MEL Client FAQs

How do you know if Meadow’s Edge Landscaping is the right fit for your project? Here are some frequently asked questions. Please feel free to ask any additional questions that may not be listed or for clarity on procedures and projects.

How long will my project take?

When taking on a new project we estimate based on the size of the site and complexity of the work plan. Here are some examples of types of projects with varying lengths. We will do our best to provide up front and accurate timeline estimates before any work contracts are signed.

Updating an existing garden bed with new plants or a simple pruning may take several hours to a day, if there is minimal vegetation removal and no addition of soil materials. Some weeds grow during different seasons, so to be thorough additional time will need to be spent during each season.

Site redesign and/or maintenance plans work best contracted ahead of the season and kept on an annual basis.

Seeding is most successful in the very early spring or late fall.

Removing vegetation, turf, or establishing new beds may take several weeks.

Some plants may only be available at a certain point in the season.

Soil cannot be worked while it is saturated because it will lead to compaction.

These factors and more can influence the timeline of your particular project.

What does gardening for wildlife mean?

We believe a well-planned landscape can be both a beautiful place to relax and provide critical resources to wildlife year-round. We can bring conservation home by using a diverse array of native plants to provide food and shelter. Our landscape management practices focus on creating spaces that are both beautiful and ecologically healthy.

Will you mow my yard?

MEL is not a turf management company and this is not our primary function. Mowing may be a small part of some projects such as seasonal weed control or maintaining paths in the garden. These services will be clearly discussed in our draft proposal before the start of any service.

Will you collect and remove my leaves?

At MEL, we encourage homeowners to leave at least some of their leaves and work them into the landscape for mulch. Fallen leaves are important to ecosystem health. They return nutrients to the soil and provide winter protection. They also help prevent erosion. There are a few circumstances where we would recommend removing all leaves from a property, such as disease management. We here at MEL are not equipped to provide large scale removal of leaf matter. We are happy to recommend a local company that will be able to provide this service if it is needed.

Will you use chemicals on my property?

Targeted herbicide treatments are sometimes necessary for the control of invasive species. Poison ivy is always treated before other work will begin. We do not apply glues, dyes or other consumer product chemicals to the landscape, as it impairs the natural biome of the ecosystem. All applications will be discussed with the property owner prior to use, and all information on these substances will be made available ahead of any application.

Will you spread mulch or gravel at my property?

The application of gravel or mulch will only be done as part of a larger installation plan. For pricing on bulk gravel or mulch installation, please reach out to us directly.

How do you handle invasive species?

Many yards contain trees, shrubs, and flowers that are invasive. These include popular landscape plants like burning bush and barberry, as well as weeds like garlic mustard. I work with homeowners to replace invasive plants with native species whenever possible. If the plant can’t be fully removed, we remove flowers and seed heads. We design comprehensive solutions for management of invasive species customized to each job site or area.

What if I just want a tree removed?

We can remove small trees and shrubs if they are to be replaced with other vegetation of equal value. If the tree exceeds this predetermined size, work cannot be safely done from the ground, or is near power lines, a licensed arborist will need to be consulted. This is for your safety and ours.

What if I want a plant that is not a regional native?

Humans have strong emotional connections to plants. They connect us to loved ones and important memories. These specimen plants have an important role to play. We may choose to plant nonnatives at times after consultation with the homeowner.

What if I am unhappy with the service?

Here at MEL we want you to love your landscape. If you are unhappy with any result, please reach out to us and we will do everything in our power to reclaim your happiness!