FAQ for Wirtz Landscapes -- answers direct from Marty Wirtz

Is now the right time for a landscaping project?

How does landscaping compare to other investments I could make in my home?

What's your process, and how long does it usually take?

Are you open to ideas that I might have for landscaping my property?

How do you charge for your services?

Once you design my new landscape, who will install it?

How closely do you supervise the installation of your landscape designs?

Once my new landscape is installed, can I call you with questions, concerns, etc?

Are you and your contractors insured, licensed, and/or bonded?

Is now the right time for a landscaping project?
Whatever the current season, there's never a wrong time to begin planning a landscaping project. How well you plan will go a long way toward determining the success of your project. Most of our clients find that once they begin planning, more questions arise than they expected. So it's best to start early. Even if you only want to discuss a few questions, or ideas for improving your property, please feel free to contact us.

How does landscaping compare to other investments I could make in my home?
It is clearly one of the best home investments you can make. It's easy to see how landscaping can improve your home's resale value, and often the value of your neighborhood. Just as important (but not as well known) is how it can reduce your home's energy costs year-round, according to an article by Bob Vila. And if you plan to sell your home in the near future, don't underestimate how landscaping can affect your home's "curb appeal." Some home shoppers won't even consider a house if its landscape is not well maintained.

What's your process, and how long does it usually take?

Are you open to ideas that I might have for landscaping my property?
Yes, absolutely. Landscape design should be a collaborative process between the client and the designer. Creative ideas from clients are a major factor in nearly all the landscapes I design.

How do you charge for your services?
There is no charge for the phase-1 services listed above. The Phase 2 services require a one-time fee of $750. All other planning, design, consultation, and supervision is billed at an hourly rate.

Once you design my new landscape, who will install it?
I have longstanding relationships with many outstanding contractors, each specializing in a certain area of landscape work. I can draw on this pool of talent to assemble a team who can install your new landscape at a very fair price. Or, if you prefer, you can build a team of your own to do the job.

How closely do you supervise the installation of your landscape designs?
I enjoy watching the installation of the landscapes I design--I tend to get as excited about it as the client does--so I am on site almost every day when the work is being done. Besides ensuring that the job is installed to the specifications of the drawings, I like to be available for any questions the contractors might have.

Once my new landscape is installed, can I call you with questions, concerns, etc?
Yes, absolutely. As soon as a project is completed, the client and I walk through it with a checklist customized to that project. Special attention is paid to drainage: water must not be left standing or it can damage both hardscapes and natural landscaping. And you are welcome to call me weeks, months, or years later with any questions or concerns about how to maintain the landscape we have installed for you. Please note: After a project is completed, changes to trees, plants, and other installed materials would incur additional charges.

Are you and your contractors insured, licensed, and/or bonded?
Yes, both I and the contractors I use are properly insured, licensed, and bonded. Any documentation you need is available from me upon request.

1) Conversation to determine your goals, preferences, and constraints for your project. It will involve a series of phone calls, e-mails, and/or visits to your property.	3-4 weeks
2) Once the exploratory phase (above) is completed, conceptual drawings are developed for your project, which I present to you in person.	1-2 weeks
3) As we work together to fill in the details of your project, more-detailed drawings (known as 'elevations') are created and presented for your review.	2-3 weeks
4) Additional services are also available upon request: - Selection of contractors - Supervision of plan implementation, either by contractors I recommend or by yours - Assistance with selection of materials to be used in your project	Varies depending on services selected