Hiring a landscape designer

Hiring a landscape designer

Landscape designers use garden plants, trees, grasses, and hardscape materials to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. They are responsible for making sure the design suits the requirements of the area, such as privacy, rainwater runoff, aesthetics, and habitats for animals. Just like any home improvement project, you’ll get more value out of your investment with smart planning, research, and most importantly; being able to successfully communicate your goals.

Landscape designers may provide design ideas, landscape plans, planting plans, and lighting plans. Some also offer installation-related services such as material selection or plant placement. As long as the information is flowing, the landscape design process can take three to six weeks, depending on how extensive the design is -- a basic patio vs. a large project with vertical elements like fireplaces and pergolas and softscapes, for instance, will have different timing.

How do you go about making sure you will end up with what you want?

People should ask a designer about their style and what they see as an initial thought or design.

How can you prepare for the initial consultation with a designer?

Ask about plant material that blooms at different times of the year. Also, it is important to try and give a designer their vision and ask the designer to expand on that vision. A good designer will be able to give examples of plants, destination areas, focal points, and other design elements for the yard. This will help the client to see some vision.

Ask to see pictures of the designer's previous work. The designer should be excited to show off his or her work. Pictures say 1000 words and show the client the quality of the work a designer does.

How to set a landscaping budget?

Know what you want to spend and talk budget up front with your landscape professional. Understand what things cost and If you're unsure what to budget, the American Society of Landscape Architects suggests starting with 5 percent to 10 percent of your home's worth.