So you need some landscaping done, but where do you begin? There are a million different options and decisions to make, and we understand it can become very overwhelming.

That’s where we come in!

Landscaping contractors are able to take care of everything from concept to completion and it should be seen as an investment you are making towards your property. When it comes to landscaping, it pays to have it done right the first time round. Professional landscapers have the appropriate qualifications, understanding of council regulations, product knowledge and insurances to ensure that the work completed on your property is done up to scratch.

We’ve put together this guide on how to begin your landscape design journey using a professional landscaping company.

1. Inspect your property and create a wish list

Take 15 minutes to walk around your property, take measurements and note down the points of access into your backyard. Scrutinise every square metre of the area you would like to work on, regardless of whether you are dealing with a new home landscape or an established one, this is very important! There is no such thing as a problem too small to be fixed.

Now, this is the most exciting part… Envision the look you’d want to achieve. Imagine hosting a barbecue or your children playing the backyard, what do you see? Before you know it, you’ll be sketching up ideas or drawing up rough plans.

Finally, create your Wishlist.

What was it that you saw in your vision? Your Wishlist can include:

  • Artificial Turf or Organic Turf
  • Wooden Decking
  • Fruit Trees
  • Fencing
  • Patio and Pergola
  • Privacy Hedges
  • Garden Shed or Storage Shed
  • Outdoor Barbecue Area
  • Fresh herb Plot or Vegetable Patch
  • Brick Edging
  • Garden Bed
  • Retaining Walls
  • Swimming Pools and Pool Surrounds
  • Butterfly Gardens
  • Shrubs and Flower Arrangements

…and pretty much anything else you can think of!

2. Create a budget

Be reasonable! Your budget needs to align with your vision. If you are unsure of exactly how much you would like to spend, it’s best to have at least a ballpark figure in mind. It’s not uncommon for people to have an extravagant concept in mind and not expect the price tag that comes along with it, which almost always leads to disappointment. If you’re unsure, have a chat to your contractor. Trustworthy landscapers will be honest and open about how reasonable your budget is to what you are looking to achieve.

3. Plan your landscape

Now that you have your wish list and budget, it’s time to plan your landscape! A plan is more than just a drawn out plan, it’s a plan of action that includes a design. Working with a professional landscaper means that you do not have to worry about the many steps in the landscaping process, but it is helpful to have a plan for yourself.

Ask yourself these questions:

How do you want the finish product to look?

When do you want the job completed by?

How will you be making payments?

How much time can you commit to lawn maintenance and garden maintenance?

If you’re in a new home, do you have professional landscaping plans?

These are important questions you need to have answers for before making any final decisions.

4. Contact the professionals

Finally, and most importantly, contacting the right people for the job! Although we are a landscaping company ourselves, we always recommend contacting at least 1-2 other companies to compare quotes. It is important to make sure that you are getting a LIKE FOR LIKE service! We cannot stress that enough! Sometimes people rush into the cheaper quotes thinking that they are given a better price, when really they are actually getting LESS.

Some food for thought: do not go with someone just because they are “cheaper”. Extremely low prices can mean many things, and a lack of qualifications and experience is at the top of that list. With landscaping, if the price seems too good to be true – it normally is. DO YOUR RESEARCH!

We always recommend using a professional landscape service, but we know this may not suit everyone. In the coming weeks we will also give you a guide to how to tackle a landscaping project on your own – what you can and can’t do, what you should and shouldn’t do, and most importantly how to make it an enjoyable experience! Stay tuned!

Now that you’re ready to get started, get in touch by filling out our contact form and let’s make your vision come to life together!

 

Thanks for reading!