| Choosing the right landscape designer or landscaping | | | | regarding their company practices and quality of their |
| company isn't always easy. | | | | work. Unfortunately, some of what they say may |
| Why? Because you may be bombarded with | | | | not be completely accurate. |
| misleading claims, confusing advertising, or simply bad | | | | Established companies will be able to offer you plenty |
| information. | | | | of testimonials and references from current AND |
| You see, making the decision to hire a landscape | | | | past clients--if they cannot, then it is probably a good |
| designer can be a daunting task. There are so many | | | | idea to keep looking. It is also important to personally |
| designers and landscape companies hustling for your | | | | contact a few of those references, and if possible to |
| business. On the surface, they may all appear to be | | | | get out and take a look at their properties. Also, |
| pretty much the same. But often times by simply | | | | check with the Better Business Bureau and get the |
| digging a little bit deeper and knowing what to look | | | | customer's rating. |
| for, you'll be much better prepared to make the right | | | | Be sure to ask for references from other customers |
| decision. | | | | whose properties are similar in size and and scope of |
| Whether you've hired a Landscape Company in the | | | | work to that of your own. A landscape company |
| past, or if you're searching for the perfect designer | | | | who specializes in maintenance and has a great |
| for the very first time, this information will save you | | | | reputation in that regard may not be your best |
| some time and money...maybe even a headache or | | | | choice for a comprehensive landscape installation |
| two. | | | | project. |
| Below are 5 Questions You Must Ask Before Hiring A | | | | When gathering feedback from other customers, |
| Landscape Company: | | | | make certain you ask about the level of |
| 1) Is the company properly licensed and insured? | | | | communication offered by the landscaper, their |
| This first seemingly obvious thing to consider when | | | | reliability and overall quality of work and if their |
| hiring any landscape company. Let's talk about | | | | project was finished on time and within budget. |
| licensing first. Sure, you want to hire a landscape | | | | 4) What will be your line of communication with the |
| company that's licensed, but what does that really | | | | company while your project is underway? |
| mean? | | | | As with any relationship, an open line of |
| Through countless conversations with prospects and | | | | communication is critical to a successful relationship |
| clients over the years, I've discovered that most | | | | with your landscape contractor. The ability to |
| people aren't even aware of the different licenses | | | | effectively communicate with you, the client, AND |
| that landscape companies are required to have--much | | | | the crew that is working is essential should |
| less whether or not they have them. | | | | unexpected circumstances arise. |
| Did you know there are different licenses that | | | | The labor force within the landscape industry today is |
| landscapers in Texas may be required to carry? a) | | | | made up in large of Hispanics--often non English |
| General Liability Insurance, b) Texas Nursery/ Floral | | | | speaking individuals. This could pose a problem. |
| Certificate from Department of Agriculture, c) | | | | It is always a good idea to confirm with any |
| Irrigation License from Texas Commission on | | | | landscape company that there will be someone on |
| Environmental Quality | | | | your project that understands and speaks fluent |
| Any company without the proper licenses could | | | | English--this way you can communicate with them. |
| present a potential liability issue for you. You'll | | | | Be sure to ask about communications and who your |
| certainly want to hire a company that is insured. | | | | point of contact within the company will be. This |
| Always insist on certificates of liability; it's also a good | | | | way, you'll be in the best position to handle issues |
| idea to be asked as "additional insured." | | | | that may come up. |
| 2) Are quoted prices fixed or just cost estimates? | | | | A professional company should report to you the |
| A low price can often be presented in the form of | | | | progress of each days work and a plan for the next |
| an "estimate" Always be cautious of these. Instead, | | | | day. This could be done verbally or documented as a |
| insist on a firm proposal which details the service to | | | | written report. |
| be provided and sets forth fixed pricing for those | | | | 5) What type of guarantees will the company offer |
| services. Unless a significant amount of excavation is | | | | on your project? |
| involved, an experienced landscape company should | | | | Any company should be full accountable for their |
| not have a problem with this type of arrangement. | | | | performance on your property and plantings or other |
| It's no secret--professional landscape companies base | | | | products they install. This seems fairly |
| their pricing on three basic factors: labor, equipment, | | | | straightforward, right? However, not all landscape |
| materials and profit. However, there are also | | | | companies offer a guarantee--and if they do, they're |
| overhead costs that you may not realize. Things like | | | | not all created equal. You should look for guarantees |
| employee uniforms, the employee training programs, | | | | for 100% satisfaction for their product. |
| and many other expenses that go into bringing you a | | | | Answering these questions give you a level of |
| high level of service. If you expect a professional | | | | confidence when choosing a quality landscape |
| company with great quality and great customer | | | | company. You'll have peace of mind; save yourself |
| service, the it's unlikely you'll be happy with a | | | | time and money in the long run and know exactly |
| landscape company offering the lowest | | | | what to expect. |
| "rock-bottom" pricing. | | | | Great landscape designers and landscape companies |
| Keep this in mind when comparing prices and | | | | should be able to specify plants and trees that will |
| proposals. Quite often what appears to be the low | | | | work for your specific region. For example, |
| price can be deceiving. It is critical for you to clarify | | | | landscaping in Austin TX can be tricky when choosing |
| and understand exactly what's included and what's | | | | the right plants. The soil requirements as well as the |
| required to achieve your desired outcome. | | | | abundant deer population make the plant selection |
| Once you are comfortable with a proposal, you'll | | | | not as easy as looking in a plant book under Zone 8. |
| want to get a signed contract that will legally | | | | However, a knowledgeable and reputable landscaping |
| document the terms and scope of work agreed | | | | company can make the right design selections and |
| upon by both parties. | | | | have your yard looking great with little or no hassle. |
| 3) Will you be able to talk to other clients who have | | | | Chose wisely and be thorough when selecting a |
| used the landscape company for similar projects? | | | | landscape company. You'll be glad you went through |
| Any landscape company can make comments | | | | the extra effort. Good Luck! |