If there’s one question everyone asks before redesigning their garden, it’s about timing. How many weeks should you plan for? What elements can affect the timeline of a landscaping project? Can you anticipate the unexpected?
A landscaping project is not something that can be improvised—it follows key steps and depends on multiple factors, many of which are not immediately visible. Let’s take a look at the major phases of a project and the elements that can impact its duration, to help you transform your outdoor space with peace of mind.
Factors that influence the duration of a project
The timeline of a landscaping project around a home depends on many parameters that must be anticipated as early as the design phase. Several factors can impact the time required to complete the work, potentially altering the initial plan and even affecting the overall project cost.
Supplier lead times
One of the first aspects to consider is supplier lead times. Some specific materials or equipment—such as coping stones for a pool or rare plants used to structure the landscape—may require extended manufacturing or delivery times. These logistical delays can postpone the project, especially if the site is not yet prepared to receive the installations.
Weather and climate uncertainty
Weather conditions are another major influencing factor. Prolonged bad weather—such as heavy rain or freezing temperatures—can slow down or completely halt the work, particularly tasks like earthworks, planting, or installing surfaces around a pool. The landscaper must factor this climate uncertainty into their scheduling strategy.
Site accessibility
Site access conditions also directly impact the timeline. A site that is difficult to access, sloped, or enclosed may limit or prevent the use of certain machinery. The execution time can then be twice as long as for a more accessible site. This affects the transportation of materials as well as the movement of teams and earthmoving equipment.
Coordination with other contractors
Lastly, coordinating with other trades is a significant logistical challenge. When a landscaper works on a site where other companies are present simultaneously, disruptions can occur: trampling of garden beds, damage to plants, or coordination delays. Good communication and careful planning are therefore essential to maintain the site efficiently and stick to the schedule.
Beyond these external factors, it is possible to make an initial estimate of the timeline based on the landscaping project.
How long does a landscaping project take? A closer look at the 3 Key phases
Every landscaping project is unique, but they all follow the same key steps. Below are the estimated durations for each of the three main phases of a landscaping project, which we covered in a previous article.
Phase 1: Landscape assessment
This is a short but essential step. It begins with an on-site visit, during which the landscaper discusses your preferences, how you use your outdoor space, and any constraints specific to your home and garden. This is followed by an environmental analysis: reviewing the terrain, existing vegetation, climate, access points, and on-site materials. Technical surveys are also carried out using supplied plans (often in .DWG or .PDF format), laying a solid foundation for the design plan.
Estimated duration: 1 to 2 hours (excluding travel).
Phase 2: Preliminary design
This is where the project starts to take shape. The design office prepares plans, 3D models, and immersive visuals, incorporating suitable plants, materials, sustainable equipment (smart irrigation, water management, etc.), and future uses: dining areas, lounging zones, swimming pools, etc.
This phase goes well beyond aesthetics—it includes technical planning of the garden’s structure. Retaining walls, staircases, level changes, lighting, furniture, and regulatory constraints all require thorough consideration. Even a small garden can take time if the requests are numerous or complex. The more elements to include, the more time this phase will require.
Estimated duration: 1 week to several months.
Phase 3: Technical plans and on-site execution
Once the technical plans are finalized, the execution phase begins. This is when the project comes to life. Teams carry out the planned work: earthmoving, planting, landscape masonry, installing equipment (lighting, irrigation, ponds, etc.). The timeline depends on the project’s complexity, the area to be landscaped, and any access or weather constraints.
Estimated duration: 1 week to several months, possibly up to a year or more.
How to choose the right contractor for an on-time landscaping project?
While some delays are unavoidable (weather, supply issues…), others can be largely avoided by choosing the right contractor from the start. So, how do you select the best landscaper on the French Riviera?
Complete worksite coordination
Many projects are delayed due to poor management between different trades. A well-organized company will be able to coordinate all aspects of the work: earthmoving, masonry, planting, lighting, irrigation… avoiding delays caused by poor communication between contractors.
At Adonis, we manage the entire project in-house to ensure smooth transitions and avoid time losses or misunderstandings.
Well-resourced internal teams
If the team—internal, external, or a mix—is too small for the size of the project, progress can slow down considerably, even on a “simple” site. On our end, we assign a tailored team to each project, with the right resources to meet deadlines, regardless of the terrain’s complexity.
Adequate technical resources
On sloped or hard-to-access sites, or those with technical challenges, improvisation can cause even greater delays. Thanks to our method, constraints are addressed early in the project, allowing us to anticipate each project’s specific needs and mobilize specialized equipment and techniques accordingly. Every site gets the right tools to be carried out efficiently.
Thoughtful planning upfront
An expert eye helps consider every detail from the beginning—whether it’s choosing the best lighting solutions or selecting furniture that matches your style. This comprehensive approach limits last-minute changes and ensures better control over the project, both in terms of execution and timing. That’s exactly what we implement at Adonis Paysages.
Project management from start to finish
Strong project management—from the first sketch to the final detail—ensures a clear overview, better anticipation of the unexpected, and adherence to timelines without compromising quality. Discipline, adaptability, and centralization are the keys to a successful landscaping project.
While some professionals divide up responsibilities, we provide complete oversight from beginning to end.
Also read: How to ensure consistency between your garden design and your home’s architecture?
By choosing a solid and well-structured team, you maximize your chances of a smooth, on-time project.
Got a project in mind? Let’s talk! At Adonis Paysages, we’d be delighted to guide you from design to completion, always respecting your vision and your schedule.