Landscaping is a great way to add beauty to your home or office space. From simple flowerbeds to elaborate gardens, landscaper gardeners are responsible for creating beautiful landscapes.
A landscape gardener is someone who creates outdoor spaces such as parks, golf courses, and residential yards. They also create indoor areas such as patios, pools, and fireplaces.
As a professional landscape designer, I am often asked questions about my job. This blog post answers some common questions about being a landscape designer.
Finding a good landscaper is like finding a good doctor. They both require some research before making a decision.
Here are some tips to make sure you hire the right landscape gardener for your property.
1. Ask for References
Ask around for recommendations. People love to talk about their favorite local landscapers so ask your neighbors and friends for referrals. Also, look online for reviews of landscaping businesses. You can also search Google for “local landscapers near me.”
2. Check Their License
Licensing requirements vary by state but generally speaking, all professional tradespeople must register with the state licensing board. To verify licenses, contact the appropriate agency. For instance, here’s a link to the Florida Board of Architecture, Landscape Architects & Planners.
3. Look for Certifications
Landscapers may have certifications that indicate their level of expertise. These certifications usually come from organizations like the American Society of Landscape Professionals (ASLA), National Association of Master Gardeners (NAGMA), and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
4. Do Research
Before hiring anyone, perform your due diligence. Read reviews online and request references. Call the company directly to ask questions and schedule a site visit.
5. Set Up Interviews
Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to two or three candidates, set up interviews. During these meetings, you can learn more about their qualifications and discuss your needs.
6. Hire Someone Who Can Deliver What You Need
Don’t just settle for the first qualified candidate. Be picky. When you interview several different landscapers, you’ll be able to compare their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, you’ll choose the best fit for your project.
7. Pay Attention to Details
It’s tempting to overlook small details when choosing a contractor, especially since you’re only going to deal with him or her for a short period of time. But remember that landscaping projects last much longer than the actual construction phase. So, it pays to spend extra money now to save yourself headaches later.
8. Follow Up
After you�ve hired a landscaper, follow up every step of the process. Stay in touch and communicate regularly. Let them know what you think worked well and what didn’t. This will ensure that your next project goes smoothly and you enjoy a beautiful outdoor space for years to come.
9. Don’t Forget Maintenance
While you’re waiting for your new landscape to take shape, don’t forget to maintain your existing garden. Mowing, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and watering are essential parts of any successful landscape. If you neglect these tasks, your plants will suffer and your yard won’t look as attractive as it should.
10. Enjoy Your New Space
Finally, once your landscape is complete, make sure to enjoy it! Take some time to sit back and relax. It’s easy to get caught up in daily life and forget how great your backyard looks. But if you stop and appreciate it, you’ll notice an improvement in your mood and overall outlook on life.