Most landscape designers bill their clients in one of two ways. One, by an agreed-upon project price. This would include the consultation, time spent preparing the plan and for the rights to the final design. Two, they can charge separately for each piece of the puzzle, including a set cost for the initial interview, an hourly rate for the time spent designing and another set amount for the rights to the master plan.

Most landscape designers do charge a down payment so as to protect themselves from doing a lot of work and having a client decide they don’t actually need or want their services. You should be wary of anyone who wants more than 10% of the total estimated cost of design.

Also, be sure to figure out whether or not it is standard practice for the Monterey and San Benito Counties landscape designer to work within a contract. You have the right to request a contract and refuse to work with a designer who does not provide one. Contracts should include all the basic information about the landscape designer as well as provide contingencies for anything that may be subject to a change in price as you move through the process of creating a complete design. Remember, if your landscape designer doesn’t offer one up to begin with, request one and move on if one is not provided.

Diamond Certified landscape designers are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. If the landscape designer is Diamond Certified and you can’t solve the issue by talking with the designer or his/her boss if applicable, contact the mediation department at [email protected] or call 800-738-1138.

Simple Ways to End Conflicts with Monterey and San Benito Counties Landscape Designers

Monterey and San Benito Counties landscape contractors usually have your best interests in mind and want a positive outcome for your outdoor space as much as you do. But in some cases, despite your best efforts, problems can occur. Remember that communication is key—always attempt to clarify any questions or concerns you have along the way.

Of course, problems can sometimes arise no matter how much you may communicate all the way along, but you can sometimes stop a problem from developing by remembering the following pointers:

1. Stay calm, rational and polite.
2. If it is a larger company and there is a supervisor to speak with, request a meeting between you, the designer and that person.
3. Have a detailed outline of your complaint and expectations ready to present.
4. Be willing to compromise to a mutually agreed upon outcome and let the company know it.

If none of these measures work and your landscape designer belongs to a professional organization, such as the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, contact the organization to file a formal complaint.

Landscape designers are not only trained to pay attention to and interpret your landscaping wants and needs, they are also very skilled at getting those ideas on to paper and in to a plan that outlines the project, the lay of the land and the color palette. A structured and pre-planned design helps save everyone time and money as you move to the installation phase of your landscape. You’ll find it helpful to understand the most common types of design plans used by Monterey and San Benito Counties landscape designers.

Site Investigation: A diagram outlining the structures and elements that are currently present and will affect the final design.

Bubble Plan: A simplified plan that uses bubbles to denote different areas of the landscape design including gardens, water features, etc. This design can also include bubbles to show where the best views are located, utility features and other areas of focus for the final landscape.

Plot Plan: An overarching design of all features, structures, layouts and measurements of final landscape.

Concept Images: Photographic examples of all features detailed in a plot plan to give the client more of an understanding of what the final landscape will actually look like.

Designer Renderings: A plan that either the designer draws or crafts using a computer program to show color, texture, lighting and shading of the final landscape design.

Planting Plan: A detailed, labeled plan showing all areas included in the softscape of the final landscape design. This will often include the number of plants to be purchased and the specific types to be utilized.

Landscape designers often use very specific and technical language to describe their process and to accomplish your design. The following list of terms should help you feel more comfortable when conversing with your chosen landscape designer.

base plan
A plan showing site boundaries and features, used as a basis for further development.

built environment
A man-made creation or alterations to an outdoor space, including its natural resources.

Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
A digital design program that produces precise plans for landscaping projects.

contour
The form of the land. Contour lines are map lines which are used to show and measure slope and drainage.

conservation plan
A plan for protecting natural or manufactured resources. Used as a tool in making decisions regarding soil, water, vegetation, manufactured objects and other resources.

design
The creative illustration, planning and specification of outdoor space for utility, value and beauty.

drainage
Where water escapes from a land surface or subsurface, through sewers or natural means.

easement
The legal grant to use an area of designated property.

grade
How the land slopes. Grading is the process of changing the degree of the slope in order to promote drainage and landscape design.

hardscape
Things that are added to a landscape, such as paving stones, gravel, walkways, irrigation systems, roads, retaining walls, sculpture, street amenities, fountains, etc.

landscape
The amount of land that can be seen at a glance.

landscape architect
A licensed professional who designs outdoor spaces from whole ecosystems to residential sites

Also known as:  planner, consultant

landscape architecture
The science and art of design of the land involving natural and built elements and concern for resource conservation to improve outdoor spaces. Effective landscape architecture makes the most of the land, adds value to a project and minimizes costs, all while minimizing negative effects to nature.

landscape contractor
A trained installer of landscapes who implements the plans of landscape architects.

landscape designer
An unlicensed person in the landscaping business who designs outdoor spaces.

manipulation of space
The organization of land for aesthetic or functional design. Refers to the building of small backyard patios to huge urban plazas.

master plan
An initial plan showing proposed development. Master plans show phases of work needing to be completed and are therefore subject to changes over time.

natural resources
Elements naturally occurring in an area that can be used to fulfill human needs, including air, soil, water, native vegetation, etc.

site plan
A drawing including dimensions that indicates the form and physical objects existing in an outdoor space and those still to be built.

softscape
The naturally occurring elements landscape architects work with, such as plant materials.

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified landscape designer?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a landscape designer with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only landscape designers rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified landscape designer.

Q: What services can a landscape designer provide?
A: A good landscape designer will be able to hear your vision and offer insight on what can work with your space. They will craft a plan that fits your specific needs and vision. Working with you, they will design an outdoor space that will be both functional and satisfying.

Q: When should we hire a landscape designer?
A: As soon as you are committed to landscaping your space, which means you need to know what you don’t like about your current yard and what you would want installed to make it more enjoyable, then you are ready to begin your search. Hiring a landscape designer early in the process can help you keep from making costly mistakes and heightens the chances that you will be pleased with the final outcome.

Q: How can I make sure I am hiring the best possible landscape designer?
A: Seeking out a Diamond Certified landscape designer is always the best place to begin. Beyond that you should ask around to see if any family, friends, neighbors or co-workers have hired designers that they would recommend. It is essential to hire a designer who is familiar with the type of project you are looking to complete. Pay attention to the services and experience of every company you interview.

Q: What is the best indicator that I have hired the right landscape designer?
A: Research indicates that the number one way people can tell they will be satisfied with the final results of their landscaping project is whether or not they were able to communicate effectively with the landscape designer from the beginning of their professional relationship. Your designer should make you feel comfortable to bring up any questions or concerns that arise along the way. In addition, you should be confident that your landscape designer understands from the outset what you believe your transformation should look like. Ask many clarifying questions as you work on a plan together to make sure that you are on the same wavelength as your designer.

Q: How much expense will hiring a landscape designer add to my project?
A: You will pay for the knowledge and ideas of a landscape designer, but hiring the right one can in fact save you a lot of money. The expertise you pay for will let you know exactly what features your outdoor space is suited for and you can achieve a design that will actually work for your yard. You won’t waste nearly as much money and they can also help you seriously reduce maintenance costs following the installation of a well-planned landscape because they understand the type of plants and design that will flourish in your space.

Q: How do landscape designers charge?
A: Landscape designers can charge based on time it takes to design a project or an agreed-upon project fee. You should be clear on how a designer charges before you enter into a professional relationship with them, ask for a specific estimate and always work under a specified contract.

Q: What is my role in the process designing a landscape for my space?
A: You will need to clearly share your design wants, decide on a workable budget and provide insight into how the design will affect the livability and enjoyment of your space. A trustworthy designer will communicate with you throughout the process and be available to lend advice and design suggestions. You need to feel like a partner in the process and informed along the way.