ABOUT OUR LANDSCAPE DESIGN SERVICES
FOR WINSTON-SALEM, NC & BEYOND

At Slate & Cedar, we will always be as transparent as possible about our prices because we offer excellent value for the quality of our work and the enjoyment our clients get from their beautiful yards for years after we leave.

Depending on the specifics of your yard, the area you want to change, the size of your property, and the complexity of what you want to do, our rates will vary. We charge as little as $450 to design a small area or a few garden beds. However, most of our clients choose to have us look at their entire property so it can be designed as a unified whole. If you’d like us to include features like a deck, pergola, front porch, or water display, the cost for design can be a little higher. The typical cost for a larger area of a full property overhaul with lots of features is usually between $950-$2500.

A beautifully designed outdoor environment can add 20-30% to the resale value to your home, so landscape design is a wise investment. Best of all, you won’t just see a financial return on it when you decide to sell. You (and your neighbors) will get to enjoy it every time you walk outside your home!

1. Functionality: When it comes to your landscape design, it’s important to understand how you want to use your outdoor space. A good design should meet the specific needs and goals of the user, whether it be for entertainment, recreation, privacy, or ecological purposes.
2. Unity: All elements in the landscape should work together to create a harmonious and cohesive design.
3. Balance: Your landscape should have a balanced distribution of elements, with larger elements balancing smaller ones and positive spaces balancing negative ones.
4. Proportion: The size and scale of elements should be appropriate for the space and in proportion to one another.
5. Diversity: A successful landscape design should have a variety of different elements, including plants, hardscaping, and other features, to provide interest and visual appeal.
6. Focal Points: The design should have clear focal points that draw the eye and add visual interest.
7. Simplicity: A good landscape design should be simple with clean lines and a limited number of elements, creating a sense of calm and order.
8. Context: The design should be sensitive to the surrounding environment, incorporating existing features and materials, and taking into account the local climate and microclimate.
9. Sustainability: A successful landscape design should be sustainable and promote environmental health by using drought-tolerant plants, permeable paving, and other eco-friendly features.

By being thoughtful and taking the time to consider all the variables while incorporating these key elements, you can create an outdoor space that will be both functional and beautiful for decades to come. 

There are several reasons why you might choose to hire a professional landscape designer rather than doing the design work yourself, including the following:

1. Expertise: A professional landscape designer has the training, education, and experience to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. They are familiar with local plant species and can advise on which plants will thrive in specific conditions. They also have knowledge of design principles, such as color theory, spatial awareness, and scale, which, when applied properly, will lead to a visually pleasing space.
2. Time and Effort: Designing and implementing a landscape project can be a time-consuming and physically demanding process. Therefore, hiring an experienced landscape designer allows you to have a professional handle the work and frees up your time for other activities.
3. Problem-Solving: Landscape designers are skilled in finding solutions to challenging design issues, such as slopes, poor drainage, and awkward spaces. They can develop a design that maximizes your outdoor space while taking into consideration any complexities.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: A professional landscape designer can help make the most of your budget by developing a design that uses materials and plants effectively and efficiently. They can also assist with project management, securing bids from contractors, and ensuring that the work is completed on time and within your budget.
5. Increased Property Value: A well-designed landscape can add significant value to your property and increase its curb appeal. Hiring a landscape designer can help you achieve a finished product that meets your aesthetic goals and enhances the overall value of your property.

Ultimately, the decision to hire a landscape designer versus doing the work yourself will depend on your circumstances and your priorities for your time and budget. You can always depend on the Slate & Cedar crew to handle your landscape design project. Get in touch with us today.