Hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida six months ago, but many homeowners are all still having construction work done to repair the damages done. That massive hurricane wiped out a lot of plants and knocked down trees, as well as damaging homes. For many who are finally getting their damaged homes fixed they can now start to think about their property’s landscape needs. If this is the first time you will be hiring a landscape design-build company, we’ve created this guide for you. There are several important things to consider and some decisions you should make before you start calling landscapers to request a proposal for your landscape design-build project to ensure you get the gorgeous property you’ve been dreaming of. Know Your Goals One of the most important considerations is to know what goals you have for your landscape project. What does the yard of your dreams look like? What goals do you have for your property? Are you someone who loves to sit outside quietly enjoying your garden from your paver deck, or are you looking to create a showpiece front yard for the parties you love to throw? Have you always wanted your yard to look like a tropical resort? Have you always wanted a cutting garden full of flowers to attract butterflies and birds? Do you love puttering around in the garden so that maintaining some plants that need more attention will be fine for your project or do you want a really low maintenance yard? While you don’t need to make any final decisions ( At Peer Landscaping we love brainstorming with our clients, so these questions are really just a jumping off point for you and for us), it’s a good idea to have some idea of what you want. We suggest taking a Sunday drive and snapping a few photos of the landscape designs you really love! Go visit one of our many local Fort Myers nurseries and garden centers. (We don’t recommend window shopping the big box stores because they often carry plants, like Hydrangeas, that don’t do well in our Zone, which is Zone 10) Do an Internet search as well. Look up landscape design ideas, but also look up what plants do well here in Southwest Florida, which plants need extra care, and which ones need shade or full sunlight? Speaking of that, for a few days, pay attention to where the sun is on your house and yard at different times of the day. We will need that information to determine which plants to consider for which parts of your yard. While you are at it, look at the existing plants and features of your property. Are there plants or trees that you want to remove? Consider the design of your home and your own personal taste, and let us know if you want a tropical landscape or more of a cottage look? Figuring out what you want will help you determine what type of landscaper you need to hire, and it will help you start to look at your budgetary scope as well. About Us Born and raised in Southwest Florida, Peer Landscaping owners Bailey and Katie Peer bring a passion for beauty, as well as Christian values to their love of landscaping. Based in Fort Myers, FL, the Peer Landscaping team uses innovative 3-D design techniques that allow you to see how a new landscape design will truly look on your property, before any work is done. Check out our portfolio of the beautiful tropical landscapes we’ve completed at https://peerlandscaping.com/ and then give us a call to start designing your gorgeous new landscape! 239-645-6455