Landscape Order of Operations Question

5 years ago

Hi!

We are hoping to get our front yard minimally landscaped (add in succulents, clean up some of the cactus, replace areas of thin rock coverage, new paver outlines) and our back yard significantly landscaped (it's currently an empty lot - minus a clothes line, one cypress, and an unused brick barbecue). We live in Arizona so it'll be Southwest and drought friendly landscaping.

We have 5 trees around our property that need significant help - lots of trimming, removing of deadwood, and one large bush needs to be removed completely.

We got a bid on trimming/removing the trees and bushes that need help and it seems reasonable. However, we don't know if doing this and then hiring someone else for the landscaping makes sense or is the best way to go about it. We are kind of working on the assumption that it'll be cheaper to hire the tree people separately as any designer would likely outsource and cost a little more.

We have an idea of what we'd like the new landscape design to be, but not fully fleshed out. Thinking we might need a designer to help. Which is why we are thinking of getting the trees at least in acceptable condition before we even begin to move forward.

What do you think, is that a good plan? Or should we look into a designer who will then just do everything?

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Comments (7)

littlebug zone 5 Missouri
5 years ago
I’d do what you are doing: hire a (presumably cheaper) person/ firm to do tree trimming and shrub removal. As long as you and/or they have good knowledge and experience of how to accomplish this successfully.
Christopher CNC
5 years ago
It is perfectly fine to present a designer with a cleaner slate. That will get both of you closer to what you have in mind.
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Yardvaark
5 years ago
It depends on what you have done. I've seen trimming that I've profoundly disagreed with and had wished the owner got trimming counsel from the designer before having it done. It's not as though there is a single approach that is always right. Also, when it comes to getting landscaping done, there are many quality levels. You need to find a designer (who might also be the landscaper, but maybe not) whose work spins your beanie. Just because you hire a landscaper doesn't mean that the tree work must be included in his contract (if it's a big price difference.)

In spite of that, chances are that whoever does your tree work will do an acceptable job and there will be no harm done. I'm just saying that it's not a guaranty. you have to understand and control the outcome.
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Colwynn Garden Design
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
From a cost POV, yes I'd agree with the approach you are taking. As a designer, I often recommend to clients that they get a "clean-out" quote from their regular gardener as I am going to charge extra for subbing that work out to someone else and having to manage them. For tree-trimming I recommend that whoever you use should be a certified arborist; for my own projects, I have a list of trusted service providers that I recommend to my clients.
kitasei
5 years ago
This is easy. Have the design consultation first, saying you intend to remove and prune the trees and shrubs you have in mind UNLESS THEY ADVISE OTHERWISE. If you agree with their reaction, proceed accordingly.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
5 years ago
Considering that tree removal or major pruning should be done only by an experienced, certified arborist (with appropriate licensing and insurance), I can't see how the cost would change signficiantly whether or not you hired them directly or they were recommended by the designer. A properly trained and experienced arborist is not cheap regardless of how they were sourced!!

I typically operate in the manner kitasei describes. I suggest removal or major pruning work as part of my initial site consultation and expect that it be fully accomplished before the new landscape design is implimented. I also provide referrals IF the homeowners do not already have a qualified professional in mind.

If you find that your tree people are charging significantly less than others recommended, chances are very good you will be receiving significantly less skilled work. This is not an area you want to cut expense corners on!!
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Ginkgo Leaf Studio
5 years ago
As a designer, I'd recommend starting with a company that specifically does the tree work first. Better to work with people that are experts in their area of focus. Then I highly recommend working with a local designer to help you bring your ideas together. And having the tree work done ahead of meeting with the designer will give them a clearer picture of what they are working with. Good luck with your project!

James

Landscape Order of Operations Question

Comments (7)

littlebug zone 5 Missouri

Christopher CNC

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