Types of Landscape Specialties
The investment you make in landscaping will raise the value of your property, whether the cost of your house, keeping commercial tenants happy, preventing flooding or saving energy. These definitions will help give you a foundation to find a landscape contractor to meet your needs. There are five main areas of specialization within landscape contracting:
Design/build
The design/build landscape contractor does exactly what it sounds like. They may use an in-house or independent landscape architect or landscape designer. Proper design and installation can save energy, ensure the right plant is chosen for the right place, and continue to pay you dividends. Whether installing a small garden, or your total landscape, building a deck, patio, pool or rain wall, the design/build landscape contractor does it all!
Installation
For this type of work, landscape contractors install a wide range of features—from plant material of all types, to hardscape projects such as walks, decks, walls, pools and water features. They install for exterior or interior sites and residential or commercial clients. They may have in-house landscape designers or architects or work with those who are independent. Perhaps the client already owns a landscape plan, and is looking for a landscape contractor to professionally install it. Proper installation saves money in the long run. Professionals will use appropriate construction materials, expert craftsmanship, proper horticultural planting techniques—adding the right soil amendments and ensuring the beds are dug properly—so the final product will be long-lasting.
Maintenance
The best way to take care of your investment is to hire a landscape professional. Companies that specialize in maintenance are educated in horticulture and will ensure the health of your exterior, interior, residential or commercial property. Some consumers may elect to do fall and spring cleanups; others weekly maintenance. From pruning, fertilization, lawncare to integrated pest management, with a planned program of maintenance, you know your investment will thrive.
Residential/Commercial
Residential projects encompass a wide range of possibilities from a small urban townhouse garden to a luxury estate. Commercial projects in urban settings include exterior and interior plantings in office buildings, hotels, hospitals or apartment buildings. Those in suburban settings could include landscaping for large office parks, condominiums, or entire communities—for commercial, retail or municipal sites.
In any of these examples, it is no secret that homeowners, building owners, property managers and hoteliers use professional landscaping to increase value, keep tenants leased and happy and enhance experiences in homes or buildings.
Exterior/Interior
There are landscape contractors who specialize in interior landscaping just as there are those who specialize in exterior landscapes. In the end, finding the right firm will enhance the beauty of your space, protect your investment, integrate it with the setting and save you money.
