August 12, 2021

Your landscaping gives everyone who visits your home an impression of who you are. While many homeowners enjoy the satisfaction of doing their own property maintenance, others understand that landscaping thrives when left to an experienced professional. When you know you want your property to look its best, you know it’s time to look for a landscape contractor. When you begin your search, it’s important to make sure that whoever you hire can handle everything your property needs to thrive.

Single story luxury home exterior

Look for a Landscape Contractor with Experience

When you decide to outsource your property maintenance to a landscape contractor, it’s important that the contractor has experience with properties similar to your own. When you begin your research, verify that your contractor has experience with properties of your size in your local area. Ask your contractor if they have any specializations. If your contractor uses subcontractors, their experience will be relevant as well.

Ask Your Friends and Neighbors for References

Starting with a web search is a good idea, as it will allow you to get a sense of how professional the company is as well as examples of their work and client testimonials. However, a web search can only tell you so much. When it comes to choosing a landscape contractor, a referral from an existing client will give you more information about whether or not a contractor is the right fit for your needs. Talk to friends and neighbors who have a similar property and landscaping needs or a friend or neighbor whose landscaping you’ve admired.

  • Who do they use?
  • Why do they like them?
  • Do they deliver on their promises?
  • Has there ever been an issue with landscaping maintenance?
  • How was that issue resolved?

By talking to similar homeowners, you will understand if your needs can be met.

Set Your Expectations Clearly

Before you determine if your landscape contractor can handle all of your needs, you need to make sure you understand what all your needs are. At your initial meeting, walk through your property to allow your contractor to get a good feel for your property. Discuss everything you would like them to handle throughout the year and make sure their plan adapts to the seasons. Discuss your expectations for preventative care and ask how your contractor will handle periods of drought, excessive rainfall, ice, and damaging storms. Discuss whether you will have the same team handle your property weekly. Having the same team will allow you to become familiar with them and will allow them to become familiar with your property. Finally, discuss the contract. Make sure you understand the length of the contract, the services provided, the frequency, and when payments will be due, and get it all in writing.

As an educated homeowner, you understand the importance of finding a contractor with the right credentials and insurance, but when you are assessing if someone is the right fit for your property, you need to go beyond the basics. Looking for an experienced, highly recommended landscape contractor who understands your expectations will ensure you find the right company to keep your property looking its best all year long. We’d love to help. Contact Twin Oaks Landscape for information on our residential maintenance services.