Is your home’s landscaping in dire need of some love? If so, you might want to skip the DIY phase and get some professional help.
Of course, this is easier said than done. Did you know that there are now over 500,000 landscaping companies in the United States? Even if you only focus on local companies, your search can seem like finding the right needle in a haystack.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide that should help you hire a landscaper that will suit your needs.
1. Identify Your Landscaper Needs
Many landscaping companies specialize in certain services. In other words, your first step should be to identify which services you’ll need.
For instance, landscape architects can plan and design your entire landscape. If you want someone to maintain what’s already there, you’ll need a landscape manager. For installing landscape features, you should hire a landscape contractor.
Finally, you have arborists and horticulturists. An arborist takes care of your trees, including planting, pruning, fertilization, and support. Horticulturists are plant experts — they’re the ones to call if your plants aren’t flourishing.
Once you know which company to hire, set a budget range. This is something every contractor will want to know before they get to work. Also, figure out how long you’re willing to wait for your yard to look like a work in progress.
2. Ask for Recommendations
The best way to choose between landscaping companies in your local area is to do your research.
Start by getting recommendations from your family and friends who live nearby. If they’re homeowners, there’s a good chance they used the services of a landscaper. You can also ask your neighbors — they’ll enjoy hearing that their yard looks nice.
Online reviews are another strong indicator of what you can expect from a landscaper. Once you find a landscaper you like, check out their online portfolio. You can also consult the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
3. Check Their Qualifications
In most states, landscaping contractors don’t need an occupational license to operate. That said, they still need business permits or licenses.
Competent contractors such as West Bay Landscape come fully licensed. This is something you should always check, even if a company is highly recommended. As good as their work may be, minimizing legal risks should be your top priority.
While you’re at it, make sure to check your contractor’s experience. Find out how many similar projects they’ve undertaken in the past. Ask them about the various parts of your project, such as permits and cleanup costs.
More on How to Hire a Landscaper
As you can see, hiring a landscaper isn’t that complicated of a process. As long as you follow this guide, you should be fine.
One final thing to keep in mind: cover your bases. Before you hire a landscaper, go over the contract to make sure you understand each point. By doing your due diligence on time, you’ll save yourself trouble in the future.
Want to know more about the various ways to spruce up your yard? Interested in other tricks that will help you make your property more eco-friendly? Check out our Tips section!
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