There’s something about sunshine, pretty flowers, and green grass that makes outdoors so relaxing and rejuvenating. If you are a homeowner or a commercial property owner, you probably know that well-designed landscapes can make a world of difference for your family or customers.
Whether you intend to add some bubbling water features, flower beds, some greenery, or other enhancements to your yard or commercial property, you will need landscape architecture services. Below, we have discussed important aspects of landscape architecture that you should know about, as well as the benefits you can enjoy from landscape architecture services.
What is Landscape Architecture?
Landscape architecture involves creating attractive and useful outdoor environments using natural elements, such as trees, land, and shrubs. Landscape architecture services are provided by landscape architects.
Landscape architects work on large public projects as well as on small residential ones. For instance, they can be hired to design a swimming pool or pond on a private estate. They are also the professionals to call when there’s a need to develop a public park. Some landscape architects work on freeways, highways, and industrial projects.
Who is Qualified to Provide Landscape Architecture Services?
A qualified landscape architect is one who has earned a college degree in landscape architecture. They should also be licensed or registered by your state for them to provide landscape architecture services.
Landscape architects generally have training in land grading, architecture, design, drainage, engineering, etc. They are capable of creating architectural landscape drawings for both residential and commercial landscapes. Unlike landscape designers who know a lot about plants, landscape architects may or may not have extensive knowledge about plants.
Difference Between Landscape Architects and Landscape Designers
You know that you want a good looking yard, but are you sure of how best to attain your landscaping goals? What type of company should you call? If you are confused when it comes to choosing landscaping services, you are not alone.
Many property owners get confused as to when to seek landscape architecture services and when to look for landscape design services. Knowing the difference between landscape architects and landscape designers can help you know which landscaping services to hire.
The difference between these different types of garden designers varies from state to state. In some states, landscape designers are not allowed to create construction drawings that landscape architects can produce. Landscape designers are also limited to conceptual residential drawings, while landscape architects can handle both residential and commercial projects.
Generally, landscape designers are trained and qualified in the principles of garden design. They tend to have nursery experience or horticultural background, and can renovate an existing area or design landscapes for new homes.
Landscape architects, on the other hand, have advanced education and professional training. They tend to spend most of their time at the drawing table and in front of their PCs designing and managing landscaping projects. They work on simple, yet complex residential projects, as well as on large or custom landscaping projects.
If you want to avoid costly mistakes like planting the wrong plants in the wrong place, then you should seek advice from a landscape designer. If you are not sure of what you want, or if your project requires changing the lay of the land, you may need to involve a landscape architect.
Before hiring landscape architecture services, it is important to confirm that the landscape architect is qualified and licensed. This is to ensure that they will provide the services you are looking for in a competitive and professional manner.
Benefits of Residential Landscape Architecture Services
Homes that are encircled by towering trees, fresh blooms, and healthy lawns are a surefire way to stop passersby and onlookers dead in their tracks. The following are a few ways landscape architecture services can positively influence you and your home:
- Creates a conducive atmosphere
Walking on the sidewalks on a hot summer day may feel like walking on hot coals during the heat of the day. Planting more trees can provide shade, lower your attic temperatures, and minimize glare through the windows. Planting more grass can make it more pleasant to be outside during the hottest times of the day.
- Brings physical and psychological benefits
Landscaping has several physical and psychological benefits that are known to improve quality of life. For instance, walking through a natural setting enhances memory and attention. Just looking at beautiful flowers and plants is shown to lower blood pressure. Research also shows that people who live in environs with community green spaces report lower stress and lower healthcare costs.
- Increases home value
Homeowners are constantly looking for ways to gain the best benefit for their investment. When you invest in landscape architecture services, you can rest assured that your investment will increase the market value of your home. Most homebuyers are willing to spend more on houses that have professional landscaping.
- Reduces fuel consumption and pollution
Combining small grass lawns with shrubs, trees, and more diverse ground coverings will prove to be very economical and environmental-friendly. With less ground to mow, there will be a reduction in fuel consumption and pollution generated by landscaping equipment, such as trimmers and lawnmowers.
Benefits of Commercial Landscaping Architecture Services
Businesses that have high-quality landscapes are inclined to be more successful. The following are the reasons why you should consider landscaping architecture for your business or commercial property:
- Boosts curb appeal
You’ve already heard it before – first impressions do matter. If you are looking for a way to boost your commercial property’s curb appeal, you should consider landscaping.
Ensure that your landscape plan features a turf program to keep your lawn lush green. You should also consider adding seasonal, decorative containers around your entrances for extra pop of color.
- Attracts customers and clients
Research indicates that customers prefer shopping in commercial establishments that have parking lots with trees and other landscaping. Many customers say they are willing to travel long distances to shop in commercial properties with better landscaping. If the landscaping is beautiful and peaceful, customers are more likely to stay longer and spend more money on products and services.
- Makes the property easy to find
Roadside studies established that it is easier for passersby and drivers to trace roadside businesses that are framed by trees and vegetation. If you want your grab drivers’ attention and make your business or commercial property easily stand out among the competition, you should consider using landscape architecture services that will help to compliment your building and outdoor signage.
- Keeps your employees happy and healthy
Research also indicates that employees with more nature contact at the workplace reported considerably less stress, improved quality of life, and increased productivity. That’s why experts encourage employers to invest in outdoor landscapes and garden spaces to keep their employees happy and healthy.
With so many specialties and areas of expertise among landscape architects, it’s a good idea to speak with a few landscape architecture services providers about your project to decide which one is the best fit. Some landscape architects specialize in vast agricultural estate properties, and others focus on small, urban courtyards. No matter what your residential or commercial property is like, there’s a landscape architect out there to meet your landscaping needs. Contact us for more information.