Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for landscaping companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Koch & Associates, Inc., keeping clients happy comes down to two factors: providing quality work at a fair price and taking responsibility for the success of every project. “We’re motivated by helping our clients achieve their landscaping goals,” says owner Doug Koch. “By helping them take their ideas from concept to completion, we can ensure they’re satisfied with every aspect of the process.”

Koch & Associates has been providing landscaping services for residential clients in Santa Clara and Alameda Counties since 1978. The company has the training and equipment to handle every step of the landscaping process in-house, from the initial designs to installing plants, water features, irrigation systems, outdoor lighting and more.

Unlike less experienced landscape contractors that take a “one size fits all” approach to every job in an effort to maximize their workload volume, Koch & Associates takes the time to work out the details of each project so it can ensure the best possible results. “We start by meeting with the client and discussing what they want to do and what type of investment they’re willing to make,” explains Mr. Koch. “Once we have those details, we can create a plan that achieves their goals and guide them through the process of creating the yard of their dreams.”

Koch & Associates further differentiates itself from its competition by planning each landscaping project for the long term. “We’ve been in this business for a long time, so we have the advantage of going back to previous clients and seeing how their landscapes hold up and change over time,” says Mr. Koch. “ We know what works and what doesn’t, and our clients really appreciate having that type of expertise on their side.”

Know what you want from your landscaping project before any work begins.

When it comes to planning a landscaping project, it’s just as important to determine and prioritize your specific needs as it is to know the physical attributes of your site. By taking your current and future expectations into account, you’ll be able to maximize your landscape’s usefulness over the years. Before planning your next landscaping project, consider the following tips: 

Start with (and maintain) focal points. At its best, a focal point directs you visually and makes you feel surprised at, moved by or engaged with the garden experience. Many people think of using a specimen tree or statue as a focal point, but there are several other possibilities. The key is to find something that’s different from the rest of your landscape in form, texture or color. It should be somehow connected to the rest of the landscape, either through a repeated shape/color or a connection to the overall style. Scale is also important—if your landscape is several acres with broad vistas, an ancient oak would be a good focal point. In a small urban lot, a garden bench or small statue would be better. 

Accent your house. Unless your house is an architectural masterpiece, it can always benefit from some thoughtful plantings to soften its edges and help it blend with its surroundings. Even the smallest starter home usually has at least one interesting architectural feature, so find a design that highlights it.

Note existing plants and trees in relation to the landscape design. Do some trees need to be removed or changed? Will shade from existing trees affect plant selection, pond placement or activity areas? Do you want more shade in certain areas? Make sure you know the answers to these questions before accepting a final design.

Don’t get complacent. Rather than designing around overgrown shrubbery, established trees or a worn-out deck, consider removing them. You may discover new possibilities, such as a sunny spot for a vegetable garden or rose bed.

Q: How quickly can you start my landscaping project?
A: We’ll try to hold our first meeting within 10 days of your initial contact. After that, we’ll get back to you in about 10 days with the preliminary design, depending on the size and scope of your project.

Q: What will happen during our initial meeting?
A: We’ll start by asking questions about what you’re trying to accomplish with your project. What’s your intended use for your landscape? What would you like to see change? Do you want a patio or trees? After we get your input on these details, we’ll come up with a design and start making plans.

Q: Can you advise me on features and designs?
A: Yes. Many times, the design of a landscape depends on what the house looks like. For example, if you have a modern-looking house, you’ll probably want to go with a modern landscape design.

Q: Are there downsides to installing water features given that water conservation is such an issue in California?
A: We install a lot of water features. They recirculate water instead of wasting it, so they can be a big part of landscaping even during times of drought. Many times, water features actually use less water than plants.

Q: Why should I hire a professional landscaper to help me choose plants?
A: Working with an experienced and knowledgeable landscaping professional can help you make better decisions. Take trees, for example—if you select the right tree, you won’t have problems with aggressive roots that can damage your patio. If you plant a tree and don’t know its longevity or growth patterns, you could be creating a massive problem.