Are you considering a landscaping project to enhance the beauty and usability of your yard? If so, you have more than likely already decided that you need the help of a landscape designer. Embarking on a landscaping project to transform your outdoor space can be both exciting and daunting. You envision a beautiful new yard to boost your home’s curb appeal, but how do you actualize that vision? Finding the right landscape design firm is critical in being sure that your dream becomes a reality in the way you want and even exceeds your expectations. 

You need a landscape designer who listens to you, adds their expertise in consultation and has the expertise to create the finished project in a timely manner. You also need a landscape designer who is reputable and has the experience to take you through the entire process from the beginning to the end. 

In determining which landscape design company fits the specific needs of your project, it’s important to ask essential questions. In this article, we give you important questions that can help you in getting the information you need to assess whether or not a landscape design company can handle the task.

How Will You Understand my Landscape Design Vision?

You are launching this renovation to create something new and beautiful in your outdoor space. The designer should understand your ideas and the goals you are trying to achieve. A simple way to check this is to ask them to explain it to you. After you’ve told them everything, simply ask them to tell you, in their own words, what you are trying to achieve.

How Would you Improve on my Design Vision?

After you have discussed what you want, ask the landscape designer how they would improve on your ideas. This is where you can see how their experience and knowledge will add to the project in order to make the process and end result better. It is this collaboration that will propel your experience to a higher level.

What Have you Done in the Past that is Similar to my Project?

It’s important that the landscape designer has created outdoor spaces that have similar aspects to your project. For example, does your project require grading to make it work? Does your project involve hardscapes such as patios, pergolas, fire pits, retaining walls, or other personalized entertaining spaces? Are there water drainage issues on your lot that will need to be addressed in the landscape design? The company you choose should have experience in grading and hardscapes your project may require. 

Can you Help Determine a Solution for Water Drainage Issues in my Yard?

If you have drainage issues in your yard, they should be taken seriously and dealt with by a landscaping company that has experience in solving those problems. Besides creating a mess, improper drainage can lead to serious problems such as dying grass, soil erosion, foundation problems, and mosquito infestations. The landscaping company should offer comprehensive yard drainage solutions so your yard is a healthy and safe place for your family and friends to spend time in. Using solutions like French drains, hardscaping, retaining walls, catch basins, land grading, or rain gardens, a professional landscaper can alleviate improper water drainage.

Do You have a Warranty for the Plants, Shrubs, and Trees?

A landscape design company that knows the native plants, shrubs, and trees that will thrive in your climate and soil is crucial in creating a space to last. Additionally, it’s important that the landscaping company has years of horticulture and landscaping experience, giving them the knowledge and skill to choose and carefully install the right plants for your property. That’s why you should consider asking if the landscape designer offers a plant warranty.

When Will all Plants Reach Maturity?

If a plant is young, then you will want to know how long it will be until it fills its space in your yard. Professional landscape designers will be able to tell you this with no problem.

How Long will the Entire Project Take?

The landscaping design company should be able to provide an estimate of the project’s timeline as well as tell you what happens first, second, third, and so on during the process. Their experience will provide an accurate prediction of the time your project requires, even though weather and other complications may interrupt forward progress at times. You want to engage with a service that has done this work multiple times before so you can be assured of efficiencies they have honed. 

How Can I Communicate with You after the Project?

Situations may arise after the project, so you will want to know how they handle follow-up. If something goes wrong, you’ll want to know they are responsive. For example, if a puddle or other problem forms after your irrigation systems are in, what happens to your yard? Ask the question so you know what to expect.

While the Crew Works on my Yard, What Should I Expect Their Schedule To Be?

Scheduling conflicts (and bad weather) happen, but you’re entitled to know when the crew should turn up and leave each day. This is especially important if you work from home, have small kids, or need specific times to be noise free. This isn’t usually a big deal, but it’s good to be on the same page so you don’t wake to the unwelcome sound of a bulldozer half an hour before your alarm.

What will the Landscaping Project Cost?

Predicting costs should not be a problem for a professional landscaper design company. They have the experience to accurately judge materials, plants, and time. So, ask them to give you a clear picture of the money involved. If they aren’t clear, look elsewhere for services. You don’t want to get surprised at the end of the project with costs you didn’t know about.

Schedule a Free Consultation for Landscaping Design in Raleigh Today 

Redwood Land Design can make your life easy when embarking on a big landscaping project. We have the experience to avoid mistakes and inefficiencies by creating a plan, staying with the plan, and having a consistent process. Our experienced hardscaping and landscape design company in Raleigh is dedicated to helping you create the perfect outdoor spaces that suit your lifestyle. Call us today at 919-817-0087 or schedule a consultation.