Answering All Your Landscaping FAQs

We love the plant finder from Monrovia—as one of the largest growers of plants in the United States, this is a terrific resource. When searching in the plant finder, make sure to enter the proper climate zone, which is zone 7.

This depends on the project. If your project requires permitting, a design is necessary. Otherwise, we will recommend a design as necessary, based on the project details.

Design investments vary drastically based on the amount of anticipated time it will take to put together. Upon completion, the design will include a complete plant list. Design costs typically range from $425-1,500 for most residential properties.

Most landscape installation firms DO NOT offer credit for design costs. Since we realize that a design may be necessary for you to envision the finished project, we credit back ALL up-front costs if the installation is completed with ATD Landscaping. All up-front investments will be credited on the final invoice.

We allow one change at no additional cost. Should you wish to make substantial revisions, we will quote for added time as needed for each additional revision.

Most designs look pretty, but what is important is that it converts to a finished product that is visually appealing and stands the test of time. Sometimes the "cheaper" pricing may become more expensive in the long run. Almost all landscape firms will charge for their design work—and many times, they are more costly than we are. Keep in mind, we credit all up-front costs on the final invoice.

Yes. When you contract with us, you own the design drawing after all payments have been received.

After we receive your property survey and the deposit is provided, you will have the completed design within one week. After it is completed, you will get the invoice with the balance for the design (less any deposits). Once this invoice is paid, the design along with the installation quote will be provided.

In many instances, people don't have an idea of what a landscape project costs. Although it is difficult to accurately price a project without a physical site visit, we try to give potential customers a way of seeing price ranges for various project types. Establishing a budget will be an important part of the process, so we can try and design a project for you within your desired budget range. Feel free to review our Pricing page.

We're competitive with our pricing, but we're not always the cheapest. There are a lot of things on the back end that you won't see as a consumer. The bottom line is this: you're paying good money and we want to limit callbacks, so we're always motivated to do our best work for you. Most of our customers are busy people, and they don't want to have to deal with future maintenance issues. At ATD Landscaping, we build your landscape to last. Keep in mind that labor can account for up to 70-80 percent of your construction costs, and we will always take the time to make sure the installation meets or exceeds industry standards.

Yes. We are required by law to have your property marked by Miss Utility to mark out gas, electric, water, and cable lines, for safety reasons. Additionally, when a mark out is not called in, both the homeowner and contractor may bear liability. Remember we are MHIC licensed with the state of Maryland.

NOTE: ATD Landscaping is NOT RESPONSIBLE for damage to any private utility lines, electric dog fences, landscape lighting, irrigation, or drainage while performing service on the property. We don't know where these are in the yard if you do not show us. If you have concerns, make sure the exact area is clearly marked and you let us know.

We feel very strongly about protecting the environment and will always dispose of materials in a legal manner.

Yes, we will manage all aspects and keep you informed via email.

Once the proposal has been approved, a 33 percent deposit is required for your project to be added to the schedule. When the project starts you will be sent an invoice for the second payment of 45 percent, with the 22 percent balance due at completion.

Yes!

Plants:

There is a SHARED RESPONSIBILITY for the health of the plants that are installed. ATD Landscaping will select the best possible plant material available and install plants according to industry standards. The client's responsibility starts once the plant is installed to ensure proper care and continuous oversight moving forward. All plants installed by ATD Landscaping come with a ONE-YEAR-ONE-TIME CONDITIONAL REPLACEMENT GUARANTEE from the date of installation subject to the limitations and conditions of this guarantee. Perennials, Annuals and Grass are excluded. The guarantee does not cover losses due to drought, storms, severe winters, animal or insect damage, or other natural factors. There is no charge for one-time-first replacement. In cases where a plant needs replacing more than once, we will work with you on a case-by-case basis.

Patios:

We offer a 5-year warranty on craftsmanship. ATD's warranty does not cover damage caused by excess water, storms, de-icing material, or other factors. Each manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty on all paver products.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages:

Seeding a Lawn

• Advantages: Cheaper than sod. Better for shady areas than sod.
• Disadvantages: Takes longer to establish (up to 2 full years). More prone to weeds until the lawn is established. May need follow-up spot seeding or over-seeding to thicken up.

Sodding a Lawn

• Advantages: Instant green law. Less likely to get weeds initially than seeding.
• Disadvantages: More costly than seeding.

Although we construct both cement and stone dust flagstone patios and walkways, the expansion and contraction of concrete joints almost guarantees you that a concrete patio and/or walkway will have cracks in the concrete joints. Therefore, we have a strong preference toward flagstone patios and/or walkways on stone dust. Having to re-point concrete joints after cracking occurs can be costly. Additionally, unless the entire patio and/or walkway is re-pointed, the new concrete will not match the older concrete. Flagstone patios on stone dust are less costly to repair or reconstruct and provide a more permeable surface if water flow is a concern due to drainage issues.

Have you considered pavers, there are many colors and styles available.

Many studies have shown that a well-designed "outdoor living space" or "curb appeal" project can add 15-30 percent to a home's value.