Is it necessary to start with a landscape plan?

Yes. Would you build a house without a plan? Look around you. You can tell which home landscapes have been thoughtfully planned and installed by a qualified professionals. There is a flow, function and beauty that add value to the property. Because plant materials and hardscapes will be with you for the long haul, take time to consult with an experienced designer . Your RLS plan will be created in close consultation with you, based on an assessment of your needs, preferences, maintenance issues, and budget.

Why do you charge a fee for your designs?

Contrary to what others might say, there is no such thing as a "free" landscape plan. Design costs are often hidden in installation charges. Our fees are nominal, considering the time and expertise RLS Designers apply to your landscape design. RLS charges these design costs up front. That way, you own your landscape plan. That enables you to phase the installation or seek alternate bids. While we are happy to create your design, we certainly would like to provide you with our expert installation , too! Remember that adage, "You get what you pay for!"

What will I get with my plan?

Along with a scale drawing, based on a survey of your property, you will receive a bid for installation of all hardscapes and plant materials according to the plan. We also provide detailed cultural information and photos on all plants, drawn from our Horticopia database.

What time of year is best to plant?

For most plants any time the ground is not frozen. The notion that you can only plant from April-June and September-November is a myth. Ask us questions about specific plants. Our RLS Care Guide will help you ensure planting success.

How much should I budget for landscape installation?

Architects have determined that 10% of the cost of a new home should be devoted to plant/renovate the outdoor environment. This is only a guideline, and may vary significantly from site to site, depending on property size and the desires of the homeowner.

Should I install the entire landscape at once?

It's more economical to do it all at once, but many choose to install their landscapes in phases over several seasons. Do what works best for you. A well-designed plan from the RLS Designers can guide you over the years..

How do I determine what grows best and where?

Don't worry about it! As a professional design/build company this is our job. RLS Designers will consider the various micro-climates of your site to ensure success. However, no planting is maintenance-free. If periodic maintenance is your concern, be sure to raise this issue so you can understand what will be required from season to season. Thoughtful landscapes are designed to avoid excessive maintenance and allow ample space for plants to mature.

What kind of guarantee does your company carry on materials and workmanship?

All work performed by RLS carries a 100% satisfaction guarantee. With some exceptions, all of our plant material carries a replacement guarantee. In addition to these guarantees, many of the non-plant material products that we use also come with a guarantee from the manufacturer. Our one-year warranty does not cover plant mortality due to circumstances beyond our control, including fire, flood, drought, pestilence, storm, vandalism, abuse, neglect, catastrophe, construction damage and soil alteration, nor does it cover the cost of labor. Our RLS Care Guide will help ensure planting success. 

What sizes and grades of plant material will be used in my landscape project? Is it balled and burlapped or container grown?

The highest grade of plant material is used by RLS in our landscapes. The Landscape Designer for your project chooses individual plants for characteristics such as size, shape, density, expected growth, flower color, and overall health. RLS strives to use all balled and burlapped material due to overall superiority in growth and hardiness compared to container-grown stock. Due to growth characteristics of some plant material, container-grown may be chosen as a better option.

Will the plant material used be locally grown or shipped in from out of the area?

Over 90% of the plant material used is grown by either RLS or a local wholesale nursery. This practice ensures that the plant is hardy for the climate and is able to grow in your soil type. We also are proud of our use of locally grown stock, which keeps more of local tax dollars working in our communities.

What methods does your company use to install the following basics of landscaping?

Plant Material:
RLS starts with the highest quality plant material, next the hole is dug large enough to ensure there is adequate room for new root growth, the plant is then placed in the hole at the proper growing height and interfering burlap or twine is removed, then the hole is backfilled with a combination of existing soil and a custom blended planting mix for your soil type, finally the area is watered as needed to provide the proper environment for growth.

Unit Pavers:
First, the existing area is excavated and properly contoured to exacting grades using laser guides. Next, the industry required 8-12" of compacted and leveled gravel base is installed. Then, a layer of mason sand or crushed limestone is laid to provide a seating base for the pavers. Finally, the pavers are set with a slight slope to ensure proper water runoff and the joints are filled with a jointing sand to properly lock the pavers together.

Retaining Walls:
Our retaining walls start with the same compacted base as our pavers. The retaining wall is installed to the proper height for the application and desired design, while keeping joints overlapped for strength and level for stability. A 4" perforated drain tile and clear washed stone is installed behind the wall to eliminate water build-up, which is the No.1 cause for retaining wall failure. After the wall is completed the top layers are cut to the exact sizes and angles to eliminate the gaps that are made by the corners and curves in the retaining wall.

Seed And Sod:
RLS starts all seed and sod jobs with the finest of turf grasses that are chosen specifically for your job. In order to provide the proper growing environment, the existing soil is tilled, pulverized, and cleaned of foreign material. Then the area is leveled and graded to allow for runoff of excess water. This is followed by application of a starter fertilizer to provide the nutrients that your grass will need immediately. The grass seed is applied once on both directions and the sod is laid with special care paid to overlap the seams. The area is then rolled to provide a smoother finished surface. Watering must begin immediately to keep sod seams from drying and opening up.

Do I need an irrigation system, and when is it installed?

An irrigation system can make your life simpler, especially in seasons of extended drought, when trees and shrubs need supplemental water. RLS recommends Irrigators, a local irrigation installer. After your landscape features and planting beds have been designed, but before installation of seed and sod, your system can be designed and installed by the irrigation contractor. Ideally the system should be installed in coordination with RLS Designers.

Do you have a list of references and job sites for some background information into your company and it's work?

We carry a comprehensive list of builders, developers, and contractors that you will be able to contact. Please ask them questions about our services and products. We also have available a list of job sites that have been chosen to show our new customers the type of work RLS can perform and also to give you different landscaping ideas.

Does your company carry insurance to guard against costly claims?

RLS is a fully insured company to protect our employees, equipment, and the job sites at which work is being performed. A copy of our insurance is available upon request.