HOW TO FIND YOUR IDEAL LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR

I will always advocate for letting your landscape designer refer you to the right landscape contractor.  This means that you are going to get someone that the designer has worked with before.  The designers reputation is on the line and they would never refer you to someone that they have never worked with.  Someone that is licensed, bonded, insured and has workmen's comp.  

Now let's assume that you do not need a designer but rather a contractor.  Then what?  In this video I will share with you how to find your ideal landscape contractor.  The different sites that you can go to to find the pro that is right for your project.   

DIY GARDEN IN RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

This garden was designed by me and installed DIY by the homeowner. She first started killing the lawn by covering the entire area with cardboard and letting it sit for about 2-3 months.

Then she called me to do a design that consists of a flagstone path, a dry river bed and some drought tolerant plants. There is no irrigation system as the homeowner will be hand watering. The garden is small enough that I don't see that being an issue.

HOW A DESIGNER PLANS A DESIGN

In this video I share with you the basic ways in which a designer plans a design.  First is all about site analysis.  This is where, the designer takes account of the existing site and what is currently happening.  Secondly, is measuring the site and creating a site plan.  This step is important as no contractor can create an accurate quote without a detailed to scale plan.  

Third is drawing concept designs.  You should get at least two options to consider.  Options of what is possible for your garden.  This is followed by the fourth step of creating mood boards.  Mood boards show you images of ideas for your garden and what is possible.  What plants is the designer proposing to use.  This is a time where you will meet with the designer to go over the concept drawings and hash everything out.  

Lastly, is the final detailed drawings.  Drawings that any licensed contractor can quote and install from.  Drawings, that your HOA (if you have one) can review and approve.  I will make detailed videos of each step in the next coming months.