Basics On Phased Landscaping for New Construction Projects

The concept of phases is a common one during many new home construction projects, and one area that’s no exception here in many cases is landscaping. What is a phased landscaping approach, and how can it be applied to new home construction effectively?

At Wright Landscaping, as the top landscaping company in Salt Lake City, Layton, Kaysville and nearby parts of northern Utah, our landscapers offer a huge range of landscaping services for homebuilders and new construction projects around the state. Here are some basics on what a phased landscaping approach is, why it’s often beneficial for new home construction, and some of the common elements of the process.

What is Phased Landscaping?

For those just learning about landscaping, a phased approach may sound unfamiliar. Simply put, it’s the process of dividing a large-scale landscaping project into smaller, more manageable phases that can be completed over time. This allows for better planning and implementation, as well as the flexibility to make changes or additions along the way.

For new home construction in particular, because the landscape is being built from the ground up with no prior existing features, a phased approach can be especially beneficial. It allows for the creation of a solid foundation and framework that can be built upon in subsequent phases.

Benefits of Phased Landscaping for New Construction

There are several direct benefits of the phased landscaping approach for new home construction:

• Lower upfront costs: In many cases using a phased approach can result in lower upfront costs as the project is broken down into manageable segments. This allows for better budgeting and more control over expenses.
• More time to plan and adjust: Phased landscaping gives homeowners more time to properly plan and make adjustments based on their preferences and budget. This way, they can make informed decisions at each stage of the project.
• Less disruption: By spreading out the landscaping process into phases, the overall construction project will result in less disruption to your daily routine and the surrounding areas. This is especially beneficial for those with busy schedules or young children.
• Time to deal with sourcing issues: In any situation where supply chains or distribution networks are compromised, the landscaping industry is no exception. As a result, some materials and plants may be difficult to acquire or take longer than usual to arrive. By breaking up your project into phases, you can take advantage of extra time to deal with any sourcing issues that may arise.
• Improved communication: Breaking a project into smaller phases also provides opportunities for better communication between you as a homebuilder and your landscaper. With more frequent check-ins and updates, you can ensure that your vision is being followed and make any necessary adjustments before moving on to the next phase. This helps avoid potential misunderstandings or mistakes that could have been caught earlier on in the process.

Common Phases for New Home Landscaping

While these phases can vary slightly or even significantly based on specific project needs, here are some of the basics on how they typically work:

Initial Planning

During the initial planning phase, home builders will sit down with their clients to discuss a number of elements of the new construction project. Landscaping will be among these, and the builder will consider things like:

-The size and scope of the landscaping project

-The budget available for landscaping

-General preferences in terms of plants, trees, flowers and other elements

-Any unique or specific requests or needs from the client

Design and Proposal Creation

Based on these initial discussions, the home builder will then put together a design proposal that outlines key details about the proposed landscaping plan. This includes plant types, layout and any additional features such as lighting or irrigation systems.

Client Review

Once the design proposal is complete, it will be presented to the client for review. The client may request changes or modifications before giving final approval for the project to move forward.

Permits and Approval

If any permits or approvals are required for the landscaping project, the home builder will handle this process. They will ensure all necessary documentation is obtained and any fees are paid.

Project Timeline

After final approval from the client, the home builder will finalize a project timeline. This will outline key milestones and estimated completion dates for each phase of the project.

Installation and Implementation

The next step in the landscaping process is installation and implementation, and this is one that can stretch over a significant period of time with a phased approach. While these phases  may differ for individual projects, they tend to look something like this:

• Early phases: During the early phases, the focus is on preparing the land for installation. Tasks may include clearing any existing vegetation, grading the land to create a level surface, and installing necessary drainage systems.
• Hardscaping: Once the land is prepared, hardscaping can begin. This involves constructing any non-living elements of the landscape such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other structures.
• Softscaping: After hardscaping is completed, softscaping can commence. This includes planting trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass to add color and texture to the landscape.
• Finishing touches: The final phase involves adding finishing touches such as lighting, irrigation systems, and decorative elements like fountains or sculptures. These elements add functionality, aesthetics, and personality to the landscape.

At Wright Landscaping, we’re here to help with all your new construction landscaping needs around SLC, Kaysville, Layton and nearby areas. Contact us today to learn how our landscapers can assist you, or for more information about any of our landscaping services across the state!