We get a lot of good questions from homeowners and property managers across the Jackson metro. Here are straightforward answers to the most common ones. They cover planting, soil, watering, design and how we work. Don’t see your question? Call us at (601) 859-5915.
About MPDG
What areas do you serve?
We’re based at 168 Watford Pkwy Dr in Canton and serve Madison, Canton, Ridgeland, Gluckstadt, Flora, Jackson, Clinton, Terry, Flowood, Pearl, Brandon and Florence, as well as other parts of Mississippi and Louisiana. See our service areas.
Are you licensed?
Yes. Our president, Kirk Cameron, ASLA, is a licensed landscape architect in Mississippi (License #433). MPDG also holds a Louisiana Landscape Contractor License (#072828). See affiliations and licenses.
What services do you offer?
Landscape design and build, landscape architecture, natural stone patios and walkways, retaining walls, seating walls and pavers, outdoor fireplaces, pergolas and water features, outdoor kitchens and fire pits, pool landscaping, planting and seasonal color, sod, mulch and pine straw, irrigation installation and repair, drainage solutions and French drains, landscape lighting, lawn care, tree work, cleanups and aeration, landscape maintenance and commercial grounds management. Start at our services page.
Do you work on commercial properties?
Yes. We design, install and maintain landscapes for business properties, with monthly inspections and reports for maintenance clients. See commercial landscaping.
Design and installation
What’s the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?
Landscape architecture is a licensed profession in Mississippi. A licensed landscape architect has met state education, experience and examination requirements. Some local rules specifically call for one: the City of Madison’s landscape ordinance, for example, requires tree surveys to be sealed by a registered land surveyor or landscape architect. A landscape designer may be very talented but isn’t licensed as a landscape architect. At MPDG, our design work is led by a licensed landscape architect. See landscape architecture.
What does “design/build” mean?
It means one company designs your landscape and builds it. You have one point of contact, the design intent carries through to construction, and nobody can blame the other contractor. MPDG also offers ongoing maintenance, so we can care for the landscape after it’s built. See custom design & build.
How long does a landscape project take?
It depends on the size of the project, the materials, permits or neighborhood approvals, and the weather. A planting refresh moves much faster than a full backyard with stonework and a fireplace. Call us and we’ll give you a realistic schedule for your project.
Do you install landscape lighting?
Yes. We design and install landscape lighting for paths, steps, entrances, trees, patios and outdoor living areas, and our maintenance clients get monthly lighting checks.
Do you build retaining walls, paver patios and outdoor kitchens?
Yes. We build retaining walls, seating walls and pavers, as well as outdoor kitchens and fire pits, usually as part of a larger patio or outdoor living design.
Can you work around my existing trees?
Yes. We look at what’s worth keeping before recommending removal, and we plan patios, walls and trenches to limit damage to tree roots.
Do I need to locate utilities before digging?
Yes. Before digging, buried utility lines should be marked through Mississippi 811. Call 811 or file a request online a few days ahead.
Plants, soil and climate
What hardiness zone is the Jackson metro in?
The entire area we serve is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8b on the 2023 USDA map. It was zone 8a on the previous map, so older plant tags and books may show 8a.
When is the best time to plant trees and shrubs?
Fall. Mississippi State University Extension notes that because our soils don’t freeze, fall is the best time to plant container-grown and balled-and-burlapped trees. Roots keep growing through the winter, so plants are better established before summer heat. See landscape installation.
When should seasonal color be changed?
Cool-season flowers go in for fall and winter, and warm-season flowers for spring and summer. Our maintenance program includes seasonal color.
My yard is heavy clay. What can I do?
Clay is common across the metro, including expansive Yazoo clay that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. Good bed preparation, grading that moves water away from structures, plants suited to heavy soils, and hardscape built on a properly prepared base all make a big difference. Compacted lawns also benefit from aeration.
Water stands in my yard after every rain. Can you fix it?
Usually, yes. We install French drains and other drainage solutions. The first step is finding where the water comes from and where it can safely go, since heavy rain on slow-draining clay is the most common cause here.
How much should I water my lawn?
MSU Extension recommends about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week for actively growing lawns. Apply it in one or two deep soakings rather than light daily sprinkling. If you’ve had about half an inch of rain, you may not need to water. The Jackson area averages more than 50 inches of rain a year, but summer dry spells still happen. A well-zoned irrigation system makes this easier.
Maintenance and irrigation
What’s included in landscape maintenance?
Our Total Grounds Management service can include weekly mowing, edging, trimming and blowing; fertilization and weed control; insect and disease control; pruning; seasonal color; monthly irrigation and landscape lighting checks; and monthly inspections with reports. See landscape maintenance and lawn care.
Do you install sod and do yard cleanups?
Yes. We install sod, mulch and pine straw, and we handle tree work, yard cleanups and lawn aeration. See tree care, cleanups and aeration.
Do you repair irrigation systems?
Yes. We install new irrigation systems and repair existing ones.
Still have questions?
Call (601) 859-5915, Monday–Friday 8:00–5:00, email info@mpdg.net or request a quote online. For ideas, browse our portfolio.
