8 things to do before hiring a yard expert

Sharane Gott

An attractive yard adds value to a home, and to assist in designing a functional, inviting yard or landscape, many people enlist the services of a professional. Better Business Bureau Serving Acadiana recommends doing your homework and knowing how to find the right company before dreams of a beautiful landscape become a nightmare.

Landscape Architects manage jobs concerning the design and use of outdoor space and land, and they may also handle jobs that include “hardscaping” such as the installation of large patios & retaining walls.

Professional horticulturists and yard services can also handle to placement of flower beds and trees or shrubs as well as cutting grass, edging and other maintenance work. They can do anything from basic yard upkeep to installing plant/greenery designs conceived by landscape architects.

Before calling for these services, it is a good idea to create your own basic design for your yard space. You may want to take into account:

What a budget for the initial installation and maintenance

How much do I want done professionally and how much do I plan to do myself?

Do I want annuals and/or perennials, trees and/or shrubs planted?

Once you have a general plan, choose several companies to contact and check with BBB for current Business Reviews.

Once you have made a decision on the contractor, create a list of questions to ask to help ensure a positive landscaping experience. These questions should include:

1. Ask how long the company has been in business, what kind of work experience and training the crew has, and if the contractor is willing to stand behind the work and service provided. Question what procedures are in place to handle problems if they should arise.

2. Ask for copies of licensing, if required, and insurance certificates for workers’ compensation and liability. If the company is not properly insured, you could be liable for any accidents that occur on your property.

3. Ask for references and visit the site of the job to see the finished result. Also visit a job in progress so you can examine the crew’s appearance and the quality of workmanship.

4. Get the contractor’s cellphone number and home number in case of an emergency, and beware of contractors who are repeatedly difficult to reach.

5. Ask if the contractor will enlist licensed electricians and plumbers for jobs such as irrigation pump installation, which may necessitate special hook-ups. Ask if the contractor will hire the subcontractors, and if he or she will be on hand to direct the work.

6. Ask how much of a down payment is required. If the requested down payment is more than 50 percent, you may want to proceed with caution.

7. Ask the company for a written contract. This contract should include an outline of all the work you want done. For example, you should know when the work should start and end, the total costs, the materials used (including the depth of rock, heights of walls, etc.), and when and what work the company will do if you want them to continue the upkeep. Before signing, read over the contract and make sure any warranties or guarantees are clearly outlined and that you understand all of the information.

8. Ask for instructions on how to maintain and care for the landscaping if you wish to do the work yourself. If you have any questions, call the landscaper before you begin. If you fail to maintain the yard and garden work properly, the landscaper may not be able to fix the damage and may not be liable for the damages.

— Sharane Gott is the President/CEO of the BBB of Acadiana.