Hi!
The craziest part of landscape design is where to start first! Some say, "get the hardscape in first." Here at Gregory Palm Farms, we have a better plan.
The cost and the stress associated with planting large palms when a pool is already installed or hardscape equals more money you have to spend. Check out this picture! Everything was almost done and then the owner decided they wanted two large (20') Canary palms. We had three cranes, a big rig, a supplemental rig, tons of staff... all to install these trees. Now, if they would have called before the hardscape, the cost would have easily been CUT IN a third!
So, what to do first if you are thinking about your landscaping or redesigning/makeover our landscape? IN OUR OPINION, HERE ARE SOME TIPS!
1) Make a list of what you love! Write down what type of environment you would like, i.e.; Tropical, Drought resistant, Beach Oasis, ever green, minimal or lush. Think about what is going to be planted; Palm Trees, fruit trees (we have palm trees that have yummy fruit like the Butia Jelly Palm), Evergreen trees, privacy blocking, even specimens... whatever it is, write it down.
2) Measure your yard completely. Begin by drawing what your yard will look like. Who cares if you think you are not an artist! No judgement, just ideas and FUN.
3) If you have grass, trees, bushes, planters, walkways that you don't want, REMOVE everything that does not work and keep only what you love. It's going to be okay. The project can be in stages or all at once.
4) BEFORE the hardscape, large trees/palms must be installed. This will save you an incredible amount of money and frustration. This process might require hand watering, it will be worth it in the end.
5) Build a healthy soil. Add compost if needed. Make sure this is done correctly, it will effect everything you plant.
6-7) Irrigation is next and then Hardscape. If your hardscape is going over plumbing, make a schematic plan so you know where everything is in case of leaks or repairs. FOR YOUR IRRIGATION, PLEASE USE SCHEDULE 40 OR BETTER. You will love yourself for it later. Your irrigation must be thought through completely with drip lines considered as a good option.
(fyi: We recently completed a landscape makeover on a relatively new home. The biggest pain in the you know what was their cheap irrigation pipes installed by the contractor that broke constantly. We ended up replacing most of their pipes.)
This is a simple run through but most importantly, love your landscape! We can help.
Gregory Palm Farms
(714)814-8525/760)975-4605
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