Organic & Sustainable Practices
Gnarling Tree looks at a client’s landscape as a whole picture. Everything from the trees to the smallest plants. A healthy garden/landscape starts with healthy soil. Healthy soil is Happy soil = happy client/homeowner/ happy person! What is happy soil? Soil full of microbes and fungi and insects. The greater the biodiversity(variety of species) in a landscape, the healthier it is. The more biodiversity in a habitat above ground is also important. A variety of plants, with a focus on native plants, encourages beneficial insects to visit the property. Everything from butterflies and bees whom everyone enjoys, to the unseen parasitic wasps and nematodes that help keep the unwanted, plant damaging harmful insects in check. This significantly reduces the need for pesticides. That is why we like to use the word habitat to describe landscapes and the type of work we do, because it is home to so many creatures we see, can’t see, and of course our home where we live.
Connection to Our DNA
We are deeply connected with trees, and many of us do not even realize it yet. This connection with trees in our culture, our heritage, and everyday life is rooted in our core; you can say our DNA. This is the meaning of Gnarling Tree. We gravitate towards the epic trees of our lives or have a favorite tree in the garden. You may remember a particular tree from the past. Some travel around the world to see the oldest or tallest because that tree makes us feel something different or extraordinary. Each tree is unique, even from its sister a few feet away. Wind can shape a tree one direction; the sun causes it to grow another way, it faces adversity through hard times such as drought, limbs shaped, or broken and charred by lightning. Yet, it still stands, unique to itself, shaped by its past. Gnarled by its experiences. Just as you, or your spouse, or your parents, your friends, and I have been. We are deeply connected to trees. That is Gnarling Tree.
Commonly Asked Questions
What services do you offer?
We are a Design and Installation Firm. We focus on outdoor living spaces and fine gardening. There is nothing more rewarding than building a client a beautiful flagstone patio, surrounded by plants, with the sights and sounds of a personal water oasis; to immerse their family and friends to nature.
Additionally, many outdoor space issues and problems can be fixed with plants and natural materials. Not only fixing your erosion or water issues, but the solution is also aesthetically pleasing, an extension of your home, and gives back to the environment rather than negatively impacting it.
How does a consultation session work?
Consultation is $90 minimum for an initial 1-hour visit. Any design, research, and scope of work on the client's behalf are at the additional rate of $75/hr.
Is there a difference between consultation and estimates?
Yes. A free estimate is available when the client presents a scope of work to be completed and meetings will last less than 30 minutes. A consultation includes but not limited to design advice, plant and hardscaping material selection, plant health care such as pruning, and specific plant care.
We also offer a DIY service that includes consultation, design, and material sourcing/delivery for those wanting to complete a project themselves.
Do you do landscape maintenance?
Yes, including pruning, mulching, fertilizing, leaf removal, and general plant care. We have a $300 minimum for one-time visits.
We offer landscape programs from bi-weekly to quarterly(seasonal) to our installation clients only. Or we offer year-round management contracts if you are not an installation client.
We also have a holistic forest management service.
Do you do lawn care?
No.