Planting Services We Offer
Trees
We have access to a wide variety of trees in varying sizes. Whether you'd like some ornamentals or some large mature trees planted, we can help!
Shrubs and Bushes
If you want to add some interest into your landscape we have access to a large selection of native and non-native shrubs and bushes.
Plants and Flowers
We have a wide variety of native and non-native flowering plants in Maryland. Tell us the colors you love and we'll choose the right plants for you.
When determining plantings for Maryland, there are several factors to consider:
Climate: Maryland has a diverse climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. It is important to choose plants that are well-suited to the specific climate conditions in your area.
Soil type: Maryland has a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. It is important to choose plants that are well-suited to the specific soil type on your property. Soil problems can often be corrected too but it hauling and spreading new soil can definitely increase the project cost.
Sunlight: Different plants have different sunlight requirements. It is important to choose plants that are well-suited to the amount of sunlight available in your garden or landscape.
Water requirements: Some plants require more water than others. It is important to choose plants that are well-suited to the amount of water available in your area. Some nurseries only provide plant warranties if an irrigation system is present.
Pest and disease resistance: Some plants are more resistant to pests and diseases than others. It is important to choose plants that are less prone to these problems in your area. Ultimately it will make your plants more resilient and healthier.
Mature size: It is important to consider the mature size of a plant and whether it will fit in the space you have available. Many homeowners don't consider what a plant is going to look like 1, 2, or even 3+ years down the road. Knowing what to expect with your plants in the future can really help you make the best choices.
At Harvest Outdoor Living we take all of these into consideration when coming up with a planting scheme for your landscape. We will only choose and plant species that are well-suited to the specific conditions in our growing zone in Maryland.
Our Planting Designs Can Include
We stick with native plants wherever possible and non-native plants that are best suited for our growing zone 6A.
Using native plants in your landscape offers numerous benefits for both the environment and you. Some of the key advantages include:
Adaptation to local conditions: Native plants are well-adapted to the specific climate, soil, and precipitation patterns of their region, making them more likely to thrive with minimal intervention.
Low maintenance: As native plants have evolved to suit their local environment, they typically require less watering, fertilizing, and pest control than non-native species. This can result in lower maintenance costs and reduced labor.
Support for local wildlife: Native plants provide essential habitat and food sources for local pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Planting native species can help support and maintain healthy ecosystems and contribute to biodiversity.
Erosion control: Many native plants have extensive root systems that help stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and runoff. This is particularly beneficial in sloped landscapes or areas prone to erosion.
Reduced risk of invasive species: Native plants are less likely to become invasive or spread uncontrollably compared to some non-native species. Invasive plants can outcompete native species, negatively affecting ecosystems and potentially causing environmental damage.
Resilience to pests and diseases: Native plants have co-evolved with local pests and diseases, often developing natural defenses that make them more resistant to these threats. This can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, benefiting both the environment and human health.
Climate resilience: As native plants are adapted to local weather patterns, they are often better equipped to tolerate extreme weather events, such as droughts or heavy rain.
Preservation of cultural heritage: Native plants can have cultural significance, reflecting the natural heritage and history of a region. By including these plants in your landscape, you can help preserve and celebrate this heritage.
Aesthetic appeal: Native plants can offer unique colors, textures, and seasonal interest, creating a visually appealing and regionally distinct landscape design.
Conservation of resources: By using native plants that require less water, fertilizer, and other inputs, you can conserve valuable natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of your landscape.
The best time to plant new plants in your landscape depends on the plant species and the climate. Generally, early spring and fall are ideal times for most plants, as they offer moderate temperatures and typically have more consistent rainfall. Planting during these periods allows the plants to establish their root systems before the stress of extreme temperatures sets in.
As landscape professionals we usually start by testing the soil to determine its nutrient content and pH level. We then amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve its structure, drainage, and fertility. If necessary, we can also adjust the soil's pH with lime (to raise the pH) or sulfur (to lower it) based on the needs of the specific plants you plan to install. These steps aren't always necessary but when the soil conditions aren't right, your plants are not going to do well.
Staking may be necessary for young trees or shrubs with weak stems, or those that are planted in windy locations. If staking is necessary, we use flexible ties and stake the plant low enough to provide support without restricting its movement, as this can encourage stronger root development.
To prevent weeds, we usually apply a layer of mulch around the base of your new plants, leaving a few inches of space between the mulch and the plant stem. Mulch not only suppresses weeds but also helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Additionally, hand-pulling weeds as they emerge can help keep your landscape weed-free.
The establishment period for new plants varies depending on the species, planting conditions, and aftercare. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years for plants to become well-established in their new environment.
Yes! Depending on the type of plant we often have choices as to the maturity level of the plants we purchase. For example trees, shrubs, and hedges are often available as juveniles or as mature plants. Choosing the mature plants can obviously shorten the amount of time it takes for plantings to become established. However, these more mature plants will be more expensive to purchase and depending on how large they are can significantly increase the cost of handling and labor.
If you're going to spend significant money on new plantings for your landscape then an irrigation system is a wise investment. Modern, digitally controlled irrigation systems can deliver very precise amounts of water to your specific landscape beds depending on the plants water requirements. Many nurseries will only provide a warranty on the plants if a working irrigation system is present.
We don't generally provide a warranty but some of the wholesale nurseries we order plants from do. They usually require that an irrigation system is present so the plants receive sufficient water as this is the leading cause of plants dying or becoming unhealthy. The warranty local nurseries offer can also vary from plant to plant as well. If a warranty is important to you please discuss that with us when we are consulting with you on your new plantings. We'll confirm with our supplier which plants can be covered and what those specific requirements might be.
It was a great experience working with Tom Riley and his crew from Harvest. He was very accommodating and patient. A big thank you and shout out to them
Our family is so happy that we hired Tom Kiley- Harvest Outdoor Living to design and create two major hardscaping projects to enhance the established landscape of our home this Summer. The entirety of our projects were handled with knowledge and expertise from conception to execution. The craftsmanship displayed in every aspect of the creation is the combination of experience and great skill. Tom Kiley is a Hands - On business owner, ensuring that the entire project was completed flawlessly ,exceeding both his and our expectations. Despite the extreme heat, the Harvest Outdoor Living crew worked long hours from early morning until evening, always respectful, friendly and pleasant, keeping the work site neat and tidy after each shift. God Bless the Three Amigos ! While we were looking for a simple sidewalk solution, Tom's inspired vision of a bi-level enclosed garden, featuring large boulders and flowering trees and plants ,illuminated at twilight intrigued us. We asked for a curving, hand cut heated bluestone sidewalk across our front yard that wraps around our existing front porch. This sidewalk, combined with another constructed with Cambridge Paving Stones adds a luxurious curb appeal. The second, more difficult project involved a combination of many skilled professionals ,including demolition experts, engineering plans and permits and a tremendous amount of hard physical labor. This project was also completed above and beyond our expectations and has solved our water issues. All plantings and replanting's were professional and successful. Ultimately, we have been given the landscaping improvements we always needed and wanted, yet never imagined could possibly exist ! Everyone comments on how beautiful our new landscape looks. We could not be happier with the results.
Tom and his crew transformed the empty space left in our backyard after the pool delete into a beautiful patio that we love to use, and that all our neighbors admire. Job started on time, completed within our budget, and perfect in every detail!
We were looking to do a complete backyard overhaul. The main problem was water sitting and the grass always felt like mush days after it rained. The project included a paver patio for better outdoor living space, regrading the yard, burrying some down spouts, and installing two French drains. Along the way we added In a tree removal, sectioning off the tree line with some mulch, and redoing the broken lattice under the sunroom. Last night's rain was an ultimate test of his work. There's no standing puddles and the water was rivering away during the rain like it was supposed to. Additionally the patio looks great. During the initial estimate Tom really took his time, asked the right questions and appeared to genuinely care about our problems and how to fix it. The other two who came out weren't as personable and didn't truly listen. Additionally, Tom's prices were fair for the work that was being asked. I'd highly recommend talking to Tom about an estimate if you're looking to do any type of outdoor project.
I was extremely happy with this company. They were respectful, knowledgeable, and did an amazing job. Thank you again for fixing the problem and much more.
Harvest Outdoor Living did a terrific mulching gardens, providing new storm design system and constructing new paver sidewalk. Job started on date stated in contract and completed on time and no change orders. Tom’s attention detail was so good you would think his team was working at his home.
We would highly recommend Harvest Outdoor Living for all of your landscaping needs. Our yard was overgrown and more high maintenance than we wanted or had time to deal with. We reached out to Tom for a quote and he responded quickly with a fair estimate. After we agreed to the quote, Tom scheduled our job for a week after. He and his team are professional and highly skilled. He took our mess of a yard and made it look spectacular. It’s better than we imagined. We could not be happier with the results.
Harvest Outdoor Living did a miraculous job on my landscaping design and requirements despite having many challenges. I found Tom Kiley to be the ultimate professional who patiently answered my questions and designed a solution that is perfect for our environment. Tom’s experience and expertise made the renovation a success. Tom earned 5 Stars for the work at my home. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
Quality of work outstanding. Harvest Team pleasant, courteous, and professional. Delivered 100% on all agreed upon services. Communication flawless. Five star rating well deserved and earned. If you have landscaping needs, do not miss the opportunity to work with the Harvest Team! They are best in class!
without question this was a wonderful experience working with this company from beginning to finish. it was an effort to remedy a major drainage issues we have been having for years, with various slopes and terrain features to contend with. i interviewed the owner Tom, and as an engineer and former contractor the solutions seemed plausible. His price was fair and the work was completed within the timeframe he says it would. There was a spotless cleanup afterwards and as importantly his crew Saul and Carlos worked extremely well with Tom and their experience was evident. Honestly, i’ll be shocked if this doesn’t fit the bill as stated. Incredible company.
I am very happy with the work done by Harvest Landscape. Everything went as planned and the project turned out beautifully! I would definitely recommend.
I would absolutely recommend Harvest Landscape! Tom was extremely nice, professional and polite throughout the entire project. He worked with us to come up with the exact design we wanted within our budget and was so patient throughout the whole process. He was always on time and even started the project earlier than expected. He pays close attention to detail and him and his team work quickly and were very efficient. We will definitely be hiring Harvest landscape again for future landscape and hardscape projects. We are extremely satisfied and just love our new patio and fire pit so much!
Tom and team did a fantastic job on our patio. Totally changed the look and use of our backyard. Quality work from beginning to end. Highly recommend.
I had asked Tom about cutting back our mulch bed out front and adding a stone retaining wall - was very happy with the results! I also love that he used the plants we had and rearranged them to make them feel new - it helped frame the space while also helping us to keep within our budget. Will definitely be reaching out to him and his team again.
Tom really listens to what you need done and his expertise is evident. He's done an excellent job with the yardwork and helped me out twice. He's a keeper!
Tom was great to work with! He worked with me quite a bit to come up with a plan for my landscaping and used 3D rendering to show me example photos of what the work would look like! He built a beautiful retainer wall and put in lovely plants to spruce up the look of my home. There was excellent communication throughout the entire project. Thanks so much Tom! Will absolutely recommend you to others!!
Very professional and dependable. With an eye for detail, my yard has never looked better! Looking forward to future projects with Harvest!
Our neighbor recommended Tom and we are happy we called him. He stopped by our property and give us great ideas on how to create new garden beds and installing trees, as well as regrading and establishing our lawn. He was very diligent in his work and even came back to fix some issues that was caused by heavy winds. We will definitely use his services again and will recommend Tom to anyone we know.
I have used Harvest Landcare for 2 years now for my spring clean up and mulching. He also trimmed bushes in the fall. Very attentive and responsive and does great work. Highly recommend.
Harvest Landcare has done several mulching and landscape projects around my house. He is reliable, priced right and has a lot of attention to detail. I highly recommend.
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