When it’s time to landscape a brand new home or renovate the landscape at an existing home, many of us feel overwhelmed. We know that an attractive, well-maintained landscape can add significant value to our home, but we don’t know how to achieve this goal. Should we try to duplicate a magazine photograph by guessing what the plants are and hoping that they will thrive? Should we purchase trees and shrubs that look good at the garden center and then find a spot for them when we get home? Or should we take the time to consult someone who knows the answers to our questions and can lead us to the attractive landscape we desire?

Enter the design professional. This is someone who has completed a formal course of study at an accredited college or university and has earned a degree in ornamental horticulture, landscape design, or landscape architecture. All should be well versed in horticulture and planting design. The landscape architect is also educated in hydrology and is therefore qualified to handle grading and drainage design. Other aspects of the landscape architect’s training enable him to assist with the alignment and grading of walks, driveways, retaining walls, and other landscape features. In many states, including Pennsylvania, the practice of landscape architecture is regulated by the state and an individual must be certified and licensed in order to practice. In Pennsylvania, an individual’s credentials can always be checked with the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in Harrisburg.

Is this more than the average homeowner needs to landscape his home? Not really. When you consider the basic difficulties encountered in our area such as rocky soils, poor drainage, and wildlife issues, why not consult someone who has the diverse background knowledge you need to get the job done properly? Your landscape is an investment in your home’s value and your happiness and its design and installation should be as important as the design and construction of the house itself.

After checking references and selecting a design firm, what will you need to bring to the initial meeting? You should have a basic idea of what you are looking to achieve in your landscape and what amount you have budgeted toward the project. There are often major items that must be taken care of right away such as re-grading to improve drainage or installing a lawn to prevent soil erosion. If you have specific likes or dislikes, voice your opinion now! Don’t let your designer waste time incorporating materials that you know you don’t like or omit ones that you know you want. Know your maintenance limitations as well. A thoughtfully planned and installed landscape quickly loses its value if not maintained properly. We would all have properties reminiscent of Longwood Gardens if we could hire a full-time gardening staff. In lieu of that, choose your plantings wisely based upon your needs and the advice of your designer. And consider the timing of other projects you are planning such as driveway and walk installations. You don’t want to have large topsoil delivery trucks backing onto your newly paved driveway or a crew of walk installers tearing up your newly germinated lawn.

Consider having your designer or landscape architect prepare a full plan for your property. In this way, you can tackle portions of the job as your time and budget allow while having the benefit of knowing that your efforts will be cohesive. The plan will cost you a bit of money initially, but it will save time and money in the end as you will have a clear idea of what you are looking for and where it should be planted.

You wouldn’t build a house without the advice of an architect and a set of blueprints. Why would you install your landscape, the finishing touch that complements your home, without a plan prepared by a qualified professional?