Summit has installed some of the largest unique sustainable landscape features in West Michigan - and small-scale projects as well.

Rain gardens collect, clean, cool, and reduce stormwater runoff. This aids in restoring the natural balance back to our waterways and other ecosystems. Native plant species are typically utilized in rain garden design because of their tolerance of fluctuating water levels and large root structures to aid in infiltration. However, some rain gardens incorporate more traditional plant species.

Green roofs act similar to rain gardens. Because they are located on the roof of a structure there is added insulation to the structure and the life of roof materials can be doubled. Rather than having an exposed roof surface contributing to the urban heat island effect, a vegetated roof maintains the ambient air temperature.

In addition to these conspicuous features, other, more subtle, features are typically incorporated in most projects we are involved with. We include Michigan native plants, such as Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), or native cultivars, such as Northwind Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind') in many projects. There are many ecological benefits to native plants, but particularly to the client, native plants are more tolerant of our Michigan climate and more resistent to disease. And when available we will use plant material that has been grown from locally-collected seed to further improve their long-term viability.