History
Poul's Landscaping & Nursery, Inc.
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You Deserve Excellence
Growing Dreams Into Reality
Since 1966
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Landscape Lighting
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National Award Winning Project
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Community Work
See What's New for 2009!
Our "Environmental Initiatives"
About Us
Poul's Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. was founded in 1966 by Paul Kjeldbjerg. Paul, who emigrated here from Denmark in 1959, started the company with only one employee, a pickup truck, a flat trailer and a Ford tractor (which can still be seen in use today). Originating in Prospect Heights, Paul named the company after the original Danish spelling of his first name, which was later changed when he became a US citizen. Before starting out on his own, Paul enhanced his skills by working for the legendary landscape contractor, Otto Damgaard.
In 1986, Paul's oldest son, Dan, joined the Company after graduating with a BS degree in Marketing from Northern Illinois University. That same year, the company moved its operations to Long Grove, IL where it began a 45 acre field nursery operation. In 1993, Paul's youngest son, Alan, joined the company, after earning a horticulture degree from the Ohio State University, and soon took over the nursery operations. Continuing to exponentially grow, in 1999, Poul's acquired 112 acres of land in Wadsworth, IL where it continues to support the Wholesale Nursery operations. Today, Poul's Landscaping & Nursery proudly continues serving our clients and enjoys helping them grow their dreams into reality.
We believe that every client deserves the best possible product and service available to them. This is why our award winning staff is committed to Growing Your Dreams into Reality through creative and thoughtful design ideas, the use of top- quality plant material, expert installation and only the highest quality service.
Solid Trustworthy Reputable
Affiliations & Memberships
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA)
Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA)
Illinois Nursery Professionals Association
Illinois Green Industry Association (IGIA)
Illinois Arborist Association
International Plant Propagators Association (IPPA)
Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association
Wisconsin Nursery Association
Angie's List
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
Midwest Ecological Landscape Association (MELA)
American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA)
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Ornamental Growers Association
Professional Landcare Network (PLANET)
Morton Arboretum
Chicago Botanic Garden
Certifications
Certified Landscape Horticulturists
Illinois Certified Nursery Professionals (CNP)
Certified Wildlife Habitat by National Wildlife Federation
Illinois Certified Landscape Technicians (CLT)
Illinois Certified Arborists
Your Team
You will have some of the industry's most respected, professional and friendly individuals working together to help grow your dreams into reality.
Laurel Schmitz
Designer & Human Resources
Rick Ramoser
Design Dept. Manager & Designer
Chris Hanson
Assistant Project Mgr. & Designer
Rex Delson
Construction Dept. Manager & Project Mgr.
Dan Paul Alan
Joe Held
Assistant Project Mgr. & Lighting Specialist
Pat Readdy
Maintenance Dept. Manager & Account Mgr.
Paul Kjeldbjerg
Founder
Wendy Kjeldberg
Office Manager
Dan Kjeldbjerg
President
Andrew Ptasienski
Senior Designer
Rose Zink
Administration
Alan Kjeldbjerg
Vice-President
Testimonials
What happy clients are saying
“The designer and crew were very responsive to a problem we had with dirt leaking into our pool. They responded quickly to changes needed in the landscape plan. Poul’s was great about schedule changes we had to make. Landscaping was started and completed when promised. Overall a very good experience!”
-Mr. and Mrs. Lalla
“…We have enjoyed working with Poul’s. Your people and quality of service have been top flight.”
-Mr. and Mrs. Hoye
“Here’s some champagne to toast our beautiful landscaping! It’s been a pleasure working with you and your company. Thank you for such a high level of responsiveness and professionalism. We look forward to phase 2!”
-Mr. and Mrs. Leibowitz
“We are writing this letter in appreciation for the excellent job your company did in the installation of our new landscaping and patio. We would like to especially thank the designer, project manager, foreman and crew for their professionalism and expertise. We were very impressed by their subject knowledge and attention. We also appreciate the timeliness of the installation and the respect that was given to our property regarding cleanup, etc. The design was right on target and the results exceeded our expectations. We have received many compliments from our neighbors on the new landscaping and we feel it has truly enhanced our new home. We are looking forward to working with you again as we complete our landscaping plan over the next few years. We will certainly recommend your company to friends and neighbors and you may use us as a reference for other prospective clients.”
-Mr. and Mrs. Balsai
“We are writing to thank you and all the people of Poul’s for our wonderful landscaping. We get frequent compliments about it from our neighbors and friends. The Saturday after the new trees came, we held a cookout for 20 people and everybody loved the gardens. They were amazed at the transformation of the yard and commented favorably on the design, stonework and all the plants. But what other people think is only a small part of our enjoyment. We feel quite lucky to live in our little piece of heaven, which you helped bring to its full potential. Every day we wake up and look out the windows and feel deep gratitude for out good fortune. The beautiful landscaping adds pleasure to our lives. So we wanted to formally thank you and your co-workers for all your help. There are lots of landscaping companies out there, but Poul’s delivers the level of quality and service that we were looking for. And it is the people who set your company apart from the others. Everyone with whom we have had contact has been knowledgeable, responsive, friendly, patient and committed to doing a top notch job.”
-Mr. and Mrs. Novak
Community Involvement
Donations to Woodlawn Middle School
In the fall of 2006, Woodlawn Middle School, in Long Grove, approached us about making improvements to the school’s grounds. Under the restrictions of a tight budget, Woodlawn School’s landscaping options were limited to what they could have done. In an effort to keep the project in line with their financial resources, yet still be able to fulfill the school board’s expectations, Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. gladly lent a helping hand and donated a number planting materials as well as the labor to install. Today, Woodlawn Middle School’s grounds now have hundreds of colorful perennials, flowering shrubs and a myriad of spring bulbs to make for a much more alluring scene.
GreenCare for Troops™
GreenCare for Troops is a nationwide outreach program coordinated by Project EverGreen that connects local green industry professionals with men and women serving our country in the armed forces that are away from home. For the last few years, in select cities in Lake and Cook counties, Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. have been participating in this nationwide outreach program. It is a way for us to raise awareness about the environmental, economical, and lifestyle benefits of landscapes as well as give something back to those who have already given so much.
Girls on the Run
In November of 2008, Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery, Inc participated as contributor in a silent auction to raise money for the non-profit organization known as Girls on the Run. We donated a full day’s worth of labor, for five employees, putting up Christmas lights for the prospective high-bidder. Girls on the Run is a prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running.
Other Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. Donation Recipeients
Portfolio
2009 National & State Award Winner
Press Release
Chicago-area landscape design/build firm wins a 2009 Hardscape North America Hardscape Project Award for a family-friendly outdoor kitchen and terrace. Winners were announced at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia during the Hardscape North America trade show in January.
Long Grove, Illinois, February 11, 2009 – The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute along with the Brick Industry Association, and National Concrete Masonry Association honored Poul’s Landscaping and Nursery, Inc., of Long Grove, IL, with an HNA Hardscape Project Award for 2009. Poul’s is the only Chicago-area firm to win the award this year which recognizes “outstanding hardscape projects by contractors in residential and commercial/industrial applications”. Poul’s winning entry is an 800 square foot outdoor kitchen and multi-function terrace designed and built for one of their clients in suburban Kildeer, IL.
Poul’s winning project is a split-level paver terrace that replaced a tired looking and high-maintenance wooden deck; and now features a built-in outdoor kitchen, hearth-style stone fireplace, an outdoor flat-screen TV in the “lounging” area, a decorative fire bowl on a wall surrounding the dining area, and open views to a private, but low-maintenance back yard. The special TV, gas fireplace, and outdoor ceiling fan all operate via remote, while accent lighting is controlled by timers and sensors. The residential landscape project, completed in 2007, has recently won an Excellence in Landscape Award from the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA).
Products and Materials: The award-winning outdoor kitchen and terrace feature the following: Dacor grill and warming drawer, Summit refrigerator, Navastone Stonetile pavers, Versa-lok wall products, Eden stone veneer, Kichler low-voltage lighting, SunBrite LCD TV, granite firebowl by Stone Age Manufacturing, Ameristar fence/railing.
POUL'S LANDSCAPE & NURSERY, INC. RECEIVES GOLD MEDAL AWARD
Chicago-area landscape design/build firm is awarded the gold medal for individual features by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA). The award was announced and presented to Poul's Landscaping and Nursery, Inc. on March 6, 2009 in Elk Grove Village, Illinois during the ILCA 2009 Excellence in Landscape Awards Night.
The award was for a comfortable outdoor living space that integrates luxury amenities with low maintenance features and finishes that correspond with the homeowner’s busy lifestyle and design preferences. A prominent stone fireplace, well-planned kitchen, and open view to the yard and pond transformed the shallow and sloping back yard into a multi-function outdoor setting that suited their frequent family gatherings.
The success of the design rested in the functionality of the space, while careful selection and fabrication of materials was key to maximizing value and unifying the new outdoor living area with the home’s existing interior style and finishes. Charcoal Granite was used for the counters and stair risers, a creamy Oakfield veneer stone clads the walls, fireplace, and grill surround, pre-cast concrete pavers in shades of taupe have the look of floor tiles (also used as caps for the stone piers), and a bronze-finish aluminum railing, as well as the stained cedar pergola complete the neutral backdrop, adaptable to many decorating schemes.
To balance the relatively large footprint of the terrace - over 800 square feet – a change in elevation, the setting pattern of the flooring, and the placement of the pergola alters the visual perception of the space and provides a sense of movement. The hearth-style fireplace is visible from all directions but does not block views of the surrounding lawn and trees. The homeowners selected a gas unit for ease of use and maintenance. The fireplace, as well as the special outdoor TV, and all-weather ceiling fan can all be operated from the comfort of the chaise lounge. An infrared heating system, low-voltage and accent lighting on timers and photocells, as well as a decorative firebowl atop a stone column completed the client’s wish-list of built-in amenities.
Grayslake, IL
Long Grove, IL
Hawthorn Woods
Winnetka, IL
Hawthorn Woods, IL #2
Individual Elements
We consider our design process a journey of mutual collaboration - one that enables you and our design team to reach a common vision. You can feel at peace knowing that our team of designers not only has the commitment it takes to grow your dreams into reality, but they also have over 45 cumulative years of education and experience as designers.
Learn more about our Design Process
Design Process
Our design process is a systematic approach that we take in order to arrive at an outstanding and fulfilling end product that you can be proud of. We understand that every project is as unique and as special as the client themselves. This is why, upon initial meeting, we begin the information gathering process in order to get to know you. The initial meeting, is an avenue for you to express your expectations and needs as well as giving you the freedom to become more familiar with us. By doing this, we’re able to become as knowledgeable about you and your project as possible. While going through this information gathering process, it is our expectation to ultimately arrive at a goal of a shared creative vision with you the client. This vision is one that will give you, the individual, and your project an artistic identity. With no costs for revisions the development of your customized landscape design is never finished until you, the client, are completely satisfied. By taking this approach it allows us to know exactly how you feel about your project’s future and completely satisfy your desires. Once finalization of your Landscape design has happened and contractual terms are agreed upon, implementation of your design can commence and installation can now begin.
Build - Construction
Truly masters of their trade, it is our construction department that will transform your dream into reality. You will have a team of dedicated, experienced and professional individuals whose goal is to deliver you the best product and service possible.FLATWORK (Patios, Terraces, Walkways & Driveways): Natural Stone & PaversOUTDOOR LIVING SPACES (Entertainment, Relaxation and Kitchen Areas)RETAINING WALLS & SEATWALLS: Mortared Natural Stone, Dry Set Natural Stone, Interlocking Wall SystemsPILLARS & COLUMNS: Mortared Natural Stone & Interlocking Wall SystemsMASONRY & CONCRETE: Concrete Pours, Stone Veneer & CappingCOMPREHENSIVE PLANTING & BED PREPARATIONCARPENTRY: Pergolas, Decks, Arbors and GazebosWATER FEATURESWATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS (see Green Services)OUTDOOR LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
Truly masters of their trade, it is our construction department that will transform your dream into reality. You will have a team of dedicated, experienced and professional individuals whose goal is to deliver you the best product and service possible.
The value of your new investment is measured by how well maintained it is. Your dedicated maintenance team will help your landscape investment reach its full potential.RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE PROGRAMSSIX STEP LAWNCARE PROGRAM - Keeps your lawn lush, green and weed free throughout the year. SIX STEP TREE & SHRUB PROGRAM - Promotes health & vigor to all your new and existing trees & shrubs. LAWN AERATION - Is used to cut through the thatch build up so that your lawn can obtain the water, oxygen and fertilizer it requires. SPRING CLEAN UP - Kick off the season with a thorough cleaning of the planting beds including pruning and edging.SUMMER & DORMANT PRUNING - Increase flower production, improve overall shape, and thwart off disease and insect infestation by pruning the appropriate shrubs and trees at the appropriate time. FALL CLEAN UP - Put your landscape to bed with an overall clean up including leaf removal, pruning and a final mowing. MOWING SERVICES - Weekly mowing services available in select areas.
The value of your new investment is measured by how well maintained it is. Your dedicated maintenance team will help your landscape investment reach its full potential.
Signature Services
In Addition to our main four services, we also offer you the following specialty services:
Four Cycle Seasonal Color Program
Outdoor Events & Party Preparation Program
Outdoor Landscape Lighting
CONTACT US
Your name
Your email
Company Information
Address: 6754 Indian Creek Rd.
Long Grove, IL 60047
Phone: (847) 949-6667
Fax: (847) 949-6668
Subject
Message (Be as specific & include additional contact info)
Stay in touch and keep up with news, tips, events and announcements by joining our facebook group
PLEASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING
Our group in facebook is designed to interactively network with current clients and friends. By joining our group, you will benefit by:
If you do not want certain information from your facebook profile viewed by members of our group, you will need to set your security settings to "friends only". By doing this, only "YOUR" friends will be able to view your profile.
Here's how to do this once you are logged into Facebook:
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News
Company News and Updates
March 20, 2009
September 15, 2009
September 25,26,27 2009
November 2009
January 12, 2009
January 20, 2009
February 5, 2009
February 11, 2009
February 13, 2009
March 1, 2009
Green
Green & Sustainable
Newspapers, radio, television, magazines, podcasts, blogs, in fact any media you can think of, has awoken to the issue of climate change and global warming. The environment is where we all live, and the healthy ecosystems that have historically benefitted humans and other organisms are in danger. Poul's recognizes these issues and is taking an initiative towards environmental sustainability.
"Environmental Sustainability" is the design, construction and operational practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. As landscapers, we are committed to finding ways to help grow this dream for future generations into reality. Our initiative will grow as we learn more from the plethora of data and research being conducted by leaders in the field of environmental sustainability.
Our Green Initiatives:
FOSSIL FUELS
We have begun our transition toward vehicles with better fuel efficiency. Better fuel efficient trucks and hybrid vehicles will help reduce the amount of harmful carbon emissions released into our environment thus help reduce the world's dependency on oil.
RECYCLING PROGRAM
If it is recyclable, we will recycle. This means old computers, paper, plastic, glass and landscape wastes. Our recycling and composting program helps reduce the amount of wastes going into landfills, thereby reducing the amount of harmful gasses that are released into our environment.
MULCH
We refuse to us Cypress in our mulches thereby not contributing to the present destruction of wetland forests along the Gulf Coast.
TECHNOLOGY = LESS PAPER
Our progression into new technologies enables us to use less paper. For example, the use of satellite global positioning technology enables us to electronically route our crews, replacing paper maps with digital imagery.
TREE NURSERY
Our own 165 acre nursery grows a carefully selected line of trees that can help long-term efforts to reduce the amount of harmful carbons in the atmosphere.
Poul's Green Initiatives Program
Poul's Planet Blue Rainwater Harvesting Program - Blue is the new Green
Rainwater Harvesting
"Forget for a moment about carbon emissions - the world is facing a more immediate crisis - - it is running out of clean water."
- Inc. Magazine, November 2008
Rain Gardens & Barrels
Environmental Garden Initiatives
Habitat & Vegetable Gardens
Water Harvesting
What Is Rainwater Harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is the gathering, or accumulating and storing, of rainwater.
How We Can Help You Harvest RainwaterWe help people harvest rainwater using a 3 step process:Step 1 - Capture rainwater from rooftops and permeable surfaces such as permeable driveways, patios, parking area, etc.Step 2 - Filter the captured rainwater into underground rain tanks.Step 3 - Apply the captured rainwater toward applications that are environmentally and aesthetically pleasing.
How We Can Help You Harvest Rainwater
We help people harvest rainwater using a 3 step process:
STEP 1
STEP 3
Washing Cars
Watering Plants
STEP 2
. . . and more
Decorative Water Features
Learn More
WHY HARVEST WATER?
1) Great for the Environment
2) Makes Dollars and Sense
3) Better for your Landscape and Plants
4) Available Financial Incentives & Assistance
4) Supports U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) Criteria that
Defines "Green Building" by Qualifying for LEED Points
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
1) Homeowners, Commercial and Institutional Buildings
2) Professionals
3) Schools
4) Public Gardens and Arboretums
Click here to learn more about the USGBC and its LEED point system
DID YOU KNOW?
Rain Gardens & Rain Barrels
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are a beautiful way to capture rainwater long enough for it to have the chance to soak into the soil and aquifer rather than run off into the nearest sewer drain.
Benefits of having a rain garden:
You can learn more about rain gardens by visiting the Raingarden Network website.
Rain Barrels
Harvesting rainwater doesn't have to be cost prohibitive. We can install your own rain barrel so that you can enjoy its benefits knowing that you are contributing to our planet's conservation of water. The types of rain barrels we install are innovative and more decorative than most rain barrels currently available in the market today.
Benefits of Rain Barrels:
1) Simple to incorporate into existing drainage systems and gutters.
2) Allows you to keep plants growing during watering restrictions.
3) Rain water is better for plants than municipally treated water.
Habitat Gardens
Become more sustainable (green) by incorporating habitat gardens to your landscape. Urbanization is threatening local plant vegetation and is also driving away birds and insects responsible for the reproduction and pollination of important plants. Since habitat gardens incorporates more native plants, they are better for the environment than exotic plants, generally requiring less fertilizer and other additives, less water, and less effort in pest control. They will also help restore wildlife to their natural habitat.
Vegetable Gardens
Become more sustainable (green) by incorporating a vegetable garden in your landscape. The average distance our vegetables travel to make it to our tables can be staggering. Having a vegetable garden of your own can be rewarding and it's also a great way to get the whole family involved.
Videos
Sustainability
The Importance of Harvesting Rainwater
Water Harvesting is a Global Initiative
See how India is promoting the awareness of rainwater harvesting
Permeable Pavers Used to Harvest Rainwater
See how an Irish school uses permeable pavers for rainwater harvesting
GE Water Harvesting Commercial
Even General Electric is promoting water harvesting
The Vegetable Garden Revolution
See how people are becoming more sustainable by growing their own vegetables
LEED Certified Home
This is a good example of how houses are being built for sustainability
Rainwater Harvesting-Educational
Sustainable House
Water Harvesting for Schools
- (permeable pavers)
Water Harvesting in India (promo)
Vegetable Gardening
Videos shown here are for educational purposes only. They are direct video links to videos posted on Youtube.com. Please notify us if any videos are not available since Youtube has the right to remove any videos that do not meet their guidelines at any time.
U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL (USGBC)
As a U.S. Green Building Council member, we understand the importance of making green buildings available to everyone within a generation, and this is why we are committed in helping this process by launching our Poul's Planet Blue Rainwater Harvesting Program. Rainwater harvesting plays an important role in a building's ability to become green. This is why the USGBC is a strong advocate and supports it by allowing it to earn LEED™ points that can be applied toward a building's LEED™ Certification.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) Green Building Rating System™ was devised as a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED™ was initially created by the USGBC to establish a common measurement to define the term “green building.” It has since grown into a program aimed at raising awareness of and promoting integrated “green” building projects.
Rainwater harvesting addresses many of the principles embodied in the LEED™ Green Building Rating System™. These principles are:
• Conserving water
• Reducing energy consumption
• Reducing the depletion of natural resources and materials
• Creating a sustainable site
• Use of innovative design
LEED POINTS FOR WATER HARVESTING:
Sustainable Sites - 4 Credits
By temporarily storing large volumes of water in a small footprint, the rain tanks allows you to maximize open space (credit 5.1) while minimizing the development footprint (credit 5.2). This will also reduce the total quantity of stormwater runoff (credit 6.1). Incorporating rain tanks as part of a bioretention system can help remove pollutants from runoff, as well (credit 6.2).
Water Efficiency - 5 Credits
The rain tanks can be wrapped with a liner, allowing rain water or gray water stored in the system to be reused to irrigate the landscaping (credits 1.1, 1.2 and 2), resulting in reduced demand on the building’s potable water resources (credits 3.1 and 3.2).
Materials and Resources - 3 Credits
The rain tanks used are always made from recycled plastics (credits 4.1 and 4.2). The completely modular rain tank system can be shipped to the jobsite fully assembled from warehouse facility, or can be shipped flat and assembled on site (credit 5.1).
Innovation & Design Process - 1 Credit
There are many ways to incorporate rain tanks into a project design. From basic underground storage to bioretention and water recycling, rain tanks present many opportunities to get your project LEED Certified.
Rain barrel by Aquascape Inc.
This decorative, urn-style RainXchange™ Rain Barrel can be incorporated into existing gutter and drainage systems. While most rain barrels only have a 50-gallon capacity, this rain barrel has a 75-gallon capacity that allows for greater rainwater storage.
It is a great way for consumers to begin harvesting rainwater. The rain barrel requires no electricity and the large internal overflow system keeps water in the barrel and away from the house. Durable plastic walls withstand extreme conditions and a 5-year warranty is included. A brass spigot is available for connecting garden hoses for easy irrigation. The childproof lockable lid has a screened gutter inlet and can be used as a planter to help naturalize the barrel into the landscape design. The attractive design is an aesthetic option for stormwater management over traditional rain barrels that tend to be an eyesore in the landscape.
Career Opportunities
Landscape Architect
We are currently seeking an experienced Registered Landscape Architect with a proven track record to design and sell high-end residential landscape projects. Individual must be self motivated, personable, well-networked and able to work well with others. Individual must also have creativity and experience with outdoor living areas. LEED certification and/or experience with environmental designs that foster sustainable aesthetic principles are a definite plus. This opportunity includes a competitive salary, benefits and a tremendous upside potential.
Send, fax or email resume to:
c/o Poul's Landscaping, Inc.
6754 W. Indian Creek Rd.
fax: (847) 949-0398
email: dan_pouls.com
Address: 6754 W. Indian Creek Rd., Long Grove, IL 60047 Phone: (847) 949-6667 Fax: (847) 949-6668 Email: info_pouls.com
