Estimating Your Landscape Design Cost

A common problem that many run into when starting a landscaping project is neglecting to figure in what the cost of their new landscape design will be. Some may people rush out and purchase plants so that they can get something in the ground right away. But without a proper plan, they may actually be wasting money.

What to Include in Your Landscape Design Costs

When it comes to landscaping, the sky can be the limit depending upon what the homeowner wants to do with their landscape. Of course, one of the biggest expenses is going to be plants, but there are other things to consider, including:

• Hiring a designer. Using a knowledgeable designer can help keep landscape design costs within reason.
• Improvements to existing site. Depending on the condition of the site, excavation or tree removal.
• Soil conditioning. If the soil is in poor condition or has poor drainage, soil remediation will be needed by adding topsoil and other materials if needed.
• Building materials. This may include fencing, walls, stones or paving materials.
• Delivery costs of materials. Because of the size and quantity that may be needed for the landscaping project, it may be necessary to have the landscaping materials delivered.
• Irrigation. If there isn’t an existing irrigation system, it may be necessary to have one installed, and even an existing system may need to be reconfigured by a licensed irrigation repair provider in order to meet the needs of the new design.
• Labor costs. This includes costs for having a landscaper do the landscaping work.
• Landscape accessories. This could include outdoor furniture, lighting or garden decor.
• Maintenance. Upkeep can be a chore depending upon the final design and installation. A professional landscape design company can minimize the need for ongoing grounds maintenance, but even the most friendly designs will require some level of upkeep and continual lawn care to maintain their beauty. Not a cost factor in the initial design, but one that should be considered through the design process.

By considering all these costs, the homeowner can get a good idea of what their costs will be for their new landscape design.

Backyard Landscape Design Trends for 2016

Well designed backyard spaces create a welcoming environment for a family to relax, entertain friends, and enjoy the beauty of nature in Central Texas. Here are some of the top landscape design trends for 2016:

Dramatic Garden Structures

Fences, arbors, gazebos, walls and walkways can all create the structures which frame the plants in a garden. The latest trend coming from European gardens is to paint garden structures deeper colors such as navy blue or charcoal gray rather than leaving them in neutral brown or white. Using colored structures for landscape design in Waco creates a more dramatic backdrop for flowers and plants.

Monochromatic Gardens

Another way to focus attention on details of the garden is to create parts of the garden in all one color, like white, yellow or purple, rather than a mixture of colors. Monochromatic landscape design draws attention to the details of the individual plants and can be a great way to highlight a garden water feature.

Fall and Winter Gardens

Although spring and early summer will always offer the best flower displays in a garden, a new trend is to make sure that some spaces in the garden are planted with flowers or shrubs which look best in fall, or remain throughout winter. Planning a four season garden will make the spaces more inviting to use when December weather turns warm, as it frequently does. Adding bulbs like hyacinths, daffodils, Dutch irises and narcissus can add color in January and February.

Using Native Plants Thoughtfully

Native landscape design doesn't have to mean messy, and native plants are both more drought tolerant and better adapted to the weather changes of the Central Texas area. Moreover, native plants can be a draw for butterflies and birds. The key is to have a Waco landscape design expert who can judge the placement of the plants and make sure they are cared for properly so they don't become overgrown.

Specialized Outdoor Features

Adding a fire pit, grill, or outdoor oven continues to be a trend as more people are entertaining outside or wanting to give teenagers a place to gather during a pool party. Patios that shade from the heat and water features which provide a soothing sound are also popular. The bottom line? The design trends this season seek to make outdoor spaces more family friendly as well as to add value and comfort to a home. Picture Perfect Lawn & Landscape is a Waco Company that specializes in Landscape Design, Lawn Care, Grounds Maintenance, and Sprinkler System Installation and Repair.