Lakewood, NJ (February 6, 2006) – Turning a typical backyard into a lush arrangement of vegetation with recreational possibilities requires a little more than picking out greenery. That’s why the landscape architects at D.W. Smith Associates, LLC, use homeowner feedback and their Greengineering® philosophy to create a landscape design plan that produces an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.

Before any job begins, the client is encouraged to give input. Each homeowner gets a questionnaire in which they can fill out their landscaping likes and dislikes. People are asked about their favorite season, color preferences, gardening inclinations, theme potential, and material options. How much a family plans to use their backyard and what sort of recreational and entertaining aspects are also taken into consideration.

Softscapes, such as types of trees, and hardscapes, which are physical objects such as decks and gazebos, are also noted on the questionnaire. Overall, the survey is essential to give D.W. Smith landscape designers insight into each client’s likes and dislikes.

D.W. Smith professionals use the input to create a Master Landscaping Plan (MLP) for each property. The plan includes dimensions, elevations, and construction details listing all materials, plantings, quantities and installation instructions. Drainage patterns are arranged, easement lines listed, setbacks outlined and other site constraints marked out.

Nick Ginther, who designs landscapes for the firm, says D.W. Smith always makes an effort to work with existing greenery when they design and implement an MLP. He recommends having such a plan to help clients visualize the project and see how the ideas look before investing in the installation. Using their updated technology, D.W. Smith professionals can create a full-color photographic image to help clients envision the finished project.

“I always tell clients to think about the plans at different times of day for at least a week,” says Ginther. “That way they think things through and are sure that they are getting what they really want.”

Nick Coppola, Director of Landscape Services, said the firm’s edge lies in its ability to work closely with each client to meet his or her individual needs.

“Today’s average homeowner has a strong interest in home-based recreational activities. Hiring a landscape architect doubles an investment into a homeowner’s biggest investment,” says Coppola. “We show clients the possibilities that we can evolve their backyards into.”

Once a landscape architecture plan is set and the project commences, the concept starts to become reality. A typical job takes a minimum of six weeks, Ginther notes.

That’s because in today’s day and age, even the simplest backyard makeover can involve governmental red tape. Installing a pool, sidewalk or gazebo usually requires a municipal or county permit. And a host of other environmental issues are now regulated by the state, so a wide array of environmental issues may have to be tackled. D.W. Smith’s knowledge of permitting and experience in responding to all possible interruptions makes the landscape architecture service all-inclusive, and handled by professionals who know how to overcome project obstacles that can pop up on any job site.

“One of the benefits of using a firm like D.W. Smith is the complete in-house services available for any project,” says Victor J. Coppola, Director of Environmental Services for the firm.

“Environmental issues have to be addressed,” Coppola adds. “And they sometimes come into the overall design plan.”

With private homes being regulated in a myriad of growing ways, having professionals on hand is vital with an investment such as landscape architecture. In addition to permitting issues, Coppola says the professionals at D.W. Smith are also experienced in structural engineering, which is sometimes needed on projects. Though environmental or other government-regulated issues may not happen, it’s always good to have a one-stop shop for all possible needs.

And when it’s all said and done, homeowners enjoy lush grounds that provide years of recreation and aesthetics – and add value to any home.

D.W. Smith Associates was founded in 1965, and has served residential and commercial developers, industries, municipalities, governmental agencies and individuals. In 1995, D.W. Smith Associates obtained an internationally registered trademark certificate for “Greengineering®,” which describes the company’s environmentally friendly approach to land development design.
 

For more information about D.W. Smith Associates, call 732-363-5850.