Selecting a Quality Landscaper

As a landscaping contractor, I am in business because I like plants and like to design landscapes for people that want to have beautifully landscaped surroundings. This article is not for people who want their lawn guy to buy some plants at home depot and stick them in the ground where they want. Design is why you hire a landscaping contractor.

Landscape design is the ability to put together an attractive collection of specimen plants and create a natural looking environment. In an area that is not only suitable for the plants to survive but for people to appreciate and live with. As customers that should be your main goal in choosing a designer - not one who wants to sell you the most expensive plants and quantity. Comparing pricing with Home Depot, Lowe's or you local garden center is always a good idea. Always remember that the contractor is picking up and delivering the plants to you which is an additional cost.

Selecting specimen plant and trees is an additional cost, which is highly worth it since you almost always come out with a more high quality specimen. These specimens will last longer and bloom better and certainly be more pleasing to the eye. Customers should always be aware of the size of the plants that they purchase. Location, type, size and quality determine pricing. If you contract reads "7 gallon container" make sure that's what you are getting. As a contractor I always make this clear. In the end its better to be honest.

Some contractors will give the customer a low bid in hopes of getting the job, only to find that they need more soil, sod, rocks, plants etc. after which the customer has allowed for a budget and can't afford to finish the job. As a customer if you don't understand something you should always ask then and not wait till the end of your project. A contractor might go out of their way to help you and end up hurting themselves by not knowing what you want.

Most contractors will want a deposit which usually will reflect the purchasing of the plant material and some driving time to search for select species. Never pay a contractor full and up front. Last but not least is care of your plant.

As your landscape contractor they should always be knowledgeable on the care of the plants. You would hate spend thousands of dollars on plants then watch as they all die and you cant get in touch with your landscaping contractor.

article supplied by Nursery Direct Inc. - Deerfield Beach, FL