Investing in your property is a significant decision that carries both emotional and financial weight. Whether you are envisioning a stone patio for sunset views in Frankfort or a lush garden retreat on the Old Mission Peninsula, you want a Northern Michigan landscape design process that is as refined as the final product. It is common to feel a sense of uncertainty when starting a large project. You might wonder how your ideas translate to a technical drawing or how a budget stays on track once the heavy machinery arrives.
In this guide, we will take a look at the TruNorth journey. We will break down our five core steps and explain how our team works together to protect your investment and bring your vision to life. Our goal is to provide a clear, transparent roadmap so you can move forward with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect at every turn.
Step 1: Connect with our Design Liaison
Every great landscape starts with a simple, focused conversation. When you reach out to TruNorth Landscaping via phone or online form, your first point of contact is our Design Liaison. This role is dedicated to the discovery phase of your project. We want to hear about your goals and the specific challenges of your property before we ever dive into technical details.
To help us prepare for our first meeting, you will receive a brief questionnaire. We ask about your preferred aesthetic style, how you plan to use the space, and your budget expectations. This early alignment is critical. It ensures our team arrives at your home with a clear understanding of your needs. This step is about making sure we are the right partner for your vision and setting the stage for a successful, long-term collaboration.
Related Reading: Check out our portfolio for ideas!
Step 2: Professional Design Consultation
Once we have covered the basics, our Design Liaison will schedule an on-site visit to your property. This is a working meeting where you will meet members of our design team. Depending on the project, this might include a Landscape Designer, a Project Manager, a Registered Landscape Architect, and the Design Liaison. We walk the land with you to take measurements and discuss the physical possibilities of the site in-person.
We look at the unique topography of your land. We consider how factors like the wind coming off Lake Michigan in Glen Arbor or the sun exposure on a Long Lake lot will affect your outdoor living. This meeting is where your ideas start to meet our professional expertise. There is a flat fee for this on-site consultation which the Design Liaison will review with you during the initial scheduling.
Step 3: Conceptual Landscape Design
After the site visit, the creative work begins in earnest. We take everything we learned during the consultation to build a conceptual plan. This is a high-level layout that shows the flow of your new yard. It covers the placement of hardscapes like stone patios or walkways and the general arrangement of planting beds. This plan acts as the foundation for every decision that follows.
You will have the chance to review this concept and provide feedback on the layout. It is a collaborative process where we refine the plan until it feels just right for your lifestyle in Suttons Bay or Lake Ann. There is a design fee for this stage based on the size and complexity of your project. We discuss this fee during the consultation so you have total clarity before any drafting starts. If you happen to already have a professional plan from another firm, we are happy to review it to see if it fits our construction requirements.
Related Reading: Curious about the best greenery for our unique climate? Check out our guide on Native Plants for Northern Michigan Landscapes.
Step 4: Final Design & Proposal
Once the concept is approved, we move into the technical phase. This is where we produce the detailed construction drawings needed for a precise and lasting build. These drawings include the exact placement of irrigation, lighting, and specific plant varieties. They also feature the technical data our crews need, such as elevations and material specifications, to ensure everything is built to withstand our northern winters.
Along with these technical drawings, you will receive a detailed proposal. This document provides a transparent breakdown of the pricing and overall costs for the project. We believe in absolute clarity before work begins. You will know exactly what the investment looks like and what the contract covers. This eliminates the guesswork and ensures that we are all on the same page before the installation phase starts at your home in Northport of Empire.
Step 5: Professional Landscape Installation
When the proposal is accepted, we secure your spot on our construction schedule. This is the moment your property begins its physical transformation. Your Design Liaison and Project Manager will guide you through the next steps and keep you updated on the timing of the build.
Our team supervises the entire installation to confirm that every element follows the approved construction drawings. We coordinate our crews and manage the site with a focus on quality and professionalism. Our goal is to make the construction phase as smooth as possible for you. Our Project Manager visits the site regularly to monitor progress and ensure that the final result matches the high standards we set during the design phase. Whether we are working in Downtown Traverse City or a quiet corner of Maple City, we treat every site with the same level of respect.
Bonus Step: Green Team
A new landscape is a living investment. The first few years are important for trees, shrubs, and turf as they settle into their new environment. For homeowners who want to enjoy their new space without the hassle of ongoing upkeep, we offer a transition to our specialized Green Team, a division of TruNorth Landscaping. We provide customizable maintenance plans that cover everything from irrigation checks to pest control. This is a great way to ensure your property remains healthy and beautiful year-round while you simply relax and enjoy the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas of Northern Michigan do you serve?
We serve a wide range of communities across the region. In Leelanau County, we work in Glen Arbor, Empire, Maple City, Leland, Suttons Bay and Northport. In Grand Traverse County, we handle projects in Traverse City, Long Lake, Interlochen, and the Old Mission Peninsula. We are also accepting projects in Benzie County, including Crystal Lake, Frankfort, and Lake Ann.
How soon can we schedule a meeting?
Timing usually depends on the season and our current schedule. Northern Michigan has a defined construction window, so we recommend reaching out as early as possible. You can call us at 231-922-0087 or complete our contact form to get started.
How long until I receive a design or estimate?
Design time varies by the size of the project. Typically, you can expect a conceptual plan between six and ten weeks after the initial consultation is complete. Our Design Liaison is available for questions regarding your specific timeline.
How does project scheduling work?
We set your place on the construction schedule once the design is approved and a deposit is paid. We take into account the project scope and seasonal weather conditions to give you a realistic window for when work will begin.
What happens if I already have a landscape plan?
If you have a plan from another designer or architect, we are happy to review it. Please reach out to our Design Liaison to discuss the details of your existing plan and see how we can help with the installation.
Where do you source your plants and materials?
We prioritize local quality. Many of our plants are grown in our greenhouse in Leelanau County. We also source materials from trusted nurseries across Michigan and hardscape suppliers who provide the best products for our northern climate.
Partnering with the Right Landscaping Team in Grand Traverse and Leelanau County, MI
When it comes to choosing a landscaping company, selecting a full-service team that understands the local environment and can manage your entire project from design to maintenance can make all the difference.
TruNorth Landscaping is proud to offer in-house design, architectural services, expert installation, and year-round maintenance—all tailored to the unique needs of our northern Michigan clients. We specialize in the Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie County areas, and we only take on the types of projects we do best. That focus ensures you get top-tier results from a team that truly listens.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing a space you already love, choosing the right professionals matters. With TruNorth, you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors or wonder who to call when you have a question. Our teams know your project, your goals, and how to bring your landscape to life and keep it looking great for years to come.
Ready to bring your dream outdoor space to life? Contact us to schedule a consultation with our design team today.
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