Everything You Need To Know About The Landscaping Process

Agreeing A Garden Design
The landscaping process cannot begin until your landscaper knows exactly what to build. You may have already worked with a garden designer to create a layout plan.  But if not, your landscaper can put you in touch with somebody who can help.

Your Landscaping Quote
Once your landscaper knows exactly how you would like your garden to look, they can start contacting suppliers to get quotations for all of the materials needed.  At this stage of the landscaping process you may need to be patient.  Remember that your landscaper is probably trying to juggle project managing and building other gardens whilst gathering the information needed to create your quote.

Landscaping Contracts
Your landscaper should supply a legally binding contract with terms and conditions.  This is designed to protect both you and the contractor and you should read it carefully before signing.  Pay special attention to the payment schedule - you need to know what you can expect to pay and when remuneration will be due.

It’s not unusual for a landscaper to ask for a down payment.  This will secure your place in the queue for works and it may also be used to buy the first batch of materials.

If you are not offered a written contract, be very wary indeed.  Double check whether this landscaper is as skilled or knowledgable as they make out.  A contract may seem like a boring bit of paperwork but trust us, it’s crucial.

Project Management
Once you have agreed the layout and materials, settled on a price, signed the contract, appointed your Principal Contractor, and paid a deposit, there really is nothing else for you to do except relax and watch your garden grow.

Your landscaper will have created a detailed plan for their team.  The plan outlines which order to do jobs in and when to expect materials to be delivered.  If you have hired an APL landscaper, all of the team will be more than competent at their jobs. And although you may have seen various versions of the landscaping process on TV or the Internet, your APL Landscaper will know precisely how to adapt methods to suit the conditions in your garden.

The one thing you MUST do however, is be sure to listen carefully when your landscaper asks you to avoid certain areas of the garden or to carry out certain tasks.  This is not just for health and safety - you can actually damage the integrity of your new garden by using new features too soon after they’ve been laid or by forgetting to water newly laid turf.

Asking Questions
Never be afraid to ask questions about the landscaping process.  If you have any concerns at all it’s better to address them straight away.  A reputable team of landscapers will be happy to put your mind at rest.