So, you’ve started thinking that it may be time to update your outdoor landscape and living space. Maybe your pool area needs remodeling, or you aren’t happy with your current backyard design. Once you’ve decided that an outdoor makeover is for you, the next step is finding the right contractors for the job.

With landscape design being such a competitive business, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with the choices available. Before signing an agreement, it is important to have a consultation with a prospective landscape contractor.

Once you have scheduled your landscape design consultation, the next step is figuring out what you want from your ideal team. The best way to figure this out is to make a list of details that fit your budget, time, and vision. Then, create a list of questions to ask to see which landscape design company meets your specific needs.

Here is a list of some basic questions you should ask when trying to find the perfect outdoor landscape contractors.

Questions for Your Outdoor Contractors

1. What installation processes will you use? Every landscape contracting company has a unique process they use. Every process varies depending on the landscape contracting company. Make sure that the business in question explains their installation process fully. You will want to understand their process and be confident in their decisions.
2. Is the landscape company insured? This should be a question asked of anyone who does hard labor around your home. Accidents happen and it is nice to know that everyone will be taken care of in the chance of one.
3. Do you maintain what you install? This is arguably one of the most important questions to ask. Some companies have a division that will help maintain their work after it is installed. The best example is landscaping contractors that help maintain the aesthetic of your lawn or garden area. While this may not be a big deal to some, it is nice to know that your landscaping company cares about the quality of their work after they finish building it.
4. How long have you been in business? Not 100% guaranteed but typically the longer a landscape company has been in business, the better chance that you can trust their quality of work. This also allows you the opportunity to review any past work or read any past customer testimonials.
5. Are you able to give me an accurate estimate of the possible costs? For some, budget is what makes or breaks a landscape contracting deal. You want to make sure that the landscape contracting company can give you what you want while staying within your budget. While some contractors may be uncomfortable discussing money, it is important to make sure that you are getting the best value.

Backyard renovations and outdoor makeovers are large projects that should be done carefully. Having a list of questions for your landscape contractors will allow you to be confident in choosing the company you are working with. Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces have been Atlanta's backyard design experts since 2001. Contact us today to schedule your landscape makeover project. Our landscape design experts will answer any and all questions you may have.

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While the weather outside might seem a bit frightful, it will be spring before we know it. And, if you are planning to do any type of landscaping upgrades, then now is the time to start planning ahead. Whether your goal is to have a brand new yard complete with an assortment of gardens and pathways, the addition of entertainment areas like patios, gazebos or an outdoor kitchen, there is no time like the present to begin preparing for your new Atlanta, Georgia landscape. So, what should you do to get your yard ready for spring? After all, for weeks your lawn has lain dormant, and being subjected to cold temperatures! If you are eager to get outside and enjoy a warmer than usual day, then there are actually a few things you can do to be sure your yard is ready for spring.

Getting Your Yard Ready for Spring

• Clean up – Winter winds can cause an assortment of debris to pile up around your lawn. From twigs and branches to debris that may have been deposited there by animals, many Georgia lawns get messy during the cold months. As soon as there is a day pretty enough to spend some time outside, grab your rake or leaf blower and get all of the accumulated elements out of the way.
• Trim – If you are already aware of dead branches on the trees in your yard, go ahead and remove them. If you are uncertain which parts of a tree to cut, talk to a tree trimmer. Ideally, having your trees trimmed (pruned) every 3 years is a great way to prevent disease and eliminate any hazards. Opting to have the trees trimmed before new growth begins makes it easier to see the state of the branches.
• Mulch -Depending on how early in the season it is before there is warmer weather, and after getting the debris cleaned up, it is recommended to add a layer of good heavy mulch to garden areas. Be sure to trim back any dead parts on shrubbery, and then add the mulch.

Also Read: How to Use Your Outside Entertainment Area in a better way?

• Don’t Seed – While it might be tempting to fill in blank areas of the yard with new grass seed, pre-spring is not the time of year to do this! Rather, this is a fall project. If you have large patches that need ground covering, opt for sod.
• Fertilize – Like mulching, wait till slightly warmer weather is becoming more common, then wait to see when there will be rain in the forecast. Once these criteria are met, it is time to fertilize as you need to add the fertilizer shortly after or before a light rain. This will add nutrients to the ground and help your yard look verdant and healthy.
• Edging – Ensure your garden and pathway areas look sharp by edging. This helps define the line between your landscape and your lawn.

Getting your lawn ready for spring is not difficult, and can be a great way to break up the monotony of cabin fever. If you have new ideas to implement into your landscape or want to make some upgrades to the usability of your lawn, spring is a great time to do the project(s) – so now is the time to start making plans. If you are interested in preparing your lawn for spring, then call the Outdoor Makeover and Construction team to schedule an appointment today.

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Upping the Wow Factor of Your Outdoor Living Space You may feel like your outdoor living space is lacking in that special "wow factor" or maybe you feel like it's missing that certain something extra. This is nothing to be embarrassed about! Every homeowner feels this way at one point or another. In today's world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed with so many landscaping trends or gardening ideas thanks to the Internet but really there is no reason to feel overwhelmed. There are some trends that never go out of style and will up the wow factor of your outdoor living space.

1. Outdoor lighting: The best way to enhance any mood in your outdoor living space is to bring new outdoor lighting into the mix. While string lights add a unique spin to your lighting, advancements in technology now allow people to have fully equipped light fixtures (including dimmers) to their patios and outdoor living areas.
2. Parabolas: If you want to add a stand-out aesthetic to your garden area, try installing a parabola. These tall structures are perfect for framing your garden and with careful assembly, they can even be a fixture for your garden to grow around so that it gives off the appearance of being enveloped in natural beauty.
3. Shaded patio: Long gone are the days of patios strictly being an outdoor addition to your home. In today's age, many people are opting for a patio that feels more like a separate living room. Patios can now be shaded and even have such amenities as an outdoor kitchen area or even a television all while allowing homeowners to enjoy the openness of their backyard living area.
4. Outdoor fire feature: Creating memories by the backyard campfire has always been a staple for families. That idea has grown up a bit with the evolution of the outdoor fire feature. Campfires can no be more controlled with man made fire pits or fire places. While being safer than its predecessor, man made fire pits also allow homeowners the opportunity to create bright and happy memories with their friends and family while adding a special aesthetic to your outdoor living space.

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