Frequently Asked Questions
Our best client is an informed and involved one! We’re here to help you make the best decisions for your landscaping needs. Here are some of the common questions our clients ask before they commit to a landscaping design and maintenance project:
How much does landscaping cost?
The short answer is, it depends. Projects can range in cost from a few thousand dollars to well-over half a million. The best solution is to contact us. We will meet at your site and discuss the options and solutions that will benefit you and your family the best. The good news is, that whatever your budget may be, we can develop a creative, realistic landscape solution that will fit within it.
What are some of the benefits of working with a landscape company that offers full service?
Great question. The biggest benefit to working with us is that you have one point of contact, your designer/salesperson. Your landscape designer works closely with you to develop a personalized landscape plan for your property. He then guides the installation of your project so that it comes together beautifully, just as the design intended.
Maintaining your landscape is critical to its long-term success. That’s why your original designer/salesperson will continue to be there, long after your project is finished, to recommend and identify specific maintenance work that needs to be performed to keep your landscape healthy, inviting and focused. This continuous, hands-on approach safeguards your initial landscape investment. Many of our landscape projects have been maintained by our PlantCare maintenance team for over thirty years now.
My yard is a complete mess. It’s embarrassing. I know I have to do something, but I don’t know where to start. Can you still help me?
Yes we can. We have been on thousands of properties across Northeast Ohio prior to seeing yours and it’s probably not as bad as you think. And, if it really is that bad, then the transformation of your landscape will be that much more dramatic when we’re done! You can see the kind of transformation that is possible for problem yards and neglected landscapes here.
Each property is different and the needs of each client vary widely, so the best answer is to just contact us, let us come out to look (we promise we won’t judge) and we can put together a plan of action to accomplish your goals for the landscape that fits your time frame and budget.
I want to renovate my landscaping, but I can’t afford to make all the changes at one time. What should I do?
Your best strategy would be to let one of our award-winning designers organize everything you want to accomplish with your landscape into one, cohesive master plan. You can then implement the plan in phases. Guided by the master plan, each phase of construction is one step closer toward finishing your project. This is an excellent way to create the landscape you want that stays within your allocated budget.
How does your landscape design and installation process work?
With every project, we pride ourselves on thorough communication from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Design Consultation:
Your personal design/salesperson will meet with you to discuss your vision, preferences, problems to be solved, and project budget parameters. At that time, they’ll also be able determine whether a solution can be developed right away, or whether we need to develop a landscape design.
Site Analysis:
We’ll conduct a thorough analysis of your site, considering soil conditions, sunlight exposure, drainage, existing vegetation and environmental considerations.
Landscape Design:
Next we’ll create detailed plans specifying plant selections, materials, and overall layout.
Estimate:
At this point, we’ll provide you with a detailed cost estimate for the proposed project, discuss any budget considerations you may have, and make any necessary adjustments.
Approval and Contract:
Once we have your approval for the final design and budget, we’ll draft a contract for your signature which outline the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule. Once you approve, we will schedule your project start date.
Site Preparation:
We’ll first clear your site of any existing vegetation or structures as needed.
Then we prepare the soil and make any necessary grading adjustments.
Installation:
Installation starts with the hardscape elements, such as pathways, patios, and structures. The we add the softscape elements, including plants, trees, and other vegetation.
Project Completion and Post-Installation Care:
Once the installation is done, we provide you with any necessary documentation, maintenance instructions, and warranties. We’ll also offer guidance on ongoing watering, maintenance and care for the newly installed landscape, as well as information about our full-service maintenance services, in case you’d like us to be the ones who do the maintenance, so you can just put your feet up and enjoy your beautiful new outdoor spaces.
What can I expect from your landscape maintenance team?
You’ve asked an important question! Choosing a landscape maintenance partner is an important part of both maintaining the beauty of your outdoor spaces and earning your confidence in our thorough care. Here’s how we work with you to determine what’s best for your garden’s needs:
Initial Consultation for Maintenance:
Our maintenance team leader will walk your property with you to identify and capture your concerns, preferences and priorities. They’ll assess any existing gardens and identify problems or issues they notice that could use attention. Then they’ll suggest potential solutions, and help you consider whether you need or want regular maintenance or seasonal services.
Determine Maintenance Needs, Scope of Work, and Budget:
We’ll then identify the specific maintenance tasks required for effective maintenance of your landscape, and the frequency and scope of services such as mowing, pruning, weeding, and fertilizing that we recommend, and share the expected costs associated.
Approval and Contract:
We always provide you with a formal contract that outlines the scope of the agreed-upon maintenance work, its frequency (including a timeline for the work), costs and payment schedule.
Schedule Maintenance Services:
Once we’re under contract, we’ll establish your regular maintenance schedule, and confirm our start date and frequency of visits.
Communication:
We pride ourselves on open communication with you to make sure we’re always available to receive your feedback and make any necessary adjustments to our plan.
Ongoing Evaluation:
Keeping your landscaping healthy is as important to us as it is to you! So we regularly evaluate the health of your landscape, and communicate our findings to you so any concerns can be addressed.
Renewal and Adjustments:
Each season we review your maintenance contract and work with you to adjust them as necessary to make sure we’re providing you with the best options for your evolving needs and preferences.