Things To Consider Before A Landscape Design Consultation

Hey, Nature Lovers!

• Are you always 10 minutes late because you want to photograph some cool palm trees?
• Can’t sleep because your head is filled with pergolas?
• Have you neglected to eat because you’ve been busy pinning garden photographs on Pinterest?

Well, It is time for a landscape design consultation.

Whether you’re planting a few flowering shrubs to boost your garden design or you’re finally ready to develop your dream outdoor living space, an outdoor project may be exhilarating. But have you ever gone to your local nursery to seek ideas or pick out plants and felt overwhelmed by the variety? We understand that with so many different varieties of plants available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Maybe you’re in the early phases of landscape design and want to hire an expert exterior design consultant near me to assist in making your vision a reality. You may believe you must consult with a garden designer before taking action. However, regardless of how large or tiny your project appears to be, you can do a few things right now to start planning your backyard landscape. We’ve compiled a list of five landscape design recommendations to help you expedite the process and ensure that your completed custom landscape design meets your expectations and vision.

Why should you hire a landscape designer?
Before going into our ideas, you may be wondering why you need a landscape design in the first place. In addition to the dizzying number of plant and material alternatives, it can be difficult to portray the magnitude and complexity of your property through photos alone. When selecting landscape elements, it is beneficial to walk a designer around your space so that you can both understand the size and scope of your project.

1. Make A List Of Goals For Your Outside Space:

Consider your aims and expectations while planning a landscape design project. Make a list of goals for your landscape. Consider what you want and where you want it. Your original backyard landscaping design may not include plants appropriate for your area’s climate. A landscaper can help you understand the many seasonal plant species and how they will operate in your environment. The more information you can gather about your landscape remodeling ideas, the better.

How Is Your Current Landscape Situation?
Are you a new homeowner starting from scratch who needs to create patios, retaining walls, or other hardscapes? Perhaps you already have a landscape that needs to be refreshed. Knowing where you’re starting from and where you want to go is an excellent place to start.

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Are there any big issues you’d like to have addressed?
Providing as much information as possible about existing landscape concerns will assist in establishing the best course of action for resolving them. For example, does water leak from your neighbor’s property and onto yours?

Think About How You’ll Use The Area: Would you like a hedge to provide privacy between you and your neighbors? Are you looking to reduce your grass area and establish a more drought-tolerant landscape? Would you like to set up an edible garden with vegetable boxes and fruit trees?

Considering these factors before your design consultation is the first step toward transforming your landscape.

2. Have Your Plot Plan Available:

A plot layout of your property will help you visualize your space. A plot plan, also known as a site plan, is a scaled design that depicts the exact property size and location of significant structures such as your home, garage, driveway, and any decks or patio spaces. This might be the official plan from your home’s builder, which is easy to obtain if your property was recently built.

Having a to-scale map that you and a designer can refer to and take notes on is an excellent method to bring your concepts to life. Your plot plan is also an excellent tool for providing a precise picture of the key structures in your yard.

3. Know Your Micro Climate:

When establishing a landscape plan, it is critical to consider your home’s microclimate. This covers sun exposure and shade, wind direction and strength, grading, and drainage flows. Walk about your property at various times of day to get a sense of the weather.

Sun Exposure: How does the sun seem on your property? Discover which portions of your yard receive full light (6+ hours per day). partly sunlight (4-6 hours), partial shade (2-4 hours), or predominantly shade (less than 2 hours each day).

Wind: How windy is your property? If you live in a high-wind area, you may need extra winter protection for some plants to prevent them from drying out and stakes to keep trees from bending or breaking.

4. Drainage and Erosion: Do you have sloped portions on your property that require retaining walls or plants to avoid slide and erosion? Are there areas where water and runoff drain and contribute to standing water?

Get Inspired: Have Photos Ready.
It is not uncommon for homeowners to struggle with expressing a particular appearance or style that they are interested in. This is when photographs can help! Take the time to examine web sources, periodicals, and our portfolio for your favorite photographs. A photo is typically the best method to bridge the gap between your ideas and what appears in the landscape design.

Sometimes, homeowners even show us their neighbors’ homes. Your inspiration may come from already completed work on a neighbor’s property. Of course, you don’t have to imitate everything your neighbor did, but highlighting the nuances and features you appreciate in other projects helps us.

5. Have a budget in mind:

We understand that many people want to keep their budgets close to their chests. However, people frequently believe that they will be taken advantage of if they are open about their finances.

However, hiding budget details would only hinder you. It will make it difficult for your landscape designer to develop your project, and it does no good to return with a design that is completely out of your price range.

Materials are priced according to their cost. However, if we understand the boundaries of a budget, we may take steps to work within them. One of the most difficult components of any landscape project is ensuring that the budget and expectations match. For example, you may like a natural stone patio but have a budget that allows for pavers instead. To stay within your budget, we can select a paver you adore (and that may even resemble actual stone).

We need to know what we’re working with to successfully achieve the ultimate goal (a project you love that is within your budget).

Wrap up:
Your yard is a valuable natural resource that enhances both the value of your home and your quality of life. It adds to a pleasant and enhances the overall look of your home. These key elements will assist you in creating an aesthetically beautiful, useful, and sustainable design. First, remember to put your ideas on paper by creating a design plan. Use the 3d house design process to identify and comprehend your site and requirements. Use a theme to guide your options; skilled designers always draw inspiration from existing situations when selecting materials and plants.

If you seek professional landscape design consulting services, we have you covered. At Outdoor Makeover and Living Spaces, our landscape design consultation and build process simultaneously focus on aesthetics, functionality, and longevity. With foundations rooted in biology and engineering, our team ensures each design functions as it should. So, what are you waiting for? Book your 3D design consultation today!

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