Should I Hire a Landscape Designer or Do it Myself
Should I Hire a Landscape Designer or Do it Myself?
The landscape of your garden is a crucial part of the design and function of your home and property. A good landscape will help you make the most of your outdoor space, whether you’re looking for a place to relax or entertain. It can immerse you in peace and tranquility, especially after a long day at work. That's why you don’t want to end up with an outdoor space that doesn’t work for your lifestyle or needs!
The desire to create a beautiful outdoor space is something most all buildings or homeowners have. The fact is that landscaping isn't as simple as planting some flowers or trees — there are many technical aspects that go into planning and designing. You can have all the inspiration and ideas, but it’s impossible to implement your ideas without the necessary skills. Thus, you start asking yourself, “Should I hire a landscape designer? Or, is it worth hiring a landscape designer?”
To help you decide if it’s worth hiring a landscape designer or if you should take on the project yourself, we’ve shared a comprehensive guide below.
What Exactly Does a Landscape Designer Do?
A landscape designer is a professional who, through their expertise in design and architectural principles, creates landscapes and outdoor spaces that are both functional and alluring. These professionals work in various settings — from residential to commercial spaces designing a garden or a building's grounds.
A landscape designer may be involved in the planning, design, and creation of different types of landscapes. The overall goal of this process is to create an aesthetically pleasing space that is welcoming and comfortable for human use. Their expertise encompasses everything from designing a single garden in your backyard to a park or golf course, designing pools and patios, to constructing walkways and driveways.
Residential vs Commercial Landscape Designers
Residential and commercial landscaping are similar in scope, but with several key differences. In residential spaces, the focus is on enhancing the home's character and comfortable livability through creative design and stunning aesthetic appeal. The designer creates a visual concept for the property — including the placement of plants, trees, hardscapes (such as patios, stonewalls, and walkways), and lawns.
Meanwhile, commercial landscape designers have more experience in commercial properties, such as shopping malls, office parks, hospitals, apartment complexes, restaurants, and hotels. The core of the design process is the nature of the activity planned for the space in terms of visual appeal, functionality, safety, and security.
Whether for residential or commercial purposes, the goal of landscape designers is to create functional spaces with a natural, beautiful aesthetic — where the user can have some sense of relaxation and enjoyment.
Is it Worth Hiring a Landscape Designer? Pros and Cons
Are you dreaming of the perfect outdoor oasis? Hiring a landscape designer may be the best investment you can make when creating a new yard or altering an existing garden. Not only will your landscape look spectacular but you'll be able to sit back, relax, and have more time enjoying your surroundings.
If you’re not yet convinced and still asking yourself, “is it worth hiring a landscape designer?”, let’s dig into the advantages and disadvantages of having a landscape designer handling your project. This way, you can make an informed decision.
Pros of Hiring a Landscape Designer
Hiring a landscape designer is the best way to turn your dull backyard into a stunning retreat that delivers a profound impact on everything from curb appeal to the comfort of your home. Here are other reasons why you should consider a professional designer for your landscaping project:
Experienced: When you hire a landscape designer, you get someone who has years of experience working with clients like yourself. They have mastered the art of garden designing and can help you make your dream yard come alive.
Well-thought-out plan: They can help you come up with a plan that fits both your budget and your lifestyle. You’ll simply be stunned that your garden comes out as exactly as you envision it.
Cost-effective: A landscape designer will have extensive plant knowledge that can save you from costly errors. They can help you select which types of plants are appropriate for your garden or location.
Site analysis: They conduct an analysis of existing conditions of the site as drainage, soil condition, light, and other key elements that can be integrated into the design.
Tools and equipment: You don’t have to buy tools to create your garden because they have state-of-the-art tools to carry out your plans seamlessly.
Cons of Hiring a Landscape Designer
The only disadvantage of having a landscape designer is the fact that it's an expensive service. However, with their professional work, you can get tons of value for your money. They’re the perfect way to turn any space into a functional, enjoyable outdoor retreat. The value they bring far surpasses their cost. They increase the value of your property and create an incredible space, in which you'll love living in. After all, you can’t put a price tag on your happiness!
So - Should I Hire a Landscape Designer or Do it Myself?
The good thing is that thinking about your outdoor space and deciding how you want to use it is the first step to making a change in your outdoor oasis. While you’re excited to put those ideas into reality, implementing them is not always as simple as it seems, and doing it yourself can be both time-consuming and expensive.
Approaching your landscape design project with a DIY mindset is a recipe for disappointment. If you’re like most homeowners, you expect professional results, you want to save money without compromising the quality of your finished product, have time to enjoy your new garden, and make it as gorgeous as it can be. Hence, if you're thinking about creating your own landscape design, think again.
Landscape designers are trained professionals who know how to transform your backyard into a comfortable and functional living environment. They can bring the serenity of a park or the natural beauty of a lake right to your doorstep. Additionally, they know what kinds of plants thrive in different types of soil — so you can be sure all your plants will grow successfully in their new home.
With the help of a landscape designer, you have the power to transform your garden into a site-worthy work of art.
What to Consider When Looking for a Landscape Designer in Alpharetta, Georgia
There are many ways to find the #1 commercial and residential landscape design in Alpharetta, GA for your needs. However, to save you time scouring for a company that caters to your specific requirements, here are some factors that make them an excellent choice.
A Track Record of Successful Projects & Happy Clients
A good designer will have at least ten years of experience working with clients and designing varieties of garden settings. They should have a proven track record of successful, beautiful outdoor renovations, and landscape designs. If possible, ask for their portfolio, so you can see the quality of their work before agreeing to hire them. Additionally, you can look at online reviews and social media comments to see if previous clients were satisfied with their services.
The Ability to Bring Your Unique Vision to Life
Besides quality work, your landscape designer should be able to transform your vision into a reality. Different types of projects require different skill sets, so it's necessary that you hire someone who has experience with the type of project you have in mind — whether it’s Japanese or English garden styles. They must have the expertise to create a design that matches your specific needs and desires to come out with a project that exceeds your expectations.
Look for a Company That Can Maintain Your Landscape After Installation, Too
Finally, the last consideration when looking for a landscape designer is the type of maintenance they offer once their work has been completed. If possible, find out if they do regular maintenance services, such as trimming hedges and weeding beds each week. The best residential landscape maintenance in Alpharetta or commercial landscape maintenance in Alpharetta goes beyond professional landscape designing to ensure you have mind-boggling outdoor space all year round.
Should I Hire a Landscape Designer? Wrapping Things Up
Thinking of designing a garden yourself is simply not worth the hassle or the risk. You wouldn't try to build a house yourself, would you? So, why design and implement a landscape yourself if you don't have the specialized skill set? You can simply partner with an expert Alpharetta landscaping company and save yourself some time, stress, and headaches. We have a wealth of experience and knowledge to make the most of your landscape design and boost your property’s curb appeal.