What High-end Landscapers Do and Why You Should Hire One

Construction, clearing a site, and installing hardscaping features may come to mind when you think of landscaping. These tasks, though important, are just a fraction of what landscapers do. Discover the difference that high-end landscaping can make with our guide to landscaping services and learn questions you can ask for your next landscaping project.

What is high-end landscaping?

Landscapers are professionals specialising in designing, constructing, planting, and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces. High-end landscapers have an intimate understanding of each component and how these relate to each other. Often, they can deliver each service together and take responsibility for a project from start to finish. A seamless experience where each pillar of landscaping informs the other is a sign of expert landscaping.

Landscaping first starts with the design aspect. After consultation, a thoughtful landscape designer will assess the site and create a plan for executing the client’s vision. It is always worth hiring a landscape designer because they help ensure that what will be built is feasible and optimal for your existing outdoor spaces. Even the most challenging design tasks can be overcome with the help of an experienced graphic designer. Such was the case for this unique Mount Eden Courtyard.

Landscape construction involves a team bringing this vision to life with refined attention to detail. High-end landscape construction can shrink, expand, and lengthen a space, all within the set parameters of a site. Challenging site conditions such as limited space, a hard-to-reach backyard, or an expansive landscape that blends into an adjacent bush are all manageable by a professional landscape construction team.

At the later stages of landscaping are landscape planting and landscape maintenance. High-end planting draws from deep horticultural knowledge and takes advantage of networks that facilitate access to all types of plants. Matching the desired look with soil and climate conditions is part of their core expertise, often extending to an intimate understanding of native planting. High-end maintenance preserves the work done by each landscaper. Whether maintaining delicate layers in a small courtyard or tidying an expansive backyard, landscape maintenance teams have an eye for perfection.

What to look for when choosing a high-end landscaping service

Hiring the best landscaping service is easier when you know what to look for. These are some of the factors to consider when separating great landscapers from exceptional ones:

·         Professionalism: One of the most important qualities of a high-end landscaper is professionalism. As with any industry, this can be judged by communication, appearance, and work ethic.

·         Environmental care: Sustainability, a genuine understanding of our unique ecosystems, and a passion for the environment are qualities to look out for when choosing a landscaping service. Aotearoa is home to a delicate and robust natural environment that landscapers will take care to work alongside, preserve, or even integrate to create the most resilient and beautiful landscape.

·         Qualifications and awards: The most renowned landscaping services belong to Registered Master Landscapers – a national organisation officially representing the industry and promoting quality trade practice. A landscaper with Master Landscaper awards or other third parties further exemplifies a commitment to excellence.

·         Portfolio: Look for a landscaping service with an extensive portfolio that illustrates their range of services. Projects that showcase a bespoke approach and mention challenges are signs of a landscaper you can trust to navigate potential hurdles or unexpected issues.

Questions you should ask every landscaping service when you reach out to them

Professional landscaping services have a wealth of experience talking to prospective clients. They’ll know which questions to ask and how to ask them to bring your brief to life, but what about the questions you need to ask? To create the most beautiful landscape for your home, you’ll want to have a solid idea of what you want to achieve and come prepared with questions of your own. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking for you to take inspiration from:

Landscape Design questions

·         Have you created landscape designs for similar homes to mine?

·         What type of planning goes into ensuring the design is functional and practical?

·         Do you have a process to handle design revisions?

·         How do you account for the climate in your landscape design process?

Landscape Construction questions

·         What types of hardscape features is your team experienced with constructing?

·         What is your approach to drainage, erosion control, and permeability?

·         What kind of experience does your construction team have with homes like mine?

·         What is your process for handling waste during the construction process?

Landscape Planting questions

·         Where do you source your plants from?

·         Can you incorporate native plants into the landscape?

·         How do you select plants that suit the local climate and soil conditions?

·         What is your approach to planting that is resilient to climate change?

Landscape Maintenance questions

·         What type of maintenance services do you offer?

·         How often will professional maintenance be necessary for my landscape?

·         Do your maintenance services include irrigation adjustments?

·         Can your maintenance services improve my garden’s sustainability?

Collaborate with us – Why you should hire Second Nature for your next project

Landscaping sits at the intersection of practical experience, creativity, and problem-solving. The difference that high-end landscapers bring is industry-recognised craftsmanship that contributes to the best creation possible. Whether a landscaper comes in for one step of the journey or you enlist the help of a full garden service, finding the best is important.

Second Nature offer high-end landscape design, construction, planting, and maintenance. As Registered Master Landscapers with extensive experience and industry awards, transforming your outdoor environments and drawing out their full potential is our passion. Contact us for a consultation to take the first step in creating a one-of-a-kind landscape that you can be proud of.