With the arrival of spring and the renewing of life, many homeowners are inspired to change or improve their properties. Spring is a fleeting season and before one knows it, summer has arrived; there is a mad rush to get new plantings installed, lawns tidied, and beds mulched before hot weather sets in.
Often the homeowner contacts a landscape designer or contractor just as the busy season begins, and is greatly disappointed when their professional of choice is unavailable or booked until the fall.
And what if you've never used a horticultural professional before? How will you know if they are good and fair? How will you know if they are truly professional? Below I have listed some guidelines for you to consider when choosing a landcape professional.
Cost: Price should not be your major concern. In this day and age you get what you pay for. If you choose the lowest bidder, expect a lower quality job. If you are unable to afford a quality professional, consider making payment arrangements with them. Many of these folks are agreeable to split payments or even monthly payments. Expect to pay for a designer's time. Garden or landscape designs require research and thought. If a designer spends 10 hours on your project design, he/she should be compensated. Design fees vary, but can average $50.00 to $100.00 an hour. If a designer or landscaper offers a free design, you can be sure the price of their design time will be worked into the actual installation price. Otherwise, they will not be in business very long.
Know what you want Do you know what you want? Though a good designer should be adept at producing a garden or landscape that reflects your tastes, don't expect them to be mind readers. Peruse books and magazines, cut out pictures, and save articles. If you know of a home with an appealing landscape, tell the designer. This will help the designer learn more about you and what pleases you.Ask questions: Do you know this person's background or credentials. Professionals should have a portfolio of past projects for you to see. If not, they should at least give you the addresses of completed projects for you to visit. Check to see to which professional organizations this person belongs. Ask about education and years experience. Addressing the subject of education, many people focus on which college was attended. It is more important that the designer/landscaper have a sound education rather than have attended a popular or chic college.
