Landscape designers generally will have ecological, aesthetic and technical training, which helps them maximize the potential of your outdoor space. Keeping in mind both style and functionality, garden designers analyze your architecture and yard to produce a plan that may or may not include location and materials for walkways, patios, water features, fences, garden aspects and more. In addition, Simply will carefully assess your geographic region to choose plants, trees and flowers that will flourish naturally, as well as address concerns such as drainage, screening and soil conditions. Certain landscape designers only help with the planning portion, while some may deliver the plans and then oversee a hired landscaping contractor. Others — typically following a design-build approach — take care of both the design and all aspects of the landscape architecture and construction.

Before you hire a  professional landscaper, consider the scope and emphasis of your outdoor project. Landscape architects and designers who typically hold advanced degrees in their field are trained to develop comprehensive structural plans that include plants, hardscaping, water use, drainage and more. Landscape designers typically specialize in the aesthetic and horticultural, rather than structural, side of yard and garden planning. They might or might not have advanced training. Even within their fields, a garden designer may specialize in hardscape- or vegetation-focused designs. In some cases you might need to hire additional help to get the outdoor space you want. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of landscape architects & landscape designers: Landscape Contractors, Garden & Landscape Supplies, Tree Services, Gardeners, Lawn Care & Sprinklers, Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures.