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The true value of quality landscaping should never be underestimated. Done well, and it can save you huge amounts of time and money as well as do wonders your estate’s aesthetic and even be kinder to the environment. But not all contractors charge the same price – so how do you ensure your chosen landscaper meets your requirements.
Know what you want
Landscapers can specialise in different areas so know exactly what you want from them. Defining your vision beforehand will help you clearly explain what you’re looking for which will save time and make it easier for a landscaper to quote.
If you require a contractor to come in after the development is in operation, then the bulk of the design work will probably be done, and it is simply a case of regularly maintaining the green spaces and upkeep of things like ponds and lakes.
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On the other hand, if you’re still in the development stage with wide open expanses, then you will want to work with your landscaper to consider how to best use the space. In this case, it is a good idea to start by locating the main entertainment area and then working outwards, working out what sustainable water source and irrigation systems to use, where to position quality plants and the possible addition of retainer walls, water features and garden beds.
‘Connecting each space in a landscape is critical as it dictates how a resident will move from one area to another. A landscaper must be able to carefully consider where it’s possible to create openings and pathways and where borders should be defined,’ says Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Johannesburg and Randburg.
Know what your residents / buyers want
Nick Pearson, CEO of Tyson Properties explains that people buy homes not based on brick and mortar nor necessarily the value of items the home is comprised of, but they buy a home based on an instinctive feeling they get about a property.
‘Landscaping can enhance this feeling tremendously and the natural elements that plants, water and other landscaping features can without a doubt create a sense of peace and tranquillity that tug on the heartstrings of buyers,’ he says
Ensure they know the stakes
South Africans love spending time outdoors and so having a functional outdoor area dramatically can improve kerb appeal and boost the value of homes on your estate.
‘First impressions count. A prospective buyer will have already formed a positive impression of your estate before even stepping foot inside a home just by looking at well-trimmed lawns, pruned trees and clean water features. A well-maintained area is likely to mean they find everything else more favourable,’ adds Odendaal.
It is also essential that your contractor understands the lifestyle aspects of your estate and the type of residents living there adds Odendaal. There is no use having a stunning flower bed in an estate with plenty of foot traffic as this will mean they are most likely to be trampled on by dogs and kids.
Although there’s no such thing as a no-maintenance landscape, some designs will require more care than others. ‘Things like keeping big trees and branches in check to avoid them clashing with walls and electric fences, making sure there are no sandy patches on lawns and there are plenty of green zones in as many different parts of the estate is a must,’ says Craig Woods from Tyson Properties in Durban.
Money isn’t everything
Whilst it is important to set a budget and stick to it, opting for the cheapest quote isn’t the best way to go. You want to choose a landscaper who is reputable, perhaps from the local community, and who has the expertise and knowledge about various circumstances and conditions.
‘A landscaper should be familiar with indigenous plants and trees, as well as know which water wise plants to use to save on water,’ adds Woods.
Making sure your landscaper is correctly insured is another aspect that is usually overlooked. While some insurers will provide sectional title cover for landscaped gardens that contain professionally designed and laid features, this is very limited (usually only about R10,000) and only kicks in in very few circumstances – like damage caused by emergency vehicles attending a fire for example.
Ensuring your contractor has the correct insurance means they are not only properly trained to It follow local laws/regulations and reduces your risk of being liable for injuries or property damage caused outdoors.
