When do I get a landscaping quote, and when can I see a plan?

How much effort goes into a residential landscape design and why does it take longer than five minutes for the Hilltop to give you an estimate after walking around your property? At The Hilltop, we don’t guess how much to charge our customers. We are highly committed in giving all of our customers the best design options with the most accurate proposal we can. That means starting with an accurate description of the existing site, making plans that meet the needs or goals of the property owner, and basing a price on the specific items included in the plan.

My name is Nick, and I’ve been a site analysis technician for three years at The Hilltop. After you call our office and meet with a salesman, a site analysis tech (possibly me) will come to your residence to measure and take photos of the areas you discussed with the salesman. Site analysis is a very crucial aspect of landscape design. The architect needs to know specific information about the site in order for the design and construction to function properly. Measuring a site might take longer than you would imagine, depending on how large the site is and how much existing landscaping is in place. Occasionally, I have been at sites for more than three hours taking measurements and photos, and making detailed notes.

Some important information we’re careful to note includes location of roof canales, how the water drains from the site (if at all), location of doors and windows, direction the house faces, and also screening for privacy. Once the site analysis tech returns from the site he or she will begin drafting a final copy for the architect. The next step is to discuss observations noted in the field with the salesman and the architect.

Now the design process can begin. Lots of time and effort goes into each and every one of our landscape designs. This part of the design process has got to be the coolest to watch as my site plan is transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. I work with Landscape Architect Jim Deflon, who is one of the best freehand designers I have seen. Working with him, I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot of drafting tips and new techniques from one of the best in the state.