Choosing a landscaper

If you're thinking of landscaping take a few precautions before choosing a landscape contractor.
​Though I'm not in the business any longer I've had the opportunity to landscape the smallest of yards to more than 28 acre resorts. I asked a few of my past customers what they looked for in a landscape contractor. I think you should do the same - for your protection.

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The second someone looses their job, all of a sudden they turn into landscapers. With a pick and shovel in hand they go at it. Some are good, most are bad. Look at a landscapers past work history. Ask for references, call those references up. Ask if they came to the job when they said they would. Did they leave the job every night a mess or was it left in a tidy fashion.

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​Interview your landscaper a few times before choosing. This way you can get a better feel whether or not the both of you are compatible. Your landscape, when properly done, can increase the value of your property 10-25% or more.

​Most importantly you might live in a state where the landscaper needs to be licensed.

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 For instance in California a C-27 classification is needed for any job larger than $750, including materials. One of the oldest tricks in the book is having you buy the materials and they’ll provide the labor for $750. That’s not legal. If they are licensed they’ll also have liability insurance. Have them give you a copy putting you as an “additional insured.” This does not cost them anything to do. Their insurance company hands them out like candy when the contractor calls.

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