Once you’ve gathered your ideas and chosen a landscape designer, communication becomes the most important part of the process. Clear conversations upfront save time, money, and frustration later.

Explaining Your Preferences & Concerns

• Be specific: Instead of “I like modern,” show examples of what modern means to you.

• Share priorities in order: privacy, low-maintenance, entertaining space, etc.

• Voice concerns early—whether it’s budget, maintenance, or safety—so your designer can factor them in from the start.

Staying Open to Creative Solutions

Designers bring years of experience and can often see opportunities you can’t. Maybe a plant you love won’t thrive in your climate—but they’ll know an alternative that looks similar and lasts. Or maybe a slope in your yard feels like a problem, but they’ll see it as an opportunity for a terraced garden or seating area.

Tip: Frame your input as goals, not demands. For example: “I want shade for this seating area” gives your designer more flexibility than “I only want a pergola.”

Design vs. Install: What to Know

Some designers only provide design plans, while others also handle installation—or partner with contractors to manage it. You’ll want to ask:

• Do they provide install services?

• If not, do they have preferred contractors they work with?

• Will they be involved during install to make sure the design is followed?

Many homeowners choose to have their designer oversee installation (even if they don’t do the labor themselves). This ensures the design vision is carried through accurately.