Unlike the cost of new siding and the time it takes for a tree to mature, planting shrubs in your yard is one of the quickest, cheapest, and easiest ways to improve your home's curb appeal. In a city still known for auto manufacturing, a touch of green in your yard is necessary to remember the lush vegetation and blue skies indigenous to the state. Many Detroit homeowners are feeling the pinch of the rising cost-of-living and a depressed housing market, but they still want to work on improving their home. And Detroit shrub service is a great and affordable option. Whether you need advice about planting new shrubs or maintaining or treating an existing shrubbery, ServiceMagic can help you make the most of your yard and your home without spending an arm and a leg.
Planning for Detroit Landscaping and Shrubberies
No matter where you live, the golden rule is to start with native plant life. Now, this doesn't mean you necessarily have to create a guerrilla garden using your neighborhood plants for seeding. In fact, native plant seeds frequently come from outside the state of Michigan. The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts defines a native plant as any plant that was present in Michigan before the European settlers arrived in the 1700s.
The reasons for using native plants are environmental, economic, practical, and generally center around two opposing dynamics. First, non-native plants may have a difficult time flourishing in the Michigan climate. Many shrubs require a delicate balance of water and sun, as well as precise soil and nutrient needs to sustain themselves. This can mean time-consuming care that may still fail in the end, leaving barren landscaping and additional financial investment. Second, a non-native plant may find the climate too appealing. Aggressive plants can overtake your other shrubs, your yard, and, depending on seeding patterns, can even cause harm to neighbors and local ecosystems. Shrubs that grow up, instead of out, are generally easier to maintain even if they pose no environmental threat.
Detroit Shrub Service: Maintenance and Treatment
Most shrubs, like trees, need to be trimmed from time to time. Smaller than trees, shrubs are also more delicate, meaning trimming is critical to maintaining their long term health, but proper trimming is also essential. If you're not the hands-on, outdoorsy type, it's best to let the professionals handle this, especially if you also need tree trimming or general lawn care. Most shrubs should be trimmed in late winter/early spring before the growing season, although different shrubs may have different growing seasons.
Shrubs are also susceptible to disease and pests. Often, this is a result of under-watering, over-watering, or general climatic influences, although even the most diligent care is far from 100 percent effective in preventing disease. Pests are even less preventable, although often more easily treated. If you notice any discoloration, awkward growth patterns, general withering, or, of course, pests, you may be able to do a little research and treat the problem yourself or you may need to talk to a specialist. Depending on the extent and nature of the problem, a brief telephone consultation may get you on the right path, or you may need to have someone come out and inspect your shrubs.
Tree and Shrub Service in Detroit: Propping Up Your Property Value
It's an historically bad time to try to sell your home in Detroit, and one of the few things you may have going for you is your landscaping. Kitchens and bathrooms can always be remodeled, but trees and well-maintained shrubs and hedges are largely irreplaceable. Wise landscaping choices may not attract real-estate speculators, but most home buyers are still ordinary citizens looking for a place to call home. Listed next to a property being sold at auction, you're not going to be able to undercut prices, nor should you try, but banks don't improve these properties before they go on the auction block. In fact, often prospective buyers aren't even allowed inside the home, before they make their bids. If your home has sat on the market for six months without a reasonable offer, ask yourself: what tree or shrub service in Detroit can I afford to improve my landscaping?
The Cost of Detroit Shrub Service
In Detroit, shrub service falls into two basic categories: single service and ongoing care. Naturally, regularly scheduled shrub service is cheaper per visit than a one-time trip, although the level of need tends to be the driving force. You may or may not be able to get free advice for planning new shrubs or treating an ailing shrub, but once the need arises to bring someone out to your home, it's extremely rare to see costs under $50 or even $100. After all, everybody is feeling the pain of high gas prices. You can also expect to pay a higher fee for more specialized services than general care or trimming.
Detroit Shrub Service Contractors
At the same time, just like any other home improvement project, getting multiple estimates is a great way to ensure you're paying a reasonable price. While you can spend an hour or more searching through the phone book, making calls, and playing phone tag with contractors who may or may not be reliable, competent professionals to begin with. By submitting a free, online request through ServiceMagic, you can get matched with prescreened local contractors, allowing you to conveniently solicit multiple estimates from reliable professionals.

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