What's your hourly rate? There is no simple answer. At AL&L, we believe in charging for the work that is done. As jobs differ, so does the intensity of the labor required, thus estimates are given on a "per job" basis.   Where should we start? When contemplating a new installation or a complete makeover, the best way to start is by prioritizing your needs and/or wants. Make a list of what you need and/or want to have done and number those things in order of importance. This will allow our staff to better determine the proper approach and create a realistic timeline.     How much should we plan on spending? Again, this is a customer and job sensitive topic. Typically it's a good idea to analyze your yearly budget to first determine what you can spend. Then you can develop your list (question #2) and use that to gauge how much want to spend on each item. Also, keep in mind that larger projects can often be broken down into phases, rather than completing the entire project at one time.     Can you install a "no maintenance landscape?" No. There is no such thing as a "no maintenance landscape." We can, however, provide a very low maintenance landscape that produces a beautiful result without the need for a green thumb.   What do you do in the winter? AL&L uses the winter months to prepare for our busy Spring and Summer seasons. Additionally, we conduct winter maintenance details, including commercial and residential snow removal services.     Do you offer free estimates, consultations, & designs? AL&L would be happy to meet with you and have the opportunity to present you with a free estimate. We do not, however, offer free designs. Landscape design is very labor intensive and time consuming, thus we cannot provide free design work. Typically, we charge a minimum design fee of $50. If our estimate is accepted, that money is then credited towards the installation. Remember, all of our designs are copyrighted, making it illegal for homeowners and other landscape contractors to install our design.