Advice

Sustainability alone doesn’t sell. A garden that keeps thriving does.

Sustainability is everywhere in the green sector today. But when you sit down with a client, you quickly notice one thing: hardly anyone actually asks for a “sustainable” garden. Clients want something else. They want a garden that stays beautiful, without too many unexpected problems. A garden they can enjoy for years, without unforeseen costs or repairs. And that’s exactly where your opportunity lies. Because a thoughtfully designed and well-prepared garden will also perform well in the long term — without you even having to mention the word “sustainable.” The key? Strong soil and consistent, organic nutrients.

Why a strong start determines everything

Problems in the garden rarely start with the plant itself; the cause is almost always below ground. Yet this is often where costs are cut during the landscaping process.

That’s understandable: soil improvement isn’t immediately visible, whereas a flowering border of a lush green lawn delivers instant visual impact. Sometimes preparation is compromised due to tight project timelines, but that choice comes with consequences. Poorly prepared soil can lead to growth problems, plant loss (sometimes involving expensive plants), uneven lawn development, or borders that never truly reach balance. Not ideal for your client — and even less so for you. After all, it results in extra site visits, (unpaid) corrective work and conversations you’d rather avoid. Proper soil preparation is therefore not an additional cost; it’s the foundation of a sustainable garden.

Soil analysis: the step that prevents many problems

Every soil is different. Sand, loam, clay, compacted layers, extreme pH levels, low organic matter content: all these factors determine how plants will perform in a new garden. That’s why a soil analysis often pays off much sooner than many professionals expect. You can create the strongest planting plan possible, but if the soil and the plant are not well matched, problems are almost inevitable.

Planting a rhododendron or azalea in calcareous soil without adjustment? That’s asking for chlorosis, stunted growth, and a disappointed client. With a suitable soil improver, this could have been avoided from day one.

Soil also plays a key role for yew. On heavy, poorly drained soils, root problems and plant loss are common. The difference between a hedge that grows dense and healthy for years and one full of gaps lies in proper soil improvement. Soil first, plants second — that’s the rule.

Why Stefaan Brouckaert never cuts corners on soil improvement

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If you have to come back 20 times, it’s often at your own expense — so a good start is essential.

Stefaan Brouckaert , Tuinen Brouckaert

Soil improvement: your one opportunity to get it right

When creating a new garden, you only get one real opportunity to properly improve the soil. Once the garden is installed, making adjustments becomes more difficult, more expensive, and more time-consuming.

That’s why soil improvement is one of the most cost-effective decisions in a garden project — for both the client and you.

A well-prepared soil:

stimulates stronger root development
retains water during dry periods
prevents stress during heavy rainfall
supports soil life
reduces plant loss and follow-up repair costs.

Especially today, with longer dry spells and more extreme rainfall, a strong soil structure makes an even greater difference. A garden is not something that works perfectly from day one. It is a living system in which soil, plants and weather continuously interact. However, a strong start makes the final result far more predictable.

And that’s what your clients experience. Not because you tell them it’s sustainable, but because their garden simply continues to thrive.

Why organic nutrients make a difference in the long term

In addition to soil, nutrition is a crucial factor. Many clients still think in terms of “faster growth.” But as a garden contractor, you actually want to avoid growth peaks. Rapid growth results in weaker plants that are more sensitive to stress. Moreover, these growth peaks are often followed by setbacks, which can lead to concerned clients. That’s why more and more professionals are choosing organic fertilisers with a gradual release, such as DCM MIX 2, DCM VITAL-GREEN and DCM ECOR® 2. These products form the very foundation of a strong garden.

They are also easier to explain to your clients. “With this type of fertiliser, nutrients are released gradually, allowing plants to grow steadily at their own, natural pace.” It’s a message that is immediately understood, without even needing to use the word “sustainable.”

What does this mean for you as a garden contractor?

Sustainability is not a theoretical concept or a marketing term. Creating a sustainable garden translates directly into benefits on site:

less plant loss → fewer (unpaid) repairs
plants that grow well → less follow-up
stronger soil → less climate-related stress
greater predictability → fewer discussions
satisfied clients → more word-of-mouth referrals

And most importantly: you gain peace of mind in your planning. Because the most expensive projects aren’t the ones where you invest in soil and fertilisers – they’re the ones where you have to return afterwards.

How do you explain this to clients?

The way you structure your story makes all the difference. Focus on the result and the benefits, using concrete examples. Only mention the word “sustainable” at the end. What messages work well?

“We prepare the soil properly so that your plants take root more strongly and you have less risk of plant loss.”
“We start with a soil analysis, so we know exactly what works here and what doesn’t.”
“We choose fertilisers with a gradual release, so plants don’t experience growth peaks or deficiencies.”
“We select plants that match the soil conditions — delivering the best long-term results.”

DCM as a practical partner

A garden that stays beautiful for years starts with making the right choices from the very beginning. With targeted advice on soil improvement and organic fertilisers based on soil analyses, DCM supports garden contractors in their day-to-day work. Not with theory, but with practical product advice tailored to your project. What works where? Why do plants fail? How do you build a more stable soil? Every garden is different — and that’s exactly why practical advice is essential.

Ultimately, the same principle applies to everyone: a garden that continues to perform well, and clients who enjoy it for years to come.

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We are very satisfied with the excellent results we achieve using the DCM fertilisation plan. Plants grow well, and their condition and vitality are optimal. Most importantly, all our clients are satisfied.

Tuinontwerper Martien Borrenbergs , Bart Faassen Hoveniers

Brief Summary

Because most garden problems don’t start with the plant, but in the soil. Well-prepared soil prevents plant loss, growth issues, and plant stress — as well as unexpected aftercare.

Organic fertilisers ensure steady, balanced growth without peaks, allowing plants to develop more strongly and predictably. This results in fewer problems and less follow-up work afterwards.

Less plant loss, fewer complaints, and less repair work bring peace of mind to your planning. At the same time, client satisfaction increases and word-of-mouth referrals grow.