Bland to Grand – A Hosting Haven

Backyard transformed into the perfect hosting area.

Bland to Grand – A Hosting Haven

Design by

Michael Blazing

This backyard began as a blank canvas, making this a perfect opportunity for Weller Brothers to create an exquisite hosting area in Rochester, MN!

Before this backyard renovation, there was a small, dark concrete patio that the client wanted to be transformed into a space that could be enjoyed by friends and family.

The in-ground pool, installed by Thatcher Pools and Spas, was the focal point of this project. Weller Brothers extended the concrete patio that surrounds the pool into an additional seating area. The patio features a partially in-ground hot tub for a clean and cohesive design.

Hosting in the Midwest is not complete without a fire pit. To utilize the slope of this client’s backyard to their advantage while creating an opportunity to extend the area, the Weller Brothers team added a Warming Trends gas fire pit two steps below the pool on Mattoni Patio Pavers and an elegant Brussels Block Border.

We wrapped up this project by incorporating new plantings to provide our clients with a beautiful space where they can happily host family and friends for years to come.

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

In Progress

Before photo of an in ground pool project

In ground pool with Landscaping being added

After

View More Tours

Wine, Dine, and Relax

A Hidden Gem

Splash, Chip, Alley-Oop

A Family Retreat

Woodsy Backyard Makeover

A Space For the Whole Family

Rochester

Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals Named One of the Midwest Region’s Fastest Growing Companies

Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals Ranked No. 128 on the 2024 In. 5000

Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals Named One of the Midwest Region’s Fastest Growing Companies

Weller Brothers Ranks No. 128 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 With a Three-Year Revenue Growth of 82.8 Percent

SIOUX FALLS, SD – Inc. magazine revealed that Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals is No. 128 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the region’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment – its independent small businesses, such as Weller Brothers.

“We are honored to be recognized by Inc. 5000; it’s a true testament to the dedication of our team, says Cole Weller, CEO of Weller Brothers. “At Weller Brothers, we grow so we can provide our people with opportunities for advancement. We are excited to continue on our growth journey and watch our people advance their careers. A big thank you to our employees at all of our locations for their hard work and dedication to ‘Creating Outdoor Spaces for Life’s Best Moments.’”

Not only has Weller Brothers earned a spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, but Weller Brothers has achieved an incredible three-year average growth of over 82.8 percent and a median rate of 35.2 percent.

Since 2001, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals has provided the Midwest with the highest quality landscape design, installation, and lawn and tree services. Brothers Cole Weller (Sioux Falls, SD) and Brent Weller (Sioux Falls, SD) manage the company as CEO/President and Vice President/Regional Operations Director, respectively.

As a private company, Weller Brothers takes great pride in being a locally owned and operated business located in the Midwest region, catering to the needs of communities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Rochester, Minnesota, and in our most recent expansion of Des Moines, Iowa.

Our services throughout these communities include landscape design, expert lawn care, and certified arborist services. Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals employs landscape and tree professionals who are eager to expand their professional careers, as well as offering seasonal internships through partnerships with regional high schools and colleges.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: Midwest, including company profiles, can be found at inc.com/Midwest. You’ll also find an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria.

Lawn Maintenance Foreman (Rochester)

Questions?

(605) 681-9962

recruiting@wellerbrothers.com

Details about this Career

The primary responsibility of the maintenance foreman is to maintain the lawn health and maintenance of our clients through services including but not limited to mowing, trimming, edging, and fertilization.This position will perform a variety of tasks in relation to lawn health that improve the functional and/or aesthetic value of the property. All Weller Brothers team members are expected to provide excellent client service by assisting clients promptly and courteously, answer questions and provide information as needed. A maintenance foreman will perform and ensure all team members are executing all job responsibilities in a safe, timely and efficient manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and competency satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job.

Oversee day-to-day crew tasks including but not limited to lawn mowing, power raking, landscape bed maintenance, spring and fall cleanups, fall leaf removal, and other lawn and landscape maintenance tasks.
Oversee your maintenance crew, making sure they are on track and being productive
Communicate with clients in a professional manner. Use knowledge of turfgrass and landscape industry to inform and educate clients.
Able to use outdoor maintenance and power equipment, variety of hand tools, and legally operate a motor vehicle.
Willingness to work as part of a team or alone, in all weather conditions.
Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor on a daily basis.

Required Skills and Abilities

Strong communication skills.
Superior work ethic.
Manage and train new team members.
Timely input of hours on LMN software to ensure accurate payroll processing.
Detail oriented, with considerable attention to order and cleanliness.
Hold team members accountable for being to work on time and doing their respective duties
Hold team members accountable for proper care of company-issued tools and equipment
Ability to manage multiple tasks
Strong attention to detail

Education and Expereince

Minimum of two-years of professional lawn care experience
Minimum of two-years of leadership experience
Must be 18 years or older
High school diploma/GED
Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record is required

Physical Requirements

HEAVY WORK: Lifting up to 100 pounds; frequent lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 80 pounds.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Specific schedules will be determined based on weather and general needs of the business.

Compensation and Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
401K with Company Match Up to 4%
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Cell Phone Reimbursement
Year Round Employment
Ample Overtime During the Summer Work Season

Disclaimer: The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. The company recognized that an individual with a disability may require an accommodation to enable him/her to successfully perform a job function. Consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The Weller Brothers Way

Our Mission and Roots guide us in our decision and actions every day. They are not just written words; they are our culture.

Why Work Here?

You can work anywhere. So why work at Weller Brothers?

You can be somebody here, and we believe that we are the best employer in the Midwest.

Rochester

Six Reasons To Use Native Plants in Your Next Landscaping Project

Landscaping project utilizing South Dakota Native Plants

Six Reasons To Use Native Plants in Your Next Landscaping Project

Did you know that utilizing native plants in your next landscaping project is not only great for the environment but can also make lawn maintenance easier?

We know that low-maintenance solutions are a priority as a homeowner. When it comes to your landscaping, Weller Brothers has you covered on the best ways to make a big impact on your property while only making a small impact on the earth.

Let’s learn why you should choose native plants when spring makes its eagerly awaited arrival back to the midwestern states!

One thing to keep in mind is that different geographic areas have different types of native plants. Finding a local nursery that can serve as a great asset to ensure that your selection of native plants is native to your area!

Environmental and Pocketbook Friendly

Native plants are low maintenance because they are naturally well suited for the local environment. By choosing native species for your landscaping, you can significantly cut down the time and money you spend on multiple different aspects of maintenance.

Native plants offer a wide variety of benefits to connect us with our environment. Below are six reasons from the professionals:

1. No Fertilizer or Pesticides Needed

Native plants have adapted to their ecosystem’s soil. No matter if your soil is poor or extremely fertile, they can survive off of the soil’s available nutrients, as well as defend against the area’s insects, diseases and fungi. Not only does this save you time and cash, but it is also great for the environment.

2. Irrigation

Though our planet may be full of water, the availability of clean and safe drinking water is shrinking. Water that is used to irrigate your lawn, garden, or flower bed is valuable and can quickly add up costs in the heat of summer. Native plants generally require less water than non-native plants due to their adaptation.

3. Annual Bloom

Gone are the days of having to head to your local nursery each spring to purchase plants for your yard! Due to the adaptability of native plants, they will resurface each spring as if you just planted them, saving you the hassle of having to repurchase, cage, tear out, and replant each year.

4. Water Runoff

When rain falls, it must go somewhere. The soil will soak up some of the water and replenish the groundwater. However, most water flows into a storm drain as runoff, which is often polluted by several different types of chemicals. By adding native plants, you can help minimize the effects of this runoff as their deep roots help filter stormwater before it makes its way to a waterway.

5. Erosion Prevention

Erosion — it is a real pain! It begins to change the shape of your yard’s slopes and landscape beds and can even change water flow. The extremely deep roots from native plants can help stabilize and anchor the soil to avoid further erosion.

6. Fostering Habitats and Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the wide variety of life on Earth; from humans to tiny organisms, biodiversity is the interconnection between all living things. When you grow native plants you’re preserving the natural connections and habitats between organisms in your yard. Homegrown National Park is a nationwide call to action to regenerate biodiversity in the ecosystem. This allows for a unique habitat to be built for discovery and learning from children of all ages in the outdoors.

What Native Plants to Include in the Midwest Region

Since you are now convinced to create your very own habitat from native plants, sourcing and selecting the perfect plants comes next! Prairie Moon Nursery is an advocate for prairie restoration and is a resource for authentic native plants.

Here are some of Weller Brothers favorite native plants that will not only thrive here in the Midwest, but add the fundamental elements needed to bring your landscape project to life.

Oak Trees’ (Quercus) ecological benefits number as high as their lifespan. Their mighty crown of branches provides not only an oasis of shade but also an abundant food source for native animals. The expansive root system also makes it an ideal choice for soil conservation, preventing erosion in natural or manmade terrain.
Yarrow (Achillea) is a unique plant sure to add color and texture to your landscape. This deer and rabbit-resistant plant can grow in some pretty unfavorable conditions but will give you long-lasting blooms that seem to float above the stems like lazy clouds ranging from red to pink to yellow. Yarrow is also a perfect addition to any fresh bouquet or to cut and dry.

Penstemon or Beardtongues are another native flower that come in a vibrant array of colors. These blooms provide a bountiful buffet of nectar to our favorite winged pollinators — hummingbirds and bees. As well as being an important player in promoting diversity, Penstemon is pest and drought-resistant.
Grasses such as Little BlueStem (Schizachyrium) provide not only year-round interest to your landscape, but year-round safety to one of our most important gardeners. This grass is often chosen by the female bumblebee as her shelter for the long winter. The seed of this grass also attracts many varieties of songbirds, a welcome sign of life on our long and dismal winter days.
Potentilla is a prolific blooming shrub that can add a pop of color to any landscape. Besides the benefit of beauty, the root system is fibrous and wide-spanning — acting as a perfect natural netting to prevent erosion.

Contact Us To Have the Professionals Design Your Native Plant Sanctuary

Take the guesswork out of creating an all-encompassing native landscape project and let the professionals at Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, and Des Moines, IA, handle your project.

Our experienced Landscape Design team will ensure your native landscape project comes to life. Contact us here to request landscape design services.

Des Moines Rochester Sioux Falls

Three Big Promotions in the Rochester, MN, Lawn Care World

Three Promotions on Rochester Lawn Care Team

Another day at Weller Brothers, another big promotion.

Scratch that – three promotions in Rochester, Minnesota!

We are excited to share that Nino Medar and Ryan Derleth have been promoted to Maintenance Account Managers, while Kirk Olson is now our Minnesota Branch Manager.

At Weller Brothers, our employees’ ambition for individual growth and opportunity is the driving force behind our overall company growth. These three employees making moves in Rochester are the perfect example.

Read on to get to know each employee and how they contribute to creating the healthiest lawns for our Rochester clients.

Kirk Olson – Rochester Branch Manager

Like many people, Kirk went to college for an entirely different industry than what he’s doing now. After graduating from Northern Iowa with a degree in criminology, he spent a year working inside a detention center in Colorado.

“I hated it,” Kirk says.

Discovering a Love For Lawns

For a change of pace, he found a job with a local landscaping company as a laborer and quickly found a new love for working outdoors. He quickly moved up into a foreman position, and eventually into a project manager role before moving back to the midwest and taking a position doing grounds maintenance at the Mayo Clinic historic properties.

“I loved working with annuals, perennials, and different types of trees,” Kirk says. “During my ten years at Mayo, I gained a lot of knowledge about turf and plant health.”

Eventually, Kirk was ready for a new challenge in the Rochester landscaping industry. He came across Weller Brothers online and reached out to the team.

“I was impressed by the work I saw on the website and thought, ‘Yeah, that’s who I want to work for.’”

Within a few months of being in touch with Brent Weller, Kirk came on board in a dual role as a maintenance and fertilizer technician, while also doing sales. By the summer of 2022, he had worked fully into an account management role.

Becoming the Rochester, MN Branch Manager

The thought of becoming the branch manager for the Weller Brothers Rochester, MN location hadn’t crossed Kirk’s mind until Brent and Cole Weller approached him about the opportunity.

With Brent moving his family back to Sioux Falls in January 2024 and stepping into a regional management role (overseeing the Rochester and Des Moines locations) there was a need for someone to handle the day-to-day operations locally in Rochester.

“This is something I wasn’t expecting,” Kirk says. “They [Brent and Cole] said they have confidence in my leadership skills and thought I would be a good fit for the position.”

Brent points to Kirk’s natural leadership abilities as key to having earned respect from both his clients and colleagues alike.

“Something that has stood out to me the past three years is Kirk’s ability to remain humble, while also inspiring and empowering his teammates,” Brent says. “He brings out the best in those around him, which was one of the primary characteristics we were looking for in a candidate for this position.”

Brent adds that Weller Brothers clients enjoy Kirk as much as the team does.

“Clients who have experienced Kirk’s professionalism firsthand often joke with me that they are going to hire him away from Weller Brothers.”

Despite these positive sentiments toward Kirk, he says that he still didn’t feel 100% confident in taking this new role, but both the Weller Brothers leadership team and his wife encouraged him to jump at the opportunity.

“My wife was my biggest cheerleader and pushed me into this,” Kirk explains. “A few years ago, I went back to school for project management. She asked me, ‘Why did you go back to school if not to jump into something like this?’ She was right.”

Looking Forward to Team Management

While Kirk’s new role as branch manager will have some overlap with his previous account management position – such as networking and business development – he will now be more involved in production and financials.

“I’ll be working on the business more instead of on the business; seeing what I can do from a high level,” Kirk says. “I’ll shift my focus to the profit margins for the entire branch vs. for a certain department, like I did before.”

Kirk says he is most excited about managing personnel in Rochester.

“I hope to have more time to be in touch with our team every day,” he says. “As a full-time account manager, I was busy most days meeting with clients and working on proposals. Now, I think I’ll be able to touch base with the team and make sure things are going well for them.”

Kirk adds that his goal is to keep building the culture that is already in place so that they can keep it alive as the team continues to grow.

When Kirk isn’t on the job, you can likely catch him around town coaching his kids’ sports or enjoying weekends outdoors with his family.

Congratulations, Kirk!

Nino Medar – Rochester Account Manager

Despite having an experienced and professional team in Rochester, one thing that has been lacking in the office is someone who could “be a bit loud” and “get people fired up.”

Enter Nino.

Nino initially joined the team as a landscape technician and was on track to complete our proprietary Foreman Fast Track program. However, his experience in sales – paired with his energy – made him a great fit to move into a Maintenance Account Management position instead.

“I have worked in the construction industry since my early 20’s,” Nino says. “I’ve transitioned into different roles in other companies throughout the years, but fate always brings me back to my true passion – landscaping.”

A Love For the Job

Nino came to Weller Brothers through the encouragement of a coworker James, who he met through his son’s school. He says that having a simple conversation and seeing his excitement about work was enough for him to seek employment at Weller Brothers.

He says he can’t pinpoint just one “favorite part of his job.” He names the quality of craftsmanship, the teamwork he experiences at work, and the feeling of accomplishment in seeing a satisfied client.

When Nino isn’t on the job, he’s on the basketball court or cheering on his four children in sports.

Great work, Nino!

Ryan Derleth – Rochester Account Manager

“He has experience in pretty much anything landscape maintenance-related.”

That’s what Kirk has to say about Ryan, who started with Weller Brothers as a Turf Specialist in November 2022.

Ryan brings nearly 20 years of experience in the landscape industry, having started right out of high school and gaining a horticulture degree. He took a short break to explore the retail world, but quickly found himself back in the green industry.

“I started working for Weller Brothers because I was looking for a change within the industry,” Ryan says. After sitting down with Brent Weller to learn about the company, I knew this would be the place for me.”

“An Easy Decision”

Nino certainly fits right in here, and we are grateful for his well-rounded skillset. Ryan is both a licensed fertilizer application and an experienced irrigation technician. He has experience in mowing and horticulture, as well as in production management and sales.

“This was an easy decision [to move Ryan into the account management role] due to his experience, knowledge, and sales record,” Kirk says. “He has in-depth knowledge of our lawn care services and how they can help our clients.”

He will certainly be an asset to our Rochester clients, as he says that his favorite thing about his job is interacting with clients and coworkers.

When Ryan isn’t outside on your lawn, he’s likely outside somewhere enjoying time with his family.

Welcome to the sales team, Ryan!

Learn More About Careers at Weller Brothers

Our team is constantly growing. As we create positions and promote employees from within, we are always looking to fill roles with talented, team-oriented people.

If you’re interested in a lawn or landscape job in Rochester, MN, Des Moines, IA, or Sioux Falls, SD, you’re in the right place!

Rochester

Caring for Your Outdoor Patio

Outdoor Fireplace with Custom Outdoor Furniture and Patio

Caring for Your Outdoor Patio

Outdoor patios combine comfort, and versatility that allows relaxation, socialization, and while enjoying the outdoors! The ability to create a personalized and inviting outdoor area makes patios a favorite feature of many homes.

However, caring for a patio and outdoor furniture in the Midwest involves addressing specific challenges with the region’s diverse climate, including frigid winters, hot summers, and varying types of precipitation.

Weller Brother’s landscape designers and HGTV are here to offer you their professional expertise to ensure your patio and outdoor furniture are maintained and cared for to optimize your next hosting experience!

Outdoor Patio Care

Not all patios are created the same; different materials need to be cared for specifically to ensure that you maintain the integrity of the paver materials. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning solutions that are not recommended for your patio materials. Here are our general patio cleaning recommendations:

Recommended Patio Cleaning Guidelines:

Remove all patio furniture, sweep off or use a leaf blower to remove debris from the patio.
Hose down the concrete or pavers with a garden hose equipped with a nozzle that provides a strong stream of water or a pressure washer on a low setting.
Use a mild grease-cutting detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water and a natural or synthetic bristle scrub brush to help brighten the patio surface. NOTE: Never use a wire brush as it can leave rust stains and scratch the concrete or paver surface.
Use a degreaser made for concrete to remove oily spots, often found near the grill.
If your patio is heavily discolored, you should call in a professional. They will apply a solution on the patio surface to bring it back to life.

Outdoor Furniture Maintenance

You should maintain your outdoor furniture to ensure many years of comfort and pleasure in your outdoor living space. We recommend that patio furniture be “deep cleaned” at least twice a year – once in the spring when temperatures begin to rise, and once in the late fall before it is stored out of the winter elements.

Regular cleaning is recommended for all types of outdoor furniture, this will minimize mildew, dirt and debris buildup.

How to Clean your Outdoor Furniture:

Wash cushions and furniture frames with mild soap and clean water. Let cushions dry completely before placing them back on the furniture to prevent mildew from growing.
Use auto polish on metal furniture frames to make them shine; make sure that the metal is not coated with a paint prior, as the polish will remove the paint. NOTE: When using new products on your furniture, test the product in a small inconspicuous area of the furniture prior to ensuring the product does not damage any metal finishing.
Use a glass cleaner on glass tabletops and don’t forget to clean the glass on the windows of your outdoor lanterns so the light shines through.
Use a kitchen degreaser on grill grates and the outside of stainless steel grills. Learn more on how to deep clean your grill.
Open your umbrella and wash the fabric with mild soap and water, and use a household oil — such as WD-40 silicone lubricant — on any moving parts to keep them working well.
Remove and discard any old potting soil from planters and clean the insides of pots with a bleach and water solution to kill any insects or bacteria that may have overwintered in the pots. Fill with fresh potting soil and put in new plants.

Don’t Sleep On Our Outdoor Furniture Design Services!

Whether you have an outdoor living space that is in need of new furniture or you are wanting to upgrade your existing furniture, Weller Brothers is the place to call. In addition to a free face-to-face design experience, Weller Brothers also offers outdoor furniture cleaning in the winter months for existing customers! This gives you the opportunity to put your furniture out of sight and out of mind, while having it ready to use as the warmer weather quickly approaches again.

Contact Us For Your Patio Upgrade

If it’s time for a new patio or quality outdoor furniture in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, or Des Moines, IA, you’re in the right place.

Our experienced landscape design and furniture design teams will ensure your dream landscape project comes to life and stays that way. Contact us here to get started on your new outdoor living space!

Des Moines Rochester Sioux Falls

The Best Plants For Your Next Midwest Landscaping Project

The Best Plants For Your Next Midwest Landscaping Project

Living in the midwestern states is great, however some plants do not find that to be true. Not all plants thrive in the Midwest due to its climate, soil types, and other environmental factors. Plants may struggle due to the frigid winters, blazing summers, or various soil compositions. However, many native plants have adapted well to the Midwest’s conditions and flourish here.

As you begin creating your dream landscape project, there are a few things to consider when choosing a plant that will thrive in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN or Des Moines, IA.

Ensure that the plants you include in your next landscaping project are Midwest-friendly with advice from the professionals at Weller Brothers and Better Homes & Gardens.

What to Consider When Selecting your Plants

When selecting plants for the garden, USDA hardiness zones provides detail on what plants will best survive your coolest weather. The Midwest region includes plant hardiness zones 3-5.

Deciding which plants to grow in the Midwest can be tricky. Using the hardiness zone tool above, start by narrowing in on the plants that best fit your climate. A couple of other important things to consider when adding new plants to your yard is how much sunlight your plant will need and how much space you need between plants.

Recommended Plants for Midwest Landscaping from the Horticulture Team

To transform a space and create a unique experience, Weller Brothers recommends incorporating a variety of color and texture; these elements add interest and richness to any design!

Below are five examples of plants that will not only thrive in the Midwest, but also add key elements to bring your dream landscape project to life.

The Types of Plants to Consider:

- Poaceae, commonly known as grasses, have narrow leaves with parallel veins and small, inconspicuous flowers.
- Burning bush are apart of the shrub family. Shrubs are any woody plant that has several stems, none dominant, and is usually less than 3 m (10 feet) tall.
- Echinacea are flowered perennials also known as Cone Flowers, and are often cultivated as border plants.
- Yucca, which is commonly referred to as Adam’s Needle, is unforgettable for their rosettes of evergreen, tough, sword-shaped leaves and large terminal panicles of white flowers.

How to Care for your Midwest-Friendly Plants

Once you have selected the perfect Midwest-friendly plants, placing them in the appropriate area, as well as ensuring that they are getting the proper amount of sunlight and hydration, is equally important to their life span. Different types of plants require different amounts of water and sunlight. Watering properly in the summer fends off heat stress; however, make sure to avoid overwatering and wetting the leaves to prevent disease in the already-muggy conditions.

Let's Start Planting!

If the thought of designing, selecting, building, and caring for your newest landscaping project feels overwhelming, leave the hard work to the professionals at Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN and Des Moines, IA.

Our experienced Landscape Design team will ensure your dream landscape project comes to life. Contact us here to request Landscape Design services.

Des Moines Rochester Sioux Falls

Eight Questions to Ask During Your Landscape Design Consultation

Weller Brothers employees discussing a design at a table

Eight Questions to Ask During Your Landscape Design Consultation

How exciting! You have decided to create your dream outdoor living space.

Whether you’re planning for a pool, outdoor kitchen, custom patio, a pergola — or, all of the above — the next step is to find a qualified designer and installation team who can design, build, and maybe even maintain, your landscaping.

You’ve searched online and found a landscaping company in your area. Now, it’s time to meet with the designer.

Before You Get Started, Ask These Eight Questions

Whether you’re in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, or beyond, there are several important questions that a homeowner should ask during a landscape design consultation as you approach this huge and exciting investment.

Let’s discuss.

1. What is your design process and how do you work with clients?

The answer to this question will give you an understanding of how the designer approaches the design process and how they work with clients. Some specific things to consider when asking this question might include:

How do you begin the design process? Do you start with a consultation at my home?
Will you listen to my ideas? What if I don’t have any ideas about what I want?
How will you present your designs to me? Do you provide sketches, computer renderings, or other visual aids?
How do you handle revisions and changes to the design? Will you work with me to make changes or do you stick to the original design plan?
How do we communicate during the design process? Do you have regular check-ins or do you only communicate when necessary?

You may be working with this designer over the course of many months, or even longer. Entering into the working relationship with an overview of the process will set everyone up for success.

See what the Weller Brothers design process is »

2. How do you approach the design of outdoor spaces and what factors do you consider?

One of your main criteria in hiring a landscape designer is that they listen to your needs and desires for your space, while still bringing their own expertise and creativity.

By asking the designer about their approach to designing your space, you’ll set expectations at the beginning of the relationship.

Some examples of factors to discuss include:

Incorporating elements like plants, hardscaping, lighting, and other features into your designs — does the designer have a specific approach to incorporating these elements, or do they take a more flexible approach?
Designing outdoor spaces that are functional and aesthetically pleasing — how does the designer balance these two goals?

3. Can you provide examples of your work and references from past clients?

If the answer to this question is “no,” find a new landscape designer.

Work examples and customer testimonials will both attest to the quality of the designer’s work and communication, as well as provide clarity as to whether or not the designer’s style is right for you.

At Weller Brothers, we create landscape tours and client testimonials for many of our landscape design projects. This shows potential customers that our designers and team provide quality and trusted service in Rochester, Des Moines, and Sioux Falls. Plus, they’re just really fun to share!

Weller Brothers customers filming a testimonial video in their backyard.

Another important thing to consider when looking at a designer’s past work is if it’s similar in style or scope to your project.

Do they have experience designing outdoor spaces that are similar to yours in terms of size, layout, and other characteristics? If they don’t, perhaps there is another designer on their team who is a better fit for your project.

For example, while all of our designers at Weller Brothers are very talented and experienced, we have one who designs many of our commercial projects and another who loves to work with natural grasses in his designs.

A landscape project is a large investment; take the time to find the designer who can best create what you’re dreaming of.

4. Can you provide an estimate for the cost of the design and any additional services?

Big question, right? You’re probably walking into this meeting with a budget, and maybe you’ve already consulted a budget guide.

Of course, you want to know what this project will cost and what expenses may come up along the way. Maybe you have a budget in mind and you need a designer who can work within those constraints.

Communication is key here.

First, the designer should be able to provide a detailed estimate of the cost of the design process, including any consultation fees, site analysis fees, and design fees.
How about any additional costs that may arise during the design process, such as changes to the design or unexpected challenges that may require additional work or resources? If so, how will the designer handle these costs?

A clear, upfront conversation about all costs associated with your landscape project will contribute to a smooth and positive experience for both you and the designer.

5. How do you address maintenance and upkeep in your designs?

As the homeowner, are you prepared to maintain your landscape once the project is complete? Do you even know what type of maintenance will be necessary?

Landscape maintenance is an important topic to discuss with your designer because you certainly don’t want your new project to look abandoned and overgrown in a few years.

If desired, can your designer incorporate low-maintenance plants? Does the company offer ongoing maintenance services to keep your new landscape looking pristine? If so, what’s the estimated cost?

A beautiful landscape is a place to create a lifetime of memories – but it’s also a lifetime of commitment. How can your designer help you prepare for that commitment?

6. Can you provide a timeline for the design process and any potential implementation?

Summer is coming, and you want to be enjoying that new patio and fire pit ASAP – we get it.

Just like the budget topic, it’s important to set clear expectations about the project timeline from the beginning. How long will the design process take? When will the work begin? When can I finally dive into my pool?

Other factors that may impact the timeline for the design process or implementation include weather, the availability of materials, and subcontractors. With the freezing Midwest winter, perhaps a larger project needs to be executed in phases.

Communication is key!

7. How do you handle any changes or revisions to the design?

Things happen. Minds change. New ideas take root. So, what happens if you want to revise your landscape design?

Obviously, after a certain point in the timeline, this may not be possible. But, it’s also important that you and the designer work together to create a landscape design you’ll be happy with for years – even if it takes a few revisions.

During the initial design process, does the designer allow a certain number of revisions? Is there a cost associated with revisions?

What if you want to make a change after the groundbreaking?
How does the designer handle changes or revisions to the design after the design process is complete and the design has been implemented?
Do they offer any warranty or support for changes or revisions made after the design process is complete?

Understanding how the designer handles changes or revisions to the design will help you feel confident that the final design meets your needs and preferences.

8. What is your approach to sustainability and environmentally-friendly design practices?

Some people care deeply about sustainability in their landscaping and all areas of their lives. This may be you!

If sustainability is an important consideration in your Midwest landscaping, bring it up with your designer. He or she may have experience with drought-tolerant plants, rainwater harvesting systems, or incorporating natural grasses into the design.

In general, landscape sustainability boils down to a few key factors (including water usage and types of plants), so an experienced designer will help you find a design solution that you’re comfortable with.

Found the Right Designer? Now the Fun Begins

Once you’ve identified a landscape designer and covered all the bases above, you’ll be amazed at how your outdoor space will transition over the next few months.

We’re so excited for you!

If you’re in the Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, or Des Moines, IA, area and still looking for the right landscape designer, we’d love to learn more about your goals.

Learn more about our services and processes and reach out if you’re ready to schedule a consultation.

Des Moines Rochester Sioux Falls

Five Reasons to Hire a Full-Service Lawn Care Company in Rochester, MN

Rochester, MN lawncare team in front of Weller Brothers building

Five Reasons to Hire a Full-Service Lawn Care Company in Rochester, MN

Maintaining a healthy lawn is no easy task.

Even if you don’t do the work yourself, it can still be time-consuming and frustrating to piece together professional services throughout the year.

“What’s my fertilizer guy’s name again? I need to get a quote. Maybe the college kid down the street will be around to mow this summer for really cheap. Shoot, I forgot to do an online search for an irrigation company to do my sprinkler start-up. Okay, now my grass is dying, and I don’t know who to blame!”

Yikes. Does that sound like you?

The Benefits of Hiring a Full-Service Lawn Care Company

If you’re in Rochester, MN, and you want to eliminate this constant lawn care headache, it’s time to find a full-service, experienced lawn care company that you can count on all year long.

Here are the benefits:

1. You have one dedicated point of contact

When you have a contract with a full-service lawn care company, you will likely be assigned one dedicated point of contact to coordinate all of your lawn services, year-round.

At Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals, we call this your account manager.

You will have your account manager’s email and phone number to contact them should you have any questions about your contract, need to coordinate timing for a service, or general lawn health questions.

This means that not only will you not have to call around to coordinate your various lawn services throughout the year, but you also won’t even need to call our office, speak with our very friendly admin team, and wait for a callback. You can simply contact your account manager directly, anytime during the year.

How’s that for easy communication?

2. You have a comprehensive plan for your lawn with one team

There are so many factors that contribute to a healthy lawn. And, especially if your lawn is in rough shape to begin with, the journey to a thriving lawn takes time and care over the seasons.

When you hire one full-service company to provide your lawn care, you can work together to craft a long-term health plan.

You and your account manager will be on the same page about what your lawn health goals are and what it will take to get there, both time- and investment-wise. Additionally, you will know each year what your financial investment will be for the full year of services, which allows you to budget accurately.

When one company is taking care of all aspects of your lawn health, such as proper mowing, irrigation, and fertilizer, there is less room for error.

3. You're confident that a trained, professional team is at your home

When you hire a full-service lawn care company, you can trust that the men and women in your yard are both professional and – if applicable – licensed to do their job safely.

First, lets talk about professionalism.

At a full-service lawn care company, such as Weller Brothers, our employees have passed background checks and are required to follow our dress code policy while on the job.

We know this is important to homeowners because you don’t want just anyone in your yard or in your flower beds next to your windows. If someone is in your yard wearing a Weller Brothers navy shirt and khaki pants, you will know exactly why they are there.

Now, if you hire the random guy down the street for a one-off bed clean-up, you might look out your window to see some shmuck in a ripped cut-off tee and basketball shorts. Is he the lawn care guy? Is he a rambunctious neighbor kid? Is he running from the police and finding your bushes to be a good hiding place? Who knows . . .

Secondly, let's address training and licensure.

This is especially important when it comes to pesticides. Our team of pesticide applicators are Minnesota state-certified, and they renew their licenses annually by attending an in-person course.

If you just have a “lawn mowing guy”, he likely isn’t licensed to spray herbicide and pesticide on your turf, rock beds, and around your house. This creates a potential risk of the chemicals being applied improperly. They could be mixed too strong (which kills your grass) or could be too weak (does nothing). Or, if someone applies more product than needed, this is bad for both the environment and your wallet.

When you work with a full-service lawn care company like Weller Brothers, you can trust that all applicators are up-to-date on their licensure. That’s because the company will be liable if an employee is spraying without a license – a liability any reputable company will avoid.

4. You receive relevant recommendations for lawn improvement

When lawn care crews and account managers communicate regularly, the customer – that’s you – receives even better lawn care service.

At Weller Brothers, our knowledgeable crews are in constant communication with the account managers. If, for example, a horticulturist notices that your sprinkler head is broken, she will let your account manager know. Then, your account manager will send an irrigation technician to your home to fix it. All this happens efficiently, and you probably didn’t even know about it!

Similarly, when you have the same crew of lawn care professionals at your home each week, they can keep an eye out for developing issues.

Perhaps a lawn mowing foreman notices that, despite following an appropriate irrigation schedule, your lawn is browning week after week. He can let your account manager know, and your account manager may recommend a moisture manager treatment that allows your turf to better maintain moisture during dry periods.

This high-level context and knowledge of your lawn allows the professionals to make the right recommendations, which is great for both your turf and your budget.

5. You have a dedicated horticulture team

A full-service lawn care company will have built a team of people who have specific skillsets and knowledge regarding turf, soil, and plant health.

Sure, you can hire Joe Shmoe the “lawn guy,” but does he have extensive experience with all of the following:

correct mowing heights depending on the season
how to fix a broken sprinkler head
proper chemical mixing practices for fertilizer
why exactly your arborvitaes are dying
how far apart to plant echinaceas so they thrive

. . . probably not.

But, when you have a team, you get all of this experience in one. That includes a team of trained horticulturists who are dedicated specifically to caring for your landscape beds and plants throughout the year.

The members of our Weller Brothers horticulture team have degrees in horticulture as well as many years of combined experience working in different plant hardiness zones.

This means that your landscape beds will match the quality of lawn care you receive.

Connect With a Rochester Lawn Health Account Manager

Are you interested in getting started on a full-service, year-round lawn health program in Rochester, MN?

Your first step is to contact our office so an account manager can reach out to you. He or she will learn about your lawn health needs, provide an estimate for services, and answer any questions you may have.

Rochester

Wes Busch Promoted to Landscape Production Manager in Rochester, MN

Wes Busch Promoted to Division Manager

There’s a new leader in the Rochester, MN, landscaping world.

After several years working on our team as a landscape foreman, Wes Busch is promoted to Landscape Production Manager at Weller Brothers Landscaping in Rochester, MN.

We are so excited to see Wes step into this new leadership role. He’s the right person for the job, and – for Wes – it’s been a long time coming.

Finding Advancement at Weller Brothers

Prior to joining the Weller Brothers team in April 2022, Wes worked as a foreman at another landscaping company for 17 years. Despite his extensive experience, both hands-on and as a team leader, he wasn’t finding the advancement opportunities he was after.

Through a mutual contact, Wes eventually connected with Brent Weller and agreed to meet up with him to learn about Weller Brothers, which had entered the Rochester market about three years prior and was actively looking to grow the team with experienced landscape professionals.

It was during that conversation, Wes says, that he finally found a place where he could continue to grow in his landscaping career.

“Brent and I discussed the paths that I wanted professionally, and he told me, ‘There is no limit here,'” Wes says. “That was enough for me.”

What really sealed the deal, Wes says, was when he asked about the flexibility for family time, like taking off early for his kids’ activities.

Wes says that Brent’s response was “no problem.” With that, Wes was ready to join the team as a landscape foreman.

Shifting Roles – From Foreman to Production Manager

The landscape production manager position became available to replace Matt Stadel, who is opening our Des Moines branch alongside wife and landscape designer, Anna Stadel.

With his experience, ambition, and leadership skills, moving into this role was the natural next step for Wes and the team.

In his previous role as a landscape foreman, he worked hands-on every day at the job site while managing a crew. As landscape production manager, his responsibilities will become broader.

“My new role will be split between office work and training for the crews,” Wes says. “On the job site, I will remain hands-on with crews to teach them the most efficient ways of completing landscape projects.”

When he’s in the office, his job is to make sure that projects are completed on time and on budget, while maintaining the high quality that Weller Brothers is known for. He will create timelines and project calendars and also manage personnel for the landscape division, including assisting HR with interviews and holding employees accountable for keeping great attitudes and showing up on time.

“I’ve been working toward a training-type of role for a long time,” Wes says. “I enjoy training and teaching people processes and then watching them succeed. Sometimes, people even find better ways to do things than what I taught them.”

Humility, Listening, and Patience – Wes’s Keys to Leadership

A key reason why Wes was selected for this position is his strong leadership qualities. It certainly takes leadership skills to lead a crew as a foreman, but even more effective skills to oversee and manage a whole division of crews.

Brent points to Wes’s humility as a key leadership trait.

“Wes came to Weller Brothers with a significant amount of experience, yet he also came with humility and an eagerness to learn from others. He has taken feedback respectfully, doesn’t hesitate to ask questions, and we’ve witnessed firsthand how natural it is for him to lead others.”

Wes says that he believes he has become a good leader because he has worked for so many bad leaders, and he learned from those experiences.

“I began landscaping at an early age and there were leaders who were awful at communication. They struggled to give helpful feedback and they had unrealistic expectations,” Wes explains. “I’ve learned a lot through my career of how not to do things. That’s helped me deal with all kinds of situations.”

Wes adds that because each person at work is different, a strong leader has to figure out how people best work together “even if they could spend their whole day butting heads and being unproductive.”

Brent adds that Wes’s approach doesn’t go unnoticed by his team.

“We’ve seen that his colleagues have respect for his work ethic, patience, and ability to stay calm under stressful situations while having compassion for others,” Brent says.

Outside of Weller Brothers

When he’s not laying pavers perfectly, encouraging his team, or communicating with subcontractors, Wes spends his personal time outdoors with his family.

“I hunt, fish, and travel with my family,” Wes says. “My son plays baseball and my daughter plays soccer so I run around all summer. In the winter, I’m hunting and fishing.”

Wes’s Encouragement for Others

The leadership team at Weller Brothers has tremendous confidence in Wes as he steps into this new role. He has the drive, interpersonal skills, and attitude to lead a special team in Rochester.

Even with great skills and potential, Wes explains, some people still find themselves stuck and he offers his advice.

“There are so many people out there who are stuck in their comfort zone, whether with their job or just in their life,” he says. “Had I not taken a blind leap of faith into joining the Weller Brothers team, I’d still be stuck, too. Open up your eyes to what you’re capable of and try something new. If you’re on the right team, the sky can be the limit.”

Rochester