The Landscape Design Process: An Interview with Michael Yeager of Hickory Hollow Landscapers
By Michael Yeager
Tell us a little bit about your company and its foundation.
My brother and I started in the landscaping business in 1984. After a few years we started a rare and unusual tree farm that specializes in larger-sized, rare and unusual trees. The trees we sell range from dwarf trees to quite large.
We then opened a retail/wholesale nursery and garden center specializing in perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs and many other plants of specimen quality.
What are some important questions to ask the landscape designer before beginning the designing process?
First, the homeowner should explain what they are looking to accomplish and ask for the designer’s vision. If they both appear to be seeing eye-to-eye, then it should be alright to proceed.
The following questions should also be discussed:
- What types of plants grow with my lighting conditions and plant zone?
- Do I have deer pressure? And if so, what can be done about this?
- What ideas for my landscape do you have that meet the style I expressed?
If you could, please list the steps of the general landscape design process:
- Initial Meeting: The initial meeting will determine the scope of the job, landscape area or areas, style and budget
- Brainstorming: After determining the above it is best to walk around and spend some time picking out plants and formulating a design
- Walkthrough: When the plan is completed you should paint the job on the ground and walk through the design
- Correction: Make corrections for the design, if necessary
- Prices: Learn the estimated price of the job
What are some common issues you face when it comes to designing landscapes?
It is best to spend time getting to know the client and understand what they are looking to accomplish. Each landscape is custom. Everyone has different taste and there are many styles of landscaping. All of which have merit. It is a great idea to walk the nursery and get an idea of price ranges. Plants come in many sizes and many prices. Almost everyone has a budget. It is best to pre-determine if the ideas marry with budget.
What advice do you have for the homeowner during this process?
It is best to understand what quality is and why it is worth paying for. The client should visit jobs and see the contractor is still welcome. You should ask to see jobs that have been installed for a while to see how well the plants have done. We have a blog on our website explaining how to pick a quality plant.
Mulch is not just mulch and has long term effects on your plant material. We have an article on our website about why mulch matters. They are worth reading. It is likely to save you money and help in selecting a qualified landscaper.
What’s the best way for people to get in contact with you?
You can call the nursery at 845-351-7226 or e-mail us: mike28ye@yahoo.com
To view photos Hickory Hollow Landscape photos, visit HickoryHollowLandscapers.com. To view Hickory Hollow Plant photos, visit HickoryHollowNursery.com
