Q: Do I really need professional landscaping around my home?

A: A professionally installed and maintained landscape provides for enhanced enjoyment and can raise your real estate’s value by at least fifteen percent. Also, having the right plants selected for your property helps lay the right foundation for years to come.

Q: How do I get started?

A: The first step is usually a landscape consultation, where one of our horticultural professionals will meet with you at your home/site to discuss landscape issues. Simply call Maxalea at 410.377.7500 to schedule an appointment.

Q: What does a landscape consultation include?

A: A consultation is generally a one hour meeting with a design team member of Maxalea, Inc. The scheduled meeting will take place at your home/site and will include a discussion on landscape issues such as a new approach to the front of your home, creating a relaxing outdoor living area or formal water feature, or growing a deer resistant perennial garden. The design team member will bring years of education and experience to the full yard assessment. (Think of it as a home inspection for the yard.) Maxalea, Inc. is an award-winning design/build landscape contractor and maintenance provider which has served the Baltimore community since 1929.

Q: How far in advance do I need to call to set up an appointment?

A: It is never too early or too late to call. Maxalea is open and working on projects year-round.

Q: Do I need a landscape designer?

A: Yes, it is best to start with a plan. Once you have a plan, there is no confusion over what the final product should look like. Also, it allows you the option to have the work done in phases and still be a cohesive unit when finished.

Q: What can I expect after I have contracted for landscaping services?

A: After your contract is finalized, either your salesperson or a Maxalea Production Manager will give you a call to arrange a tentative schedule date. Prior to this date, Miss Utility may be marking your property, depending on the scope of the work, and shortly after that, Maxalea’s Foreman and crew will begin the project. At any time during the process, you should feel free to contact your salesperson with any questions or concerns you may have.

Q: What are some tips for choosing a landscape contractor?

A: A professional landscape contractor should be licensed, and should have an on-staff landscape architect, a reputation for quality work, recommendations, and pictures of previous projects. A professional landscape contractor should also be active with trade organizations, should be able to do all types of landscape work, and should still be available when the project is complete.

Q: Now that I have plants installed, how do I take care of them?

A: Maxalea encourages you to make sure your landscape is being watered, especially through the summer and fall seasons. Ideally, the best time to water is in the early morning. If you are using a sprinkler, let it run long enough to apply 1” of water. It is also best to keep water from pooling on leaf surfaces, which can cause sunlight to burn the leaves. Maxalea can also install an irrigation, or automatic sprinkler system for your landscape. Maxalea also offers yearly maintenance plans tailored to your specific needs, which can include mulching, edging, pruning, mowing, leaf removal, and watering.

Q: What other services does Maxalea offer?

A: Maxalea prides itself on the diversity of its services. Trained professionals at Maxalea can complete a number of projects including ponds, decks, walkways, driveways, stone retaining walls, fencing, arbors, irrigation systems, landscape lighting, plant pest and disease control, planting, and more. Maxalea also offers yearly maintenance packages, which are tailored to your specific needs.

Q: Deer eat all the plants in my area. What can Maxalea do for me?

A: Maxalea can install deer netting, fencing, and spray-on repellants, but the best solution is the use of deer-resistant plants.

Q: What can be done to control my crabgrass?

A: To control crabgrass, Maxalea can treat landscape beds in the spring with a pre-emergent to help prevent seed germination, as well as maintain the beds and lawn throughout the year.

 More information on crabgrass can be found here.

Q: What is Sudden Oak Death Syndrome?

A: The Maryland Department of Agriculture has published a report on Sudden Oak Death, which was recognized in 1995 as a killer of Oaks and other plant species on the West Coast. The pathogen responsible for this disease is a fungus-like organism called phytopthora ramorum. Several species of Rhododendron, Camellias, and Viburnum shipped from the West Coast to a Maryland nursery were found to be infected and were therefore immediately destroyed.

 The MDA monitors Maxalea’s suppliers and has not found this disease to be present in any plant material we have received. We will update you further if this changes.

 For more information, visit: http://www.mda.state.md.us