Oct

How to Sequence a Landscaping Project

Starting a landscaping project without a sequenced plan of action is tricky. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a small improvement or a major overhaul, landscape design services need to follow a carefully thought-out project plan to succeed.

Take a Methodical Approach

Start by thoroughly assessing the property, permit requirements, and budget. Pay close attention to soil conditions, topography, the amount of sun and shade, existing structures and vegetation, boundaries and easements, and utilities.

Next, create a phased plan for the entire project. Not only will this help you budget time and money, but it will make larger projects more manageable. Here are some of the basic steps you should plan for:

Clear the site: Remove old plants, paving, and unwanted structures.
Grade and drain: Update site conditions to keep water flowing away from buildings and low areas, add drainage, and prepare the site according to the drawings.
Infrastructure and utilities: Install electrical and gas lines, irrigation pipes, and any necessary underground cables.
Hardscape: Compact the soil before installing pavers, patios, walkways, steps, retaining walls, pools, and outdoor kitchens.
Water: Install sprinkler systems.
Planting: Prepare the soil and install trees and larger plants first, followed by shrubs, flowers, and ground cover. Also, avoid invasive garden plants and work with a horticulturally trained landscaper if you can. You don’t want a landscaping contractor to plant the wrong plants.
Lawn: Lay turf or sod, paying attention to the season and grass types.
Lighting: Install outdoor lighting fixtures.
Mulch: Spread two to three inches of mulch or pine straw around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Final details: Plant annuals and add decorative elements.

Complete each phase before starting the next, or you may have to rip out work to install a forgotten and necessary component.

Common Scheduling Mistakes

Most costly landscaping mistakes come from poor materials or timing. If you can avoid these common mistakes, you can reduce the chance of problems that delay your project or cost an arm and a leg to repair:

Planting too early: Plants put in the ground before hardscaping can get trampled by construction equipment and workers.
Not enough drainage: Repairing this oversight can cost three to five times the initial cost.
Poor soil preparation: The wrong soil conditions can lead to excessive plant failures in the first two years.
Improperly designed irrigation systems: This mistake causes uneven plant growth and can use 25% to 50% more water than necessary.
Lack of access options: Designated routes for equipment and machinery are necessary to protect completed areas from damage.

Thinking ahead is essential. After all, no one wants to tear down a retaining wall because they forgot to install the drainage needed to handle the water that builds up during the rainy spring. Cutting corners or rushing can lead to more mistakes, disappointing results, and higher costs.

Get Professional Results the First Time

Following a logical sequence is key to any successful landscaping project. It reduces the chance of plant failures in the first year, minimizes maintenance while the site establishes, and requires fewer repairs and replacements.

When you hire a professional outfit like Michaelangelo’s Sustainable Landscape and Design Group, you’re ensured a seamlessly run landscaping project. We have extensive experience coordinating subcontractors, permits and inspections, equipment rentals, and material deliveries to meet critical timelines and complete your landscaping project within budget.