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The Benefits of Hiring a Landscape Designer

Your front and backyard are natural extensions of your home—and a reflection of your personal style. While many people would gladly bring in an interior designer to perfect their indoor spaces, the same level of attention is often overlooked when it comes to outdoor areas. Many homeowners see their yards as DIY projects, especially since landscaping transformations on home improvement shows seem quick and easy. However, there's a clear reason why landscape designers exist, and several compelling reasons to consider hiring one.

To gain more insight, we spoke with professional landscape designer John Gidding. "As a landscape designer," Gidding explains, "my goal is not only to help homeowners elevate their yard but also ensure they're creating environmentally conscious spaces by including native plants that support water conservation and benefit local biodiversity."

Think of landscape designers as the outdoor counterparts to interior experts—they bring both the knowledge and experience needed to craft a beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance yard. They can transform your backyard into the relaxing retreat you've always envisioned, while also offering practical benefits. A skilled garden designer can advise on walkways that are easy to shovel in the winter, suggest native plants that will thrive in your specific climate, and find solutions for awkward features left behind by previous owners. Whether you're making minor updates or planning a full-scale renovation, hiring a landscape designer can help you avoid costly mistakes and potentially boost your property value.

Still unsure if it’s worth hiring a landscaper? Let’s break down what landscape designers do, how they differ from other professionals, and whether the investment is truly worthwhile.

What Is a Landscape Designer?

According to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), a landscape designer works closely with each client to create a personal and customized design that best suits their home, lifestyle, and unique set of wants and needs. They provide guidance, an artistic touch, and a comprehensive plan of action while keeping your best interests in mind.

Landscape designers consider the color, texture, smell, and growing seasons of various plants to curate and design a functional and beautiful outdoor space. They might work on projects as small as refreshing flower beds around your mailbox or as large as a full backyard excavation and renovation.

Is There a Difference Between a Landscape Architect and a Landscape Designer?

Yes, there is a difference. The key distinction is that landscape architects must be licensed by the state. Similar to the relationship between an architect and an interior designer, landscape architects typically have a higher level of technical knowledge and experience in structural design, while landscape designers focus more on aesthetics and plant selection.

Gidding explains, "While both share the goal of enhancing outdoor areas, the methods and scope differ. A landscape architect's projects frequently involve complex site planning, grading, drainage, and infrastructure considerations. On the other hand, my expertise lies in curating plant palettes, understanding the interactions of colors and textures over time, and creating atmospheres by bringing them all together."

Both can design hardscaping, such as patios, terraces, or swimming pools, though this tends to be more common in the domain of landscape architects. In either case, a landscaping contractor is the one who will carry out the actual construction.

Where Can I Find and Hire One?

The best ways to hire a landscape designer are similar to those used for finding any other solid tradesperson—though aesthetics play a significant role in this field.

Word of Mouth

Neighbors often use the same lawn maintenance companies. You know their work because you see it every day! When you run into a neighbor whose yard you admire, ask them if they'd recommend their landscape designer. You can also look out for professional landscaping advertisements. When you see a garden being refreshed, check for a sign and take a photo. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations.

Trade Organizations

Like architects, landscape designers need a certain level of professional experience and education to be certified, even though they aren't required to be licensed by the state. Both the APLD and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) have search tools that can help you find experts in your area.

Online

Google and Instagram are great places to start when looking to connect with professionals and vet their work. However, it's important to go one step further before setting up a meeting. Websites like Home Advisor and Angi offer cost predictors and reviews of local design firms; they can also connect you directly to the designers.

How to Have a Productive Consultation

If you're hiring a landscape designer, you likely have a project in mind. When you meet with a potential designer for an initial consultation, bring photos or videos of your actual outdoor space and inspiration images. It can also be helpful to come up with questions about the designer's style, communication preferences, rates, revision process, and maintenance planning. Ask whether they or someone from their firm will work on-site to direct landscapers or other tradespeople and ensure their plan gets executed correctly. Should you decide to move forward, you'll want to know specifics about the project timeline.

Gidding advises that all clients should bring a comprehensive Site Survey or Site Plan, ideally measured and including the location, type, and health of all trees onsite. "This can be a tall order, but eventually, it will be needed," he says. "For most suburban homes, all you need is some graph paper and a large tape measure. Photos also help, along with a list of existing plants and features."

Be prepared to answer their questions as well. The landscape designer may ask about your desired outcome, budget, and any nonstarters (such as plants you're allergic to or ones you must have).

How Much Do Landscape Designers Cost?

The national average cost of a professional landscaping project is $3,496, with a wider range of $1,271 for tree removal or light border work, while a full backyard remodel can cost more than $6,006, according to Angi. Depending on the extent of the work, landscaping costs generally range between $4.50 and $12 per square foot. However, if you're tackling a tear-out and major remodel, plan to budget up to $40 per square foot.

Are Landscape Designers Worth It?

Ultimately, yes, landscape designers are worth it. While you can handle minor renovations like installing a vegetable patch or replanting annuals yourself, landscape designers have the know-how and vision to create a cohesive outdoor space that is both practical and beautiful. They know which plants grow well next to each other and how to stagger bloom times for a stunning garden from April to December. They can plan a garden that will fill out beautifully over time without becoming crowded. Plus, local nurseries may not always have the best quality plants; landscape designers can pull from their network and get you the best quality blooms for the best price.

Gidding says, "I recommend finding someone with experience working on water-conscious lawns. Those who don't prioritize drought-resistant and native plants might not align with your eco-friendly goals for a sustainable outdoor space. Tomorrow's most valued properties will be the ones who took steps to wean away from intensive irrigation today."

And perhaps most importantly, a landscape designer can help you plan a yard that's sustainable for you to maintain so you don't waste your money.