Landscaping Design
The term landscape project can mean anything from planting some flowers to completely redoing the look and layout of your landscape, with new plants, trees and features. For this article we’re going to look at major landscaping designs or renovations that you hire professional landscapers to take on. Even if you’re doing the work yourself however, many of the principles and planning steps apply.
What to Expect Before Landscaping Work Begins
Every project will be different, but here are some general things you can expect when you hire a professional to redo your landscape.
Analysis of Your Landscape
Your landscaping contractor should meet with you to take a look at your landscape, understand your goals and begin creating a plan that will work with your budget. You may want to have some ideas in mind. If you need help getting started, our how-to guide, Design Your Landscape, will help you begin thinking about concepts, design principals and plans.
Design Ideas
Based on the visit and analysis, the landscape contractor should provide plans, drawings or three-dimensional renderings to help you visualize what your new landscape will look like. This is a good point to talk about changes you want to make, alternative plants and features, etc. If something doesn’t feel right or capture your vision, now is the time to discuss it.
Plans and a Quote for the Work
You should get a finalized plan for the project and a quote for the work. Common items in a quote include:
- Labor
- Products
- Plants
- Materials
- Equipment
Along with the quote, discuss timelines so you know when the work will begin, how long it will take and what happens if weather delays the project. Make sure you understand the payment process and when payments are due.
Changes to the plan you both agreed on in the design stage may be possible at this point, but will likely add time and expense.
Homeowners Association Review
If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), there may be restrictions and your plan may require approval. Review requirements, prohibitions and the approval process. Make sure there’s plenty of time to get any approvals you need and make any necessary changes to the design.
Prep Work Before a Landscape Design Project
Once you approve the landscape design and quote, there are some things you need to know to have a successful project and to make sure you end up with the landscape you want.
Local Codes and Requirements
Depending on the scope of the planned work, you may need to plan for permits and inspections, particularly if there will be any structural, electrical or plumbing work. Make sure you follow the requirements and make sure the contractor has a plan to get any permits ahead of time and to set up any inspections.
Neighbors
While you may not need approval from your neighbors for the work, it’s best to make them aware of your project. There will be noise, debris and disruption, and making neighbors aware of the situation ahead of time can prevent problems during the project.
Work Area Access
Discuss access with your contractor ahead of time so there are no surprises for you or the workers. Think about:
Entry to Your Neighborhood
If you live in a gated neighborhood, make sure your landscapers won’t be delayed at the gate. They’ll likely be working for several days, so talk with your Homeowners Association to arrange for them to get into the neighborhood each day.
Parking for Cars, Trucks and Trailers
The number of vehicles will vary by job and contractor, so find out what to expect. Think about if you want workers to park in the driveway or on the street. You may need to work with your neighbors to provide enough street parking. Make sure the workers won’t block driveways, mailboxes, fire hydrants, etc.
Access to Fenced Areas
If some of the work will happen in a fenced-in area, make sure the workers can get any equipment through the gate. In some cases, they may need to take down the gate or even some of the fence to allow access for large equipment. Plan for this, especially if you have pets that are accustomed to roaming freely in a backyard.
The Work Area
With access set up, make sure your landscapers have an area that’s ready for the work. Your contractor may require additional prep work, but here are some common preparations.
Marked Underground Utilities
If any work will include digging — and in most cases landscape projects will — you need to make sure the underground utilities are marked. Your contractor should set this up, but ask to be sure.
Marked Irrigation Systems
If you have underground irrigation or a drip irrigation system that shouldn’t be disturbed, make sure the contractor is aware of it and that you’ve marked it.
A Clear Area for the Work
Take a look at the work area and make sure there’s a plan to remove all obstacles, including patio furniture, fire pits, toys etc. Some items, such as play structures and above-ground pools, won’t be easy to move. You may need to arrange for moving these items yourself or the workers may move them for an additional charge. Make your contractor aware of these structures so there are no surprises that slow the work.
What to Expect During Landscaping Projects
Your contractor should give you an idea of what to expect and when to expect it. The work will vary widely by the type of project, the size of your yard and your location, but there are a few common factors to consider.
Noise and Mess
If the plan involves digging machinery such as earth augers, trenchers or mini excavators, be prepared for the noise. Know when work will begin each day and when it will end.
From mud in the yard to dirt in your driveway to dust on your home and vehicles — as well as those of your neighbors — you can expect the area to be a mess.
Potential Hazards
Throughout the project there will be debris and materials in your yard. There may be heavy equipment working and there may be excavated areas. Be aware of any potential dangers to your family or pets and make plans to keep everyone safe. If you have a pet that spends a lot of time outside during the day, you may want to make plans for pet day care during the project.
Materials and Equipment
If the project takes more than a day, the workers will most likely need to leave materials and equipment in your yard. Talk with your contractor so you’ll have an idea of what to expect. Ideally, you want to make sure things are as tidy as possible and that the workers clean up any actual trash before they leave each day. There may be some areas that they need to mark or rope off for safety purposes.
What Happens When the Work Is Done
Once your landscaping professionals complete the work, there are a few more things that may be part of the project. Check with your landscaper for specifics.
Walkthrough
Your contractor may walk you through the changes they’ve made to your landscape. Depending on the contractor and work, this may simply be to show the work is complete or you may need to provide final signoff on the project. If you notice something that the workers didn’t complete according to the plan or contract, this is the time to ask about it.
Cleanup and Disposal
There will likely be debris, from plant pots to existing shrubs the landscapers removed. This should be part of the final phase of the work as long as it’s in the quote the contractor provided.
Maintenance
Your landscaper should review care and maintenance instructions for new plants and new features such as fountains or at least provide plant tags and documentation. You can also browse our Lawn and Garden How-To Library for tips on caring for your new landscape.
Get Started With Landscape Ideas
