8 Things to Look for in a Landscape Designer

At this time of year, it may seem strange to be thinking about your landscape. The reality is that winter is the perfect time to start working with a landscape designer. Starting work over the winter allows the customer to be first in line for spring installations, so your landscape project is complete for spring event such as Mother's Day, Weddings and Memorial Day.

When it comes to landscape designers, we know the choices are varied and often confusing. Here is a short list of what you should look for in a Landscape Designer.

• An ability to think outside the box.  A talented landscape designer will use creative material choices to accomplish the clients goal within the appropriated budget.
• An understanding of the underground. The most important part of the project management will never be seen.  This includes the geogrid and the granular backfill of a retaining wall, the sub-base of a patio or driveway and the soil conditions for the properly selected plant material. Your designer should be knowledgable and open when discussing this "hidden" aspect of your project.
• The ability to create different spaces in the landscape. Your home consists of many rooms for a variety of different uses.  Whether a 1/4 acre, or 50 acres, your landscape should be viewed in a similar fashion. Think of the multitiude of uses when planning your landscape, outdoor cooking, pool, bug free entertaining, shaded area of a pergola or shade tree versus the sun tan area on the patio, area for the pets to run as well as the kids to kick the ball, quiet area by a gurgling stream to read a book.
• Proper sizing for the needs of the homeowner. Proper size for the Looking at a 2-D design or spraypaint on the lawn will not give justification until you see the space with all ammenities accounted for. For example, an 8 person table and 2 sun chairs can dwarf a 400 sq. ft. patio, if not properly designed for.  Do you have room for some chairs around the firepit, because although the seat wall surround looks nice, no one really wants to sit on them for more than a couple of minutes. These are usage tips your landscape should be sharing with you. Knowledge of how to best meld design and funtionality is critical.
• A strong knowledge of material choices.  Can your landscape designer price, design and explain the differences between a stamped concrete, brick paver and hand chiseled bluestone patio?  Are they familiar with the charateristics of the 50 new plants brought out by Proven Winners, Ball or Norvalis? At The Barn, we personally test many of these new varities prior to having you make the investment in a non-proven plant for our area.
• A Proven Track Record. A talented landscape designer will have a list of cusomer reviews and recommendations and feel comfortable giving you addresses so that you can see their work in the flesh. Ask about customer longevity too; many landscapes are done in phases and a good landscape designer may have worked with clients for decades.
• A committment to the industry. Ask about which industry associations the landscape designer belongs to and what certifications they and their staff have. Involvement and dedication to the professionalism of the landscape industry is an indication of an experienced professional.
• A one stop shop, from start to finish. At The Barn, you work with your designer from start to finish to ensure a smooth project. At your initial meeting, find out who you could be passed off to and what the communication plan is for the project.