Frequently Asked Questions
Consultation & Design
Is my landscaping guaranteed?
Yes, All plant material is guaranteed for a period of one year from the completion date of your job. Brick Paver Patios & Retaining Walls are guaranteed for a period of two years against sinking or heaving and the pavers/retaining blocks are guaranteed against breakage for life. Tumbled stone products arrive with a “weathered” appearance and some minor flaking or chipping may occur.
Plant Material
How do I water my plants?
Unfortunately there is more than one answer for that question.
The spring and the fall usually offer cooler temperatures and more
moisture in the soil. The summer is a difficult time for newly installed
plant material due to the lack of moisture and high temperatures. In
addition to the temperature you need to understand the type of soil that
you have. Most homeowners around Ann Arbor have heavy clay soils so you
have to be concerned with over-watering also. Before all other
considerations simply stick your hand in the soil down as far as you can
and see how it feels to you. Be careful not to mistake cool dry soil for
moisture content. As a general rule…For trees you should place the hose
at the trunk of the tree and leave the hose with the water coming out at
a trickle. Leave the hose on each tree for approximately 15 minutes.
Shrubs and Perennials should each be hand watered right in the center of
the plant for approximately 1-2 minutes per plant.
Spring & Fall:
Trees should be watered 1-2 times per week. Shrubs and Perennials should
be watered 1-2 times per week
Summer:
Trees should be watered at least every other day. Shrubs and Perennials
should be watered every day or at least 5 times during the week.
Customers with irrigation systems should be aware that your plant
material does not require the same amount of moisture your lawn does.
Your planting beds should be on a separate zone(s) than your lawn.
Minimal moisture is usually all that is needed. Usually only 5-7 minutes
per zone even in the summer. Consistency is the key here.Overall you
should adjust your watering based on your own evaluation of your site,
soil, and planting size. Once your planting establishes itself after the
first or second year, you can reduce the watering according to your
site. Often by a half.
Brick Paving Systems
Will I get weeds growing in my patio?
Yes, However they do not grow from below the patio. They grow as the weed seeds blow in and rest in the spaces between pavers. They are usually very easy to pull out by hand or spray with a weed killer. Another trick to combat weed growth is to sweep a fine grain sand into the spaces in the spring.
Will my brick pavers move?
Yes, Some heaving is to be expected as the ground freezes and thaws however, when the ground settles in the spring, the patio/retaining wall will settle itself. The New Leaf Landscaping Company installs paver products according to the manufacturer recommendation and feels confident that while some movement is inevitable, your patio or retaining wall will last for years to come.
Do I need to seal my pavers?
No, the durability of the paver is not affected. However, a sealer does help prevent fading of darker colored pavers and does help prevent weed growth. Plus, sealing does enhance the look of the paver and is available in either a Matte or Gloss finish.
Are Brick Pavers Difficult to shovel in the winter?
No, Brick Pavers are installed according to manufacturer recommendations. While you may “catch” your shovel periodically, it would be no more than with a crack or an expansion joint in concrete.