If you think of your residential landscaping project as a picture you wish to paint, your hardscapes, lighting, lawn, and beautiful plantings are the oil and watercolors, and the behind the scenes site planning and excavation work are your “canvas.”  If you don’t prepare your painting surface properly, your artwork will not adhere and blend properly, nor withstand the test of time.

This is an important analogy to remember as you begin your landscaping project.   Site excavation includes all the critical steps necessary to ensure long term success and save you time and money – but they aren’t necessarily the “pretty things” most people see and associate with landscape.

Site work includes:

• Site analysis – this involves studying the landscape site or property and analyzing assets and liabilities by area, as well as environmental factors that may affect a final design.  Factors may include:
• Sun and shading during different times of the year
• Prevailing winds and wind direction
• Local sights and sounds -- pleasant views, unpleasant views, desired privacy from neighbors, etc.
• Current soil conditions
• Current grades and drainage
• Site preparation
• Demolition
• Land clearing
• Grading
• Drain tile installation if required
• Soil analysis
• Advanced planning if your design calls for:
• Irrigation
• Lighting
• Hardscapes
• A snow/ice melt system
• Outdoor kitchen
• Barrier free access

Paying attention to site details and not cutting corners will add tremendous value to your landscaping project – both in terms of immediate time and cost savings and long term sustainability.  Call or click with your questions today.

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