FAQs

POPULAR QUESTIONS

Do you have questions about our landscaping design services? Browse our frequently asked questions below or feel free to contact us for any additional inquiries you may have.

Landscape Design

Why do you charge for designs?

All designs are not created equal. All Designers and Landscape Architects are not equal in skill, education, or experience. Design is a people-driven process, and good designers spend years and thousands of dollars educating themselves and honing their skills. The process of producing a design takes not only time but creativity and talent. Gathering site, municipality, and property information, your vision, and compiling all of this into a cohesive document that can be built from AND effectively communicates its ideas to a layperson is not an easy task. It truly is a valuable service, one that will save you time, money, and frustration.

How long does it take to complete a design?

Depending on the scope of the project and the time of the season it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 weeks to complete a design.

What can I expect the construction budget to be?

 It’s important to discuss budgets with your designer to ensure they are headed in the right direction before you get to the planning stage. The real answer to this question is often more complex than most people like to know. Size and scope are obvious indicators but just as important are the materials chosen, the municipality you live in and the timeline for construction. With these factors in consideration a small project can range anywhere from $5k-$8k while a large project can range between five and six figures.

How long does a project normally take?

Depending on the size and scope of the project as well as the access to the construction site, it can take anywhere from a week to 3 months to complete the renovation project. Weather plays a big role in our timelines as does material availability and project queue. For the most accurate idea on a timeline for installation and completion its best to speak directly with your designer or project manager.

How can I ensure that my landscape design aligns with my budget and timeline?

Effective communication with your landscape designer and setting clear expectations from the outset are crucial for ensuring that your landscape design project stays within budget and timeline constraints. Discussing project scope, materials, and construction phases upfront can help prevent surprises and delays down the line.

 
 
 

What is the importance of landscape design?

The importance of landscape design cannot be overstated. At Green Slate Design, we perceive landscape design as more than just creating visually appealing outdoor spaces; it’s about crafting environments that enhance lives. Through our unique blend of user-centered design and responsive techniques, we strive to deliver landscapes that offer sustenance, relaxation, and rejuvenation to all who inhabit them.

By incorporating durable, locally-sourced materials, employing qualitative workmanship, and leveraging innovative technologies, we aim to minimize environmental impact while maximizing the aesthetic and functional aspects of each project. Our approach integrates systems science, architecture, engineering, and horticulture into a cohesive and culturally responsive whole, ensuring that every landscape we design reflects our clients’ values, needs, and aspirations.

At Green Slate Design, our commitment to excellence extends beyond the initial design phase. We understand that knowledgeable care for your landscape is essential for its long-term vitality. That’s why our team of professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch maintenance services, ensuring that your outdoor space remains vibrant and healthy for years to come.

In summary, landscape design is not just about creating beautiful outdoor spaces; it’s about creating environments that enrich lives, promote sustainability, and reflect the unique identity of each client.

Can you incorporate sustainable practices into my landscape design?

Certainly! Our expertise lies in sustainable landscape design, which prioritizes minimizing environmental impact, conserving resources, and fostering biodiversity. This approach involves various strategies, such as integrating native plants, optimizing water usage, utilizing energy-efficient lighting solutions, and incorporating materials that are recycled or sourced locally.

Landscape Installation & Construction

How long does a typical project take to install?

Project timelines can vary significantly depending on many factors. Prevailing weather patterns, availability of skilled labor, materials chosen, and the scope of a project all play a role. Generally, most of our projects are completed in 1-4 weeks once construction has commenced.

When can my project start?

We schedule projects for installation on a first come first serve basis. Early spring and summer are our most busy times of the year with mid- late fall being our second rush. We design and schedule installations year round so its really easy and very important with regards to timing to begin planning as soon as possible.

How is landscape construction project initiated?

Installation projects can be initiated through a phone call, email or whatever is most convenient. Once you’ve completed our design process you should have a clear scope and budget for moving forward. Just reach out!

Why does landscape construction cost so much?

Professional landscaping is expensive for many reasons. The final costs are an aggregate of all materials and the labor expended to execute a plan. Choice in materials, size and scope along with the expectation in the finished product can all affect costs. The best way to get a clear idea of the costs for your project is to contract a design.

Do I really need to hire someone to care for my landscape?

The answer to this lies in your own expectations. Can you see yourself weeding, watering or pruning? How about feeding your plants or dividing your perennials? Many of us love spending time on our yards but not all of us want to spend that time toiling.

If you have trouble picturing yourself endeavoring to do any of the above then you should be talking to a professional about what they can do for your landscape today.

What can I expect from my gardener/landscape care professional?

At Green Slate we start with an onsite consultation to discuss your needs and see how we best fit together. Once we understand your goals, we can assemble a scope and budget for your landscape stewardship.

Landscape maintenance

What should I budget for my landscape maintenance?

Every landscape is different, sun, soil and exposure all play a role in the success of your landscape. Considering all of the variables is no easy task which is why it’s important to have an experience professional in your pocket. The costs can vary considerably but as a general rule $1500-$2500/ year is a good number to set aside for professional year-round landscape care.

When is the best time to hire landscape maintenace?

As soon as you anticipate needing it. The longer a landscape goes uncared for the more likely it will be that undesirable plants or conditions will settle in. Returning a neglected landscape to its glory is always more costly than maintaining it from the beginning.

Professional landscaping is an investment, most importantly in time. We have the experience and the know how to ensure your landscape is properly nurtured every step of the way.

How often do you recommend maintenance visits?

The frequency of maintenance visits depends on factors such as the size of your landscape, the type of plants you have, and the season. Typically, we recommend weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly visits to ensure optimal health and appearance.

Do you use environmentally friendly products and practices?

Yes, we prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship in our maintenance services. We use organic fertilizers, eco-friendly pest control methods, and water-saving irrigation techniques to minimize environmental impact.

Can you accommodate special requests or specific concerns about my landscape?

Absolutely! Our landscape maintenance plans are fully customizable to address your unique needs and concerns. Whether you have specific plants that require extra attention or areas of your landscape that need special care, we’re here to accommodate your requests.

PATIOS & OUTDOOR LIVING

How much should I spend on an outdoor living space?

You can spend anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over $30,000 on an outdoor living space, depending on the scope of the project. We provide fair pricing that still accounts for our expertise and craftsmanship. 

Does adding an outdoor living space increase home value?

Building a patio or otherwise transforming your outdoor space could increase your property value by 8% to 10%. However, our outdoor living contractors also strongly believe in the life value our transformations add. 

Retaining Wall & Drainage Resolution

What is the purpose of a retaining wall?

The purpose of a retaining wall is to make sloped areas of your property functional by flattening the slope. This process prevents soil and water from flowing downward.

How much do retaining walls cost?

Retaining wall costs vary widely depending upon scope, materials and the labor to build. Request an in-depth estimate from our retaining wall contractors today. 

What types of materials do you use for retaining walls?

We pride ourselves on using top-tier materials such as Orijin Stone, Eden Valders Stone, Belgard, and more. These materials are renowned for their durability and aesthetic appeal, ensuring your retaining wall is both sturdy and visually pleasing.

What are the the drainage benefits of a retaining wall?

Retaining walls serve not only to flatten sloped areas but also to control water runoff, thereby preventing soil erosion. By redirecting water flow, they help maintain proper drainage around your property, reducing the risk of water damage and promoting landscape health.

Do you handle permits and regulatory requirements for retaining wall installations?

Yes, our team is well-versed in local regulations and permitting processes. We take care of all necessary permits and ensure that your retaining wall installation complies with local codes and regulations.

Can you integrate lighting or other features into the retaining wall design?

Yes, we offer a range of customization options, including integrated lighting, seating areas, or decorative elements, to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your retaining wall.

Natural Swimming Pools

Are natural pools more expensive?

Natural pools are in fact less expensive than traditional pools in most scenarios, and their maintenance costs are much lower. Reach out to our natural swimming pool contractors for an estimate. 

Are natural pools hard to maintain?

Natural swimming pools are easy to maintain. The most common maintenance task is simply skimming organic materials from the surface.

What exactly is an organic natural swimming pool?

An organic natural swimming pool integrates biological filtration methods, mimicking natural ecosystems. Unlike traditional pools reliant on chemicals and mechanical pumps, these pools utilize air pumps, bacteria, microfauna, and plants to maintain clean, chemical-free water.

What is the significance of the regeneration zone in natural swimming pools?

The regeneration zone is a vital component of natural pools, housing plants and microorganisms that aid in water filtration. It acts as a natural biofilter, ensuring the water remains clean and safe for swimming by absorbing nutrients and promoting microbial activity.

What are the benefits of the regeneration zone beyond filtration?

Apart from filtration, the regeneration zone offers passive heating benefits. By circulating water from the cooler swimming zone into the warmer regeneration zone, natural pools utilize solar energy to heat the water, reducing the need for traditional heating methods.

How long does it take to construct an organic natural swimming pool?

On average, the construction of a natural pool takes around 6-10 weeks, similar to traditional pools. However, additional time is needed for the ecosystem to establish itself, typically ranging from 6 to 12 weeks for cycling to complete.

What is the cycling process for natural swimming pools?

Cycling is the process where bacteria colonize the pool, breaking down nutrients introduced by swimming activities. This process is essential for establishing a balanced ecosystem within the pool, promoting healthy water conditions over time.