Interview

Outdoor Dream Spaces

Written by Martha Coffey

Photos courtesy of M and M Landscaping and Lawn Care

From a summer job mowing grass as a teenager 17 years ago to co-ownership of a multi-faceted McLean landscape design company, Trent Morris explains how he has helped countless clients realize their dream of creating beautiful outdoor spaces.

First: We Listen and Question

We meet with prospective clients and listen carefully to what shape they envision the outdoor space taking. We ask, “Do they want the centerpiece of their design to be a pool, a fountain, or a waterfall? Do they want to add walkways, a patio, or a deck? How will the spaces be used? Are there existing trees or shrubs that they’d like us to incorporate? Are there any erosion or drainage problems that need to be solved? Is fencing needed for privacy? ”

Next Step: A Plan

The answers to these questions, coupled with the clients’ ideas and budget for all the work, help the design team formulate a master plan after surveying the site. Sometimes the plan is designed to be implemented in stages, allowing clients to proceed in phases as finances permit. Other times we attempt to execute the entire plan in one season. Once that master plan is in place, we’re ready to begin.

Start with Hardscapes

The hardscapes always come first. That’s anything that involves construction. This includes the large elements in the landscape design such as driveways, walkways, retaining walls, pools or other water features, patios, and decks. We always do these before anything else. They are the features that give all the rest of the design its shape.

Softscapes

After the hardscapes are in place, then we begin work on the softscapes. This includes planting trees, shrubs, and flowers, and grass. If there are erosion or drainage problems, regrading or remediation of the site may be required at this stage. Fortunately, there are solutions to every landscape “challenge.”

Add Finishing Details

When both the hardscapes and softscapes are in place, then we add the finishing touches. This may involve the installation of special lighting to focus attention on a particular element of the design, an underground sprinkler system, or a schedule for pruning, fertilizing, aerating, and mowing. Landscape designers can make clients’ unique dreams a reality, creating memorable landscapes and valuable outdoor spaces.