FAQS
Consultation & Design
Q. Is my landscaping guaranteed?
A. Yes, All plant material is guaranteed for a period of 90 days from the
completion date of your job. Brick Paver Patios & Retaining Walls are
guaranteed for a period of two years against sinking or heaving and the
pavers/retaining blocks are guaranteed against breakage for life. Tumbled
stone products arrive with a “weathered” appearance and some minor flaking
or chipping may occur.
Plant Material
Q. How do I water my plants?
A. Unfortunately there is more than one answer for that question. The
spring and the fall usually offer cooler temperatures and more moisture in
the soil. The summer is a difficult time for newly installed plant
material due to the lack of moisture and high temperatures. In addition
to the temperature you need to understand the type of soil that you have.
Most homeowners around Ann Arbor have heavy clay soils so you have to be
concerned with over-watering also. Before all other considerations simply
stick your hand in the soil down as far as you can and see how it feels to
you. Be careful not to mistake cool dry soil for moisture content. As a
general rule…For trees you should place the hose at the trunk of the tree
and leave the hose with the water coming out at a trickle. Leave the hose
on each tree for approximately 15 minutes. Shrubs and Perennials should
each be hand watered right in the center of the plant for approximately
1-2 minutes per plant.
Spring & Fall:
Trees should be watered 1-2 times per week.
Shrubs and Perennials should be watered 1-2 times per week
Summer:
Trees should be watered at least every other day.
Shrubs and Perennials should be watered every day or at least 5 times
during the week.
Customers with irrigation systems should be aware that your plant material
does not require the same amount of moisture your lawn does. Your
planting beds should be on a separate zone(s) than your lawn. Minimal
moisture is usually all that is needed. Usually only 5-7 minutes per zone
even in the summer. Consistency is the key here.Overall you should adjust
your watering based on your own evaluation of your site, soil, and
planting size. Once your planting establishes itself after the first or
second year, you can reduce the watering according to your site. Often by
a half.
Brick Paving Systems
Q. Will I get weeds growing in my patio?
A. Yes, However they do not grow from below the patio. They grow as the
weed seeds blow in and rest in the spaces between pavers. They are
usually very easy to pull out by hand or spray with a weed killer.
Another trick to combat weed growth is to sweep a fine grain sand into the
spaces in the spring.
Q. Will my brick pavers move?
A. Yes, Some heaving is to be expected as the ground freezes and thaws
however, when the ground settles in the spring, the patio/retaining wall
will settle itself. Ferrari Designs Inc. installs paver products
according to the manufacturer recommendation and feels confident that
while some movement is inevitable, your patio or retaining wall will last
for years to come.
Q. Do I need to seal my pavers?
A. No, the durability of the paver is not affected. However, a sealer
does help prevent fading of darker colored pavers and does help prevent
weed growth. Plus, sealing does enhance the look of the paver and is
available in either a Matte or Gloss finish.
Q. Are Brick Pavers Difficult to shovel in the winter?
A. No, Brick Pavers are installed according to manufacturer
recommendations. While you may “catch” your shovel periodically, it would
be no more than with a crack or an expansion joint in concrete.
