Few things help a property stand out more than its landscaping. Other elements matter, don’t get us wrong, but landscaping can take an otherwise average place and transform it into a property with massive curb appeal and intentional functionality.

Take a stroll through your favorite Tampa Bay neighborhood or local shopping area, and you’ll see this principle at play. Even if the architecture and topography of the area blend together, the individual properties can be incredibly distinctive thanks to their landscaping (or lack thereof).

In other words, if you want to set your property up for aesthetic and functional success, landscaping is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. Unfortunately, it’s also something that is incredibly easy to get wrong or do to a low standard—that’s why very few Tampa Bay landscapes truly stand out from the rest.

Enter experienced professional landscape designers. If you are considering landscaping for your property—whether you’re starting from scratch or revitalizing what you have—working with an experienced landscape designer is a must. Read on for the top five reasons why this is the case.

Why You Should Work with an Experienced Tampa Bay Landscape Designer

As you consider your landscape and how you can journey from where it is to the vision you have for it, you will be confronted with a myriad of choices. Many of them will be technical—what type of soil are you working with, for example—while others will be big picture.

While the project as a whole will be multifaceted, it all starts with an intelligent, strategic design. Without a proper plan, your landscape is practically doomed from the start. This makes selecting a landscape designer one of the most important decisions you can make.

Every Property is Unique

One of the greatest landscaping mistakes is treating every property the same. Whether it’s “mow, blow, and go” maintenance or the outset of design, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to landscape. Every property is unique and must be treated as such throughout every step of the landscaping process.

When a landscape designer has a long and varied history of working with many types of properties, they are more likely to understand the nuances that differentiate one from another. This experience translates to a better ability to design for the property at hand, rather than attempting to apply universal designs to landscapes unsuited for them.

Design for the Future

It is relatively easy to create a landscape that looks great in the here and now. If you have a vision, just about any landscaper can bring it to life to some degree. Whether their work has lasting qualities is another story entirely.

This is due to a variety of factors that affect the longevity of the plants that compose the design. An experienced designer will know how to layout a property in a way that utilizes the natural features of the land, including drainage, soil, and more. They will also have the knowledge to select plants that will thrive year after year—an important skill when budget and maintenance are considered.

In addition to these highly practical aspects of designing for the future, there is the idea of future-proofing a landscape. This includes having the experience to know what designs are enduring, but it doesn’t stop there. An experienced landscape designer will also consider future developments and plans, and then strategically implement a proposal that leaves room for the seamless integration of future additions and changes.

Excellence Within a Budget

When you’re working within a strict budget (no matter how restrictive or exorbitant it is), you are placing tremendous faith in your landscape designer to create a property that not only fits your budget but exceeds your expectations in terms of looks and function. An experienced designer who has worked with many different budgets is more likely to provide excellence within the structures you provide.

This doesn’t just apply to the design itself but to its implementation and maintenance, as well. An experienced landscape designer in Tampa Bay will consider your long-term budget—particularly what you wish to spend on regular maintenance costs—and build a property that fits your criteria. In other words, you won’t be stuck with a beautiful but high-maintenance landscape that drains your budget long after it is established.

Reputation and Reliability

There’s no rule that asserts inexperienced landscapers can’t create gorgeous, lasting landscape designs. That said, having a history of performing well, keeping your word, and delivering on promises is worth a lot, especially in a results-based industry like landscape design.

An experienced designer will have a stellar reputation that you can evaluate to make an informed decision when hiring them. They will have a resume that includes examples of properties they’ve designed so you can be certain that their work meets your standards. They will have online reviews and a reputation within the community that will allow you to ascertain whether they are reliable and trustworthy.

All of these pieces of information are incredibly valuable when you are investing your time, money, resources, and trust in a designer, and they should play a significant role in whether or not you choose to work with a particular landscaper.

They Understand Relationships

Practically anyone with the right technical knowledge and ability can complete a job, including designing a landscape worthy of your Tampa Bay property. However, not everyone can build a successful business with the staying power to garner experience, expertise, and a positive reputation. Simply put, there is more to landscape design than designing landscapes.

Relationships—both with you and with your property—are an essential element to consider when working with an experienced professional landscaper in Tampa Bay. Having a healthy relationship means they will listen to and take your input seriously, be by your side if issues need to be addressed, and have your back when it comes time to select a landscaping company to handle maintenance and repairs. Just as you want your new landscape design to be healthy and enduring, the relationship you form with your designer should go beyond a handful of technical conversations.

Perfect Your Tampa Bay Landscape with Landcrafters

Designing a landscape sets the stage for your property’s success. A strong design that not only looks phenomenal and complements the natural features of your land, but also plans for the future and is wise in its implementation and plant selection can be the difference between long-term excellence and an inevitable letdown.

Once your landscape design is solidified, it’s time to determine what comes next. Who do you trust to install, maintain, and otherwise bring your dream landscape to life?

Landcrafters has over 20 years of experience in the Tampa Bay area, making it a go-to resource for everything from smart irrigation and fine gardening to native plants and thoughtful lighting. If you would like to discuss your landscaping goals, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is knowledgeable and passionate about helping fellow Tampa Bay residents and businesses transform their landscapes into oases.

Our blog is also a fantastic resource for those looking to expand their own landscaping know-how. It is available free of charge and is updated regularly, so take a moment to browse our extensive library at your leisure.