What we install
- New planting beds and borders
- Shrubs and evergreens
- Perennials and ornamental grasses
- Shade and ornamental trees
- Privacy screens
- Bed edging
- Mulch and finishing
How we install a landscape
Clear the area
We remove old shrubs, weeds, and sod from new beds. If there is a stump in the way, we grind it out first.
Prep the soil
Our heavy clay soil holds water and packs down. Working in compost helps new roots spread and helps beds drain better.
Plant at the right depth
Shrubs and trees are set with the top of the root ball at or slightly above grade. Planting too deep is one of the most common reasons plants die in clay soil.
Loosen the roots
Plants that sat in pots often have circling roots. We loosen them so they grow outward into the soil.
Water and mulch
Everything gets a deep watering, then a layer of mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down.
Caring for new plants
New plantings need regular watering through their first growing season, especially in July and August. Water deeply and less often rather than a little every day. Check the soil with your finger: if it is dry a couple of inches down, water.
Plants we like for our area
Shrubs
Ninebark, serviceberry, arrowwood viburnum, dogwood, and spirea are tough choices for local yards.
Perennials and grasses
Coneflower, black eyed Susan, bee balm, little bluestem, and prairie dropseed are native, colorful, and tough.
Trees
See our Illinois native trees guide and our tree planting page.
Need a plan first?
If you are not sure what you want, start with landscape design. We will lay out a plan before anything goes in the ground.