Finding the Right Landscaper

     Every year we set up a display at some of the Home and Garden Shows and have the opportunity to speak with quite a number of people looking for someone to help them with their landscaping needs. Some people are looking for a quality contractor to design and install a new patio, while some are Do It Yourselfers looking to have someone give them some guidance and a design that they can follow and install themselves. In either case, I explain what services we can provide for them and show them some photos of work we have performed for other clients. I also stress the importance of a well designed landscape plan, as this is the foundation of any well executed project. At this point many people will ask what sets us apart from other landscapers or how they can be sure they are choosing the right person to work with. Rather than further tout our commitment to the customer experience or our experience and knowledge in the industry, I offer what I consider to be common sense advice. Work with someone you get along with. Although this seems simple enough, many people forget to consider this in their decision making process.

     Most people start the qualification process by asking about pricing. “Are you guys reasonably priced?” is a question I often get. The truth is, most reputable companies are priced about the same for comparable work. The landscaping industry like many other industries is very saturated and everyone has to maintain a competitive price point to survive. Any good company will be able to work with you on creating something that meets your needs and fits into your budget. So how do you qualify someone and what is the best way to choose a landscaper for your project? Start by explaining your situation and the scope of the work you are looking to accomplish. If you are simply looking for a design, ask about their design process and what steps are involved to get to a final design. Ask them what you can expect in terms of not only cost but the final product. Ask to see examples of some design work they have done and to explain why they did what they did on that particular design. When they are explaining the design process and the specifics of an example design, try to get a sense of how passionate they are about their work. The design is the foundation of any good project and the right landscape designer will not only listen well to your needs but be able to translate them into a functional space that reflects your lifestyle and personality.

     The process of creating a design, committing to a contract for the installation and the actual execution of the work can take several weeks or even a month or two, during which time you are working hand in hand with your landscape designer to create something that will have a direct impact on your largest investment, your home. For this reason it is important that you work with someone that not only understands your goals for the project, but that you actually get along with and enjoy working with. Find out what the installation process entails and how often the project manager and designer will be on site and available for questions from you or the crew members. Ask them if they will put the project start and completion date on the contract and how delays or unforeseen obstacles will be addressed. Find out what the change order process is and what changes you may ask for will be considered billable. Lastly, if the contractor you are considering can offer client references, call them and ask how their experience was.

     Finding the right landscaper to work with can make all the difference. Working with someone who not only understands your goals but is easy to work with will make the landscaping experience an enjoyable one.