Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is landscape installation and maintenance?
Landscape installation is the creation of an area of practical, useful beauty to the open spaces around a house. This involves the installation of sod lawns, planting trees, shrubs, flowers, groundcover, etc. to translate the homeowner's concept into reality. This is achieved with a combination of horticultural expertise, creative artistic sensibility, and the ability to understand what the homeowner wants for his home.
Once the landscape has been created, it needs to be maintained so that it is protected from degradation and retains its beauty. A professional landscaper will create a landscape that requires the amount of maintenance with which the client is comfortable.
2. How do I choose a landscape?
Choosing the right landscape for your home involves several factors, all of which contribute to the final result:
• Understand the climate, soil, and topography of the site. This includes the areas of sunlight and shade and the durations. Whether irrigation will be required is another factor that will determine the types of plants to be used for the landscape.
• Who will be using the area? The landscape must be right for everyone from children who need space to run to seniors who want a place to relax and rest.
• What level/amount of maintenance works for you?
• What kind of theme do you want for your yard?
• Is there a landscaping professional you can consult for ideas and inputs you are not aware of?
3. What all does landscaping include?
Creating the best possible landscape requires all these factors to be considered when planning and designing are being done:
• The area available.
• The climate and soil conditions.
• The desires of the homeowner.
• The amount of maintenance that the homeowner will is comfortable with.
• Whether irrigation is required.
• Whether pavers, retaining walls, and other features will enhance the appeal of the landscape.
• Will lighting be needed, and if so, what type?
The ability of the landscaper to understand the ideas of the clients and to use his expertise and design skills to meet and, if possible, exceed expectations.
4. What areas do you service?
We are based in San Jose, CA, and we service all of Santa Clara County. Contact us for area-specific information.
5. What is the best time of year to landscape?
The answer to this question depends on where you live. Although popular opinion says that the best time of year to plant in Northern California is during the spring, it is the fall that is the best planting time. This allows the plants to receive the water they need from the winter rain and secure their roots. Bay Area winters are reasonably mild, so cold will not damage the new plants. On the other hand, spring planting can result in the summer heat, causing them to wilt and die. Of course, nothing is written in stone, and we will be happy to work with you at any time of year to create your landscape.
6. What is an outdoor landscape lighting system?
In its essence, an outdoor landscape lighting system is one that serves multiple purposes:
• It provides the illumination to use the yard after sunset.
• The lighting can be used to create a different look and feel to the landscape so that the after sunset mood and aura is different from what is seen and felt during the day.
• The lighting system itself, made up of floodlights, pathway lights, and other types of illumination, is an integral part of the overall landscape, and even during the day, the light fitting can contribute to the overall look of the yard.
7. Why do I need an irrigation system?
An irrigation system ensures that the lawn and plants in the yard always have enough water. Inadequate water supply will result in plants that are weak, dull, and unappealing to the eye. Watering a yard can be done manually, but that is a tiresome and time-consuming process. An automated irrigation system not only protects the plant life, but it also frees you to enjoy it without the hassles of worrying about watering it. Irrigation can be either in the form of sprinklers or drip systems. We will be happy to help you find the option that is right for you.