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Landscaping and Lawn Care Blog

Landscaping and lawn care related tips and advice from professional landscape experts

Preparing for a Landscape Installation Project

4/4/2023

19 Comments

 
Landscape installation project planning
You're getting ready to make your dream yard a reality! You've quoted your landscaping project, selected your contractor, and approved your landscape design plan. Now, your job is on the schedule and work will be starting soon. It is finally time to bring your landscape vision to life! What final preparations do you need to do get your property ready for work to begin on your landscaping project?

In this article, we are going to tell you how to prepare for an upcoming landscape installation project in your yard. Keep reading to learn more!

Work Site Access

Open backyard gate
Your contractor likely discussed work site access early on in the project planning process. If they haven't you should be sure they are aware of any special access requirements or restrictions as soon as possible before the crew arrives to start work!

When the time comes to start your project, be sure that you do anything that needs to be done to make the job site accessible such as unlocking gates, moving vehicles, providing gate codes, etc.

​You should also specify where the crew can and cannot drive and/or park on your property. If you have a separate driveway or access road on your property for construction and landscaping crews to use, be sure to point this out when meeting with the contractor at your property.

Gated Communities

​If you live in a gated community, you'll need to be sure the crew is able to get through the main gate.

If your community has a guard house at the front, you should notify the gate guard that a crew will be coming to your property and the approximate start date of the project. Also, check with the guard to see if any additional steps are required to get access for contractors approved.
Landscaping at a gated HOA community
If you're in a gated community that requires an access code to open the front gate, ask the HOA first before sharing your resident's gate code with a contractor. Your HOA may have specific access codes for residents to provide their contractors with instead of your own code.
​This also applies if you use a key fob to access your gated community. Fobs are specifically for residents. There's usually a keypad for contractors to use. Always check with your HOA if you are unsure about any contractor access requirements.

Clear the Work Area

Workers preparing the site for an installation job
Before the landscape installation crew arrives, you should move any objects out of the work area. This includes lawn furniture, toys, decorations, garden tools, and other items.

Be sure these areas are as clear as possible:
  • The intended installation area
  • Avenues of access to the work area
  • 10-yard radius around the work area (where possible)

If there are obstacles which aren't practical to move, (i.e. fountain connected to in-ground plumbing, above-ground pool, etc.) discuss this with your contractor early on in the project planning process. Depending on the situation, special considerations may need to be made for your project. That may mean exploring alternative accessibility options for bring in materials and/or machines, taking extra measures to prevent damages, or other situation-specific plans.

If you are unable to clear the work area yourself and need the crew to do so for you, this should be discussed with your contractor before your project starts. The crew generally doesn't want to handle your things unless they are specifically given permission to do so.

Keep in mind that having the crew clear the work area for you will also require additional labor time for the project.

Make Sure Utilities are Marked

Marking flag in the grass
Nearly all landscape installation projects will require breaking the surface of the ground or digging to some degree. That's why it is very important to have all utilities and underground facilities marked before work starts. In fact, it is required by law.

A "dig ticket" must be submitted via your state's free 811 service. 811 notifies utility and other underground facility companies of upcoming projects so that the facilities can be marked. This helps reduce the chances of damage to the facilities and injuries which may result from such damages.

Any legitimate, trustworthy contractor will be aware of this and will take care of submitting the dig ticket for your project.

Check to be sure that the utilities around your property have been marked with flags and/or marking paint at the street. If you don't see any signs of utilities having been marked and work is due to start in a couple of days, notify your contractor.

In the event that you have a contractor who, for whatever reason, refuses to submit a dig ticket for your project; you should find a different contractor. There is no cost for submitting dig tickets. Contractors don't stand to benefit or profit in any fashion by not doing it. There's literally nothing to be gained. Therefore, if a contractor absolutely refuses to submit a dig ticket; it is a safe bet they likely have a few loose screws and some wires that don't connect. You should also reach out to the Public Safety Commission and inform them that the contractor is blatantly refusing to comply with dig laws. Even if they will just be breaking the top very top of the ground's surface, a dig ticket still needs to be submitted.

Real Turf Solutions submits dig tickets even for something as small as core aeration. It's very important for the safety of your property, yourself, your family, and all those around the job site. Plus, it's the law.


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19 Comments
Victoria Addington link
5/26/2023 06:31:43 am

It made sense when you mentioned that the guard must be notified if you live in a gated community. My friend wants to improve their lawn. I should advise her to hire an expert in landscape installation to ensure quality work.

Reply
Iris Smith link
6/27/2023 12:58:26 am

Thank you for mentioning that while meeting with the contractor on your property, make sure to mention whether you have a separate driveway on your property for construction and landscaping staff to utilize. My mother wishes to improve her landscape garden's aesthetic appeal. I'll advise her to talk to the landscaping teams and hire a service for landscape installation.

Reply
Matt link
8/15/2023 05:55:15 am

Great tips for preparing for a landscape installation project! One additional tip I've found helpful is marking any underground utilities or irrigation lines before the crew arrives – this can prevent any accidental damage during the process. Quick question: Could you share some insights on how to ensure proper communication with the contractor throughout the project to address any unexpected challenges that may arise? Thanks!

Reply
Landscaper link
8/22/2023 03:33:05 pm

Preparing for landscape installation is crucial. Ensuring work site access, clearing the area, and communicating with the contractor are essential steps for a successful project.




Reply
Steve Smith link
8/24/2023 02:02:44 am

I found it interesting when you said that proper site preparation could help with the landscaping process of starting your project. A couple of days ago, my mother told me she was hoping to find a reliable landscaping service that could upgrade the appearance and efficiency of her garden. She asked if I had any thoughts on the best option to consider. Thanks to this enlightening landscape project guide article for the best planning approach. I'll tell her we can try to consult a well-known landscape design specialist as they can provide more information about the design process.

Reply
Landscape designer link
9/24/2023 10:16:41 am

Preparing for a landscaping project is crucial for a smooth process. Ensuring site access, clearing the work area, and marking utilities are essential steps to get your dream yard.




Reply
Landscape design link
9/24/2023 01:38:08 pm

Preparing for a landscape installation project involves ensuring work site access, clearing the work area, and marking utilities. Safety and communication with your contractor are crucial steps.




Reply
Landscape design link
9/24/2023 01:39:07 pm

Preparing for a landscape installation project involves ensuring work site access, clearing the work area, and marking utilities. Safety and communication with your contractor are crucial steps.

Reply
Landscapers Little Rock link
10/8/2023 01:24:56 pm

Excellent article outlines crucial steps for a successful landscape installation project. In addition to the mentioned tips, proactive communication with the contractor is paramount to swiftly address unforeseen challenges and maintain project efficiency. This ensures a seamless process from start to finish.

Reply
Artificial Grass link
11/7/2023 01:24:37 pm

Getting ready for a landscaping project can be quite a task, and this article offers some practical tips. The advice about ensuring work site access and clearing the work area is really helpful. It's essential to communicate with the contractor and make the process as smooth as possible. Thanks for the valuable insights on preparing for a landscaping transformation!

Reply
Zachary Tomlinson link
12/24/2023 03:18:43 am

I find it surprising that you could use landscape projects to improve the look of your outdoor space for various uses. I have a colleague who wants to invest in a home that can be used as a party venue for his plans next year. I will talk to him about finding a landscape company that can help him achieve this someday.

Reply
Mia Evans link
1/3/2024 07:55:54 pm

It really helped when you said that we could discuss with a landscaping contractor if they would have to do the clearing of the area for us if we cannot do it. That is the situation in my case because I am a single mom and have other responsibilities. So I would be happy to find a professional or team specializing in that industry to do everything for me instead from start to finish.

Reply
banglore architecture link
3/4/2024 02:47:07 am

"I found this article to be both informative and engaging. The topic is well-explained, and I appreciate the effort you've put into sharing your knowledge. Well done!"

Reply
Tulsa Tree Services link
4/26/2024 08:31:23 am

This is a great resource for anyone planning a landscape installation project! The checklist ensures all the important bases are covered before the work begins.

One aspect that caught my eye is the consideration for existing trees on the property. Knowing the mature size of trees is crucial for proper placement in the landscape design.

Reply
architects banglore link
5/20/2024 01:45:27 am

"I enjoyed reading your article and gained valuable insights from it. Your unique perspective on [topic] is refreshing, and I look forward to more of your content in the future."

Reply
architects banglore link
5/20/2024 01:53:56 am

"This is an excellent contribution to the conversation. Your thoughtful analysis and practical advice make it a valuable resource. Keep up the fantastic work!"

Reply
Y & L Landscaping Service link
9/5/2024 10:21:04 am

I’m enjoying these landscaping tips! On our site, we’ve been focusing on installation techniques like hardscape integration and proper plant placement. I’d love to share our site with you and hear your feedback: https://www.yandllandscaping.com/service/landscape-installation

Reply
www.concreteoakville.com link
12/9/2024 08:32:09 am

I admire your dedication to delivering quality content. Keep it up!

Reply
Legacy Gutter Pros link
6/24/2025 09:04:06 am

This is a solid walkthrough. Planning everything from soil prep to utility checks really sets the stage for success.

Reply



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    By: William Adams

    In September 2018, William started at Real Turf Solutions as a general laborer. Having never done manual labor before, he was predicted by everyone to quit after one day, but he didn't. Terry soon recognized ways William could benefit the company more. After 5 months of working on lawn care and installation crews, William was given a position doing digital marketing & quality control work. Today, he holds the title of Marketing Manager, overseeing the planning and execution for all of Real Turf's promotional efforts and advertising campaigns.

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