Landscaping services by landscape contractors and architects

There are many factors to consider in landscape design. Landscaping can be a DIY project or it can be done by landscape professionals like landscape architects and contractors. Some of the first things to consider are money, time, and effort. A budget must be determined to limit overspending. The amount of time and work spent gardening should also be considered. Some other factors may include weather, soil, and regulations. Typically, the first step in landscaping is planning. Computer software can be used to model the property being landscaped. Maps and plans can be produced to show the design of features and boundaries. Photographs can be taken along with notes to help fill in the details. Once the big picture can be seen, lists are made of the types of materials that will be used, the types of plants that will be added, and the tools and equipment that will be needed to do the job.

In the initial stage of landscape planning, the elements and theme must be decided. Water problems need to be addressed, such as irrigation and drainage. Installing an irrigation system may require a professional landscaping contractor. Piping, sprinklers, and electrically powered timer should be included in landscaping plans. If your landscaping theme includes pools, waterfalls, fountains, or a pond, you should also consider a landscaping service. The amount of light must be taken into account when landscaping.

Tree and plant types can be a factor in striking a balance between sun and shade. Different types of lighting at night can be added to the effects of a landscape. These include uplighting where lights shine from below, downlighting, silhouettes, or the addition of lamps, spotlights, or flashlights. Various types of themes are possible, but generally depend on the region and climate. Desert themes that use cacti and plants that are used for dry environments and tropical themes would be more appropriate for warmer climates. Other types of themes can be Japanese, mountain or winter with evergreen trees.

Some of the preliminary landscaping tasks that need to be done before planting include soil testing. The pH level should be established for the type of plants that are used. Plant nutrients may also have to be added.

The types of materials to be used may depend on the structures to be built in the landscape. Walkways, steps, pavements, and retaining walls may require materials used in masonry such as brick, stone, sand, and concrete. Decks, gazebos, gates and trellises, as well as a fence, may require a large amount of wood.

Depending on the task and materials used, the types of tools and equipment should be selected. Shovels, materials, and wheelbarrows may be required when working with soil. Working with wood may require a saw, hammer, and screwdriver, as well as a lever, tape measure, and drill.

Different plants to consider include trees, shrubs, grass, flowers, and hedges. Some of the popular types of trees include cedar, ash, walnut, popular, oak, fir, and pine. Popular flowers include daisies, lilies, asters, irises, tulips, daffodils, and rose bushes.

The amount of maintenance with associated tasks should also be considered when planning a landscaping companies. These tasks include but are not limited to cleaning, fertilizing, lawn care, fall leaf removal, and mowing along with other types of landscaping work. In winter, snow removal tasks, such as salting, should be considered for their effects on plants that are part of the landscape. If a landscaped property requires too much maintenance for owners to do themselves, or if a special project or task needs to be done, landscape professionals should be hired to help, especially for very big problems.

There are tree services that can remove dead trees and stumps. Landscape contractors can also perform certain construction tasks, such as building decks, driveways, swimming pools, and baseball fields. They can also take care of routine jobs like ground maintenance, lawn care, pruning, raking, and winter snow removal. Some landscape service companies perform landscape architect design, as well as recruitment.