How to Choose the best Landscaping companies

When you start your search for a professional landscaper, look for the indications that a company has integrity, provides value for money, treats each project with the same degree of attention to detail, delivers on time and is profitable. Think about what you would like from your outside area. Be sure to tell the Landscaping companies what you want your garden and property to look like. Share how you want to feel when you are in it. Plant some great ideas and let your landscapers make the design come alive.

Here is a 9-point checklist to help you select the right landscaping companies:

Start with some weeding credentials and verification: you would not choose your home contractor without any research; Select your gardener the same way. Ask for references. Look at the gardens, walkways and stones in and around your neighborhood. Do you just like the quality of the work you see? Pruning companies that you do not want to use safely. The word of mouth is still the best way to find out all about the experience of a company, years in the business and the size of the company.

Evaluate overall strengths: Evaluate design skills, material quality, craftsmanship level, and creative capabilities. Have you reduced your search? Check the company online. Have a feeling for the kind of work they do. Check the portfolio and the services offered by the landscaper you choose.

Compare Quotes wisely: If you have preselected some landscaping companies, make sure you are comparing your estimates on common motives-same quality and quantity of materials. Do not conform to the poor quality of landscaping products and materials at a lower price. Don't assume, too, that higher quality materials should always come at a higher price. Keep in mind that civil liability insurance is generally an integral part of a landscaping company's quote.

Ask for terms of contract and guarantees and get them in writing: negotiate a contract that covers all the details you may think. Get all the practical things written down. The industry standard is a minimum of 1 year in craftsmanship. What does your landscaper's warranty offer? Ask about the process of claiming a warranty if you need it.

Check certifications: If your landscapers or team members are injured while on your property, you do not want to be responsible. Avoid this by checking if the landscaping company you hire has coverage from the worker's Safety Insurance Board. If they're professional contractors, they should have it in place.

Watch out for pressure tactics: Contractors will usually try to accelerate their decision by talking about scheduling future difficulties and current or immediate availability. Take your time to decide!

Consider landscaping design: Ensure the contractor's will to understand your design and aesthetic vision needs. See that they offer design options to match your requirements before you start work.

Budget and deadlines: These are usually the worst! To ensure on time and within budget the completion of your landscaping work, get dates and costs in writing.

Know your only point of contact: Ask for complete contact information for an individual who owns the responsibility for the landscaping assignment. On-site workers may not always be responsible for critical issues such as material, time and overall quality.

Teacher-turned online blogger, Shirley is a full-time backyard homesteader based in Virginia. When she doesn't have her face buried in a book or striding in her garden, she's busy blogging about simple life hacks of the daily life.