Landscaping

Chris Francis Landscapes offers landscape services for commercial and residential properties. We are there for you from start to finish. We like to get involved in the planning process (before construction of any kind takes place) in order to protect the existing desirable trees and other plants that will be a major part of the landscape. It is important to involve a Certified Arborist and Licensed Designer as early as possible. Construction is the number one killer of trees in the United States. There are methods we can use to accomplish your goal of building, yet still preserve vegetation.

We work with contractors as well as homeowners on new construction, renovations, restorations, and modifications. There is great demand for our quality services, and we usually stay very busy.

So, whether you are planning a major development, building a new house, installing a new pool, or just looking for a change of scenery, please call as soon as possible so your job can be scheduled appropriately. Some examples include: designing, planting, transplanting, retaining walls, irrigation systems, drain systems, water features, grading, lighting, walkways, patios, driveways, ponds, and even fire features.

Design is the backbone of a landscape. In the absence of design, you may just have plants; however, with a professional design, the right plants will form a wonderful landscape. Many factors are taken into consideration during the design process, including: architecture, texture, colors, allergies, dormancy, sun, shade, wind, water, soil, climate, height, width, blooms, allelopathies, pest resistance, species, hardscapes, irrigation, maintenance, and much more. Putting the right plant in the right place is extremely important. Alabama State law requires the licensing of landscape designers; Chris Francis Landscapes has two Licensed Landscape Designers on staff. There is extensive science and research that is applied to each design; nevertheless there is an art to making everything flow while expressing creativity.

Planting of the landscape is much more involved than most people think. Serious problems and death will occur if plants are installed incorrectly or damaged. Even though there are many factors that go into installing plants, proper planting depth, width, and root modifications are the most important aspects of installation. Most people, even so called “Experts”, plant too deeply in a narrow hole and without any inspection or modification of the root system; those “Landscapes” become very problematic, susceptible to pests, and will be short-lived. Even within one small job, there will be several microclimates that must be taken into account when planting. Alabama requires licensing for the installation of plants (trees, shrubs, grasses, and even sod); Chris Francis Landscapes is State Licensed in Setting of Landscape Plants. It is also important to have a Certified Arborist that understands the importance of proper planting and preserving existing trees and vegetation. The Certified Arborist is also trained to identify problem trees before it is too late. Chris Francis is the ISA Certified Arborist on staff. Chris uses his extensive knowledge and experience to teach employees to think like arborists.

Hardscaping is the use of non-vegetative material to create landscape features. Hardscapes should complement the softscapes and work in harmony. Natural and synthetic materials are used to create: driveways, walkways, retaining walls, patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, edging, accents, steps, gardens, dry creek beds, water feature accessories, outdoor fire pits, and more. Other than an occupational license and city business licenses, which can simply be purchased, there is little regulation on hardscapes. Be sure to hire a reputable contractor to properly install your hardscapes in order to minimize settling, safety concerns, and even lawsuits.

Drainage systems come in many diferent forms. The need for drains may be eliminated if we are involved early in the project. Water always goes down hill. Proper grading can simply slope water elsewhere. Sometimes drainage systems are needed, and each job requires special installation. Many times we can tie your rain gutters into the system. We also have systems that store stormwater underground for use in water features and/or irrigation. Now that's green!

Landscape Lighting involves much more than simply putting lights outside. Improperly designed or installed systems may shorten bulb life, be hazardous, be too dark, or even be too bright. Knowledge and experience with electricity is important in creating a safe, reliable system. In order to create an outdoor lighting system that is aesthetically pleasing and unique, many things must be considered. Generally, our goal is not to illuminate the entire property, but to create accents, shadows, highlights, paths, and focal points.

Water Features can be designed to fit on any property. The most common one is the pond, which can be very small to lake size, and many times contain fish. The ideal pond has a balance of microorganisms, plant life, fish, and filtration system. Pondless options available are: streams, waterfalls, and fountains. Several features can be combined or even mixed with fire to create a unique paradise.