How to Hire a Landscaper

When it comes to creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space, hiring a skilled landscape designer can make all the difference. With their expertise and knowledge, landscape design services can transform your yard into a stunning oasis that reflects your personal style and enhances the overall value of your property. However, with so many landscape designers out there, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. We have some tips to help you find the perfect landscape company.

What Does a Landscape Designer Do?

A landscape designer has a good working knowledge of a range of trees, shrubs, flowers and hardscaping options to help them plan an attractive, functional, and long-lasting outdoor area. Landscape designers usually work on residential properties. Landscape architects do a similar job but tend to work on larger, commercial projects.

You can expect your landscape contractor to meet with you for an initial consultation, then take your ideas and create a plan for your landscape remodel. You should have a chance to review the plan together and make small changes before it is finalized. A good landscaping design company will take into account your own ideas, requirements and preferences as well as using their knowledge of local climate, growing conditions, and suitable plants.

Some garden designers work independently. These designers will be able to take you through initial consultations and finalize a landscape plan. However, it will then be up to you to carry out the installation yourself, or to find a local landscaping company to do that for you.

It can be a much simpler option to go for a professional organization that can work with you on the design phase and then send in their installation crew to carry out the practical side of the project. You can then be sure that design plans will be implemented properly. You won't have to worry about working with multiple contractors to get your improvement project completed.

Some landscaping contractors even have an ongoing maintenance option, meaning that they will regularly take care of your outdoor space to keep it looking fresh and beautiful.

Choosing the Right Landscape Designer

Experience and Credentials

A good landscape design firm will provide information on its website about employees' experience and credentials. Some landscape designers may have an undergraduate degree, but many are self-taught and learn on the job. Check each potential landscaping company's website to find out about their experience and previous projects.

It's a good sign if your potential landscape designer has completed several previous projects in your local area. This means they are likely to have a good knowledge of which plants work well in your local climate and which ones to avoid. Your garden design should include plants that will thrive in your soil type and microclimate.

Client Reviews and Testimonials

One of the best ways to tell whether a potential landscaping design company is the one you want to go with is to check out their previous projects, client reviews and testimonials.

Check the company's website or social media to see what people are saying. If previous clients in your area have had positive experiences with landscape plans and other services, that's a good sign! On the other hand, a company that is unable to provide reviews or testimonials may be one to avoid.

Communication Skills

One crucial part of any collaborative project is the ability for everyone to communicate effectively. An experienced landscape designer should be a good communicator, able to listen to the client's needs and express a clear response. An initial phone conversation will help you gauge your potential landscape contractor's range of experience and give you a feel for their communication skills.

Know What You Want

Before you contact any potential landscape designers, make sure you know what services you need. Are you just looking for concept development and design, or do you want an installation service as well?

Know Your Budget

It's important to have a budget in mind for your entire project to be sure that your designer can create an achievable plan within your specifications. Bear in mind that, as with any construction project, you get what you pay for; using quality materials may cost a little more but will bring longer-lasting satisfaction with your new outdoor space.

Remember that a professional landscaping project can increase the value of your home by 5-15%. Many homeowners budget around 10% of their property's value for a complete landscape remodel.

Prepare for the Initial Consultation

Once you have decided which landscape contractor you would like to work with, you'll be able to make an appointment for the initial consultation. Before you meet, there are some helpful questions you could consider to ensure you get the most out of your design consultation:

• What functionality do you want from your outdoor space? The way you plan to use your garden space will have the biggest impact on your landscape project. Are you looking for a lush outdoor oasis, or do you want to focus on entertaining and outdoor living?
• Are there any favorite plants you'd like to include? Do you prefer native plants, or would you like to see exotics in your planting plan? Do you want plants that will encourage birds, bees or butterflies to visit your backyard?
• What design styles do you prefer? Consider making a mood board of your preferred design aesthetic.
• Are there any specific features you would like to incorporate? Perhaps a water feature, outdoor lighting, or a practical yet beautiful rain garden to absorb excess water after heavy rainfall?
• Do you have a time frame? Many landscaping companies have some flexibility and will be able to work with you on setting a realistic time scale for the completion of the project.

What Next?

After your design consultation, your landscape designer will come up with a schematic design. This may take the form of a top-down plan or a 3D rendering. Your designer will meet with you to approve the plan, giving you the chance to make small changes before you approve the design.

At this stage, the planning process is complete. If you are working with a design-only service, it will be up to you to find contractors or do the work yourself to complete the project. If you have chosen a landscaping company that takes care of the installation as well, this part of the project will require little input from you. All you'll have to do is sit back and wait for your beautiful, functional landscape to come to life.

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