Evaluating A Landscaper

Landscaping complements a beautiful home or improves the value of a modest one. It pays to use common sense when hiring landscapers and choosing plants and trees.

A yard will be improved if the plants chosen are suited to the local weather conditions and are hardy.  If there are more delicate plants that require special watering or fertilizing, the landscapers should know.  They should be knowledgeable about plant requirements and responsible enough to provide that special care. As landscapers, they should also instruct the homeowner in these responsibilities if need be.

Landscapers range from the jack-of-all-trades who weeds, waters, and mows the grass, to highly qualified landscaping architects who are able to design public parks and other large projects.

To get the best deal, make sure you don't hire someone with more expertise than you really need.  For instance, if you really just want someone to mow the yard and keep it looking green, you don't need a full-fledged architect.

Landscaper Recommendations and References

Another principle of hiring any sort of help, but especially with landscapers, is to ask friends and neighbors whom  they recommend.  Similarly, check out the references potential yard employees provide.

If you are striking a deal with a landscaper who sends out crews to do landscaping and yard work, it is a good idea to see them in action before signing on the dotted line.  The actual workers may be nothing like the boss in the office.  In fact, they may speak another language, so that you cannot communicate your concerns to them.  Try to get a chance to see the company at work.

If you are hiring a Landscape Architect to design your plantings and other yard accents, they should be willing to come to your home and provide an estimate.  If possible, walk with them around the yard and grounds discussing your wishes and expectations. Good landscapers, without the architect after, supply this service, too.

An expert landscaper should be able to provide suggestions and show knowledge about soil types and climate conditions.  They may have ideas about garden paths, patio design or even the installation of an in ground swimming pool.

A crucial aspect of getting a good deal on landscaping is to pay particular attention to the contract.  Many times the homeowner does not know about services needed to keep the yard looking like they want it to look.  They may not realize the importance of fertilizer or dethatching, for instance.

One way to make sure to get what you need is to include in the contract your expectations for the way the yard will look.  Then it is up to the landscapers to provide the services you are unaware of.

This is one reason that a good full-service landscaper may cost more than you expect.  If you choose to hire an inexpensive service, and only specify services such as mowing and watering, you may not have as nice a yard as you had hoped.

If you are saving money by hiring a laborer rather than an expert, you better know what needs to be done to keep that landscape looking nice. Many landscapers start out as laborers and move up as their expertise improves.  But try not to be the one they practice on, unless you have the experience to train them yourself.