Let’s assume here that you’ve just called us and set an appointment for your initial landscaping consultation. On the phone call we had with you, we asked you some questions about what kind of things you are interested in and your name and address, but we need to meet with you to take a physical look at the property with you. How do you prepare for this visit so that you make sure you’re talking about everything you need to?

Write down a list. Yes, write it down on paper! Include all of the subjects you can think of that should be discussed. Trust me, it’s easy to forget about something. The homeowner of the property in the photo had needs that were addressed in the list below. Your list may look something like this.

Landscaping List to discuss at Consultation visit

1. Need to be able to walk comfortably onto the deck at the lakeshore and into water.

2. I want a patio at the rear sliding doors, with a walk that extends up to the lake deck.This patio should extend to both doors and to the stairs coming off the upper deck.

3. The existing grade at this patio slopes down, so we need to discuss a retaining wall or edging for here.

4. There’s a view in one area that I want to block.

5. I want to discuss how to enhance the curb appeal

6. The following is a list of plants that I like and ones that I don’t like along with a preferred color scheme, etc.... X,Y,Z

7. The septic tank is exposed. Should we put a raised bed around it to disguise it?

8. Don’t forget about your personal style preferences. Do you like manicured and formal or woodsy and informal? Sometimes people will have photos from magazines or Pinterest of styles they like. This is very helpful. You can also look at our website and show us certain projects that appeal to you. This will help us design the project to suit your personal style preferences.

9. Need some open grassy area to play games.

10 .Budget and Timing issues

A list like this can be very helpful. Not only can it be a reminder for you to not forget anything in the Landscape consultation visit, but it gives us, the Landscaping Company, a track to run on and we can be sure to propose to you exactly what you’re looking for.

Try making a list something like this before your landscaping consultation visit and you will be glad you did. Great communication is essential in making sure your landscaping project is off to the right start.