The RLS landscape sales and design staff have a combined experience of over 50 years.
Our Owners
Owner Rick Splittgerber has been the driving force behind RLS Landscape and Nursery since its inception over 20 years ago. The company developed out of Rick's passion to serve customers and create environments that enhance their lives. Beginning his business with a maintenance service while still in high school, Rick has grown his business to become one known for quality and service in all facets of design and installation. He is also the founder of Albertson Trees, our sister-firm for tree spading services. Rick holds a Bachelor's Degree in Plant and Soil Sciences, specializing in Landscape Design.
Meet Al Splittgerber, our corporate President who manages much of the day-to-day operations of our crews, materials, and billings. Al came out of retirement to bring a rich business background to RLS.
He keeps us all on our toes!
Our Design Team
The experienced landscape designers at RLS strive to provide an interesting and unique landscape to compliment the property and to meet the customer's needs. All of the RLS Landscape Designers have a B. and A.A.S. in Ornamental Horticulture with a specialty in Landscape Design and in-depth knowledge of plant materials and hardscape construction.
Danielle Knoll has been the lead RLS designer on projects for multi-million dollar homes and civic and commercial landscapes. She has established a strong reputation that keeps her busy through client referrals and work with high-end builders. Her innate creativity and design sense give RLS the edge in creating cutting-edge landscapes that provide unique solutions to each clients needs. "Dani" is a valued member of the Kishwaukee College Ornamental Horticulture Advisory Board.
Michaela Friedrichova--or Misha, for short--joined RLS in February 2006. She brings a string of honors along with her horticultural degree from Kishwaukee College, where she created the award-winning design for the Pay It Forward House in Sycamore. Misha emigrated from Slovakia in 2002, but is no newcomer to horticultural knowledge and customer service. Our clients rave about her diligence to detail and design skills. With her congenial personality and excellent working knowledge of landscape construction, she's an outstanding addition to the RLS design team!
Jesus Rios, our crew manager, has been with RLS for over 13 years. He translates the innovation and creativity of our designers, bringing their plans to life on each client's property. Whether "hardscaping" or planting, he is a perfectionist - taking pride in his work, and ensuring that each project carries his signature expertise.
Our Crews
