No matter what your house looks like, landscaping also affects how attractive the whole property is. The key to a beautiful and successful landscape is careful planning and design to ensure maximum value for the dollars you invest.
Reasons to Hire
Many people find their own plants and other materials may not be compatible with each other or with the site. There is also some risk of not accurately planning for normal growth patterns of plants or changes over time. Hiring a landscape designer saves a lot of money over the life or your landscape. While they help you decide placement of a pond or plants to purchase, most will not help with the installation. They purely specialize in the layout and design of your space.Purchasing Materials
There are many landscape material supply companies around, and most of them will offer delivery and ideas for your landscape. Research your options and make sure only high-quality materials are available for the right price. Look for a wholesale distributor that is open to the public.Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is landscaping your space in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for water. It is promoted in regions that do not have easily accessible or reliable supplies of fresh water, and it is gaining acceptance in other areas as climate patterns shift. Some benefits of xeriscaping include:Saving water: For most of North America, over 50 percent of residential water used is applied to landscape and lawns. Xeriscape can reduce landscape water use by 50-75 percent.
Less maintenance: Aside from occasional pruning and weeding, maintenance is minimal.
No fertilizers or pesticides: Using plants native to your area will eliminate the need for chemical supplements.
Improves property value: A good xeriscape can raise property values, offsetting the cost of installation.
Cost Estimate
Costs will vary depending on the size and location of the project. On average, it will cost $4,200 to have a landscape designer create a detailed plan for your property. For simpler projects, it's also possible to get one to two hours of on-site verbal consultation for $50-$100 an hour. On the high-end of the scale, name designers and architects charge $6,000 or more for detailed plans and drawings. You; will also need to purchase the landscaping materials recommended by your designer if you decide to go the route they suggest.
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Specialized Landscape Contractors, who have an Education (often from a University) usually have design experience. They may hand draw, or computer draw, a design for you.  Many, like myself, will put a design (a planting plan) together as part of the bid. Rarely does a good contractor put a price on a business card, rather they educate the client, and a plan is part of that process.  Generally, the contractor will NOT leave the plan with the owner- for obvious reasons- to insure that intellectual property is not pirated! Imagine that! If I am REALLY interested in a quality project, say over $5000, I will draw 3-D pictures to show what it will look like on completion. Other contractors use computer programs to "draw". Â
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Id like someone who consults and does the job . My yard area is small enough <5,000 sq ft where a one on one conversation at NO cost / per hour is preferable.Â
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Do u have pictures of lawns I can choose from
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"No fertilizers or pesticides: Using plants native to your area will eliminate the need for chemical supplements." I suggest you talk to a Horticulturist AND a Designer.  Even Native Plants need to be established.  And putting the wrong plant in may INCREASE your maintenance and pest control!!  For Example: If you plant grasses next to entry ways....you will have bugs in the house. Â
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Please explain how to obtain a landscapers contract number.
Thank you
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