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SMALL LANDSCAPING PROJECTS

We can tackle landscaping projects both large and small. Sometimes, we do a larger project in a number of phases, over time, in a series of smaller jobs. If a landscape is to be done in a number of phases, it is more cost effective in the long run to have at least a general idea in the beginning of what it should look like when it is all done. If a swimming pool is envisioned in the future, a common approach is to install a temporary lawn with the sprinkler system and other pipes routed around the area so minimal damage is done in the future.

Typically, it is better to plan the hardscape (things like concrete or stone patios, outdoor kitchens, patio covers, etc. – anything that is permanently built as opposed to landscape items like flowers or lawn) so that it can be added to later and doesn’t need to be torn down at some point in the future. Common sense goes a long way in this as does a good initial design concept. We are always happy to discuss future design concepts. It is not unusual to build a kid’s play area with the idea of replacing it in the future with a concrete slab and a basketball hoop and then even later with an extra garden area, patio or water feature.

Sometimes we are asked how small can a project be for us to be able to do it. The answer is that it depends on the type of job. Outdoor lighting is probably the most common small job we do. This is because heavy equipment is not needed and only one crew is involved. It can make a huge difference in the use of the yard, too, since it makes the property much more user friendly at night (it also looks completely different than during the day).

Another area that works well for small projects is garden planting. Again, this can be done with a single crew. A few gardens in the back yard or front yard can be designed and planted efficiently on a small scale. We have done custom vegetable gardens, unique fences or even a patio cover, each as single, small projects. Not quite as small, but still in the budget range of almost everyone might be something like replacing the lawn, sprinklers and landscape planting in a small front or back yard.

When it comes to patios or entryways, construction in brick or stone can be done in a smaller scale than concrete and still be cost effective. This is because brick, stone and tile are all done by hand and can be installed without large equipment. Using concrete for small jobs can mean minimum charges for concrete trucks and other equipment. Concrete work is usually more cost effective when it is more than 500 or 600 square feet. One very successful method to approaching a project is for us to design to a particular budget. When a client has an exact budget in mind, we can design accordingly. There are ways to get a beautiful yard by intelligent use of materials. Since materials come in all price ranges and installation labor is much faster on some approaches than others, a target budget is a very useful tool. We will do everything we can to get a beautiful design done with this approach. Working this way gives the client the advantage of our experience in cost management from the beginning.

Bruce Larsen
Larsen Landscape
Simi Valley, CA