Finding the Right Landscape Designer



In most instances, it is easy to discern whether a professional landscape designer has been involved in developing a plan for a new or reworked landscape. The balance, placement, color, seasonal variations, and hardscape designs are clear signs that a professional has been at work. As an artist approaches a new canvas, a landscape designer imagines a setting that is beautiful, functional, and practical without excessive expense and required maintenance.
Selecting a landscape professional for home or business requires weighing several variables. The first step is to consider what you are willing to spend and which elements of the job the landscape designer should complete.
Finding a Professional Landscape Designer
The world abounds with landscape architects, designers, experts, and specialists. Some are better at implementing and maintaining, while others are proven geniuses at imagining and designing. Some landscape companies staff professionals for each discipline.
Home or business owners should choose a few candidates to interview to determine who:
  • Communicates well
  • Shares your vision
  • Presents a substantial portfolio of design experience
  • Provides a solid list of references
Checking references is important. How past projects were handled, the ease of communication and outcome will determine if a candidate is solid or should be eliminated from the list.
Questions to Ask a Landscape Designer Candidate
Does the designer provide a free, upfront consultation?
A one or two-hour consultation is an opportunity to become familiar with each other as the designer talks philosophy and provides off-the-cuff suggestions about how to approach the project. This meeting is an opportunity to share vision and budget requirements while determining if you are compatible with each other.
What will be the process?
Once a design is presented, perhaps modified, and accepted, and the cost is agreed upon, how will the project proceed? If the contract is for design only, then you must start again to find the professionals to implement the plan.
Executing the Plan
You may be requesting a design only if you had another professional capable and prepared to implement the plan.
Alternatively, in a design-build scenario, the designer may oversee the full implementation of the project, using associated professionals to complete the job. In situations that require extensive construction and sophisticated grading, using the design company to carry out the plan can be economically advantageous and uninterrupted.
ProLine from Heritage Oak Farm
Contact Heritage Oak Farm about ProLine™  professional landscaping equipment at (888)-288-5308.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcoming a New Japanese Blueberry Tree: The Rising Sun

Image
TreeTown USA has officially recognized a new variety of Japanese Blueberry tree to be officially known as “Morning Sun” PP#29,266. This variety can reach up to 40-feet in height casting luxurious shade. Or, if the owner chooses to keep it smaller, the tree can become a trimmed and shaped accent plant. The foliage is a vivid red-orange shade in the fall that instantly draws attention and adds emphasis to certain areas of the landscape. This cultivar, officially known as “Elaeocarpus decipiens,” is a fast-growing addition with dense foliage. A hearty tree when established, the “Morning Sun” thrives in full sun or partial shade and survives best in well-drained soil. The tree is hardy in Zones 8-10 and prefers well-drained soil. The fruit of the Japanese Blueberry is ornamental, not considered edible for humans. Birds do consume the berries in the winter, however. Attributes of the Japanese Blueberry Tree The Japanese Blueberry root system does not grow deep into the ground but prefers...
Read more

How Landscape Designers Add Real Value

Image
As you drive through certain neighborhoods, some landscapes capture your attention immediately. Most eye-catching surroundings are not that way by accident. Those attractive lawns and gardens are likely the work of a gifted professional landscape designer who worked with the contours and planting areas to create the most appealing settings for plants, trees, lawns, hardscapes, and other decorative features. Homeowners spend hundreds of thousands of dollars over time to improve the appearance and functionality of the exterior facade of their homes while balking at paying extra to enhance the presence of their landscapes. An elegant and inviting lawn can do as much for the curb appeal and value of the home as any other exterior upgrade. Why Hiring a Professional Landscape Designer Adds Value An experienced landscape designer has acquired knowledge and experience of identifying what works in any setting, soil type and climate, creating and maintaining a kaleidoscope of col...
Read more

Common Midwest Oak Tree Diseases: Botryosphaeria Twig Canker

Image
Do my trees have Botryosphaeria twig canker? Botryosphaeria twig canker is a disease that affects red and white oaks. Properly caring for your trees, keeping landscaping tools and equipment clean, and watching out for signs of lesions on leaves can help you avoid this common oak tree disease. What Causes Botryosphaeria Twig Canker? A fungus is the cause of Botryosphaeria twig canker. As its name suggests, the specific fungus identified for this disease is Botryosphaeria spp. Symptoms of this disease typically present in the mid-summer, after periods of heavy spring rainfall, and dead branch tips may remain visible through the fall.     Signs of Botryosphaeria Twig Canker When the fungus attacks a tree, it causes brown, wilted leaves on the tips of tree branches, extending 4-6 inches in from branch tips. Upon closer inspection, you will see brownish-black elongated lesions (cankers) on affected limbs. Within the lesions, black, pimple-like fruiting struct...
Read more