What You Should Know About a Phased Landscape Design Project

Kanga Construction

1. Getting Started With a Phased Landscape Design

Think about what you want for your landscape before reaching out to pros. Determine how you want to use the space, what you’d like to keep and what you’d like to change.

Now’s the time to brainstorm ideas and refine your landscape design style. Browse through Houzz photos and save designs you love to your Houzz ideabooks. (These inspiration photos will come in handy when you meet with your landscape designer.) You can also walk through your neighborhood or town for more inspiration — and to see plants that will thrive in your climate.

You’ll also need to come up with a preliminary budget. Be realistic about what you can afford to spend, both now and in the future. You also can think about where you’d like to invest in your landscape renovation and where you might be able to save.

How to Get Started on a Landscape Redesign

Envision Landscape Studio

2. Finding a Landscape Professional

The right landscape professional for your project depends on its size and scope, as well as your budget. You can work with a landscape architect, landscape designer, landscape design-build firm or landscape contractor. Each pro type has its own strengths and focus, which also varies by firm. Whichever you choose, check the pro’s experience, read reviews and be sure their vision aligns with yours.

A landscape architect is licensed to provide complete drawings for a landscape design, including construction plans for grading and drainage. They can also design a master plan for your landscape and advise you on how to phase the project. They may have a landscape contractor they prefer to work with or can provide recommendations.

10 Questions to Ask a Landscape Designer

Kate Anne Landscape Design & Build

A landscape designer specializes in planning and providing horticultural advice. They are not licensed, though many have training similar to that of landscape architects. They can also provide recommendations for landscape contractors.

Though the skills and expertise of landscape designers and landscape architects can vary widely, the main difference between the two is that landscape architects are licensed and registered with the state. Whether you choose to hire a landscape architect or a landscape designer will likely come down to personal preference and your project’s complexity and requirements.

Find a landscape designer or architect near you

Sardone | McLain Construction

A landscape design-build firm provides both design and construction services. You’ll have the advantage of a team that has a proven track record of working together, which can make the project go more smoothly. A full-service landscape design firm also may be able to provide continued maintenance once the project wraps up.

Renaissance Homes

You’ll need a landscape contractor to carry out the installation. They will also manage subcontractors for specific jobs, such as electrical and plumbing. Some general contractors can also do more, including providing basic horticultural advice.

10 Questions to Ask a Landscape Contractor | Find a landscape contractor near you

Harper Elm General Contractor

3. Creating a Master Plan

Creating a master plan for your entire landscape is key. It will allow you to focus on one area at a time while ensuring that your yard will look cohesive when you’re done. Work with your designer to include as many details as possible to ensure things go smoothly in the future. You can, and probably will, make adjustments to the plan, but the basic design will be in place.

A pro can help you decide which part of the renovation to tackle first and create a timeline for future work. They can also recommend any improvements you should do for the entire site during the first phase of the project. These might include grading, running utility lines for future plumbing and electrical needs or adding a basic irrigation system. This can save you money and reduce the likelihood of having to redo portions of your landscape in the future.

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

Consider asking your pro about making temporary improvements to the parts of your landscape you plan to overhaul in later phases. It might be as simple as removing overgrown bushes or a struggling lawn and replacing it with mulch or bark — which could be beneficial to do now if you’re planning to lose your lawn.

Check with your team about adding elements like trees and large shrubs early in the project, as it will give them time to mature.