Process
Undertaking a new landscaping project can seem daunting at times. At Lorax Landscaping we will be there at every step to guide you through the process and we are always available to discuss your ideas and answer questions.
Step 1. Initial Consultation
To begin a project we will schedule an initial consultation so we can visit your site and listen to your landscaping ideas and what you hope to accomplish.
If your projects’ scope and ideas and our expertise are a good match we will draft a high level design proposal outlining the work to be accomplished, timeframes and costs. This first proposal is usually focused only on the design. Design work is generally charged by the hour. If the proposal is agreeable we’ll both sign it and proceed to step 2.
Step 2. Design
The client interview is a detailed conversation about your needs, desires and style. We’ll talk about the members of your family (including pets) and potential yard activities including entertaining, sports, play areas, gardening (flower, herb and vegetable) and other hobbies. We’ll talk about the need for safety, security or confinement, storage, parking and snow. We’ll discuss the sights, smells and sounds in and adjacent to your yard, both good and bad. And we’ll talk about your favorite colors, whether you like bold or subtle textures and patterns, formal or informal styles, straight line or curves and if you have any favorite plants or special gardening memories.
Site Inventory & Analysis
During the site inventory we’ll measure, map, photograph and identify everything at the site. This includes everything from overall topography, exposure, winds, soil, easements, utilities, drainage, walks and decks, garden beds and existing plant materials to the location of your dryer vent. Any plot plans or surveys you can provide are appreciated.
The site analysis is time for us to note any physical issues with the site (these things are often identified in the Interview). We’ll note where there is sun and shade, where views may need screening or to be preserved the health and condition of existing plant materials, limitations from a power line, where snow gets plowed, etc.
Conceptual Solution
The conceptual solution is developed based on all the information gathered above. This step can take several days to several months based on the complexity of the project. It also often involves return visits to the site and more questions for you in order for us to refine ideas. When the conceptual solution is complete we’ll schedule a meeting with you to present and discuss it with you to ensure it meets your needs. If this framework is agreeable the process continues. If not, additional conversations and revisions can occur.
Final Site Plan & Proposal
With the agreed conceptual solution in hand we will refine and finalize the design. This involves selecting specific plants and materials for the design, detailing planting plans and installation instructions, and cost estimating all materials and labor.
We’ll prepare a proposal for you that includes the projects purpose (including key concepts and themes), overview of the site analysis, site preparation needs, phasing plan, maintenance plan, other recommendations, cost estimates (for plants, other materials, and labor) and a copy of the final site plan. We’ll schedule a meeting with you to review and discuss the final site plan and proposal.
If the plan and proposal are agreeable to you, we’ll prepare a contract for the installation service and proceed to step 3. If not, the design proposal is complete and any outstanding balance for that proposal is due.
Step 3. Installation
When we have an installation contract in place (detailing schedule, site management, deposit and payments, etc.) we’ll begin purchasing and collecting the necessary materials and supplies for your project. You can expect us to arrive on site per the contract and work will proceed in a timely manner. Any change from the published schedule or issue we encounter will be communicated to you promptly. During installation we will be happy to provide regular updates on the project and address any new concerns that arise. If you would like any significant design changes made we can discuss a change to the contract.
When installation is complete we will ask for your approval, sign off and final payment.
Our goal is to make your site look like we were never there – short of the new installation.
Enjoy! Your job now is to maintain your site based on the recommendations in the final proposal.
Our Installation and Renovation clients are eligible to request maintenance services.
