Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Services

  • Why do I need a professional landscape design?

    A design ensures a beautiful and functional project and it also prevents expensive, long-term mistakes. Without one, you may end up with congested or unusable spaces, choose plants unsuited to your soil or climate, plant species that compete with each other, or create drainage problems on your property. A professional sustainable landscape design considers land use and views, maps out plant communities that support each other, sequences bloom times for both pollinators and year-round interest, accounts for mature plant sizes, and thoughtfully manages stormwater. The upfront cost of design allows for planning and budgeting and can avoid costly mistakes in the future. Learn more about our landscape design service.
  • How much does landscaping installation cost?

    The cost of a landscape installation depends on the project size and scope, site conditions, how accessible it is for the crew, and material selection. Our small projects start around $5,000 and our larger projects range up to $250,000. For more information about our pricing and examples of different project sizes, download our free pricing guide.
  • Do you offer ongoing garden maintenance?

    Yes. We offer a full range of gardening services which may include:

    • Total Property & Garden Care (Weekly or Bi-Weekly Visits)
    • Tree & Shrub Pruning
    • Spring & Fall Clean-Ups
    • Composted Leaf Mulch Application
    • Dividing, Adding Plants, & Spreading Seed to Enhance Existing Beds
    • Invasive Plant Identification & Removal
    • Meadow Establishment  & Maintenance
    • Compost Area Creation & Management
    • Integrated Pest Management

    Learn more about our Garden Maintenance service.
  • What is your guarantee?

    Our plants are covered by a three-month replacement warranty contingent upon proper watering. This is extended to one year with a signed gardening agreement.
  • How do I choose a qualified landscaper?

    All landscape companies in Pennsylvania should have a Pennsylvania Business License, a Home Improvement Contractor License, a Nursery Dealers Certificate, and a Pesticide Business License. Additionally, the business should be fully insured.

    Also look for these indicators of a credible ecological landscaper:

    • Demonstrated knowledge of native and regionally appropriate plants
    • A portfolio showing gardens over multiple seasons, not just at installation
    • Transparent quotes with itemized costs
    • References from clients
    • Certifications and memberships in professional organizations
     
    Learn more about GreenWeaver’s credentials.

Sustainable Landscaping

  • Why are my plants dying?

    Plants can die for a variety of reasons. Some common ones are:

    • Not enough water — One of the most common causes of plant loss. Check for wilting, brown leaves or yellow leaves, and early leaf drop.
    • Overwatering — too much water results in leaves that are yellow and droopy.
    • Wrong plant for the location — sun exposure, soil type, drainage, and even wind and road salt can all impact plant health.
    • Competition — weed or invasive plant pressure, or even other aggressive garden plants can crowd out less vigorous plants.
    • Herbivory — this is just a fancy name for being eaten. Deer, rabbits, and voles can all kill plants.
    • Insects and diseases — use Integrated Pest Management before reaching for pesticides.
    • Transplant shock — new plants may take up to a year to get established; wilting doesn't always mean the plant is dying.


    If you're unsure,
    contact GreenWeaver for help with garden management.

  • How can I improve my soil?

    First, take a soil test to see if it is necessary! Overly rich soil can create conditions where perennials flop and weeds thrive. The best approach is often selecting hardy native plants that tolerate existing conditions.  To build soil health over time, add organic matter, and avoid synthetic fertilizers. Contact GreenWeaver to get a professional consultation about your soil health.
  • How do I create a low-maintenance garden?

    To create a low-maintenance garden:

    • Plant native plants densely — let the plants you love crowd out the weeds
    • Research before you buy — the right plant in the right place will thrive on its own
    • Embrace your wild side and let it grow — mow less, prune less, and mulch less!


    For more tips, read our blog:
    "How To Create A Beautiful, Low-Maintenance, Habitat Garden."

  • Will my neighbors like how a natural or eco-friendly yard looks?

    Neighbor concerns about natural gardens are real, but well-designed ecological landscapes often turn heads (in a good way). With thoughtful design elements like pathways, borders, and seasonal color, your yard can feel both natural and polished. Visit our portfolio to see examples of beautiful, ecological landscapes.
  • Will a natural landscape look messy compared to traditional lawns?

    When designed well, ecological landscapes can be highly structured. Clean edges, defined pathways, and thoughtful plant groupings create structure, while still allowing plants to grow naturally. Visit our portfolio to see examples of ecological landscapes.

  • Can I just scatter wildflower seeds to create a meadow?

    Successful meadows require proper site preparation, which often includes removing existing vegetation and reducing weed competition. Without that step, meadows struggle to establish well. Learn more about our Meadow Installation service.

  • How do I prevent weeds?

    Weeds thrive in bare soil and disturbed ground. The most effective strategy is to deny them space:

    • Plant densely — fill your property with plants you love.
    • Use groundcover plants as living mulch between larger specimens.
    • Minimize disturbance — weeding, edging, and tilling provides areas where weed seeds can germinate. 
    • Skip the weed barrier. It doesn’t work, adds plastic to the landscape, and is difficult to remove. 


    Year one after an installation typically has the most weed pressure . By year two, established plants out-compete most weeds . Read our blog
    “Save Time With Tips From Garden Pros” to learn more.

  • Where should I start if I want to transition to sustainable landscaping?

    Start with a plan that includes identifying primary goals and conducting a site assessment — note what sun, shade, and wind your yard gets at different times of day, identify any drainage issues, and test your soil type. Then figure out how to meet your personal needs in combination with the needs of the planet. This includes:

    • Adding native plants to support wildlife, manage stormwater, sequester carbon, and create beauty.
    • Reducing turfgrass.
    • Transitioning to low-impact land care techniques. 


    If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed,
    contact GreenWeaver to set up a consultation.

  • Why does my yard flood after it rains, and what can I do about it?

    Problems with flooding and erosion are occurring more frequently due to larger storms and increased development. Compacted soil, poorly graded yards, and , runoff from roads, driveways, rooftops and neighboring properties add to the problem. 

    Strategies include:

    • Starting at the top and determining the source
    • Slowing stormwater down and spreading it out with grading to increase infiltration
    • Letting plants do the heavy lifting 


    Solutions like rain gardens, and other thoughtful, nature-based approaches can often solve the problem while making your landscape more beautiful and resilient. Learn more about our
    Stormwater Management service.