Landscape Questions to Consider

It is common for misunderstandings and discontent to arise between a client and a landscape designer and/or installer when there is a lack of clear communication in key areas important to a client. Often a designer will not ask and a client will not volunteer key information necessary for a client to be totally satisfied with the job.

Here are a few key questions that need to be answered by a client and communicated to a designer in order for your designer to have what they need to help you. The total eight page questionnaire I ask my clients to fill out prior to making any recommendations is available for download as a PDF at the bottom of this page.

  • What is the most important aspect of your landscape to you?
  • Do you have clearly marked and defined property corners?
  • How much money you are comfortable investing in your landscape installation over time?
  • How much are you comfortable paying for yearly maintenance?
  • How many hours a week do you want to spend maintaining your landscape?
  • How will you use your landscape?
  • On a one to ten scale how much of the landscaping is being done for your personal pleasure?
  • On a one to ten scale how much of your landscaping is being done to please the neighbors?
  • On a one to ten scale how important is getting dollar for dollar return or greater on your home when you sell?
  • Are you planning any remodels, decks, hot-tubs in the near future?
  • Will you be repainting the house the same colors?
  • How many cars do you want to comfortably park?
  • Are there any views you want to open up or areas you want more privacy?
  • What wildlife is present on site and do you prefer to:
a) Attract it?
b) Fence to keep it out?
c) Plant wild-life resistant plants?




Mystical Landscapes - Marin Landscape Designer and Marin Landscape Architect
"Dane really cares about what we want."

B. and T. Schmitz





We also do landscape design and installation in Mill Valley, landscape design and installation in Corte Madera, landscape design and installation in San Rafael, landscape design and installation in Novato, landscape design and installation in Larkspur, landscape design and installation in San Anselmo, landscape design and installation in Tiburon. Marin Landscape Designer and Marin Landscape Architect.