[Stonehenge]

With the incredible growth we've seen in our site over the last several months, I'm noticing some homeowners registering as new members.

While we welcome homeowners as members here, we want you to keep in mind that this site was not designed for people outside of the landscaping industry.

If you have questions about your landscape, whether it's about lawn seeding, a brick patio, retaining wall or anything else in the landscape, your questions should be asked in this forum.

When you do start a discussion here, please keep in mind that this is a forum for people in the landscaping industry, and not really designed for homeowners. Most of our members are business owners, looking to stay current with the latest trends and technologies, and their participation in all discussions, including ones put forth by homeowners, are strictly voluntary.

[Stonehenge]

Here's some additional information I'd like the homeowners here to read:

Although the professionals here may lend their expertise and opinion in answering your questions, please remember a couple of things about landscaping and the Internet.

1. You will be getting general guidelines and direction from our professional members. Many of these folks have extensive experience and are willing to share their opinions about accomplishing hardscaping and landscaping projects. These comments are not intended to be step-by-step instructions. Any action that you may undertake as a result of discussions here will be at your own risk. There shall be no liability to this forum, the owner of the forum or any forum member. Please see the Ground Trades Xchange Terms of Use

2. Often there are potential problem areas on a site that are not obvious in a photo. Sometimes these are overlooked by the homeowner. Each site and job has particular elements that we can't see over the Internet, thus a local professional should be consulted. Please call a professional landscape company to help you.

3. There are certain hardscape construction projects that require the services of professional engineers, landscape architects, electricians, plumbers and other licensed professionals. No amount of research on your part will substitute for the certifications and expertise that your local jurisdiction may require for building. Retaining walls and decks are especially vulnerable to failure. Please call a professional landscape company to help you.

4. You may find that some of our members offer their services in your locality. I encourage you to contact them. Please understand that each member conducts business in the their own way and Groundtradesxchange bears no responsibility for any outcome of those potential relationships.

Thanks to Lanelle for drafting this.