Landscape works in Saudi Arabia
Landscape design in Saudi Arabia is a vital and evolving field, with many seeking to transform outdoor spaces into beautiful and relaxing green oases, taking into account the Kingdom’s harsh climate (heat and drought).
1. The Concept and Importance of Landscape in Saudi Arabia
Landscape includes the design, planning, implementation, and maintenance of all outdoor spaces, including plant elements (softscape) and hardscape.
Importance in Saudi Arabia:
Improving the aesthetic appearance: Adds beauty and elegance to homes, villas, palaces, and public projects.
Providing a comfortable environment: Creating open spaces for entertainment, recreation, and relaxation.
Increasing property value: Well-designed gardens increase property value.
Climatic adaptation: Designing gardens that rely on drought-tolerant plants (desert gardens) helps mitigate temperatures.
Sustainability: Using smart irrigation systems and environmentally friendly resources to rationalize water consumption.
Types of Landscape Works:
Design and Planning: The process begins with evaluating the site and determining the project’s vision and objectives. Design plans are then drawn up, taking into account the optimal use of the available space.
Land Preparation: This includes leveling the ground, modifying the natural terrain, and digging designated areas for planting or construction.
Planting Plants: Selecting and planting various types of plants, trees, flowers, and palms suitable for the Kingdom’s environment and climatic conditions.
Landscape Installation: Adding natural grass or installing artificial turf to gardens and playgrounds.
Waterscapes and Decorations: Building waterfalls and fountains, and installing lighting to enhance the beauty of the space.
Pathways and Flooring: Designing and implementing various types of ground paths to facilitate movement within the garden.
Irrigation and Lighting: Installing modern irrigation networks to ensure plant protection and distributing lighting aesthetically to enhance the appearance at night.
Furniture and Umbrellas: Installing umbrellas and outdoor seating to complement the garden’s décor.
Diverse Designs: Providing diverse plant decorations to enhance the space and add an aesthetic touch.
2. Main Landscape Elements
Landscape works are divided into two main sections:
Softscape: Living plant elements and soil, trees, shrubs, flowers, green areas (natural/artificial grass), and climbing plants.
Hardscape: Non-living structural and solid elements, such as walkways, paving, retaining walls, wooden canopies and pergolas, outdoor seating, waterfalls and fountains, outdoor lighting, and irrigation systems.
3. Challenges and Design Considerations in the Saudi Climate
Designers and implementers should consider the following:
Plant Selection: Use native and drought-resistant plants to reduce water consumption.
Water Management: Installing automatic and smart irrigation networks (such as drip irrigation) to ensure efficient irrigation and water conservation.
Shade Provision: Designing canopies, pergolas, and trees to provide shade and protection from strong sunlight.
Desert Gardens (Xeriscaping): A design that uses minimal water using gravel, rocks, and drought-tolerant plants.
4. Common Landscape Services
Specialized companies in Saudi Arabia offer a comprehensive range of services, most notably:
Design: Preparing 3D drawings to visualize the final garden.
Implementation: Leveling the ground, installing irrigation networks, and constructing hardscapes (waterfalls, fountains, walkways, and seating areas).
Planting and Supply: Supplying and planting natural grass or installing high-quality artificial grass.
Maintenance: Providing periodic maintenance services for gardens, complexes, and playgrounds (mowing, pruning, and pest control).
5. Landscape Prices and Costs
The cost is variable and depends on several key factors:
The size and type of project (small home garden, villa, palace, or public project).
The type of design (simple, modern, desert, or luxurious).
Materials used (quality of artificial or natural grass, type of stone, or wood).
Special additions (waterfalls and fountains, smart irrigation systems, advanced lighting).
Note: The estimated cost of designing and implementing a square meter of landscape in Riyadh, for example, may range from 500 Saudi riyals to 2,000 Saudi riyals or more, depending on the complexity and quality of the project.
6. Most Popular Cities and Companies
Demand for landscape services is high in major cities such as:
Riyadh
Jeddah
Dammam/Khobar
Makkah
These cities are home to many specialized companies that provide design, coordination, and maintenance services for gardens, playgrounds, and major projects.
