Landscaping Installation Process

Why New Landscaping?

Phase II – On-Site Consultation and Design Discussion

One of our specialists from Creative Landscape by Design, often the owner with over 30 years of hands-on experience, will meet with you at your property to evaluate your outdoor space, property layout, access points, drainage, elevation changes, and existing landscape features. During this visit, we will discuss your vision for the project, including planting bed design, plant selection, landscape lighting, lawn installation, stone features, and overall layout. Our goal is to ensure the new landscaping complements your home, improves curb appeal, and creates a functional and attractive outdoor environment.

Phase III – Landscape Design & Project Pricing Options

Following the consultation, Creative Landscape by Design can develop a custom landscape design and provide detailed pricing based on planting bed size, layout complexity, plant selection, lawn installation requirements, grading needs, drainage considerations, and overall site accessibility. For customers who would like a more detailed layout and design plan, a small design deposit may be required to begin the design process. This deposit allows us to create a precise landscape layout and provide accurate project planning and pricing. If you move forward with the project, the design deposit will be credited toward your final installation cost.

Landscape Design & Project Pricing Options

• Size and layout of planting beds and landscaped areas

• Landscape design complexity and overall project scope

• Plant selection including trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and perennials

• Lawn installation options such as hydroseeding, sod, or traditional seeding

• Soil preparation, grading, and drainage improvements

• Removal of old or overgrown landscaping

• Decorative edging, natural stone accents, or boulder placement

• Mulch or decorative stone ground cover

• Landscape lighting installation and placement

• Site accessibility and equipment requirements

Phase IV – Scheduling & Pre-Construction Preparation

Once the required deposit is received and your paver patio or outdoor living contract is signed with Creative Landscape by Design, your project will be placed on our installation schedule. Our team will coordinate timelines, finalize material selections, and confirm layout details prior to construction. We will address any required permitting, utility considerations, and site preparation needs to ensure a smooth and efficient installation process.

Phase V – Choosing the Right Plants & Materials

Selecting the right plants and materials is an important step in creating a landscape that is both beautiful and long-lasting. At Creative Landscape by Design, we carefully choose plants, trees, shrubs, and ground cover that are well suited for the soil conditions, sun exposure, drainage, and climate of your property in Northeast Ohio. We also help guide material selections such as decorative stone, mulch, edging, and natural boulders to complement the overall design of your home and landscape.

This process often includes a field trip to one of our trusted local nurseries, where we can walk through the available plant material together and review the different options. These visits typically take 30–60 minutes, allowing you to see the plants firsthand and select varieties that best fit your vision, property conditions, and overall landscape design.

By choosing quality plant material and durable landscape products, we create outdoor spaces that establish properly, require less maintenance, and provide lasting curb appeal for years to come.

Choosing the Right Plants & Materials

• Evaluate sun exposure, soil conditions, and drainage areas

• Select trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and perennial plants suited for the property

• Plan plant placement for proper spacing, growth, and long-term health

• Discuss mulch or decorative stone ground cover options

• Review landscape edging and border materials

• Consider natural boulders, stone accents, or focal points within the design

• Coordinate plant selections with lawn areas, lighting, and existing features

• Often includes a visit to a trusted local nursery

• Allows customers to see plant options in person

• Helps review sizes, colors, textures, and seasonal interest

• Opportunity to hand-select trees, shrubs, and plants for the project

• Typical visit lasts 30–60 minutes

Phase VI – Removing Old Landscaping & Preparing New Flower Beds

Before installing new plants, it is important to properly remove outdated or overgrown landscaping and prepare the area for the new design. At Creative Landscape by Design, we carefully clear existing plants, debris, and unwanted materials while shaping and preparing the new planting beds. Proper bed preparation ensures healthy soil conditions, improved drainage, and a clean foundation for the new landscape installation.

Removing Old Landscaping & Preparing New Flower Beds

• Removal of old or overgrown shrubs, plants, and unwanted landscaping

• Clearing out weeds, roots, and debris from planting areas

• Expanding or reshaping existing flower beds as needed

• Cutting clean bed edges to define planting areas

• Loosening and preparing soil for new plant installation

• Adjusting grades where needed to improve drainage

• Adding mixed planting soil to improve soil structure and root development

• Preparing beds to receive new trees, shrubs, and plants

Phase VII– Plant Placement & Installation

During this phase, the landscape begins to take shape as plants and materials are carefully installed according to the approved design plan. At Creative Landscape by Design, we take great care in properly positioning each tree, shrub, and plant to ensure correct spacing, visual balance, and long-term growth. Our team prepares planting beds by improving soil conditions and adjusting grades where needed to promote healthy root development and proper drainage.

By following professional planting practices and paying close attention to detail, we ensure your new landscaping establishes properly and creates a clean, polished appearance that enhances your property for years to come.

Phase VIII – Creating a Natural Edge or Installing Edging

Defining the edges of planting beds is an important step that gives the landscape a clean, finished appearance while helping separate lawn areas from planting beds. At Creative Landscape by Design, we carefully shape natural bed edges or install professional edging materials depending on the design and customer preference. Proper edging helps maintain the shape of the landscape beds, prevents grass from growing into planting areas, and makes long-term maintenance easier.

Creating a Natural Edge or Installing Edging

• Shaping and cutting clean natural bed edges for a soft, natural appearance

• Installing professional landscape edging strips for a defined border

• Creating smooth flowing bed lines that complement the property layout

• Separating lawn areas from planting beds to prevent grass intrusion

• Securing edging materials to ensure long-term stability

• Adjusting soil along edges to create a clean and finished look

Phase IX – Installing Mulch, Weed Barrier & Decorative Stone

Once the planting beds and edging are completed, the final ground cover materials are installed to give the landscape a clean, finished appearance. At Creative Landscape by Design, we install high-quality mulch or decorative stone to help retain soil moisture, reduce weed growth, and protect plant roots. In areas where decorative stone is used, we often install a weed barrier fabric to help separate the stone from the soil and improve long-term performance.

Phase X – Landscape Lighting Installation

If landscape lighting is included in the project, this phase involves installing low-voltage lighting fixtures to enhance the beauty, safety, and functionality of your outdoor space. At Creative Landscape by Design, we carefully position lighting to highlight key features such as trees, planting beds, walkways, patios, and architectural elements of the home. Properly placed lighting not only improves nighttime visibility but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the landscape.

Phase X – Landscape Lighting Installation

• Installing low-voltage landscape lighting fixtures

• Positioning lights to highlight trees, plants, and landscape features

• Installing path lights along walkways, patios, and steps

• Adding accent lighting to highlight focal points or architectural elements

• Running and concealing low-voltage wiring throughout the landscape

• Installing and setting up the transformer and timer system

• Testing the lighting system to ensure proper operation and coverage

• Adjusting fixture angles to achieve the desired lighting effect

Phase XI – Jobsite Cleanup & Final Walkthrough

Once the landscaping installation is complete, our team performs a thorough cleanup of the jobsite and reviews the finished project with you to ensure everything meets your expectations. At Creative Landscape by Design, we take pride in leaving your property clean, organized, and ready to enjoy. During the final walkthrough, we review the completed work, answer any questions, and ensure every detail of the project has been completed properly.

Why Choose Creative Landscape by Design For Your Landscape Project?

Choosing Creative Landscape by Design means choosing experience, craftsmanship, and a process built on decades of real-world landscaping installation. With over 30 years in business and hundreds of completed landscape projects, we focus on doing things the right way — from proper soil preparation and plant selection to the final finishing touches that bring the entire landscape together.

Our team takes pride in creating landscapes that are not only visually appealing but also designed to thrive in Northeast Ohio’s climate. By carefully planning plant placement, improving soil conditions, and selecting quality materials, we build landscapes that establish properly and continue to grow beautifully over time.

When experience matters and you want a company that values quality workmanship, attention to detail, and clear communication throughout the process, Creative Landscape by Design delivers results you can enjoy for seasons to come.