How Long Does Landscape Design Take in Orlando?
You're finally ready to update your yard, but you're probably wondering how long the construction zone will last. In Central Florida, a landscape project can take anywhere from three days for a simple refresh to eight weeks for a complete overhaul. The timeline depends heavily on the scope of work, HOA approvals, and our unpredictable afternoon storms.
Here is a breakdown of what influences the schedule and what you can expect during each phase.
What Factors Influence the Landscape Design Timeline?
The timeline for your landscaping project generally relies on three main factors: the complexity of the design, the speed of your HOA, and the availability of materials. A straightforward sod replacement might finish in two days, while a project involving hardscapes and lighting often spans 4-6 weeks. Understanding these variables helps you plan better and avoid frustration.
One of the quickest ways to upgrade your curb appeal without a massive wait time is through a decorative rock and mulch installation. Since these materials are often locally sourced and don't require complex permitting like a pergola or pool deck might, we can typically complete these jobs within 2-4 days once we're on-site.
However, other factors can slow things down. If your home is in a historic district like Winter Park or a deed-restricted community like Lake Nona, the approval process adds time. We always recommend padding your schedule by at least two weeks to account for administrative red tape.
Does Project Size Affect the Schedule?
Absolutely. The difference between refreshing a flower bed and redesigning an entire property is measured in weeks, not hours. Small projects, such as installing new sod or planting a few palm trees, usually wrap up in under a week. Large-scale projects involving grading, drainage, and hardscaping take significant planning and labor.
For instance, a standard backyard refresh in Oviedo might take our team 3-5 days. In contrast, installing high-end artificial turf Windermere, residents often request lakefront properties, which can take 1-2 weeks just for the installation. This is because complex projects require precise base preparation and specialized labor to ensure longevity.
In our experience serving Central Florida, here are typical timeframes:
- Simple Refresh (Mulch, Plants, Cleanup): 2-4 days
- Moderate Update (Sod, Irrigation Repair, Edging): 1 week
- Major Overhaul (Pavers, Turf, extensive planting): 3-6 weeks
How Long Does the Design and Permitting Phase Take?
The design and permitting phase typically takes 2-4 weeks, though strict HOAs can push this to 45 days. Before we dig a single hole, we need a solid plan and the right permissions. Skipping this step often leads to fines or having to tear out work later, so it's worth the wait.
For simpler jobs, a sketch might suffice, taking only a few days. But for a full redesign, we'll create detailed renderings. Once you approve the design, we submit it to your HOA or the county. In Orange County, permitting costs usually range between $85 and $150 for standard landscape alterations, but the review process isn't instant.
If you live in a community with an Architectural Review Board (ARB), like in Celebration or Baldwin Park, they often meet only once a month. Missing that submission deadline pushes your start date back by at least 30 days. We handle this paperwork for you, but we always advise homeowners to check their specific community guidelines early.
Will Material Selection Delay My Project?
Choosing your materials is fun, but shipping delays can impact your start date. Common items like standard pavers or native plants are usually available immediately. However, special-order stones or specific exotic plants might have a lead time of 2-6 weeks.
If you're considering an artificial grass installation, the lead time is generally short because we work with top manufacturers. However, if you have your heart set on a very specific turf density or color that isn't in local stock, we have to wait for it to ship.
We recently worked on a project where the homeowner wanted a specific customized paver color. It added three weeks to the timeline, but the result was what they wanted. If speed is your priority, ask us which materials are currently in stock at local nurseries and supply yards.
How Fast is the Actual Installation Process?
Once approvals are in and materials arrive, the physical work moves relatively quickly. Most residential installations in the Orlando area take between one and three weeks. This phase includes site preparation, grading, irrigation adjustments, and the final installation of plants and hardscapes.
Here is a general workflow we follow:
- Demolition and Site Prep (1-3 Days): We remove old sod, weeds, and debris.
- Grading and Drainage (1-2 Days): Essential for Florida storms; we ensure water flows away from your foundation.
- Hardscaping (1-2 Weeks): This includes pavers, retaining walls, or the base work for an artificial turf Windermere project.
- Irrigation and Planting (2-5 Days): Installing sprinklers and putting plants in the ground.
- Clean up and Walkthrough (1 Day): We ensure every detail is perfect.
Keep in mind that intricate work takes longer. For example, cutting pavers to fit a curved driveway is time-consuming but necessary for a polished look.
Can Florida Weather Stop My Landscaping Project?
Yes, Florida weather is the biggest wild card in any construction schedule. During the summer rainy season (June through September), afternoon thunderstorms occur almost daily. A heavy downpour at 2 PM can shut down a job site for the rest of the day, especially if we are doing grading or paver work.
We monitor the forecast constantly. If a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching, we secure the job site and pause work, which can delay a project by a week or more. Even after the rain stops, the ground needs to dry out before we can lay sod or install artificial turf Windermere homeowners rely on for drainage. Working on saturated soil can ruin the grading and cause sinking issues later.
We build "weather days" into our estimates, but Mother Nature doesn't always stick to the schedule. If it rains for three days straight, your project completion date will likely slide by three days as well.
How Do Maintenance and Follow-Up Work?
The timeline doesn't technically end when our trucks drive away; the first 30 days are critical for establishment. New sod and plants need daily water and monitoring to ensure they take root. We provide you with detailed care instructions to ensure your investment thrives.
For projects involving artificial turf Windermere clients often ask about maintenance. The good news is that, unlike live grass, the "settling in" period is minimal. You can walk on it almost immediately. However, for live landscapes, you'll need to be vigilant about watering schedules, especially if the installation happens during our dry spring.
We typically check back in with you after a few weeks to ensure everything looks healthy. This follow-up ensures that if a plant isn't thriving or a sprinkler head needs adjustment, we catch it early.
Ready to Transform Your Yard?
A beautiful landscape is an investment of both money and time, but the result is a home you love coming back to. Whether you need a low-maintenance rock bed or a complete backyard resort, planning ahead is the key to a smooth process.
Don't let the calendar scare you off. We're here to guide you through every step, from the first sketch to the final walkthrough.
Need help with your landscape design? Contact From the Ground Up Landscaping at (407) 501-2107 today for a free estimate.