So You Need a New Landscape

Tired of the mud and dust? Sick of the moss and weeds? Is that little concrete pad off your back door just not cutting it? Do you want some interest and excitement to be part of your back yard?
The first place to start is with some sort of a plan. Does this mean you’ve have to hire a landscape designer? Not necessarily, but it is probably a good starting point. If you have a good understanding of plant material and how it matures and looks, then you can probably make your own plant list. Do you want a irrigation system? How much patio space would fit you outdoor needs? Do you understand all the various materials that can be used for patios, retaining walls, water features and lighting? If you feel unsure, a landscape designer is probably a good idea. They can figure out with your help, what are your landscape needs. They will help with a landscape budget, making choices for patios, retaining walls and all hardscaping a simpler process to come up with a final decision for your landscape.

The next question is. Do you need a landscape contractor? How do you choose one? First off, if it looks like to much hard work for you it probably is. If however, you must watch every penny, you may want to consider doing it yourself. I like to point out to people that their time is worth money. Do you take enough pleasure in the installation process to spend 150 man hours or more to install your own landscape? If so,knock yourself out. Most home owners do not know all the techniques, to install a quality and professional landscape. That is why landscape contractors are in business.
So, how do you choose a good, reputable service oriented landscape contractor? Do some research. Look at their web site. Does the web site show photos of their work? Do they have references available? Once you choose three landscape contractors and hopefully no more, schedule an appointment. Did they arrive on time? What was your first impression? Did he or she listen to what you wanted done? Are they licensed, insured and bonded? Make sure, that in fact they are? Ask to see some proof. If your your ending impression of them was not good then don’t use their quote. You are your own best judge. Please make sure that the bid is apples to apples. That is one reason a landscape plan really helps in keeping all the landscape contractors bidding on the same items.