Our Landscape Installation Services

At New Leaf Eco Landscapes, we view the landscape installation phase as an act of ecological restoration. Understanding your goals and limitations will help us create a thriving, cohesive landscape that will flourish for years to come.

Whether you are considering a complete redesign of your landscape or simply making a few changes, there are many important factors to take into consideration.

Your overall goal
The size of plants at both their initial and mature heights/widths, how they play off of each other, and how they fit into the overall vision of the landscape.
Your specific likes and dislikes
Dimensions of the planting area
Quality of the soil
Whether the project area is in full sun, partial shade or full shade
Your budget

We source plants in a variety of sizes, based on the individual project’s requirements. In some cases broadcasting seed is the best option, while other times installing young bare-root plants is more appropriate. Sometimes we use potted or root-pouch plant material, while other times mature balled and burlapped trees are the best option. In the end, the choice we make will be the most appropriate for your individual situation.

Planting guidelines we use to ensure proper installation:

Inspection. We carefully examine new perennials, trees, and shrubs for pests and disease before we plant them.
Backfilling. To avoid compaction, which can affect plant growth, we loosely backfill the soil.
Soil Amendment. We add compost and worm castings to the soil we use as backfill. This promotes increased microbial activity to support healthy establishment and long-term growth.
Mulch. For water retention, weed suppression, and regulation of soil temperature, we top off with mulch after planting.
Watering. We water with intent by taking current weather patterns into consideration.
Plant Protection. We employ deer-exclusionary practices to protect new plantings.

New Leaf eco landscaping meadow installation native

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do you offer installation services year-round?

A. We offer installations at appropriate times throughout the year, depending on the selected species and, of course, the weather. We typically begin planting in March, wrapping up by early December.

Q. How long will it take for my installation to be completed?

A. Many factors contribute to how long a project takes. Scale and scope are the biggest. Other factors can include plant availability, site conditions, and, of course, the weather. We will address these details, and many others, during the project-planning process.

Q. Do I need to be on-site during the installation?

A. The choice is up to you. It is not necessary, but if you would like to be involved in the placement of certain species, then you certainly can be.

Q. How do I care for my plants once the installation is complete?

A. If you’re not at your property often and/or you’re not confident in your ability to maintain the installation, we offer on-going caretaking services.

Q. How will you keep deer from eating my new plants?

A. After planting, we will install a temporary deer fence. We recommend leaving the fence up until the plants are established enough to compete. We can also use a (safe) deer repellent if deer fencing is not feasible.

Native Tree & Shrub Installations

We consider many factors when installing trees and shrubs

First we ask: What does the client want to see?

Every client’s tastes, goals and property is different. That’s why we start with a conversation.

How do you use your property?
Which native plants do you want to see in your landscape?
Do you like bright colors or pastels?
Do you prefer a formal or informal style?
Are there elements in your neighbors’ properties that you particularly like or dislike?
Are you looking for something low-maintenance or would you like to start a garden maintenance contract?

Then we ask: What’s already here?

We take our cues from the natural landscape around each property. First, we take inventory of the native flora already growing in the local forest and landscape. Next, we choose site-appropriate native trees and shrubs based on that inventory. By mimicking aspects of those ecosystems in the micro landscape around a client’s home, we can create a cohesive and consistent style.

Aesthetically, we strive to incorporate trees and shrubs that have a variety of foliage textures, branching habits, and flowering times. This not only provides the client with four-season interest, but it provides year-round food and habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife.

New Leaf Eco Landscapes plants all trees according to currently accepted planting standards as outlined in Principles and Practice of Planting Trees & Shrubs (1997, International Society of Arboriculture), and we take great care to ensure they are installed properly, for posterity.

We use consistent installation practices to promote the health and overall longevity of your new trees and shrubs.

Preparation. First, we measure the root ball. Then we dig a hole no less than three times the diameter of that root ball. Also, we plant at a depth that allows the root flair to remain slightly above soil grade.
Digging. Depending on the scale of the planting and size of the plant at time of planting, we may dig by hand or with equipment.
Backfilling. We begin by incorporating local, organic compost into the soil. Then we carefully backfill in around the root system to ensure that no air pockets remain.
Soil Amendment. We always consider the role that beneficial fungi, bacteria, and soil microbes play in plant health. Depending on your site’s characteristics, we can amend the soil in different ways, to suit the needs of the individual property while encouraging root growth.
Mulching. We apply a 3-4” layer of mulch generated from New Leaf Tree Service’s tree material around the tree. We do this while avoiding contact with the trunk. This prevents rot at the base of the tree, which could lead to the decline of the tree.
Staking. We stake all deciduous trees triangularly to encourage a straight growth habit. Stakes are left on for one year following installation.

Post-installation care of a native tree or shrub

Promote Healthy Growth. Following tree and shrub installation, we recommend the installation of TreeDiapers to ensure adequate and consistent irrigation of new trees. We place them around the tree trunks and on top of the mulch ring. TreeDiapers are a low maintenance alternative to irrigation and constant watering, as they absorb rain water and slowly release it back to the tree as the soil dries.
Protect Against Hungry Wildlife. We install 6’ deer fence (temporarily, until the plants are well established) to protect against animal browse.
Schedule On-Going Maintenance. Clients have the option to sign up for continuing, scheduled maintenance.
Become Part Of Our Plant Health Care Program. Our sister company, New Leaf Tree Services, Inc., offers a full range of treatments for soil, insect, fungal, and environmental issues that can affect plant health. We intentionally utilize practices that strengthen a plant’s ability to defend itself and repair damage, while supporting the surrounding ecosystem whenever possible.
Learn more here.

Native Meadow Installation Services

A native meadow is a sustainable, pollinator-friendly, low-maintenance alternative to grass turf lawns.

Grass lawns can be a good fit for the right setting, but they’re often larger than they need to be. If converting your entire lawn into a native meadow doesn’t seem ideal, there are ways to limit lawn space to what is essential while installing meadows in the other areas. We can also provide mowing services for the borders of meadows. This gives them the appearance of being intentional and well-maintained.

Low maintenance

Once these installations are established, they will have minimal maintenance requirements going forward. We recommend an annual mow in late March or April. This schedule keeps woody trees and shrubs under control while allowing for habitat over the winter.

Sustainable

Native meadows provide many important ecosystem services. These services can include water filtration, nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and create a biodiverse community for flora and fauna. Meadows consist of mostly native grasses (40% to 60% cover) with a mix of herbaceous plants. By establishing these in a dense and diverse planting, property owners can enjoy the beauty of seasonal and yearly succession while experiencing a renewed connection with nature.

Pollinator-friendly

Native wildflowers can be an excellent source of nectar and pollen. Also they are more likely to attract native pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and moths, than non-native plants.

What to expect from the first years of a native meadow:

Year One

We do not use herbicidal treatments. We prepare the site using safe and effective occultation and smother/cover cropping methods. This time and effort will provide a clean seedbed to be planted in the fall or following spring, depending on the process of weed suppression. Sites with extensive weed problems may require additional time to control weeds before planting.

Year Two

During the first year, we will provide an annual mow in early spring to ensure the proper establishment of the newly seeded meadow plants. A few annual wildflowers will emerge as the soil warms up in the spring. Some wildflowers might not germinate for 2-3 years following planting, and most grow low to the ground the first season.

Year Three

Annual mow done in early spring. New wildflowers will appear and grow much faster and larger this year. We will monitor weeds in June and August. From this point on, meadow maintenance is minimal, consisting of periodic mowing to manage weed pressure and discourage growth of woody shrubs and trees.

Native Perennial Garden Installation Services

Perennial gardens are often the first thing that come to mind when thinking of landscaping services. A native perennial garden can be diverse and dynamic with bold pops of color, or they can be simple and streamlined, to soften a house or yard.

Are you thinking it may be time to incorporate native plants into your landscape?

You do not have to sacrifice style and color to increase the biodiversity on your property. Native perennial gardens are key to a diverse landscape, creating much-needed habitat and food for native wildlife year-round. At New Leaf Eco Landscapes, we design and install native perennial gardens to be cherished by people and pollinators alike. Generations to come will enjoy your new sustainable garden landscape.

A native perennial garden:

Is versatile. The truth is, there is an abundance of native flora that matches the elegance and fullness of traditional cottage-style perennial gardens. We will work with you to choose the most beautiful and appropriate plants. We will use our knowledge and know-how to determine which plants will best suit your property.
Attracts pollinators. Having the right plants to host and feed wildlife is the key to having consistent pollinators. This, in turn, helps support a thriving garden and encourages seed dispersal of natives throughout the area.
Promotes soil health. Appropriate native plantings restore microbial activity in the soil, strengthening the complex living system in the soil. Healthy soil grows healthy gardens.
Offers year-round beauty. By incorporating a diverse collection of native plant species, you are ensuring there will be a showy display of attractive blooms, berries, and foliage year-round.

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Our Landscape Installation Services

Planting guidelines we use to ensure proper installation:​

Lets get started!

Planting guidelines we use to ensure proper installation: