Tips for Hiring a Landscape Contractor

A professionally landscaped yard or grounds can give a home or commercial property not only a lush and beautiful look, but also add value to the property as well. Most of us do not have the time, interest or talent to pull off a professional quality landscape on our own, and could really benefit from the work of a professional landscape contractor.

Landscape contractors are licensed professionals who are trained in different aspect of landscape design and techniques such as commercial or residential design, landscape construction, commercial and residential maintenance, and different types of gardening services such as planting and seeding. Landscape contractors also install structures such as fences, patios and walkways. They are often working from either a plan created by a landscape architect or under the direction of the homeowner, but some landscape contractors also design landscapes as well.

If you are looking to hire a landscape contractor to either create or maintain your yard, grounds and other landscaping, the first thing you will want to do is compile a list of potential contractors. You can ask for references from your landscape designer or architect, neighbors, friends and family, or business associates for names of landscape contractors that they have been happy with. You can also search through the yellow pages of the phone book as well as do searches online.

When hiring a landscape contractor you will want to choose one that has experience in the type of services you need, whether that be original design work, planting and installation work, or ongoing maintenance. When asking for references and in your initial contact with various landscape contractors, find out what their relevant work experience is in handling the type of services you are looking for.

When screening landscape contractors find out if they subcontract out any major portions of the work. Also ask for references from past clients and contact these customers to see if they were happy with the landscape contractor's work. If possible, view some of their finished projects.

It is also very important to check to make sure the landscape contractor has all the appropriate state and local licenses and carries adequate workers compensation and liability insurance. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau to make sure that no complaints have been filed against the contractor.

Finally, get written estimates from at least three different landscape contractors so you can compare their rates as well as terms and conditions. Make sure all cost estimates for labor and materials are clearly spelled out in the estimate, as well as time estimates for when the tasks will be completed. Before you sign any final contract with a landscape contractor, make sure you review the contract thoroughly. When making your final decision on which landscape contractor to hire, don't make your decision based on price alone. Also factor in their relevant work experience, feedback received from references, your level of rapport with the contractor, and their level of professionalism before making a final decision.