MEL Client FAQs

How do you know if Meadow’s Edge Landscaping is the right fit for your project? Read below to find out.

What does gardening for wildlife mean?

Your outdoor space is more than a place to play or have a barbecue, it can also provide home and food to many plant and animal species year-round. My 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. Mowing may be a small part of some projects such as seasonal weed control or maintaining paths in the garden.

Will you collect and remove my leaves?

There are a few circumstances where I would recommend removing all leaves from a property, such as disease management. MEL does not have the equipment to remove large amounts of leaf matter. Fallen leaves are important to ecosystem health. They return nutrients to the soil and provide winter habitat. They also help prevent erosion. I encourage homeowners to leave at least some of their leaves and work them into the landscape for mulch.

Will you use chemicals on my property?

Targeted herbicide and pesticide treatments are sometimes necessary for the control of invasive species. Poison ivy in workspaces is always treated before other work will begin. I do not apply glues, dyes or other consumer product chemicals  to the landscape. All applications will be discussed with the property owner prior to use.

Will you spread mulch or gravel at my property?

The application of gravel or mulch will only be done as part of larger installation plan.

How long will my project take?

It depends on the size of the site and needs. A simple pruning can usually be completed within 1-2 days. A site redesign and/or maintenance plan may be contracted on an annual basis as needs change throughout the seasons. It takes multiple seasons to understand a landscape.

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 invasives with native species whenever possible. If the plant can’t be fully removed, I remove flowers and seed heads. Strategies for managing invasives vary by site.

What if I just want a tree removed?

I will only remove small  trees and shrubs if they will be replaced with other vegetation. A licensed arborist will need to be consulted if work can’t be done from the ground.

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. I do plant non-native plants at times, but my strong preference is for regionally available species.