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Homeowners typically hire an architect for yard design with the initial construction of their home or for very complex projects that involve installing pools or other structures in the yard. If you want to completely redesign the look of your outdoor space, or you're making significant structural changes such as adding a swimming pool or other substantial structure, it's a smart idea to bring in a landscape architect before you hire a landscaper to do the actual construction and landscaping work. The architect provides the construction documents for the landscaper to follow to execute the agreed-upon plan.

The landscaper or local general contractor secures all needed construction permits. In many cases, the landscape architect is highly knowledgeable about the requirements and legalities of the job, and can advise on what permits are necessary, although they don't usually secure the actual permits. Instead, the necessary details are included in the prepared construction documents for the contractor to follow up on.

How long it takes to design a landscape depends on how simple or complex your vision is and the size of your property. A fairly small yard can take just a couple of days, while a substantial property where the homeowner wants to add multiple structures, like a pool and an outdoor kitchen and living room setup can take up to four weeks. Plus, there's some back and forth between you and the architect, so it can take some time to get a design you're happy with.

You generally pay a landscape architect the full balance when they've completed their design, you've agreed to it, and they've drawn up the construction documents. You may, however, be expected to pay a deposit up front to secure their services. Some charge a flat fee while others charge up to 30 percent of the total project fee. For more substantial projects, you may be able to agree to a payment plan or milestone payments.

Landscape design and architectural plans can be completed at any time of year, although you might get a better deal during the colder months. Actually implementing the landscaping itself should wait until spring for planting projects and, ideally, until summer for large-scale hardscaping projects like laying a patio or installing a swimming pool.