What should I include in a scope for a landscape designer?

Summary: Designs the outdoor areas, plantings and hard landscaping.

Why it matters: Some councils require a landscape plan for approval. Landscaping affects drainage, privacy and bushfire risk.

When needed: Council requires a landscape plan, or you want outdoor works documented.

Minimum scope by stage

• Design: landscape concept coordinated with levels, drainage, retaining and services
• Planning: landscape plan with deep soil and site coverage calculations where council requires
• Construction documents: planting plan and schedule; hard landscaping, fences and levels
• Completion: landscape compliance certificate where council conditions require it

Options

• Irrigation design
• Pool area and fencing layout
• Site visits during installation

Meetings and site visits: One site visit and one review meeting; completion visit if certification is needed.