What is a landscape designer?

A landscape designer has experience and training in horticulture, design and landscape planning. Their extensive knowledge of horticulture qualifies them to make recommendations as to what plants will best suit your garden. They are also skilled at incorporating hard landscaping and features such as arbors, pergolas, water, stonework and ponds into a design scheme. A landscape designer can produce accurate, to-scale blueprint designs with a list of required materials for installation by a landscape contractor. At RidgeCrest, we focus on designing landscapes according to the client’s backyard aspirations, wants, needs and future dreams.

Why should I hire a landscaper, can’t I do the work myself?

An enthusiastic amateur with reasonable DIY skills could easily tackle many landscape tasks. However, a trained professional will know which materials to use, what plants are ideal for you environment and how to get the most out of your outdoor space. An experienced landscaper will also be able to accurately estimate projects, anticipate problems and be less prone to costly mistakes or delays. We will do a complete design layout that will incorporate all areas of the landscape so there is a cohesive flow between each area.

I don’t need a landscaper; I just need someone to tidy up my grounds.

Many of our clients only need some “tidying up,” or what we call Estate Management Service. This may include lawn care, pruning, weeding or general maintenance. It may be that you just want a seasonal clean-up, or regular scheduled weekly/monthly maintenance. Whatever your needs, we can provide professional care with a schedule of services that organize and set each service to a specific time of the year. If you have had professional landscape installed, you should consider a regular maintenance contract to protect your investment and keep it in pristine condition.

As a new homeowner, why should I bother with landscaping?

Landscaping adds instant value to your home and neighborhood. The right landscaping can increase the value of your home by 15 percent or more, allowing owners to recoup 100 to 200 percent of their investment. Your landscape is one of the first things prospective buyers notice when they visit your home. Realtors estimate that 95 percent of home shoppers will not even get out of their car if the house lacks “curb appeal”.

What is hardscaping?

"Hardscaping" refers to the non-living elements of a landscape. Hardscaping includes elements made from concrete, brick, stone or wood. For example, constructing a patio or deck is a hardscaping project, as is a brick walkway, a stone wall, or a wooden fence.

What is the difference between annual and perennial plants?

Annual plants only live one year. Perennial plants live multiple years if taken care of properly.

What is the difference between evergreen and deciduous?

Deciduous trees and shrubs, such as maples and forsythia, lose their foliage in the fall. Evergreens, such as pines and boxwood, always retain foliage.

What is the process for landscaping? How do we get started?

1. Contact us by email (contact@ridgecrestlandscapes.com) or phone (484.860.3270)
2. Project Orientation: At our first meeting we will discuss your goals, preferences and budget guidelines. Measurements and photos will be taken of the site, and we will walk the property to understand the opportunities, challenges and ideas to make your project the best it can be.
3. Concept Development: After surveying and assessing your property, we will generate a few conceptual, colorized, computerized design plans to review with you.
4. Design Meeting: At our second meeting we will refine the plan and create a custom, comprehensive master plan for your property with plant and paver photos.
5. Design Finalization: The finishing touches will be done which will result in a unique design individually suited to your property and tastes. An estimate will be generated, keeping in mind, landscape can be installed all at once, or in phases as your budget allows. The most important thing is to have all the elements and the different phases flow together in one complete plan.
6. Choosing Materials: All plants and materials will be selected and approved by you the homeowner.
7. Scheduling: Your project will be scheduled into the season’s production schedule. At this point a deposit may be required to schedule your installation.
8. Utility Staking: Utility markings will be ordered if necessary up to one week before the job starts.
9. Building Your New Surroundings : Our experts will go to work crafting your new hardscape & landscape. You will be provided with detail of what to expect during construction, along with the foreman’s contact information so you can always have any questions answered.
10. Completion: We’ll review the project with you and make sure we’ve exceeded your expectations.

What is the daily work schedule?

Our crews usually arrive at the project site between 7-8 AM. Minimally, crews work eight-hour days, five-day weeks in order to get a job done on time, or because of weather delays, our crews will work longer hours and/or weekends as required.

Do you provide references?

Yes, references will be provided on request. Addresses of previous work will be available for you to do drive-by viewings.

Is your work guaranteed?

Yes, all pavers are guaranteed for 5 years, with a 1 year weed free guarantee. Plants have a one year guarantee.

Are you licensed?

Yes, we are a registered and licensed business in the State of Pennsylvania. RidgeCrest is licensed for Pesticide and Herbicide applications and is a member of the Lehigh Valley Builders Association.

Are you insured?

Yes, RidgeCrest carries comprehensive business liability insurance and Workman’s Compensation insurance as required by the State of Pennsylvania.