Remodeling your yard? Here’s how to go with a pro from ALCC
If you’ve been thinking about remodeling your yard, but don’t have the time, tools or design skills to do it yourself, consider calling in a pro.
That’s where the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, or ALCC for short, can help. The trade association has served Colorado's landscape community since 1962 and can help you connect with the right person for the job.
We talked with Matt Akabane, an ALCC member and landscape designer from Hughes Landscaping, for some advice about working with a pro, finding one and the overall benefits of remodeling your landscape.
In these videos, Akabane talks about working with a landscape designer (top video) and tips for hiring a landscape professional (bottom video).
Why remodel?
There are many reasons to remodel your yard, but perhaps the most important reason, according to Akabane, is that you simply get to enjoy what you create.
“I think with landscape change there's always that instant reward,” Akabane said. “You're building an outdoor living space that you’re going to be able to enjoy with friends and family.”
Akabane encourages people to consider adding “destination points” when they remodel their yards. These can be big or small areas that add interest, functionality and fun to the landscape.
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Destination points include things like firepits, patios, gazebos, fountains, play areas, seating areas, and even a pool or hot tub. Plants, trees and gardens also can be used to create destination points in the yard.
Akabane says another reason to improve your landscape is to boost curb appeal and increase property value.
Many people remodel their landscapes to replace areas of Kentucky bluegrass that aren’t being used, turning those areas into more functional spaces. These changes can make your yard easier to maintain, add biodiversity and reduce water consumption.
Hiring a landscape designer vs. doing it yourself
There are benefits to hiring a professional landscape designer instead of doing the work yourself.
Landscape professionals have experience thinking about the big picture and how different elements fit together. They also can bring new ideas on the overall look, plus they have expert knowledge on layout, materials, colors, irrigation systems and drainage.
Selecting plants can be overwhelming, and professionals can help you find plants that look great and will thrive in Colorado’s climate.
While the costs may be higher up front, hiring professionals can ensure quality and cohesion that will last over time and may save you money (and stress) down the road.
Good communication
Good communication between the designer and client is important before, during and after a project, according to Akabane.
“If there’s good communication, then there are no shortfalls or surprises. It can also prevent or limit change orders throughout the project, which saves you money. Having a good working relationship also ensures a project flows smoothly from start to finish,” he said.
Ask questions
Akabane says it's important to ask questions — and don’t be afraid about what you’re asking.
“Make sure you're asking questions before and during a project,” he said. “You don't want to bring up an important question after the work is already done.”
When looking for a landscape designer, Akabane recommended requesting examples of their past projects.
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“It’s good to ask a potential designer about their style and ideas before you divulge what you're looking for, to see if their concept aligns with your vision,” Akabane said. “Also ask to see some pictures of landscapes that they've done. They should be very enthusiastic to show you pictures and be proud of their work.”
Good questions to ask about plants include how much water they need, how big they’ll get, when they’ll bloom and how much maintenance they need. It’s also good to ask about the costs of various hardscape materials and their textures and colors.
Create a budget
It’s critical to have a budget when working with a landscape designer on a landscape remodeling project, Akabane said.
Having a budget helps the designer plan accordingly and provide realistic proposals that aren’t out of your ballpark or less than you wanted done.
And Akabane said it’s important to have those budget discussions early in the process, so the designer can choose materials in your price range and so there are no surprises when the project is completed.
Why hire an ALCC member?
Akabane recommends checking to see if the person or company you’re hiring is an ALCC member, as the organization promotes professionalism within the landscaping industry in Colorado.
ALCC also offers industry training and certification programs to its members. The organization helps businesses stay up to date with the latest regulations as well as new materials and landscaping trends in the industry.
The ALCC also promotes sustainable practices to help preserve Colorado’s natural resources like water.
How do you find ALCC contractors?
To find an ALCC member, the association’s website, ALCC.com, has an easy-to-use “Find a landscape professional” search function. The website can help you narrow your search for contractors by location, type of landscaping work, maintenance and specialty projects.
The site lists companies that work with residential and commercial clients. For more information you can also call ALCC at 303-757-5611.