According to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, landscape design is the analysis, planning and design of exterior living spaces. We’ve put together a list of questions to ask yourself and your potential landscape designer to find the best landscape design companies.
Before you start to interview potential landscape designers you’ll want to plan out your wants and needs for your landscape. Ask yourself, “Are there things I want to hide or cover up like wires, utility equipment, views of the neighbors, etc,” and decide if there are any particular plants or structures you want to include like ponds, pergolas or pools. You will also want to establish a budget.
The first thing you’ll want to ask or find out is if the landscape designer offers the services you need. Some just specialize in design work but don’t offer any hands-on service. Others design and oversee the project and some offer a full design and build service. A follow-up question would be to ask for examples of their past work. They may offer the service you need but do they execute it the way you want? Does their style or aesthetic match your vision?
Budget is always a factor to consider: You should ask each of the landscape design companies what they charge, whether you have a small or large project. Hourly rates or per-project fees will vary depending on the size and particulars of the project.
You will also want to ask if they do garden or landscape consultations. Some designers will offer one to two consultations where they come to your property and analyze what they may be working with. After the consultations, you’ll want to ask if they have any ideas for your landscape and what they are envisioning.
After designing your landscape and choosing the plants and flowers you want to incorporate, make sure you ask how long the installation will take and when the garden will grow in. Depending on the plants selected and the time of year, your new landscape may not reach its full potential for a few seasons as you wait for the garden to grow in or even wait for a certain time of year to install certain plants. A general landscaping tip is to stick with species that are native to the area for maximum potential and plant life.
Lastly, you’ll want to ask potential landscape design companies how much maintenance will be required to keep up with your new landscape. You should be up front during the design process about how much maintenance you are willing to do throughout the year. This will help the designer decide what plants to choose.
Choose One Of the Best Landscape Design Companies in Cincinnati
You want to make your landscaping something you can be proud of. Seiler’s will work with you every step of the way to make sure you end up with your dream landscape. Contact us today to get started on your landscape design.