Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! We offer free quotes for most of our services, especially those that don't require formal design work, such as simple plant installations, drainage solutions, lawn renovations, mulch, grading, or small hardscape installations. After a free consultation and site visit, we'll provide clear pricing and a scope of work at no cost. For more complex projects like patios, outdoor living spaces, or full property renovations, we typically start with a design consultation. That includes an in-depth walkthrough, a creative planning session, and a custom design proposal. Design fees vary based on project scope but are always discussed up front — and credited toward the build if you move forward with us. We're happy to guide you toward the right path based on your goals and budget.

Yes, we are fully licensed and insured to work in the state of Ohio.

We stand behind our work and the materials we install, but as with anything outdoors, ongoing care and natural conditions play a big role. Here's what we cover—and what to expect: For trees and shrubs, we offer a one-year warranty that covers a one-time replacement of the plant itself. If something doesn't take, we'll provide the plant again at no charge—labor for replanting would just be billed separately. Perennials are covered for 30 days, with the same one-time replacement policy. Labor is not included in the warranty. For annuals, we don't offer a formal warranty. These plants are highly seasonal and require daily watering, especially during hot or dry stretches. Without consistent care, they can decline quickly. Because their success is so dependent on regular attention, we're not able to guarantee them. If we're transplanting existing plants, we take every precaution, but because of the stress and unpredictability that comes with relocating mature plants, we don't offer a warranty in those cases. And importantly, all hardscape features—like patios, walkways, walls, and built structures—along with our general workmanship, are backed by a 1-year warranty. If something settles, shifts, or fails due to installation within that first year, we'll make it right.

Not necessarily. As long as we have clear access to the site, our team can handle the work efficiently—no need to rearrange your schedule. We'll keep you in the loop with updates at key milestones and reach out if any decisions or questions come up.

We accept checks, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, ACH, and credit cards (with a $2,000 limit per invoice; 2.9% fee applies beyond that).

Yes, we are proud to offer a discount to military personnel (active and retired) and first responders. Please call for more details.

Absolutely. If you already have a landscape design—whether it's a concept sketch, a full set of 2D or 3D plans, or something prepared by another designer—we're happy to review it and help bring it to life. We regularly collaborate with architects, builders, and outside designers to execute existing plans. If we see any adjustments that might be needed due to site conditions, plant availability, or material compatibility, we'll walk you through those suggestions before moving forward. Whether you need full installation or help refining the design for construction, we're here to help make it work.

Yes — quality landscaping and hardscaping can boost your home's value by up to 15%, according to national studies. Features like patios, walkways, and well-planned plantings improve curb appeal, create usable outdoor living space, and make a strong first impression on buyers. Beyond aesthetics, good design can improve drainage, reduce maintenance, and increase privacy—adding both enjoyment and long-term return on investment.

Yes — we often recommend phasing larger projects to fit your budget, timeline, or seasonal needs. Whether it's starting with hardscape and tackling planting later, or prioritizing front yard improvements before the backyard, we'll help you create a logical sequence that keeps the long-term vision intact. Our team will guide you through which elements need to happen first and how to ensure each phase blends seamlessly into the next.

Yes — we understand that ideas can evolve once the work is underway. If you'd like to make a change during the project, just let us know. We'll review the request, assess how it affects the scope, timeline, and budget, and provide an updated plan or change order if needed. Our goal is to keep the process flexible while maintaining clear communication and high-quality results.

Most of the plants we install at Ryan Brothers Landscaping will appear well-established and mature after about three growing seasons. There's a saying in landscaping: "Sleep, creep, leap." In the first year, plants focus on building strong root systems beneath the surface. In the second year, you'll start to see modest top growth. By the third year, plants typically take off and begin to fill out fully. Keep in mind, the smaller the plant at the time of installation, the longer it may take to reach full maturity. Larger plant material will have a more immediate presence but still benefit from the same three-year development cycle to truly thrive. We're always happy to discuss the expected growth patterns of specific plants in your design and help you care for them through each stage.

While we call OUPS (Ohio Utilities Protection Service) to mark underground lines before starting most projects, cable and internet lines are often improperly marked or missed entirely, as they're considered "secondary" utilities. Unfortunately, this means there's still a chance they may be hit during digging—even when all precautions are taken. If a cable or internet line is accidentally damaged during installation, we'll do our best to locate and repair it on site, but in most cases, the homeowner will need to contact their service provider directly. We're not authorized or equipped to perform permanent repairs to telecommunications infrastructure, and providers often require their own technicians to handle those issues. We know this can be frustrating, and it's never our goal to disrupt your service. We take every reasonable precaution to avoid it—including hand-digging in sensitive areas when possible—and we appreciate your understanding if this rare inconvenience occurs.

Yes — we regularly work with HOAs, municipalities, zoning departments, and building officials across Central Ohio and beyond. Whether it's submitting formal plans for review, navigating city permit requirements, or coordinating with neighborhood design boards, our team is experienced in handling the paperwork and approvals so you don't have to. If your project requires a permit, HOA submittal, or zoning approval, we'll walk you through the process and manage it on your behalf whenever possible.

We work through light rain or occasional drizzle whenever it's safe and productive to do so. However, if the weather becomes too wet, muddy, or unstable, continuing the work could cause more harm than good—especially when dealing with grading, machinery, or sensitive materials like soil, mortar, or fresh concrete. In those cases, we'll make a professional judgment call and may reschedule or pause work temporarily to protect the quality of your project and avoid unnecessary damage to your property. Your crew lead will communicate any weather-related delays clearly, and we'll do our best to keep your project on track without compromising results.

How much should I water new grass seed? Successful germination starts with two key ingredients: consistent moisture and the right soil temperature. Once a seed begins to sprout, it becomes vulnerable—if it dries out, it dies. That's why steady, gentle watering is essential in the early stages. Newly seeded areas should be kept evenly moist every day, sometimes more often depending on sun exposure and weather. The goal is to keep the top layer of soil consistently damp, not soaked. Avoid puddling or washing the seed away, but don't let the soil surface dry out either. If you notice the soil turning light in color, cracking, or looking dusty, it's time to water. Plan to water at least once a day, and in full sun, twice daily may be necessary—usually once in the morning and again in early afternoon. You're not trying to soak the soil deeply at this stage—just keep the top inch moist. In cooler or cloudy weather, watering once daily or every other day may be enough. And of course, rainfall counts—if nature helps, you can skip a day. This routine should be maintained for the first 2–3 weeks (14–21 days), which is the critical germination period. After that, you can start to space out your watering sessions while increasing the amount of water per cycle. Transition to watering every 2–3 days, applying about ¼ to ½ inch of water to begin training the roots to grow deeper. Your results will depend heavily on how consistent you are during that first stretch. Skipping a day or letting things dry out—even once—can severely reduce germination success. How much water do I give new plants? Proper watering is one of the most important factors in helping new plants settle in and thrive. Below are general guidelines for different types of plant material, but keep in mind that specific needs may vary depending on weather, soil type, and sun exposure. Annuals Annual flowers tend to have shallow root systems, which means they dry out quickly and need frequent watering—often once a day, especially during hot or sunny stretches. These plants are particularly sensitive to inconsistent moisture, and without regular care, they can fade fast. Aim to keep the root zone lightly moist without overdoing it. Inconsistent or skipped watering is the most common reason annuals struggle, especially just after planting. Perennials Newly planted perennials need regular watering for the first few weeks, typically about once a week—but always based on soil conditions. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, but try not to let the plant reach a point of wilting or visible stress. If the soil stays soggy or feels mushy underfoot, it may be too much water. If it's hard, dusty, or dry more than an inch down, you likely need to water more frequently. Trees & Shrubs For the first 1–2 years after planting, trees and shrubs benefit from slow, deep watering once a week—especially during dry weather. A slow trickle from a hose for an hour or two at the base of the plant works well. You can also use tools like soaker hoses or watering bags to apply water more gradually. Most trees will need 10–20 gallons per week, while smaller shrubs may need 5–10 gallons. Avoid dumping water all at once; much of it will just run off the surface instead of soaking in. Let the top layer of soil dry slightly between waterings—but if the area feels spongy or saturated, take a break and let things dry out. During extreme heat (90°F and up), you may need to water more frequently. In cooler, rainy conditions, you can scale back. A good rule of thumb is to look at your lawn—if your grass is green and growing, you may not need to water your plants that week. If the turf is brown, crispy, or dormant, it's time to water. A Note on Consistency Both overwatering and underwatering can harm or kill plants. If you're traveling or unable to keep up with watering during hot weather, make sure someone else can help or your irrigation system is working properly. Just 1–2 weeks without water—especially in July or August—can cause even a healthy young tree to fail.