Outdoor Projects That May Require a Pro!

Types of Plants and Sod Grass

A professional landscaper will be experienced in the plenitude of annuals, perennials, shrubbery and trees that are opportune for your yard, water usage, soil quality and style of living. If you want a drought-forgiving yard, a professional can create a landscape that suits that need. If you have pets and are concerned about poisonous shrubbery and plants, or want an organic garden but don’t have the time to construct one, a professional can easily find the solution for you. Very often a homeowner wants to remove existing plants and trees during a renovation. An experienced landscaper can advise you about potential run-off or erosion issues and offer applicable solutions.

Plan, Design, and Permits

If you are a newbie, then it is always good to seek the help of a professional, who can advise you properly. The expert will plan out the different designs and layouts that suit your taste and budget. He or she can also help you get the best materials and service available. Depending upon your local zoning laws and building codes, there may be certain projects that require a permit. Experienced landscapers can advise you regarding the variety of permits needed as well as file the permit (which may require additional drawings) on your behalf. Providing that your project is completed to code is crucial: if it is not completed to code and a permit hasn’t been filed, you are at risk of receiving a stop-work order.

Water Features

Adding a small duck pond or water fountain may be a good do-it-yourself project for those who are handy and want a intimate project. But introducing a large water feature, waterfall or duck pond may be more of a perplexing project than most homeowners want to adopt. There is a lot of excavation that goes into installing a perfect system and a lot of transporting of large boulders, rocks and hardscaping materials. Landscapers or landscape designers do much of their work underground, assuring that the pipes are well-insulated, leak-free, and will drain properly for eventual maintenance.

Decks, Patios, and Porches

Many homeowners like the architectural challenge of a deck or patio installation but all to often this type of project is left to the pros. A decking contractor will understand the basic engineering requirements of the deck and can walk their clients through the assorted types of materials on the market. A concrete contractor will have the tools and machinery to remove old and damaged material, remove it properly, and have the knowledge and know-how to create a new patio. Expert concrete contractors also understand run-off and drainage problems and can properly angle the materials to establish that water runs away from the home’s foundation. In some cities and towns these type of projects may require a permit. A professional landscaper can advise you on the permitting requirements and register the paperwork on your behalf.

Sprinklers and Irrigation

If your lawn is small, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem planning and installing your own sprinkler system. However, if you do not want to do-it-yourself and want a low-upkeep irrigation system, it may suit you to hire an irrigation professional. They can design and plan for the most economical system and work with you to create a timing system that works with your style of living. They can also advise you to which spots of your yard may need systems that are different than the rest of the lawn. Be sure to look for a pro who understands the slope and nature of your landscape and can advise you of water-saving techniques.