What is landscaping? Why can't I just purchase some plants and trees and plant them myself? Do I really need professional landscape service? How do I choose a good landscaping company? Why do I need a landscape design? What will a typical landscape design cost? Once my landscape plan is implemented, how long before it looks "good"? Can I or should I do the maintenance on my property myself? Is Stano Landscaping the right company for me? How do I get started? Question: What is landscaping? Landscaping is an organized, planned treatment for the exterior of a home, office or property. It involves the use of walkways, patios, driveways, contouring or grading of the land as well as a predetermined layout of evergreens, trees, shrubs and perennials. A good landscape design will improve the appearance and overall environmental look of the exterior of your home, office or property. back to top Question: Why can't I just purchase some plants and trees and plant them myself? You certainly can if you want. The problem many people find when doing their own landscaping, however, is that the plants and other materials they select may not be compatible with each other or with the site. Or, they may install the wrong plants in the wrong areas which may cause the plants to die prematurely. There is also some risk of not accurately planning for normal growth patterns of various plants and not accounting for changes that will occur over time. By using the right installation techniques, proper placement of plants, correct installation, proper use of fertilizer, and by watering and pruning appropriately, your landscape contractor may be able to save you thousands of dollars over the life or your landscape installation. back to top Question: Do I really need professional landscape service? Not if your project is simple and you've had previous gardening and planting experiences and have taken time to research the plants and materials you intend to use. If you do not have this experience, it is extremely important to obtain the services of a professional landscape contractor to assist you in the design and implementation of your landscape plan. Professionals can help protect the investment you'll be making in your landscape by helping you develop a plan that is just right for your particular environment, select plants and other materials that suit your preferences for color, style and appearance, and design a professional plan which will assure you many years of enjoyment and satisfaction. back to top Question: How do I choose a good landscaping company? Look at projects in your neighborhood that have been done by landscape design firms. How do they look? Do the landscape crews follow the design of the landscape architect? Talk to your neighbors and friends. Visit booths and displays at the Metropolitan Builders Association Home Builders Expo or the Milwaukee Board of Realtors' Home and Garden Show. Ask Questions and obtain information. But most importantly, take time to meet the landscape and design team that will be working on your project . Are your comfortable with the staff and their style of work? Do you like what they've done for other people with projects similar to yours? Do they appreciate and understand your budgetary constraints and are they willing to work within them? back to top Question: Why do I need a landscape design? The key to a beautiful and successful landscape is that it be carefully thought out, planned and designed to ensure maximum value for the dollars you invest. Think of it this way: your landscape design is to your exterior what your architectural design is to the interior and exterior construction of your home. Your landscape design will provide a logical, timely and appropriate progression for the completion of your project. back to top Question: What will a typical landscape design cost? A typical preliminary landscape design costs between $300 and $600, depending on the complexity of the project. This includes meetings with you as the client, detailed discussions of what you would like to achieve in your landscape design and a preliminary drawing. A cost estimate for installing the design you have chosen may also be provided. A credit on the cost of your landscape design may apply if you utilize Stano to implement your project. back to top Question: Once my landscape plan is implemented, how long before it looks "good"? A typical landscape installation will look "good" beginning with the day it is finished. It will continue to look good indefinitely with the right follow-up maintenance. back to top Question: Can I or should I do the maintenance on my property myself? You will need to do some maintenance yourself and should hire a landscape contracting firm to handle what you cannot find time to do or what you don't have the equipment or expertise to do. Yo may wish to hire a landscape contracting firm to undertake a full and complete maintenance program that will assure you achieve the maximum benefit for the dollars you have invested in a superior landscape project. back to top Question: Is Stano Landscaping the right company for me? Stano Landscaping has been providing distinctive landscape design, installation and maintenance services to a wide range of clients for over 30 year. We are committed to quality and value. All of our staff is expertly trained. Our nursery stock is of the finest quality and our construction and maintenance crews treat your project as if were their own. We at Stano are proud of the landscape projects we have undertaken over the years and will be glad to provide you with a complete list of references. back to top Question: How do I get started? Pick up the phone today and call Stano Landscaping at 358-1800. We'll be glad to answer any additional questions you may have. One of our experienced landscape professionals will assist you in planning and implementing a landscape program that will enhance the beauty of your home, office or property. We will be glad to explain our services in greater detail and to show you examples of projects we have completed. back to top