FAQ

Below are some common questions, which we have grouped into categories.

Do they offer a guarantee on their work?

We guarantee the quality of the plants, materials and workmanship that we purchase. In the event of damage caused by lightning or water run-off beyond our control (lack of proper drainage), the guarantee is unfortunately not valid.

What is guaranteed?

We are also at your disposal for regular and seasonal gardening work. We provide professional garden design, garden construction, mechanical earthworks, lawns, garden maintenance, installation of modern irrigation systems, rock gardens, paving.

Are you insured for damage caused during the work?

Yes, all our work is insured against possible damage.

What services do they offer?

Over the years, we have developed a wealth of expertise and relevant experience in the design and construction of Mediterranean, mountain, romantic, minimal and small-scale gardens, as well as spectacular rock gardens.

What types of gardens have you worked with so far?

When are you not working?

We are basically available all year round. In recent years, we have found that even in mild winters, we are able to carry out certain work. Unfortunately, if it is rainy, the weather makes it impossible for us to work. Unfortunately, the rain can also turn away when we have already started some processes in the garden, in which case we also have to wait until after the rain to allow sufficient time for drying. Our terms and conditions include details on rain.

I want to use the garden in the spring. When should I call you?

If you have a large area and you want a full garden design, you should contact us in the early autumn, as the design process is a longer one. Once the logistics have been organised, you can start some of the work in the winter and have the garden ready for spring.

For smaller jobs and green space management, just contact us at the beginning of the year and together we can fix a date when you want to start using your newly tended garden.

How many different ways to plant a garden?

Basically, there are two types: turf establishment using seeded technology, i.e. when grass seed is used, and turf laying, another popular method of grassing. Not sure which to choose? Feel free to ask us, we are happy to give you expert advice.

Should you install the irrigation system before or after the grassing?

Before you start grassing, it’s a good idea to plan your irrigation system first. As your lawn will need regular and large amounts of water, it is difficult or impossible to provide this with hand watering. In addition, it is particularly important for the lawn to have plenty of water in the first few weeks after it has been watered in order to allow it to grow and strengthen, so it is definitely worth investing in an automatic irrigation system before you start watering.

Which costs less: grassing or laying turf?

Although grass lawns are slightly cheaper, if you want an immediate and spectacular solution, we recommend the grass burning technique, because you can enjoy a beautiful lawn almost immediately.

I don't have time to look after the garden, so I need constant help. Can I call you?

Our company undertakes both permanent and temporary assignments, so if you don’t have the energy or time to spend on your garden and would rather spend time with your loved ones, contact us. You can count on our expertise all year round, all at affordable prices of course.

The green belt around the house is completely neglected. What should I do?

We provide a full garden construction service, so if you need to revamp your garden from A to Z, you can count on us. Whether you have a specific vision for your dream garden or you want to make the most of your garden, your yard and nature and need expert help, we can help.

Free quote and garden plan?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee this free of charge, as it takes us many hours to prepare a complete and accurate quote. Even if it is a small job, as we have to take travel and time loss into account.

The amount of the first survey will be deducted from the price of the work if we are ultimately chosen. Our terms and conditions provide further details.

What should a quote look like?

Both the form and the content may vary, but the main thing is to be clear, comprehensible and accurate.We always prepare the quotation in such a way that the amounts are shown separately for each item, with the cost of materials and labour separately, per job, net and gross.

How do I know who is a trusted professional?

It’s definitely worth checking references and reading reviews. We feature our own photos on our website, all taken at 1-1 of our locations of us and their equipment.

It’s definitely worth talking through a few things first time. Including the purchase of materials, the contract and billing.

Of course, unfortunately, there can always be construction errors, we solve this with a contract amendment and a final sum amendment in case of such a problem. But in any case, we will deliver what we ask for in a way that our client is completely satisfied.

What should I do if I have been banned for buying goods of unsuitable quality?

Meliva Ltd. has gained reliable and professional partners over the years. Nevertheless, there may be one or two damaged plants. In this case we will not take the plants in question from our partner and will of course deduct them from the invoice. Or, if required, we will order new plants and plant them later.

How much does this and this garden cost?

No two areas are the same, no two gardens are the same, using the same materials and plants. So in every case, after a personal survey, we prepare a quote tailored to the individual garden.

If I decide that I want a garden, how long will it take me to start using it?

Depending on the weather and construction, it can take up to 5-6 months to complete a large garden. However, if it’s a small job or green space management, it can take around 3-6 weeks after the contract is signed.

Our terms and conditions provide details of our timescales.

Why should you have a garden designed and built?

A beautiful garden is the result of careful planning and professional execution. The constant variation of plants (size, shape, colour) makes it worth planning.

After accurate survey and consultation, a scale plan, a visual plan, will give you an idea of the final style and function of the area, according to the garden’s characteristics. Here are some examples of things a garden designer should not overlook in the design.

The shade and light conditions will largely determine the choice of plants for the space, and where the play area or rest area should be located.

How each functional part should be accessible, not just on the basis of the “shortest path between two points is the straight line” principle.

The size of the area can be chosen based on this, and our evergreen and annual plants can be designed around this, thinking about size, colour, shape.

If there are children in the family, choose plants, decorations, etc. For example, as well as designing the play area, you should think about what will happen when the children grow up, how the garden can be transformed, and perhaps what new features will fit in.

Space, drainage, children, pets are all factors, but also the owner’s personality, age or health, if you think about raised beds, steps, prickly plants or ease of maintenance.

Over the years, the garden that is built becomes a garden, and that is when we realise that a well-planned and professionally executed landscaping will be a rewarding sight. We take pleasure in the variety of textures, the brilliant colours, the development of our gardens, and this pleasant sight will, with proper care and attention, remain with the owner for a long time.

What are the advantages of an automatic irrigation system?

You can save time, energy and water by installing a properly configured, modern irrigation system. The irrigation system gives your plants and lawn exactly the amount of water they need. Unlike a traditional hose, an irrigation system disperses water in a straight line to match rainfall.

Who will water the garden when I'm away?

Modern sprinklers are programmable and equipped with rain sensors, which means they are also economical, as the sprinkler system does not start when it rains. The irrigation system will automatically water during a pre-set period even when you are away.

Do you only deal with brand new irrigation systems?

Our company not only installs and adjusts new irrigation systems, but also upgrades, modifies, maintains and repairs old irrigation systems. We offer a guarantee for the irrigation systems we install.

When should you install an irrigation system?

The equipment can be installed at any time when weather and environmental conditions are such that quality workmanship can be achieved. I have installed quite a few times in winter. I’ve also had to move snow off the trail, but the ground wasn’t frozen so I could dig it out.

How long does it take to install an irrigation system?

Without being exhaustive, it depends very much on the size of the area to be irrigated, the complexity of the area, the technical content of the irrigation system, the soil and the number of installers and other specificities. The installation time for a simple 4-5 zone system (average garden) is 1-2 days.

What time of year is ideal for installing?

In fact, irrigation can be installed in any season, weather permitting.

As with garden construction, spring is a busy time for irrigation system installation, when the backlog of work accumulated in the autumn and the general gardening mood can be very busy.

Summer has been the ideal season for garden construction since the advent of automatic irrigation systems. It is not impossible to build a garden with care.

Once again, environmental conditions become ideal in the autumn months to allow the garden in which you have installed an irrigation system to regenerate or set up quickly. In fact, there are plant species, such as conifers, that specifically prefer late autumn planting. Watering is only necessary intermittently or not at all, but the advantage of autumn planting is that there is nothing to do in the spring but start up.

What is the life expectancy of the irrigation system?

In our country, there have been irrigation systems installed for 25 years, but in the USA, the home of this equipment, there have been well-established irrigation systems for much longer.

Since 95% of the whole system is plastic, it is mainly the minimal electronics that are likely to fail. Of course, in an accelerated consumer society, electronic devices deteriorate faster than those manufactured a few decades ago, so it is to be expected that the electronics (automatic control) will need to be replaced from time to time.

Indeed, the larger and more difficult to access part of the system can last for decades with proper use and maintenance. The most common failures are not due to age or wear, or poor material quality. Rather, they are caused by external factors!

Despite the obstacles, depressions and protrusions in my garden, is the robotic lawnmower working properly?

Collisions and obstacles are not a problem in themselves. Difficulties arise when the height of the protrusions causes the robotic lawnmower to get stuck (this can be avoided by laying the boundary wires properly) or when the trees are too densely spaced in the garden. It is therefore important that you ask us for advice in such cases, with the most accurate description of the garden and appropriate pictures attached.

How is the robotic lawnmower calibrated and adjusted?

After successful installation, our specialists will carry out the robot settings and test the mower. We will then explain the basic setup steps, which you should take notes on. For robotic lawnmowers that can be operated from a smartphone, we can help you register and use the app, as well as set up security codes. These steps include setting the mowing time for the robotic lawnmowers.

Does the robotic lawnmower cover the entire working area, leaving no untrimmed lawns?

Yes, the turf robots cover the entire lawn area, which is enclosed by a perimeter. Based on a pre-programmed algorithm, they map it and do their mowing based on that. Some manufacturers and models have a trimming function, which eliminates the need for periodic reworking of the edging.

Do mole holes cause problems with the operation of the machine?

No, the machines are equipped with collision detection sensors, and some models are equipped with ultrasonic sensors, which allow the robotic lawnmowers to change direction and continue their work when they detect an obstacle.

Can I have a robotic lawnmower if I have an irrigation system installed?

Yes, it’s not a barrier! In this case, the working time of the robotic lawnmower must be coordinated with the working time of the irrigation system. This is necessary because the mower can work more efficiently in dry conditions and the cutting image will be better. Uncoordinated mowing/irrigation settings can cause inconveniences, such as protruding irrigation heads.

Does the robotic lawnmower work in the rain?

Yes, the robotic lawnmowers mow the lawn according to pre-set times, regardless of the weather. However, in extreme weather conditions, storms, heavy rain, it is advisable to take the machine into a sheltered area. Some models are equipped with rain-sensing sensors so that they automatically return to the sheltered charging station in the event of a certain amount of rainfall.

Are blades and knives difficult to change?

It’s a very simple process that can be done in a few minutes and is clearly described in the instruction manual of each model. The lifetime of the blades and knives, and therefore the replacement interval, is influenced by several factors (e.g. the frequency of mowing, the quality of the lawn surface, stones and branches in the mowing area), so it is advisable to check the cutting system weekly, always with the machine switched off and wearing protective gloves. Blades cannot be sharpened due to their small size and hard material quality and should be replaced.

How loud is it during operation?

Depending on the model, they operate at a noise level of 50 to 65 dB, which corresponds to the noise level of a working refrigerator. Therefore, night-time mowing settings can be used on the robotic lawnmower, as it does not disturb your own and your neighbours’ peace of mind.

What current is running in the cables, can the cable "shock"?

The cables carry micro-voltages generated by the charging station, which are completely harmless to living organisms.

Can I have a robotic lawnmower if I have pets (dogs, cats)?

Yes! In our experience, pets quickly get used to their “new home” in the garden. Thanks to their anti-collision, anti-lifting and anti-tipping features, robotic lawnmowers do not pose any danger to pets.

How does the robotic lawnmower behave on slopes and hills?

Differences in level are not a problem, with mowers doing their job well on slopes of 30-40%, with some models coping with gradients of up to 70%.

What kind of machinery do they have?

We have a variety of modern machinery, such as forklift trucks, tractors and branch chippers.

Do you also offer transport?

Of course we can take several tipper flatbed trucks available. We can only deliver to drop-off and pick-up locations, which have additional pick-up costs.

Won't it ruin the garden, the pavements, if the machine comes into the garden?

Thanks to its light weight and small size, our machine can travel safely and without damage even in narrow spaces, on pavements and roof gardens.

What is included in the hourly rate?

The hourly rate includes the provision of qualified personnel, fuel, lubricants and other materials necessary for safe operation.

Can the operator give professional advice during landscaping?

Our qualified staff, or our foremen, will always help you to plan the landscaping in a way that is soil- and cost-efficient.