Consultation

The initial site consultation is conducted by a Tranquil Surroundings designer, on-site, for one of two purposes: one, as a tool to collect site conditions such as topography and exposure, and assessing client needs and visions-for aiding in the professional master plan design process; or two, as a paid service to aid property owners in problem solving, troubleshooting, and diagnosing current site issues as well as offering extensive advice for do-it-yourself property owners.

The consultation includes a site evaluation and also a client evaluation. During the evaluation, client needs, visions, desires, and styles will be addressed. The function of the property must first be established before style and aesthetics can be addressed. Will the property be used to have dinner parties and entertain guests, to play ball with children and pets, or as a lush garden to enjoy and relax in from inside or out? It can even be a combination of several functions. The possibilities are endless.

Ultimately you will know best in what ways you wish to use your property. Our designer’s expertise takes your needs, visions, likes, and dislikes in depth and cultivates the perfect plan to meet your needs and maximize your property’s long term value. Whether you have ideas of your own, or would like ideas on what could be accomplished, conveying your thoughts, lifestyle, budget, and needs will guarantee the landscaping results you’ve always dreamed of (aesthetically and as a growing investment). A strong relationship between designer and client builds outstanding results.

With a few ideas and concepts from our designer the next step is to determine the style and the aesthetic goal for the property- formal or informal; elegant or rustic; bright and colorful or low-key and subdued. Landscaping is not only a reflection of the property it is a reflection of you. A thorough consultation is an invaluable tool for both the designer and the client to insure the proper landscaping for you, your site, and your budget.

Design

Designs are offered as a stand-alone professional service or as a part of a full service landscape project. Whether a design is required as a part of the design or construction service, the scale of the project commonly requires a series of up to three unpaid design meetings to refine the final master plan. Sketches, preliminary plans, and the final master plan all use information gathered from the consultation, site, and client feedback. This information along with the designer’s expertise and creativity ensures an exact and unique blend between client, site, and design.

Careful consideration of these factors influence the overall design:

• Function
• Form
• Topography & Exposure of the Site
• Architectural Style of the Property’s Existing Structures
• Long-term Care, Health, and Maintenance of Plants and Hardscapes
• Year-round Appeal & Impact
• Regional Property Values
• Long-term Value of the Property
• Theme & Style
• Spatial Composition
• Balance
• Foliage Variations
• Color Variations
• Fragrance

All of Tranquil Surroundings’ designs are custom hand-drafted works, which allow us the ability to make truly unique artistic plans without any limitations in scope. These unique designs keep the work focused on each individual client and distinguish our work from “cookie cutter” designs. Unique designs not only increase viewers’ interest, they also increase property value when compared with other landscapes. Plant and hardscape materials are selected from several local and non-local suppliers to ensure top quality products and unique materials.

We do not carry high inventories that require us to push large numbers of commonly seen high-profit margin plants. Influences of ‘profit landscaping’ ultimately lead to industry-wide disasters parallel to the Emerald Ash Borer catastrophe of today. Current industry issues play a vital role in the long term health assessment of the entire landscape project.

The time, formal knowledge, and experience required to develop plans of this magnitude are all investments which the designer pour into each project. This level of professionalism requires that our designs are formed with professional terms and conditions which ensure our work remains the unique work of Tranquil Surroundings.

Construction

The construction process is the physical culmination and integration of the design. This is the most anticipated portion of the project, where the design concept is carried from paper to reality. Construction teams are integrated and coordinated with the designer of the project to insure the intent and vision are carried out to the last detail. This ensures that the transition from design to site flows seamlessly.

Tranquil Surroundings implements the most up-to-date practices as determined by ongoing educational research conducted by local and national renowned collegiate facilities. Ongoing training and educational advances allow our construction team members to produce exceptional quality results backed by guarantees which meet and exceed industry averages. Value-added construction begins with the selection of high-quality materials followed by installation practices that focus on long-term value.

All landscapes are not created equal. The construction process is the sole factor for varying landscape costs throughout the industry. The construction process is what sets apart cheap work from a valuable investment. Although on the surface, the work may appear the same, the difference between cheap and valuable (short-term and long-term quality) is under the surface - in the procedure. The commitment to, and pride in, our work will not allow us to jeopardize the quality of our workmanship. This is why we stand behind our work with added guarantees.