Many clients ask about the implementation phase of the landscape design. In the pictures below, you will note the planning phase, implementation phase, and completion phase.

After the landscape design has been approved by the clients, Johnson’s Landscaping Service, Inc. will send its implementation team, to include the landscape designer, and the production and operations managers.  They work closely with the designer, who works closely with the clients, to ensure proper implementation of the landscape design.  The photos below represent the initial meeting of these three components.

 

 

 

Of course, after the initial meeting, the foremen and crew begin their work.  Typically, the hardscape (patios, walls, etc.) are completed first; after that, the crews install the plants.  In the pictures below, most of the construction (save for the deck) is complete.

 

   

 

After the planting and night lighting are installed, the project is complete, and clients are ready to furnish and enjoy their new outdoor living space!

 

 

 

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    For folks who live in a historic district in Washington, DC, there are factors which complicate the replacement of their retaining walls, particularly those walls facing the sidewalk in the “Right of Way”.   First, for any retaining wall over 36” in the District, permits must be obtained, and if it is deemed necessary, a structural engineer may need to approve the drawings for the retaining wall construction.  Next, if the retaining wall is on public space, then the homeowner will need a Right of Way permit.  In securing the right of way permit, the District will require the homeowner to post a bond, which can be redeemed 90 days after the final inspection.   Simultaneously, if the homeowner lives in a historic district, then approval for the project must be secured through the local historic district association.  Finally, once all permitting and bonding is secured, the project can commence.

 

     Recently, Johnson’s Landscaping Service, Inc. secured permits for the replacement of a retaining wall in the Mount Pleasant Historic District in Northwest, Washington, DC.  In this case, it was a stipulation of the historic association that the wall stone match the wall stone used in many of the walls throughout the neighborhood.  This required obtaining a specific stone at “not so local” quarry because this type of stone is no longer quarried locally.  Once the footers are built for the wall, typically the District requires a “footing inspection”, which is the reason for measuring the depth of the footers.   In this picture, you can also note the location of utility lines within the footer.  Miss Utility was contacted prior to digging, and yet we discovered some other lines while digging (possibly coming from the neighbor).  No damage was done to these lines.

 

  

     After a successful footer inspection, the concrete can be poured and the wall can be built.  After completion, a permitting representative will return to the site for the final inspection.  Once the final inspection is complete, then the homeowner will have 90 days to expect a return of their bond from the DCRA.  We recommend the homeowner be vigilant about getting that money returned to them, because we have encountered cases where the return of the bond took longer than the 90 days.

 

     All in all, these projects can be completed within code and to the specifications of the local historic district.   Homeowners would do well to work with contractors who are well aware of the requirements and specifications of the District. 

 

  

 

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How to Choose a Landscape Contractor
by Jamie Newell

         A landscape company that has a design staff is the best way to approach any landscape project. If you need something small like drainage and grading or a larger project such as an outdoor entertainment area, it is always a good idea to talk to a designer first. By consulting with an experienced designer, you will have the advantage of seeing the big picture. This will ensure that the completed task will fit nicely with the rest of your garden.

         A design/build company will provide strong communication between the designer who made the arrangements and the workers who will install the project. If something unforeseen should arise, the designer can make on site changes to the project without delaying the job. There is nothing more frustrating than having two different companies blaming each other for something that was overlooked.

         The first challenge is to find a good designer with a solid company to back them up. You might start by asking a friend or neighbor with a nice garden whom they would recommend. After you have chosen a well established company, it would be wise to see examples of their work and check their references. Stay away from a salesperson that is high pressure or doesn't spend time exploring different options with you. Choose someone who listens to your needs, asks the right questions, and understands the problem. Look for a designer that can communicate their ideas well.

         The next step depends on the nature of the project. If it's a small or simple job a well written proposal is important to be sure everything discussed is included. If the job is large or complicated have a design prepared. A professional drawing may add cost but it can save a lot of headaches down the road. Whether you get a full scale rendering or a quick sketch, make sure the plan solves the problem and will look nice from season to season.

         Once you have a qualified designer backed up by a reputable company with a good design, make sure the proposal is broken down in a way that you can see how much each task will cost. This will help you decide how to move forward in a budget conscious way and get the most for your investment. Be sure the agreement spells out a timetable for completion, payment schedule, specific walTanties, and the right to cancel.

        Landscaping is a great investment for your property.  When you decide to renovate your garden, make sure you choose the right company.  Make sure the company is licensed, in good standing with the Better Business Bureau, and has good references.  Before the project begins, have a good plan and a clearly written contract.  Make sure the designer will be on the job to supervise the installation team.  Be thorough before the job starts and you will end up with a garden that will grow nicely and stand up to the test of time.

 

Related posts in other blogs:

• Seeking a Landscape Contractor in Orlando? Arm yourself With Information

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These easy tips will help you prepare your landscape for the winter months: 

Pull mulch back from the base of young trees, particularly if mice are a problem in your area; they can chew on the bark.

Mulch after the first freeze to insulate plants against freezing temperatures, especially those that are marginally hardy.

Spray trees that are prone to insect and disease problems with dormant oil, provided temperatures are above 40 degrees F.

Turn the compost pile one last time, and cover with a tarp to preserve heat and keep heavy rain from leaching nutrients.

Remove leaves from water gardens; when they decompose they can release chemicals harmful to fish.

Clean your tools and apply a coat of oil to metal surfaces to prevent rust.

Disconnect and drain hoses to keep freezing water from bursting hoses or pipes.

Remove dead plants and potting soil from clay pots to keep them from cracking. Store the pots in a garage or shed.

 

 

vole damage

 Source: HGtv.com

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Landscape Brighteners In lieu of summer's blazing color, many gardeners brace themselves for a winter of gray and brown, if not flat-out white. No matter if your winter is just a little chilly or bone-freezing cold, try these tips to brighten your landscape:

1. Install trees and shrubs that have beautiful exfoliating bark, vibrant berries, or bright evergreen foliage.
2. Install winter annuals or evergreens in containers near doors or windows, so you can enjoy them from indoors.

Examples:    

Pink Icicle Camellia

Japanese stewartia

Witch Hazel

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 Not Your Average Pansy Every fall and spring all you see are the usual pansies in annual beds and containers. When the temperature drops and precipitation is in the forecast, those pansies look terrible and can develop gray mold. The pansy's cousin, the viola, is stronger and hardier, but has small blooms. Horticulturists have introduced the panola as a cross between the two. The panola has larger blossoms, better performance during inclement weather, and longer lasting blooms. The panola should be your new fall color standard!

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Worried about your home's current value? Visit these links to learn how landscaping can help!

 

Lawn and Garden Equity

While studies show that you'll only recoup 80 to 90 cents on every dollar you spend to upgrade your kitchen or bath, professional landscape designers estimate that improvements to your lawn and garden can boost your home's value by 7 percent to 15 percent. Those findings have been confirmed by survey results from the Gallup Organization and the National Gardening Association, or NGA.

(read more)

 

Adding Value to Your Yard

Value added: Consumers perceive a home with proper landscaping to be worth up to 11.3 percent more than its assessed value, according to 1999 study by Clemson University. The same study found that the return on the landscaping dollar is more than 100 percent.

(read more)

 

It Pays to Clean Up Your Yard

"The whole trend for living outside is enormous right now" says Denis Flanagan, host of HGTV's One Garden, Two Looks and manager of membership services and PR for Landscape Ontario. "The garden has become an extension of the house."

(read more)

 

 Source:  http://www.nbcwashington.com/

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