As the saying goes, if you want it done right, do it yourself...well not necessarily. Even if you plan on hiring out some or all of the work, you should have a basic plan for how your landscape will be used, and how it will look. Will you entertain guests? Are you looking for solitude? Is security a concern? Is there a swimming pool, patio, gazebo, fence, fountain or other hardscaping or water feature in your plan? What color combinations do you find appealing? How would you describe your style? The answers to these questions will help you define the parameters of your landscape design. Your needs and preferences should be the driver of the design process no matter who is drawing the plan. 

Installing the landscape is a straightforward process. In general, hardscaping (patios, decks, fountains, etc.) is installed first, followed by lighting and irrigation, trees, shrubs, perennials, sod and annuals. Though there may be slight deviations based on site specific issues, keeping with this order ensures that previously installed material is not compromised by ensuing work. When working with a landscape contractor, stay in constant communication regarding this progression and ask questions if you don’t understand.