Ann Arbor-area landscaping and nursery business to close after nearly 40 years

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — After nearly 40 years of operating in Lodi Township, Abbott’s Landscape Nursery is set to close on June 30.

The business just outside of Ann Arbor at 2781 Scio Church Road has been helping customers with their landscaping needs since 1983. However, Owner Michael Abbott said he is officially ready to retire, which only means one thing for the business.

“To be honest, it’s a simple decision,” he said. “We can retire now and we decided it’s time … We also have been working a lot of years at this and have dedicated so much time to it.”

Abbott said his children chose different career paths in their lives so none of them will be taking over the family business. Moving forward, the business owner said it isn’t necessary for him to sell the 20 acres of land or business. However, he is considering offers for anyone interested in leasing the property.

“We aren’t pursuing (anything) at this point,” he said. “We’re really focused still on customers and (doing) business as usual right now.”

Back when Abbott began his business, he started with designing and installing landscaping for customers. Once he bought the property in Lodi Township he was able to open its nursery section in 1985 and offers customers flowers, trees, shrubs and other plants to choose from.

Abbott said he has really enjoyed what he has been able to do for customers with his business over the years. One of his favorite parts was going to people’s houses and helping them improve or create their own gardens with plants and other additions like walkways, retaining walls and even ponds.

“I’ve always loved creating things and we like to feel like it’s artistic,” he said. “It’s something that we don’t just get done (but instead) are looking to do as good of a job as we can do when we are doing that sort of work.”

Abbott said his business has been able cater to Ann Arbor gardeners while also offering a diverse selection of plants people can’t get anywhere else. He added he has even been able to offer customers the chance to create a wish list that would influence what plants he would bring to the nursery.

While Abbott said he will miss the customers he has come to know over the years, he is ready to enjoy retirement with his wife, Sue, who has also been a huge help to Abbott’s operations and success.

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