Even if you bedeck a bedroom together with the very best of them or can decorate a living room, landscape design has a unique set. Not only does this require a completely different skill set from interior design, but in addition, it changes and evolves over time — blossoms wither trees older, shrubs grow and spread. And that is where a landscape pro can prove to be priceless. Follow our tips for locating, hiring and working with landscapers to create your yard the envy of the area.
Determine which type of landscape pro matches your requirements. Before you begin, you’ll need to ascertain the skill set that best fits the range of job you have in mind.
Landscape architects, who typically hold advanced degrees in their field, are trained to come up with comprehensive structural and decorative plans that include hardscaping, water use, and drainage in addition to plant selection and garden design. Plans can also include alterations to the exterior of the house as part of the general exterior design.
Landscape designers may or may not have advanced training. They often concentrate on the side of yard and garden preparation, but many do work.
Landscape contractors implement the programs laid out by a landscape architect or designer. Sometimes, a landscape contractor also provides design solutions. Based upon your vision to your yard, you may choose to utilize any or all of these kinds of professionals.
Exteriors From Chad Robert
Establish a budget. As with interior design and remodeling projects, have a firm idea of what you wish to spend before you contact a pro. Not only can this give the landscaper a set of parameters and a point, it will save both of you frustration in the future. You do not need to fall in love with sketches of lavish flowers and stately trees, just to learn they’re beyond reach, and a pro does not wish to waste time drawing up comprehensive plans that will afterwards must be scratched.
With a target cost in hand, a pro may also indicate creative solutions that may never come into play otherwise, assisting you to extend your budget to get the most mileage out of each dollar.
Scout out potential resources. Have you got friends whose gardens blossoms with lavish color or look to win “Yard of the Month” once a season? Ask whether they utilize specialist help, and if that’s the case, put those experts on your short list. Local botanical gardens and homebuilders’ associations are other excellent places to seek names.
Barenz Builders
Assess licensing and references. Assess for certificate requirements in your area. This is particularly true when it comes to elements with security ramifications, such as walls and retaining walls. If certification is required for your occupation and your area, confirm licensure for each pro you consider. When you have narrowed it down to two or three finalists, get references from each and be diligent about checking them. If past customers are happy, chances are you’ll be too.
Provide useful documents. Although your landscape pro will run an initial site visit and walk-through initially of this project, they will probably require a copy of your house plat in order to start work on your design, particularly if there are building licenses involved. You can also be asked to complete a questionnaire or other info sheet to assist the expert understand your requirements and requests as completely as possible.
Samuel H. Williamson Associates
Know the look you want. It can help to have at least a basic idea of your favorite style and upkeep level. Would you rather have formal gardens or a wilder, more free-form look? Would you like plants that thrive under benign neglect, or are you prepared to take on specimens that require a great deal of attention and care? Will you need paths, pavers or other hardscaping? How would you like to water? Just a little direction will help your pro fine-tune your options.
At precisely the exact same time, allow room for imagination — your landscaper’s creativity and experience are the reason you hired them.
Be open to suggestion and feedback. And do not automatically nix plants you think you dislike; you may find they gain a whole new appeal as a portion of the ideal general scheme.
Andrew Renn
Set a maintenance plan. When the landscape crew has packed up their spades and shovels, you’re responsible for keeping your yard in tiptop form. If you’ll be tackling the maintenance of your garden once it is set up, your landscape pro should provide an outline of what tasks to get ready for, in addition to when and how often to perform them. If you’d rather employ a gardener to perform the maintenance job, request the landscaper for recommendations. Some companies provide both services; assess whether this is the situation.
More: 4 Steps to the Perfect Garden
Lay of the Landscape: Natural Garden Style
Find a pro: Landscape architects | Landscape designers | Landscape contractors