Landscaping is a specialized profession wherein landscapers, who are certified traders, design, plan, and maintain gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces. They mostly work as independent contractors or as part of a landscaping company. The city council also employs their services to maintain several public spaces.
What does a landscaper do?
All homeowners who have outdoor space, big or small, wish to utilize the area to the maximum. It can be the perfect space for the entire family to rewind and relax after a hard day’s work. You may have a vision of the outdoor space being turned into an area that is not only aesthetically appealing but also functional, but you do not know how to go about it. In such a scenario, hiring a landscaping professional can be the best option.
They have the skill and expertise to transform your dream for the space into reality. Also, they can advise on the feasibility of your plan, budgeting, and how to enhance your designs to get the best possible result.
Besides ensuring that your garden is healthy and flourishing, the wide range of jobs.
The scope of a landscaping professional is:
- Landscape designing
Design plans are made only after the landscaper surveys the area that needs to be enhanced. Then, they sit with the homeowner to understand their expectations from the landscaping project. This is a very important step for both the homeowner and the landscaper. This is because the owner must be able to explain vividly what they want the result based on which the landscaper devises a plan. Communication between the two parties is vital for the project’s success.
The design includes all the features to be incorporated into the landscaped area and feasible solutions to problem areas that the landscaper may face in the execution of the project. However, the landscaper’s job does not end with designing.
They are involved from the designing stage to the completion stage. Their services may include management and implementation services of the entire venture, procuring the required materials, designing the irrigation system, overseeing the construction of the hardscape features, and their successful installation.
- Soft scaping
It essentially refers to the horticultural elements of the landscape and includes planting plants and trees, garden care, lawn laying, lawn care, and creating flower beds. Other elements of soft scaping that are included in landscaping are weed management, mowing, trimming, spraying, and mulching.
- Hardscaping
Hardscape elements in a landscaped space refer to all the man-made features installed or created to enhance its functionality and appeal. These elements include patios, retaining walls, walkways, steps, fences, decks, gazebos, and pergolas.
Based on the requirement of the homeowner, these elements may be added to the landscaped area. The design and material to be used in their construction are included in hardscape landscaping.
- Adding features for enhanced effect
The landscaper installs other decorative features such as fountains, ponds, and pools as per the owner’s wishes. They add their input to the owner’s vision, thus creating something spectacular that becomes a centre point of attraction.
- Landscape maintenance and garden care
Once the landscaping project is completed, the maintenance work continues for the landscaper. They have the requisite expertise to ensure that the landscaped space continues to look groomed and healthy long after the project ends. They also guide the owners and share tips on maintaining the area in optimal condition.
Many landscaping companies offer maintenance contracts to their clients that allow the property owners to have peace of mind that their property remains well-maintained and that the plants, shrubs, and trees are all green and healthy.
- Pest control
One major concern for both the homeowners and the landscaping companies is the intrusion of pests in the garden. They can cause great damage to the softscape elements. So effective measures such as spraying pesticides and herbicides regularly are done as a part of maintenance by the landscaper.
Conclusion
Landscaping is gaining popularity with a rising inclination to have a beautifully designed house. It gives a unique, attractive, and yet functional addition to the space. Landscaping has gained immense popularity in recent times, and you must hire only professionally qualified landscapers.