Are you looking for a landscape professional to help you with the design and installation of a landscaping project?  There are several factors that can help you have a successful experience.  Research and preparation will help in the process, and the reward will be a beautiful landscape that you will enjoy for years to come.  Here are six important steps to consider when planning your landscape.

1.  Call Early

If you are in need of landscaping for a particular event, such as a wedding, graduation, party, or selling your house, keep in mind that the design process takes time.  First, there is a meeting to discuss your landscape needs and requirements. Then landscape companies must locate and procure required trees, plants and bulk material, such as mulches, soils, etc.  If there are trees or plants that need to be ordered, shipping can take up to two weeks, depending on the time of year and location of the grower.

2.  Pictures

There are many styles of landscaping, such as natural, formal, semi-formal, European, English, etc.  Knowing which landscape style you like will help your designer to get the design and plant selection right on the first drawing.  Pictures can also help your designer know the look you would like to achieve and can help the process go smoothly.  It is also extremely helpful to view the landscaper’s portfolio to see the type of work they do.

3.  Research

When choosing a landscape designer, research the companies you are considering to make sure they are reputable.  Consult the BBB and look for unbiased online reviews.  Word of mouth is one of the best sources for reviews as well.

4.  Plant Material

When meeting with the landscape designer to review the design, ask to see the plant material you are purchasing.  There are different grades of plants and it is helpful to see the trees and plants before they are planted.  Familiarize yourself with pruning, shaping and care requirements of the chosen nursery stock. 

5.  Patience

Many uncontrollable events take place that can delay landscape installations.   While weather, logistical problems, labor issues and equipment breakdowns are all possibilities,  the biggest factor involved is Mother Nature.  Rain in the summer can delay landscapers one day, but in the cooler seasons, it may take up to a week, or longer if it rains again.  Your landscaper wants to complete your project and will make their best effort in making a schedule.  After more than 30 years of scheduling landscape installations, we have found that giving start and finish dates can be a tough challenge, particularly in the spring.

6.  Knowledge

Landscaping done right is an asset.  Landscaping done wrong is a liability.  Make sure your designer knows his/her plants.  Plants and trees have site requirements that need to be met for their success in the landscape, such as exposure to sunlight, wind and moisture.   Plants grown differently in different regions and microclimates.  For example, some of the most popular plants are the hardest to grow in central Kentucky.  Azaleas, rhododendrons and dogwoods are examples of the more sensitive plants, and should be planted with care.  An experienced designer should be of great importance in planning for the longevity of your project.

The quality of your landscaping depends on the quality of the nursery center you get your plants from. Glynn Young’s Landscaping & Nursery Center in Nicholasville, KY, has over 9 acres of plants and trees, plants and perennials to choose from, with over 30 years of experience in the field. They also offer professional landscape design services, so they’ll recommend plants and trees best-suited to your specific landscape needs. Learn more about their tree farm online, or call (859) 881-8111 to arrange a landscape design consultation.  The garden center can be reached at (859) 885-6100.