Landscaping can look great the day it’s installed—and still be a problem underneath. Homeowners in Oakland County often call us after a “quick install” starts failing: plants dying, beds washing out, water pooling, or features shifting. In most cases, the issue isn’t the idea. It’s the installation quality.
Professional landscape installation is about building a landscape that performs long-term: proper soil prep, correct grading, drainage planning, and plant selection that makes sense for Michigan.
The Most Common Installation Problems We See
- Mulch beds installed without proper edging, causing washout
- Plants installed without proper soil amendment or depth
- Poor grading that directs water toward the home
- Lack of drainage solutions in low spots
- Shrubs planted too close together, causing overgrowth
- Beds built without long-term maintenance considerations
These issues don’t always show up immediately—but they become expensive later.
Plant Selection: Michigan Reality Matters
Oakland County has real seasonal swings. Plant selection should account for:
- Sun/shade exposure
- Soil type (clay-heavy is common)
- Moisture levels and drainage
- Mature size (not just “what it looks like today”)
Choosing plants that fit the site reduces long-term replacement costs and keeps the landscape looking intentional.
Soil Prep and Bed Construction
Professional bed construction includes:
- Removing problem material and debris
- Adding soil amendment when necessary
- Building proper edges and borders
- Planning bed depth for mulch and plant health
This is what prevents beds from becoming messy, thin, or weed-infested quickly.
Drainage and Grading: The “Invisible” Part That Matters Most
Water management is the biggest difference between a landscape that lasts and one that fails. Proper grading and drainage protect:
- Foundations
- Walkways and patios
- Plant health
- Lawn stability
If water doesn’t move correctly, everything suffers.
Serving Oakland County & Beyond
If you want landscape installation done correctly in Oakland County, MI, Masters Lawn & Landscape builds landscapes designed for performance, longevity, and a clean finished look.
Call (248) 730-8555 or email brent@masterslawnandlandscape.com to request an estimate for landscape installation, upgrades, and complete property transformations.
