Every homeowner who attempts a landscaping project should start with the best intentions. No matter the size of your project, you will always have the best intentions.
The excitement and anxiety that can set in as the project progresses could cause confusion and frustration, which could lead to a halt in progress. Mid-project stress can cause disagreements, strained relationships or even failure. This is not the way to create harmony and beauty in the landscape. To avoid arguments and interruptions, it is important to minimize disruptions.
Get started now to reap the benefits of early planning
You might think quitting is the best option if you feel overwhelmed by your landscape project. It’s a way to get out of an unpleasant situation. You can win by breaking down larger projects into smaller pieces. You will gain confidence and momentum as you work through them in an organized manner. You’ll be done with your entire project in no time.
Six key elements are required to approach landscape projects successfully – what I call “Life-Scape Method” This method is reliable and proven to be successful in ensuring the success of your landscape projects.
1. Accept the “Winner Effect”.
he positive energy and sense accomplishment that comes from smaller wins can be used to fuel our confidence in completing larger projects. It’s difficult to stop winning once you begin.
2. Clarify what “easy” is to you in terms time, money and effort
The amount of effort, time and money it takes to make something “easy” will determine what an individual considers easy. Things that require very few of these elements are often considered “easy”. These are not difficult decisions and there is a high chance of completing the project successfully. Therefore, set project-development limits around them and the limitations they create. These are some tips that can help minimize the negative consequences of these elements.
Time: Choose a project that is high-priority and takes little time. This should be easy.
Money: Look for cost-effective solutions that offer the best value for your buck. It is easier to complete a project with a large payoff.
Effort: Everybody has a limit on how much work they are willing to do. Split a difficult project into three projects, ranked according to priority. You can focus on the priority one and do what you have to. As time and circumstances permit, the other two can be followed. You should not do them in a different order as this can lead to more expensive problems.
You can make it easier by doing a site analysis. This includes taking precise measurements, checking light exposure, creating plant inventories, and analysing soil samples.
3. Define success criteria for landscapes
Think about the end of your project before you start. Write an “outcome sentence” that describes how you will feel when your project is completed successfully.
- Which problem(s) do you want to solve?
- What are you going to gain from this project?
- What will you do to make your life better?
- What will you feel?
- This document will keep you on track and help you focus on the prize.
4. To win, embrace partnerships
It can be difficult to assess our abilities objectively and honestly. Many people believe they can do more than they actually can. There are three roles that you can play in landscape projects depending on your capabilities and willingness.
Director: You oversee the planning and organization of high-level projects, but you hire staff to actually do the work
Actor: You’re the one in the middle, doing the work, and executing your plan
Audience: You prefer to leave the project in the hands and let professionals handle it, then you can relax and watch the whole thing come together.
Partnering with professionals at different levels is often the best way to go. Recognize where you are lacking certain skills (hey, no one is an expert at everything!) You can hire the skills you need to make your project a success. Partnering is like an insurance policy for your success.
Here are five ways to choose the right professional landscaping partner.
1. Select Certified Landscape Professionals
Use state and national databases to find certified professionals. Then check out their locations and get to know their staff.
2. For insurance information, check here
Landscape work is a high-stakes job that can result in significant liability. Contractors and sole proprietors should have insurance.
3. Take a look at the past landscape projects
Focus on their process and approach, not their expertise in every area of your project.
4. Refer to references
Ask for references from the professional and ask your network to make recommendations.
5. Warm and fuzzy are the best!
It is just as important to choose the right person to work with as it is what they do. To avoid miscommunications, choose someone who shares your values.
5. You might consider phasing your project using milestone wins
As I said earlier, smaller projects can be broken down into smaller pieces which can result in more wins and build momentum towards a successful conclusion.
Are you unsure how to divide your project? This will help you to identify the steps that must be taken to make your space functional and not perfect. Each one of these actions is a milestone.
- You have reorganized an outgrown bed
- You have made the area easier to access – maybe you cleared brush or created a temporary path before installing a walkway.
- While you wait for your Adirondack chairs, you’ve created a seating area with lawn chairs.
- The view from your kitchen window has been improved by removing the shrub that was blocking it. You will then plant a new, better-suited planting when the season permits.
As the previous example shows, you should set seasonal checkpoints to ensure that you are held accountable for the project’s completion and allow for adjustments to the timeline.
Consider a temporary solution if your project is likely to take months or years. It will give you the functionality that you need right now but you can replace it later with a better, permanent design.
6. Start is the best way to win
While planning is essential for quality landscaping work, you must also get down to the ground. You will need to make changes to your plan, so don’t let that stop you from getting started. You should set a date for your start and stick to it.