A new landscape is one of the largest investments many Peninsula homeowners make in their property. The designer you choose shapes how the yard looks, how well it works and how smoothly the project goes from first sketch to final walkthrough. Whether you live in San Mateo, Burlingame, Belmont or Redwood City, asking the right questions up front helps you find a landscape designer who fits your home and your goals.

1. Do you design and build, or design only?

Some designers hand you a plan and leave construction to someone else. Others, like Del Conte’s M&H Landscape Construction, handle landscape design and landscape construction in-house. A design-build team keeps one point of responsibility, aligns the design with the budget from the beginning and can solve problems in the field without passing them between companies.

2. Can I see projects similar to mine?

Ask to see completed work that matches your style and scope, whether that is a modern backyard, a traditional estate garden or a hillside terrace. A strong project portfolio shows how a designer handles materials, planting and details, not just the overall layout.

3. How do you start the design process?

A good designer begins by listening. Expect questions about how you use the yard, who uses it, what you love and dislike about the current space, and how long you plan to stay in the home. A site visit should cover slopes, drainage, sun and shade, soil, existing trees and views.

4. How will you handle slopes, drainage and engineering?

Many Peninsula properties have grade changes, clay soils or drainage problems. Ask how the designer plans for retaining walls, drainage and any engineering or permits. These elements are not glamorous, but they decide whether the landscape lasts.

5. What is included in the design?

Clarify what you will receive. A complete residential design typically covers layout and hardscape, planting, irrigation, drainage and lighting. When all of these are planned together, they are installed once and work together.

6. How do you keep the project on budget?

Share a realistic budget range early. An experienced designer can suggest where to invest, such as structure, drainage and key focal points, and where to save, and can plan phases if you want to build over time.

7. Who will be on site during construction?

Ask who manages the project day to day, how often you will hear from them and how changes are handled. Long-tenured managers and in-house crews tend to deliver more consistent results than a rotating set of subcontractors.

8. What happens after the project is finished?

A landscape keeps growing after the crew leaves. Ask whether the company offers ongoing care. Our residential maintenance program keeps new landscapes healthy and includes irrigation and lighting audits three times a year.

Landscape design on the Peninsula

Del Conte’s M&H Landscape Construction has designed and built high-end residential landscapes since 1972. We work with homeowners in San Mateo, Burlingame, Belmont, Redwood City, Hillsborough and throughout the Peninsula.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a landscape designer and a landscape architect?

Landscape architects are licensed professionals and are often involved in large public or commercial projects. Landscape designers focus on residential gardens and outdoor living. For many homes, a design-build landscape company that handles both design and construction is the simplest path from idea to finished landscape.

How long does the landscape design process take?

It depends on the size of the property and the project. A focused backyard design can come together in a few weeks, while a full estate landscape with engineering and permits takes longer. We give you a realistic timeline at the start.

Should I hire one company for design and construction?

A design-build approach keeps one team responsible from concept to completion, which reduces miscommunication, keeps the budget aligned with the design and makes it easier to solve issues that come up during construction.

What should I prepare before meeting a landscape designer?

Bring a list of how you want to use the yard, photos of landscapes you like, any existing surveys or plans, and a budget range. That helps the designer focus on the right ideas from the first meeting.

Ready to start planning? Call Del Conte’s M&H Landscape Construction at 650-870-1550 or send us a message to schedule a design consultation.