Choosing the right landscaping company is a significant decision that many homeowners and commercial property owners face when looking for professional lawn care services. A well-designed and properly-maintained landscape that is aesthetically pleasing, environmentally sustainable and incorporates safety features can significantly increase the value of your property.
So how can you be sure that the landscaper you hire is reputable and will provide the right combination of value and quality? Here are 6 things that a well-informed property owner should know before hiring a landscape company.
1. Get an on-site assessment.
It can be difficult to determine what kind of services a lawn needs or provide an estimate over the phone. All properties are different and landscaping solutions are not one size fits all. A qualified lawn care service should come out and inspect your lawn before offering a service package or providing a quote.
2. Avoid quick fixes.
Just like any industry, there are self-proclaimed magicians who claim to be able to work miracles on your lawn overnight. Be wary of them. There is no fast fix for repairing a damaged lawn. If a lawn is in distress, a reputable landscaping service knows that taking the right steps to nurse it back into healthy stages takes time and is the only way to ensure true, long-lasting results.
3. Chemical check.
If you’re considering any type of chemical treatment for your lawn, make sure the landscaping company you hire is certified to apply such chemicals. In Texas, businesses that are hired to apply any pesticides to plants, trees, shrubs, grass or other horticultural plants must be licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
4. Check licensing and insurance.
Make sure the landscaping company you hire has a business license and is insured so that you, the property owner, are not liable for injuries or damages. Ask if the landscaper is a member of the Better Business Bureau. A business that is BBB accredited meets the BBB Standards for Trust and will remain committed to resolving any customer complaints. Additionally, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires licensing for all individuals who install, maintain or design landscape irrigation.
5. Know the professional affiliations.
It can be important to know if the landscaping company you hire is a member of a professional organization, such as the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, or if they have certifications from a national industry group or state and local programs. Even though this doesn’t guarantee quality, it does show some education in the field, and organizations like the TNLA promote safe practices and ethical business practices.
6. Beware potential scams.
With landscaping and any other industry, be cautious of people who knock on your door soliciting business. If they ask for all the money before work is completed, consider another option. Once they have the money, they might not return to do the work. A salesperson can and may tell you anything. Don’t take their word for it. Do your research and check the Better Business Bureau.
A property owner who is well-informed about what to look for when hiring a professional landscaping company is more likely to find quality services that will increase the value of their property with well-designed and properly-maintained landscapes.
Outstanding and reliable landscaping can be expected from Simpson Landscape. For your immediate or long-term landscaping needs, call us at 972-578-1985 or request a quote online.