Frequently Asked Questions

Please note: The pronouns we, us, and our used below pertain to Songbird Landscape Design.

Q. How much does our landscape design service cost?

A. It depends on the project scope. On the low end, we can easily create a design for one small or medium sized planting bed for less than $250. For palatial estates covering multiple acres, design fees could get into five figures. For the typical homeowner residential project, our fees generally fall within the range of $750 to $1250.

Q. When are the design fees paid?

A. Design fees are paid in two installments. First half is due at time Agreement proposal is signed. Second half is due when Master Plan is delivered to Client.

Q. Do we do residential projects only?

A. Nope, we do business and commercial as well. Our systematic step-by-step process conforms to the principles of landscape design and is applicable to a very wide variety of projects. Most of our projects are with homeowners.

Q. What areas do we serve?

A. We work in the Wichita, KS area. That doesn’t mean we won’t venture outside the area, but it could increase the design fees to account for increased travel time.

Q. Do we perform design services remotely?

A. Maybe. Depends on our current workload. The client will have to do some of the leg work (take the photos and measurements), but it can be done. Feel free to inquire.

Q. How long does it take to complete the design process?

A. Generally anywhere from two to four weeks. Could be less or could be more, depending on how big the job is and our current workload. The availability of the client to meet with us is a factor as well.

Q. Who implements the Master Plan?

A. The homeowner client implements the Master Plan by providing the labor or overseeing hired contractors, or a combination of both. Songbird Landscape Design does not have a hands-on involvement during the implementation phase, although we are available for questions/advice.

Q. Does the homeowner need to know much about landscaping to be successful?

A. Not really. Most of our clients are not landscaping experts, which is why they call us to begin with. As we step through the landscape design process, we’ll talk implementation basics, if necessary. If advice is needed after the Master Plan is turned over to the homeowner, we’re just a phone call or email away. Generally speaking, if you’ve got a strong back, an assortment of relatively inexpensive landscape equipment (shovels, gloves, fertilizers, etc.) and a willing spirit, you can do much of the work yourself (and save BIG money – be sure to ask us how).

Q. Are any follow up services available?

A. Yes. After you receive your copy of the Master Plan, if you need us to come out a time or two during the installation phase to answer questions or provide advice, we would be happy to do that at no charge.

Q. Can we recommend a good landscape contractor?

A. Yes, if you decide you’d rather have a landscape contractor implement all or part of your customized Master Plan landscape, we can refer several who can do a good job. They are perfectly okay with working from a Master Plan drawn up by someone else. We do not receive compensation for recommending them.

Q. Do we sell plants and other landscaping supplies?

A. Not at this time. However, we do provide advice on where and when items for your landscape can be purchased at the best prices. This is important if maintaining a budget is an issue. We do not receive compensation for any of our recommendations. We are endeavoring to get affiliated with wholesale businesses, allowing greater savings for our clients while generating a new income stream for us. More on this later, hopefully.

Q. Is Songbird Landscape Design a Landscape Architect or Landscape Designer?

A. We are Landscape Designers. To rightfully be called a Landscape Architect in Kansas and most other states, a Bachelor’s Degree in landscape architecture and a state approved license is required, among other things. In addition to planning your flower beds, Landscape Architects are trained in structural engineering and projects where public safety is a concern, such as an urban park, for example. Landscape Architects normally charge much more per hour than individuals identifying as Landscape Designers.

Q. What is required to qualify as a Landscape Designer?

A. Technically speaking, anyone can call themselves a Landscape Designer. No college degree or licensing is required. Just hang a sign and you’re in business. On the other hand, most Landscape Designers who’ve been around a while have demonstrated a quality skill level acquired through experience, formal training, or both. These dedicated individuals take a great deal of pride in their work. The Association of Professional Landscape Designers (www.apld.com) is an international organization that awards professional certification to Landscape Designers based on established standards of excellence. Not an easy standard to achieve! Our goal is to get certified by APLD.

Q. What about HOA/covenants/city/county codes?

A. We will be responsible for knowing about any city or county codes potentially impacting your landscape design. It is the responsibility of the client to provide to us applicable HOA and/or neighborhood covenant requirements, if any.

Q. Is there a money back guarantee if the landscape fails after implementation?

A. Maybe. It depends on the cause of the failure. For example, if a Japanese Maple was improperly planted too deep and died from root rot, then there is no refund. On the other hand, if our Master Plan located the same tree in a hot, sunny, windy location and the leaves were burnt to a crisp, we would provide a partial refund of the design fee for telling you to plant it in a bad spot. Another example: A group of Black-Eyed Susans contracted fungus and died. That’s on the homeowner. But if the Black-Eyed Susans failed because we told you to plant them in a densely shaded area, that would be our fault.

Q. What if Client decides to cancel in the middle of the Design Process?

A. No problem. We understand everyone’s circumstances are susceptible to change. We may owe you a refund or you may have a balance due, depending on how much design work has been done relative to the 50% first payment.

Q. Why doesn’t Songbird Landscape Design publish phone and email on website?

A. We don’t put our phone or email on our website because we’re unfriendly (just kidding!) Actually, it’s to discourage spammers. You can reach us anytime using our Contact Us form. Once we have a conversation going, of course our phone, email, and home base will be made available to you. In case you missed it above, we are located in the Wichita, KS area.