Your Homes Architecture and Your Landscaping Selection

May 24, 2023

by Marcus Malouf Landscaping Landscaping Design

When you design your ideal landscape many times for the best results, you need to consider the property’s architecture. For many, they first think about their favorite plants and trees, and they disregard if they’ll look good on the property. While it’s ok to choose your favorite plants, you may have to consider changing the architecture of your property to make sure your plants look home on your property.

Today we’ll review some of the critical components you should consider about your home’s architecture when selecting your landscape design.

Lines Matter

Your home’s architectural lines must be considered to produce a desirable result. While we’re not saying to rebuild your home to match your landscape design, we are saying to view your home’s lines to accent your landscape design. As an example, if your home has many straight lines. Straight lines give a sense of order and symmetry but can also be considered stiff and boring. You can either select long straight plants to maintain balance and order, or you can choose lightweight plants to soften the edges of the lines by adding texture and movement. Lines can also be used to produce a more naturalistic effect. As we know, in nature, lines are rarely straight, and by adding wandering lines and plants with organic bends, you can create a design that contrasts the straight lines and unnatural angles of your home to tone down the appearance.

Lines in the landscape design are not just limited to plants and homes. You can incorporate this design scheme into the rest of the landscape. Pathways, planters, and other hardscapes can amplify the concept you choose based on the theme of your landscape design.

Materials and texture

While not necessary to match the materials exactly from home to landscape, you should always keep it in mind when designing your landscape. The material you choose can make a massive difference in your landscape. Common materials include wood, bricks, and stone. You may also need to keep in mind any outdoor furniture as well. Like all other design choices, keeping similarities from the home to the landscape can make the property feel whole. For example, if your home uses red brick walls, consider using more red brick on garden beds or walkways.

Textures are more challenging to incorporate but not impossible. The surface can stay the same in a home, but in a landscape, textures can change depending on the weather and season. Ideally, you want to match a similar consistency of the house to the plants you have selected. For example, a smooth white finish on the home can look great with peace lilies, although they bloom more often during late spring or early summer.

Colors and Lighting

Color can tie together a landscape to the home in many different ways. The hardscape’s color should complement the home and vice-versa. Try to avoid contrasting colors, as they can create unpleasant scenes. Colors combinations like greens and oranges or purples and yellows, although they stand out, don’t look good to the eyes. Something many people fail to consider is lighting. While you have natural light during the day, it can create shadows that change how some colors are viewed. At night, the moon’s natural light can change the shade of some dyes. If you decide to use outdoor lighting for the evenings, you must understand that artificial light has its shades of colors. For example, daylight bulbs, typically labeled “daylight” or 50,000k, will mimic the color of light produced by the sun and can be jarring to look at, at night. Softer colors, such as 35,000k or 40,000k, produce a warmer light, often called yellow. This can be easier on the eyes but can change how other colors are perceived.

How would you feel with a designed yard to fit your unique home and personality?

Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.

The Proportion of Plants vs. The Scale of Your Home

May 2, 2023

by Marcus Malouf Garden Landscaping

When designing your ideal landscape, it’s easy for many to simply go for plants they like without understanding how they may look once on the property. Many plants can look out of place when placed next to your home. Understanding the proportion of plants compared to your home’s scale is an essential element in making optimal design choices.

Today we’ll discuss how the scale of your home and the proportion of the selected plants can affect the final design of your landscape.

Consider the Buildings

You’ll need to consider more than the size of the home when designing your landscape. Single-story houses, multiple-story houses, homes with attached vs. detached garages, and even the type of roof of the buildings must be considered when selecting plants for your landscape design.

While the most notable aspect of a building is its size, one-story, two-story, etc., you should also consider the building’s colors, the type of roof used, and the overall size of the outer walls. If repainting the exterior is within the budget, you can better match the species of plants you use to give your property a sense of balance and unity.

Tree Selection

When selecting trees for your landscape design, you’ll want to aim for shorter trees if you have a single-story home. The Western Redbud is a reasonably fast-growing tree that grows approximately 12-20 feet high, making it an excellent option for smaller homes. Acacia aneura can get as tall as 35-50 feet tall.

Tree Location

Although many homes would look amazing with a lovely tree next to them, you need to ensure the location you choose to plant those trees is appropriate. After all, nature can grow however it wishes, and roots can cause issues if a tree is planted too close to the main property. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to plant most trees between 10 and 20 away from your foundation. This isn’t the only placement you need to keep in mind. When planting any tree, do your best to avoid any plumbing. Sprinklers and sewage plumbing are run underground and can easily be damaged by tree roots. If it’s needed to plant near these pipes, you may need to use a growth barrier. These can be made of metal or wood, preventing roots from damaging your sewage pipes. Alternatively, you could select trees and shrubs without invasive root systems.

Outdoor Lighting

Some outdoor lighting will remain the same, such as path and accent lighting. Lighting can be cast differently on two-story homes than on single-story homes. Spotlights can be used to accent features, but their shadows can make them vanish. A two-story home can add additional lights and angles that would be difficult to show with single-story houses.

Living Walls

A Living wall is a popular design feature for many homeowners. The reason is it’s a feature that can be used effectively in single-story and multiple-story homes. They can help reduce the ambient temperature.

How would you feel with a designed yard to fit your unique home and personality?

Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.

What is Landscape Design?

April 18, 2023

by Marcus Malouf with No Comment Landscaping Landscaping Design

When re-imagining your landscape, you want to have a plan. After all, your landscape will grow and change as the years go by. This is where landscape design comes in.

But what exactly is landscape design?

In short, landscape design is similar to architectural design for homes and buildings. Join me as we go over the seven elements of landscape design and how including them in your design can result in a stunning landscape you’ll enjoy for years.

Scale

When designing a landscape, scale refers to the relative sizes and distances of the plants and other features. While water features such as fountains, ponds, and pools remain the same size. Plants, on the other hand, will grow with time. How a plant grows in the garden can significantly affect how the items around it look. For example, a small bed of flowers can make a neighboring tree look much larger. Remember the growth rate of some plants and trees and their location.

Unity

In landscape design, unity is the overall design theme. Giving your landscape a sense of consistency and unity. Having too many different kinds of plants can make your landscape design seem cluttered or messy. This goes for different features and hardscapes too. As an example, if your landscape theme is meant to be modern, a rustic-style patio furniture set will look out of place.

Balance

Balance in landscaping is the idea of even distribution throughout your design. Balance can have a different outcome for every person. However, it’s typically achieved with some form of symmetry or asymmetry using the rule of thirds. Symmetrical designs are more straightforward, and both sides of a landscape should mirror each other. The rule of thirds in landscape design is similar to photography. Choose a point of view, and separate the design into different sections using rows and columns to form an imaginary grid. Typically important design aspects will take up more space.

Simplicity

Following the less is more concept, simplicity aims to remove elements that either don’t improve the design or impact it meaningfully. All items in the design should be looked over to establish what is needed for the design to resemble a clean, uncluttered, and defined theme.

Variety

Although you want to keep things simple, you’ll still want a variety of elements in your landscape design. Growing odd numbers of the same or similar plants can create mass in your landscape design. Combining different textures, colors, and shapes gives you an interesting landscape while staying within your theme.

Emphasis

In landscaping, emphasis refers to that point of focus—the location or element to which the observer’s eyes are drawn to when first looking at an environment. In the front yard, this can be the main entrance or the porch itself. While in the back, it can be some artwork, a water feature such as a fountain, pond, or hero plant.

Sequence

In landscape design, sequences refer to how elements of the design shift and change. You can gradually change one component to another using different plant sizes, textures, and lines. This smooth transition appeals to the eyes and feels like a natural progression. One large tree between two flower beds will usually look out of place.

How would you feel with a yard expressly designed to fit your unique home and personality?

Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.

Choosing an Irrigation Controller; Which One is Right for You?

March 26, 2023

by Marcus Malouf with No Comment Landscaping

Irrigation systems come in many different prices and with several technological options like apps.

Watering your landscape is crucial to keeping your plants healthy, green, and thriving. Ideally, you want to provide the perfect amount of water to each area of your landscape without going over and wasting a single drop. Many irrigation systems have a controller to help with this, though homeowners often need to ensure they are working as efficiently as possible.

Have you checked your irrigation controller recently?

Most water is spent on landscapes through an irrigation system, and having the correct controller can save you both time and money. Join me as we explore the different kinds of irrigation controllers on the market, and help you decide which one is right for you.

Traditional Controllers

Though less efficient, many homes continue to use traditional irrigation controllers due to their simplicity. There is always an adoption curve when it comes to new technology, and irrigation systems are no exception.

Traditional controllers are often mechanical in nature. They are designed to provide water in increments. The Intermatic T8800 is an example of a conventional controller. It has limited features but is reliable and easy to use.

Programmable Controllers

Programmable controllers are the most commonly used irrigation controllers in homes. They offer more features than traditional controllers without connecting to the wifi. These controllers usually come equipped with LCD screens, buttons, and dials, making it easier to understand how the controller works. They can be set up manually and can control multiple zones. For example, Rain Birds 6-station irrigation timer allows changing the watering amount and frequency to six locations in your landscape.

Many of these styles of controllers are compatible with rain sensors which can automatically shut off your irrigation system when it detects rain. Programmable controllers are in the middle when it comes to features.

Smart Controllers

If your goal is to use water as efficiently as possible, a smart irrigation controller is the way to go. Units such as the RainMachine Touch HD-12, Rachio 3, and Orbit B-hyve are affordable for homeowners and have been shown to save the most amount of water compared to the other kinds of irrigation controllers. Smart controllers can seem overwhelming to some as they often need to connect to wireless internet and your phone’s Bluetooth. However, after the initial setup, these controllers can function independently. Smart controllers can usually control over 10 separate zones to maximize the efficiency of the water being used.

Unlike programmable irrigation controllers that require a separate rain sensor, smart controllers have access to the weather forecast because they are online. They can automatically adjust the amount of water used based on local weather patterns, saving you water and money while keeping plants healthy and green. If any changes need to be made to your watering schedule, there is a free app that you can download onto your smartphone, giving you complete control of the system even if you are out of town.

How would you feel with a yard expressly designed to fit your unique home and personality?

Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.

Outdoor Furniture as Part of Your Overall Landscape Design Goals

February 19, 2023

by Marcus Malouf with No Comment Landscaping Design

With spring right around the corner, people are going to have more outdoor gatherings.

Why not incorporate outdoor furniture when designing your landscape?

Outdoor furniture allows for you to essentially have another room, just outdoors. Just imagine a living room where the walls are outdoors, the roof is the sky, and the light is the sun. Then when the sun sets, a fire pit can be your chimney.

Today we’ll go over how to set up the ideal outdoor living space when designing your landscape.

Eating Areas

When selecting chairs and tables for eating areas you’ll need to select the appropriate material. The reason being is when furniture is outdoors it is subjected to the sun damage, wind, and potential rain. Unless the materials are designed to be outdoors, they won’t last very long. Some of the most common types of materials are aluminum, plastic, wicker and a variety of woods.

Aluminum and plastic furniture will typically last longer than organic materials. Aluminum is an incredibly durable material which does not rust or rot. It’s a light material that is easy to maintain, and when taken care of can look amazing and last for years. However with so many upsides it can be fairly expensive though many consider it well worth it.

If the look and feel of organic materials is preferable, wood is still viable. Though not as durable as aluminum there are some woods that can endure the outdoors. The preferred woods will have one of two properties. Either a soft wood such as cypress, redwood or cedar which have natural moisture-wicking properties allowing them to withstand the rotting from humidity. Alternatively hardwoods such as ipe, mahogany and teak are strong and long lasting due to their density and natural oils.

For an inexpensive solution, there is also plastic. Though not the first choice for many, the variety, versatility and longevity of plastic cannot be understated.

Fire Pit

Fire pits are an amazing gathering place for late nights under the stars. In addition, a fire pit can be designed to be used as a cooking grill. However, each city and county has different ordinances for building fire pits. Be sure to keep them in mind when designing your landscape.

Cast iron fire pits are some of the most common and affordable fire pits on the market. They often use wood or charcoal as fuel and make a great feature for gathering. Though if you want to avoid the smoke associated with burning wood, you can have a fire pit designed with a natural gas line so you never run out of fuel. Other options for fuel include propane and gel which burn cleaner than wood but need to be refilled when the fuel runs out.

Gathering Areas

Depending on the size of your yard you might incorporate an area for relaxing within your overall landscape such as incorporating adirondack chairs, patio swings or a hammock. If your property is lucky enough to have a good view, take advantage of it and create a space where you can enjoy the surroundings. The idea is to have an area where you or your guests can get away from the noise of the city to sit and relax. Or if you prefer, simply enjoy a drink while reading a good book.

How would you feel with a yard expressly designed to fit your unique home and personality?

Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.

5 Questions to Ask a Landscaping Company Before You Hire Them

February 2, 2023

by Marcus Malouf with No Comment Landscaping

Turning your landscape into a design of your dream can feel like a daunting task. Especially if you have little to no experience with a project of this size. There can be many unknowns that need to be cleared up before you hire a company.

To assure you’re hiring the correct landscaping company to fit your needs, you should have a few questions on hand. Today we’ll go over 5 questions you should present to a landscaping company when browsing your options. Depending on their answer you can decide to hire them, or go to the next one.

How Much is the Upfront Cost?

The majority of companies that you will deal with, will have an upfront cost. The contractor state licensing board states a contractor can charge no more than 10% down or $1,000 whichever is less. MC Landscaping employs this policy and we recommend you keep it in mind when comparing companies. As it can be a red flag when companies ask for the full amount or a large sum of the total cost to get started.

Is there a Cash Discount?

Asking if there is a discount for paying is cash can bring to light the integrity of the landscaping company in question. Typically a cash deal forgoes the use of a contract which can leave you in a weak position if a dispute arises. Without a contract, resolving said disputes becomes difficult. Although a cash discount may seem alluring at first, you run the risk of losing both precious time and money.

What Experience Do They Have?

When looking for landscaping companies, the old adage is true. A picture is worth a thousand words. Be sure to ask them to supply a portfolio with past projects that can be verified. Some companies may try to show you images from other companies, do your due diligence as these lies tend to fall apart after even the slightest research. You should never take a company at their word, after all this is your home and your project.

What is Their contractor’s license number

A contractor’s license number is for your protection and can be spotted on worker’s uniforms, vehicles and the company website. MC Landscaping’s license is always displayed on the top left of our website. After you’ve gotten a company’s license number you can search for them at cslb.ca.gov where you can use it to review a variety of information including customer complaints, worker’s comp coverage and liability insurance information.

What is the Typical Work Schedule?

This may be difficult for some companies to answer right away, as they may not know the full scope of the project. However a good landscaping company should be able to give you a general work schedule their employees follow. Oftentimes homeowners have a variety of projects being worked on at the same time. Being able to properly schedule material deliveries and area completions can make the project run smoothly.

Do they Provide Other Services?

The majority of companies focus on a single trade, being specialized means you’ll have the best workers of that trade. Landscaping involves plants, lawns, irrigation, hardscape, maintenance and water features. It is a trade that requires multiple skills to do properly. If a landscaping company also claims to do other trades that aren’t involved in landscaping, you run the risk of your projects not being completed safely and efficiently.

How would you feel with a yard expressly designed to fit your unique home and personality?

Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.

Fine Touch Watering Tools to Help Keep Your Landscaping Vibrant

January 31, 2023

by Marcus Malouf with No Comment Landscaping

Automatic sprinklers aren’t always necessary to water your landscape.

Just because your Property is complete doesn’t mean the work is done. Although you can hire the same company that did your job to do maintenance on your landscape, in between visits, it’ll be up to you to keep your landscape looking vibrant and healthy.

Especially for plants that require specific watering needs that a sprinkler system can’t provide, you’ll want to invest in fine-touch watering tools.

Today we’ll review some of these tools you can use to help make yard work something relaxing and enjoyable.

Watering Can

Naturally, the most iconic tool is a watering can; however, don’t let the tool fool you. A watering can, can be an essential tool for gardening, especially if there isn’t a hose nearby. To water effectively, ensure water is delivered in small drips rather than a heavy stream. Whether a vegetable garden or a flower garden, watering cans are a great way to provide your plants with enough water.

For parents, watering the garden with a watering can, can be a fun activity to do with their kids to teach them how to care for plants and flowers.

Water Wand

Much like a watering can, a water wand delivers water more gently than just sticking your thumb on the end of a hose. Unlike a watering can, a water wand does require a garden hose to attach to. However, a significant benefit of a water wand is that it more closely mimics rainfall. The spray is effective yet gentle enough not to destroy fragile seedlings, sprouts, and flowers. The length of the wand allows you to water plants at the root without hurting your knees, bending, or crouching. It can also be used to water taller plants without the need for a step stool or ladder.

Garden Hose Nozzle

Though more of a generic watering tool than the water wand, the adjustable garden hose nozzle is commonly used in many homes. While doing the same jobs as a water wand, a flexible hose nozzle can be helpful outside your garden bed, usually because it can provide more water pressure. This water pressure can be useful when spot cleaning in between landscape maintenance visits or removing pests from your vegetable garden without using chemicals.

Watering Globes

Only some people have the time to water their plants daily, and they find it relaxing and enjoyable. Lucky watering globes can help give your plants water automatically without needing to do it yourself physically. You’ll have to monitor the amount of water in the globes to ensure your plants don’t dry out. Fortunately, many water globes retain liquids for 7 to 14 days, depending on the size you choose. Watering globes can also add a splash of color and liveliness to some plants, or you can purchase clear globes not to take away from the focal plant. Though lighter on maintenance than watering your plants daily, water globes still need to be cleaned regularly to ensure the opening is not impacted by soil. However, an agreement can be made with a landscaping maintenance company to inspect during their scheduled maintenance.

How would you feel with a yard expressly designed to fit your unique home and personality?

Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.

Are you Interested in a Water Feature as Part of Your Landscape Design?

January 26, 2023

by Marcus Malouf with No Comment Landscaping

A small decorative waterfall in a garden can add enormous visual appeal and uniqueness to your landscape.

Just because the work at your Property is complete, doesn’t mean the work is done. Although you can hire the same company that did your work to do maintenance on your landscape, in between visits it’ll be up to you to keep your landscape looking vibrant and healthy.

Especially for plants that require specific watering needs that can’t be provided by a sprinkler system you’ll want to invest in fine touch watering tools.

Today we’ll go over some of these tools that you can use to help make yard work something relaxing and enjoyable.

Watering Can

Naturally the most iconic tool is a watering can, however don’t let the simplicity of the tool fool you. A watering can, can be an essential tool when gardening especially if there isn’t a hose nearby. Though watering cans deliver water in small drips rather than a heavy stream you would get from a garden hose. Whether it’s a vegetable garden or a flower garden, watering cans are a great way to provide your plants with just enough water to keep them healthy without the use of a sprinkler system.

For parents, watering the garden with a watering can, can be a fun activity to do with their kids to teach them how to care for plants and flowers.

Water Wand

Much like a watering can, a water wand is used to deliver water more gently than just sticking your thumb on the end of a hose. Unlike a watering can, a water wand does require a garden hose to attach to. Though a major benefit of a water wand is that it more closely mimics rainfall. The spray is effective yet gentle enough to not destroy fragile seedlings, sprouts and flowers. The length of the wand allows for you to be able to water plants at the root without having to hurt your knees bending or crouching. It can also be used to water taller plants without the need of a step stool or ladder.

Garden Hose Nozzle

Though more of a generic watering tool compared to the water wand, the adjustable garden hose nozzle is commonly used in many homes. While doing the same jobs that a water wand does, an adjustable hose nozzle can be useful outside of just your garden bed usually because it can provide more water pressure. This water pressure can be useful when spot cleaning in between landscape maintenance visits, or removing pests from your vegetable garden without using chemicals.

Watering Globes

Not everyone has the time to water their plants daily, nor do they find it relaxing or enjoyable. Lucky watering globes can help give your plants water automatically without the need to physically go out and do it yourself. Though you’ll have to monitor the amount of water in the globes to make sure your plants don’t dry out. Fortunately many water globes retain liquids for 7 to 14 days depending on the size you choose. Watering globes can also add a splash of color and liveliness to some plants, or you can purchase clear globes so as to not take away from the focal plant. Though lighter on maintenance than watering your plants daily, a water globes still needs to be cleaned regularly to make sure the opening is not impacted with soil though an agreement can be made with a landscaping maintenance company to inspect during their scheduled maintenance.

How would you feel with a yard expressly designed to fit your unique home and personality?

Our staff is dedicated to delivering unique landscapes that 100% fit the needs of homeowners. Each yard is designed in-house by our landscape designer. Our expertise and experience in Long Beach, Lakewood, Seal Beach, Rossmoor & surrounding communities allow us to custom design the perfect landscape for you.
Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.

Top Plants to Help in the Design of Your Long Beach Landscape

January 18, 2023

by Joseph Bridges Landscaping

When designing your ideal landscape, choosing the right plants can be difficult. It doesn’t have to be though, there are many plants native to our semi-arid climate that can thrive in your landscape. Though there are many different design themes you can choose from, there are often plants native to Long Beach that can help fulfill your design.

Different Design Themes

Every homeowner has different preferences when designating their ideal landscape. Some of the themes offered by MC Landscaping include:

Drought tolerant
Low Maintenance
Cottage Garden
Vegetable Garden
English Garden
Xeriscape
Contemporary
Modern
Mediterranean
Water Wise
Tropical

Although each design can be made unique, they’re not mutually exclusive to each other, feel free to contact us if you have any ideas in mind.

Popular Plants used in Long Beach Landscaping

To help with designing your landscape we’ve gathered 7 of the top plants homeowners in Long Beach use to help design their landscape.

Aloe Vera

An incredibly robust and versatile plant, aloe vera can be used in a variety of themes including water wise, xeriscape, and tropical. It being a succulent plant, it can withstand severe droughts and it’s hearty enough to be planted on nearly any kind of soil.

Purple Tree Aeonium

Another succulent, the purple tree aeonium is often used as an accent plant due to it growing a wide rosette of dark green and purple leaves on long thick woody stems. The purple tree aeonium is often paired with other succulents that require similar water needs like the aforementioned aloe vera, as well as the lion’s tail and other succulents.

Fox Tail Agave

A water wise plant, the agave thrives in dry and arid locations. Often planted around entry points, around foundations, patios and swimming pools, the fox tail agave is a slow growing succulent that grows a large rosette atop a long curved trunk.

Golden Barrel Cactus

Nothing says water wise like a cactus. The golden barrel cactus is a plant that requires well draining soil as its roots can rot if left wet for too long. Used as an accent plant for its unusual shape the golden barrel cactus is best used around walkways, patios and raised planters.

Dymondia

A drought tolerant plant, dymondia grows in an incredibly dense mat that can be used to replace lawn grass all together. It produces a small yellow flower when it blooms and is also used to grow between stepping stones, and pavers.

Elfin Creeping Thyme

Though not having as great ground coverage as a dymondia, the elfin creeping thyme can spread quickly over the soil it’s planted on. Often used around walkways, fences and walls the elfin creeping thyme produces beautiful little purple flowers during the summer and can be used to flavor your foods.

Olive

Olive trees can provide shade to your patio, lawn or be used as an accent piece. While not requiring much water to grow, this tree can grow with multiple trunks and produce olives during the fall. Though fruitless varieties can also be purchased if you feel like dealing with the fruits can be too messy.

There are many other plants that can thrive in the Long Beach weather. The majority of the plants listed only require low to medium watering and can be a part of any design theme.

How would you feel with a yard expressly designed to fit your unique home and personality?

Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.

What is the Budget for Your Landscape Design?

December 21, 2022

by Marcus Malouf with No Comment Landscaping

Designing your ideal landscape is a dream many homeowners have, especially first time buyers. However setting up a budget can be difficult to do if you aren’t going into the job prepared. There are many elements to consider when establishing a budget for your landscape including dimensions of the property, theme of your design and preparation of the land. A beautiful landscape goes farther than simply looks, it can contribute considerably to the curb appeal and add to the overall value of the property.

Join me as we breakdown key elements you need to consider when assessing your budget for your dream landscape design.

Inspecting and Preparation

Before you get started it’s a good idea to have your property surveyed and inspected. You’ll want to avoid any potential liability that needs to be fixed prior to having people begin work. What you should be looking for are toxic plants, tripping hazards, and dead or dying trees. Other items to keep an eye on include:

Erosion Issues
Poor Drainage
Poor Lighting
Damaged Fencing
Damaged Irrigation

The type of soil can affect the amount of preparation required as well. As an example if your soil is primarily clay based many vegetables and fruit trees have a difficult time growing.

Walking through your property gives you a unique opportunity to see the dimensions of your yard as well as what existing features and plants you like and would like to reuse. Reusing elements from your existing landscape whether its plants, pavers, or hardscape can go a long way in stretching your budget.

Choose a Theme

Once preparations are underway, you should begin to think of what kind of landscape you are looking for. You can make your own design from scratch or a theme as a starting point. We offer a variety of different landscaping themes to suit every need such as:

Contemporary
Drought Tolerant
Water Wise
Low Maintenance
Modern
Vegetable Gardens
English Gardens
Mediterranean
Tropical
Xeriscape

Keep in mind that some plants cost more than others, especially when trying to buy plants that arent in season. As for the hardscape, Importing rocks and other elements can be worth the investment but can be more costly than people realize.

We’ll meet with you to discuss your vision and landscaping needs. Once you’ve selected a theme our landscape designer can help you select everything else you’ll need including grass, irrigation, lighting, layout, plant selection and more.

Prioritize Needs, then Wants

Do you want to grow fruits and vegetables? You’ll need nutrient rich fertile soil and maybe a raised bed.

Do you want to conserve water during the dry seasons? Then you’ll need mulch and an irrigation controller.

The plants and trees you want may have individual needs. Depending on the plants you want to have, you may need to have an irrigation system to support your landscape design. It’s important to keep the necessary landscaping support in mind. Afterall, it’s easier to add more plants or stones to your landscape then it is to redesign everything because you didn’t prioritize the landscape’s needs.

Consult with a Landscaping Company

If there is anything you’re unsure of, talking with a landscaping company can help. That’s why they are the professionals, they should be able to give you estimates, and offer unique solutions to your problems. Oftentimes they may recommend a resolution that fits what you want and what your landscape design needs.

Landscaping companies can help you itemize the costs of your projects to better understand what your budget should look like. If you decide to forgo hiring a company keep in mind you’ll need to include the costs for permits, tool rental, and even fuel.

How would you feel with a yard expressly designed to fit your unique home and personality?

Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Feel free to call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.