Matchmaking tips for finding the perfect landscaper

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

Back to Gardening Articles List

You've seen the landscape of your dreams in Sunset Magazine, and you're ready to invest what it takes to get that look. What's next?

As with any building project, choosing the right contractor is key to having a successful project. "Successful" means having the landscape you envisioned, getting it finished on time, and having no ugly surprises like extra expenses or a botched job that has to be redone.

Be aware that landscaping contractors offer a variety of services, including installation of new landscapes, installing sprinkler systems and maintenance of existing landscapes. Some companies can install patios and other hardscapes. Some offer consultations for do-it-yourselfers.

Be sure the contractor has experience in the project you are planning, whether it's a brand new landscape, a sprinkler system or a new patio.

Two local landscaping contractors offered some tips to consider when choosing a contractor. Their suggestions involve design, credentials and cost comparisons.

Design

Aaron Walker of Walker Brothers Landscaping and Jeanie Anderson of Rocky Mountain Native Landscapes agree that having a landscape plan in hand is crucial when hiring a contractor. Sometimes the contractor has a planner on staff who can help with this step. A scale drawing is important for two reasons: it allows the homeowner to get apple-to-apple bids, and it helps ensure the home-owner will get the look he or she wants.

While some companies provide simple landscape designs at no charge, good design is worth paying for since it requires the time, talent and training of a professional.

When working on a design, it's helpful to go to a nursery and find plants you like. Garden tours and magazines are also great for providing ideas. The landscaping contractor or designer can help you choose the right plants for the right location, with light and water requirements taken into account.

According to Anderson, the only time a plan is not needed is with very simple projects, such as a yard with grass and a couple of trees.

Credentials

"You need to know the person has the right equipment and experience for your job," said Walker. A reputable contractor should be able to show you photos of past projects and can also provide references.

Longevity of the company is very important, Anderson noted. There should be warranties for hardscaping work, as well as plant guarantees. However, these are of no value if the company isn't around next year to fix the problems. Contractor liability insurance is also a good idea, in case damage occurs during construction.

Since every landscape project is different, be sure to ask the contractor about his specific experience. For instance, if you want a water feature, it's best if the contractor isn't learning that skill on your yard. Be especially careful with carpentry and masonry work, Anderson advised. If the landscaper doesn't have plenty of experience in those areas, it's generally better to hire subcontractors. A good landscaping company will take care of that for the customer, Anderson said.

Cost comparisons

With a good plan in hand, the homeowner can get bids from different landscape companies. Anderson advises asking for at least three bids and then taking the middle one. You can ask for a firm bid for the entire project or an itemized estimate.

Walker noted that for people on limited budgets, it's always tempting to take the low bid. Sometimes that's necessary, he admitted, and underbidding is the way companies get started. However, it's risky for the homeowner, since there's no track record to look at. Companies that have been operating for several years know the price they need to charge to stay in business, Walker said.

"If you want to be sure of the product," he added, "you usually pay more."

If a sprinkler system is involved, Walker said, the customer should look at the warranty that comes with the equipment. Brand names cost a little more, he noted, but you can be sure of finding replacement parts. Also, he said, be sure to plan ahead when sizing the controller. For instance, if you think you may want to add a water feature later, it's less expensive to plan for it now.

For a brand new home, Anderson uses this rule: Plan on spending 5 to 15 percent of the home's value on landscaping, depending on how elaborate the plan is. "People should figure the landscaping as part of the home budget," Anderson advised. With proper planning, the cost of landscaping can be included in the home loan, so that it doesn't have to be paid for in one lump sum.

"It's competitive out there," Walker said, with lots of landscaping contractors to choose from. Using the guidelines provided here, the homeowner can improve his chances of having a beautiful yard along with happy memories of the process.