Get matched with top landscapers in Alto, MI

You should avoid planting grass, shrubs, plants, and trees in freezing temperatures, as the ground can get frozen and become too hard for proper root growth. It’s best to plant in the fall to allow your plants to establish root systems before the first frost. Landscaping when the average temperature in your area is between 50 and 60 degrees will usually deliver the best results.

Xeriscaped lawns are far more varied than many gardeners initially assume. The often-pictured rocky and cacti-filled landscapes are just one option. Many wildflower-, herb-, and mulch-covered landscapes follow the same principles without straying too far from the lush and colorful landscapes we have come to know. In fact, there are numerous xeriscape ideas for customizing an energy-efficient lawn to your liking.

If you want to take your tree-planting hobby beyond your outdoor space, here are a few great ways to do it:

• Encourage your neighbors to participate in the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program, which has a four-step framework that helps communities grow and maintain their own tree cover.

• Support businesses that plant trees. 

• Lobby your local government to plant more trees around your community.

• Donate to a tree-planting charity.

The average cost for landscaping is around $3,500, but prices can range from as low as $200 for simple DIY projects to $14,000 or more for extensive work. Several factors influence the final price, including your geographic location, yard size, project scope, chosen materials, site preparation, and the type of landscaping involved. Professional landscaper labor costs typically range from $50 to $100 per hour.

For a smaller budget, you can focus on softscaping projects like adding mulch, flowers, and shrubs, which might only cost a few hundred dollars if you do the work yourself. A budget of around $5,000 could cover projects like a simple patio, new plants and tree trimming, or a water feature. More extensive hardscaping projects, such as pergolas, patios, and walkways, can push the budget to $14,000 or more. For example, a flower bed installation averages between $800 and $3,000, while landscape lighting installation can cost from $2,000 to $6,000.