Services and processes

At Alabama Living Shorelines, LLC we strive to provide a stress-free project experience for our clients. As such, we handle all project aspects in house, including design, permitting, project management and installation. Below is a list of our services and a description of and costs associated with each step of the process.

1. Living Shorelines projects

Initial site visit

Free — After reaching out to us, we will schedule a time to meet and begin assessment of the property using the address you provide. At the site visit, we’ll discuss your concerns with the property and what features you would like to have incorporated into the design (e.g., plant selection, historical elements). Then we will begin an assessment of site-specific bio- and geo-morphic characteristics. We’ll then discuss your options. If we find something that works for you and your property, we’ll prepare an estimate for project costs.

Estimate

Free — In the estimate you can expect a written description of the project as we discussed in person and an estimate of the costs associated with the project, to include: permit preparation, materials, project management and installation. If you find the estimate acceptable, we require a retainer of 30% of the estimated project cost to begin preparing the permit application.

Permit preparation and follow-up

$125/hr — The time it takes to prepare and follow-up on a permit application (i.e., to approval) varies depending on project complexity, agency representatives, volume of projects handled by agencies, and other factors. We typically estimate 16 hours for this process but this figure is subject to change depending on the effort required.

Project installation

Variable by project— Once the project permit is approved, we will begin installation within 14 days, depending on weather and tidal considerations.

Billing

Variable by project — After project installation, we’ll email an invoice for final project costs minus the retainer.

2. Invasive plant species management

Invasive plants possess a number of features that allow them to out-compete our native flora. Traditional approaches to invasive species management typically includes liberal use of chemicals but these applications often fail to solve the underlying issues that allow invasive plants to be competitive. In some instances, targeted chemical application is absolutely necessary but at Alabama Living Shorelines, LLC, we take a holistic approach to invasive plant species management that leverages our 8+ years of experience in plant ecology and landscaping to design thriving micro-ecosystems that are more resistant to the establishment of invasives.

Initial site visit

Free — After reaching out to us, we will schedule a time to meet at your property. During the site visit, we’ll discuss your concerns and walk around the property to identify specific property issues. We’ll then prepare an estimate for project costs.

Estimate

Free — In the estimate you can expect a written description of the project as we discussed in person and an estimate of the costs associated with the project. If you find the estimate acceptable, we’ll begin work within 14 days, depending on weather.

Billing

Variable by project — After project installation, we’ll email an invoice for final project costs.

Other Services

Have a unique environmental issue or concern? Our team thrives on new challenges and has the experience to deliver effective, environmentally-sound solutions forged from years of necessity-driven innovation doing ecological research in remote areas and solving time-sensitive construction needs. In addition to custom solutions, we offer upland grading and drainage for coastal needs. Contact us for more information.