Landscaping

Many homeowners see landscaping as a do-it-yourself project. “People don’t usually contract with a landscaper soon enough,” laments the owner of one area landscaping service. She insists they should, because landscaping can increase a home’s value by as much as fifteen percent, and landscaping mistakes can actually detract from value. A homeowner can save time, money, and avoid costly mistakes by consulting a landscaper early.

Another local landscaper points out that professional landscapers don’t just decide where flowers, trees, and shrubs should go. They plan well-functioning outdoor living spaces that suit the homeowner’s lifestyle. They know about the latest and greatest trends in landscaping, and are trained to use plantings, stone, brick, cement, water features, and lighting effectively.

Another area landscaper wants his clients to plan ahead before they plant. For instance, he suggests sodding or seeding a brand-new lawn in the fall or spring. New lawns require an abundance of water, so this landscaper likes to wait for a season before planting trees and shrubs. “ Trees and shrubs don’t need a lot of water,” he explains. “Wait a season so they can thrive.”

But that doesn’t mean he advises leaving your landscape a mass of grass. Plant foundation beds instead that first season. This will help you avoid a very common homeowner mistake: planting shrubs and trees smack up against the house. A look-ahead plan such as this one means you won’t ever have to trim bushes growing over your windows and you won’t have to cut out established sod to create a flowerbed later.

Check out gardening magazines and books, clipping photos of the look you’d like in your own yard. Decide on how much money you’re willing to spend on the project before you interview your landscaper-to-be.
Make a list of things you like and dislike (See the Worksheet Section in this publication). For instance, if you hate mowing a lawn or weeding flowerbeds, make a note of it. Love perennial gardens but dread bedding out annuals every year? Let your landscaper know.

Interview several landscapers well in advance of when you want the work done, as their calendars fill up quickly. Ask about their ideas, the cost to do the work, and whether they mind working on a project in which the homeowner does some of the work. If you are on a tight budget, that will prove helpful. Ask if their plan can be installed over several seasons to spread out the cost. Many landscaping contractors also serve as consultants, in case you want to do all the work yourself but still want the professional’s insight and expertise.

Your landscaper will come out to inspect your lot to check for size, shadiness, soil type, house style, and any problems such as drainage. They’ll then make a plan, using your likes/dislikes, budget, and the information they’ve gathered.

The best piece of advice landscapers want to give their clients is to be open to new ideas. You may think you want a specific plant or feature in your yard, but your landscaper may have another idea better suited to your lot or goals. He may also suggest wonderful options you’ve never heard or thought of.

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