I reached out to a local landscaper about building a privacy wall for my new pool, which I'll be putting in this year. I'm just looking for something low-maintenance, deer resistant, and able to handle the moist, poorly draining soil I have (since I'm near wetlands, in zone 6). I told her I don't mind what it looks like, really just anything green to block my neighbor's view! She was professional but mentioned a design plan could take 4-10 hours at $120/hour. I'm just curious, is it reasonable for me to question how it could take that long? Shouldn't she know what plants work here and be able to give me a few options quickly?
3 Answers
A design plan can help avoid any confusion later on. We usually charge a minimum of $400 for even a basic plan, because it gives a clear layout of what to expect—like heights, colors, and patterns. Since we've implemented this fee, we’ve had zero complaints after installation! Might be worth it for peace of mind, but definitely ask about waiving fees if you decide to move forward with the job.
As someone who does landscape design, I can say it could require a good chunk of time—especially if incorporating hardscapes or complicated garden elements. But if it’s simply a line of shrubs or trees, yeah, that should be pretty straightforward. Honestly, charging full price for a design feels a bit much to me. Most times, I don’t even charge for the design unless it’s something complex!
Honestly, it's not just about figuring out what plants to use. If the landscaper is using design software, she might be paying big bucks every year just for the license. Plus, putting together a few options takes time! Just remember that a "living privacy wall" or a shelter belt isn't exactly a quick drop-in project. If you're not up for the cost, you could always try to DIY it!