Expert answers to common questions about planning, building, and caring for outdoor spaces
Designing and caring for your outdoor space is an investment. It enhances the value of your property and the way you experience it every day. At Eshelman Mill Gardens & Landscapes, we believe your landscape should feel personal, functional, and beautiful for years to come.
Homeowners across Lancaster, PA, and the surrounding Lancaster County region often ask similar questions when planning a landscape project, from landscape design timelines and permits to plant selection and maintenance. This FAQ answers those questions and helps you understand what to expect when working with a professional landscape design-build company.
Q. What does a landscape design company do?
Landscape design companies plan, design, and build outdoor spaces that balance beauty, function, and long-term growth. Our role goes beyond planting shrubs or installing patios; we create spaces that reflect your lifestyle and enhance how you use your property.
From initial design concepts and material selection to construction and ongoing care, our team handles it all, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Q. Why hire a professional landscape contractor?
Anytime a project involves structural work, electrical components, irrigation, or large planting, it’s time to bring in a professional landscape contractor. We ensure projects are insured, properly executed, comply with local regulations, and ultimately, save you time and money.
Q. How much does a custom landscape or hardscaping project typically cost?
The cost of a custom landscape or hardscaping project varies based on the size of the property, design complexity, materials selected, and overall scope of work.
Rather than using one-size-fits-all pricing, we design each project around your goals, budget, and how you plan to use the space. Many projects can also be completed in phases, allowing flexibility over time.
Discussing budget expectations early in the design process helps ensure a thoughtful plan, clear scope, and a finished landscape that delivers lasting value.
Q. What landscape design services does Eshelman Mill Gardens & Landscapes offer?
We provide comprehensive design/build landscaping services for residential and commercial properties, including:
- Patio design and construction
- Hardscaping (walkways, retaining walls, pavers, and more)
- Landscape planting, including native plants when possible
- New plant bed installation
- Fire feature design
- Landscape lighting
- Outdoor living spaces
- Water features such as ponds and waterfalls
- And more!
Each project is customized to your property’s needs today and how it will grow and mature over time.
Q. What areas do you serve?
Eshelman Mill Gardens & Landscapes provides design/build landscaping services in:
- Lancaster County
- York County
- Lebanon County
- Berks County
- Northern Maryland
Our landscape maintenance and lawn care services primarily serve clients in Lancaster County.
Contact us if you’re unsure whether your property falls within our service area.
Q. When is the best time to start planning a landscape project?
The best time to start planning is often earlier than most homeowners expect. Many landscape projects—especially patios, outdoor living spaces, and hardscaping—require thoughtful design and scheduling.
Winter is the ideal time to begin the planning process so your project can be installed at the right time and without unnecessary delays. (Read More Here) That said, our team is available year-round and can help you start planning whenever you’re ready.
Q. Do you use native plants in your landscape designs?
Yes, whenever possible. Native plants are well-suited to Pennsylvania’s climate and soil conditions, often requiring less water and maintenance once established. They also support local ecosystems and provide long-term resilience.
That said, plant selection is always guided by your goals, property conditions, and desired aesthetic.
Q. How do you choose plants for a landscape design?
Shrubs, trees, and flowering plants are selected as part of a total plant design plan. We consider variables like sun and shade conditions, soil type, drainage, maintenance preferences, seasonal interest, and how plants will grow over time. Ultimately, your landscape should evolve and look better each year, not overcrowded or overgrown.
Q. What is included in your landscape maintenance services?
Our landscape maintenance services are designed to keep your property healthy, polished, and thriving each season, year after year. Services include:
- Weed control
- Fertilization
- Pruning
- Planting new shrubs and plants as needed
- Seasonal clean-ups
- And more!
Q. Do you offer lawn care services?
Yes. A well-maintained lawn is the foundation for your entire landscape. Our lawn care services include:
- Mowing
- Mulching
- Edging
- Aerating
- Dethatching
- Fertilizing
- Weed control
Our goal is to give you back the time you’d otherwise spend managing lawn upkeep—while ensuring your property always looks its best.
Q. Can you maintain a landscape you didn’t install?
Absolutely. While we love caring for landscapes we’ve designed and built, we also provide maintenance and lawn care services for existing landscapes.
We begin by evaluating your property and developing a customized plan that supports plant health, structure, and long-term success.
Q. What makes Eshelman Mill Gardens & Landscapes different?
Our job is simple: to care for your outdoor spaces like they were our own.
We combine technical expertise with a genuine commitment to understanding how you want to use your space. From napkin sketches to finished landscapes, our team listens carefully, communicates clearly, and treats every property with respect.
The result is an outdoor space that feels personal, functional, and enduring.
Q. How do I get started with Eshelman Mill Gardens & Landscapes?
Getting started is easy. Contact our team to schedule a consultation, share your ideas, and discuss how we can bring your outdoor space to life.
📞 Call us at 717-951-5950
We look forward to creating a landscape you’ll enjoy for years to come.
