Questions, answered.
Clear answers about planning, cost, construction, planting and caring for a finished landscape.
How does the free on-site assessment work?
We visit the site, walk it with you, listen to what you want and give an honest hourly rate before anything is booked. No obligation.
Why an hourly rate instead of a fixed quote?
Fixed quotes get padded to cover the unknowns. We agree an honest rate up front and you only pay for hours worked. Materials at cost with a small handling margin.
What areas does Lochaven Landscapes service?
Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs and South Gippsland. We are based in Ringwood and work across the inner and outer east, and through the South Gippsland region for suitable design and construction projects.
Do you provide both design and construction?
Yes. The people who design your garden also build it, plant it and can maintain it. One team, start to finish.
Do I need landscape design before construction?
For anything beyond a single element, a plan pays for itself. Levels, drainage, materials and planting are resolved on paper before they become expensive decisions on site.
Do you take on small jobs?
Yes. A single retaining wall, a driveway, a garden refresh. Same team, same standard.
Do you offer ongoing garden care?
Yes. Scheduled care programs for residential and commercial sites, including body corporate grounds.
Are you insured?
Yes. Public liability and WorkCover, fully insured.
How soon can you start?
Lead times vary by season. Call or send the enquiry form and we will be honest about timing.
How much should I budget for landscaping?
Cost depends on site access, levels, demolition, structural work, materials, planting and the breadth of the scope. We discuss priorities and budget early so the scope can be shaped realistically rather than guessed at.
How long does landscape construction take?
A focused garden upgrade may take days or weeks, while a complete design and build can run for several months. We explain likely sequencing after reviewing the site and scope.
Can you landscape sloping blocks?
Yes. We resolve retaining, access, usable levels and drainage together rather than treating each as a separate problem.
Can landscaping be completed around an existing pool?
Yes. Coping, paving, decking, planting, lighting and privacy screening can all be renewed around a pool that is staying, provided access and pool safety requirements are respected.
When should landscaping begin on a new build?
Earlier than most people expect. Finished floor levels, drainage points, driveway interfaces and access for machinery are far easier to coordinate before the builder leaves the site.
Do you manage council requirements?
We identify likely permits or specialist documentation and coordinate the agreed requirements for the landscape scope. Council rules vary by property and municipality.
Can you build around mature trees?
Often, yes. We assess root zones, levels, health and construction access before deciding how retained trees can shape the new garden.
Do you build pools?
We coordinate concrete pool construction with specialist trade partners and deliver the surrounding coping, paving, decking, planting, lighting and privacy elements.
Can the project be completed in stages?
Yes. A considered masterplan protects the final outcome while dividing work into sensible stages around budget, access or other building work.
What should I prepare before a landscaping consultation?
Think about how you use the space now, what is not working, what you would like to keep, and your broad budget and timing. Photos, survey plans or building drawings help but are not essential.
How is a landscaping quote prepared?
After the site visit we set out the scope, the sequence of work, the materials involved and the rate. Anything uncertain is named as uncertain rather than buried in a lump sum.
How do you choose plants?
We consider soil, aspect, exposure, water, mature size, seasonal structure and how much care the garden can realistically receive.
Can you improve drainage as part of the landscape?
Yes. Surface falls, pits, channels, subsoil drainage and permeable areas can be coordinated with the broader landscape works.