Professional landscapers can do some pretty amazing things with our lawns. They can transform a drab space into a wonderland or clean a neglected yard in days.
However, they aren’t miracle workers. Some things about making your yard beautiful and inviting can be beyond their reach, although they might not say so to your face.
Here are some key concepts they wish their clients knew.
1. There are limitations with every budget
Some people don’t understand the real restraints in outdoor design when it comes to the budget. You might desire a million-dollar backyard, but if you’re only putting a few thousand into the job, some elements will fall short.
You might not get the garden of your dreams, but there are often very reasonable alternatives that fit within your budget. In addition, the services are based on how much the customer is willing to pay. It’s expensive to create and maintain a beautiful yard, and landscapers don’t have the ability to go the extra mile if someone isn’t footing the bill.
That being said, good landscapers will conscientiously discuss your budget and help you create a plan that will look great without emptying your savings. They can’t make funds appear out of thin air, but they can show you some great possibilities with the money on hand.
2. We can do more with your yard than you probably realize
The typical customer generally limits landscaping duties to lawns and flowers. However, there are many other pleasing activities.
Landscapers can design and care for your entire property, not just your front lawn and your flowerbeds. In fact, if you’re looking for someone to arrange flower beds, you’d be better off hiring a garden designer.
Some of the many services landscapers can perform include:
- Lawn care and mowing
- Landscape maintenance
- Commercial grounds management
- Landscaping lighting
- Christmas and holiday lighting
- Snow plowing and removal
- Irrigation installation and repairs
- Hardscaping
- Fall and winter cleanup
- Overall lawn shaping
Basically, a good landscaper can do almost anything with your yard not only to give it a great design but also keep it looking terrific all year-round.
3. There are limits to our services based on city ordinances and regulations
Unfortunately, your city may have ordinances and regulations in force that impede the road to constructing your ideal home. It can be annoying to work within such rules, but breaking any of them can lead to severe penalties for you. It’s you that will get in trouble for breaking the rules, not the landscaper.
One of the most important regulations relates to knowing your property lines. It’s illegal to design over the bounds of your property, and you’ll have to fix the landscaping and pay a fee.
Also, structures built on your property (such as a shed or large water feature) usually have to be approved by the city before you begin construction. These are just a couple of common examples of the problems you may run into along the way.
It’s recommended that you research all the relevant ordinances before pursuing any project. Get everything out in the open so you can shape your plans within the parameters already set rather than correcting errors as you go, which can be very costly and time-consuming.
4. If you want your property to look pristine, you’ll need to do a little work too
Of course, you hired a landscaper to handle the maintenance for you, and they’ll do their very best to keep things looking nice. But you’re not entirely off the hook. You live in this home, after all, so it’s your responsibility to protect it from damage.
The most common damage is foot traffic. Often, people will cross their lawn in a straight path from the driveway to the front door when they arrive home rather than use the sidewalk.
After awhile, this can wear a path into your grass, which landscapers won’t be able to fix immediately. They’ll have to re-grow the grass or put down new sod, which can be expensive. Take care of your yard so you can avoid such problems.
Also, you might have to handle some of the maintenance yourself if funds don’t allow you to bring in a landscaper every couple of days to keep things looking nice. Doing a little weeding and pruning every now and then may be required to keep your yard looking nice in between professional maintenance sessions.
5. We’re good at what we do, but we’re not miracle workers
As mentioned previously, there are limits that can challenge any landscaping project. Landscape architects and designers are in business because they have a talent for the craft, but they can’t make something out of nothing.
Your yard might be too small to suit your plans. Your climate might make it difficult to grow certain plants and flowers. Always remember there can be restrictions that affect your dreams, and you need to keep your plans realistic and flexible.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Sometimes you have to sacrifice smaller features in order to obtain a greater objective. Landscape design can be a give-and-take process, and sometimes you have to decide what’s most important within certain parameters.
6. You need a design plan in mind, but stay open minded
Be clear what you love in terms of colors, design elements, plant preferences, and grass height. This is worthwhile for helping the landscaper achieve your vision.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be open-minded to other things. The limitations previously noted may point you in a different direction from what you initially envisioned. In that case, flexibility is among the most important attributes for a good landscaping client.
Additionally, the landscape architect may show you a complimentary design that will look even better in the long run. Don’t say no immediately. If you’re entirely close-minded to any changes, you risk ending up with a yard design that’s less than ideal.
7. Only work with a landscaper who will listen to you
Being flexible and open minded is important, but don’t allow yourself to be bullied. Too many clients get saddled with a landscaper whose mind is closed to their ideas.
Some companies try to push their ideas and overrule your original plan. You need a landscaper who’s going to work with you, not against you. If you feel like you’re being steamrolled early on, it’s perfectly acceptable to move to someone who will take better care of you.
At Proactive Landscaping, we can promise excellent quality workmanship and designers who will do what you ask. We pride ourselves on our years of experience, and we’re confident that with our competitive pricing, we can work within your budget to deliver a beautiful, well-maintained yard. For more information about our services, contact us today!
