Landscape Consulting and Design Services in San Diego, CA

   Steve Harbour Landscapes provides San Diego area clients a wide range of landscape consultation and design services.  No two landscape projects are the same, and therefore each consulting and design project is customized according to the homeowner’s distinct tastes and desires.  
   Steve Harbour is one of a only handful of APLD Certified Landscape Designers working in San Diego County.   He has created hundreds of landscape designs in the area.   Notably, he has also worked as a ISA Certified Arborist and CAN California Certified Nurseryman in the past.   With over 35 years of profession experience, who better to get your landscape project off to a successful start? 

Call 619-922-9735 to schedule an appointment. 

Steve's full-color design featured on the HGTV and DiY networks.

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A listing of services and pricing offered (can be customized to fit your needs):

Informational Consultations:

* In-Depth, On-Site Advice    (Verbal).
* $145 (within 30 minutes of my office).
*Typically lasts up to 1 hour.

If desired:
- Add $45 to include a full-color PDF booklet of plant choices customized for your site. (compiled & sent the next day)
 - Add $30 for Steve's  book "The New California Gardens" on designing & installing home landscapes. 
 
This is a great first step and sometimes all that is needed to begin a project .  Recommended for those clients wanting to take an in-depth look at their current landscape and get professional advice on what stays or goes, a critique of their own design ideas, and  many new ideas on how to create a beautiful landscape.  We will walk your property together, discussing: current conditions, potential problems, plant suggestions, and what you can expect when working with professional contractors.
 
  With a Verbal Consultation, we can discuss:
- Existing site conditions.
- Problem areas, including           existing plants.
- Design ideas and concepts.
- Plant identification
- Maintaining the landscape.
- Home and garden styles.
- Lowering Water Usage –       sometimes dramatically.
- Working with Contractors
- Good sources for plants and   materials.

 ​Note: No documents (sketches, plans, lists) are created in this consultation, but take all the notes you wish. 

Consultation with Sketch:

* On-site – simple planting plans, lawn replacement plans, planter rejuvenation plans.
* $450-$600 (depending on distance from office).
- Short consultation included.
* Typically takes 5-6 hours including sketch time and follow-up.
 
  This is the most affordable way of obtaining a drawing for small, simple landscape projects. Lawn conversions are a favorite, as are renovations old and tired planter beds.  Smaller suburban front or backyards are also a possibility.  As mentioned, the sketches are simple, not to exact scale, and in black and white. Typically sketches are started on site and then completed at the studio. We send you the plan complete with plants listed. A follow-up conversation to discuss the plan sketch is also included.
 
With a Consultation including Sketches, we will:
​- Discuss design ideas and solutions.
- Look at potential problem areas.
- Talk about home and garden styles – what is right for you.
- Identify landscape elements to keep or remove.
- Discuss lowering water use.
- Decide where individual landscape elements will be placed.
- Measure the area to be landscaped.
- Begin work on the sketch.
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Note: Designer will let you know  lead-time and when documents will be sent, usually within two weeks unless the current design que is heavy.  

​Landscape Plans:

 * Drafting of landscape plans, site-take off and base map, presentation meetings. 
* $750 - $3000+
* Charged at an hourly rate (typically capped as 'not to exceed' without your written approval).
 Figure 10 hours to 40 hours+.
 
These plans are necessary to layout residential  landscapes for entire properties, large landscapes areas with detailed softscapes, and also hardscape features beyond simple plant, patio, and walkway layouts.  These are scaled drawings perfect for obtaining bids from licensed contractors or presenting to most homeowners' associations (HOA) for approval.  Plan packages include a  colored conceptual plan that shows the positioning of trees, along with other significant plants, planting areas, and hardscape features.   Also included are 3 or more copies of the landscape plan for estimating and bidding, which include one  or more pages showing: the exact plant layout with a comprehensive plant list; a conceptual hardscape layout with artistic concepts or photos for vertical features like patio covers, fences, and outdoor kitchens; outdoor lighting; artistic elements;  and more.
 
The Landscape plan packages are necessary for:
​- Conceptualizing complete residential landscapes.
- Receiving project estimates from contractors.
- Installing your new landscape.
- Visualizing hardscape layouts: patios, walkways, etc. 
- Listing all plant species to be used, complete with names, sizes, and notes.
- Showing the position of existing features: home perimeter, patios, plants to remain, etc.
- Positioning outdoor lighting and garden art elements.
- Presenting to contractors, HOAs, and more.

Note: Complete landscape packages take anywhere from 4-7 weeks  start to finish  depending on how many clients are already in the que.

​Follow-up Consultations:

* Ongoing landscape performance review
* These services are advised although not a necessity.
*Site-Visits -  charged hourly.
* As needed: quarterly,  yearly, or whenever.
 
As the landscape grows and develops, it is advisable to continue working together to keep the landscape flourishing and to address garden-related issues.  These services are highly recommended for clients who wants to continue with professional oversight after the installation project is completed and beyond. Includes follow-up site visits, plant replacement advice, walk-through,  and periodic maintenance review.
 
These various  Follow-up Landscape Services help to:
  - Clarify original design intent and answer questions.
   - Add or change design elements from original plan.
   - Identify  and solve potential landscape issues that  may arise.
 - Identify plants and review health.
  -Suggest plant removal, additions, or replacement.
  -Inspect for garden pests and diseases.
 - Review current landscape maintenance. Provide ongoing maintenance suggestions and tips.
- Suggest garden décor, water features, and extras to add personality to the landscape.
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Note: No documents (sketches, plans, lists) are created in this consultation, but take all the notes you wish. If any redesign is necesaary, it will be quoted by each job.