The Saunders Landscapes’ Process

Phase I – Consultation & Surveying

Saunders Landscapes will meet with you and listen to your vision for your landscape.  We will then survey your yard and then begin the design process.  Your design will be built on Land-Cad software using the highest quality plant material and components that are available.  After 17-21 days, we will meet with you again and present to you the design on a lap-top showing your new concept in full color and detail.  When we leave you will have a detailed breakdown of ever aspect of your design, a 24X36 hard copy of your design, a design worksheet with an itemized listing of each area of your yard with the associated expense, sometimes with at least two options in regards to the size of plant material to be installed  - both proposed and economy.  Do one section, phase the entire plan over a number of years or install everything at once.  Saunders Landscapes guarantees that whichever way you choose, you will be happy with the end result - the one that you helped us to create. 

Phase II – Bed Preparation & Plant/Hardscape Purchasing

Saunders Landscapes will come onto your premises, mark with paint all future beds and kill the existing vegetation, if any, with post-emergent herbicides.  All hardscapes such as patios, retaining walls, columns, chimneys, water features, etc. are then laid out and the footer(s) are then excavated.  For added strength, all of our stonework has a 12-18 inch foundation reinforced with 3/8 inch rebar and has concrete block as the first inner course with a 6-8 inch stone veneer.  Once all of the hardscapes are completed, we then move into the 'green' side of the design - soil prep and installation. 

In certain areas we will then use a spade to turn over the top 6-8 inches of topsoil in an effort to improve drainage and loosen soil structure.  If we feel that this layer of soil is extremely poor, we will remove all of it and start over with brand new topsoil from a local excavator.  We then till into your landscape bed soil amendments including, but not limited to, compost, peat moss, gypsum, chicken litter and high grade topsoil.  During this time your plant material will be purchased from some of the leading nurseries and hardscape companies in the mid-Atlantic region.  Our main vendor, Campania, can be viewed at your pleasure on the web at www.campaniainternational.com.  Campania is a very high-end company that we are proud to have as part of our team.

Phase III – Planting, Irrigation, & Mulching

All of the plant material and hardscapes that we purchased will be brought to your premises and installed.  A nice clean edge will be cut surrounding every bed with our edging machine.  Drip irrigation lines will be installed beneath the soil surface and connected to your existing outlets (spigots) located around the premises.  The drip lines that we use have emitters embedded inside the 1/2 inch tubing every 12, 15 or 18 inches and encircle most plants.  This line is totally resistant to freezing and gives our clients the ability to water their new lawn without dragging hoses all over their landscape.  Finally, where applicable, a coating of double shredded hardwood mulch will be applied to the landscape to give it a finished touch.

Phase IV – Optional – Maintenance Program

For the homeowner that is either on the go or just interested in someone else keeping their investment neat and green for years to come, Saunders Landscapes offers an affordable maintenance program.  This includes fertilizing, pruning, re-cutting edges, spraying rabbit and deer repellents, baiting moles and voles, cutting grass, raking leaves and much more.  We also grow our own annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and urns with this program.  Ask for details. 

Benefits to Choosing Saunders Landscapes

• Top notch designs.

• Creative stone work that is second to none.

• Great soil preparation.

• Efficient and high-end irrigation systems.

main page   design process   browse designs   contact info   information/appointment   plant listing  

The Saunders Landscapes’ Process

Phase I – Consultation & Surveying

Saunders Landscapes will meet with you and listen to your vision for your landscape.  We will then survey your yard and then begin the design process.  Your design will be built on Land-Cad software using the highest quality plant material and components that are available.  After 17-21 days, we will meet with you again and present to you the design on a lap-top showing your new concept in full color and detail.  When we leave you will have a detailed breakdown of ever aspect of your design, a 24X36 hard copy of your design, a design worksheet with an itemized listing of each area of your yard with the associated expense, sometimes with at least two options in regards to the size of plant material to be installed  - both proposed and economy.  Do one section, phase the entire plan over a number of years or install everything at once.  Saunders Landscapes guarantees that whichever way you choose, you will be happy with the end result - the one that you helped us to create. 

Phase II – Bed Preparation & Plant/Hardscape Purchasing

Saunders Landscapes will come onto your premises, mark with paint all future beds and kill the existing vegetation, if any, with post-emergent herbicides.  All hardscapes such as patios, retaining walls, columns, chimneys, water features, etc. are then laid out and the footer(s) are then excavated.  For added strength, all of our stonework has a 12-18 inch foundation reinforced with 3/8 inch rebar and has concrete block as the first inner course with a 6-8 inch stone veneer.  Once all of the hardscapes are completed, we then move into the 'green' side of the design - soil prep and installation. 

In certain areas we will then use a spade to turn over the top 6-8 inches of topsoil in an effort to improve drainage and loosen soil structure.  If we feel that this layer of soil is extremely poor, we will remove all of it and start over with brand new topsoil from a local excavator.  We then till into your landscape bed soil amendments including, but not limited to, compost, peat moss, gypsum, chicken litter and high grade topsoil.  During this time your plant material will be purchased from some of the leading nurseries and hardscape companies in the mid-Atlantic region.  Our main vendor, Campania, can be viewed at your pleasure on the web at www.campaniainternational.com.  Campania is a very high-end company that we are proud to have as part of our team.

Phase III – Planting, Irrigation, & Mulching

All of the plant material and hardscapes that we purchased will be brought to your premises and installed.  A nice clean edge will be cut surrounding every bed with our edging machine.  Drip irrigation lines will be installed beneath the soil surface and connected to your existing outlets (spigots) located around the premises.  The drip lines that we use have emitters embedded inside the 1/2 inch tubing every 12, 15 or 18 inches and encircle most plants.  This line is totally resistant to freezing and gives our clients the ability to water their new lawn without dragging hoses all over their landscape.  Finally, where applicable, a coating of double shredded hardwood mulch will be applied to the landscape to give it a finished touch.

Phase IV – Optional – Maintenance Program

For the homeowner that is either on the go or just interested in someone else keeping their investment neat and green for years to come, Saunders Landscapes offers an affordable maintenance program.  This includes fertilizing, pruning, re-cutting edges, spraying rabbit and deer repellents, baiting moles and voles, cutting grass, raking leaves and much more.  We also grow our own annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and urns with this program.  Ask for details. 

Benefits to Choosing Saunders Landscapes

• Top notch designs.

• Creative stone work that is second to none.

• Great soil preparation.

• Efficient and high-end irrigation systems.

main page   design process   browse designs   contact info   information/appointment   plant listing