5 Things to Know Before Hiring a Professional Landscaper
Landscaping your yard can be a overwhelming task with wondering if you should have your soil tested, trying to choose the right trees and shrubs, designing walkways, and much more. Homeowners can save lots of time and expense by hiring a professional landscaper, who can guide them in the right direction. Some people have never hired a landscaper before, so how does one go about finding a reputable one? What qualities should a homeowner look for in a professional landscaper? What questions should they ask when meeting with a professional landscaper?
#1 - Know what you want
Before meeting with a professional landscaper, know what you want to do with your yard. If possible, provide a drawing of how you want your yard to look including placement of trees, shrubs, flowerbeds, walkways, and other items. You may have found a design you like on the Internet or in a gardening magazine.
#2 - Ask to see a portfolio
When scheduling a meeting with a professional landscaper, ask them to bring their portfolio. This will give you an opportunity to see other landscaping jobs they have completed. Seeing their projects, could lead to questions you may have not thought about asking. It may also provide you with new ideas.
#3 - Get references
Ask the landscaper if they can provide the address of some of the yards pictured in their portfolio, and the phone numbers of the homeowners and if it is ok to contact them. If there are no objections, follow up with phone calls and visits. If possible, ask the homeowners if they were satisfied with the work. Find out if there were any changes or unexpected costs, which were not covered in the initial bid from the professional landscaper.
#4 - Get an estimate
If you are seriously considering using a specific professional landscaper, ask them for a written estimate of the planned work. Many companies will give free estimates or if they do charge a fee, will deduct it when a contract has been negotiated and signed. Be sure the estimate includes exactly what the landscaper will do and the exact cost. Watch for any hidden exceptions or clauses.
#5 - Plant guarantee
Check what type of plant guarantee your professional landscaper offers. If he does not offer one and you if you want one, be sure to ask your landscaper to deal with a nursery that offers this option. The plants will cost more but it may save you money in the end. Also ask the landscaper to leave a plant guide on how to care for your new plants.
More articles from this contributor:
Woody Plants for Landscapes
Ornamental Grasses Used in Landscapes in the Midwest
Don't Over-Landscape Your Home Before Selling: 10 Tips
Sources: Master Gardener Classes, Lowes
#1 - Know what you want
Before meeting with a professional landscaper, know what you want to do with your yard. If possible, provide a drawing of how you want your yard to look including placement of trees, shrubs, flowerbeds, walkways, and other items. You may have found a design you like on the Internet or in a gardening magazine.
#2 - Ask to see a portfolio
When scheduling a meeting with a professional landscaper, ask them to bring their portfolio. This will give you an opportunity to see other landscaping jobs they have completed. Seeing their projects, could lead to questions you may have not thought about asking. It may also provide you with new ideas.
#3 - Get references
Ask the landscaper if they can provide the address of some of the yards pictured in their portfolio, and the phone numbers of the homeowners and if it is ok to contact them. If there are no objections, follow up with phone calls and visits. If possible, ask the homeowners if they were satisfied with the work. Find out if there were any changes or unexpected costs, which were not covered in the initial bid from the professional landscaper.
#4 - Get an estimate
If you are seriously considering using a specific professional landscaper, ask them for a written estimate of the planned work. Many companies will give free estimates or if they do charge a fee, will deduct it when a contract has been negotiated and signed. Be sure the estimate includes exactly what the landscaper will do and the exact cost. Watch for any hidden exceptions or clauses.
#5 - Plant guarantee
Check what type of plant guarantee your professional landscaper offers. If he does not offer one and you if you want one, be sure to ask your landscaper to deal with a nursery that offers this option. The plants will cost more but it may save you money in the end. Also ask the landscaper to leave a plant guide on how to care for your new plants.
More articles from this contributor:
Woody Plants for Landscapes
Ornamental Grasses Used in Landscapes in the Midwest
Don't Over-Landscape Your Home Before Selling: 10 Tips
Sources: Master Gardener Classes, Lowes
Published by Agnes Farside - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Agnes loves writing on a wide range of topics, but craft and gardening articles are her favorite. She may be a 'techie' during the day, but her evenings and weekends are filled working on one of her many cr... View profile
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12 Comments
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Great suggestions Agnes. Looks like you have some spammers on your comments too.
My hubby is a landscaper, and he would agree to all of this- estimates should be free and plants should be guaranteed for a year! One suggestion- ask the landscaper if your ideas are realistic or will work right. A great landscaper will be honest and tell you that a 6 inch raise in your yard will create a dip in some places. On the jobs I've assisted my hubby on, more often than not homeowners want landscaping that will actually look worse, not better! Let the landscaper give you some suggestions- if he's any good he'll show exactly why it will work! You should get your money's worth, after all
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Well done, would love a professional, but my gardens are going for that wild thing look, loved but free...LoL. Thanks Agnes, super article!!!
Wonderful advice, Agnes...as always!!!
Outstanding advice, thanks!
great writing :)
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