The first generation of Zimmerman Landscaping began with Del Zimmerman in 1929. With a degree from Michigan Agricultural College (a.k.a. Michigan State University today) in Landscape Architecture, Del began his business on the corner of West M-72 and Bay St in Traverse City. His wife, Dawn was in charge of the Zimmerman House and Garden Shop, which sold high quality garden and home accessories. Most of Dawn’s customers remember sitting by the fireplace with her sharing stories and good times. Del had a very successful business that served Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie and Antrim Counties!

Del’s son, John, lived and breathed the landscaping business every day. The family home was located adjacent to where the business and garden shop operated. John, like his father, attended Michigan State College (a.k.a. Michigan State University today) to study Landscape Architecture as well. In 1970, John, and his wife Jacque purchased the landscaping and nursery business from Del and Dawn. John and Jacque purchased the land up the hill on M-72 that was the Hoolihan farm, complete with the farmhouse, barn and chicken coop. This is where they developed Zimmerman Landscaping. Over time, they paved the driveway and removed the old farm buildings. The Zimmerman family still refers to the business as “the farm.”

John and Jacque built up the business tremendously over the next three decades. They tripled the stock of plants, trees and shrubs to support demand over the years, greatly expanded the landscaping services the business provided, and added irrigation installation and hardscapes to the mix. Now, the business has one of the largest plant selections in the area. John and Jacque have two sons in the landscaping business. Today, their son Matthew and daughter Kristin own and manage the business and represent the 3rd generation of Zimmerman Landscaping.