Landscaping Recommendations

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Laing_Lies_IHB

New member
<p>Anyone know of a good and resonably-priced landscaper (is that an oxymoron)? And, please ... I'm sure my HOA will not like incorporating Fed-Ex boxes. </p>

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Good luck. I've been interviewing hard/softscape contractors for 2 months. The ones that seem really professional are outrageously expensive. The ones bidding at or near my budget are incapable of emailing the bid to me , and haven't learned of faxes yet (?). For example: the bids are 7- 8K for a 10'x12' free-standing patio cover alone. When I question this I'm told a free-standing structure has to be "engineered". I'm tempted to have the concrete/pavers and softscape put in, then purchase a nicer patio set with a large umbrella. At any rate, I'm completely frustrated and am loathe to make a decision, as I've been burned in the past by less than scrupulous contractors. At the same time, I can't afford 25K to do a small courtyard and side yard.
 
<p>Hi Beth,</p>

<p>My husband and I self-contracted our landscaping two years ago, and put in two patio covers.</p>

<p>Your landscaper is right - patio covers have to have footings & tie-downs, and most people go for pilasters to-boot.</p>

<p>It can be very, very expensive. </p>

<p>You also need permits from the city. They will come back to sign-off as well.</p>

<p>Then you will be taxed on the added-value.</p>

<p>There is no way around that , as these things can kill people if not done right.</p>

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There is a thread about landscaping contractors. I remember people recommended several phone numbers and websites. You just have to find it.
 
<p>All I want is sod, sprinklers and lots of trees/shrubs. Well, maybe also a patio cover. Anyway, not planning for anything major like a pool or built-in bbq or fireplace. </p>

<p>I think it was Janet who mentioned it ... but I'm also kinda tired of the whole Tuscany thing. </p>
 
<p>Laing_Lies,</p>

<p>I have someone really good, who can do your irrigation without the big markup.</p>

<p>Probably sod too.</p>

<p>If I were you, I would get a conceptual design first. They don't have to be expensive. I could refer someone for that too.</p>

<p>Just like in business - you must have a good plan.</p>

<p>If you whisper (never done this before), I'll get the names to you.</p>
 
Liang,





Is this for your backyard or side yard? How big is it?





What I've done in the past is to haul down the landscapers doing work on HOA lawns. Some workers will offer to do work on the side for you on cash basis. Others will direct you to their boss. For simple stuff like tree trimming, lawn work, paint, etc., this method works pretty well. But if you want something elaborate, you'd probably need to talk to a pro.





For a small backyard or side yard, I prefer to avoid lawns that require weekly maintenance. Other types of ground cover are less maintenance intensive, and dwarf trees and shrubs only need to be trimmed monthly. I also like above ground planters.
 
<p>Momopi:</p>

<p>The house is about 3500 sqft with the lot being about 7500 sqft. It's a new construction, so there's dirt right now. :)</p>

<p>I'll need to do front yard, courtyard and backyard.</p>

<p>The courtyard is currently all paved (which was nice on the part of the builder to do). I think I'll keep it that way for a while. I'd like to keep both the front and back very simple - very green with mature trees. I agree with you - I really like above ground planters, and will have these in the courtyard.</p>

<p>I know this might sound wierd...but I actually enjoy yard work. And, part of the enjoyment of owning a home for me is by spending time improving it, inside and out. I want to be able to go to nurseries periodically and pick out and plant new trees and flowers. However, it just seems like with HOA's, I have to have the whole master plan all thought out, and if I need to replace a plant that has died with something else, I'd need to clear it with the HOA first!</p>

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<p>LL,</p>

<p>I wouldn't be worried about the HOA and individual plants. </p>

<p>I've gone through this process several times, and it's not that bad.</p>

<p>They give themselves a lot or rights in the CCRs/Guidelines, but rarely enforce the minutia.</p>

<p>In fact, in a brand-new community, these committees are often overwhelmed by the amount of plans they must approve.</p>

<p>The one's I've worked with are not all that demanding. They would take a hand-drawn plan, if it conveyed the idea sufficiently.</p>

<p>A plan is still a good idea - even if just for yourself.</p>

<p>There's nothing wrong with going light on the hardscape, and heavy on the softscape. Remember to choose things with a variety of heights,shapes and textures. And don't skimp on the plant material. When you think you need six of something, you may find it takes 37. It's shocking, really, how much a yard can eat up plants!</p>
 
<p>If anyone is still looking for a landscaping contractor, I have finally found a really great one. He was able to give me everything on my wish list for slightly over my original budget. But most importantly, he is reliable, prompt, professional and courteous. What helped enormously was going with an Alumawood patio cover instead of wood. It's half the cost and lots less maintenance. </p>
 
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