What to Consider When Hiring a Landscape Professional for Your Waterfront Property
Living on the water is a dream come true for many homeowners. Yet waterfront living comes with the twin challenges of maintaining and enhancing both your landscape and the environment. Many homeowners look to landscaping professionals to maintain the delicate balance between preserving your waterfront and creating a stunning outdoor space that lets you enjoy your property all season long.
Here’s what to think about when selecting a landscape professional for your waterfront property.
1. Look for Experience with Similar Properties
Waterfront landscapes demand different considerations than inland properties. This requires a landscape professional who understands these unique challenges and how to address them. It also requires a keen eye for how to seamlessly integrate your property with its natural environment.
Ask potential candidates about their experience with waterfront properties:
- Have they worked on projects similar to yours?
- How do they plan to incorporate natural elements like water views and existing vegetation into their design?
- Can they provide references or a portfolio showcasing their work in similar environments?
2. Ensure They Understand Local Regulations
Waterfront properties often fall under stricter environmental regulations than other properties. These rules can dictate what vegetation can be planted, where structures can be built and how close to the water’s edge you can develop your landscape. Not following these rules can result in fines, legal action or even forcing you to undo previously finished work.
Choose a landscape professional who understands how to navigate any regulations that could affect your property. They should be able to advise you on what’s permissible and help you obtain any necessary permits to ensure your project is compliant with the law.
3. Make Sure They Have Erosion Control Expertise
Erosion is the gradual removal of soil, sand and other materials along the shoreline due to waves, currents and fluctuating water levels. Over time, this can weaken the stability of the land, increase the risk of flooding, disrupt the local ecosystem and even damage properties.
Look for a landscape professional who’s experienced in implementing erosion control methods like retaining walls, planting native vegetation and shoreline stabilization techniques. They should also be able to create a long-term maintenance plan to keep erosion at bay over time.
4. Check Their Knowledge of Native Plants
Native plants are a great choice for waterfront properties because they’re inherently able to thrive in your local climate and soil conditions, while requiring less maintenance. A knowledgeable landscape professional should understand the importance of using native plants and recommend species that will not only enhance the beauty of your property but also contribute to the ecological health of your waterfront. They should also be able to advise on plant placement, as well as how plants can support softscaping and draining solutions, to prevent erosion and protect your shoreline.
5. Review Their Sustainability Practices
The decisions you make can directly impact the health of the water and surrounding environment. Choosing to create a sustainable landscape is not only good for the environment, it can also reduce long-term maintenance costs. A landscape professional who prioritizes sustainable practices will use environmentally friendly techniques and materials, ensuring your property’s beauty does not come at the expense of the surrounding ecosystem.
Ask potential landscapers about their sustainable practices:
- Do they use organic fertilizers and pesticides?
- Are they knowledgeable about water conservation techniques?
- What’s their experience with other ecologically sensitive landscapes, such as wetlands?
6. Assess Their Communication Skills
Effective communication is key to a successful landscaping project, especially one as complex as a waterfront property. A landscape professional who values clear communication will help ensure that your project runs smoothly from start to finish. The landscape professional you choose should be able to clearly explain their vision, processes and timelines. They should also be open to your ideas and willing to work collaboratively to achieve your goals.
During your initial consultation, pay attention to how they communicate:
- Do they offer a clear process and plan for how to approach your project?
- Do they listen to your concerns and offer thoughtful solutions?
- Are they responsive and easy to reach?
7. Check for a Stellar Reputation
Choose a landscape professional with a strong reputation in the community. Look at online reviews, ask for references and speak to past clients about their experiences. A professional with a proven track record is more likely to deliver high-quality results.
Pick a Pro that Checks All the Boxes
Choosing the right landscape professional for your waterfront property is critical to creating an outdoor space that enhances the natural beauty of your property and provides years of enjoyment.
At The Reesman Company, we design and build waterfront landscapes that reflect the true beauty of outdoor living. Call 262-539-2124 to speak with one of our landscape professionals, or contact us to help you keep your waterfront property aesthetically pleasing and functional all year long.