There is simply no denying that your home is one of the biggest and best investments that you will make in your life. If treated right and cared for properly a home could potentially last hundreds of years. This could be something that you could pass down to your children. And, they might even be able to pass it down to their children. That being said, a home will also need a lot of upkeep over the years. While gardening or landscaping might not be on your immediate maintenance list, it should be. Superior lawn care services might not seem like a feasible cost to some homeowners, but when you really look at everything that a professional landscaper can bring to the table it should be more than easy to justify the expense.
Why Hire A Professional Landscaper
Most homeowners are under the assumption that landscaping is nothing more than planting flower, laying sod, or cutting grass. Well, you are right to a certain point, but that doesn’t mean that these individuals aren’t professionals. They are adept in their careers and there is more than one reason that people are willing to pay for the services that they offer. When you sit down and hash it out there really are a variety of reasons that one would want to choose a quality lawn care company. There are also plenty of benefits that will justify the expense.
Boosting The Value Of The Home
It probably already goes without saying that improving your curb appeal or backyard will help increase the value of your home, but it is worth mentioning again. You are probably already locked in for a good ten years or more on your home. Who knows what is going to happen within that period of time? Sure, the goal is to have the home paid off, but can you really guarantee that will happen? Is your or your spouse’s job 100 percent secure? Anything can happen within just a few months and if you have to sell, you want your home to be in top condition. A professional landscaper can do just that for your yard.
Make You And Your Family Happy
A beautiful back or front yard can provide a Shangri-La effect. What does this mean? It means that you will literally feel like you are in paradise. When you walk out to that beautifully designed backyard, you are going to get feelings of ease and relaxation that you wouldn’t otherwise get with a cluttered or messy area. Your home is where you are going to spend a good deal of your time and you want that time to be as pleasurable as possible. Affordable lawn care can make living in your home more enjoyable by giving both you and your kids a paradise where you can let loose and enjoy yourself or entertain if that is your cup of tea.
Lowering Your Water Bill
Most people think that landscapers just cut grass, prune trees, and rake leaves. Yes, this is part of their job description, but it certainly isn’t all they are capable of. These professionals have the knowledge and know-how to tackle even some of the most complicated irrigation systems. Did you know that you could potentially save yourself a bundle of money by improving your irrigation system? Maybe you don’t even have an irrigation system in place. Maybe you don’t even know if your system was installed as efficiently as possible. Whatever the situation is, these are the exact situations where a professional can help out.
It was estimated by the US News that it takes nearly 660 gallons of water to supply 1,000 square feet of lawn. This is almost the same amount of water that an average family of four will consume inside the home in a week. This is truly staggering when you sit down and think about it. Now, just imagine if that system wasn’t working as efficiently as possible or even leaking. That would be a whole lot of money just going out the door. A professional landscaper can evaluate your irrigation system and help you determine if there are problems. He or she then will devise a plan to tackle the problem.
Making The Most Of The Space
As you already know, anyone can throw down some sod, plant a few flowers, and hang a few decorations in the back or front yards. Heck, you might even check out a complete lawn care guide or two and end up making the space look halfway decent, but can you ensure that you are getting the most out of the space? Are you utilizing it for everything that it is worth and making the most of it? Probably not, but professional lawn services like evergreen lawn services can ensure this. Professional landscapers are like creative geniuses that can make the most of any space.
They can reposition old materials, incorporate new styles, or even turn the smallest urban space into what seems like one of the widest and most luxurious places on earth. Landscapers have the creative genius to help you utilize your yard to fullest while boosting the overall value at the same time.
Avoid The Hard Labor
There is no denying that there are plenty of evergreen landscaping guides out there. These guides will show you how to spruce up your yard. They will even give you hints and ideas as to what flowers, plants, or shrubs will work best in certain situations, but that still doesn’t mean that transforming your lawn into a paradise will be easy. Some people like a little hard work and a DIY project on the weekend, but what if your yard is more than you can tackle? What if it is is such despair that you just don’t know where to start?
When going at a landscaping project on your own you best be prepared to identify proper materials, load those materials at the hardware store, drive them home, and unload them. This is just the start, you will have to properly utilize the materials once they are at the home. If this is something that you are ready for and capable of then, by all means, go at it. However, if you want to avoid all the fuzz and save yourself lots of time and work, opt for a professional.
Lowering Your Energy Bills
You already learned earlier that rerouting or fixing your irrigation system could potentially save you hundreds of dollars in water costs, but did you know that a professional landscaper might be able to lower your energy bills as well? That’s right! By installing or planting the right shrubs or trees in the right place, you can provide certain areas of the home with shade and evapotranspiration.
In fact, the latest reports and studies show that with the right techniques, you can lower the surrounding air temps by as much as six degrees. Areas directly under trees could be impacted by as much as 25 degrees cooler temps. If you are located in an area where the weather is notoriously warm all year round, you will more than appreciate this extra little reprieve of shade.
Working With The Weather
Speaking of weather, this is something that you will have to consider before even starting your landscaping projects. Heavy rain, snow, or desert heart can play a major role in your yard. If you aren’t careful and don’t choose a dynamic system that complements the surrounding weather, you are going to end up in trouble. For instance, if you are in an area that experiences heavy rainfall, but you forget to install a proper drain, you are going to end up with a flooded yard or worse a flooded home. All that hard work and money spent will be a waste.
You might even end up having to hire a professional to rectify the situation. By hiring a professional in the first place you can avoid all this. The right landscaping company should be able to foresee these problems and design a yard that works with your weather system.
Hiring The Right Individuals For The Job
You can clearly see that hiring a quality landscaper has its benefits. Of course, this doesn’t mean that hiring a quality landscaper is going to be easy. In fact, if you are located in an area where the weather is mild to moderate all year round there is a good chance that you will have plenty to choose from. How do you know which are trustworthy and which are not? Can you go by word of mouth or do you need to do your research? If so, what kind of research do you need to do? That is exactly what you are going to discover below.
Consider Asking Around
The one good thing about landscaping is that you pretty much get a crystal clear view of what kind of service you are going to get. Just simply look at your neighbor’s yard. Is it well-kept with a head-turning appeal? Why not just go and ask your neighbor who did their lawn? That is exactly what you can do and you should do it. You can also even consult your friends, family members, and co-workers to see who does their lawn care.
Many landscaping companies will even put up signs and advertisements in yards that they have recently renovated. If you see a yard that impresses with a landscaping sign in it then most of the work might already be done for you. If you aren’t lucky enough to come across an impressive yard or have someone that can point you in the right direction, you might have to continue looking. Don’t fret just yet because hiring the perfect landscaper for your yard is still possible. It just means that it will take a little more work and effort.
Always Get Multiple Bids
Once you have narrowed down your decision to a few companies, you will want to take your search one step further. You can do this by getting bids. It will be pertinent to get multiple bids even if you like the first company that you come across. The reason you don’t want to side with the first company is that you might actually find one that can provide the same quality at a cheaper price. Why not save a buck or two when and where you can? That is exactly what getting several bids can help you do.
When you are getting bids always make sure that you are taking the time to fully explain the project and what you want to be done. See how each professional responds and what their ideas are. The way an individual reacts or what steps they take can tell you a lot about a company. Pay close attention to how the professional responds to your questions as well as your request. Never make your decision based on money alone, regardless of how tempting it is.
Get Previous Job References
Wouldn’t it be nice if you knew exactly what kind of job a company did before you hired them? Of course, it would be, but unfortunately, not everyone takes advantage of this knowledge. And, the ones that don’t usually wish they did. This is why it is more than important to ask the companies that you are considering for previous references. As for contact information or pictures of some of the previous jobs that their crews have done. Seeing pictures alone should give you some kind of idea as to the type of work the company does.
However, if you want to take it a step further, you will always have the option of contacting the parties involved. Be sure to ask them about the landscaper’s process, how well they communicate, and how quickly they completed the job. It probably goes without saying that you want to avoid any company that is hesitant about giving references. Another important thing to keep in mind is that a company will probably not give you a reference to a dissatisfied customer.
Check For Documentation And Licenses
Could you see yourself visiting a doctor in an alley and getting a liver transplant? How do you even know that this doctor is licensed or still licensed? You don’t and you wouldn’t get any kind of guarantee with this type of deal. Well, this is the same way that you should approach your lawn care. Always make sure that you are only doing business with companies that are licensed and certified. This not only ensures that you are going to get the best quality work possible, but it will ensure that you are protected in the event that something goes wrong.
Even with the best companies, there is always a potential that something could go wrong. Maybe you end up with a discolored patch of grass. Maybe you even up with a malfunctioning irrigation system that floods your yard or home. Whatever the situation is, this is exactly where insurance will come in handy. If a company has insurance, you can rest assured that they will have the coverage to protect you in the event that something goes wrong. Choosing to do business this way will just save you a lot of hassle in the process.
Must Provide Free Quotes With An Assessment
Any time you are dealing with a landscaping company, you want to make sure that they provide free quotes. Not only must they offer free quotes, but they must also offer free assessments. Every yard out there is different. It will take a different approach to tackle each job. Not only this, but you might have a different vision than your neighbor or the landscaper. Never do business with a company that gives you a quote over the phone because how do they really know what your yard needs? How do they know exactly what the job entails? If someone gives you a quote over the phone, you can rest assured that you will end up paying more than they quoted you in the first place.
The best landscaping companies out there will not operate in this manner. They will send out a certified professional estimator or assessor to evaluate your yard and go from there.
You Details Must Be Taken Seriously
Some people have their own artistic vision as to how they want their yard to look in the end. Some individuals will just let their landscaper run free with the idea. Whatever the situation is, you want to make sure that the landscaper listens to each and every one of your ideas and suggestions. You want a landscaper that is more than willing to work with you and listen to what you have to offer. You might not be the professional, but you are the one that is going to have to live with the end result. If you don’t like what you end up with, you will regret it for the rest of your time in the home or you will spend a lot more money trying to rectify the situation.
When talking to the landscaper make sure that he or she answers each of your questions as directly and thorough as possible. Make sure that he or she is taking into account each and every detail that you are throwing at them. A good way to make sure they are paying attention is by quizzing them at the end of the assessment or make sure that they are actually writing down what you are telling them.
Professionally Attired With Company Logos
This one kind of falls back to the licenses and documentation. You wouldn’t ever want to trust your heart or brain to an unlicensed individual or someone claiming to be a doctor. Well, you also do not want to turn over your yard to someone less than professional. This is why you want the company to you select to represent themselves as professionals. They must wear company logos and drive company provided trucks. Why is this all that important?
Well, if you are doing business with someone that is willing to conduct themselves in an unprofessional manner, how do you think they are going to handle a bad situation? What if they use the wrong fertilizer and kill all your crabgrass? What if they give it too much water? What happens if they cause the irrigation system to spring a leak? Are they going to leave you stuck with the problem and expense? This is something that a professionally represented company wouldn’t do.
Must Be Local
If you are looking for a landscaper in your area there is a good chance that you will find a bunch of locally-based ones. There is also a good chance that you will find a bunch of fly-by-night companies or out-of-towners. Sometimes these companies come in during the hot summer months just because they know the landscaping business will be booming. There is nothing that says these individuals won’t do a good job, but what happens if something goes wrong later down the road? What happens if they install you a new irrigation system at the end of the summer, but it springs a leak in the winter when it should still be under warranty?
Can you rest assured that you will be able to track down these individuals? Will their contact information be good? This is the chance that you take when dealing with these types of companies. Even if they offer lower rates and better quality, you probably want to avoid these types of companies because there is no guarantee that they will be there for you in the end.
Most Of Guarantees And Warranties
Speaking of guarantees, you always want to make sure that you are doing business with a landscaper that offers some kind of guarantee or warranty. And, you want to make sure that you get this in writing or a contract. This will legally bind the company to come back and rectify any issues that arise after the installation. It will also guarantee you that the company will provide you a job that you will overall be satisfied with. Never do business with the type of companies that aren’t willing to offer this kind of guarantee. Sure, most companies are professional and will do their best to please you, but major disasters happen all the time, even amongst the best companies. And, it is always more than good to know that you, your home, and your yard are going to be back by some kind of legally binding contract.
Big Enough To Handle The Job And Your Needs
Landscaping is sometimes more than just a one-person job. This is especially true with it comes to big homes and business. Before hiring any company, you want to make sure that they have the manpower, tools, and necessities to get the job done. Not only do you want to make sure that they can get the job done, but you also want to make sure that they can handle your specific requests. You might be surprised that not all landscaping companies handle irrigation systems. Some might just deal with weeds and yard work, while others are capable of handling anything from laying sod to installing ponds and water fountains.
Most of the time these companies will usually tell you right upfront if they can handle your needs or not, but some just want the job badly enough that they are willing to try anything. A good way to avoid this is by once again asking for references. If you want a fountain or pond installed, simply ask the assessor for pics of ponds and fountains that the company has previously installed.
Easy To Work With
Your yard is your vision. Even if you do not have a vision and you are just going to let the landscaper run free with it, you want to make sure that the individual or individuals are easy to work with. If you are having a hard time communicating or if you can’t get your point across to the individual then there is a very good chance that your yard won’t turn out the way that you intended. When speaking to the company over the phone or in-person make sure that they have a friendly attitude and seem like they are easy going. Anything else and this will probably be a hard company to work with.
Make Sure You Get The Same Workers
Sometimes landscaping jobs can be vast. Heck, you might find that some jobs take anywhere from two to three days to complete. Some might even take longer depending on the types of plants and flowers that you are having installed. Whatever the situation is, you want to make sure that you are always getting the same workers. You don’t want a company that is going to send out one crew one day and another crew the next. This will not only be confusing for you, but it would be more than confusing for the workers. You would probably have to end up explaining everything to them all over again and the job would more than likely not turn out the way you intended.
If the job is going to take more than a day, you always make to make sure that they come is going to send back the same crew. Never do business with a company that uses different crew members on different days because it will just confuse things and make the whole situation more complicated than it needed to be in the first place.
Willing To Work With You
There is simply no denying that landscaping can be expensive. Sure, you already learned that it could potentially save you money in the long run, but this doesn’t make the initial costs any easier to bear. Depending on the type of job that you are undertaking, you could end up spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on a typical landscaping job. It is hard for a lot of individuals these days to just simply come up with that money out of nowhere. This is why it always pays to hire a company that is willing and open to working with you and your payments needs.
Not only do you want the company to be affordable, but you want them to accept a variety of payment options. Heck, it probably wouldn’t even hurt if the company was willing to finance the job or take payments. Whatever you do, just make sure that the company is willing to work with you financially. Otherwise, you might just end up in a world of trouble.
Prompt And Thorough
It is never fun to do business with a company that doesn’t conduct themselves like professionals. If you have ever had the unfortunate experience then you know all too well just how frustrating this can be. Of course, these might not be things that you find out until later on down the road, but if the workers don’t show up on time and aren’t working the full workday then you know immediately something isn’t right. Make sure that you pay close attention to the workers throughout the workday. If they are just goofing around on their phones or taking a lot of breaks then there is a good chance that they are wasting time. If they don’t show up at your door on time then that might be all the indication that you need to know something is wrong.
Do Not Pay Up Front!
You always want to avoid companies that ask for payment upfront. You never want to pay for the job until it is completed and you are satisfied. Any company that asks for full payment upfront might be trying to swindle you. That being said, some companies might ask for half the money upfront so that they can buy materials and whatnot. If this is the case then make sure that you are getting that contract with a written guarantee.