Elegant Landscapes Logo
MON-FRI: 7 AM - 7 PM
(651) 295-3354

Frequently Asked Questions

Elegant Landscapes LLC

Your Questions, Answered

All Design & Planning Process Installation & Construction Results, Value & Long-Term Care

The process begins with a free on-site consultation where we walk your property, listen to your goals, and assess existing conditions such as soil, drainage, sun exposure, and existing plantings. From there, our designers create a detailed landscape plan including layout drawings, a plant palette, materials selections, and phasing options. You review and approve every element before any work begins.

Not at all. Many of our clients come to us knowing only that they want something different — more usable, more beautiful, or lower maintenance. Our designers are skilled at drawing out your preferences through conversation, inspiration images, and on-site walkthroughs. Whether you have a fully formed idea or just a starting point, we'll shape it into a cohesive plan together.

For most residential projects, the design phase takes one to three weeks from the initial consultation. Larger or more complex properties may require additional time to ensure every detail is properly planned. We work efficiently to move from design to installation while giving the plan the attention it deserves.

Yes. You receive a complete set of design documents, including the layout plan, plant list with species names and quantities, and materials specifications. These documents are yours to keep and serve as a valuable reference for ongoing care and any future improvements to your landscape.

Absolutely. We regularly design projects with phased implementation in mind, allowing you to prioritize the most important areas first and complete the remaining phases over one or more seasons. Phasing is built into the plan from the start so each stage looks intentional and complete on its own.

Yes — the relationship between your home and its landscape is central to a great design. We consider the architecture, exterior colors, roofline, and entry features when selecting materials, plant forms, and structural elements. The goal is a landscape that feels like a natural extension of your home rather than an afterthought.

Permits may be required for retaining walls above a certain height, significant grading, structures such as pergolas, or work near wetlands and easements. Our team is familiar with local regulations and will identify any permit requirements during the planning phase. We manage the permit application process on your behalf so there are no surprises or delays once work begins.

Installation timelines depend on the scope of work. Focused renovations — such as a planting bed overhaul or patio installation — commonly take one to two weeks. Full-property transformations involving hardscaping, grading, irrigation, and extensive planting can take four to eight weeks or more. We provide you with a realistic project schedule before work starts and keep you updated throughout.

Some level of disruption is unavoidable during a renovation, but we take every precaution to minimize the impact on your daily life. We protect driveways, sidewalks, and turf areas not included in the renovation, clean up the job site at the end of each workday, and communicate openly about which areas will be active on any given day. For families with children or pets, we establish clear safe zones throughout the project.

Yes. Before any excavation begins, we arrange for all underground utilities to be located and clearly marked. Our crews are trained to work safely around existing lines. Existing irrigation systems are assessed during the design phase, and any needed repairs, extensions, or upgrades are incorporated into the project scope so the finished landscape is fully served by your irrigation.

Healthy plants that are removed but not being transplanted are offered for donation to community gardens, nonprofits, or neighbors when possible. Brush, stumps, and other organic debris are properly hauled off and disposed of or chipped for mulch. Concrete, stone, and other hardscape materials are removed and recycled or disposed of responsibly. We leave your property clean and clear at the end of each phase.

Yes — drainage correction is one of the most impactful services we provide during a renovation. Poor grading can direct water toward your foundation, create chronic wet spots, and kill otherwise healthy plantings. We re-grade problem areas and, where needed, install French drains, dry creek beds, swales, or rain gardens to permanently redirect water and protect your property.

Preserving established plants is always our preference when they contribute positively to the design. Mature trees, in particular, provide shade, structure, and value that cannot be quickly replicated with new plantings. We assess every existing plant for health, placement, and compatibility with the new design before deciding whether to preserve it in place, transplant it, or remove it.

Spring and fall offer the most favorable conditions for planting — cooler temperatures and reliable moisture help new plants establish quickly. However, hardscaping, drainage work, and irrigation installation can proceed in most seasons. We'll advise you on the optimal installation window for your specific project and, when possible, schedule accordingly to give your new landscape the best possible start.

Investment levels vary widely based on property size, design complexity, and the materials chosen. Focused renovations may begin in the several-thousand-dollar range, while comprehensive full-property projects can reach into the tens of thousands. Every project receives a detailed, transparent estimate before work begins — no hidden fees, no surprises. We also offer phased approaches that allow you to spread costs over time.

Yes. Studies consistently show that professionally designed and maintained landscaping can increase a home's resale value by 10–15%. Strong curb appeal creates a powerful first impression for buyers, and functional outdoor living spaces — patios, gathering areas, well-defined gardens — are increasingly viewed as desirable extensions of the home. A renovated landscape is one of the highest-return investments you can make in your property.

We provide a written post-installation care guide tailored to your specific plantings and features. It covers watering schedules for the establishment period, fertilization timing, pruning guidelines, and seasonal tasks. Most newly installed landscapes require more attentive watering during the first growing season while root systems develop — after that, well-chosen plants settle into a manageable routine.

Yes. We offer maintenance programs ranging from seasonal visits to year-round weekly service. Ongoing maintenance by the team that installed your landscape ensures continuity — we know your plants, your soil, and your drainage, which means issues are caught and addressed early. We can also perform system checks on irrigation and lighting to keep everything functioning properly.

We favor native and regionally adapted plants that are naturally suited to local soils, rainfall patterns, and temperatures. Once established, these species typically require far less water, fertilization, and intervention than exotic or high-maintenance alternatives. We also incorporate ground covers, mulched beds, and ornamental grasses that reduce mowing and weeding while adding year-round visual interest.

Yes. We stand behind our work with a warranty on installed plant material and craftsmanship. Plant warranties cover failure due to defects in the material or improper installation, provided the care instructions we supply are followed. Hardscape and construction work is guaranteed against defects in workmanship. Full warranty details are outlined in your project contract before work begins.

The first step is a free on-site consultation — simply reach out by phone or through our contact form to schedule a convenient time. During the visit, we'll evaluate your property, discuss your goals and budget, and outline a path forward. There's no commitment required, and we're happy to answer all your questions before you decide to move ahead.

Contact Us

GET IN TOUCH