The term “landscape installation” can be ambiguous. For some, it might mean planting a few new shrubs, while for others, it involves a complete transformation of their property. When you engage a full-service professional company, the process is a comprehensive, multi-stage operation that takes your yard from a concept to a completed, functional, and beautiful reality. A full-service installation, like the kind provided by LARKIN LANDSCAPE, is a “white-glove” experience that integrates design, planning, and construction. Understanding these stages is key to appreciating the value of a professional service and setting your own expectations for a project.

The process always begins with the consultation and design phase. This is perhaps the most important stage. A professional designer or landscape architect will meet with you at your property to walk the grounds. This is not just a sales-clerk meeting; it is a deep-dive interview. They will ask about your goals, your lifestyle, your budget, and your aesthetic preferences. How do you want to use the space? Do you entertain? Do you have children or pets? Do you want a low-maintenance setup? They will also analyze the site’s unique conditions, including sun exposure, soil type, existing vegetation, and any challenges like slopes or poor drainage. From this information, they will create a master plan, which can range from a 2D blueprint to a 3D digital rendering that allows you to virtually walk through your new yard.

Once you have approved a final design and quote, the project moves into the preparation and demolition phase. This is where the hard work begins. The installation crew will arrive to prepare the site, which often involves “de-construction” before construction can start. This can include removing old, overgrown, or unwanted plants; tearing out a cracked concrete patio; removing an old fence; or taking out a struggling lawn. This phase also includes any necessary site grading. This is a critical, and often unseen, part of the job. The team will use equipment to sculpt the land, ensuring that water flows away from your home’s foundation and that all subsequent features, like patios and walkways, will be built on a level and stable base.

With a clean slate, the hardscaping phase begins. “Hardscaping” refers to all the non-living, built elements of the landscape. This is a common reason people go searching for landscape installers near me, as this work is highly skilled. This is when patios, walkways, retaining walls, decks, outdoor kitchen structures, and fire pits are built. This stage requires precision, expertise in masonry and construction, and the use of heavy equipment. A professional team builds these features to last, starting with a deeply compacted foundation of gravel to prevent the sinking and heaving that plagues amateur work. This is almost always the first “built” element, as it is the messiest and provides the framework for the rest of the landscape.

After the hardscaping is complete, the “softscaping” phase starts. This is the part that most people associate with landscaping. It involves installing all the living elements. This begins with amending the soil, adding rich compost and nutrients to create a healthy foundation for the new plants. Then, the team will install trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers according to the design plan. If the plan includes a new lawn, this is when sod will be laid or seed will be spread. This phase also includes the installation of irrigation systems, such as sprinklers or drip lines, to ensure the new plants get the water they need to become established.

The final stage is all about finishing touches and cleanup. This is what separates a professional job from an amateur one. The crew will install landscape lighting to highlight trees and illuminate pathways for safety. They will apply a thick layer of mulch to all garden beds, which helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and give the landscape a clean, finished look. Finally, they will conduct a thorough cleanup of the entire site, washing down hardscapes, removing all debris, and leaving your property looking pristine. You are then given a final walkthrough and instructions on how to care for your new landscape.

A full-service installation is a complete, turn-key transformation. It is a carefully managed process that covers everything from the initial design concept to the final, polished result, ensuring all the pieces work together in a beautiful and functional way.

To learn more about the comprehensive landscape installation process, contact the experts at LARKIN LANDSCAPE.