The difference between getting good or great results from your outdoor lighting garden project can often be down to the landscaper you’re using and perhaps the questions you ask them before they start. After all, better answers often come from asking better questions. If you’re at the start of your garden lighting project, and still looking for a landscaper or even if you’re settled on one, this is what we recommend you ask to make sure you’re getting everything you want out of it.
1. Can you show your previous work and talk about your experience?
A garden landscaper should have multiple years of experience and have examples of the work they’ve done in the past. Their portfolio will enable you to know what kind of projects they’ve worked on and if you like what they’ve done previously. Have a good look at any photos and videos they have of past projects and take your research further by looking for references and reviews online. This provides you with a great way to find out about the quality of their work from people who’ve paid for it, and when past clients are happy it gives you the confidence you need to know you’ll be happy with their work too.
2. What are your outdoor lighting ideas for the project?
Every garden is different and therefore each project needs a design bespoke to that garden. Your landscaper will be willing to discuss what you want from your garden, what you want to achieve and how you want to achieve it. They’ll answer and ask questions to give them all the information they need to produce desired results and provide the best possible outcomes. If they’re not willing to do some of these things stay on your search until you find a landscaper who is. The one you employ should use their expertise to give you an insight into what does and doesn’t work – helping you both come to an understanding, making sure you get exactly what you want out of the project.
Expect a good landscaper to explain all aspects of your garden whether that be the benefits of wall lights, the correct spike lights for borders, how to light your water feature or the best tree lighting if you need it. They’ll understand your favourite areas and how to help make the most of them and put all their knowledge and experience, along with your tastes, into creating the perfect lighting plan for your garden. Every detail will be covered in a thorough discussion so the landscaper can understand and manage your expectations.
3. How much will the project cost?
Every project, no matter how big or small, will have a budget to adhere to and your landscaper should give you a clear idea of all the options available to you. Not only will they consider the costs for the initial project, but the long-term expense too – especially as the lights will still be on long after it has finished. For example, the amount of lighting fixtures will increase the cost because they’re using electricity, whilst the types of lighting fixtures (12v or 240v and the types of bulbs) will have an impact too. Your landscaper should consider everything and know how to design the garden you want with the budget you have. Ideally, you want to find somebody who knows how to help your garden cut energy costs and tell you how much it’s likely to cost in the months and years following the project’s conclusion.
4. How will I need to maintain my garden in the future?
All landscaping needs ongoing maintenance and so do outdoor lighting fixtures. However, the type of maintenance needed will vary depending on each individual garden and what’s been installed. This information should be made clear before any work has been started, and your landscaper should make sure you’re comfortable with the maintenance that will need to be done. You should be looking to take on routine maintenance yourself and the landscaper will help you understand this by going over exactly what you’ll need to do to carry it out. Should your project require a greater level of maintenance, you’ll be made aware of how best to go about it and be provided with a maintenance plan for you or an employed professional to undertake.
It can’t be understated how important a great design is for your garden project and how it can improve your garden tenfold, and that’s why it’s so important to find a landscaper you can rely on. Therefore, it’s key to ask the right questions so you can get the most out of your garden and the person you choose to help design and realise it.