CONSULTATION

A lot of advice is available from a great many people. What we should consider here is who has the experience in dealing with the type of project you need help with. Sometimes we need to consider what type of resources the consultant has. Nurseries, as an example, would usually be a great choice to get plant advice, but would not normally be the place to get advice on the type of retaining walls you need. Engineers, landscape architects, garden designers, landscape contractors, and nursery people could all handle certain phases for you. Most of these professionals will be available on an hourly basis to give you advice. The prices will vary - usually from $25-100.00 per hour. The majority of the time your money will be well spent as these folks can help you save costly blunders. Other sources are garden clubs, extension services and fellow gardeners. Again it is important to look at the services available and experience. The Internet has many good forums or landscape & garden areas to find help with a lot of your questions. Check out our links page for some good starting points.

CHOOSING A PROFESSIONAL

Considering the complexity of planning or installing a garden, there may be the need to hire a professional at some point for help with certain areas.  

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS are required to pass a complex test that requires knowledge in many areas of landscaping. This will include site planning, grading, drainage, hardscapes, irrigation systems, lighting, plant material and more. The architect will then receive a license from the state that you can request to see. Most landscape architects have also been through a college program that usually requires four or more years to complete. These folks can provide for more simple needs, consultation and perspective drawing (usually on an hourly plus expenses basis, typically $50-100.00 per hour). Most often landscape architects will work on complete packages that will include conceptual drawings, construction detail drawings, and supervision of an installation or administration of your contract. The fees for this can vary greatly on the complexity of the project, but are not uncommon to be $1,000.00 plus.

LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS OR GARDEN DESIGNERS are usually people who have been either self-taught, have a college degree (but don’t have a state landscape architects license), or have a lot of practical experience along with some design study. Their work is done primarily in residential gardens. There are many levels of experience or types of services offered by these folks and it would be a good idea to check references, see a work portfolio, and compare the type of services offered. Depending on the experience, education and type of services they can offer the fees will vary. Many designers traditionally are not able to offer the variety of services that an architect can and will charge less (remember less is not always better).  

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS in many cases have been required to pass a state test that will give them a license to perform landscape installations in that particular state. The ability to take the test usually will require some form of experience, and or schooling in the art of constructing landscapes. These folks can handle many aspects of the installation or can sub-contract portions that they themselves do not do. A landscape contractor may help with major construction projects such as retaining walls, site prep (involving equipment for earth moving), lighting systems, irrigation systems, large water features, lawns and planting. It is common to have some of the heavier projects done by the contractor and to do the planting yourself. The prices will usually depend on the type of project being done. You should ask to see some qualifications, references, work portfolio, and compare the type of services offered. Never be afraid to ask questions as a good professional should be able to answer any of your concerns.

ENGINEERS in certain fields will have the ability to help you plan things in your garden. Most often they are used when structural items such as retaining walls over four feet are needed to be designed to meet safety codes among other things. They also do quite a bit of work in the field of grading and drainage. Lighting is another area.

HORTICULTURISTS are very well trained, and usually have a wealth of information about plants. These are good sources to talk with about certain types of plants you may be interested in or may have concerns about. Many nurseries have horticulturists on staff.

ARBORISTS are the correct people to be asking all your tree questions to. These people usually have passed a certification test on the care of your trees, including how to protect them during a construction phase, pruning needs and fertilization.

When you begin your project choose the professional services above that you will need help with. We need to be realistic about the types of things we can handle ourselves and the time we can dedicate to our project. Call to setup an appointment to review the project. Before you call it is a good idea to ask friends who they used for their project. When you call, ask about the type of services they can provide, how much they charge, and don’t forget to discuss your time line. Before any of these professionals come visit with you, use the questionnaire to decide on some of the more important aspects of your project so you will use their time wisely.

As you will be working closely with these individuals in an area that affects your personal lifestyles, it is important that you feel very comfortable with the persons you choose. You should always request a contract from any of these professionals that will protect your interest and list all the services to be provided, time schedules, fees to be charged, and warranties provided. Always ask for any type of qualifications and licenses. Ask to see that they are covered by workers compensation, have liability insurance, and if they have a bond. Often times you can contact the better business bureau, a landscape architects board, or the landscape contractors board with your state that can provide you with more information on these businesses.

For help locating designers, contractors and other service companies in your area, browse our online directory.