Whether your style is traditional, contemporary, or even a bit whimsical, landscape design is an artform that utilizes an array of elements to embellish the look and functionality of your outdoor living space. Forest View Executive Services has been providing landscape design services in West Michigan since 2005. Our team is extremely adept in landscape design and creates sophisticated and functional landscapes tailored to our clients’ preferences and needs. Our team can assist you in choosing plants or other greenery, hardscape materials, and more.

What is Landscape Installation?

Landscape installation involves making your lawn or yard more functional, as if creating a separate living space. Professional West Michigan landscape designers will install trees, flowers, shrubs, mulch, or even features like outdoor kitchens, pergolas, and gazebos. The possibilities for landscaping are endless depending on how complex and interactive you’d like your outdoor space to be.

Landscape design and installation always begins with an on-site inspection, so that your designers understand how much and what type of space they’re able to work with. Things like climate, hills, soil, and even living on waterfront property impact landscape design. A professional team will not only investigate your yard’s outward appearance, but also be mindful of the possibility of utility lines in your backyard.

We not only create, but protect your yard because your living space is an investment in you, your family, and your happiness. We strive to leave our customers feeling good about their decision to entrust Forest View Executive Services with their landscaping needs.

 Call us at 616-886-4595 for a quote!

As opposed to softscapes, which are the soft living elements, like flowers and trees, used in landscape design, hardscapes are the nonliving hard landscape materials, such as stone, brick, or wood. A residential hardscape can include anything from walkways to patios, outdoor kitchens to decks. The most common materials used for hardscapes are brick, concrete, pavers, tile, stone, and wood. For patios, concrete is often used as it is one of the most inexpensive ways to build a functional and eye-catching outdoor space.

Patios and hardscapes are always constructed with the weather in mind, but the materials used in their design may fare better in different climates and may have distinct maintenance requirements. For example, slate, travertine, and pavers have a high tolerance to cold temperatures, while brick and concrete may crack during winter months. Concrete is a better choice for hotter climates, as is vinyl and composite materials. Stone is considered one of the most weather resistant materials to use in landscape design because it’s naturally water resistant and consists of anti-slip properties.

Most hardscape materials allow for ample foot traffic without breakage. They also prevent water infiltration that can harm the foundation of your home.

How long does Patio or Hardscape Installation Take

On average, it can take anywhere from 30-50 hours to build a patio. Hardscapes that encompass an entire yard may be more labor-intensive and can take anywhere from one week to three weeks. Of course, this varies based on the type of landscape the patio or hardscape is being built on, materials used, and complexity of the project.

West Michigan Patio Maintenance Tips

Maintenance depends on the material used in the creation of your Michigan patio or hardscape. Concrete and paving is best maintained through power washing; although, this will not remove tough pet stains or other deep-set blemishes. Brush your patio of debris daily, and remove any weeds that are sprouting (you can use white vinegar for this aspect as it’s a natural weed killer). If you notice any cracks or other damage in your patio, patch them as soon as possible to prevent water from collecting and expanding the cracks further. You’ll want to reseal your patio every 2 to 5 years. You might also consider installing an awning or other type of shade to further protect your hardscape, as well as make you and your guests more comfortable.

Fire Pit Installation

Fire pits are typically built anywhere from 36 inches to 44 inches. A fire pit that’s too small won’t produce enough heat, while ones that are too large can cause untame fires that may be dangerous, as well as prevent gatherers from communicating in an effortless manner. Height also has an impact on your comfort around a fire pit. The proper height of a fire pit depends on whether you’d rather have more of an intimate setting or kick back and relax. Smaller fire pits should be 12-14 inches from the base, whereas larger fire pits might be 18-20 inches tall.

Fire Pit Maintenance

Similar to patios and hardscapes, fire pit maintenance depends on the type of fire pit, but fire pit covers and sealants can help them last longer. Fire pit covers are beneficial because covers protect the interior of the pit from dirt, debris, rain, and snow. Keeping the interior of a fire pit dry makes it easier to light the next time you’d like to use it. Sealant will prevent cracks that can occur in a pit.

We suggest straying away from using gasoline or other accelerants to start your fire, as it’s not only dangerous to you, but may also damage the fire pit.

Try to allow your pit’s fire to burn out slowly instead of putting out the fire with water. Dousing your fire pit in water may cause the temperature to drop too quickly, and, when this happens, your fire pit may crack.

Whether cast iron, copper, or stone, each will amass a buildup of debris from use. All fire pits need to be scrubbed and wiped down with hot soapy water. Stone and brick pits are some of the easiest to clean and can be hosed down. Copper fire pits need to be rinsed and scrubbed with a soft cloth. If water is left in a copper fire pit, the fire pit can rust. Cast iron fire pits are cleaned with steel wool, and, similar to copper, must be thoroughly dried. Lastly, gas fire pits must be wiped down without interfering with any of the gas lines.

How Long Does West Michigan Fire Pit Installation Take?

Fire pits typically take anywhere from 4-8 hours to install. Adding enclosures and seating may take additional time. Fire pits can be installed in-ground or above-ground. Some types, such as gas-burning, may require permits before installation.