LANDSCAPING

Landscaping
Have you seen the garden of your dreams or do you want someone to come in and design something unique for you? When posting your project – upload a picture(s) of what your space looks like now – If you have seen the garden of your dreams upload those pictures too or links to the website you’ve seen your dream garden on.

You can also make a video and talk over it – “Over there I’d like a swing and some seating for when the grandkids come over – i’d like a pathway from the backdoor to the swing and I’d like maintenance free foliage on both sides. Over there by the fence I’d like some grass.”

If you want a unique design, be sure to include your address so your landscaper can find you on google maps and measure it out for him/herself and give you a more detailed bid.

Questions to ask yourself when designing a garden:

     Do you have time to care for your plants?
     If you don't have not much time you may want more maintenance-free plants

     Do you have the expertise to nurture a young garden?
     Again you may want something robust that won’t need a lot of care.

     How much time are you going to spend relaxing in your garden?
     Maybe you want furniture such as benches or arbors, swings and other ornaments dotted around.

     How much sun does your garden get?
     Do you need shade or a sunning area?

     How much rain does your garden get?
     If not much, do you have a plan for a watering system?

     WIll children be playing ball in the garden?
     Think safety.

     Would you like a pond or other water feature?
     You’ll need a water supply of course but again think of safety for kids.

     Do you have pets?
     Will Rover bury his bone somewhere and spend the rest of his life looking for it?

     Is there a history of gophers, moles or voles?
     Maybe they need to be tended to before you plant or build on their terrain – the last thing you want is for them to start popping their heads up through your new plants!

Things to remember
 

     Wide pathways
     – shrubbery and plants may overgrow and encroach on your pathways so give them plenty of room.

     Do you need steps or a slope?
     If you’re looking at steps don’t go higher than 6 inches high and try go 10-12 inches deep – you want to get your whole foot on the step without stubbing your toe! Also go for a                 textured finish for non-slip purposes especially around wet areas such as a pond, pool or hot tub.

     With archways and arbors you’ll need headroom – plan for about 7 foot, if you’re planting on the sides and roof plan for a minimum 8 – 9 feet.

     Leave plenty of distance between plants. If you feel plants are going to grow to 3 foot or higher they’ll probably grow that wide as well so leave plenty of space between the stem           and paths or fences.

     Grass or artificial turf? While both are beautiful, grass can be hard to maintain – especially if we’re hit with more hose pipe bans. Artificial turf however obviously doesn’t need               water but because liquids can’t penetrate it, if cats or dogs relieve themselves in the same place over and over it will stink! Also with turf – do not run it up against trees or mature             plants/bushes as water will not get through to roots and your trees may die!

     Future-proofing.
     When your garden is in full bloom the last thing you want to do is dig it up again. Lay conduits for electrical needs and water pipes at least 18 inches underground and mark the lines       with little flags so you know not to plunge a shovel through later.

     Call 811
     if you suspect a previous tenant may have laid cables or piping. Your utility company will come and check and most utility companies don’t charge a penny for this service – give             them a call and save yourself a whole raft of potential aggravation.

Hiring anyone to carry work in your home can be daunting. Letting strangers into your home is even more scary. While many homeowners may go into detail about              pricing and materials and quality of work – they rarely ask their contractor for their license details and never ask about their possible criminal background or if their            staff are felons.

For your peace of mind, all landscapers featured on 23HourBids.com have been background checked for your safety and security. Don't let anyone into your home            without the 23HourBids.com seal of safety and security.

Watch this short video below to see how we protect you, your family and your belongings.