20 things you need to know before hiring a landscaper
TRANSCRIPT
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 1/26
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 2/26
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
LEGAL NOTICE © 2011 – BeAwareEarly.com. All rights reserved.
The Publisher has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of this manual, notwithstanding the fact that he
does not warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate due to the rapidly changing nature of the Internet.
While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the Publisher assumes no responsibility for
errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. Any perceived slights of specific persons, peoples, or
organizations are unintentional.
In practical advice books, like anything else in life, there are no guarantees of income made. Readers are cautioned to reply on their
own judgment about their individual circumstances to act accordingly.
This manual is not intended for use as a source of legal, business, accounting or financial advice. All readers are advised to seek
services of competent professionals in legal, business, accounting, and finance field.
You are encouraged to print this book for easy reading.
BeAwareEarly.com not affiliated with any brands or companies on this reports.
Each company holds its own copyright
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 3/26
3
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Table of Contents
Description Page No.
Introduction …………………………………………………………………… 4 – 5
What services do landscape contractors provide …………… 5 – 7
Tips to where do you start your landscape project ………… 7 – 10The Low maintenance landscape……………………………………. 10
Developing a landscape plan…………………………………………... 11
Eight simple tips to create an easy-care yard………………….. 12 – 21
Expert advice for best landscape…………………………………….. 21 - 26
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 4/26
4
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Introduction……..
Landscape contractors help to build your dream landscape. A landscape
contractor is a specialty contractor who provides the materials and
services needed to construct landscapes; or provides the management
and maintenance needed to keep projects in prime condition after
implementation. Presently, there are approximately 70,000 landscape
companies that employ educated, motivated, and qualified people with
a diversity of interests and goals. The landscape industry is evolving by
utilizing the newest computer technologies, modern business practices,
and by employing educated personnel with the skills to increase the
breadth of the industry.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 5/26
5
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Landscape contractors usually have experience and knowledge of local
conditions, such as weather and soil that can affect the outcome of
landscape projects. They also often have knowledge of specialchallenges presented by a locale where they are working.
In this e-Book you will find more than 20 things you need to know
before getting the services of a Landscaper. They come from different
stages on where to start, how to develop and maintain your landscape.
What Services do Landscape Contractors Provide?
Landscape contractors are licensed within their state to assist clients
with:
The construction or installation of all hardscape landscape elements
(built materials such as walkways, plazas, gazebos, retaining walls,
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 6/26
6
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
trellises, fences, irrigation pipes, sculptures, arbors, lighting, and
fountains).
The installation of all softscape landscape elements (natural
materials including all plants, soils, mulches, compost).
Provide maintenance to installed landscapes such as weed control,plantings, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, mulching, watering, and pest
control.
Submit bids for contracting work and providing estimates.
Hiring or managing subcontractors (such as painting, electricians,
etc.)
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 7/26
7
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Obtain necessary building permits.
Landscape management and maintenance plans
Solve site drainage or hydrology problems.
Tips to Where Do You Start your Landscaping Project:
You will want to determine the scope of services that are requiredbefore you engage a landscape contractor. Here are a few items to
consider before you proceed:
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 8/26
8
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
What is My Scope of Work?
Determine exactly the services needed for your property and make a
list of all items. For maintenance issues, define what duties are to be
performed in what areas. How often does the grass need to be
mowed? How often should the shrubs be pruned? When should
annuals be replaced and how often?
Create or Obtain a Map of the Property.
It is helpful to have a plan of the property so that areas may be readily
identified. Often, a copy of the property plat that you received when
you purchased your house is sufficient to give to the contractor.
What is My Budget?
For new landscape construction, determine your total budget for the
project. For maintenance, establish what the monthly or yearly fees
you can afford.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 9/26
9
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
How Do I Find a Landscape Contractor?
Recommendations from friends, local nurseries, garden centers or by
local landscape architects are a good way to find a landscape
contractor. Also, many landscape contractors belong to their national
landscape professional network.
It is recommended to interview several companies to review their
pricing structure, experience, training, suitability, and time availability.Ask if you can visit sites they have worked with to review their work,
or for a list of references. Check to make sure they are licensed in the
state, and if they have workers compensation and liability insurance.
Also be sure to ask how they guarantee their work and for how long.
Once you have decided upon a contractor, get a written contract. Thecontract should specify what you wish to have done, the estimated
costs, and the date of completion. Sometimes changes or additions
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 10/26
10
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
may be made during the work, so be clear what the additional costs
may be.
The Low Maintenance Landscape
With today's busy lifestyles, homeowners are seeking ways to reduce
maintenance in the home landscape. The creation of a low maintenance
landscape requires proper planning and making wise choices. Thisincludes the identification of areas that require a more manicured look
and noting areas that are not as important to heavily maintain. There
are a number of alternative choices of landscape building materials,
plant types, design strategies, and ways to reduce effort and expense.
The best place to begin the low maintenance landscape is to develop aplan for your property.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 11/26
11
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Developing a landscape plan
By creating a landscape plan, you can identify the areas of the yard that
best serve as public, private or service uses. The easiest way to develop
a plan is to obtain a copy of your property plan. With the use of a copy
machine, you can enlarge the plan to a size that you can work with in
detail. Make several copies of the enlarged plan for alternative designs.
If you do not have an existing property plan, you may consider hiring a
surveyor to locate the boundaries, building and pavement, and tree
locations on your property.
On a copy of your enlarged property plan, you can designate areas or
zones of landscape use. Prioritize areas of importance, such as the front
door entry, street views, and courtyard or patio areas as places to focusyour landscape efforts. Areas that are not heavily utilized, such as
storage areas, back property edges, fence lines and work areas can be
designed for low maintenance options.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 12/26
12
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Eight simple tips to create an easy-care yard:
Although there is no such thing as a no-maintenance landscape, here
are a few suggestions to minimize excessive landscape care.
1. Reduce the total amount of unused lawn area.
Beautiful lawns are expensive and high-maintenance landscape items. Inaddition to the mowing, rolling, watering, fertilizing, liming, pesticides
and fungicides, thatching, and herbicides that are used to maintain a
healthy lawn, lawn edging and raking can consume an extraordinary
amount of time and expense. Maintaining proper play and open lawn
space are important criteria for many homeowners, yet reducingunused lawn portions can save much on required care and
maintenance. Easy to care for trees, shrubs and groundcovers are
excellent alternatives to excessive open lawn space. This may be
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 13/26
13
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
achieved by herbiciding the unwanted existing lawn area, planting in
low care woody plant species, and placing a thick groundcover layer of
mulch. The first few years may require extra weeding and care, but asthe trees and shrubs establish themselves a once a year cleanup will be
all that is required.
2. Use quality, long-lasting landscape materials.
As you select or replace the types of structural features in yourlandscape, choose materials that do not require frequent replacement.
Sidewalks, patios, decks, fences, steps, driveways, seating structures,
trellis and gazebos, and furniture items should be selected for
durability. A concrete or brick patio will last between 20-30 years,
whereas a wooden or brick on sand patio may need replacing every 5-8years. Recycled plastic lumber has a much longer life span and reduced
painting or staining need than traditional treated wood for fences,
decks and steps. Concrete, brick or stone edging blocks will last much
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 14/26
14
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
longer than landscape timbers or railroad ties for bed edgings. Also, the
use of mowing strips (concrete or brick pavers placed at the ground
level) may be used for bed edges adjacent turf areas to reduce the needfor edging treatments. Consider the initial cost and maintenance to long
term cost and durability when selecting landscape materials.
3. Select perennial plants over annuals for landscape color.
To reduce replacement costs for annual plants (plants that last oneseason) consider the use of perennial plants (plants that come back
every year). Depending upon your plant hardiness zone, impatiens,
begonias, petunias and marigolds must be planted every year. Choose
daylilies, stokes aster, lantana, black-eyed susan, coneflowers, evening
primrose or perennial phlox for long-lasting color.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 15/26
15
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
4. Avoid problem or high-maintenance plants.
Hybrid tea roses, gardenias, and fruit trees are examples of high
maintenance plants. These require regular insect spraying, watering, or
fungicides in order to successfully grow in Mississippi. Select varieties of
plants that are more resistant to insect, disease and fungal problems,
tolerance to wet or dry periods, extreme temperatures, and adaptability
to poor soil conditions.
Examples of tough plants include, but are not limited to the following:
Tough groundcovers:
Liriope
Monkey grassAsian jasmine
Ardisia
Aspidistra
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 16/26
16
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Dwarf bamboo
Holly leaf fern
Indigo bushSword fern
Sedum
Setcreasea
Tough perennials:
Daylily
Stokes aster
Lantana
VerbenaBlack-eye susan
Purple coneflower
Evening primrose
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 17/26
17
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Louisiana phlox
Narrow leaf
sunflowerRain lily
Louisiana iris
Wild petunia
Tough shrubs:
Butterfly bush
American beautyberry
Flowering quince
ForsythiaHolly
Virginia willow
Summersweet
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 18/26
18
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Spirea
Vitex
OleanderElaeagnus
Wax myrtle
Yaupon holly
Tough trees:
Ironwood
Parsley hawthorne
Live oak
Southern magnoliaAmerican holly
Red maple
Sweetgum
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 19/26
19
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Black gum
Willow oak
Winged sumacBald cypress
5. Use geotextiles for weed control
Geotextiles, commonly known as landscape or weed fabrics, can reduceweeding efforts in sunny planting beds. By placing the fabric on the
ground around existing shrubs and covering with a thick layer of mulch,
this will effectively reduce the growth of many weed species. Pre-
existing problem weeds should be controlled with an herbicide before
covering. Geotextiles have the benefit of allowing water and fertilizersthrough the cloth and allowing plant roots to breathe. Groundcovers
may also be planted in open bed space to compete against weed
occurrence.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 20/26
20
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
6. Put the right size plant in the right place
Constant pruning to reduce the height of plants can be avoided by
selecting plants that will not exceed the desired height for the area they
are placed. Problem places for large plants often occur underneath
home windows, electrical and other utility lines, roof eaves, view sheds,
and doorway entries. These problems can be avoided by asking the
nursery owner for recommended plants that do not grow taller than the
maximum height for the area required.
7. Place plants in masses, not individually.
Planting combinations are often more effective when planted in massesrather than individual specimens. Creating a dense shrub border in large
island beds allows mowing to occur around the outside edge, and
reduces the need for edging and weeding in scattered plantings.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 21/26
21
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
8. Keep your landscape simple
A wealth of landscape plants and garden places often requires more
specialized care. A simple effective design and palette of easy to care for
plants can create a beautiful care free landscape.
Expert Advice For Best Landscapes
1. Risk on Hiring the Landscaper.
Knowing that proper landscaping can add as much as 15 percent to a
house's value makes it easier to avoid the temptation to hire someone
to do the work just because they are cheap.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 22/26
22
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
It's risky to hire somebody off the street who has no references and
you have no way to get hold of them. What happens three months
down the road if they over-fertilized or you have some type of
problem with your landscaping?
2. Hire the right Professional Landscaper.
Established businesses have a vested interest in keeping their
customers happy. They offer continuity of services and are able to
respond whenever something happens with a landscape.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 23/26
23
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
The thing professionals need, whether they have a college degree or
not, is a good working knowledge of horticulture. This includes
planting and maintenance practices, insect and disease control, turf
grass, irrigation, flower beds and more.
Check the references of a landscape professional before hiring them
to do work. It is essential to know what kind of work they have done
in the past. Ask for the credentials, professionals have certain
affiliations and accreditations and don't mind giving proof of their
position.
Hire professional landscaper to ensure the plants installed in the
landscape are well-cared for with a disease and insect free.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 24/26
24
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Landscaping takes time to learn and do correctly. Hiring someone to
do landscaping without knowing their credentials or references can be
a big mistake.
3. It is must to have a full knowledge about the plant.
If you don't know the history of the plants then it is the time to do
your work before considering having a landscape in your house. You
may consider also having some advice from the horticulturist or theservices of such expertise to ensure that your money will go in the
right way.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 25/26
25
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
Plants included in the landscaping should be categorized according to
the weather condition of your place. Good selection of plants to
adopt the changes of the weather condition is an advantage to keep
your landscape intact and beautiful all season.
It is a big cost, but it will pay off in the long run to install a landscape
that will perform well over time. Plants are not a short-term
investment, and it may take several years for a landscape to look
established. Having an instant landscape may not be the best thing for
the yard or the home.
8/7/2019 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-hiring-a-landscaper 26/26
26
BeAwareEarly.com 20 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaper
4. Contributions of a good Landscape
Installing and maintaining a good landscape is a long and somewhat
expensive process, but worth the investment. Not only does an
established landscape add to a home's value, but it also can cut
heating and cooling costs.
Make sure you check the other "Must Know" before hiring a Landscaper
here