How To Find The Best Landscapers In Perth
Throughout Perth, many companies claim to have the best landscaping team for your job. But how do you tell the difference between a high-end professional landscaping company and one that just offers an average service? There are five main things to look out for to help you identify Perth’s best landscapers.
A Landscaper With A Collaborative Approach
Before any work begins, finding a landscaper willing to dig deep in the planning stage is essential.
When choosing a landscaping company, look for those who follow a collaborative process:
- A reputable landscaper will begin by having a detailed conversation with you about your project.
- The landscaping company should review your space and identify all necessary site works like soil replacement or installing a reticulation system.
- They should listen to your ideas while offering their expertise to create a collaborative design.
- After you’ve chosen a design you love, you should receive a comprehensive proposal with 3D visualisations and a cost estimate.
- An exceptional landscaper will understand your local council’s regulations and processes so they can help you with applications before work begins.
The Ability To Tackle Perth’s Conditions
Difficult Soil Conditions
Most of the Perth metropolitan area is situated on the Swan Coastal Plain, a narrow strip of land ranging from 15-30km wide and extending from Jurien Bay in the north and Busselton in the south.
Within the Swan Coastal Plain, most of the soil is sandy and infertile. It lacks nutrients and organic plant matter, and because of its low clay content, the soil struggles to retain water. It’s tough!
The Swan Coastal Plain’s soil consists almost entirely of deposits from wind and water with major soil systems formed in a pattern roughly parallel to the coastline. Soil types in the Perth region can be split into five categories, with each having slightly different conditions:
- Coastal. The Coastal system is mainly made up of deep white sand with 20-40% fine limestone. The soil is a combination of cream sands and orange/brown sands, with the darker sand having a higher clay content resulting in better moisture and nutrient retention.
- Western Coastal. Yellow and brown sands on top of limestone rises form the Western Coastal system. The soil here typically drains quickly and has low nutrient levels.
- Central Coastal. The Central Coastal system is made up of medium to coarse sands with a pH range of 4.0-6.0, they are prone to nutrient loss through leaching and are highly water repellent.
- Eastern Coastal. Also known as the Pinjarra Plain, the Eastern Coastal System contains a variety of soils that are moderately acidic. This soil provides high nutrient retention and most nutrient loss is through soil erosion.
- Foothills, Scarp, and Hills. The soil in the Foothills, Scarp, and Hills system is made up of reddish-brown sands, gravelly loams, and gravelly clay. Most soil in this area is difficult to work with and hard to grow on.
Most of the soil in the Swan Coastal Plain is sandy and infertile. It lacks nutrients and organic plant matter, and because of its low clay content, the soil struggles to retain water. It’s tough!
Creating the right soil conditions is the first step to a healthy garden, and your landscaper should take the necessary steps to achieve this. If the foundations of your lawn aren’t perfect, the rest of your garden may struggle or fail.
Perth’s Harsh Climate
While we’re blessed with beautiful weather which makes for great outdoor living, Perth’s (sometimes) harsh climate can be hard on your plants and lawn.
The intense heat we face in the summer months combined with sandy soil quickly causes the top layers of your soil to dry out. When the soil dries out, the microbial life in the upper layers can struggle or die. This impacts the soil’s processes like nutrient recycling and means it is not as fertile, hindering plant growth.
On the flip side, the mild and wet winters can lead to waterlogged soil, especially if you have poor drainage. To complicate things even further, if you live close to the coast, salt and wind wreak havoc on your garden too.
- Look for a landscaper who understands how to prevent waterlogging in winter. They should be able to suggest ways to install raised beds or drainage systems in your design.
- If you live near Perth’s coast, choose a landscaper who is familiar with the challenges of wind and salt damage. They should recommend designs to protect your garden like hedges and fences.
- A skilled landscaper will understand which plants are suitable for Perth’s climate and how to add them to your design.
- They should also have experience in designing and installing reticulation systems to prevent your garden from wilting.
Choose A Landscaper Who Designs & Constructs
Many landscaping companies focus on either just design or construction. This can sometimes lead to challenges in communication or coordination as you transition between phases of your landscaping project.
By opting for a company that offers both design and construction services, you’re guaranteed a seamless experience from concept to project completion. Working with one team means you’re always on the same page and can build a strong working relationship with them, allowing them further insight into how you like to work and what your landscaping vision might be.
Positive Client Feedback & Comprehensive Examples
When choosing a Perth landscaper, it’s important to make sure they understand the environment of your garden and how they’ll work with you. After all, it’s your outdoor space they’ll be transforming.
One approach to find out if the landscaping company you’re considering has the expertise for your job is to read their Google Reviews. If there’s lots of positive feedback about their professionalism or final results, you may have found a good company.
A reputable landscaper should also have a gallery of their completed projects. Not only is a gallery a great way for a landscaping company to show off their best work, but it also helps you find inspiration for your project.
Landscaping Awards
A company doesn’t need to win awards to be excellent, but it can give you a good idea of which landscaping companies are being celebrated for their outstanding work.
One of the most prestigious landscaping awards is the Landscaping Industries Association WA Award (LIAWA). LIAWA are close affiliates of Landscaping Australia Inc (LAI) and work to set and promote industry standards of best practice.
Revell Landscaping was honoured to be named Runner Ups at the 2003 Landscape Industries Association of WA’s Awards of Excellence for Design of the Year. This recognition was for our garden and pool landscaping project at Stanley Street in Nedlands. View the project for landscaping inspiration for your backyard today.
Talk To Our Landscaping Team Today
If you’re ready to refresh your outdoor spaces contact our friendly team today. With over 20 years of landscaping expertise in Perth, we deliver incredible spaces you’ll enjoy for many years to come.
“Revell has completely revitalized our backyard, turning it from an unbearably hot expanse into a lavish sanctuary. Their workmanship and professionalism exceeded all expectations, truly top-notch. We can’t recommend them highly enough! Five stars all the way!” – Inger Bennett