Potential project - Ask Extension
Hello there,
It was suggested that I reach out to you regarding the property we just moved into in East Lansing. At one point, this was a horticultur...
Knowledgebase
Potential project #935541
Asked June 15, 2026, 11:50 AM EDT
Hello there,
It was suggested that I reach out to you regarding the property we just moved into in East Lansing. At one point, this was a horticulturalist's dream. It has in the last two decades grown wild and I have no idea how to care for it. Is the group ever looking for restoration projects? I would like to consider this before a compete renovation. if interested, I can send pictures.
If you have any other ideas on who I could contact, please let me know. Someone also suggested the Horticultural Department but I have no idea where to begin there.
Thank you for your consideration.
Melissa
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
Our restoration projects are typically for historical or public locations.
But we are here to help you with plant ID, care information, and to give you resources to help you find professional landscapers.
MSU Extension does not endorse or recommend any retailers or brands. Here are ways to find landscaping help:
Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association has a search tool to locate services. MNLA website- https://www.mnla.org
Check local publications, such as newspapers and magazines like The Michigan Gardener, available at libraries, and sometimes online.
Check with your local garden clubs, who may have recommendations- https://migardenclubs.org/
To find a professional for your trees and shrubs, search for a certified arborist by zip code here- https://www.treesaregood.org/
If you would attach pictures here of the plants you have questions about, we can begin there. Pictures should be clearly focused, one plant each, and picture size must be 8 mb or less, in a common format such as png or jpeg.
In a large overgrown garden divide your landscape into smaller areas, working on them one at a time. Decide which area is most important to you, to begin.
For plant care sheets, videos, etc. about gardening in Michigan see https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/tip_sheets/
We have experts in different areas: trees, flowers, lawns, vegetables, weed issues, design and plant selection. We ask that you submit separate questions for each area so we can assign it to the correct expert.
We look forward to helping you with your new property!
Our restoration projects are typically for historical or public locations.
But we are here to help you with plant ID, care information, and to give you resources to help you find professional landscapers.
MSU Extension does not endorse or recommend any retailers or brands. Here are ways to find landscaping help:
Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association has a search tool to locate services. MNLA website- https://www.mnla.org
Check local publications, such as newspapers and magazines like The Michigan Gardener, available at libraries, and sometimes online.
Check with your local garden clubs, who may have recommendations- https://migardenclubs.org/
To find a professional for your trees and shrubs, search for a certified arborist by zip code here- https://www.treesaregood.org/
If you would attach pictures here of the plants you have questions about, we can begin there. Pictures should be clearly focused, one plant each, and picture size must be 8 mb or less, in a common format such as png or jpeg.
In a large overgrown garden divide your landscape into smaller areas, working on them one at a time. Decide which area is most important to you, to begin.
For plant care sheets, videos, etc. about gardening in Michigan see https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/tip_sheets/
We have experts in different areas: trees, flowers, lawns, vegetables, weed issues, design and plant selection. We ask that you submit separate questions for each area so we can assign it to the correct expert.
We look forward to helping you with your new property!
