Situations That Call for a Design Project
Starting From a Blank Slate
New construction or a recently cleared lot with no existing landscaping plan.
A Yard That No Longer Fits Your Life
Kids have grown, priorities have shifted, or the space just isn't being used the way it was designed for.
Wanting a More Cohesive Look
Landscaping added piecemeal over the years that no longer feels like it belongs together.
Preparing to Sell or Refresh Curb Appeal
A focused design update aimed at maximizing visual impact.
The General Approach
Landscape design starts with understanding how you actually want to use the space, not just what would look impressive. A design that's beautiful but impractical, requiring more upkeep than you want to take on, ultimately serves the property worse than a simpler plan that fits your actual habits and available time. The process balances aesthetic goals with practical considerations like sun exposure, drainage, existing mature trees worth preserving, and a maintenance level you're realistically willing to commit to going forward.
Step-by-Step Process
1.Initial Conversation
You share what you're hoping to achieve, whether that's more usable space, better curb appeal, or a specific feature you've had in mind.
2.Site Assessment
The technician walks the property, noting sun exposure, drainage patterns, soil condition, and existing features worth working around.
3.Design Proposal
A proposed layout is presented, showing plant selections, hardscape elements, and how the space will flow.
4.Feedback and Revisions
You review the plan and request adjustments until it matches what you're looking for.
5.Installation Scheduling
Once finalized, installation is scheduled in phases if needed, particularly for larger projects.
6.Final Walkthrough
The completed installation is reviewed with you, along with basic care guidance for anything newly planted.
What Makes This Team's Approach Different
Coverage in Mercer Island, WA
Design consultations and installation work are scheduled across Mercer Island, WA, with project timelines depending on scope and season. Because the same team handles both tree care and landscape design, larger properties with mature trees benefit from a design process that already accounts for what needs to be preserved, worked around, or removed as part of the plan.
Common Questions
How long does a typical design project take from consultation to installation?
Timelines vary by project size, but a design proposal is usually ready within a couple weeks of the initial site walkthrough, with installation scheduled separately.
Can you work around mature trees I want to keep?
Yes, preserving valuable existing trees is a standard part of the design process rather than an afterthought.
Do you handle installation, or just the design plan?
Both are handled by the same team, so there's no separate contractor needed to bring the design to life.
How many rounds of revisions are typically included?
A reasonable number of revisions are included to get the design right before installation begins, discussed upfront during the consultation.
Can a design be installed in phases instead of all at once?
Yes, larger projects are often phased to spread out cost and installation time, based on your preference.
What if I only want a partial redesign, not the whole yard?
Design work can be scoped to a specific area, such as a front yard or a single garden bed, rather than the entire property.
How is maintenance handled after installation?
Basic care guidance is provided at handoff, and ongoing landscaping or lawn care service can be set up separately if you want continued upkeep.
Do you consider water use and plant hardiness for this region?
Yes, plant selections take regional growing conditions into account so the design holds up over time with reasonable care.