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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Landscape Planning and Design Services

• Initial Visit
• Landscape Design
• Cost
• Installation

Initial Visit
Is there a charge for the initial visit? No. The first visit is a chance for us to meet each other. It is a chance for LP&D to tell you a little about our design services and for you to tell us a little about what you have in mind for your landscape.

What do I need for the initial visit? Nothing. We meet at your home and will take a walk through the landscape. You can tell us what you want from the landscape, what you don’t like and what your long-range plans are. It is important that you have a budget figure in mind for the project.

How long will the initial visit take? It varies by the size of the project, but you can usually plan on 30-60 minutes. It is important that LP&D has a good idea of what your vision is for the landscape in order to begin a landscape design.

Landscape Designs
What is a Landscape Design? A Landscape Design is an original, detailed drawing on computer or by hand of a proposed residential, commercial or public landscape. The substance of the drawing varies according to the needs of the client, but it may include pathways, patios, retaining walls, water features, accessories and, of course, plantings.

What are the steps to making a Landscape Design? We start with an initial visit with you, an audit of your existing landscape space, photos, measuring, a rough initial sketch and then a second visit to make sure the plan is on the right track. That takes about seven days. After the second meeting, the plan is finalized, plant and material lists drawn up and the plan is presented at a third meeting.

Can I make changes to the Landscape Plan? Yes, change is part of life. There will often be changes after the second meeting. The final drawing often has very few changes, though inspirations can be easily accommodated.

Are all designs original? Yes. We customize the design to the landscape, to the client and to the budget and needs of that client. No cookie-cutter designs here.

Is LP&D a landscape architectural company? No, LP&D is a professional landscape design firm. We work on small-scale projects that do not require civil engineering, soil engineering or structural engineering. When we have a project that requires the expertise of a Landscape Architect, we consult with one.

Cost
What is the cost of a Landscape Design? The cost varies with the size of the project. In general a front yard residential design may cost $250 and a full yard may cost $550. You will be quoted the landscape design cost at the initial visit.

Why is there a charge? Others provide the design for free. LP&D is a landscape design business that provides professional, customized landscape design. When other contractors provide a free design, they are including it in the cost of the installation or are giving you a design that was copied from a design workbook.

Is there a deposit for the plan? Yes, to get started with the plan, we require a deposit of one-half the design fee. If you need to think about this after the initial meeting, we may still measure and take photos of your site at that time, so when you send us your deposit, we can get started right away.

When is the balance paid? The final payment is made after you have accepted the plan. We provide you with terms of 30-days to pay the balance.

Do you have a guarantee? If you do not like the landscape plan that we come up with after three meetings, let us know. We will take the plan back and we refund your deposit.

What is the cost of the managing the project? We charge a fee of $45 per hour to manage a landscape plan from contacting contractors, reviewing and presenting their estimates to you, scheduling the job, overseeing the installation and providing you with a final walkthrough to answer questions that you have about the landscape.

Is there a deposit for managing the plan? A $135 retainer is required when the management proposal is signed. You will be billed at the end of the month for subsequent charges as they occur.

Installation
Does LP&D install the landscape? No. We are a professional landscape design firm. We work with you to come up with the best possible design for your home, your circumstances and your budget. Once the design is done, you can do the installation yourself or a professional landscape contractor can install it.

Do you install lawns? No. But we can recommend landscape contractors to do the job.

Do you recommend landscape contractors for installations? Yes. LP&D has worked with a number of fine landscape contractors in the Green Bay area. We can give you contacts at the companies or we can make the contacts on your behalf.

Can you help us with the installation? LP&D will bid, plan and manage the installation of your design using local, professional, insured landscape contractors or help you install the design yourself. We charge an hourly fee to provide this service.