Planning a landscaping project comes with plenty of questions. Our landscape professionals serve homeowners across Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, and we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions about landscape design, installation, plant care, and project planning. Use this page as a helpful resource as you explore your options, and if you don’t see your question here, please reach out. Our team is always happy to help!
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping Design & Installation
Project Logistics
Not always. Smaller projects may not require formal plans, but larger projects benefit from professional landscape design services.
Project timelines depend on complexity. Smaller jobs may take a day or two, while larger projects take longer, depending on the scope and weather conditions. Reviewing our landscaping process helps set expectations, and you can discuss your timeline with our team.
Landscaping can be done nearly year-round. Spring and fall are ideal for planting and many homeowners find the best time to plan landscaping is during the off-season.
Meadows Farms is committed to simplifying the landscape design process so that design and installation can proceed quickly. Our landscape designers are interested in gaining your input to accomplish a design that considers your lifestyle and budget.
For customers interested in professional installation (with a minimum $1,000 contract), our landscape designers will arrange to meet you at your home for a $69 fee. Please discuss fees for additional design and consultation with your landscape designer.
We also offer a FREE no-appointment walk-in service in many of our garden centers in the Spring and Fall to serve do-it-yourselfers. In rare circumstances, we will charge an hourly fee when an extensive landscape design is required without installation.
There is a wide range of costs for landscaping depending on the size of the project and the type of materials that are used. Our landscape designers work with clients to help in forecasting the budget before the design is prepared. It is counterproductive to prepare a grand design that is unaffordable, so we prefer to collaborate to meet design and budgetary expectations.
In most cases, our office staff will not be able to give a phone estimate, so they will refer one of our designers to call you. In some cases, a designer will be able to give a basic cost estimate without a visit, but most landscape projects require the designer to visit.
Our designers work a very flexible schedule to accommodate your schedule. They often work evenings and weekends, although usually only during daylight hours.
We have many clients who add to their landscapes every year. Our designer can discuss how to set priorities for work to be done immediately, as well as for future phases.
We have a $1,000 minimum for landscape installations, but our Lawn and Garden Care department has no minimum in the northern Virginia area.
Planting & Landscape Design
Yes. Year-round color is achievable with thoughtful planning and professional landscape design. By combining evergreens for structure, shrubs with staggered bloom times, and perennials that shine in different seasons, you can enjoy visual interest all year. Our landscape designers specialize in creating landscapes that look great in every season.
Absolutely. Low-maintenance landscapes rely on hardy, well-adapted plants, often native or drought-tolerant, combined with evergreens, ornamental grasses, and plants with interesting foliage. Proper spacing and mulching further reduce long-term upkeep and keep the landscape looking intentional without constant maintenance.
Not usually. Because most plants are container-grown, they can be planted successfully throughout the season. Summer plantings just require more watering, but moving plants from pots into prepared soil typically improves their growing conditions.
Yes. Many homeowners choose native plants for our region because they’re well-adapted and beneficial to pollinators. Native plants can be incorporated into a custom landscape design or used exclusively, depending on your goals.
The best plants are those that match your site’s sun exposure, soil, and drainage. Our local landscape designers can recommend plants that are perfect for our region!
No plant is truly deer-proof. However, some species are much more resistant to deer damage than others. Check out our list of deer-resistant trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals.
Year-round interest comes from layering plants with different seasonal strengths—spring bloomers, summer perennials, fall color, and winter structure. A well-planned year-round landscape design ensures something is always happening in your yard!
For shaded areas, plants like privacy shrubs and shade-tolerant evergreens work well. Our team can help determine the best option based on height, space, and soil by having you work with a landscape professional.
Grass performs best in full sun. In shade, lawns decline because the organic material produced by root growth decomposes faster than it’s replaced. Over time, soil quality worsens, and grass thins out.
Watering, Fertilizing & Plant Care
New plants need consistent moisture while establishing. Water daily for the first few days, then gradually reduce frequency as plants establish. Following watering best practices is essential, especially during the first few weeks. You can also learn more through our plant care videos
Newly installed plants require consistent moisture during the first 2–4 weeks. Deep watering 2–3 times per week is typically recommended, depending on weather and soil. Trees and larger shrubs need slower, deeper watering, while smaller plants may require lighter, more frequent watering. Once established, watering can be reduced as plants become more drought-tolerant.
No. Immediately after installation, focus on watering. If desired, use a root stimulator for the first two years. After that period, a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote is recommended.
Low-maintenance landscapes rely on smart plant choices. We recommend using mulch and rock edging for beds, groundcover plants to cover bare soil areas, and thoughtfully placing plants that fit the space to avoid excessive pruning. A design consultation can help you plan efficiently.
Company Operations & Standards
No. All work is done in-house. We use specialized internal teams for hardscape, water features, planting, and maintenance.
Yes. As required by law, we follow professional installation standards and coordinate all required utility markings before work begins. If you have questions, you can always speak with our team.
Meadows Farms offers landscaping services throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Please note that we currently do not provide landscaping services in Washington, D.C., the Richmond metro area, or at the Great Big Greenhouse location.
Request a Quote for Landscaping Design & Installation
Schedule an appointment today to start bringing your dream outdoor space to life.