It might still feel like winter outside, but landscaping season is almost here. For many businesses, that means it’s time to start thinking about hiring a contractor to handle your landscaping maintenance.
It’s important to choose your contractor wisely—because a great relationship with your landscaping company can save you lots of time and money. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Before You Sign the Contract
Check the web. The best place to start when evaluating a landscaping contractor is their website. Is it informative? Does it look professional? Are there plenty of examples of their work? If the answers to those questions is a resounding “yes,” it might be time to set up a consultation.
Set expectations. A landscaping contractor won’t be good at their job if they don’t have a clear understanding of your expectations. Your initial consultation should include a review of your budget, requested services, and your property—which should probably involve a site walk to give your contractor a good feel for the landscape.
Review what you’re signing. Don’t sign any contracts without thoroughly reviewing them. Make sure all requested services are included, rates match initial quotes, and you understand when payments are due. Most contracts will be annual, but pay attention to the length of the contract as well.
What to Expect After Hiring a Landscaper
Dependable communication. Your contractor should be in regular communication with you. That doesn’t necessarily mean speaking with you on every visit, but it does mean having a regular expectation about when and how you’re contacted. Most reputable landscaping companies will have account managers to give you updates and handle requests. Your contact person should be available and responsive.
Consistency. Your landscape company should be on time, wear matching uniforms, and should complete the work in a reasonable amount of time. A good landscaping company will send the same team on a regular basis so they become familiar to you—and become experts about your landscape.
Services that change with the seasons. Your landscape has different needs in April than it does in October. So your landscaping contractor should have a plan that adapts to the seasons—pruning and mulching your beds should mostly be done in spring, mowing services should taper in the fall, and snow removal services can be added in the winter.
Preventive care. A great landscaping company will spot potential issues before they become problems. Replacing trees and plants can be expensive, so if your contractor can catch diseases or infestations early, it can save you money in the long run. Planning for drought, falling leaves, snow/ice, and excessive rain is also important to keep your landscape healthy.
If you’re looking for a landscaping company who understands the value of building strong, lasting relationships with clients, we’d love to be your team. Contact us today to learn more about how we can keep your landscape beautiful all year long.
