- What are you looking for in a landscape design?
- How can a landscape contractor help you?
- How long has the company been in business?
- Is the company certified and insured?
- Does the company provide a written plan/contract?
- What services are provided in ongoing maintenance?
- Can the company supply reference information or a
job in progress?
- Does the company have liability insurance?
Do you want an area for entertaining, an extension of your living space, a
low maintenance landscape or a high impact design that is colorful? Determine
your budget before you speak with a landscape professional. If you do not know
what you want in a landscape design, a qualified professional should be able to
help you bring your needs and landscape style preference into focus.
Many homeowners do not realize what a landscape contractor can do to help
them improve their living environment. Landscape contractors not only install
plant material, but install hardscape material including patios, decks,
retaining walls, gazebos, irrigation systems and landscape lighting.
Professional landscape companies should have employees with either a
secondary education in Ornamental Horticulture or several years of experience.
Additionally, professional companies are most often active members in national
or state landscape associations. Affiliation indicates that a company is
interested in excellence and progressive thought. Ask the firm for a list of
references and professional affiliations. Look at each of the jobs to see if the
work is the size, style and quality you desire.
Is the company certified and insured?
If required by state law, the company should be licensed. While Wisconsin
does not require landscape contractors to be licensed, the WLCA offers a
certification program for contractors through the Associated Landscape
Contractors of America (ALCA).
Prior to making any agreement, have the landscape contractor, designer and/or
architect prepare the details in writing. This plan can include the design,
plant material to be used, all costs, a time-table and the terms of payment. You
have the right to amend the contract.
The sprinkler system will be set up on different zones. There can be
different zones for the lawn, shrubs and flowers. Each of these zones can have a
different time schedule for watering.
Ongoing maintenance is necessary in order to protect your investment. You can
do it, or you can ask the company to do the work. Generally, ongoing maintenance
involves plant and bed maintenance, mowing, fertilizing and pest control, among
other services.
Proof of insurance for workers' compensation, liability and vehicles should
be available to you. Check a company's limits and policy expiration. Ask if they
have an active safety program to minimize accidents. Under some circumstances,
you could be liable for mishaps or accidents which occur on your property.
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