The Process

Defining the Art of Outdoor Living since 1978.

LANDSCAPING DESIGN PROCESS

Expert Landscaping Design and Installation – From Initial Meeting to Final Walk-Through, We’re with You Every Step of the Way

Transform your outdoor space into the oasis of your dreams with our comprehensive and personalized landscaping design process. Our team of experts will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to final installation, ensuring that your vision is brought to life. With our commitment to using the highest quality materials and techniques, you can trust that your new landscape will not only look stunning but will also be optimized for long-term health and sustainability.
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1. FREE ESTIMATOR TOOL

Start your landscaping project off on the right foot with our free estimate tool. Customize your project with our project builder tool to get a tailored landscaping budget in just minutes.

landscape design process

2. VIRTUAL CONSULTATION

Get to know our team and let us get to know you with a free 15-minute virtual consultation. Share your ideas and inspiration with us so we can better understand your personal style and any site-specific concerns you may have. Click Here to Schedule.

Before this consultation, we ask that you come prepared to share any inspirational ideas or photos so that we can get a better sense of your personal style. Think about any site-specific concerns you have or questions we might be able to answer.

3. AT-HOME CONSULTATION $

Take the next step in your landscaping project with our “walk and talk” meeting. Our experienced designers will share their knowledge, offer suggestions, and show you material samples to get you on the right track. Click here to Schedule.

If you have them, site surveys and house plans can be helpful to have on hand during this meeting.

4. DESIGN $

Our comprehensive process for landscaping design includes an in-depth site analysis where we gather crucial data, such as measurements, photographs, and elevations. Using this information, our team of talented artists will create a stunning 2D concept design that reflects your unique style and maximizes the functionality of your outdoor space. Typically, we can deliver a concept to you in just 1-2 weeks after we’ve agreed on a price for the project.
Click Here to Learn More.

Our design fees start at $350 and are subject to increase based on the complexity and scope of your landscaping project. Please note that the initial design fee is non-refundable.

5. REVISIONS & FINAL LANDSCAPING DESIGN $

Now we make any necessary revisions to the concept landscaping design, finalize material choices, and choose plant material. Often, we like to meet here at our design studio to show you our nursery, demo gardens, and outdoor living areas.

Our extensive display gardens and demonstration areas are a great place to see established landscaping installations. See and feel the plants we are suggesting in your design here at our retail plant nursery in River Falls, WI.

6. 3D LANDSCAPING DESIGN $

As an optional upgrade to your 2D hand-drawn design, we can render your concept in 3D. Our robust design software will bring your project to life so that you can visualize every element in stunning detail. Get a sense of what it will really feel like looking at your beautiful new outdoor living space. Fully-rendered 3D designs are typically delivered within 2-4 weeks from the date of your at-home consultation.

3D design upgrades start as low as $250 depending on scope and complexity.

7. NO SURPRISES PROPOSAL $

When everyone is happy with the design and we have determined the scope of work, it is time to put together our proposal. You are presented with a comprehensive, all-inclusive quote for the project. As part of the proposal, you will see each element as a line-item and not just a lump-sum bid.  Proposals are sent out within 5 business days of design finalization.

If a phased approach is necessary, we can help you determine what needs to happen in what order.

8. CONTRACT, PAYMENTS, SCHEDULING $

When you are ready to move forward, we’ll email you a digital copy of our contract to sign which will lay out the payment schedule for your project. As a general rule-of-thumb, we require a 5-10%-down payment to schedule the job and a 50% down payment when we start. We can make arrangements for payments on larger projects that you are comfortable with. 

You’ll be given a date range in which we hope to start your project. Please realize that Mother Nature sometimes has other plans and we do our best to stick to dates. If you are flexible, please let us know. 

9. PRE-CONSTRUCTION $

We will have an on-site meeting with the landscaping design team, installation team leaders, and you. During this in-person meeting, we can address site-specific concerns, look at equipment access, and determine material staging areas. Any questions or concerns you may have can be addressed before we start.

Typically this meeting takes place the day of, when the crews arrive prepared to start working. At this point, any major changes should have been priorly discussed with your designer. 

10. BUILD $

Finally, it is time to break ground and get working! Don’t worry, our skilled craftsmen will bring your dream project to life. We always say “it’s going to get worse before it gets better” so don’t panic! Everything is taken care of and we’ll keep you updated on a need-to-know basis. Our highly-skilled team will have your yard looking great in no time.
Learn more about our build process HERE.

11. WARRANTY

You will have peace of mind knowing that we back our work with an industry-leading 5-year warranty*. Most of the materials we use will also carry a manufacturers warranty.

*Some exclusions may apply. For more information, check out our warranty page.

12. SIT BACK AND ENJOY YOUR NEW LANDSCAPING DESIGN

Now it’s time we hand over the keys to your new outdoor living space. All you need to do now is enjoy knowing that you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood!

We will talk you through caring for your newly installed plants, grass, and hardscapes.

Flexibility and Continuous Improvement in Landscaping Design and Installation Projects

Thank you for choosing our landscaping design and installation services. We take pride in our thorough process that covers all the essential steps required for your project. However, we want you to be aware that every project is unique, and there may be specific requirements that need to be addressed outside of the process outlined. We are always willing to remain flexible and adaptable to your needs and make necessary adjustments to our process to achieve the desired results.

We understand the importance of meeting your expectations, and to ensure that we provide you with the best service possible, we regularly review and assess our process. This helps us identify areas where we can improve and make adjustments accordingly.

We value your business and look forward to working with you to create your dream outdoor space.