Landscape Design & Build - APLNJ

This is where it all began in 1980. Landscaping......

As design/build contractors, we know that the key to a beautiful landscape is a well-designed landscape plan: one that utilizes a variety of materials and plants to form a full aesthetic composition. In this section, you will find information on Our approach of landscape design and our Areas of specialization. Almost Perfect Landscaping provides a complete array of landscape design services. We specialize in residential garden design, from intimate small-scale spaces, to large full- scale designs. 

Our Approach:
Our landscape designs are client focused. We use your input and desires to create a garden scheme that meets your needs and expectations. We recommend that during the process of designing that you look at the project as a whole, rather than the individual elements. It is better to create a design that will take into account all of the areas to be designed, even if they may be installed in later phases or over an extended period of time. The ultimate goal is that of the finished product.


1. Conceptual Phase
In the conceptual phase we explore your ideas and desires for the project. Are you looking for outdoor living areas or do you want to upgrade an existing landscape? Perhaps retrofit existing materials (such as old concrete and/or stone walls) with new materials to create a certain style as we interpret your ideas.

Budget
Of all the factors in design, budget is one of the most important, if not perhaps, the most important. It dictates the selection and quality of materials, the sizes and complexity of the various elements to be installed, and the timetable for when the various phases of the project will be implemented.We strongly encourage all clients to set up a specific target range for the budget and then we implement our design with this in mind. We don't limit our creativity or ideas for design because of the budget,  but to ignore or not design with the budget in mind is seldom in the best interest of the client and/or the contractor.

2. Preliminary Design Phase

During this phase, we start to look at and fine-tune the planting design and material selection. It is at this point where we often go on a nursery tour or provide sample materials for you to choose from to start to make choices and move toward the final design stage of the project.

Frequently during the preliminary phase, we do a "mock up." We come to the property and begin marking paint or chalk and “spray” out the design. This spray out brings the plan to life right on the project site. This a great way for both the client and designer to look at relationships and sizes of elements and beds and to make necessary changes. It is better to discover the main patio area is too small in this phase, rather than after we have poured the concrete. 

3. Final Design Phase
Once we have developed the plan in the preliminary phase, we revise the plan and present the finalized landscape plan. At this point, we are finalizing budgeting numbers, materials, and plants and other items to be included in construction. Typically, once we reach this stage most of the key factors have been determined and we present this plan to make final adjustments and prepare for construction.

Areas of Specialization

Planting Design: We take into consideration the light/sun exposure, soil type, amount of water to be given, and amend the soil as necessary providing a healthy growing medium for your plant species. This details the planting palette for the design and gives information about the plant: photographs, care and growing information, and keeps the client from having to engage in the often frustrating process of trying to figure out the recommended care of the plant on their own.

Hardscape Design: There are a variety of options available to you for hardscape design and a diverse selection of materials. From flagstone, to natural stone and manufactured stone. We can help guide you through the process of selecting the appropriate materials for your hardscape design. We can help you to find the best materials for applications such as your patio, the access paths or sidewalks, decorative stone veneers on plantings beds and so forth.

Retaining Wall Design: APLNJ can design and install retaining wall systems to enable you to get the most out of your property's area. There are a wide variety of wall types and styles for the various applications.

Woodwork: Quality garden structures designed and created with good woods can add that "extra dimension" to any plan. Implementation into the design of custom designed trellises, arbors, pergolas, gates, fences and planter boxes is also possible. These are most often hand-crafted pieces that "show off"...

Special Features: A garden is more than plants and hardscapes It can and should be an outdoor living area to enjoy all year. With the addition of lighting, specific use areas (such as barbeque and/or cooking areas),fire pits, water features and separate "english" herb gardens a whole new dimension can be added to your project. 
-Water Features: bring the action and soothing sound of water into the garden and surrounding areas...