Landscape Design

Planning Your Landscape

Every landscape requires planning, whether a full landscape design or a simple concept in your mind. When you do significant landscaping, be sure to include adequate landscaping design. We can help whether you need just simple suggestions or a complete scale drawing complete with a plant list.

On this page

• What is a landscape design?
• Do I need a professional to do the design?
• Do I need a landscape architect?
• How much does it cost?
• What happens if I don’t plan well?
• Our design philosophy
• Outdoor living spaces
• Sustainability in your landscape

What is a landscape design?

Simply stated a landscape design is just a plan. It may be simple or complex.

• At a minimum the main elements of the landscape must be sketched out. This includes things such as lawn areas, shrub planting areas, water features, etc.
• Commonly a more detailed sketch works well for even more involved landscapes—especially if the designer oversees the installation. We do this commonly as it works well and minimizes expense.
• A complete scale drawing works well on more complex and detailed landscapes. You may prefer this choice since it gives you a better understanding of the final result.
• A detailed plant list really helps, since it allows you to look up each plant online to see what they look like and to review their characteristics.

Do I need a professional to do the design?

If you are an avid do-it-yourselfer and know something about plants and what you like, you can do it yourself. Even then bouncing your thoughts off a professional can improve your end result dramatically. After all, we’re in the business…

But if you are not so artistic and don’t know where to start, well, that’s a good time to look for professional help.

Do I need a landscape architect?

Typically, no. If issues regarding soil stability come into play, then yes. For example, adding or cutting away soil on slopes would be a candidate for soil engineering, as would a taller retaining wall.

How much does it cost?

• Simple design work often comes with the estimate at no extra cost.
• A simple sketch might cost $100-200.
• A complete typical residential design might cost $400-800. A complex design with many features could cost more.

What happens if I don’t plan well?

In a word—chaos. Unfortunately we see this all the time. You may end up with something you really don’t like. All your hard-earned money and effort expended in vain.

It’s so easy to avoid. Please ask for help. Even just a few simple suggestion can go a long ways.

Our design philosophy

We understand that the landscape you choose will be with you for many years to come. Thus, you really must get what you want. We work to accomplish this end.

• We will work closely with you, learning your wants and needs. Then we will design to satisfy those needs and desires.
• As much as possible we take a naturalistic approach to landscaping.
• We try to make the landscape blend into the surrounding environment.
• We use quality materials, whether plants or general construction materials.

Outdoor living spaces

Plan outdoor spaces similar to indoor spaces. If you like to spend time in the out of doors, you could find this to make your landscape one of the most enjoyable parts of your home.

Sustainability in your landscape

If sustainability issues concern you, you really must look carefully during the design phase of your landscape project. The following issues will be of great concern.

• Weed control planning
• Plant material selection
• Watering needs
• Fertility needs