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How to Choose the Best Landscape Professional for Your Project: Independent Designer, Design-Build, or Landscape Maintenance?

Landscape professionals vary significantly in their skills and specializations. They can have a unique area of focus and expertise. So, how can you determine which professional is best suited for your landscape project? I’ll outline key points to consider when seeking to hire a landscape expert for your needs.


As an independent landscape designer who has worked for design-build companies in the past, I will give you my honest perspective on working with the different types of landscape companies out there. Now, even before you start reaching out to a contractor I would have some information ready to provide to that person or company that you are contacting. 


  1. What are your project goals? What work are you looking to do? Is your project a complete design and installation project, do you want to spruce up a few beds in your yard, or are you just looking for a design plan? Knowing your goals will help direct you to the appropriate landscape professional.

  2. Do you have a time frame of when you want to have your project completed? Are you flexible with timelines or are you having a wedding in your backyard in 6 months?

  3. What do you have in mind as far as what you’re willing to spend? Having some idea of a budget is crucial before even getting started. Even if you’re not sure. You don’t want to start planning a project only to find out it’s not something realistic for you to spend on now.


When you’re ready to contact landscape professionals there are some things to know in order to help you select the right person or company to work with. I’m going to focus on Independent Landscape Designers and Contractors, Design-Build Contractors and Landscape Maintenance Contractors since these are the most common types you’ll come across. 



Designing a vibrant landscape plan with colored pencil, showcasing lush plantings, walkways and a pool area
Designing a vibrant landscape plan with colored pencil, showcasing lush plantings, walkways, and a pool area.


Independent Landscape Designers 


Independent means just that. They are not tied to a specific company and they may only offer the planning aspect of your project. Some may offer project management or help with selecting a suitable contractor for installation.


Pro’s


  • Freedom and Flexibility to Choose: You’re not tied to a specific contractor. You’re in control and have the freedom to choose who builds your project. 

  • Guidance in Selecting the Appropriate Contractor for Your Project. Based on the scope of your project an independent designer can help you find the right contractor for your project, you can find your own or DIY. We don’t have a bias on who builds it, however, we may have vetted and trusted contractors we’ve worked with to help you in your selection.

  • Can Help with Managing Costs. Since you have the option to choose, you can search for specific contractors based on their area of expertise which can help control your budget. For example, you can get multiple bids on a patio and select one that fits your budget and needs. 

  • Specialized Design Expertise. Independent landscape designers are able to bring focused design skills and creativity to the planning phase of your project. They have the opportunity to spend the time in the planning phase to focus on every detail of your project. Often eliminating many oversights during the installation process.

  • Objective Perspective. An independent designer can offer unbiased advice and recommendations, ensuring your project aligns with your vision and budget. We are not driven by large overheads, having to move certain materials or the pressure of installation sales goals like a design/build firm would be. We remain focused on helping create a plan that reaches your goals.

  • Upfront Costs/Deliverables. Fees for services are upfront. We never hide any design or project management fees in your installations as many design/builds do. Many design/build firms will complete a design plan for you but unless you contract with them for installation, you will not be able to keep the plans. So yes, you pay a designer upfront but those design plans are yours to keep. Another common practice is to markup any subcontractor work to include project management fees. Be sure to ask these questions when vetting contractors!


Con’s


  • Time. Independent landscape designers are focused on one on one time with their clients and producing detailed plans. This attention to detail may take longer than a design/build because design/build companies focus on turning projects into sales quickly to keep crews working. You may also need to commit more time with managing contractors if your designer is not assisting with project management during installation.

  • Project Management. Designers who are independent may not be available for project management or this may be additional. SGD does offer project management so ask us if this is something you want to have included.

  • Potential Communication Challenges or Limited Support During Installation. If your landscape designer is not assisting with project management during installation you may come across challenges with having to communicate plans to one or many contractors working on your project.


Design-Build Firm


Design-Build landscape contractors typically handle all aspects from design through the completed installation. Some even offer maintenance services after installation.


Pro’s


  • Streamlined Process. Design-Build firms handle both the design and construction phases, providing a one-stop solution to those who may not want to deal with multiple professionals.

  • Single Point of Contact. You may have one point of contact for the entire project, simplifying communication and coordination. Although not always the case so be sure to ask!

  • Project Management. Design-Build firms manage the project from start to finish, from scheduling, handling logistics and communicating with subcontractors.


Con’s


  • Less Flexibility and Customization. You might have less flexibility in the design process based on their crews areas of expertise. Design-Build firms are more generalists since they must focus on all aspects of the project. Which means your point of contact may be handling many projects at once, all in different phases and may not have as much time or the ability to focus on yours. They may also need to design what they know their crews can build. If they don’t have experience with a certain material or aspect such as water features, they may not be able to design that for you or may have to subcontract that out at additional cost to you. 

  • Limited Control over Subcontractors. You may have less control of subcontractors working on your project. Design-Build firms may have specific contractors they work with on certain aspects of your project such as carpentry or masonry so you may not have the option to choose.

  • Potential for Scope Creep. Design-Builds may need to introduce changes or additions to your project that could increase costs. This could be due to not having the ability to take the time to be as detailed in the planning process.

  • Undisclosed Costs. Some Design-Build firms do not charge fees up front for design plans or may charge a partial fee in order to win your business. However, they do add this into their overhead or charge on the back end. No design is free! This also means that if you do not contract with them, you do not get to keep your landscape design plan. They may also markup subcontractor rates to include project management fees. Be sure to clarify this prior to hiring your landscape professional!

  • May Not Offer Design Only Services. Since their focus is to install and build projects, they may not offer design only or planning services without committing to installation.


Independent Landscape/Construction Contractors


Independent landscape or construction contractors are solely focused on the installation aspect. They may not offer design services. They may also be highly skilled in a specific area of construction but may not offer services in other areas. These can be irrigation contractors, hardscape contractors (kitchens, patios/walkways, retaining walls, etc.), masonry contractors, carpentry contractors, water or fire feature contractors and more. 


Pro’s


  • Specific or Niche Area of Expertise. There are contractors out there that may solely focus on building a specific aspect of your project. They can be highly skilled in those areas but may not be knowledgeable or offer services outside their scope of expertise.

  • Efficiency that May Lead to Cost Savings. If they are highly skilled in their area of expertise, that may save you hassle, time and money in the long run. They know what they are doing and how to do it!


Con’s


  • May Not Offer Design Services or Overall Planning. Because they are focused on what they do they would not be able to offer overall planning services and some may not offer it at all.

  • Scheduling Conflicts. If you have a project where multiple contractors are needed it’s important to know that everyone will be there when they are needed. It may cost more time and money if contractors are waiting on each other's availability to complete certain aspects of the project. For example, If the irrigation contractor needs to come in between having a patio completed and plants installed but is not available at the right time, it could cost you more than delays. Another reason to make sure you have a knowledgeable project manager!



A gardener carefully tends to lavender plants, ensuring a well-maintained and vibrant landscape.
A gardener carefully tends to lavender plants, ensuring a well-maintained and vibrant landscape.


Landscape Maintenance Contractors


Landscape Maintenance Contractors are focused on maintaining your existing or new landscape. These are your “mow and blow” companies. Some handle your garden bed maintenance as well. Some may solely focus on just mowing or just your garden beds. They can typically handle things like amending your soil, adding mulch or a few stone steppers but they typically do not do design or large scale hardscape construction such as patios and outdoor kitchens. 


Pro’s


  • Landscape Maintenance. They can help you maintain your gardens and landscape by mowing, trimming, weeding, mulching and many tasks around your yard to keep it looking great all year.

  • May Offer Help with Small Projects. If you have some shrubs to be removed, need some steppers placed or raised beds amended, they may be able to offer service in these areas.


Con’s


  • May Not Offer Design or Construction. They are often limited in their skillset to just focus on the maintenance aspects of your yard.

  • May Offer Only Mowing or Garden Bed Maintenance. Be sure to check what kind of maintenance they offer. This isn’t necessarily a con but be sure to ask what they are able to maintain. 


I hope I have been able to provide some insight on choosing an appropriate landscape professional for your project. With so many options for landscapers out there, I recommend beginning your search early and engaging in a conversation with potential landscapers to determine if they are the right match for your needs. At Serenity Garden Design, the primary goal is to work with clients to develop a detailed and stunning landscape design plan. Additionally, SGD offers project management services that include assisting with contractor selection and ensuring that they adhere to your plans throughout the installation process.


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