Landscape design services are a great way to increase the value of your property. With careful planning, a well-executed landscaping project can add as much as twenty percent to a home’s overall value.
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Site Analysis
Landscape designers help clients create exciting outdoor spaces for entertaining and recreation. A well-executed landscape also increases a property’s value.
The first step in a landscaping project involves an inventory and analysis of the site. This includes a tour of the yard and notes about the soil type, sun/shade conditions, existing plants, views, family activities and proposed changes to the garden area.
This information helps the designer determine what types of trees, flowers and shrubs will thrive in the location. It also allows the designer to make a cost estimate for the project.
The cost of a landscape design can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the project and the client’s preferences for style. To reduce costs, consider getting quotes from multiple landscape professionals with experience working in your area. It’s also important to find a company that offers a free consultation. This forces your prospect to put some skin in the game and makes them less likely to abandon your project (the sunk cost fallacy). It also establishes good communication between you and your prospective customer.
Conceptual Design
Professional designers work to enhance an outdoor space with a range of designs. From clean CAD drawings to free-hand sketches, there are many ways for landscape architects to portray their ideas.
The concept design phase begins by gathering ideas and establishing a plan for your landscape. Many landscape architects use a theme to guide them through the design process. They also focus on integrating landscape elements that function for natural processes, social functions or aesthetics.
Landscape unity is accomplished through interconnection, dominance and simplicity in arranging textures, colors and forms. For example, elements grouped in threes or odd numbers create visual balance and are easily recognizable as a group. Continuation of any regulating line, like a dividing hedge or sidewalk, also promotes unity.
Creations Landscape Designs will prepare 2 – 3 design options for drought tolerant plantings and hardscape features based on your garden needs, our vision for the site and your budget. The final design is then conveyed to the contractor for construction.
Planting Plan
Once the site analysis has been completed and the activity areas designed, the design process can move into the planting plan phase. The planting plan is all about integrating the natural and man-made elements into a cohesive landscape design.
This is also the time to consider any existing plants that should be saved and those that should be removed. Depending on the health of the existing vegetation and the new layout for the activity spaces, some plants may need to be relocated.
When it comes to designing a garden or outdoor living space, it’s important that you be realistic about your maintenance style and budget. It’s not uncommon for us to meet homeowners that were given a design by an independent landscape designer that ended up costing significantly more than they had anticipated. Getting the design right from the start will save you money and headaches down the road. Also, it’s an opportunity to incorporate resource-efficient plant material and water conservation features like rainwater catchment systems.
Installation
Whether you have a small home garden or a large estate, you can benefit from the services of a landscape design professional. Professionals use proportion, order and repetition to create attractive open spaces for homes, golf courses, parks and commercial properties.
The first step in the landscape design process is to analyze the site. This includes the findings from the soil analysis, sun and shade exposure, wind, drainage, flooding, salt spray and maintenance requirements.
After the homeowner completes a list of their wishes for the outdoor activity, entertainment and grass installation areas, a landscape designer works within the homeowner’s budget to design a beautiful yet practical landscape. A functional landscape increases the home’s value and provides enjoyment throughout all seasons.
Once the design is completed, the client meets with their designer to review the design and to make an appointment for the installation phase of the project. This gives the client peace of mind that the contractor will be familiar with their design and understand how the plants, trees and hardscapes will fit together in a seamless fashion.
