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Finding A Landscape Professional
(HIT) - A yard and garden upgrade is becoming as important to Americans as other popular home improvements, such as kitchen and bath renovations. In 2007, the National Gardening Association reported that 71% of all US households, 82 million households, participated in one or more types of lawn and garden activities. Consumers spent an average of $428 per household. To ensure that your money is effectively used when making outdoor home improvements, work with a competent landscape professional. Just like when you search for an architect or builder, the search for a good landscape professional requires the same dedication and homework.
The best place to begin is by defining your needs. Aesthetically, landscaping can do wonders to improve your home by introducing colorful shrubs, beautiful trees and plants. Professional landscaping can add interest and useful space to your yard through the addition of decks, patios, walkways, and pools. A landscape professional must have both the knowledge and experience to successfully complete your job.
Questions to Ask:
American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) recommends that you consider the following when searching for a landscape service:
- Is your prospect a licensed business? Ask to see if they have a federal identification number that designates it as a real business, whether they have completed any certification program offered in your state, and if they are insured. Their qualification statement should list references, licensing information and association membership.
- Do they appear professional? The professional landscaper arrives on time, takes pictures or draws sketches of your property while there, and uses uniformed workers and clean equipment.
- What kind of services do they offer? Professional firms usually offer a variety of services, from design and installation to maintenance programs that include color rotations, insect/disease control and irrigation. A contractor who does it all could save you time and money in the long run.
- How are their communication skills? It is important that you establish a good working relationship at the outset of the project. A positive approach to customer communications begins with a written estimate which explains what services and materials and plant sizes are provided, for what price, and includes the necessary details of weed control, edging, mulching and cleanup. Be sure to find out their anticipated work schedule, and any warranties for plants that die as a result of conditions within their control.
- Do they give you a contract? The law requires that home improvement contracts over $500 must be in writing. But even if your job is less than this amount, you should insist on a written contract for your own protection. A contract should contain: the name, address, license number, and telephone number of the contractor; a complete description of the work to be done, materials to be used (including quantities and brand names); approximate date when work will begin and be completed; a statement that the contractor will do any necessary clean up and removal of debris after the job is completed; a "Notice to Owner" explaining the state's mechanics' lien laws and the ways to protect yourself and your property; a statement that the contractor will furnish a payment and performance bond or joint control company, if this has been agreed upon; any guarantees made verbally on the work to be done or the materials to be used.
- Can they provide customer references and referrals? Referrals can provide an independent source for the answers to such questions as, the number of years the company has been in business, whether they use trained installers and the competence of the on-site supervisor. It is best that you visit a few sites they've worked on before committing to any company.
ANLA recommends that you consider a landscape professional when your project involves major construction. A landscaper can provide invaluable help with plant selection for your soil type, ideas to help lower your utility bills, advice on how to maintain your landscape and ideas to help you get your project started. A good landscape will help you turn your yard or garden into a more useful, integrated part of your home. By hiring a landscape professional you avoid the nightmares caused by unprofessional service
About ANLA:
In the U.S., 71% of households, or 82 million households, participated in one or more type of lawn and garden activity in 2007. Through membership in ANLA, members are able to operate more effectively and to provide the public with quality plants, landscape design and installations, and related products and services. Besides promoting professional development, ANLA works to foster plant standards that enable buyers and sellers to better communicate and, ultimately, create a more consistent means of comparison for consumers. ANLA also works to maintain plant availability and consumer choice by advocating a system of reasonable and scientifically-sound pest and disease safeguards for interstate plant shipments.
The association has long been a leader in the area of plant protection, and was responsible for initiating the commercial plant quarantine system-designed to protect U.S. plants from dangerous, costly infestations.
ANLA and its members are also advocates for environmental enhancement through plants and landscaping. For example, the association led the famed "Victory Garden" program during World War II and was a recognized leader in the Johnson administration's Highway Beautification Program. Since then, ANLA has worked with many public and private institutions to support programs to improve communities and benefit the environment. These include the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Rotary International, Weekly Reader, MADD, American Forests, National Association of State Foresters, and American Public Power Association.
For more information visit the American Nursery & Landscape Association website.
Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center
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