You shouldn’t trust your yard to just anyone. We know, probably not the most popular advice coming from a landscaping company, but it’s true. When you choose the wrong landscaper, you can end up with a disaster on your hands. Whether it’s an incomplete project, things not coming out as you envisioned them to, or certain features not working, it’s never good news.
That’s why taking the time to ask questions and talk with your potential landscaper is essential before making any hiring decisions. An honest landscaper will do their best to answer all your questions and give you the information you need to make an informed decision, without trying to upsell you on anything.
So, while you’re shopping around, why not bring this list of questions to every meeting or call with any landscaper you speak with:
1. Do You Have a Portfolio?
Taking the time to inquire about and review past work will help you determine the landscaper’s style, eye for detail, and capabilities. If you want a particular look for your garden, can they show examples of projects they’ve completed that match that aesthetic? You’ll also want to check their credentials and get an overall feel for the quality of their work.
2. How Does the Consultation Work?
Most landscapers will offer a consultation in which they walk through your property, talk about what you want, and share some ideas with you. These may be one or two-hour meetings, depending on the company, but they are worth it. Many companies may charge you for this service, but certain landscaping companies offer free consultations.
3. What Do You Think About Our Space?
Make sure to ask each potential landscaper you meet with about their own vision for your space. Do they have unique ideas to add that you haven’t thought of? Can they suggest a way of doing something differently, so it will work better but still give you the same look?
Ask them what they think of your overall idea and what you’re trying to achieve. Take the time to find out what sketches and mock-ups you’ll be provided with, should you hire that landscaper.
4. What’s the Estimated Cost of This Project?
Don’t be shy about asking for a price tag. Your designer should be capable of providing an estimate and even telling you how much that estimate may vary from start to finish. This is conversation also an opportunity to find out how will you be charged, should you change the scope or design or if things happen that are beyond your control. You want to have all these answers before choosing a landscaper.
5. Can We Reduce Cost?
Speaking of cost, when you are asking about estimates, pricing, and policies, take a moment to ask the landscaper how the cost could be reduced. What ideas do they have for changing out materials that are cheaper but still achieve the same look? Do they think you really need to splurge on some of the items you want, or can you still get the design with a smaller price?
Ask them how they’ll stay on budget for you and what happens if they go over. When are you notified? How does it all work?
The answers to these questions and other ones like them are important for anyone you speak with and consider contracting with for landscaping services. Genuine companies should do their best to be transparent and provide you with all the information you need and even welcomes these kinds of questions when you are deciding on who to hire.
San Francisco native Darren Johnson is a full-time college student, writer, and SEO expert in training, with a focus on making websites more engaging through their content. Right now, he’s working with the team at exoticgardenslandscaping.com. You can find him on the Twitterverse @DarrenACJ.
