A successful landscape project starts long before installation begins.While many landscaping companies have a defined style they apply to all projects, Todd Hayden believes the best landscapes start by understanding the homeowner, the property, and the goals behind the project.

As president and owner of SanFilippo Landscape Company, Hayden works closely with homeowners to help them make decisions about their properties. With a background as a landscape architect, he focuses on creating spaces that fit the homeowner’s lifestyle while considering how the landscape will develop over time.

Every Landscape Should Be Designed Around the Homeowner and the Property

A design approach that works well for one home may not make sense for another. At SanFilippo Landscape, every project begins with understanding the homeowner’s lifestyle and goals, Hayden says. The team considers factors like the home’s architecture, the surrounding landscape, and how the homeowner plans to use the space.

“If they have a big extended family and they like to entertain, then that’s an important element that has to be taken into account, especially in the backyard,” he says. In a situation like this, the design may need a larger patio or deck that can comfortably accommodate guests, while a quieter household may prioritize things like gardens, privacy, or relaxation spaces.

Helping Homeowners Make Smart Landscape Investments

Landscaping projects can be a significant investment, and homeowners need to understand how different choices affect the finished space. Material selection plays an important role because it affects both project costs and the value homeowners receive from the finished space. Some materials add significant cost to a project, but homeowners may not see that same value reflected when they sell their home.

Hayden uses patio materials as an example. Many homeowners love the look of natural stone for their patios, but depending on the property and neighborhood, a high-quality paver may provide a similar look while making more sense financially.

The same line of thinking applies to plant selection, he says. There’s a difference between choosing a younger tree and investing in a more mature one. A younger tree may cost significantly less, but some homeowners prefer a larger tree because they want the impact right away rather than waiting years for growth. Hayden helps homeowners understand those tradeoffs before making a decision.

Hayden stresses the importance of keeping homeowners informed on the pros and cons of their options so they can make the best decision for their preferences, style, and budget. While some homeowners may choose the pricier, more premium materials, others will go for what makes sense as a long-term investment.

Building Landscapes That Improve Over Time

One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that a landscape is complete once installation ends. “A landscape is a living organism. It’s always changing and evolving,” Hayden says. When a landscape is installed correctly and maintained over time, it can continue to improve as plants grow and the space matures.

That long-term success starts below the surface. Hayden emphasizes that soil preparation is one of the most important parts of any landscape project. Before plants are installed, SanFilippo Landscape takes time to prepare the soil so plants have the foundation they need to establish and grow successfully. “Soil prep is the foundation of the landscape,” Hayden says.

This preparation is one reason SanFilippo offers a warranty that covers more than just trees and shrubs. “We warranty everything down to the ground cover and the flowers, and we have a really, really low replacement rate. I contribute that to the soil amendment,” Hayden says.

Another example of planning for the future is plant spacing. While densely planted landscapes may immediately look full and lush, that space may become cramped and overgrown in years to come. SanFilippo carefully spaces plants based on how they will grow over time, even if the landscape appears less full during the first year.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Great landscapes require thoughtful planning. For example, drainage has become an increasingly common concern for homeowners in Barrington and the North Shore area experiencing heavier storm events. But while recent storms have made drainage a bigger concern for many homeowners, Hayden says it’s always been an important part of the planning process at SanFilippo Landscape.

The same forward-thinking approach applies to project planning. Homeowners sometimes underestimate the time and effort it takes to properly design and execute a landscape project. Ideas found online or on home improvement shows can make large transformations appear simple, but landscape projects often require more time and coordination than homeowners expect.

“We can’t meet today and have shovels in the ground tomorrow,” Hayden says. When homeowners give the design and installation process enough time, the project can move forward without the pressure of rushing important decisions.

A Landscape Designed for the Years Ahead

A successful landscape should serve homeowners long after installation is complete. It should feel like it belongs on the property and continue to improve as plants grow and the space changes. This philosophy guides SanFilippo Landscape’s approach to every project. By taking time to understand each homeowner’s goals and providing thoughtful recommendations along the way, Todd Hayden and his team create landscapes that fit the property and the way homeowners want to use it.

If you’re considering a landscape project, schedule a consultation with SanFilippo Landscape to discuss your property and explore the approach that best fits your goals.