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FAQ

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Landscape Design FAQ

A. Please fill out the Request for Landscaping form in the following link Get a Quote

A. Hewitt Garden and Design Center offers expert design services by Bill Hewitt, APLD and John Hewitt. Both are landscape designers, receiving their education from the University of Tennessee and have over 60 years of combined experience in Middle Tennessee.

Landscape Designers typically specialize in residential landscaping, and have a strong emphasis on horticultural and design. 

A. Landscape Designs and Plans are not a free service and do come with a charge. In order to get a design, Hewitt Garden and Design Center requires the purchase of a $500.00 gift card prior to receiving your landscape plan. This can be used toward your landscaping or any other purchase at our garden center. This $500.00 gift card serves as retainer, but also allows the customer flexibility if they decide to not move forward with their landscaping.

A. Yes, while we do run a required minimum for work year round, landscaping can be broken down in to different stages to help homeowners stay within their budgets.

a. We have found that there is not “best time” for landscaping in Middle Tennessee. We plant year round and have had great success for many years. The number one factor in determining landscaping success is watering. So the number deciding factor in when you should landscape is when will you be home to water and monitor your landscaping!

a. We recommend that all landscaping be accompanied by a professionally installed irrigation system. If you already have a system in place, make sure to have your irrigation company adjust the system to make sure all of the new planting are being covered. If you need a recommendation, please let us know!

A. Well designed, installed and maintained landscaping can lead to a substantial increase in the overall value of your home. A budgeting rule of thumb for a complete landscape installation or renovation is 5-10% of the total value of your home.

Services

A. We offer a variety of services for your landscaping needs including: Landscape Design and Implementation, Tree and Shrub Installation, Delivery, Seasonal Maintenance, Annual Plantings, and Christmas Tree Delivery. Please fill out the Request for Landscaping form in the following link Get a Quote

A. Landscaping refers to the comprehensive process that encompasses everything from the initial consultation and design, to quoting, communication, and execution of the agreed upon design.  It involves a complete approach to creating a beautiful landscape.

Installation, on the other hand, specifically focuses on the act of putting the purchased items (trees and shrubs) into the ground. No other services are included.

A. Delivery, simply put, includes Hewitt Garden and Design Center bringing your purchased items to your home and placing them on your driveway.  This does not include planting or moving the items around your property.  We do not enter homes or places of business (the only exception is during the Christmas season, we WILL deliver Christmas trees into the home).

A. At this time, we do not offer irrigation and lighting services. We do however work with several quality providers in the Middle Tennessee Area.

A. We do not offer chemical spraying services at this time.  We can recommend a quality sprayer if needed for your landscape.

A. While most of our design is done in house by the Hewitt’s, on occasion we do install other’s designs.  We typically will alter the designs, after discussing with the homeowner, to make sure everything is properly spaced and planned to our standards. Depending on the time of year, we may not be able to accommodate outside designs.

A. We strive to have your install completed in the shortest amount of time possible.  Depending on the season, this can be between 2 weeks to 6 weeks+, but we will always do our best to communicate this timeline to you prior to purchase.

A. Deliveries are typically made within two weeks of purchase. While we strive to notify you of the delivery date, please be aware that deliveries may occur without prior approval due to scheduling constraints. Unfortunately, we cannot hold items or accommodate special requests.

Trees and Shrubs

 

A. There are a variety of ways to water your new plantings including hand watering via hose and irrigation.  The most important factors in determining success is consistency and monitoring. Stay faithful to your new plantings in the first calendar year and keep an eye on them as weather conditions change.  Hand watering is the most sure way to make sure your new plantings survive.

 

A. New plantings are best watered less frequently and deeper rather than frequent shallow waterings.  A typical watering schedule would be around 3 days a week for most of the year, unless we enter drought conditions.  The duration is somewhat site specific but we usually recommend deeply saturating the site, and then allowing it to dry out for a day or two.  Watering can be a little bit of trial and error to begin with.

A. Yes, you need to keep an eye on things for the first calendar year.  Often times, irrigation isn’t enough to keep up with water demands of newly planted items.  Also, make sure that you new plants are being water by landscape specific irrigation (spray heads or drip) and not turf irrigation.  Turf irrigation in not appropriate for landscape material.

A. The easy answer is that fertilization is best done in the early spring as plants are starting to emerge.  You can fertilize at other times of the year, but we recommend that all plantings at least get fertilized one time between January and April.  Our favorite fertilizers are from the Espoma and Happy Frog lines.

A. This is maybe one of the most common questions we receive. The answer depends on variety:

Paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea – These bloom on new wood, so they can be cut back at anytime.  We recommend sometime between February and March.

Macrophylla or Big Leaf Hydrangea – Even though some newer varieties bloom on new wood, they bloom best and most consistently on old wood.  We recommend that these are cut after the flowers start to fade in the summer so the plant can still set new buds.

Arborescens or Smooth Hydrangea – If needed, these can be pruned in late winter or early spring.  Don’t cut back too far or the plant maybe become floppy.

Quercifolia or Oakleaf Hydrangea – This type of Hydrangea must be cut in summer, after flowering, to ensure that you will have flowers the next year.  Oakleaf Hydrangea bloom on old wood, and an incorrectly timed cut can eliminate next years flower.

A. Hydrangeas are usually a very easy plant to grow in the landscape, but from time to time customers encounter this issue.  The following list can usually answer what is going on:

  • Is it getting enough sunlight? All hydrangeas need some some in order to flower, some more than others, but they all need some sun.
  • Is it over fertilized? An over fertilized hydrangea will be dark green, very full, but no flowers.
  • Was it cut back incorrectly? Depending on the type, if it was cut in the wrong season, it will not flower.
  • Did it have winter dieback? If we suffered a cold winter, some types of Hydrangeas will die all the way back to the ground which can affect flowering.

 

Annuals and Tropicals

 

A. Annuals complete their life cycle within a single growing season, meaning they germinate, bloom, and die all in one year. In contrast, perennials are plants that return year after year, typically blooming during specific seasons and going dormant in between.

 

A. We offer a wide variety of annuals, with some of our most popular choices being Angelonia, Petunias, Lantana, and Geraniums. These vibrant flowers are perfect for adding color and beauty to your garden throughout the growing season.

A. The Kimberly Queen fern is an excellent choice for sunny areas. This tropical fern thrives in bright conditions and adds lush greenery to any landscape.

A. For spring and summer annuals, it’s best to wait until the Last Frost Date, typically around April 15. We recommend checking the extended forecast and consulting with us before planting. For fall annuals, wait until late September to early October, as this is when the summer heat begins to lessen and temperatures cool down.

A. Understanding your growing conditions is key to selecting the right annuals. Consider the sun exposure (full sun or shade), soil moisture levels (dry or wet), and whether the plants will be in the ground or containers. Additionally, think about your watering methods. By answering these questions, we can assist you in selecting the best plants for your specific environment.

A. To ensure your tropical plants continue to bloom, it’s essential to maintain proper watering and nourishment. Ensure that you water them adequately without over-saturating, and feed them with the appropriate fertilizer at recommended intervals. This will promote healthy growth and abundant flowers throughout their growing season.

Houseplants and Succulents

 

A. Some of the best houseplants for beginners include Pothos, Snake Plant, and Spider Plant. These plants are low-maintenance, tolerant of various conditions, and can thrive in a range of indoor environments.

 

A. Watering frequency depends on the type of plant and its environment. A general rule is to check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Overwatering is a common mistake, so ensure your pots have drainage holes.

A. While all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. Succulents are plants with thick, fleshy parts that store water, found in various families. Cacti are a specific family of succulents characterized by their unique areoles (small, cushion-like structures).

A. Light requirements vary by plant. Many houseplants prefer indirect bright light, while succulents generally thrive in bright, direct sunlight. Always consider the specific needs of each plant to ensure optimal growth.

A. A healthy houseplant typically has vibrant, green leaves, sturdy stems, and is free of pests or discoloration. If you notice wilting, yellowing leaves, or slow growth, it may indicate issues like overwatering or insufficient light.

 

Landscape Services

Let us know what landscape services are for you

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