Can’t afford to do everything at once? You don’t have to. A smart, thorough plan up front can save you money and allow you to gradually add phase any project into smaller projects, installed in the right order, to accommodate your annual budget.
In other words, a master plan can help you avoid the costly mistakes associated with doing things out of order.
For instance, you wouldn’t want to sod before you get the grade exactly where you want it (draining away from your foundation) or before you install a sprinkler system because the installation will damage the new sod. And you wouldn’t want to install a sprinkler system before you install the fence, retaining wall, or a new patio in back because you’d likely damage the sprinkler system and suffer costly repairs that could have been avoided with proper planning. So, after we get your master plan done, we find it best to start with the hardscapes (retaining walls, patios, fence, garden bedlines, etc.) and all permanent structures. Then, we like to install the sprinkler system to help get the new sod or seed off to a quick start so you can enjoy your nice new lush lawn and prepare for planting new shrubs and trees (we’ll mark where trees will be planted and install sprinkler lines around these areas).
For the best results, plan to have your landscape project installed in the following order:
Completion of all hardscape installation, including driveways, decks, patios, etc.Grading, topsoil installation, landscape bed preparation
Sprinkler system installation, underground drain tile installation, large tree installation
Installation of shrubs and perennials
Mulching of planting beds and application of pre-emergent herbicide as needed
Sodding of turf areas (lawn)