How to Hire a Landscaper

"I think I'll hire a landscaper"... If it just could be that easy! From deciding which landscaper is right for the job to asking important questions before hiring, there are many points to consider as you begin your landscape design journey. It's not uncommon to talk to a few different professionals before making a decision. Given that many landscaping projects (though not all) can cost thousands of dollars, it's worth investing some time in selecting the right company or person to make your vision a reality. Read on for a breakdown of how to hire a landscaper and get the job done!

Choose the type of landscape gardener that suits you

Hiring a landscaper can be just as confusing as hiring an interior designer! That's because there are a variety of people who call themselves landscapers, and they may or may not be certified. This factor doesn't have to be a deal breaker, but it's important to understand what type of professional you're hiring.

Who you hire will depend on your budget and the tasks at hand. For example, if the sky is the limit, a landscape architect or landscape designer can create a top-notch plan for your space and tackle everything from tree removal to brickwork. If you're on a tight budget, your landscaping company may be able to plant a selection that you choose and place in the garden.

There are ways to save money, like choosing a landscaper without the highest level of certification, choosing a newer company looking to build a client base, and even asking the staff at your local daycare center if they're willing to do some landscaping projects on the side. Especially if you have a clear idea of ​​what you want and you can get that across to a landscaper, you might be able to skip the design part of the project and just hire a landscaper to do the job. You often get what you pay for. So before you decide on savings over experience, make sure you ask a few important questions before giving another person or company a free hand over your garden! Which brings us to our next point…

Before you hire, ask the right questions

Asking the right questions beforehand can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. For example, if you post a simple question about landscaping recommendations on a neighborhood app (e.g. ) or on a message board, you can place yourself on a list of potential professionals to hire. At this point, calling these landscapers and discussing the following issues can serve as a screening process before booking consultations. Here is a selection of questions you can ask:

Are you insured? The last thing you want is to be liable for damage to your property!

Do you have references? Hiring a professional recommended by others can save you unnecessary heartache. If you don't have a personal recommendation handy, it's always helpful to ask for references.

Do you have experience with this type of landscaping? This question may seem obvious, but not all landscapers are experts in every type of landscape design. A simple question over the phone (e.g. "Have you experienced xeriscaping?") will save you time and money. Meeting up with a landscaper who is trying to talk you out of a style you prefer can also be a red flag.

Can I see photos of your work? Especially if your prospective landscaper doesn't have an extensive photo gallery on their website, this question can help you decide if the style they're offering is a good fit for your space.

Are you comfortable working on a budget of _____? There are high-end landscape architects and designers who don't want to take on a project for less than $10,000. Don't be surprised by an estimate. Before meeting/consulting with any company, put your budget on the table.

Be clear about what you want

You can't hire the right person for the job if you don't know what the job entails. If you have an unlimited budget and are comfortable with someone planning and executing the project without much feedback from you, delegating isn't a problem. For others, a true vision emerges and you want to find someone to carefully execute it. At the very least, you should think about the look and feel of your space. Here are some points to consider:

Budget: As mentioned before, your budget needs to be clear upfront, even if you know you're willing to increase it by a certain amount. Your budget also determines whether there are tasks you can tackle now AND later, or whether you can do it all at once.

The look: The more information and visual input you can give your landscaper about the look you want, the better the results. If you don't have the benefit of hiring a landscaper to create a design before he or she starts the project, you need to be all the more specific. For example, saying “fill in the backyard holes with native grasses and yucca” might seem detailed, but if your landscaper shows up with just 5 plants and you were hoping for 20 to mask your neighbor's ugly wall, you've got it wished you had emphasized fullness! Be exactly what you want.

personality type: It quickly becomes apparent when you meet someone to work with. Or someone you can't. A good landscaper will listen to you. Creating a design that is good for your garden and suits your preferences will be more important to him or her than following his or her creative whim. Remember, you are the one who has to live with the garden when your landscaper leaves. If you feel like you can't speak your mind, ask questions, or get the recommendations you want, choose another landscaper!

A quick note: landscapers are very busy. Not only is their calendar filled with jobs, they also run consultations where they visit the homes of potential clients. You may need to contact your landscaper more than once if you are on a tight schedule. Don't be afraid to get back on his or her radar as a reminder that you're serious about doing business with the company and want to get started soon. Have fun landscaping!!

By: How to Hire a Landscaper