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​     There are 3 invasive plants that I encounter regularly while working and spending time outdoors in Ann Arbor. Buckthorn, Honeysuckle, and Oriental Bittersweet spread quickly while choking out many of the existing plants. These 3 plants vary greatly in appearance but share the common trait of producing massive amounts of berries each fall. These berries spread short distances quickly but are also moved longer distances after being eaten by animals. ​
​     Aside from altering natural areas by diminishing plant diversity, these plants can be an absolute nuisance in a residential landscape. A single buckthorn tree will create dozens of other plants. If allowed to grow for a few years, they'll be 5 - 10ft tall and difficult to remove. Cutting buckthorn and honeysuckle down to the ground will stop them from spreading temporarily but they both grow back vigorously. 

         Bittersweet is a vine that twists around anything it can find. The vines leaf out and will cover trees with shade. The vines can be cut at the base but are nearly impossible to remove from trees once they've wrapped themselves around branches. This can turn an otherwise nice tree into an eyesore for a long time. 
     Keeping plants like these from taking over woodlands is a difficult and complicated task. Fortunately smaller areas are easier to manage. With proactive weed pulling, home landscapes can thrive and ornamental plants wont have to compete with plants like honeysuckle and buckthorn.  

The answer is, it depends. Many types of construction projects are priced by the square foot. Because there are so many variables that can affect how a brick paving project is completed, we price all of our paving jobs based on material costs plus labor costs. 





A few factors that will have the biggest effect on the price include:

• The pavers that are used.
• Is the area close to a parking area and easily accessible?
• Is there currently anything in the space that will need to be demolished or hauled away?
• Is the area level or sloped. Does a substantial amount of earth need to be moved to make the area level. Will steps or retaining walls be needed? 
• How big of an area is being paved? Small patios will usually cost more per square foot.  

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4x8 Holland paver patios will usually fall between $15-20 per square foot if it is a straight forward project. Using something like Unilock Brussel pavers adds about $3 per square foot. Building a patio on a hill with a retaining wall could easily double the price. After meeting with you and discussing your project, you'll receive a price on your project. 

       Nothing beats standing under a huge tree and staring up into it's seemingly never ending branches, enjoying it's shade on a hot day or watching the wildlife community that calls the tree home. A towering tree can invoke a sense of aw you just won't get from a shrub and perennial garden. However, large trees should be used sparingly in small yards and planting spots should be chosen carefully to allow for the mature shape and size of the tree. It might be a while before your tree is a giant but it will be enjoyed for generations. Here are a few options for large trees that thrive in Michigan's climate.

     Beech trees are unmistakable because of their smooth gray bark. These trees provide an abundance of shade when full grown but can also tolerate a fair amount of shade when their young. Most American Beech trees will reach 80 - 100 ft in height but can grow up to 120 ft in favorable conditions. 

     The Norway Spruce is a fast growing, attractive evergreen with drooping foliage on bowed branches. In full sun, Norway Spruce makes a thick screen. It works well as a street barrier or a back drop for the back of a property. They quickly grow to 60 ft tall but can eventually reach 100 - 150 ft.

     Tulip Trees are tall, thin trees which are great for small yards or street trees. They have large showy flowers in spring and interesting and recognizable leaves. They grow to be 70 - 100 ft tall but can occasionally grow taller. Even a very tall Tulip Tree won't grow more than 50 ft wide, letting it fit into spots other trees will overgrow. 

     The state tree, the Eastern White Pine, has a presence that can't be matched. It has a natural look and when grown in a group, will eventually lose it's lower branches but have a green roof  that creates a "room effect". Most white pines will reach 100 ft but can grow up to 150 ft. 

     Last but not least, the White Oak is the grandfather of Michigan shade trees, They grow slowly so the planter will never be able to to appreciate their full glory. What they lack in speed, they make up for with their tremendous size. White Oaks are strong trees with huge trunks. They reach 70 - 100 ft tall and wide with an attractive shape can be admired as much in the winter as it can in the summer.