Here is a page for frequently asked questions about landscaping.
 
Q  What benefits are there to hiring a professional landscaper?
A  Pro for Yard Redo Pays Off!

If you haven't gotten around to improving the landscaping for your home yet, the recession has probably impacted your plans.

You can still have the outdoor design of your dreams. You just need to be smarter about what you buy

To that end, the smartest investment you can make in your backyard might be to hire a landscape expert.

Sounds expensive? Perhaps, but here's what a landscape designer can do:

Save you money. A pro like Ray Hernandez will steer clients clear of fads and safety hazards, pointing them toward moneysaving trends that feature a high-end look for less cash. An example: when a homeowner requests flagstone for the patio, Ray may suggest a more affordable option such as travertine or stamped concrete.

Help coordinate everything so that outdoor lights don't shine in your eyes, the sprinklers don't "water" the patio floor, the trees don't shad a grassy patch in need of sun, and the fireplace chimney complies with the local height restrictions.

Choose plants that look nice and serve your purpose. Perhaps you're ultra water conscious and want a desert-friendly yard, but love to see color around your house year-round. Ray can show you drought-tolerant plants that bloom even in winter.

Place plants strategically. Ground cover can soften the look of a rock-covered lawn, as can strategically placed bloomers. An expert knows how far from the house to place plants so you don't water them as to cause hard water marks on your stucco or cracks in your foundation due to wet soil.

Create the right mood with outdoor lighting. Things will look amazing with the right kind of lighting in the right spot. The trick to "amazing" is to vary the voltage of the lights and place them where you need light and where it will cast unique shadows.

Work within your budget to get the highest quality lawn and patio products that you can afford. Speaking of budget, always keep it in mind when redoiing your yard. Many homeowners are heartbroken to learn that stone or barbeque they wanted is out of their reach. Set a realistic budget and share it with your landscaper, who can help find something equally pleasing for a better price.


If you are hesitant to reveal how much you've got to spend, worried the landscape contractor will take advantage of you, you're working with the wrong people. An honest, experienced landscaper like Ray will tell you what you can get for the money you have, stretching those dollars to make the most of them.

source: Rosie Romero, The Arizona Republic
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