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ABOUT LIFESTYLE LANDSCAPES What is your typical type of work?

We work with homeowners to renovate their existing landscape and builders to create landscapes for newly constructed homes.

How do you differ from a Landscape Architecture Firm?

Lifestyle Landscapes is a design/build firm, meaning that we design and install landscapes and do not offer design-only services. A Landscape Architect typically creates a design and works with a subcontractor or several subcontractors to install it. The Landscape Architect's final product is the design, the concept on paper. Our final product is a fully functional landscape. Our designers hold the same degrees as Landscape Architects and are able to act as both designer and contractor. Every landscape design will require some modification at the time of installation. The benefit of working with a design/build firm is that these on-site adjustments can easily be accommodated, based on a familiarity with the concept, needs, and fixed bid of the project.

Do you have a list of references I could contact and/or view their landscaping?

Yes, references will be provided by your consultant.

Can I view your portfolio?

Yes, you can view it online.

Are you a registered and bonded contractor?

Yes.

Have you won any awards for your work?

Yes, Lifestyle Landscapes received the WALP (Washington Association of Landscape Professionals) 2004 Grand Award for maintenance. Members of our team have also received WALP design awards, numerous Seattle Street of Dreams Awards, Flower and Garden Show Awards and M.A.M.E Awards.

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THE CONSULTATION PROCESS How long is a typical consultation?

The initial meeting in your home lasts an average of 45 minutes. Typically, we are ready to share our installation proposal with you within one to two weeks of the initial visit, depending on the scope of the project and your desired timeline.

What is the best way for me to communicate with my consultant?

By phone or email, based on your preference.

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THE INSTALLATION PROCESS What is the typical crew size?

Our crew works in 3-man teams, each skilled in a full scope of landscaping elements including maintenance, planting, hardscapes, irrigation, lighting, water features and carpentry.

When does the crew begin and end work each day?

Our crew leaves the office at 7am and works until 3:30 pm.

Do you use day labor?

No, as part of our commitment to quality, we employ only experienced landscape professionals who have completed our extensive background check process.

How do you schedule jobs?

Work is generally scheduled in the order it is received.

How long after I accept the contract until work begins?

This date varies between 1 to 3 weeks, depending upon the season. We are able to begin work on fall and winter projects more readily as seasonal demand is not as great.

How do I make a change to the project after work has begun?

Speak to your consultant. A written change order will be created with the input of the consultant, designer and production teams. A price will be calculated and agreed upon and a change order signed by the you and Lifestyle Landscapes before the change is implemented.

When is the work considered done?

When you are satisfied.

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CONTINUOUSCARE ® MAINTENANCE SERVICES What type of pruning do you do?

We normally hand prune but the selected pruning method differs based on the needs of the plant and your wishes.

Do you offer annual/quarterly maintenance?

Yes

Will you winterize my irrigation system?

Yes: on request, we will add you to our list of irrigation clients. We will send you reminder in the fall for you to make an appointment for winterization, and another in the spring to schedule a system start-up procedure.

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PAYMENT QUESTIONS When is a deposit due?

Typically the deposit is 50% of the bid price. This is due when the contract is signed.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes, we accept Mastercard and Visa.

When is final payment due?

Payment in full is due upon completion of the final walk-through.

Should I tip the crew?

We value our crew and pay them well; it is up to the homeowner to decide if they wish to tip.

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LANDSCAPING REFERENCE QUESTIONS Sod vs. Seed: What do you recommend? What is the difference between hydroseed and sod?

We recommend a lawn option based on the your desired level of involvement. Seed requires a significant amount of care and patience, but it is a more affordable option. Sod is more expensive than seed, but it is less time-intensive to maintain and provides an immediate improvement.

What is the best time to plant?

Successful planting can take place any time of the year; however, there are advantages and disadvantages to every season. Fall and winter planting require less watering and are less stressful on plants due to the fact that plants are entering dormancy. The availability of some types of plants, such as trees, is also at its peak in fall and winter. The warmer ground and wet weather of spring are also ideal for planting. Summer planting requires a great deal of watering and the availability of many types of plants is scarce.

What is the best time to prune?

Pruning in done primarily in the fall, but it also depends on the blooming cycle of the plant.

What is the best time to transplant?

Transplanting in cooler weather minimizes stress on plants as they are dormant.

Should I use concrete, pavers or stone?

Concrete is an inexpensive and durable option, but it will crack. Pavers are more expensive but last longer, provide more of an interest from a design perspective, and are easily repaired if earth shifting occurs. Stone creates a beautiful and natural look but is the most expensive option. Many stone applications can be sandset, which is flexible to ground shifting. Occasionally stone requires a mortar setting, which is less tolerant of ground shifting.

What is the difference between SteerCo and bark?

Bark (wood chips) provides better weed prevention, but removes nutrients from the soil. SteerCo (33% manure and 66% sawdust) is generally recommended because it is richer in color and texture, takes longer to break down, and has the organic matter to amend the beds; but it does not prevent weed growth as much as bark. Another reason to use SteerCo is that it converts "waste" into a useful product.

How often should I amend my planting beds?

Amending beds annually with either SteerCo or compost can be beneficial but if too much dressing is applied, plants can suffocate.

When should I aerate?

Aeration can be done any time of year; however fall and spring are ideal as thatching, topdressing, over-seeding and fertilizing can be done simultaneously.

Can you solve my drainage problems?

Properly diagnosed drainage problems can usually be solved. Since some drainage problems originate underground, unknown conditions may prevent a complete solution. However, all drainage problems can be improved and many can be solved.

In the winter I have a spongy lawn; can you fix that?

Generally we are able to rectify this problem if the cause can be identified; as with drainage, it can stem from a variety of conditions.

How often should I fertilize?

Trees and shrubs need fertilizer once a year; a lawn requires fertilizer 4-5 times a year. Annuals and perennials can be fed up to every week.

What fertilizer should I use on lawn? shrubs? trees? flowers?

An organic or time-release fertilizer balanced in all three elements: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N-P-K). We use Nature's Turf 15-1-6, Turf Saver 4-3-4 and Tree Saver 3-0-20 from John Deere's natural line.

How much maintenance is there to a pond?

Ponds require quarterly maintenance to address such issues as leaf debris, bacteria build-up and filter care. A professionally designed and installed pond can be constructed to include an appropriate depth for the selected plants, the ideal placement within the landscape and the right conditions to accommodate fish (such as the depth of the pond and protection from predators). Lifestyle Landscapes also maintains ponds as part of our ContinuousCare maintenance services.