Landscaping in New Baltimore, MI: Historic streets, Anchor Bay, dirt that changes its mind.
In New Baltimore, soil can flip from fine sand to wet clay loam in half a mile, around a historic downtown and about four miles of Anchor Bay shoreline. HD Landscape plants and looks after yards here, and what is under yours decides the plant list.
- Sand and clay both
- Historic district care
- Free, itemized estimates
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Services in New Baltimore
The work we take on in New Baltimore.
Pick a service to see how it works. Every one starts with a free, itemized estimate.
Design and build
Lawns and planting
Hedges and trees
Yards in New Baltimore
Old streets by the bay, newer lots inland.
Near downtown and the water, the city's draft master plan describes traditional streets and smaller lots, along with most of the one sixth of homes built before 1940. Toward Chesterfield Township the lots get bigger and the subdivisions get newer, and the biggest wave of building came from 2000 to 2009.
Each side of town asks for something different. An older lot usually needs reworking: grown-in beds, big trees and a walk that has been there longer than anyone can remember. The newer subdivisions need finishing, with room to plan beds, lines and shade from scratch.
Then there is the dirt. USDA maps show fine sand and loamy sand in patches, with very poorly drained silty clay loam right beside them. Near downtown, two sample points about half a mile apart came back at opposite ends of the drainage scale. A map cannot tell you which one is under your lawn. A shovel can.
Sand and clay in the same zip code
Excessively drained sand lets new plants dry out quickly. Silty clay loam holds water around their roots. Plant choice, planting depth and the watering plan all turn on which one you have, and you cannot tell from the street.
The historic district
The district covers the central city, roughly bounded by Rose Street, Anchor Bay, Blackwell Street and Crapeau Creek, plus a few separate properties. The commission does not review every plant or garden. It can review major features such as old trees, stone walls, historic walks and drives, so ask before changing one.
High water is part of the plan
FEMA maps put areas along the shoreline, from Ruedisale Point to Marsac Point, in flood hazard zones, and Ordinance 232 lets the city order riparian owners to put up barriers when the water rises. A low lot needs its grading and beds planned for the wet years.
Yard water cannot go in the sewer
The city says it is illegal to connect a sump pump or other pump to the sanitary sewer, or to drain a yard through an open cleanout. So the answer to a low spot usually starts on the surface, with grade and planting.
Lot lines with a long history
The city's own history says French land claims and changing waterfront uses bent the original subdivision grid, and that the problems remain today. Near the water, know where a line runs before a steel edge, a hedge or a wall goes in.
In New Baltimore
Some jobs here wait for a first Tuesday.
If a project touches something the Historic District Commission reviews, plan ahead. Applications go to the City Clerk at least 10 days before a meeting, and the commission meets on first Tuesdays, except in July and November. City permits can take up to ten business days to review, so leave room for both.
Two questions shape the walk with Jake: what is the soil doing, and is this lot in the historic district? The estimate comes itemized, and if a review or a permit could touch the timing, you hear that before anything goes on the calendar.
On a lot near the bay or Crapeau Creek, ask about soil erosion rules before any dirt moves. State law generally reaches 500 feet back from a lake or stream, and Macomb County Public Works handles the permits, so that is the office to call.
- Historic review
- Apply 10 days before a first Tuesday meeting
- Estimate
- Free and itemized
- Yard waste pickup
- First Wednesday in April to first Wednesday in December
- Not included
- Sprinklers or seawall work
I recently had the pleasure of working with HD Landscape to completely revamp my outdoor space, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. From start to finish, the experience was seamless and exceeded my expectations in every way.
Billy W.Outdoor space revamp
I am extremely impressed with the work HD Landscape has done. Great team - they were very responsive and communicative. Very happy we decided to work with them!
Gina D.Landscaping
Totally professional from start to finish. The crew was friendly and very hard working. Delivered on time and more than promised. Will use again.
Marie B.Landscaping
Questions
What people ask about New Baltimore yards.
If yours is not here, call or text (586) 718-8762.
Do you take on yards in New Baltimore, MI?
Yes. HD Landscape works in New Baltimore, on older lots close to the water as well as newer yards inland. We do landscape design, renovation, plant installation, sod, mulching and monthly maintenance. We trim trees and take out smaller ones, but a big tree coming down is tree company work.
Does the New Baltimore Historic District Commission review landscaping?
Sometimes. The city's guidance says the commission does not review every plant or garden, but it does review major landscape features that define the district. That can include large street trees, stone walls, historic fences, walks and drives, and old shrubs along a property line. Ask the City Clerk before you change one.
Why is one part of my yard dry and another soggy?
It may be the soil. USDA maps show excessively drained fine sand close to very poorly drained silty clay loam in New Baltimore, and low ground near the bay adds to it. The fix is to find out what is actually under your lawn, then match plants, depth and watering to each part of the yard.
Can I pump a flooded yard into the sewer in New Baltimore?
No. The city has said it is illegal to connect a sump pump or any other pump to the sanitary sewer, to use open cleanouts to drain yards, or to lift manhole covers. Storm water can overload the wastewater plant and cause backups. The lasting fix for a low spot is usually grading that moves water on the surface, and the city also asks owners to keep it off their neighbors and the street.
When does New Baltimore pick up yard waste?
From the first Wednesday in April to the first Wednesday in December. Use brown yard waste bags or a 32 gallon can marked Yard Waste, and bundle branches no longer than 4 feet and no thicker than 4 inches. Sod, dirt, rocks and root balls are not accepted. If we do the cleanup, the estimate spells out how the debris gets off the property.
Can you plant close to the bay?
Yes. We plant and maintain beds near the water, and we do not build or repair seawalls. For low impact work near the water, look at the city's own Burke Park, with rain gardens and pervious pavers meant to cut erosion and runoff into the lake. Near the bay, keep planting low where you want the view, and choose plants that can take a wet year.
Nearby towns we serve
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