Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What areas do you serve?
Eizley Landscapes is based in Farmington, Minnesota and serves homeowners throughout Dakota County and the surrounding south metro, including Farmington, Lakeville, Apple Valley, Rosemount, Eagan, Burnsville, Mendota Heights, St. Paul and nearby communities.
Not sure if you're within our service area? Just ask.
How much does landscaping cost?
Every landscape project is different. Cost depends on the size and complexity of the project, site access, materials, existing conditions, equipment needs and labor involved.
Eizley Landscapes handles everything from smaller repairs and property improvements to complete landscape projects. For larger projects, we'll meet with you, discuss your goals and provide an estimate based on the actual scope of work.
Have a smaller project or a list of things you need done? Ask us about our flexible service options.
Do you provide estimates?
Yes. For traditional landscape projects, we'll discuss what you're looking to accomplish, evaluate the property and determine the appropriate scope of work before preparing an estimate.
For smaller repairs, maintenance and miscellaneous landscape projects, a traditional bid isn't always the most practical approach. Ask us about the flexible service options available for your project.
Do you take smaller landscaping jobs?
Absolutely.
We don't believe you should need a major landscape project just to get professional help with your property.
We handle repairs, landscape renovations, seasonal maintenance, overgrown beds, planting, drainage corrections and many other smaller property improvements.
We're also developing Eizley Landscapes by the Hour, an expanded service designed to make it even easier to get professional help with smaller landscape projects, repairs and property to-do lists.
How far in advance should I schedule my project?
Our schedule changes throughout the season and depends on the type and size of project.
If you have a specific deadline—such as a graduation party, wedding, home sale or other event—let us know as early as possible. We'll be straightforward about whether we can realistically complete the work within your timeframe.
Landscaping & Repairs
Can you repair an existing patio or retaining wall?
Yes. Not every failing patio or retaining wall needs to be completely replaced.
Depending on its condition, we may be able to reset pavers, correct settling, repair sections, improve drainage or rebuild damaged areas.
We'll evaluate the existing installation and help determine whether repairing or replacing it makes the most sense.
Can you help with drainage and water problems?
Yes. We work with grading, drainage corrections, drain tile and other landscape solutions designed to move water appropriately through a property.
Drainage problems can have several causes, so the first step is understanding where the water is coming from and why it's collecting where it shouldn't.
Can I supply my own materials?
Yes, in many situations.
Customer-supplied materials must be approved by Eizley Landscapes before installation to make sure they're appropriate for the intended application.
Unless otherwise agreed, the homeowner is responsible for purchasing, delivery, quantities, condition and returns of customer-supplied materials.
Customer-supplied products and materials are not covered by Eizley Landscapes' material warranty. Installation workmanship remains subject to the terms provided with your project.
What type of soil should I use for landscape beds?
There isn't one perfect soil mixture for every property or plant.
The right soil depends on existing soil conditions, drainage, plant selection and how the area will be used. In many landscape beds, a quality blend containing organic material and properly screened soil can improve drainage, moisture retention and plant development.
Before adding large amounts of soil or compost, it's important to understand the existing conditions. More soil amendment isn't always better.
How do I control weeds in my landscape beds?
The best approach usually combines several methods.
A healthy layer of mulch helps suppress weed growth while retaining soil moisture. Hand pulling and targeted weed control can handle weeds that still emerge. Pre-emergent products may also help prevent certain weed seeds from germinating when applied appropriately.
We generally prefer solving the actual weed problem rather than relying on excessive landscape fabric or unnecessarily aggressive treatments.
When is the best time to plant in Minnesota?
Spring and fall are generally excellent planting seasons in Minnesota because temperatures are cooler and plants experience less heat stress.
However, planting time depends on the specific tree, shrub, perennial or ornamental grass being installed. Many hardy landscape plants can also be successfully installed during summer when proper watering and care are provided.
Late-season planting requires additional consideration because plants need adequate time and conditions to establish before winter.
Why is my lawn turning yellow?
Yellow grass can be caused by too much or too little water, compacted soil, poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies, lawn disease, insects, pet damage, heat, drought, improper mowing or underlying soil conditions.
Rather than immediately adding fertilizer or replacing the lawn, it's better to determine what's causing the problem first.
Eizley Landscapes can help evaluate grading, drainage, soil and other landscape conditions that may be contributing to lawn problems.
Working With Eizley
How long will my landscape project take?
It depends on the project, weather, site conditions, material availability and any unexpected conditions discovered during construction.
We'll give you an expected timeframe before work begins and communicate with you if something changes along the way.
What happens if I want to add or change something during the project?
That's common.
Sometimes new ideas come up once a landscape begins taking shape. If you'd like to add or change something, talk with us before the additional work is performed.
We'll discuss how the change affects the scope, cost and schedule so everyone understands what's being added before moving forward.
Do you warranty your work?
We stand behind our workmanship.
Warranty coverage varies depending on the type of work, materials and project conditions. Applicable warranty terms will be included with your project documentation.
Customer-supplied materials and issues caused by improper care, outside damage or conditions beyond our control may not be covered.
Who handles permits and utility locating?
Requirements vary depending on the project and municipality.
Before excavation, required public utility locating must be completed. Certain retaining walls, drainage projects and other improvements may also require permits or municipal approval.
We'll discuss known requirements during the planning process and clarify which responsibilities belong to Eizley Landscapes and which belong to the property owner.
Do I need to be home while you're working?
Usually, no.
As long as our crew has access to the work area and we've discussed the project beforehand, you generally don't need to be home while we're working.
We'll contact you if questions or unexpected conditions arise.
What should I do before the crew arrives?
We'll let you know if your particular project requires anything specific.
Generally, keeping vehicles, furniture, toys, hoses and other personal items away from the work area helps our crew work safely and efficiently.
Please also let us know about anything on the property we should be aware of, including irrigation systems, invisible fences, private utilities or other underground features.
Caring for Your New Landscape
How should I water newly planted trees and shrubs?
New trees and shrubs need consistent moisture while their root systems become established.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting, applying water slowly around the root zone rather than directly against the trunk.
Water frequently during the first couple of weeks, then gradually reduce the frequency as roots begin to establish. Continue monitoring soil moisture throughout the first growing season, especially during hot or dry weather.
Rainfall, soil type, plant size and weather conditions all affect how frequently watering is needed. Check the soil below the surface—moist is good; constantly saturated soil is not.
Mulch can help retain moisture, but avoid piling mulch directly against tree trunks or plant stems.
How should I care for new sod?
Begin watering new sod immediately after installation.
During the initial establishment period, keep the sod and soil beneath it consistently moist without creating standing water. As the sod begins rooting, transition toward less frequent, deeper watering to encourage a stronger root system.
Hot, windy or dry weather may require additional watering.
Avoid heavy foot traffic until the sod has begun rooting firmly into the soil.
When can I mow new sod?
Wait until the sod has rooted well enough that it cannot easily be lifted from the soil.
For the first mowing, make sure the lawn is relatively dry and use a sharp mower blade. Avoid removing more than approximately one-third of the grass blade at one time.
Keeping grass slightly taller generally encourages a healthier root system and helps the lawn tolerate heat and dry conditions.
Does new sod need fertilizer?
Fertilizer needs depend on the soil, sod and time of year.
New lawns may benefit from fertilizer after establishment, but applying unnecessary fertilizer can cause problems and contribute nutrients to stormwater runoff.
When you're unsure what your lawn needs, a soil test is one of the best places to start.
What if I don't see my project listed?
Just ask.
After more than 20 years in landscaping, we've encountered a lot of different projects and property challenges.
If the work fits our experience, equipment and capabilities, there's a good chance we can help. And if we're not the right company for the job, we'll tell you.
Still Have Questions?
Tell us what you're working on.
Whether you're planning a complete landscape transformation, need something repaired or simply have a list of things around the yard that need attention, we'd be happy to talk about it.
Strong Roots. Beautiful Landscapes.