As you start planning your new and improved outdoor landscape, you’ll likely reach a point where you realize you need some help. Even the most green-thumbed of homeowners turn to a trained professional or two to help them level and grade sections of their property or pick the right horticulture for their environment and aesthetic.
Depending on your needs, you may enlist the help of a landscape designer or a landscape architect to reshape and redesign your backyard. However, it’s important to understand the difference between these two professions. A landscape designer will help you pick the right plants for your backyard whereas a landscape architect can transform the terrain of your entire property.
Before you commit to any major decisions, consider consulting with a licensed or trained landscaping professional. In this guide, we’ll explain how they can help, when to enlist their services, and what they’ll do for your backyard scenery. So put down that shovel and discover who you should hire for a backyard remodel.
When to Outsource Your Backyard Remodel?
Although it’s risky to speak in absolutes, it’s fair to say that no homeowner wants to hand their property over to a stranger and give them free rein to change things up. Yet, most homeowners lack the skill or knowledge needed to overhaul their entire backyard landscape.
This is where a professional landscaper comes in. Landscape designers and architects are highly trained in the art of horticulture and the science of soil erosion and water drainage. They know how to pick the right plants for your yard and how to lay them out in a way that looks attractive and functions well.
They also have the connections you need to find quality landscaping contractors who can bare the brunt of the physical labor. Rather than toiling for weekends on end, your backyard remodel could be completed in the span of a few days. And—depending on the scale of your new design—you could have an entirely new landscape.
Read: Why Is My Backyard Full Of Mosquitos?
Should You Hire a Landscape Architect or a Landscape Designer?
The terms “landscape designer” and “landscape architect” are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two professions. A landscape architect is a licensed professional who has completed a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited university. In order to receive their license, landscape architects must pass a series of exams administered by the state in which they wish to practice.
A landscape designer is not a licensed professional. While many landscape designers have a degree in landscape architecture, not all of them do. Some landscape designers are self-taught while others have completed a certificate or associate degree program in landscape design.
In general, landscape architects are also better equipped to handle large projects—such as those that involve re-grading or re-landscaping an entire property—whereas landscape designers are better suited for smaller projects—like picking out the right plants for your garden. So, unless you plan to install retention walls, driveways, or other major renovations, you likely won’t need a landscape architect.
Read: What Is Backyard Gardening?
What to Expect When Working with Professional Landscapers?
When you work with a professional landscape designer or landscape architect, you can expect them to take a comprehensive approach to your project. They will likely start by assessing your property, taking measurements, and evaluating the lay of the land. They may also ask you about your goals for the project, your budget, and your timeline.
After they have a good understanding of your property and vision, they’ll begin sketching out a design. This design will account for your property’s existing features, the climate, the soil, and the plants that will thrive in your yard. They will also consider your desired use for the space and any special features you would like to include—such as a water feature or a fire pit.
Once the design is complete, your landscape designer or landscape architect will present it to you for feedback. They will then make any necessary revisions to the design before moving on to the next phase of the project. If you decide to move forward with the project, your landscape designer or landscape architect will work with you to develop an action plan.
This plan will detail the steps that need to be taken to complete the project—from start to finish. They may also help you find the right contractors to complete the work and provide you with a list of materials that will be needed.
Once the work is completed, your landscape designer or landscape architect will likely check in with you to ensure that you are happy with the results. They may also provide you with a maintenance plan to help you keep your new landscape looking its best and connect you with a weekly lawn care service.
Read: Why Does Your Backyard Flood?
Is it Worth it to Pay for Professional Landscapers?
The cost of professional landscapers varies depending on the size of your property and the complexity of the design. In general, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per hour for their services. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of professional landscapers is an investment—not an expense.
A well-designed landscape can increase the value of your home, improve your curb appeal, and provide you with a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy for years to come. When it comes to your backyard, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Enlisting the services of a landscape designer or landscape architect is a smart investment that will pay off in the long run.
Read: Why Does Your Backyard Get So Muddy?
Final Thoughts on Hiring Help for a Backyard Remodel
Whether you’re looking to add some curb appeal or you want to create a backyard oasis, professional landscapers can help you achieve your goals. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of redesigning your landscape, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. A landscape designer or a landscape architect can provide the expertise you need to create a peaceful and beautiful outdoor environment.