Plan planting that suits your space
Planting should look right today and develop well over time. Comparable quotes need more than a plant list: the effect you want, the size supplied, preparation and care after planting all matter.
Define what you want planted
Is the project a new border, hedge, individual trees or shrubs, containers or additions to an existing garden? For a terrace, describe the number and dimensions of containers; for a hedge, its length; for borders, the actual planting area.
Say whether the contractor should choose and supply the plants or whether you already have them. For plants bought separately, coordinate delivery and planting dates. Excavation, old roots and waste removal are additional items if the site is not prepared.
| Project | Useful information |
|---|---|
| Borders and planting areas | Area, intended effect and existing vegetation. |
| Hedge | Length, desired starting size and existing plants. |
| Trees and shrubs | Species or intended function, quantity and supplied size. |
| Pots and planters | Number, dimensions, location and existing or new containers. |
Compare mature size as well as starting size
Sunlight, shade, soil moisture and available space influence which plants will suit the site. Consider their eventual height and spread. A small shrub that fits today may later crowd a path or need frequent pruning.
Combining plants with different flowering periods can extend seasonal interest. Suitable native plants can support garden wildlife. Also have current supply and planting restrictions checked: certain invasive species are subject to restrictions in Switzerland.
Allow for existing vegetation and access
Replacing a hedge may involve more than cutting off the growth above ground. Agree which roots must be removed and how the soil will be prepared. Identify plants to retain and known underground services before work begins.
Large plants, heavy root balls and filled planters need a suitable transport route. Steps, narrow gates and roof terraces can make installation considerably harder. Balcony and terrace load capacity must account for the combined weight of containers, plants and wet growing medium.
Coordinate planting and initial care
The right time depends on the plant, its supplied root form and the weather. Container-grown plants offer more flexibility than bare-root woody plants. Frozen or excessively wet ground is a reason to postpone; summer planting needs particular attention to watering.
Keep roots protected between delivery and planting. Agree who will water and check the plants afterwards. Larger trees and shrubs may need anchoring. Low-maintenance planting still requires care while establishing.
How much does planting cost?
A price per square metre means little without a plant specification. The same border can contain small perennials or large specimen plants. Supplied size and quantity change both material cost and planting effort.
Ask for plants and work to be identified clearly. Quotes are comparable when they include similar species, sizes and quantities, with the same preparation and aftercare. Where you have not chosen plants, a contractor can suggest an alternative that is clearly identified as a proposal.
- Plants and materials. Species or variety, supplied size, quantity, containers and growing medium.
- Installation. Preparation, delivery, planting, handling equipment and waste removal.
- Follow-up care. Watering, checks and agreed follow-up work priced separately from installation.
Consider future maintenance before choosing plants
Ask for the main care requirements for the selected planting: watering, pruning and winter protection for sensitive container plants. Combining plants with similar growing requirements makes looking after them easier.
Agree when the planting work will be accepted and who handles establishment care. If replacement is offered, ask about its duration and conditions. A general promise does not replace suitable plants and a clear watering arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know the plant names already?
No. You can describe flowers, screening, shade or an easy-to-maintain area. The contractor can propose suitable species and specify supplied sizes in the quote.
Can I have plants I already own planted?
Yes, if their condition and the site are suitable. Say which plants you have and whether they are in containers or need moving. Transplanting established woody plants requires prior assessment.
Is removing old plants included?
Only if agreed. This also applies to roots, old soil and disposal. Describe the existing site so the quote allows for the necessary preparation.
Are larger plants always better?
Not necessarily. They create a stronger immediate effect but can cost more to buy, transport and install. Weigh the initial effect against available space and future growth.
