Ask anyone who has recently had a new landscape designed and installed here in the Hudson Valley if they have any advice for those entering the planning stage and they will probably offer up some great tips. Here's a few...Hire a qualified contractor; go see material choices in person; and check out online resources for great inspiration. But probably the best advice you can receive is to make sure you take your time and plan well in advance.

Landscape companies here in the Orange County, NY area tend to slow down a bit in the winter months. This can be a real advantage for homeowners looking to install a complex new landscape project early in the spring or summer season. By working with a landscaping company to plan, research, and design the project during the winter months, homeowners will receive a bit more dedicated attention from designers, while also gaining a huge scheduling advantage over those customers that wait to begin this process in the spring. Remember, the best design/build firms tend to book up very quickly in early spring.

To take advantage of early planning, you will need to have accurate measurements of your property, as well as pictures of the areas where the work will take place. If a plot plan isn't available, consider researching Hudson Valley landscaping companies in late summer and early fall, and invite the one you select to come measure your property before the snow starts to fall. This way, the designer will have a nice base map to work from and the weather outside will become less of an impact on progress.

Picture this...Beautiful snow is falling outside your window, your sitting in your warm, comfortable chair by the fire researching and planning your newest room in the house which just happens to be outdoors.

More time to plan, more time to properly budget and save, and more time spent making sure to get all the details just right. Designing your new Hudson Valley outdoor living space in the winter is a win-win situtuaion for everyone involved.

Happy planning!