and porch. We also built the stone wall around the big Maple tree — Ohio Blue Wall Stone. Plantings included hydrangeas, boxwoods, barberry, astilbe, Stewartia tree that we purchased from Landscape Supply.

Landscape Project in Fenton

We installed Stone Steps and Garden Wall using Huron Highland in Chocolate Limestone at this landscaping project in Fenton Michigan. We installed the brick patio at bottom of wooden stairs, using Unilock’s new Avante Ashler brick pavers. We planted alongside the steps: White Flower Dogwood, Bird’s Nest Spruce, Mountain Laurel, Endless Summer Hydrangea, Lavender, Pink Chintz Thyme, and Pink Carpet Roses.

Koi Pond Expansion in Commerce, Michigan

We orginally built this pond as designed by Jeff White a few years ago. Since then, the clients have had us re-design it and expand it to accomodate their koi. We have added elements of stone and plantings, including stone steps nearby and a stone bridge across the pond.

    

   

Landscaping in Clarkston, Michigan

We recently completed this landscape project in Clarkston, Michigan. We installed Unilock Brussels Block in Sandstone and Mahogany to complete a front porch/patio with seat wall and piers along with a walkway. We also installed a garden wall using Ohio Blue Stone.  We repaired the rear patio circle and walk. Amongst the plantings: Red Bud tree, Dogwoods, Shasta Daisy, Black-eyed Susan, Euonymus,  Hydrangea, Astilbe and Boxwood. We added a couple downspout drains  and did some other work. This project cost the homeowner less than $15,000 and the new hardscapes are warranteed for three years, the plants are warranteed for one year, and the Unilock products are warranteed for life.

         

              

            

Privacy Screening in Birmingham, Michigan

Privacy Screening

 

This privacy screening in Birmingam was constructed using Parasoleil Panels.

Landscaping in Ferndale, Michigan

We recently completed the landscape rennovation of a backyard in Ferndale, Michigan.  We custom built a wood arbor, installed a brick paver patio approx. 120 sq feet using Unilock Brussels Block in Sandstone, and installed a Flagstone Path. 

The plantings included ‘Green Mountain’ Boxwood, Climbing Hydrangea, ‘All Summer Beauty’ Hydrangea, deciduous Azaleas, Myrtle, and assorted perennials. We also planted three ‘Cherokee Chief’ Dogwoods and a 7′ Hemlock. Natural Boulders were placed in the planting areas.

Custom Wood Arbor

      

Our client was so happy, we have just also completed her frontyard!

Parasoleil Panels

The Parasoleil panels we used in our booth at the 2010 Spring Home & Garden Show at the Rock Financial Center were a big hit.

Landscape Artisan's Booth

 

The panels can be used as screening, pergola roofs, canopies, railings, etc. Interior applications can be made also.

Parasoleil panels are a green product. They are completely mined, milled and manufactured in the United States. They are made from 90 to 95% recycled copper. They are recyclable. Parasoleil panels are also made using aluminum, fsc-certified woods and organics, steel and tinted acrylic and these too are green-certified.

Last fall, we installed Parasoleil panels in Birmingham as an eye catching backdrop to enhance the client’s view. Between the panels are deciduous trees and the photos below show the fall and winter look. The client chose to add a patina to the panels.

 

Landscaping in Clinton Township, Michigan

At this residence in Clinton Township, Michigan we designed and installed stone and flagstone and plantings. The stone is Huron Highland and the paths are of flagstone. It is fall now, so the plantings are not as visible.

Flagstone Paths

 

Huron Highland Stone

   

Flagstone Path