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Frequently Asked Questions From Bluegrass Clients

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Frequently Asked Questions
From Landscape Design Clients

Our first step is always an on-site visit where we walk your property together and have a real conversation about how you use your outdoor space. We will come to you! We can discuss what frustrates you about it now, and what you hope it could become. We check drainage, grade, soil, sun patterns, and any existing plants or structures that might be worth keeping. There’s no obligation and no sales pitch. We just want to understand your property and your vision before we start planning.

Most residential designs take approximately two to three weeks after the initial consultation. Larger or more complex properties may take longer.

We prioritize accuracy and thoughtful planning over speed to ensure your design is clear, buildable, and aligned with your goals.

Yes. The design process is collaborative. One round of revisions is included with your design package. Additional revisions or redesign work can be completed based on scope and billed accordingly.

Yes. We frequently design and build projects in phases, especially when budget or timing is a factor.

This approach allows you to move toward a complete master plan without having to redo or undo earlier work. Each phase is intentionally designed to function on its own while still contributing to the overall finished landscape.

For many homeowners, this also creates opportunities to complete portions of the work themselves between phases, while still following a clear and coordinated design direction.

We install nearly all aspects of our projects in-house, including, landscaping, hardscaping, planting, irrigation, and most site work.

For specialized licensed trades such as electrical, plumbing, or certain concrete flatwork applications, we may partner with qualified subcontractors. All work is fully coordinated and managed by our team to maintain quality and consistency.

Design services may include conceptual master planning, planting plans, hardscape layouts, lighting concepts, irrigation concepts, grading concepts, and supporting visuals or construction details, depending on project scope.

Each design is customized to your property and goals.

Once payment is received in full, the client owns the final design documents. Bluegrass Landscape Company retains the right to use project imagery, renderings, and design materials for marketing and portfolio purposes unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Either party may terminate the agreement in writing at any time. The client is responsible for all work completed, consultant fees incurred, and expenses up to the termination date. Deposits and completed design work are non-refundable.

No. Design services are independent of construction services. You are not required to use us for installation, and we are not obligated to provide construction services for every design project.

We do not currently offer in-house financing. Clients may work directly with their preferred bank or lending institution for financing options. We are evaluating financing partnerships for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions
From Landscape Installation Clients

Hardscaping includes all the structural, non-living parts of your yard, such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, boulders, fencing, and outdoor features like fire pits and pergolas. Softscaping covers everything living, like trees, shrubs, ornamental plants, ground covers, and grass. A great landscape blends both. Hardscape shapes your outdoor space and makes it functional and lasting, while softscape adds color, texture, and personality. At Bluegrass, we handle both and make sure they work well together from the beginning.

Small projects such as patios or planting beds may take only a few days. Larger outdoor living projects typically take two to four weeks or more, depending on complexity.

We provide a project timeline before construction begins and keep you informed throughout the process.

Some disruption is unavoidable during excavation and installation. We use heavy equipment and material deliveries as needed.

We maintain a clean and organized job site, manage daily cleanup, and complete final grading and cleanup before project completion.

Yes. When permits are required for retaining walls, irrigation systems, lighting, gas lines, or structural features, we handle the process as part of the project.

Weather, soil conditions, and seasonal factors can impact scheduling. We adjust timelines as needed to maintain quality and safety. Any changes are communicated clearly so you know what to expect.

We do not currently provide ongoing maintenance services such as seasonal irrigation startup, winterization contracts, or routine landscape care programs. We’ll get there. 

However, we do provide repair, troubleshooting, and upgrade services for systems or landscapes we install, as well as existing systems when needed.

Yes. We provide workmanship warranties on installed construction, and plant materials are covered by nursery or grower warranties at the time of installation.

Plant material is typically warranted for a short establishment period against installation-related failure or disease. Coverage does not include damage from weather, watering practices, animals, neglect, or site conditions outside of our control.

Full warranty details are provided with your proposal.

We won’t just finish the project and leave. Before we go, we walk through the completed space with you and explain what your landscape needs to grow and stay healthy. This includes watering schedules for new plants and sod, irrigation controller settings, seasonal care tips, and what to look out for in the first few months. A Bluegrass Landscape installation is made to last, and we make sure you have everything you need to protect your investment from the start.
 

Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living spaces can include patios, fire pits, fireplaces, pergolas, seating walls, outdoor kitchens, lighting, water features, and integrated planting design.

Local conditions affect every part of our process, from choosing materials to planning drainage. We use pavers, stone, and other materials that work well with our freeze-thaw cycles. Our bases are deep enough to handle frost, and we add drainage to manage spring runoff. With years of experience in this area, we know which shortcuts cause problems later, and we avoid them.
The size of your project is the biggest factor in the schedule. A patio can be finished in just a few days. If you want a full outdoor living space with a pergola, kitchen, fire feature, and plantings, it usually takes a few weeks. Before we begin, we’ll give you a clear timeline and keep you updated along the way. You’ll always know what’s happening.
Permit requirements depend on what you’re building. Permanent structures such as pergolas, tall retaining walls, outdoor gas lines, and electrical work for lighting usually require permits. We handle all the permits and make sure everything meets code, so you don’t have to deal with city or county rules yourself.
Yes, we can. If you already have plans from a landscape architect or designer, we have the experience to build exactly what’s on paper. We always follow the original vision. If you don’t have a design yet, we also offer landscape design as a service to bring your dream to life.

Yes. We frequently integrate fire features, pergolas, lighting, and outdoor kitchens into existing patios depending on structure and layout.

Permit requirements vary by municipality and project type. We identify permitting requirements during design and handle the process when needed.

A pergola provides partial shade with an open roof structure. A patio cover provides full or near-full protection from sun and rain. Both can be built in wood, vinyl, or aluminum depending on design goals.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Paver Patios

The base preparation is the most important factor. A properly excavated, compacted, and graded base ensures stability, drainage, and resistance to freeze-thaw movement common in the Black Hills.

A properly installed paver patio can last several decades or longer. Because pavers are individual units, they can be repaired or replaced over time, making them one of the most durable and serviceable hardscape systems available.

We offer concrete pavers, natural stone, and porcelain pavers in many styles, textures, and price ranges. At your consultation, we’ll help you choose options that fit your budget, match your home’s look, and work well for your site. Some materials look great in a showroom but don’t last in Black Hills weather. We’ll guide you toward choices we’ve seen hold up well here.
 
The cost of your project depends on the size, the condition of the base, the type of paver, and how complex the design is. Features like steps, curves, built-in elements, or tricky slopes can add to the price. After we visit your site, you’ll get a detailed, itemized proposal so you know exactly what to expect before work starts. We don’t give vague estimates or surprise you with extra costs later.

Yes. In most cases we recommend removing existing concrete before installing a new paver system to ensure proper base construction, drainage, and long-term performance.

Freeze-thaw cycles can impact improperly built patios. A properly constructed system will perform well through winter conditions. Minor joint sand maintenance may be needed over time.

Concrete patios can be a solid option, but they are rigid by nature. When the ground moves through freeze-thaw cycles, concrete has very little ability to flex, which is why cracking is so common over time, even with good installation.

Paver patios are built as a flexible system. Instead of a single rigid slab, they consist of individual units locked together over a properly built base with joint sand. This allows the surface to move slightly with seasonal changes without cracking. The interlocking system, combined with proper edge restraints and premium polymeric sand, helps keep everything tight and stable.

The result is a surface that handles ground movement differently. Concrete tends to show stress through cracks, while pavers are designed to absorb that movement and maintain their surface over time. Both have their place, but in a climate like the Black Hills, that flexibility is what gives pavers their long-term advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions
From Irrigation Clients

Not always. Smaller landscapes can be maintained manually. However, larger properties, complex plantings, and varied site conditions benefit significantly from a professionally designed irrigation system. That being said, a sprinkler system on any property is one of the best ways to make your life easy.

We can perform or advise on irrigation winterization, which is essential in South Dakota. Systems must be properly blown out before freezing temperatures to prevent damage.

Yes. We provide repair, troubleshooting, and system upgrades for existing irrigation systems. We do not offer routine maintenance contracts but can assist as service needs arise.

 
Water savings depend on your property, but efficient irrigation almost always uses less water than manual watering. The main benefits come from avoiding overwatering, matching water output to your soil’s needs, and using smart controllers that adjust for rain and temperature. For homes with lawns and different planting areas, the seasonal water savings are usually significant.
Each installation covers design, permits if needed, digging trenches and laying pipes, placing sprinkler heads and rotors, installing a backflow preventer to meet code, wiring and programming the controller, and testing all zones before we finish. We also show you how to use your system so you can manage it easily. You won’t need to call us for every small change.
 

Yes. Proper drainage is a critical part of landscape performance in the Black Hills. We design and install drainage solutions, including French drains, catch basins, surface drains, and buried downspout systems, to manage water flow and protect your landscape and structures.

 

Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Retaining Walls

You might need a retaining wall if you see soil washing away, have a slope that’s hard to use or maintain, notice an old wall leaning or cracking, or are planning a project that changes the ground level a lot. If you’re not sure, we can come take a look and let you know if a wall is needed or if there’s an easier solution.
Segmental walls are made from concrete blocks that fit together and are built to handle certain weights. They’re best for taller walls or when the wall needs to support something heavy above it.
 
Boulder walls use large natural stones stacked for strength and work well for shorter walls where you want a natural look. Both types last a long time if built right. The best choice depends on how tall your wall needs to be, what it will hold up, and the look you want.
Rules can be different depending on where you live, but most places, including Rapid City, require an engineer to review walls over four feet tall. Any wall that holds up extra weight, like a driveway or building, might also need engineering, no matter how tall it is. We take care of permits and work with engineers to make sure your wall meets all the rules before we start building.

A properly engineered and installed segmental retaining wall can last 50 years or more when built with correct drainage, base preparation, and backfill. Performance is driven more by installation quality and water management than by the materials themselves.

Properly built retaining walls require minimal maintenance. Periodic inspection for drainage flow, movement, or water buildup is recommended, especially after seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.
 
Most walls over four feet tall or walls supporting additional loads require engineered design depending on local codes. We coordinate with one of our trusted engineers when required, to ensure safety and compliance.
 

Frequently Asked Questions
From Outdoor Lighting Clients

The best spots for outdoor lighting usually include the front of the house and entryway, standout landscape features like special trees, boulders, or retaining walls, and your main outdoor living area, such as a patio, deck, or fire pit. Adding lights to pathways and steps makes things safer and gives a finished look, even if they aren’t the main focus. A good lighting plan covers all these areas, with the most attention going to the spaces you use most and the features that look best.
Low voltage systems use 12 volts instead of the usual 120 volts found in homes. This makes them safer to install, cheaper to operate, and easier to change or add to later. Most professional landscape lighting today uses low voltage LED fixtures for these reasons. Line voltage fixtures are still used in some commercial or security settings, but for most homes, low voltage is the best choice for outdoor lighting.
Usually, yes. Low voltage wires can be buried with little disruption to your plants, and we can place fixtures to fit around existing landscaping, hardscapes, and irrigation. If your yard is already mature, that’s often a plus for lighting design because there are more features to highlight. We always check the site first and let you know about anything that could make installation tricky.
Both the quality of the fixtures and how they’re installed are important. We use fixtures made from corrosion-resistant materials and sealed connections, so they can handle temperature changes and moisture without problems. Wires are buried deep enough to avoid frost and freeze damage. Low voltage LED bulbs work well in cold weather, unlike older types. If installed correctly, your system should get through a Black Hills winter just fine and be ready to use again in spring without any extra work.
Yes. The smart controls we install let you set schedules, adjust brightness, and make changes from your phone. If you already have a smart home system, we’ll check if it works with our controls before we install anything. For most people, the app is easy to use and does everything you need, so you won’t end up just using a basic timer and forgetting about it.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Pergolas & Patio Covers

Most pergola installations for homes take one to three days once we have the materials. Custom or larger projects might need more time, and if you want a new paver patio, we may break the work into phases. After we meet with you, we’ll give you a clear timeline for your project. Since material lead times can change, contacting us early helps us plan around your schedule.
Yes, we do this kind of project often. If you already have a concrete or paver patio, we can design a pergola or cover that fits your space without removing what you have. We’ll check the surface, look at footing options, and make sure the new structure matches your patio. If your patio is uneven or damaged, we may suggest fixing it first so the pergola sits correctly.
 
Permit rules are different in each city. What works in Custer might not work in Rapid City. We understand the local process and will let you know early if you need a permit. If you do, we’ll handle the paperwork and coordination so you don’t have to worry.
A pergola has an open or slatted roof, so it gives you some shade and helps define your space, but it will not keep out all the rain. A patio cover has a solid or nearly solid roof, so it protects you from both sun and rain. Both options can stand alone or attach to your house, and you can choose wood, aluminum, or vinyl. The best choice depends on how much coverage you want and how you plan to use the area. We’ll help you decide when we meet.
Yes. We can install electrical conduit during the build, so adding lights, a ceiling fan, or a heater later is easy. It is much simpler and neater to plan for these features from the start. Just tell us what you want during the design phase, and we will make sure the structure is ready and wired for it.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Fire Features

How long your project takes depends on its complexity. Prefabricated fire pits are usually installed in a day. Custom fire pits or fireplaces take two to four days. Outdoor kitchens with gas, plumbing, or electrical work take longer because of permits and contractor schedules. After your consultation, we’ll give you a clear project schedule so you can plan ahead.
Yes, we can add a fire pit, fireplace, or outdoor kitchen to your existing patio. This is one of our most common requests. We’ll look at your patio surface, the space you have, and how close it is to your home or other structures to make sure everything fits. If your patio needs changes to support the new feature, we’ll let you know right away so there are no surprises.
Both wood-burning and gas fire features work well in the Black Hills. The best choice depends on how you want to use it. Wood-burning gives you a classic campfire feel and more heat. Gas is cleaner, easier to use, and simple to control. During dry seasons, you can still use a gas fire feature even if wood burning is restricted. We’ll talk about your needs during the consultation and help you choose what fits your lifestyle.
Whether you need a permit depends on where you live and your project details. Gas lines and outdoor kitchens with plumbing or electrical work almost always need permits. Standalone fire pits may or may not, depending on your area and the type of structure. We know the permitting process in the communities we serve and will find out what’s needed early in the design phase. If you need permits, we’ll handle the paperwork so your project stays on track.
Yes, and building a fire feature as part of a larger patio project is often the best way to go. When we plan your fire pit, fireplace, or outdoor kitchen along with a paver patio, pergola, or seating wall, everything looks more unified. We build the hardscape first so the fire feature fits right in. If you want a bigger outdoor space, planning everything at once usually gives you a better result and can save you time and money compared to adding features later.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Water Features

The steps you need to take depend on the type of water feature you have. For fountains and pondless systems, winterizing is simple: remove the pump, drain the lines, and either cover or empty the basin. If you have a pond with fish, you’ll need to be more careful. It’s important to keep a hole in the ice so gases can escape during the winter. We always show our clients how to shut down their specific feature before we finish the installation. If you’d rather not do it yourself, our seasonal maintenance service covers both fall shutdown and spring startup, so nothing gets missed and your feature stays protected all winter.
Yes, we can add a water feature to your existing patio or landscape, and it’s one of the most satisfying upgrades we offer. We look at your current layout, grade, and drainage to find the best spot, and we design the feature so it blends in naturally, not as an afterthought. If your patio needs any changes to fit the new feature, we’ll point that out during the design process. Often, a water feature is what brings the whole yard together.

Maintenance depends on the system type. Pondless systems are low maintenance. Ponds require seasonal care including water quality management and winter preparation. 

A pond is an open pool of water above ground that can support fish, aquatic plants, and a whole ecosystem. A pondless feature, on the other hand, moves water over rocks and collects it in a hidden reservoir underground, where a pump keeps it circulating. There’s no open water, so you don’t have to worry about algae or safety issues. Pondless features give you the sights and sounds of a waterfall or stream, but with much less maintenance. If you like the idea of water in your yard but want something easy to care for, a pondless feature is usually the best choice.
 
Yes, we include aquatic planting as part of our design and installation for ponds and natural-looking water features. We choose plants that fit our climate and your water conditions, including submerged, marginal, and floating types. These plants help keep the water clean and make your feature look established right away. We’ll also explain how the plants will grow and change through the season, so you know what to expect as they mature.

Yes. Low-voltage lighting systems can be installed into existing landscapes with minimal disruption and expanded over time as needed. 

Yes. We design and install low-voltage LED landscape lighting systems that highlight architectural features, enhance ambiance, improve safety and security, and extend outdoor usability into the evening.

Yes. Most modern systems include smart controls that allow scheduling, dimming, and adjustments through a mobile app.

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We break the mold: taking a more personal approach and always emphasizing quality over quantity.  Trust us to ensure your custom landscape is done right and built for the Black Hills.

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