Landscaping in Oakland Township, MI: Big lots. Old oaks. Plenty of deer.
Many yards in Oakland Township end where the woods, the wet ground or the deer take over. HD Landscape plans and plants the part around the house to get along with all three, on lots that can run past two acres.
- Design for bigger lots
- Plant removal and cleanups
- Itemized estimates
A finished job, relit for evening
Services in Oakland Township
The work we take on in Oakland Township.
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 Oakland Township
Where the yard ends and the woods begin.
Oakland Township is about 36 square miles of rolling hills, glacial lakes, oak woods and wet ground on the north edge of Metro Detroit. The township's parks plan puts more than half of its land cover in trees and woody growth, so plenty of yards back up to something wild. Zoning keeps lots large too, with minimums of 75,000 to 100,000 square feet in the very low density residential district, depending on sewer. That can mean two acres of yard to think about.
That changes the job. A yard here is often a planted area around the house with something wilder at the edges, so the questions are different: what belongs near the house, what has crept in from the woods and what should be left alone. Most of the township's growth came after 1990, so many first plantings have filled in and are ready for a second look.
Deer help write the plant list
Whitetails are part of life here, and the township's parks plan lists deer impact as a problem at several of its parks. Rutgers Extension rates yew and arborvitae among the plants deer damage most. Placement and protection matter, and it pays to lean on plants deer tend to skip, though no plant is deer proof.
Oak woods need a careful hand
Oak forest is native here. Oak wilt can kill a red oak within a month or two, and most of it spreads through connected roots, so digging near oaks takes care. The state says not to prune them from April 15 to July 15. Oak work waits for the cold months, so ask Jake early whether he can take it on or who can.
Wet ground comes with a 25 foot line
Zoning sets a 25 foot natural feature setback from wetlands, lakes, ponds and streams. Inside it, soil, plants, structures and even mowing can need township review. Wetlands are scattered across the township, so find yours on the township's wetlands map before any planning starts.
Slopes and soils that change fast
Some of the steepest ground follows the Paint Creek valley, and township soils run from moderately drained loam to poorly drained muck. One lot can hold a dry ridge and a soggy low spot, and each wants its own plants. Yard grading or a retaining wall comes up when a slope needs it.
In Oakland Township
On a township lot, the first walk goes to the edges.
Most surprises on a bigger lot sit at the edges, so that is where the walk with Jake heads. You hear his advice on what needs doing now and what can wait, and the itemized estimate comes after.
Long drives and soft ground take some planning, so truck and material spots get settled ahead of time. If a project means clearing trees or grading near wet ground, talk to the township first. It has its own tree protection and wetland ordinances, separate from anything in the City of Rochester.
- Wetland setback
- 25 feet, and work inside it can need review
- Oak pruning
- Not from April 15 to July 15
- Estimate
- Free and itemized
- To talk now
- Call or text Jake
This young man and his crew were nothing less than amazing. They just completed a big project for us.... his team of young men were so polite, professional, easy to get along with... They did a great job on our yard and flower beds. The owner gave us some great advice before they started, and we listened to him.. and we are so glad we did. …
Stephen D.Yard and flower beds
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
Jake and his crew were very professional. They did a great job cleaning out the beds in front of our house. Over grown plants and weed which is getting too hard for this senior couple. We highly recommend!
Nancy G.Flower bed cleanout
Questions
What people ask about Oakland Township yards.
If yours is not here, call or text (586) 718-8762.
Do you work in Oakland Township, MI?
Yes. HD Landscape works in Oakland Township, MI, and nearby Rochester and Rochester Hills. Here we do landscape design, plant removal, hedge trimming, monthly maintenance, cleanups and more. Township Hall itself has a Rochester mailing address, so tell us the township when you call.
How do I keep deer out of my landscaping?
You can cut the damage down, but no plant is deer proof. Rutgers Extension rates yew, arborvitae and hosta among the plants deer damage most, and ornamental grasses, ferns and catmint among the least. A plan for Oakland Township should lean on that second group and protect the ones you cannot give up. Check your association rules before you count on a deer fence.
Can you remove buckthorn from my yard?
Yes, in beds and along the yard edges. Plant removal takes overgrown shrubs out, roots and all. Glossy buckthorn is a known problem in township parks and wetlands, and a cut stump tends to come back unless it is treated, so ask Jake what a lasting fix would take. Work inside a wetland setback needs the township's say first.
Can you landscape near a wetland in Oakland Township?
Yes, up to the line. The township's 25 foot setback from wetlands, lakes, ponds and streams limits soil, plants, structures and mowing inside it unless the township approves. The township posts a wetlands map, and that is a good place to start. Beds belong outside that line, on ground that stays dry.
Can you clean up a big wooded lot?
We clean up the kept part of the property: beds, edges, shrubs and leaves around the house. We do not clear whole woods, and a large tree that has to come down belongs with a tree company. Burning in the township takes a burn permit, and the parks plan lists yard waste dumped along park edges as a problem, so the back of the lot is not the answer. How the brush and leaves get off the property goes on your estimate.
Who waters a big new planting if I have no sprinklers?
On a large lot, settle that before anything goes in the ground, because sprinklers and lawn aeration are not our work. Plant watering is a service we offer while things take root, and Jake calls after the job to go over what each plant needs.
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Free estimate
Get your free estimate in Oakland Township.
Tell us about the yard and where in Oakland Township it is. Jake will take a look and give you an itemized estimate.