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Plants & softscapes
Long-lasting, guaranteed nursery trees, shrubs, perennials & annuals
There are so many varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals that it's hard for even the most avid gardener to know them all. We take the guess work out of your tree and plant work selection. We understand what grows well in sun, partial sun, shade and the midwest region. Our services include mulching, pruning, trimming and all your softscape needs. Plus, we are used to working with either new spaces or refreshing existing landscape. We also love to build specialty gardens and are even experts at outdoor lighting. Whether you need trimming, maintenance, landscape refresh, or new plant installation, we've got it covered.
Landscape tasks for a healthy summer garden
See the 4 must-haves to start the season
Flowerbed & Lawn Clean-up
Remove dead leaves, sticks & debris. Next, rake or aerate to allow air to reach the ground. This ensures growth and prepares the yard for mulching or planting Finally, ensure your lawn equipment is functioning well for the season.
Perennial Clean-up
Clean / cut any foliage from the fall 1-2" from the ground. Divide plants to prevent encroachment. Common plants that need to be divided are daylilies, iris, hostas and grasses. Also divide anything that is bald in the middle.
Maintain Bed Edges
Use an edging tool to keep gras from encroaching on your beds. You should do this late summer or fall, and at least 1x per year.
Plan for Future Landscaping
Having the right plan will save you money. You will benefit by having the right amount of plants, can minimize maintenance costs and will replace plants less often. A professional landscape architect can help immensely with current and future plans.
A primer on pruning
When to prun, by plant type
Late Spring / Summer
After Blooming
Azalea (Rhododendron species)
Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis)
Bridawreath Spirea (Spirea x)
Flowering Crabapple (Malus species and cultivars)
Forsythia (forsythia x intermedia)
Hawthorn (Crataegus species and cultivars)
Hydrangea, Bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Magnolia (Magnolia species & cultivars)
Mockorange (Philadelphus coronarius)
Rhododendron (Rhododendron species)
Serviceberry (Amelanchier x grandiflora)
Slender Deutzia (deutzia gracilis)
Weigela (Weigela florida)
Early Spring
While Dormant
Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia Davidii)
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissiam)
Hydrangea, Peegee (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’)
Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa)
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Spirea (except Bridal Wreath) (Spirea japonica)
Wisteria (Wistera species)
