Landscaping Company - 5 Tips to Make Choosing the Right One Easier

How do you choose the right landscaping company to handle your or garden design? Here are five things to consider before choosing a contractor.

Research
There are many different companies that offer a range of landscaping services, but you will probably find after a bit of research that prices, quality, and options vary drastically. Some companies provide just basic services such as cutting grass, removing weeds, and keeping hedges in check. If you need more advanced services that require specialized skills or equipment, be sure that you are hiring a professional company and not just a lawn care team. Professional landscapers are qualified to handle unique problems and can even help you design your perfect lawn. The internet is a great way to start your search, but referrals from friends or neighbors is also a reliable way. You might even be bold enough to ask someone with a lawn you particularly admire and ask which firm they hired if any.

Compare Prices
The price for such services will not only vary by company and location, but by services that you require. Shopping around for the best price is helpful, but remember that low prices don’t always mean the best value. If you just need your lawn regularly raked and the grass cut, you’ll have more room to find professionals to fit your budget. However, if you are looking for something more complex such as installation of water features or functional design plans, you’ll want to base your decision more on expertise, recommendations, and experience rather than purely low costs.

Environmental Concerns
Not all artists are green choices. In fact, many use harmful chemicals such as pesticides to keep lawns and plants looking lush year-long. While it may appear great, these toxins can be harmful to your family and pets as well as the environment. There are many eco-friendly companies that use natural treatments to keep your lawn healthy and pest-free.

Insurance
Any reputable and experienced landscaping firm will be fully insured in the event of an accident. If a worker injures himself while doing a project on your property, you could be liable if the company is not insured correctly. A small landscaping project could end up costing you quite a bit more than you bargained for if you get sued. Although it may seem excessive, it’s important to request proof of current insurance, get their policy number, and double check with the company to make sure they are up-to-date and didn’t provide you with bogus information.

References and Qualifications
Yes, there are many amazing landscaping artists and companies with no professional affiliations or formal qualifications. However, you want to be sure you are contracting a serious company. They should be affiliated with legitimate organizations and certified by the state to practice landscaping. There are some illegal, fly-by-night companies that can leave your lawn half complete or just take off with the money, providing you with nothing in return. Checking qualifications and requesting the information of a few recent references will help you sort out the genuine professionals from the fake.