FAQs

What is Landscape Design?

Landscape design is the art of arranging or modifying the features of a landscape, an urban area, etc., for aesthetic or practical purposes. A landscape design is often divided into Hardscape design, Softscape Design, Special designs (i.e. water feature, low volt lighting, irrigation) and Planting design. Both landscape designers and landscape architects practice landscape design.

What is the Difference between a Landscape Architect and a Landscape designer?

Some websites will make you think it is the difference of a college education. They say a Landscape architect has a college degree and a designer might have some college experience. I tend to disagree. Many Landscape Designers have graduated from a College course in Landscape Design. So, what is the real difference? Two things: first, if you hire a Landscape Architect, you will pay a considerable larger amount for their services that most designers can do. Some Landscape Architects do not have courses in college on plant knowledge like advanced botany and Certified Professional Horticulture preparation courses that most designers have to take. However, a Landscape Architect is more knowledgeable when it comes to building a raised (retaining) garden wall over 4’ that requires an engineer stamp, designing a pool or large structure. Everything else that I know of, a designer can do for far less. Someone once told me, “Hiring a Landscape Architect for a simple landscape design is like hiring a building architect to design your dog’s home.”

How can I select a professional Landscape designer?

You should find out all you can about each landscape designer you are interviewing for the position. Yes, I said interview. Find out what college program they graduated from as well as what was involved in the training they received. Did they study up on actual residential site measurements, or just on campus training? Did they have to deal with actual clients? Are they trained in residential site “take offs” (the amount of materials they need)? Were they trained in an actual residence on safe demolition, site preparation, installation, and after care of the landscape? Are they nationally CLT tested and hold a CLT certification? All these questions are very important and will give you better understanding of the services you’ll receive.

What is a National CLT Certification?

A CLT or Certified Landscape Technician national certification is a series of 20 exams that a candidate takes. Most candidates do not pass the exam the first time around; the exam is hands on and requires extensive knowledge. It is now the standard of all Installers through out the USA. It is professional standard and proof of educational training, much like the examinations for Plumbers, Electricians and Registered Nurses.

Why should I have my landscape designed and installed by a professional?

There are numerous answers to this question. Unless you can figure out the erosion issues of your landscape sloped plant beds, the low volt lighting, how to correctly install an irrigation system and retaining walls, proper plant placement, which one out of the hundred types of lawns in the NW to select for your specific lawn needs. Not to mention making sure you have color and enhancement all year round for your landscape and that you have the time to make your dreams a reality.

Is there any charge for the first visit with a landscape designer?

No. Our designers are formally educated, supplemented with continuous training, and have over five years of experience, which attaches extreme value to their landscaping advice and opinions. NW Landscape By Design, LLC feels that the first consultation or meeting with you is to not only allow you to get to know about us, but for us to get to know about you and your landscaping needs. That is why we never charge you for the first visit!

What is the on-site consultation?

The on-site consultation between the landscape designer and homeowner serves as the foundation for developing a landscape plan that meets the needs of the client. Through the on-site consultation process the landscape designer will learn of the landscape goals of the client including any structure, tree, shrub and perennial preferences, as well as favorite color combinations and the budget. The landscape designer will also answer any questions the client may have concerning landscaping and business practices. Finally, if the client decides to proceed with a landscape design and project bid, the landscape designer will measure and photograph the client's property and begin the landscape design(s) and cost estimate for installing your landscape.

What information should I provide at the on-site consultation?

The client (in other words, you) should be prepared to provide a general idea of what you want to accomplish with landscaping and a list of any specific structures, trees, shrub or perennials that they would like to be included in the landscape design. Additionally, a copy of the client's lot plan or property survey will be helpful.

What happens after the on-site consultation?

If you request a landscape design and installation estimate, NW Landscape By Design, LLC will prepare a design and estimate using the information gathered during the on-site consultation. Approximately two weeks after the on-site consultation, NW Landscape By Design, LLC will present a conceptual design to you with their views from a questionnaire and all information gathered at the site as to what they think you would enjoy. After the conceptual design, in an additional 2 weeks, we will come up with a final design along with an installation estimate to complete the landscape project.

Is there a fee for the landscape design?

Yes. For a residential project, the landscape design’s fees are broken into pages rather then hours. Most NW landscape firms charge a client up to $2500.00 for all designs. Our general price range from $500 to $1000 depending on the size and complexity of the proposed landscape area. However, a portion of the landscape design fee is credited back to the client when the proposed landscape project is built by NW Landscape By Design, LLC. Generally speaking, it costs the same to build a poorly designed landscape as it does to build a well-designed one, so why not start with a great design? NW Landscape By Design, LLC makes a substantial time investment in each landscape design to ensure the client's needs and desires are met by the new landscape and that the new landscape will provide our clients enjoyment and beauty for many years to come.

How much can I expect to spend on a professional landscape?

The price of a professional landscape installation depends upon the size and complexity of the project and the size of the trees and shrubs used in the project. An industry rule-of-thumb is that a homeowner's total investment in landscaping (including trees, shrubs, irrigation system, retaining walls, decks and patios) should be 10% to 15% of a home's value. Landscapes can be installed in stages to spread the total cost over several years.

What guarantee does NW Landscape By Design, LLC provide for its projects?

NW Landscape By Design, LLC guarantees all trees, shrubs and perennials for six months from the date of installation. Hardscape items, including brick or paved patios and retaining walls, are guaranteed to the client for one year from the date of installation.

Are there any limitations on the plant guarantee?

Yes. NW Landscape By Design, LLC will replace any plant that does not survive the six months period one time. However, the six months guarantee does not cover care neglect (including, but not limited to, under watering, over watering or mechanical damage) or damage caused by abnormal weather conditions, chemicals, animals, insects, fire, flood, tornado, vandalism, theft or other factors beyond our control. The plant guarantee is also voided if the plants are moved from their original placement.

Who Are Our Clients?

95% of our clients are private residential.
They can be found throughout the Washington region:

• Federal Way, WA
• Seattle, WA
• Lynnwood, wa
• Edmonds, WA
• Auburn, WA
• Tacoma, WA
• Kent, WA
• Des Moines, WA
• Normandy Park, WA
• Burien, WA

The other 5% are “select non-residential” clientele such as:

Jiffy Lube – Auburn, WA
High Country Contractors – Renton, WA
St. Helens Condos – Tacoma, WA
Service Linen Supply, Renton, WA
Washington Interscholastic Activities Association
Omega Construction Contractors
A Small Animal Hospital

I am ready to utilize your services. What is the next Step?

Now that you have been introduced to our company and the various services we provide, the next step is to assess your landscaping needs. We have prepared a Customer Questionnaire that will help you establish functional and aesthetic goals, preferences, and budget limits. If you have any questions about the form or additional questions about our services, please contact us at 253-217-3270 or 253-217-3015.

Read More:

Four Steps to a Professional Landscape