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<h3>Landscape Designers and Why To Use One</h3>
 
A Landscape Designer with an education in 
Landscape Architecture has the skills to work 
with all facets of the landscape. Not only can 
they create beautiful designs, but also keep you 
from making costly mistakes. Areas of expertise 
can range from horticulture and planting design 
to the more intricate areas of paving materials, 
grading, drainage, and lighting design. A good 
landscape designer will look at the entire 
property and create a design where all elements 
are not only attractive, but also one which 
functions well, creating a cohesiveness to the 
entire project. 
 
A professional Landscape Designer has knowledge 
and expertise in the areas of grading and 
drainage. An assessment should be made of 
drainage issues, as water must be guided away 
from the house and kept from pooling on the 
property. There are many ways to accomplish this. 
Some of the common solutions are the creation of 
swales or the utilization of drains with 
connecting pipes, leading water to a lower area. 
Grading is normally looked at in conjunction with 
drainage considerations. One trained in Landscape 
Architecture can utilize various techniques to re- 
form the terrain of the land, if appropriate. The 
land can simply be re-graded, altering the 
existing slopes, or retaining walls can be 
designed into the landscape. Often a combination 
of both is used, depending on the goals of the 
Client. 
 
A Landscape Designer can also be skilled in 
landscape lighting design, which should not only 
be beautiful, but also functional. Lighting is 
needed along paths for nighttime use and safety 
in the landscape. Up lighting or down lighting of 
trees and accent lighting on special features can 
create a very enchanting vista. It should, 
however, be used in moderation to create a subtle 
atmosphere. 
 
Expertise in using paving materials in the 
landscape is another reason to use a Landscape 
Designer. For example, the positioning and 
design of a front walkway should create space for 
a large planting bed along the house foundation, 
where plants can be layered and trees can be 
planted at the corners. Walkways should have 
flowing curves or interesting geometric shapes. 
The Landscape Designer has knowledge of the 
various paving materials available, and can guide 
the Client accordingly. The natural beauty of 
stone cannot be disputed. However, even concrete 
with added color and/or interesting geometric 
scoring could look very nice. Pavers, brick, and 
loose stone are some of the other materials that 
can be used. One must understand, however, that 
the beauty of the design in its entirety is just 
as important as the many details that make up a 
good design. 
 
Planting design is an area where Landscape 
Designers are well trained, as horticulture is an 
important element in the landscape. Plants should 
be used in mass with focal points introduced at 
strategic points. Balance must always be created. 
Varying textures should be used so that the 
prominence of special plants stands out against 
each other. For example, a hedge of Boxwood, with 
its small dark green leaves, would serve as an 
excellent background for Daylilies with their 
elongated, lighter green leaves and large 
colorful flowers. At the same time, the design 
must flow and be unified. Landscape Architecture 
includes the knowledge of plant requirements, 
whether they are sun and shade conditions, growth 
patterns or plant features. Along with the 
creation of a wonderful design, professional 
landscape plans can include color in the garden 
throughout the year, including spectacular fall 
color and winter interest. 
 
A Landscape Designer can transform your property 
into a beautiful landscape with interesting 
features, balance, scale, color and functionality. 
 The cost for professional services of someone 
educated in Landscape Architecture is worth the 
end product and can make all the difference in 
the world in creating the type of landscape one 
has dreamed about. 
Author Info
 
Susan Schlenger is a Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. She has been providing design services for 10 years and has worked in various parts of the United States. Her company, Susan Schlenger Landscape Design, is based in Virginia. 
To learn more about landscape design and view her projects, visit http://www.susanschlenger.com
http://www.landscape-design-advice.com 
Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlehub.net">Article Hub.net</a>

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