Knowing which profession to choose to rework your garden can be tough. From landscapers and landscape architects to maintenance teams and garden designers, the boundaries between each job title have never been so blurred.
So what’s the answer? How d’you find the right profession for the job? Take a seat because we’re about to explain the difference between a garden designer and a landscaper.
A reputable garden designer has an eye for detail. They take your outdoor space and visualise how its potential can meet the demands of your lifestyle.
Depending on the level of service you require, some designers limit their service to scaled drawings, whereas other companies will oversee your project from conception through to completion.
Where your garden designer might only provide drawings, it’s quite often the case they can recommend contractors they’ve worked with on previous projects. If you decide to take this route, make sure you conduct your own research before signing any contract.
In both instances, we’d recommend you obtain at least three quotations from different garden designers – and always check:
Though employing a “qualified” garden designer may be a preference, there is no hard-and-fast rule about certification.
However, it is important to find someone who will keep your project on track with clear communication skills, sharp project management, and a strong understanding of landscaping materials and possibilities.
The role of a landscaper is to build and maintain gardens, parks and other types of outdoor spaces. It’s a hands-on job that requires the landscaper to accurately read plans and apply a working knowledge of hard landscaping and construction materials.
Typically, a landscaper will offer services such as:
As with all trades, perfecting each service derives from years of experience training on the job. And as we mentioned with a garden designer, it’s always worth checking a landscaper’s portfolio before you give the go-ahead on any work.
What’s more, a landscaper also needs knowledge of drainage, brickwork, electrics, plumbing and horticulture so they can effectively incorporate such services into schedules and timelines.
With so many job titles out there for a very similar service, finding the right company to transform your garden can often be intertwined with confusion and crossover.
But as with most garden designers or landscapers, there are businesses who can offer both – and that’s exactly what we provide at Charlie’s Local Landscapes.
Not only will our specialists tell you how to get the most from your outdoor space, but we’ll also bring your design to life with the knowledge and experience you’d expect from a reputable landscaper.