Landscaping is a big investment in your property. You’ll want to hire the best professionals you can find because not all landscaping companies are the same. Therefore, it’s important you research ahead of time for the company best suited to your property.
For those who want to enjoy the benefits of a beautifully crafted landscape, it’s essential that you find a landscaping company that will address your needs adequately. You’ll want to find someone who can provide regular maintenance and quality care at an affordable price.
Where to Start Looking for a Landscape Contractor?
The best place for you to begin your search is to define your needs for landscaping care and get an idea of what you want. This process will help to narrow down your search before you contact different landscape companies to ask questions and compare quotes for the best deal on your property.
Whether you’re planning retaining walls, walkways, patio kitchens, wooden or water features, look for a company who will be easy to work with on a regular basis, receptive to your ideas and goals. They should answer all of your questions and concerns while offering you peace of mind.
You want to find a company who takes the time to get to know your space and asks you questions about how you’ll use your space, what kinds of things you like, and what kind of feeling you’d like your space to evoke.
Here are some top items on your list that you should be asking a contractor beforehand.
Landscape Contractor Environment Specialty
You want to find a landscaping company that understands harmonious design and environmental concerns because it is one of the most important aspects of having a beautiful landscape. You’ll want to ask if they understand how to combine plants that work in conjunction with your lawn setting. You will also want to know if they employ horticultural professionals that know this information, since poorly placed plants can destroy a beautiful and flourishing landscape.
Your property is unique with existing areas of sun or shade, slopes, soil, and drainage. This will affect the design and plants located on your property. You should ask if the firm recognizes these alternating conditions and plant accordingly.
You should also inquire if the company is familiar with pest-resistant plants. This knowledge greatly improves your landscape’s chances of blossoming. Since water is the blood life of successful landscaping, you should ask if the design company understands the watering needs of various plants to get optimum results.
Contracting Licenses
Although there are no mandatory license requirements for landscape companies, good landscape companies will have a crew with certificates and diplomas in horticulture. This is an important piece of information that you need to know. Ask questions whether their crew has taken additional courses to learn of new trends in the landscaping business.
You’ll also want to know if the company carries insurance in the event an accident occurs on your property. In addition, you should question whether they are in good standing with all governing bodies regarding workplace safety.
Landscape Industry Experience
Your questions should include whether your prospective company is knowledgeable in understanding landscape design and maintenance. How long have they been in business? Good landscape companies have years of experience in the industry. On average, a company with a history of more than ten years in the business is a reputable one. Take advantage of checking out the online ratings and reviews on their website. This is a good indicator of the quality of their work, experience, history and any other professional credentials that they hold.
Contractor References
Always ask for references. A reputable company should provide you with a list of references and you should contact them. Ask questions of the past clientele regarding their experience with the company. This is an ideal way to decide whether the landscape company is going to fulfill your expectations.
Due Diligence
When all is said and done, you have to be the judge of your making your final selection. If you have done your research ahead of time, asked a lot of questions and are satisfied with the answers, you’ll have a better shot at finding the company that’s just right for you.
If you live in the Burlington Ontario area, we encourage you to contact Evergreen Landscapes. Since 1984 we have serviced the Burlington, Waterdown, Aldershot, and Dundas area.
