Naples landscaper recommendations (HOA, how much, new house)

[movin1]

We recently moved in to a new house in Riverstone. They provided standard landscaping in the front and a bit around the sides.

We need to add just a few nice select pieces for privacy outside our windows on the side of the house (lots are small, neighbors are very close) and to block our view of the neighbors mechanical equipment.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[motordavid]

Don't know your situ:
If able to DIY, I would do it myself: half the cost, pick your out stuff, a little digging, maybe stake small trees, etc.

If not able/willing to DIY, ask neighbors for their landscape company rec'd...

Or, if HOA covers grass mowing trimming via an anointed LC, ask them for a suggestion and a cozy price.

If HOA, you may have to get ARC/ACC approval, or maybe not.

In my decade of experience with 'landscapers' in Naples, the plant material markup can be considerable, esp on larger specimens, and the install price may or may not be 'reasonable' vs what someone can do with a pick and shovel in 20 mins.

As for landscaper recommendations, check with neighbors/HOA...any of us pitching a 'landscaper' is like one of us rec'd a CPA: hundreds of them, though the landscapers all tend to promise the moon like First Dates, and then their service goes to normal/crummy.
GL, mD

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by movin1

We recently moved in to a new house in Riverstone. They provided standard landscaping in the front and a bit around the sides.

We need to add just a few nice select pieces for privacy outside our windows on the side of the house (lots are small, neighbors are very close) and to block our view of the neighbors mechanical equipment.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Check with the HOA's landscaper and see how much it would cost...that's what we did down the street from you in Olde Cypress (we used Stahlman). If you go that route it's essentially "pre-approved" and will be maintained.

[movin1]

Thanks Mark.

I just emailed our HOA manager to look into that option and appreciate the Stahlman recommendation.

And thanks for your suggestion David.

I've done enough landscaping to last me a lifetime. I have no desire to dig holes and plant trees, hedges etc ever again.

I sold all my tools when we moved here and don't really want to buy and store all that stuff again.

[Who Dat]

Hey Movin,

Another thing to consider is that because the lots may be close, you might not get much light through the windows especially if you block them with plants or trees. I don't know what direction your side windows face but I would consider planting a smaller easily maintained shrub that would also work to provide security and a nicely framed view (Bougainvillea perhaps). Your privacy would then need to be addressed from the inside with a window treatment of sorts.

I realize it may not be what you want but might be worth thinking about.

Congrats on your purchase!