Welcome to the sweat-making, blister-producing, muscle-building phase of gardening. These projects are all within the scope of the typical do-it-yourselfer. (Click here for more on garden design.) However, if you’re a bit DIY-challenged, you can hire a landscape contractor to do the whole enchilada or any part of it. When choosing a contractor, get at least three estimates — prices can vary widely. Ask for references and then check with them to make sure that those people were satisfied and that the work was completed in a timely manner. Request a written proposal that clearly spells out the project, materials, and dates for beginning and ending the project.

To Dos

When remodeling or starting from scratch, make sure that you don’t paint yourself into a corner. The front yard may seem to be in more urgent need of cosmetic repair than the back. But don’t block access to the rear, so that you end up driving heavy equipment over your newly installed landscape to get to other parts of your yard.

Save yourself a great deal of hauling labor by having deliveries of heavy materials dropped off close to the work site. A rear alleyway or adjoining vacant lot provides convenient access. But be aware that vacant lots have a habit of sprouting up new houses when your back is turned, so keep a vigilant watch for grading equipment.

Be sure to kill any perennial weeds or grasses before starting construction. Some weeds are persistent enough to eventually work their way to the surface of the new soil and renew their enthusiastic terrorism of the flower beds. For the specifics on getting rid of weeds, click here. Keep in mind that hand pulling usually just makes perennial weeds more resilient and determined. Every piece of root left in the ground can — and usually does — grow into a new weed.

Call Before You Dig

Before you start working on any really ambitious garden plans (beyond flower beds), call your city’s public works department (in the phone book under government listings) to see whether your city requires permits for any of the structural work you plan to do. Usually, permits are necessary only for walls over 3 feet tall
(90 cm) or for concrete or electrical wiring installation.

Call your utility companies to find out the location of underground water, sewer, electrical, gas, phone, or cable lines on your property. If you damage these lines, you’re responsible for the cost of repairs. If you live in a covenant-controlled neighborhood, submit plans to the architectural control committee or the homeowner’s association to ensure that you comply with its rules.

If you plan to build anything, even a small flower bed, along the property line, let your neighbors know what you have in mind. Keeping open communication with your neighbors can head off annoying grievances partway through your construction venture — and may even get your neighbors excited enough to pitch in and help.