Do-it-yourself landscaping

Can I pay you for remote consulting services to advise me on do-it-yourself landscaping?
Yes. That is the whole point of working with an online landscape designer. Do-it-yourself landscaping is never as easy as it looks on a website or in a magazine. There are many variables at the unseen level that require your attention that you will probably be perplexed by when you first encounter them.

What are these variables?
Things like drainage, irrigation, elevation changes, tree root protection, and basic outdoor architecture will need some personal, expert guidance at times. We can provide you with these services for a reasonable fee, guiding you through the process from start to finish.
What plants shrubs and trees are good for a do-it-yourselfer to work with?
You can work with any plants, shrubs, and smaller trees. We do not recommend large trees for do-it-yourself landscaping projects because very large trees require trucks and special digging equipment to install. Stick with smaller species like Japanese yew that you can install with hand tools and a reasonable amount of digging.

You can also handle any garden plant or flower that can grow in your area if you are unsure if a particular species will grow in your part of the country, call us. Our team of experts has over 20 years of experience in botanical science and can recommend the best plants to place in your garden.

For outdoor architecture, avoid attempting complex construction projects. Stay with basic gravel, stone walkways, and basic brick and stone masonry. Most decorative outdoor architecture can be done yourself with a few basic tools. Things like outdoor buildings need professional design and construction teams.
How can I maintain my trees and shrubs?
Hire a landscaping company for tree and shrub maintenance.

What types of outdoor masonry can I build on my own?
That depends on your do-it-yourself landscaping skills and the tools you have available. Call a member of our team before you begin and get some professional guidance on planning out your work before you begin.

Never start building anything without some kind of drawing or schematic to work with. Work only with materials you are comfortable handling.

If you are absolutely sure that you can tackle a project on your own, you may need to hire a specialist.

Can you sell me raw materials and plants?
Theoretically we could, but that would not be cost effective for you. Everything you need for do-it-yourself landscaping can be bought either locally in your area or ordered over the Internet.

Can you direct me to the best online resources?
Yes.

If I run into trouble, can you come here or find someone in my area to lend an extra pair of hands?
Yes. We will travel if the client can cover the cost of travel and onsite consulting fees. Call us if this is something you are interested in.