Do you want your yard to be the one that neighbors complain about or the one that people want to emulate? Not only does having an attractive lawn and landscape make you the envy of the neighborhood, it improves the curb appeal of your house and can increase the value of your property by as much as 15 percent.
But what if you don’t have the skill, time or inclination to beautify the yard yourself? It might be time to hire a professional lawn service or landscaper.
Why hire a pro? There are many reasons, says the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), an international association serving lawn care professionals, landscape management, design/build/installation professionals, irrigation and water management and interior plantscapers. Good lawn and landscape professionals do the job right by offering industry best practices, excellent performance, superior knowledge and a dedication to safety.
If you want beautiful and environmentally friendly lawns, flower beds, gardens and landscaping, hiring professionals is the best way to make it happen. How should you go about it? PLANET has some answers.
10 steps to hiring a qualified landscape professional
1. Decide how a pro can help you. Many homeowners don't realize what a landscape professional can do to help them improve their living environment. Landscape professionals not only install plant material, but install hardscape material, including patios, decks, retaining walls, swimming pools, outdoor kitchens and living rooms, gazebos and irrigation systems.
2. Ask how long has the company been in business. Professional landscape companies should have employees with either a secondary education in ornamental horticulture or several years of experience. Additionally, professional companies are most often active members in national or state landscape associations. Affiliation indicates that a company is interested in excellence and progressive thought. Ask the firm for a list of references and professional affiliations. Look at each of the jobs listed to see if the work is the size, style and quality you desire.
3. Select a company that is licensed or certified and insured. If required by state law, the company should be licensed or certified. This license will assure you that the contractor is accountable to you, that the company is knowledgeable, operating legally, and has passed examinations demonstrating experience, knowledge and a level of professionalism. Certification is offered by the Professional Landcare Network nationwide.
4. Decide what you want in a landscape design. Do you want an area for entertaining, an extension of your living space, a low-maintenance landscape or a high-impact design that is colorful? Determine your budget before you speak with a landscape professional. If you do not know what you want in a landscape design, a qualified professional should be able to help bring your needs and landscape style preferences into focus.
5. Concerning guarantees: Find out what is covered, for how long and what's not. Proof of insurance for workers' compensation, liability and vehicles should be available to you. Check a company's limits and policy expiration. Ask if they have an active safety program to minimize accidents. Under some circumstances, you could be liable for mishaps or accidents which occur on your property.
6. Visit a job in progress. Ask to see a project that will be similar to the work you will request. You want to hire a company that does good work, reflects professionalism and integrity. Examine the quality of the job and see if the crew's appearance and job presence are acceptable.
7. Get it in writing. Prior to making any agreement, have the landscape contractor, designer and/or architect prepare the details in writing. This plan can include the design, plant material to be used, all costs, a time-table and the terms of payment. You have the right to amend the contract.
8. What do you want to care for? Once your new landscape is installed, you may wish to become more involved as a homeowner by maintaining the landscape yourself. If you want to care for certain landscaped areas, tell the company.
9. Know which services are provided in ongoing maintenance. Ongoing maintenance is necessary in order to protect your investment. You can do it, or you can ask the company to do the work. Generally, ongoing maintenance involves mowing, fertilizing, pest control, among other services.
10. Learn more. To learn more about the value of landscaping and lawn care, and to find a landscape professional or lawn care specialist near you, go to www.landcarenetwork.org.
