FAQs

Your landscaping investment will vary depending on many factors. Many homeowners do not do major landscape projects often, so they are not sure what to expect or how much to budget. It is reasonable to spend anywhere from 5% to 30% of your home value on landscaping depending upon your goals and how much you have or want to invest in it. The actual cost of a landscape installation depends on the type and complexity of the project. Please see our Landscaping> Pricing Guide for price ranges for select landscape elements.

We have worked hard to build a very talented and creative team. All of our designers/salespeople hold degrees in Landscape Architecture, Design and/or Horticulture, and are certified designers by the Michigan Landscape and Nursery Association, so yes, we do charge an initial consultation fee of $125 for an initial visit. We guarantee you will get your money’s worth from the visit. From there we can either provide a free estimate for simple landscape installations or start the design process as outlined below.

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A DESIGN is a “visual conversation” and allows us to develop a shared vision, explore materials choices and lay out the sizes and locations of the various elements of the landscape more fully. Sometimes this is not necessary if you have a clear direction in mind or a simple project which is easy to estimate without any drawing or more detailed discussions (e.g. a simple patio, retaining wall, or plant addition). However, with years of field experience, we have found that the best projects are completed with design work, and taking the time and the money to plan the project upfront far outweighs the cost in relation to the value. 

Traditionally in construction projects a 10% of project cost budget is allotted for design, but we find that we are usually less than 5% of project cost. Full residential landscape plans can range from $500 to $1500 and occasionally more for larger or complicated projects. Basic project designs can range from $250 to $500 for a simple patio/deck or single landscape bed. Designing on a tight budget can also be accomplished by scheduling a one-time onsite consultation of 1 to 3 hours with one of our designers.  Our horticulture specialist also provides free garden design consultations at our nursery based on a client’s site photos and measurements.  

We charge $125/hour for our design services.  Our designers are experienced and certified professionals. We separate the design charge and process from the built project because we want you to have a great process and product. The design is a means to implement your project, but really the most important part! As designers we are your advisors in developing your project to suit your needs and fit your budget.

Landscaping is one of the best investments you can make in relation to the initial impact a property makes on visitors, which obviously includes prospective buyers if you are trying to sell. From our experience it is also one of the best for getting more enjoyment and spending time on your property. One of the most typical comments we hear from clients after a landscape renovation is, “I am really enjoying being in my yard now!” That said, here are some nuts and bolts statistics compiled by realtors doing research on the topic (from RealEstate.com ):

• Raises the property value as much as 12%.
• Increases your resale value 14%.
• Spending as little as 5% of your home’s value on landscaping may get an ROI of as much as 150%.
• Decreases the amount of time your home is on the market – sometimes by as much as six weeks.
• Nearly 90% of real estate agents encourage homeowners to invest in landscaping prior to selling.

Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard and Amex.  For projects greater than $3000.00, we charge a credit card fee.

Yes, new clients can pay their $125 initial consultation fee online. Existing clients can pay design or project invoices under $5000 online.

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Yes, we offer a 3 year warranty on our hardscapes and a 1 year warranty on trees and shrubs (from installation date).  Our warranties exceed industry standards, and we pride ourselves on addressing any issues you may have as quickly as possible!  Please see our contract terms for further details.

Yes.  We Licensed Nursery Stock Resellers, Michigan Certified Nurserymen, and Licensed Residential Builders in the State of Michigan.  Additionally, many of our team members are Certified Green Industry Professionals through the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association with specialties including Landscape Design, Garden Retail and Landscape Management.

Yes, Lotus Gardenscapes carries comprehensive business liability insurance and Workman’s Compensation insurance as required by the State of Michigan.

Please follow this link to our contract terms page.

Yes! Existing clients can earn a $25-$100  Lotus Design Center gift certificate when they refer their friends and neighbors to Lotus Gardenscapes for landscape installation.  New clients, please include the name of the person referring you when filling out our New Client Survey.