Download Your Free Landscaping Preparation Checklist

Use this customizable template to track every step, avoid surprises, and keep your project on schedule:

---

Picture this: You’re cruising down a sun-drenched street in one of Miami’s most charming neighborhoods when you spot a sleek, contemporary home framed by lush greenery.

Your eyes settle not on the gleaming facade, but on the lush greenery framing it—towering palms swaying overhead, sculpted hedges guiding you to the front door, and pops of colorful blooms dancing in the breeze. That garden isn’t an afterthought; it’s the silent partner in the narrative of luxury living.

At AG General Contractor, we don’t just build homes—we craft lifestyles. And nothing elevates a new single-family luxury home like a landscape designed with intention, expertise, and a dash of Miami sunshine. Ready to dig in?

---

The Importance of Landscaping

Your landscape is far more than curb appeal. It’s an investment that pays dividends in property value, environmental performance, and buyer delight. Studies show a thoughtfully executed landscape can increase resale value by up to 15%, while well-placed shade trees can shave 20–30% off your cooling bills.

Some assert that architecture alone sells the dream—so why allocate budget to greenery? In our experience, a home’s exterior palette sets expectations before the door even opens. Delay the landscape, and you risk a jarring visual disconnect that undercuts months of design precision.

---

When to Start

Timing is everything. In our Gantt chart, the landscape phase kicks off just after rough grading and utility trenches are complete, but before hardscape pours. Why? Early planting lets young roots settle in while the site is still active, avoiding costly rework or soil compaction from heavy equipment. Think of it as giving your plants VIP soil access.

Fun Fact: South Florida’s tropical soil rewards early planting—within weeks, native grasses like Zoysia Japonica carpet bare earth, taming erosion and dust.

---

Why Invest in Landscaping

Investing in landscaping isn’t an expense—it’s a cornerstone of your development’s ROI. Beyond boosting curb appeal, it:

• Amplifies Buyer Experience: A move-in-ready yard signals meticulous attention to detail.
• Supports Sustainability: Native plant palettes require up to 50% less water than exotic species.
• Accelerates Sales: Developers report homes with complete landscaping sell 20% faster.

Fun Fact: Florida’s iconic Live Oak can sequester over 48 pounds of CO₂ annually—your yard can be both beautiful and climate-smart.

---

Cost-Saving Strategies

Budget mastery is at our core. Instead of splurging on mature specimens, consider:

• Buy Young Plants First: Young palms and shrubs cost 30–50% less and adapt more readily, minimizing transplant shock.
• Phased Installation: Prioritize foundational trees and greenery that deliver immediate impact; layer in decorative accents later.

Could you skip irrigation infrastructure by planting only drought-tolerant natives? Perhaps—but weigh potential heat stress on specimens before forgoing drip lines.

---

Levels of Landscape Decoration: Basic, Elevated, or Premium

Every project has its sweet spot. Here’s a quick guide to pick your tier:

Tier	Features	Visual Impact
Basic	Turf grass, foundation shrubs, mulch beds	Clean lines, low maintenance, cost-effective
Elevated	Mixed perennials, decorative boulders, accent lighting	Textured layers, moderate maintenance, designer feel
Premium	Statement trees, sculptural planters, water features, custom lighting	High drama, bespoke luxury, “wow” factor

Ask yourself: Does your buyer crave tranquil restraint or garden drama? The answer shapes every plant choice and budget line.

---

Preparation & Technical Details

Before the first shovel hits the dirt, tackle these essentials:

• Tree Mitigation: Inventory on-site trees—determine which to preserve, relocate, or remove. Florida regulations often protect mature oaks—plan accordingly.
• Water Sourcing: Municipal water offers reliability; a private well reduces long-term costs but adds maintenance. Match your irrigation strategy to your soil profile and plant palette.
• Site Analysis & Soil Testing: Confirm pH levels, nutrient content, and drainage characteristics to tailor amendments.
• Drainage & Hardscape Coordination: Ensure patio grades and underground lines won’t drown your plantings.
• Lighting & Electrical Layout: Plan conduit runs before planting to avoid digging up newly established beds.

Fun Fact: A single mature palm can release over 1,000 gallons of water through transpiration each year—know your water budget before you plant.

Download Your Free Landscape Preparation Checklist

Use this customizable template to track every step, avoid surprises, and keep your project on schedule:

---

Bringing It All Together

A masterful landscape is a symphony of design, timing, and technical precision. When you integrate your outdoor plan early in the construction Gantt, invest strategically, and lean on cost-saving tactics like phased plantings, you build more than a home—you create an immersive luxury experience.

Next Steps for AG Clients

1. Use Your Checklist: Download the template above to keep every detail on track.
2. Contact Your Project Manager: Whether you’re curious about native species or lighting concepts, we’re here to guide every step.

Building Your Dreams with Precision—Inside, Outside, and All Around.

---

¹National Association of Realtors 2024 Landscape Impact Study