Top Questions to Ask a Landscaping Company
Asking these questions before the lawn care truck arrives at the home can help provide a clearer picture of the company and whether or not they are a good fit.
Having a beautiful lawn and landscape can dramatically improve the appearance of a home and even raise its value, and hiring a professional landscaping company can be the quickest and easiest way to achieve that. But before the homeowner signs a contract and fork over some hard-earned cash, they should ensure the company they are about to do business with is reputable, knowledgeable, and reliable. Hiring the wrong landscaping company can do a home more harm than good, putting a serious strain on finances.
Asking these questions before the lawn care truck arrives at the home can help provide a clearer picture of the company and whether or not they are a good fit.
Ask how long they’ve been in business
Landscaping companies are easy to start and easy to disband. Most of the time, they only require a truck, a few pieces of equipment, and a handful of workers. Because of the low startup costs, many unqualified companies work in people’s yards, giving them poor results while charging too much. Choose companies that have been in business for at least five years, and for the best results, the homeowner should choose ones with a decent amount of experience.
Ask about the actual cost of the work
Before signing a contract with a landscaping company, inquire about any extra fees or cost obligations down the road. This can include anything from the cost of supplies and fertilizer to extra costs tacked on for maintenance. And as with any home service, negotiate the price. Most landscaping companies will be willing to bargain if it means getting the business – particularly for long-term projects and regular lawn care.
Ask about their design philosophy
A good company will devise a strategy that is specific to the house and lawn, ensuring the job gets done right and is complementary to the house and neighborhood. On the other hand, a bad landscaping company might work without regard to the design of the home, the neighborhood, and the surrounding environment. The best landscaping companies will create a subtly beautiful design that looks completely natural.
Ask about their employees
Illegal and immigrant workers are a huge problem in the landscaping industry, and companies that employ these types of workers should be approached with caution. Due to language barriers, their employees may be undertrained. Additionally, the company may fall into legal trouble and be shut down before they can complete work on the lawn. A reputable company will only hire legal workers and perform background checks, ensuring that the lawn and home are safe.
Ask about the services they provide
Are they more of a landscape design company or a lawn care maintenance company? Do they install sprinklers? Do they plant trees? Do they install lighting systems? The best companies will provide various services, allowing the homeowner to utilize them exclusively for all lawn and landscaping needs. This will save time and money and ensure the best services for the best prices.
Ask about their guarantees or warranties
Due to nature's unpredictability, even the best landscaping companies can’t ensure that all of their plants will survive indefinitely. However, a good company should have some sort of guarantee system for the work they do and be eager to resolve any problems that may arise in the future.
Ask for references or testimonials
A reputable company will be glad to offer a list of former or current clients. Asking for photos of completed work or even asking to see completed landscapes in person can be helpful when deciding which company to hire. the homeowner can also search for the company online and see what kind of reviews they have received online.
Ask how long the job will take
Some companies work more quickly than others. If the homeowner wants a specific timeline for completion, it should be mentioned upfront. If it is a reasonable request, a good landscaping company will be able to complete the job on time. If it’s too soon, they should be able to provide a clear estimate of when they can finish the job satisfactorily.
Ask if they are environmentally friendly
If a company does not make it a point to be environmentally friendly, the homeowner may be subject to higher costs due to inefficient equipment and higher water costs. the homeowner should also inquire about their pest and weed control practices and the types of chemicals they use. If there are pets, make sure they are aware of this, as some of the chemicals can be harmful to animals.
Ask about maintenance
Because lawn care and landscaping require constant maintenance, the homeowner should find out how much of this work. Reputable landscaping companies will take time to teach homeowners how to properly care for plants and grass and let them take on as much responsibility as they want. Beware of companies that rush through this process, as they trying to keep a homeowner in the dark and leave the homeowner dependent on them for even basic upkeep.
Investing in a good landscaping service can be one of the most important decisions a family will ever make regarding the looks and value of the home. A poorly designed or manicured lawn can significantly detract from the appearance of even the most beautiful homes, while a masterpiece of a lawn can transform the average into extraordinary.
Choosing the right landscaping company to achieve this is simply a matter of doing the research and asking the right questions. Don’t skimp and pay for mistakes later – pick the right company and get it right the first time.
