Many of our new clients ask us how the design process works. Here it is in five easy steps.
Step # 1
Initial On-Site Consultation
The first step is an information gathering stage. The designer meets you at your home to discuss your visions, desires and functional use of the space. While at your home, we will discuss potential ideas to transform your space based on the information we have gathered from you.During this information gathering stage, your designer listens to your likes and dislikes in order to
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| Kim (on the left) and Chip going over a landscape plan |
create a clear picture of what would work for your unique site. We will share photos from previous projects and answer any questions you may have.We also review the budget you have planned for this project. A well thought out design takes time. Therefore, your planner will provide you a written cost estimate for developing your personal landscape construction drawings.
Step # 2
Conducting a Landscape Site Analysis
Once we receive your go-ahead for ourdesign proposal, the site analysis phase begins. We will be collecting the necessary information needed to lay the groundwork for your design. We will be taking detailed measurements of your property, noting site conditions and we will take an inventory of existing plant material. We will take lots of digital pictures to refer to during the design process.
Step #3
Developing the Concept Plan
Using the latest computer aided design software and the information gathered from the site analysis, your designer will begin to integrate your ideas with the site characteristics and your budget to create a conceptual plan. Depending on the size of the project and the time of year, it may take the designer a week to a few weeks to complete the design.
Step # 4
Design Presentation
Once your landscape plan is completed, your designer will contact you to set up a time to 
review the color-rendered plan at your home. We will present the plant material designed specifically for the requirements of your site and look over hardscape materials best suited for the characteristics of your property. Finally, we discuss any revisions that might need to be made. With the information gathered at the presentation, we generate a final installation proposal.
Once a final landscape plan and materials are approved, you will be provided with a final proposal. A 25 % down payment is required to schedule your project installation. If desired, the proposals/designs can be broken down into predetermined phases based on your established budget for the project.
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| Flagstone path creates access to deck. |
Step #5
Landscape Installation
Prior to the installation date, Smith Tree and Landscape Service will contact MISS-DIG so the utilities can marked. If new beds are to be established, the designer will mark your bed lines so our certified applicators can apply weed and turf killer prior to the installation date. One of our highly skilled foremen will be assigned by your designer to install the plan per the specifications agreed upon in the proposal.
After the installation is complete, we will provide you with watering instructions so you have the information you need to keep your plants cared for during the establishment period and beyond.
Note on Design Fees
The fee for residential landscape design starts at $500.00. This charge will be rebated back to you when we install the plan. With our rebate program, the customer is eligible for a 10 percent rebate on the cost of the completed work, not to exceed the value of the design.