Landscaping is more than planting bushes and flowers; it’s also about the hardscape of patios and walkways, placing trees in optimal spots and plotting out your property.
You can work with a landscape architect, designer or company to plan or install entire environments (plants, grading, walls and walks). Some garden centers offer landscaping services. You can also DIY.
If you hire help, there’s no single answer about whom to hire. Some landscaping companies do everything from paving to planting. Most landscape architects do only designs, meaning you’ll have to hire other companies to complete your project.
To aid your search, access Checkbook’s ratings for landscapers, landscape designers, garden centers and other local service providers free until Oct. 5 via Checkbook.org/StarTribune/landscaping.
Get ready
Before hiring a landscape pro, consider your space and what you want to do with it, knowing that your plan will evolve. Think about:
- What’s your budget? A few thousand dollars could pay for updating an existing garden, but not a complete renovation or hardscaping work.
- Are you going for a theme, such as English meadow or Zen meditation garden?
- Do you want to replace everything, or preserve and complement what’s already there?
- Do you need hardscaping, such as a wall, path or patio? A new fence, deck or gazebo?
- Do you want to retain or create a large open space for kids or pets?
- Do you want plantings that require little maintenance, or are you willing to help keep things up?
- Do you want flowers that will provide constant color? Fruit and vegetable plants?
- Do you want new plantings that create privacy?
- Do you need to solve drainage problems or troubles with deer or other garden-chomping critters?
For inspiration, consult gardening and landscaping websites, magazines, books and social media accounts. Or just walk through your neighborhood.
Select design help
Landscaping companies can do both design and installation or provide a plan for you or a pro gardener/hardscaper to implement. You can also hire a landscape architect or designer to draw up plans. Some design pros will also supervise the installation.
Show potential designers your property and listen to their ideas. Many will offer novel suggestions. Look at their online portfolios or tour spaces they have designed. Talk with previous clients.
