Landscape Designer or Architect

My building is looking to do some landscape work and we have an awful lot of area (1/4 acre) to work with. We have a couple of things we know we want to do right up front and have the budget to do just those as opposed to a total overhaul of the yard even though we eventually want to make over the entire area. So the questions are: Do we need an architect or a designer? Are there permits and such required for planting tees along a lot line? And if there are any of my architect friends here on the site who would like to work on a piecemeal (oh joy!) project, let me know. The building is serious about getting the yard in order, it’s just a matter of finding the right team to work with now.Thanks. -SM

steam_man

in Garden Design and Maintenance 13 years and 10 months ago

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legacylandscaper | 7 months ago

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It’s great that you’re looking to improve the landscape of your property and have clear goals in mind! For a project like yours, whether to hire a landscape designer or architect depends on the complexity and scope of the work:

Landscape Designer: Ideal for aesthetic improvements like planting trees, garden layouts, and overall beautification. They are skilled in designing plant arrangements and hardscapes but typically don’t handle structural or large-scale projects.
Landscape Architect: Recommended for projects involving grading, drainage, or significant structural elements like retaining walls, patios, or outdoor facilities. They can also assist with permits and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Regarding permits, rules about planting trees along a lot line can vary depending on local ordinances, HOA regulations, or property boundary laws. It’s best to check with your municipality or zoning office to confirm.

If you’re looking for experienced professionals who can handle piecemeal projects with care, I’d recommend reaching out to https://legacylandscaper.com/ Their expertise in creating tailored landscaping solutions makes them a great option for projects of any size, including gradual overhauls like yours!

steam_man | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Thanks all.

c6rl9s | 13 years and 10 months ago

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great and a ‘personal’ firm terrain
terrain-nyc landscape architecture pc 
Landscape Architecture + Constructed Ecology
200 Park Avenue South, Suite 1401, New York, NY 10003 USA

Steven Tupu – Principal
T. 212-537-6080
F: 212-537-6079
steven@terrain-nyc.net
www.terrain-nyc.net

jesseBK | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Steam Man, We do almost all of our work in the Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill/Brooklyn Heights areas.  Check out our website (www.newecocreations.com) and give us a call, Ill stop by and have a look. Thanks!

Townie | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Steam man   I’m having the worst luck right now with my neighbor’s “master landscaper”.    Redirected water directly into my basement…. Built hardscape structures over on to my property… killed a number of my bushes in the process… and this guy is supposedly highend.  I can’t mention his company’s name right now until they remove the wall and take care of the water problem but I will when they are finished. As with any tree or shrub planted along a lot line one should be careful as to the spacing both between the individual plants and the property line.  Research how big they will be at full maturity otherwise your neighbor may decide one day to have at them with a chainsaw. Most landscape architects will be able to draw up a long term planting plan with multiple phases so that the work can be done over a specified period of time/years/months.

stevecym | 13 years and 10 months ago

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I am not sure what Jock means by hardscrape, but he may mean moving earth around. What I read in the city code is, if you change grade, you need a permit. the concern is that one will slope their lot in such a way that runoff will go towards a neighboring lot. Steve

shayutin | 13 years and 10 months ago

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I would be happy to discuss your project. Please give me a call or send an email to shayutin@sdharchitects.com. 9174472050\. Depending on what you are planning will determine if you need permits or not.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 10 months ago

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It would depend upon what you intend to do.  Hardscape may require a permit as would actual structures.  If it is really only landscaping then no permit would be needed.  I would hire a talented Landscape Architect though, no just some landscaper.  Not to knock the landscapers out there…