If you asked a neighbor what a landscaping company actually does, they might shrug and say, “Well, they mow the lawn and trim the hedges, right?”
While lawn care is definitely part of the picture, thinking a professional landscaping firm only cuts grass is a bit like saying a master chef just “chops vegetables.” It’s true, but it misses the main course.
In reality, a full-service landscaping company acts as an architect, an engineer, a builder, and a horticultural expert all rolled into one. Especially here in Washington State, where our hilly terrain and rainy climate present unique challenges, we do much more than just maintenance. We transform properties.
If you’ve ever looked at your yard and wondered, “Who do I call to fix this muddy spot?” or “Who can build a patio here?”, this guide is for you. Here is a clear breakdown of what a landscaping company actually does.
1. Landscape Design: The Blueprint for Your Outdoors
Before a single shovel hits the dirt, the magic happens on paper. Just like you wouldn’t build a house without blueprints, you shouldn’t renovate a yard without a design.
Professional landscaping starts with a vision:
- Site Analysis: We don’t just look at the aesthetics; we analyze sunlight patterns, soil quality, and slope stability.
- Space Planning: We figure out the best “flow” for your yard. Where should the patio go? Is there room for a fire pit? How do we connect the driveway to the front door?
- Visualizing the Dream: We take your loose ideas and turn them into a concrete plan, ensuring the investment you make delivers exactly the lifestyle you want.
2. Hardscaping: Building the “Bones” of the Garden
This is often the biggest surprise for homeowners. Landscapers are construction experts. We call the non-living structures in your yard “Hardscaping.” This is the heavy lifting that turns a grassy hill into a functional living space.
- Patios & Walkways: Whether it’s elegant flagstone, durable pavers, or stamped concrete, we create the durable “floor” of your outdoor rooms.
- Retaining Walls: In Washington, many homes are built on slopes. We build engineered walls that hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create flat, usable tiered space for your family.
- Fences & Decks: We build the structures that give you privacy and a place to entertain.
- Outdoor Living: From fire pits for those cool PNW evenings to outdoor kitchens, we build spaces that get you out of the house.
3. Softscaping: The Living Elements
Once the structure is built, we bring the color and life. This is “Softscaping.” It’s not just about digging holes; it’s about horticultural science.
- Plant Selection: We practice “Right Plant, Right Place.” We know which native plants can handle our wet winters, which flowers attract pollinators, and which shrubs act as natural privacy screens.
- Sod & Turf: We can install an instant lush lawn using fresh sod, or install high-quality artificial turf for a zero-maintenance green space that looks perfect year-round.
- Soil Health: We amend the soil so your plants have the nutrients they need to thrive, not just survive.
4. The “Invisible” Work: Drainage & Lighting
A landscape isn’t functional if it’s dark or drowning in water. This technical work is crucial for protecting your home.
- Drainage Solutions: Dealing with rain is a huge part of our job in the Pacific Northwest. If your yard turns into a swamp in November, a landscaper is who you call. We install French drains, dry creek beds, and grading solutions to move water away from your home’s foundation.
- Landscape Lighting: We install low-voltage lighting systems. This adds safety to your pathways and makes your garden look magical at night, extending the hours you can enjoy it during our shorter winter days.
5. Stewardship: Protecting Your Investment
Finally, yes, we do maintenance. But professional maintenance is about stewardship, not just cutting things short.
It involves seasonal cleanups to remove heavy wet leaves that cause rot, expert pruning to encourage better blooms next year, and monitoring for pests before they become a problem. We ensure the landscape we built continues to grow in value over time.
So, What Can We Do For You?
In short? We make your life easier and your home more beautiful.
Whether you need a complex backyard renovation with a new patio and retaining wall, a solution for a drainage problem, or just a team of experts to keep your property pristine while you enjoy your weekend, Natural Scenery LLC is your partner.
Ready to boost your curb appeal?
Contact us today for a consultation!