1.  Who will utilize your new landscape?

For families and kids, a playscape may be in the mix, or you may want to designate an area to kick around the soccer ball. An open, grassy space would be perfect to accommodate pets and ensure there is enough space for entertaining guests. If hosting parties is your thing, hardscaping and pavers create ample seating space and provide a central location for your event. Any special accommodations such as wheelchair access, ramps, handrails, etc. can also be incorporated into a custom design.

2.  What is your favorite season to be outdoors?

The answer to this question will help decide what outdoor features come into play! In Michigan, cold temperatures are perfect for a gas firepit or fireplace which can be added to both new and existing patio spaces. If you love being outdoors during the summer months, consider a pergola structure to block the sun and designate a good spot for the grill. For spring and fall, consider a unique garden bed to highlight seasonal flowers and trees.

3.  Favorite types of plants?

Ask a designer which areas of your landscape are best suited for your favorite types of plants. If there are any views on your property to preserve, consider removing the plants that hinder your field of vision and add smaller perennial plantings or shrubs. Need more privacy? Over time, arborvitae for example, grow very tall, creating a nice barrier between you and your neighbor.

4.  Budget Accordingly.

As a homeowner, new landscapes are a great investment! At D.A. Alexander & Company, our designers will work with your vision and your budget to create a beautiful environment that you will enjoy for years to come.

To discuss your project with a D.A. Designer, contact our office at 734-427-0030.

What is considered a small tree?  Shockingly, a small tree can be considered anything that grows up to 30 feet tall. Here are a few of our favorite showy and space-conscious trees for any landscape.

1.)  Downy Serviceberry: Commonly known as Juneberry, these white spring flowers are a sight to be seen! Aside from being a functional and beautiful tree, the serviceberry has a tasty twist that most homeowners overlook. Come June, this tree’s fruit begins to ripen and if you play your cards right, you might get a little treat before the birds beat you to it.

2.) Paper Bark Maple: This tree is perfect if you appreciate more than just flowers, fruit and showy fall color. With a mature height of about 25’, this tree deserves to be the focal point of any outdoor living space. As this tree matures, the exfoliation becomes more aggressive and the bark turns a rich cinnamon color.

3.) Eastern Redbud: There are over 30 different cultivars of this tree and you will have no problem finding one that fits in your small, compact garden. If you can be patient, this tree will act as a small shade tree that will take your outdoor living experience to a new level of enjoyment! Their almost neon-colored flowers bloom in springtime and give way to bronze leaves by summer.

4.) Arborvitae: Arborvitae are great privacy trees. Perfect for small yards, these trees do well in compact spaces next to pavers or fences and are virtually maintenance free. Arborvitae trees can withstand cold Michigan winters and their foliage stays green all year round.

Here are a few seasonal plants that provide vibrant, bold-colored leaves during the fall and early winter months:

1.  Oakleaf Hydrangea - In the summer, the leaves of the oakleaf hydrangea are bright green and are accompanied by tiny white flowers. Unlike most hydrangeas, the leaves change to a vibrant red color in the fall. This plant requires very little maintenance, produces quite a bit of foliage and looks beautiful year-round.

2.  Coral Bells - During the fall months, this plant withstands heavy rain (and muddy soil) along with cold temperatures. Coral bells range in color and are often found in shades of dark purple, orange, caramel or peach. Try adding to a planter or add as edging along sidewalks or pavers.

3.  Ninebark (Physocarpus) - If you're a fan of warm tones, the ninebark shrub is for you. Once flowering season is over, the leaves remain lush and change to a deep orange or burgundy color. Ninebark is a staple shrub in Michigan and is extremely draught tolerant.

4.  Ornamental Cabbage - Cabbage leaves come in a variety of colors like deep or dark purple, vibrant pink and even white. If you are a fan of super bold colors, try adding cabbage as a showcase plant in the front of your landscape. Cabbage survives well into November and December and requires minimal maintenance.

1.  In Michigan, purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) is a wonderful option when looking for a plant with all-season interest. In the spring, they produce bright-medium green foliage with leaves that are perfectly horizontal and cascade down the branch. In the early summer, this shrub produces clumps of pinkish-white flowers that are delicate and petite in nature.  As summer turns to fall, the foliage turns to a yellowish color and vibrant clumps of purple berries appear on the branches that persist through the winter, even once the leaves are gone.

2.  Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a shade-loving shrub that also has attractive qualities all four seasons in Michigan. This hydrangea has medium-green textured oak-like leaves and beautiful conical white flower blooms. In the fall, this plant exhibits brilliant orange, red, and burgundy color. The most noticeable trait about this plant in the winter is its orange-brown shaggy bark. Oakleaf hydrangea provides a lot of texture to a winter landscape and undeniable beauty throughout the rest of the seasons!

3.  Coral bark Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku') is a stimulating tree option when trying to achieve all-season interest. This tree has fire engine red bark and a sharp, seven lobed leaf with bright green color. In autumn, the bright green leaves turn a striking yellow-orange color that is a great focal point for a fall landscape. In the winter, the branches take center stage and provide a nice pop of color during some of the duller months.

These are just a few options to incorporate into an all-season landscape in Michigan. To work with our award-winning design team on your next landscape project, please contact us.

If you're working on a budget, there are many ways to build your backyard in phases, extending the project's installation timeline over the next few years. Working with a professional landscape designer and a proper landscape plan gives you realistic expectations for both cost and completion timelines.

First, as a homeowner, it is important to understand what you actually need to get by as the bare minimum. Sod and irrigation systems are more costly and, in many cases, these items are completed within the first phase of installation. We prefer to install the base of the hardscape items (deck, patio, or both) along with sod and irrigation in Phase 1 to help the remainder of the project progress, depending on what your plans entail. For example, an irrigation system built in Phase 1 will give life to the shrubs and perennials that are installed farther along in the project.

After the sod, irrigation and basic hardscape items are completed, we begin the more intricate hardscape details in Phase 2 of your project. This phase can represent a larger portion of your budget if you opt for a complex hardscape feature such as a fireplace, firepit, outdoor kitchen, masonry work or water features. Additionally, this phase may take the longest to build, but part of the D.A. experience includes regular follow-up from your designer along with an estimated timeline for completion so you can plan accordingly.

Phase 3 is about the finishing touches such as creating planting beds and planting ornamental and shade trees. In most cases, this is the least costly phase and an exciting one for any homeowner as we come close to finishing the space.  

In the end, with your hardscape, landscape, sod and irrigation installed, what other options should you consider? How about an LED lighting system or a raised vegetable garden… maybe some decorative ceramic pots for seasonal flowers or a small water feature? These are easy add-ons and give a thoughtful final touch to your living space.  

By designing in phases, YOU have ultimate control over the timeline, budget and aesthetics of your project. The Design Team at D.A. Alexander has your best interests in mind and will work with you to bring those dreams to life.

But all jokes aside, a question many homeowners have is, “What can I grow in all this shade?” 

Let's start first with the definition of shade. Now, before I break out my luminometer, (yes that is a real thing) when was the last time you looked at your back yard all day? As a kid in science class, we once went outside every hour and poked popsicle sticks in the ground under a large maple tree and tried to guess where the shadow would be the following hour. This helped us understand not only the movement of the sun, but also that the densest maple tree isn't shady all the time. 

Shade can be light, moderate, or dense. Like the names suggest, they are based on the amount of light that breaks through. For instance, Locust trees can have full sun on top and allow “dappled” light to filter to the grass below. Whereas, a forest canopy may completely shade out all light.

Apart from the typical shade plants we all know, there are a wide variety of shrubs, trees, and even evergreens that will withstand shade. A proper plan of action will include the time to measure and understand your space. D. A. Alexander has a team of professional landscape designers who will not only help you with this, but will help to seek a solution to make your shade garden livable and lively.

While online resources have an abundance of advice, each yard is different and only the experience of a trained professional with industry knowledge will be able to help you properly plan. So, rather than randomly purchasing another plant from your local big box store, make a plan to have the right plant in the right place.

The most widely accepted research on how much landscaping raises the value of a home was conducted years ago by researchers at Virginia Tech. The results, published in the October 14, 2014 issue of REALTOR® magazine found that upgrading a home's landscape from average to excellent can raise its overall value by 10 to 12 percent, which translates into an additional $8,300 to $19,000 in extra profit on a modest $150,000 home. The article mentioned that Michigan homes saw the biggest difference in landscaping appeal, with a home's value being increased by 12.7 percent. "Looking at our before and after pictures would convince most skeptics of the perceived value of landscaping and landscape maintenance," said David Alexander with D.A. Alexander & Company. "Clean lines, expertly pruned shrubs, crisp-edged walkways, and a nice fresh layer of ground cover can really enhance curb appeal. The overall appearance of a well-maintained property appeals to the kind of prospective buyers that builders wish to attract."  

D.A. Alexander is a fullservice landscaping company offering landscape design, installation and maintenance services for residential, commercial and industrial properties. "I am proud that we are celebrating 40 years in business this year and we keep growing based on our reputation for quality work," said David. The firm was honored by the HBA as the 2015 Subcontractor of the Year. RJR Services, Inc., a sister company to D.A. Alexander, was also founded 40 years ago and is a recognized leader in complete facilities management including parking lot and grounds maintenance.  

Spring is the ideal time to spruce up a property to attract buyers. "Landscape crews will come in and re-cut bed edges, do shrub pruning, install annual owers and generally make the entranceways, common areas and model homes or single sites clean and beautiful," said David. "If a home is slow to sell, instead of discounting the price, builders should consider upgrading the landscape with irrigation, sod, foundation plants and larger trees." D.A. Alexander does landscape design, installation and maintenance for a number of HBA member builders. "Base landscape makes the whole community look better," said David. "We always try to create a memory point, especially with model homes. If people see how landscaping can be used to enhance the beauty of a home, they often want those koi ponds and waterfalls just like the model has. Builders can offer landscape packages as an option. Another advantage of having professional landscaping done is that our designers, arborists and master gardeners have the knowledge to design landscapes to mature correctly. We are focused on increasing the investment value of every home we landscape." 

Article written by Nancy Rozum, published in the HBA's BUILDING Business & Apartment Management magazine-May 2018

1. Health Benefits

2. Environmental Benefits

3. Financial Benefits

Yes, financial benefits!  Most people are familiar with the first two but the later you won't hear discussed as often.  We will break down the main points of each with some surprising statistics.

THE FINANCIAL BENEFITS

The most tangible bang from your ‘bark' comes from energy savings.  Here are the statistics.

- “Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20-50 percent in energy used for heating.” – USDA Forest Service

- “If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less.  In 15 years, the savings will be nearly 12%.” – Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research

Trees are responsible for increased property values.

- “Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent.”  – Management Information Services/ICMA

- “In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a ‘strong or moderate impact' on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%.” – Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests

- “Trees can be a stimulus to economic development, attracting new business and tourism.  Commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent.”  - The Arbor Day Foundation

HEALTH BENEFITS

There is no denying trees are pretty to look at.  They flower, change colors and block unsightly views.

- “In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.”  -Dr. Roger S. Ulrich, Texas A&M University

They also produce oxygen.  How much exactly?

- “On average, one tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year.  Two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of four.” – Environment Canada, Canada's National Environment Agency

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Trees create habitats for wildlife, reduce soil erosion and prevent runoff from entering storm sewers amongst other things.

There are plenty of statistics to support these benefits but, by now I'm sure you've had your fill of facts for the day.  So, just take our word on this one!

It's easy to take for granted both trees and the many benefits they provide.  Our communities wouldn't be the same without them!

Dry-cast pavers are produced using a dry-mix of concrete and aggregates and have a low water ratio. These are what we traditionally think of when we say “pavers”.  Dry-cast pavers are formed through the vibration and compaction of dry materials and are air-cured, making them quick and affordable to produce, but limited in color and texture options.

• ideal for driveways and high-traffic areas

• affordable

• high density, high strength (an approximate PSI of 8,000)

Wet-cast paver mix contains more water than dry-cast pavers, rendering the mix a similar consistency to concrete. An increase in curing time means wet-cast pavers are more labor intensive to produce, resulting in a higher price point. Wet-cast pavers come in a wider variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. 

• ideal for pools, patios and walkways

• moderately strong (an approximate psi of 6,500)

• practically non-porous

Pavers manufactured for Michigan are versatile, long lasting and designed to withstand freeze-thaw cycles. For examples of how concrete pavers add beauty and value to your landscape visit our project image gallery here. 
 

As D.A. Alexander & Company knows, a well-designed outdoor space serves as an extension of your home, bringing the indoors outdoors during any season.  The addition of a fire feature brings your space to life, anchors your space visually, and naturally functions as a gathering spot. There are many options when considering a fire feature for your outdoor space, each bringing a unique style, aesthetic quality and function.

Classic fireplaces and pits come in all shapes and sizes. There's a wide range of fully customizable, modular fireplace kits that make the installation process easy whether you choose wood burning or gas fueled.  Consider a built-in, raised pit made from stone, brick or slate with a 360° or 180° degree retaining-wall seat to comfortably accommodate friends and family while entertaining. Fireplace kits give designers the option of building your fireplace entirely from retaining block, or attaching a stone façade to a prefabricated concrete insert. Modular fireplaces can be fully customized to include additional options such as wood storage boxes, pizza ovens, waterfalls and extended table tops. Modular kits also come in a wide range of colors and patterns to match the exterior of your home. 

Fire pits can also be gas or wood burning. Gas fueled fire inserts also come in a variety of shapes and sizes including, linear, star-shaped, half-moon, fish-eye or wave-shaped for masonry pits. Some manufacturers offer all-in-one units built into prefabricated outdoor furniture such as dining tables or benches. When selecting a gas-fueled fireplace or fire pit, you can choose from lava rock and fire glass to add beauty and intrigue to your fire feature. Smooth, rough and reflective fire glass comes in a variety of sizes and colors. 

For smaller spaces, portable steel fire-pits, chimineas, or bronze or copper fire bowls offer aesthetic value and functionality without the permanence and can be relocated as your space evolves. 

Contact D.A. Alexander to learn about the full range of fire feature options to fit your unique style and space.  

We've selected some of our favorites to showcase this season's best landscape projects!  

Fall Flowers 

If you're dreading the end of summer because it spells doom for all your beautiful flowers, dread no more.  To extend landscape color through the fall season, plant some of these varieties! 

1) Mums – mums are everyone's “go-to” solution for keeping the flower beds vibrant in the fall. They come in dozens of colors, so you can put them anywhere without worrying about how they'll impact the rest of your landscape.  They can be easily planted in pots on the porch or landscape beds to add color all over the yard.  Mums are very hardy plants and will keep flowering until about mid-November.  Buy plants that are full of tightly-clustered flower heads that haven't started to open yet. Put them in a sunny spot and keep them moist as they flower. 

2) Ornamental Cabbage and Kale – though people think of these plants as flowering, it is actually their leaves that provide the color and beauty.  Put them together in large plantings to show off their color, which develops best after frost. Buy plants that have short stems to prolong their growing season.  Kale is a drought-tolerant plant, but don't skip the water for too long or they will get stressed. 

3) Asters – this plant is very hardy and appears more daisy-like than mums. They are most commonly available in purple, white, and pink hues.

4) Pansies – a popular choice;  they're very colorful and last much longer into the cold weather.  Plant them now and enjoy them until the heat hits next summer. They'll get a little wilted when temperatures drop below freezing, but will perk right back up as soon as the sun works its magic.

 No matter what type of flower you choose, you can add some great color to your yard and keep your outside spaces inviting.  Before too long they will all be covered in white! 

There are three main benefits of trees:

1.       Health Benefits

2.       Environmental Benefits

3.       Financial Benefits

Yes, financial benefits!  Most people are familiar with the first two but the later you won't hear discussed as often.  We will break down the main points of each with some surprising statistics.

The Financial Benefit of Trees

The most tangible bang from your ‘bark' comes from energy savings.  Here are the statistics.

- “Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20-50 percent in energy used for heating.” – USDA Forest Service

- “If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less.  In 15 years, the savings will be nearly 12%.” – Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research

Trees are responsible for increased property values.

- “Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent.”  – Management Information Services/ICMA

- “In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a ‘strong or moderate impact' on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%.” – Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests

- “Trees can be a stimulus to economic development, attracting new business and tourism.  Commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent.”  - The Arbor Day Foundation

Health Benefits of Trees

There is no denying trees are pretty to look at.  They flower, change colors and block unsightly views.

- “In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.”  -Dr. Roger S. Ulrich, Texas A&M University

They also produce oxygen.  How much exactly?

- “On average, one tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year.  Two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of four.” – Environment Canada, Canada's National Environment Agency

Environmental Benefits of Trees

Trees create habitats for wildlife, reduce soil erosion and prevent runoff from entering storm sewers amongst other things.

There are plenty of statistics to support these benefits but, by now I'm sure you've had your fill of facts for the day.  So, just take our word on this one!

It's easy to take for granted both trees and the many benefits they provide.  Our communities wouldn't be the same without them!

Landscape lighting has changed for the better.  With LED technology, fixtures are durable and the costly need to replace bulbs yearly has been eliminated.  Now is a great time to consider adding landscape lighting to your home. Choose a few accent fixtures or light an entire yard; landscape lighting will add value to your home.
1. Functionality.  Landscape lighting allows extended time outdoors. It makes possible sharing a conversation and spending time with your family and friends in your yard after the sun sets. Your relaxation time in the evening will not be cut short due to inadequate lighting.
2. Extend your living space. Your deck, patio, and outdoor kitchen are an extension of your living space. Enjoy them well into the night where reading a book, playing cards, or simply enjoying the outdoors wasn't previously possible.
3. Safety. Landscape lighting promotes safety in a number of ways. A well-lit home will discourages thieves, allows you to see into your yard at all hours of the night, highlights potential trip hazards such as steps and properly illuminates entryways for those late nights at the office.
4. Enhancements. Your lighting selections will enhance the overall appearance and set a tone for your home and landscape.  Cool white, warm white, and color options are available. Use landscape lighting to emphasize unique features of your home or landscape.
5. Décor.  Adding color technology fixtures to outdoor lighting looks spectacular. A subtle red tone on your Japanese Maple or blue tone to Skyrocket Junipers will make them pop.  Create warm venues around fire pits or bold lighting around a pool or spa.
6. Enhanced entertaining. Your parties and holidays will never be the same.  With color changing LED fixtures, lights change with the click of a button.  Sunday's football crowd will be impressed when your lights coordinate with your favorite team.  No need to go out in the cold to change the bulbs when the holidays come around; these fixtures are capable of change to full spectrum of colors.

Your landscape is your outdoor home environment. The same care used to build your home is necessary when installing your landscape. A professional landscape design will be to scale, show placement of items such as plant material, bed lines, and retaining walls, and will list quantity and variety of materials.  The design can be used universally as the blueprint for how your landscape needs to be installed.

Imagine remodeling your kitchen by just buying things that look nice and hoping they work together.  It may work out but more than likely it wouldn't, causing quite the headache.  Would you even consider hiring a contractor to remodel your kitchen who didn't present an organized design?  The same can be said for your landscape contractor. Professional landscape contractors have the training, experience, and ability to develop an organized landscape design.

The value of a proper landscape design is often overlooked.  Improperly designed landscapes can cost some significant money to correct, sometimes even more than the initial landscape itself.  Your professional design will take into account the grade of your lot, where land engineered swales are located, the growth habit and climate preferences of plant material, and HOA landscape standards. This will help to avoid future costs such as tree removal for trees planted too close to your home, drainage installation to aid in moving water since there is now landscaping in your swale preventing the swale from doing its job, and sometimes complete re-installation of your landscape if it doesn't meet HOA requirements.

Professional landscape contractors will schedule an appointment to meet at your home to discuss your landscape needs and wants; they will need a plot plan or mortgage survey so have one available. It is also common practice for professional landscape contractors to charge a design fee. You can ask before you schedule an appointment if a design fee applies.

The end result... a beautiful outdoor space to be enjoyed for years to come!