David J. Frank Landscape Contracting, Inc.

Every landscape, like every client, is unique. If you don't find the information you need here, give us a call and we'll be glad to help.

Why do you charge for your landscape design services?

When a David J. Frank landscape architect or designer meets with you, you are dealing with a degreed professional. Our designs are site specific, taking into account all aspects of your property including grade, light & moisture conditions and existing plant material. Our clients fill out a lengthy survey about their property and their needs to help guide us in making sure the design meets all of their expectations.

How much do you charge for your landscape plans?

Our design fees depend totally on the scope of your project and site conditions on your property. A design that includes patio or driveway work, an arbor structure or deck, will require more design time than just a planting plan. Walls may have to be designed and engineered to correct grade problems on site and difficult access to the site will also be taken into consideration. Please give us a call to discuss your particular project. We enjoy challenges!

Do you only do big projects?

We hear this one a lot from people who give us a call. We would not be in business over 40 years and dispatching the large number of crews we do if we relied solely on large scale landscape projects. We have the ability to handle projects that range from installing a few new shrubs to doing multi-acre commercial developments. Because of the size of our company, we can often offer more cost- effective construction than other companies can. Let us have the opportunity to discuss your project, large or small.

Why do I need a landscape plan?

In this day and age, a lot of municipalities and subdivision boards require a landscape plan that is stamped by a registered landscape architect. Involving a landscape architect early on can help you locate your house properly on site, and save you headaches down the road. Planning ahead will save you money in the long run. Let our experienced design staff help you turn your dreams into reality!

What is the benefit of a Design/Build contractor?

At David J. Frank, we have the ability to handle all phases of a project from start to finish. We employ carpenters, masons, arborists and other certified professionals. By dealing with our company you only have one contractor to deal with, and we handle the coordination of each different phase of work. All it takes is one phone call to your landscape architect or designer to keep abreast of your project's schedule. You'll have peace of mind when you hire us to improve your property.

Are your plants guaranteed?

All of our plant material, hardscape materials and labor are conditionally guaranteed with proper client care. We do a final walk-through with our clients to be sure that they are completely satisfied with the results.

When is the best time to plant?

Although you may have heard that certain months in the middle of summer offer the optimum in conditions for planting, the actual season available to us for plant installation can range from March through November. Some plants may even benefit from an early spring or fall planting. If you find that summer has passed you by, fall can be a great time to install your landscape, offering you a head start the following spring. If you envision a spring project, its important that you contact a David J. Frank landscape architect, designer or Client Services Representative in late fall so your project can be put into our spring schedule. No matter what the time of year, we'd love to hear from you!

Do you do winter work?

By scheduling certain types of projects for winter, we are able to retain our staff when other companies have to lay their staff off. When necessary we will build temporary structures that allow us to build decks or install concrete. We are also available in certain circumstances to offer design services during the winter months.

Why do I need an irrigation system?

A properly designed irrigation system allows you to not only enjoy your property more, but also gives your lawn and other plant materials a much needed boost towards healthy establishment. You'll also save your back muscles by not dragging sprinklers back and forth from one corner of your lot to the other!

What is the difference between annual and perennial?

Perennial plants are those that may grow and bloom in spring, summer or fall, then go into a dormant state over the winter months. The benefit of perennials is that they return year after year, often times putting on a better show with each new season. Annuals on the other hand are plants grown for their "instant" impact, usually producing a season long period of bloom then disappearing over winter. Unlike perennials, they do not come back in spring, and need to be replaced each year. Some annuals have been known to re-seed themselves offering you a surprise come spring!

What are the advantages of seeded vs. sod?

A seeded lawn in properly graded soil will give you the better and healthier end result than a sodded lawn will. Seeded lawns have a more diverse seed mix and can tolerate hot dry summer conditions. Seed can be custom blended to handle the site- specific conditions of your property including shaded areas. Root development will also be better over time vs. a sodded lawn. While sod has the obvious benefit of "instant" grass, a seeded lawn can take 2-3 years of proper care to fill in. There can be significant cost savings when you choose seed over sod. Call us at David J. Frank to find out which option is better for you.

What can we do about weeds in brand new, newly seeded lawns?

Weed control is discouraged on newly seeded lawns until the lawn has been mowed 5-7 times where the stand of grass can bare the pressure of growth regulators, such as our weed controls.

The crews trim/shaped today but did not do all the shrubs?

We trim certain plants at certain times of year. This is the result of flowering shrubs that bloom at different times of the year. Our trained horticulturalists have the eye for that and can determine what should be pruned in early spring versus late spring.

Is your company too big to take on small jobs?

No, we take a wide-range of different challenges from the smallest residential renovative job to the largest of commercial plant installations and/or maintenance of the same.

Why was the crew here today mowing the lawn while it was raining?

There is a certain point when we have to bite the bullet and make the decision to mow during the rain. This is in lieu of allowing the grass to grow longer and possibly matting down and creating other turf disorders.

The crew sprayed my lawn for broadleaf weeds and fertilized this morning, and it rained this afternoon. Does this need to be re-done?

No. Our dry application of fertilizer needs to be watered in. As it relates to liquid application of weed control, we only need a couple hours of contact for our applicators to get adequate control. However, there are some weeds that take different applications in order to take them out, as they are difficult to control. This is a result of different paraffin or waxy leaves that exist on different weeds such as clover.

Is it true that I have to wait for winter to get my trees thinned?

No. With the exception of oak trees, all trees can be thinned out during the growing year. This helps in displacing or off-setting leaf root-way shows along the larger root system to sustain a smaller plant above ground. In Oak trees, pruning of Oak trees during the growing season is highly discouraged as it does and can promote Oak Wilt Disease. These trees should be pruned in the off-season while the tree is dormant.

I found insects on my plants even though an Integrated Pest Management person was spraying for insects today. Should I be concerned?

Some of the insecticides that we use are systemic in as much as they need to be absorbed by the plant. An additional feeding on behalf of the insect is in order so they can ingest the insecticide, thus killing them. Bottom line is total elimination of insects impossible. Our goal is to control integrated pest management.