Monthly Archives: April 2013

Landscape and Maintenance Professionals, Grand Rapids MI

Why Should I Hire a Monsma Landscape & Maintenance, Grand Rapids?

Time

In your busy life you probably don’t want to spend your leisure hours making your property look its best. Delegate what you can and do what you enjoy. Our job is to let you Live Better Outdoors!

Care and Expertise

As your landscape and lawn care professionals, we care about our work and treat your property with the utmost care and respect. We also have decades of experience to do the job right the first time.

The Right Tools

We have the heavy equipment to perform your lawn care and landscaping efficiently and safely with the best possible results.

Stewardship

Proper use of fertilizers and herbicides is an important part of plant health and vigor. MLM applicators are certified and licensed by the State of Michigan; keeping your health and safety top priority.

Peace of Mind

Monsma Landscape & Maintenance is properly insured for the safety and protection of you and your property.

We are your Landscape and Maintenance Professionals in Grand Rapids MI

Are Permeable Pavers suitable for Grands Rapids area climate

PERMEABLE PAVERS FOR GRAND RAPIDS AREA HOMES

Management of storm water has become a hot topic country wide and in West Michigan. The principles used for installing permeable hardscapes are the same as typical hardscape installations. There are many attractive product lines that absorb rainfall while reducing runoff.

BENEFITS:

1. Storm water runoff reduction

Through the use of permeable pavers in Grand Rapids area driveways and parking areas, the amount of storm water that reaches water treatment systems can be reduced. This will save money for municipalities and keep our lakes cleaner.

2. Aquifer recharge

Porous pavements detain storm water and allow it to slowly add to the ground water levels and mimic the natural water cycle.

3. Pollution control

Paved surfaces used for vehicle traffic catch some of the pollutants that flow into streams and lakes with the storm water. Permeable pavers filter suspended solids, nutrients, and metals through the crushed stone base and aid in the break down of contaminants.

4. Cost savings

Experience has shown that even though the initial installation costs more, permeable pavers have maintenance costs that are 30% less than asphalt.

5. Cooling effects and looking cool

Permeable pavers that are sown with grass seed have a lower surface temperature than asphalt. Porous pavers look great! The open areas of these pavers can have soil and grass seed added to give a very unique look.

Over 90% of rainfall events are of half an inch less. Much of this rainfall can be handled by permeable pavers. By showing your clients the benefits you can add more green to your bottom line.

Source: Paveloc Industries, Inc.

Grand Rapids Rain Gardens

WHY SHOULD WE HAVE RAIN GARDENS in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

Grand Rapids Rain Gardens

Clean Water the Natural Way

With all the rain that we have had in the last week you’ve probably been wondering where does all the water go and what pollution is carrying with it. Before the days of pavement most of the water was absorbed back into the aquafier where it fell. Today with pavement and pipes the water is transported into our rivers and lakes along with the residue from our cars. Rain Gardens slow the flow of runoff as temporary reservoirs designed to contain, filter, and absorb the water keeping it from the storm sewer.

Beautiful New Habitat

Properly designed rain gardens can be amazingly beautiful features of the landscape. They are also a source of entertainment for the owners and home to many butterflies beneficial insects and songbirds.

Build it Once

Rain gardens are meant to filter the runoff rapidly, meaning the water drains within 24 hours of the storm. For proper filtration you need the right mix of about 50% sand, 20% soil, and 30% compost. No topsoil is needed for sites of heavy clay. Care must be taken during construction to minimize soil compaction in the rain garden by equipment and foot traffic.

Right Plant, Right Place

Different plant species will be needed for the low level, mid level, and top level of the rain garden. Conditions of sun and shade will influence the selection process. And you will want to top it off with 3 inches of mulch to keep the plants moist during dry spells and to help discourage weeds.