Get Quotes from Top Landscapers in Detroit, MI

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Landscaper in Detroit?

Landscapers in Detroit do not require an occupation-specific license to operate in the city. However, per Regulation 636 of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), landscapers who wish to apply pesticides as part of their services must be certified or registered pesticide applicators.

A Landscaper applying to be registered as a commercial pesticide applicator or a registered pesticide applicator must be at least 18 years old. Commercial pesticide applicants must pass at least two exams, including the general standard exam (CORE) and a sub-category exam. Meanwhile, individuals applying to be registered pesticide applicators must pass the general standard exam (CORE) and complete a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development-approved training program coordinated by an MDARD Approved Trainer. Applicants can complete the training before or after taking the requisite exams.

Applicants for both pesticide applicator types must complete and submit an application form and pay applicable fees to sit for the exams. In addition to the application form, applicants for registered pesticide applicators must complete and submit a Registered Applicator Verifiable Training Form to the address indicated in the form. Once MDARD approves their application, applicants can schedule paper-based testing through this agency or computer-based testing through the Metro Institute. Applicants can access study manuals at the Michigan State University Pesticide Education. MDARD will issue the certification card within two months of the applicants completing all required examinations.

Michigan runs a reciprocal program with Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. This means commercial and private applicators from these states may be granted reciprocal certification without examination.

You can direct your queries regarding the certification process of Landscapers as pesticide applicators to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) by calling (800) 292-3939. Also, to verify if your intended landscaper applying pesticide is qualified to do so, you can contact MDARD at (800) 292-3939.

It would help if you also looked out for trade association membership when looking for Landscapers in Detroit. For instance, the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association offers Detroit landscapers CGIP certifications. As such, when your intended landscape contractor presents you with any trade association membership, ensure you verify such claims by contacting the relevant association.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Landscapers in Detroit?

How much you will pay when hiring a Landscaper in Detroit is influenced by several factors that include but are not limited to:

• The scope and nature of the landscaping project
• The type of landscaping service required for the job.
• The cost of landscaping materials needed to carry out the project.
• The locality in Detroit.
• The workforce needed to execute the project within the expected completion date.

It is always good to get bids and estimates from at least three different Landscapers in the city when preparing for your project. This lets you compare prices and pick the most suitable service cost for your budget. Also, it helps you spot deceptive Landscapers who may be trying to overcharge you above the average market prices.

Detroit Landscapers earn an annual average wage of $33,040. The table below provides a cost comparison of the average hourly wages of landscaping and groundskeeping workers in Detroit against those of this category of individuals across the rest of Michigan and other major American cities:

Do You Comply with the Detroit Landscape Ordinance?

The Detroit Zoning Ordinance regulates the appropriate use or development of all land in the city, including landscaping activities, while promoting and protecting the resident's public health, safety, and general welfare. The Zoning Ordinance also classifies how all the land in the city will be used in such a way to promote a desirable visual environment through creative development techniques and good civic design and arrangement. This is why the Zoning Ordinance stipulates the landscaping standards to include:

• Planting appropriate new vegetation and preserving existing vegetation to enhance the built environment and protect and sustain the natural environment.
• Reduce potential nuisances by requiring a visual screen between uses to mitigate the adverse effects of wind and air turbulence, heat, noise, and other negative impacts associated with adjoining or nearby uses.
• Improve the appearance of on-premises parking, vehicular-use areas, and property abutting public rights-of-way.

Note that violating the city's Zoning Ordinance attracts city-imposed penalties like paying a fine. This is why hiring a Landscaper knowledgeable about the Zoning Ordinance and its application to your proposed landscaping projects is necessary. In addition to hiring a well-versed Landscaper, you can inquire about the city's Zoning Ordinance from the Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) by calling (313) 224-1317.

Will You Get the Landscaping Permit Required as per the Detroit Code?

The Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) does not issue specific permits for landscaping activities. However, where your project requires a building permit, you will need to submit site plans for review to the Zoning Division of BSEED before you can be issued a permit. The Zoning Division carries out plan reviews to ensure your projects, including ones involving landscaping activities, conform with the city's Zoning Ordinance. Note that if the Zoning Division fails to approve the site plans, you will not be issued building permits by BSEED.

When applying for a building permit, you need to verify if your intended project requires a site plan review by utilizing the provisions of section 50-3-113 of the Zoning Ordinance. If applicable, you can apply online by completing an application form and paying an associated review fee of $160. You must log in with an existing account or create a new free user account to use this online platform. Alternatively, you can download and complete a printable site plan review application. You can submit the complete form and the associated fee in person at:

Once submitted, the Zoning Division will review your application for further necessary action, including uploading relevant plans, like a site plan & location map, floor plan, proof of ownership or legal interest in the property, and any other applicable material to ProjectDox. You can use the Site Plan Review Checklist to confirm all the necessary plans required for review by the Zoning Division. When the Zoning Division approves the plans, you must complete the relevant building permit application before commencing your project.

You can direct your queries regarding the plan review and approval process by contacting Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department at (313) 224-1317 or by email.

What Kind of Landscaping Services Do You Offer?

To ensure you end up with a satisfactory project, you should always ensure that your intended landscaper specializes in your planned project and has the proper equipment to carry it out successfully. Landscapers in Detroit offer several types of landscaping and lawn care services, including landscape design and installation, sprinkler system installation, hedge trimming, gardening, lawn aerating, weed spraying, lawn edging, and fertilization.

As such, before signing off the work contract, ensure you confirm the landscaper has the skill sets and equipment required for your intended project. Take further steps by requesting their work portfolio and past client references. You should be wary of landscapers who fail to provide any requested information. In addition to confirming their expertise, it is also advisable to ask the landscape contractor how much they will charge for your proposed project.

The list below provides average cost estimates for some common landscaping services in Detroit:

What are the Best Types of Grass for Lawns in Detroit?

Detroit is characterized by a cold and temperate climate with temperatures averaging 10.0°C/50.0°F annual rainfall of about 922 mm/36.3 inches. The rain in the city is pretty significant, as there is even precipitation even when the city is experiencing its driest season. So, when looking for grasses to plant on your lawn, you should look for grasses that can withstand the mild, humid summers and winters. Some of the turf choices include

• Kentucky bluegrass
• Perennial ryegrass
• Tall fescue
• Fine fescue

When picking grass for your lawn, you should consider the most suitable one by considering the amount of shade, how often the lawn will be irrigated, and whether you prefer low-maintenance grass. The best option for you in this situation is to rely on your landscaper to help you determine the best grass for your lawn. You can count on referrals from trusted friends and family when looking for qualified Landscapers near you. You can also use reputable websites like the Better Business Bureau or online directories like the National Association of Landscape Professionals to find Landscapers in Detroit.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Landscapers in Detroit?

Annually, an estimated 143,000 emergency room visits are attributed to landscaping activities, with lawn mower accidents accounting for approximately 87,600. Even though Detroit has no mandatory insurance requirement for landscape contractors, you should hire only a fully insured Landscaper. Hiring a Landscaper with an active general liability insurance policy protects you from incurring any cost relating to work accidents involving bodily injury or property damage. Considering the importance of insurance, you should always request a copy of an insurance certificate from your intended landscaper. Ensure you contact the relevant issuing insurance carrier to confirm the validity of the insurance certificate.

In addition, landscapers in Detroit with at least one employee must provide workers' compensation insurance for their employees. This covers lost wages and medical bills for work injuries. For more information regarding workers' compensation insurance, contact the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Insurance Compliance Division at (517) 284-8922.