10 Reasons You Need to Hire a Landscape Designer

    From avoiding costly mistakes to increasing your property value — here's why professional design makes all the difference.

    March 15, 2024 8 min read
    Landscape designer reviewing plans for a Chester County project

    You wouldn't build a house without an architect — so why tackle a major landscape project without a designer? Whether you're in West Chester, Kennett Square, or anywhere in Chester County, a professional landscape designer brings expertise that transforms your outdoor space from average to exceptional.

    The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) reports that well-designed landscapes can increase home values by 15–20%. Here are ten compelling reasons to invest in professional design.

    1. Avoid Costly Mistakes

    DIY landscaping often leads to expensive errors — wrong plant selections, poor drainage, or materials that don't hold up. A professional designer anticipates problems before they happen, saving you thousands in the long run.

    2. Increase Your Property Value

    According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), professional landscaping can increase your home's value by 15–20%. A thoughtful design maximizes curb appeal and creates functional outdoor living space that buyers love.

    3. Get a Cohesive Vision

    Without a plan, landscapes tend to become a patchwork of unrelated elements. A designer creates a unified vision — from the front entry to the backyard — ensuring every element works together harmoniously.

    See examples in our project portfolio to see how unified design creates dramatic transformations.

    Estate landscaping showing cohesive landscape design

    4. Right Plant, Right Place

    Plant selection is both an art and a science. A landscape designer understands which species thrive in Chester County's USDA Zones 6b–7a, which plants work in sun vs. shade, and how to create year-round interest through seasonal blooms, textures, and structure.

    Learn about our tree & shrub planting services and how we select plants for long-term success.

    5. Solve Drainage and Grading Issues

    Water management is critical. A designer identifies drainage problems early and integrates solutions — like French drains, swales, or regrading — into the overall design so they work seamlessly with the aesthetic.

    Read more about how we approach this in our drainage case study.

    6. Save Time and Stress

    Between researching materials, sourcing plants, coordinating contractors, and managing timelines, a landscaping project can consume months of your weekends. A designer manages the entire process from concept to completion.

    7. Access Better Materials and Plants

    Professional designers have relationships with specialty nurseries and suppliers that aren't available to the public. This means access to higher-quality plants, unique stone, and commercial-grade materials at better prices.

    8. Create Functional Outdoor Living Spaces

    Paver patio dining area — functional outdoor living space

    A great landscape is more than pretty — it's functional. Designers plan for how you actually use your space: entertaining, relaxing, play areas, cooking, and more. The result is an outdoor extension of your home.

    Explore our patio & walkway services to see how we create outdoor rooms.

    9. Long-Term Sustainability

    Professional designers think decades ahead. They select plants that will grow well together over time, plan for mature canopy sizes, and choose sustainable practices that reduce long-term water and maintenance costs.

    10. Peace of Mind

    With a professional managing your project, you get clear timelines, transparent pricing, and a guaranteed result. No guesswork, no buyer's remorse — just a beautifully executed landscape you'll enjoy for years.

    Beautifully designed front entry landscaping in Chester County

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Ready to Work with a Professional Designer?

    Pickel Landscape Group has been designing and building exceptional landscapes in Chester County since 2007. Let's create something beautiful together.

    (610) 274-8083 info@pickellandscapegroup.com 140 Sawmill Rd, Landenberg, PA 19350

    Related Articles

    Back to Blog
    Landscape project

    Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?

    Contact us today for a free consultation and let's discuss how we can bring your vision to life.