Landscape Addiction ~Tips for Hiring Landscape

Tips for Hiring Landscape and
Tree-Trimming Contractors

	Tips for Hiring Landscape and Tree-Trimming Contractors
	Tips for Hiring Landscape and Tree-Trimming Contractors Questions to Ask:
	This is what you need to ask when searching for a landscape service and speaking to their representative:
1.	Is your company a licensed business?
2.	Do you have a federal identification number that designates your company as a real business?
3.	Have you completed any certification program offered in your state?
4.	Are you insured? (His/Her qualification statement should list references, licensing information and association membership.)
5.	Does he/she possess a state Nursery Handlers License (required for anyone handling nursery stock)?
6.	Does he/she have a pesticide applicators license for pesticide spraying?
7.	What kind of services does he/she offer?
8.	Does he/she offer design, installation, and maintenance programs? (Maintenance includes annual color rotations, insect/weed/disease control and irrigation services).
9.	Can they provide customer references and referrals?
10.	Will you be able to communicate with the workers, or at least have access to a foreman/supervisorwho can communicate in your target language.

	Questions for you to ask yourself during the consultation:
1.	Does the professional landscaper arrive on time?
2.	Does he/she take pictures and/or draw sketches of your property while there?
3.	Are his/her employees wearing a uniform?
4.	Is his/her equipment clean?
5.	How is his/her communication skills?
6.	Was he or she willing to provide you with a written estimate for services and materials?
7.	Does the estimate include plant sizes, prices, details of weed control, edging, mulching, and cleanup?
8.	Does the estimate also include the anticipated work schedule, and any warranties for plants that die as a result of conditions within their control?
9.	Does he/she provide you with a contract specifying start and completion dates? (If a deposit is required, the contract could show that the money is held in escrow at a specific bank.)

	Remember,it is best that you visit a few sites they've worked on before committing to any company.
	You should definitely consider a landscape professional if your project involves major construction. A landscaper can also assist in plant selection for your soil type or to help lower your utility bills, advice on how to maintain your landscape, or ideas to help get you started on your project. A good landscaper can help you turn your yard or garden into a more useful, integrated part of your home, while avoiding the headaches caused by unprofessional service providers.

	Tips for Hiring a Tree Care Professional:
	An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Unlike a general landscape contractor, an arborist is the person most qualified and knowledgeable to assess the health of your trees.
	Arborists provide a variety of services, which include the following:
1.	Pruning - An arborist knows what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of your trees.
2.	Removal - Tree removal is necessary under some circumstances. Arborists can best advise homeowners about these situations.
3.	Emergency Tree Care - Storms can cause damage to limbs. A professional arborist is trained to recognize potential hazards that may not be visible to the average homeowner.
4.	Planting - Arborists can recommend what types of trees are appropriate for different climates and zone conditions. They assess soil types and sun conditions, so homeowners can select trees that will best flourish in a particular landscape.
5.	Other Services - Arborists, like doctors, can provide specialty services, including diagnosis, insectcontrol and treatment of various diseases. Arborists are also specialists in fertilization, aeration, cabling, bracing and the installation of lightning protection systems.

	While selecting an Arborist, please use the following tips:
1.	Ask for more than one reference - Sometimes it is best to get a second opinion.
2.	Be wary of individuals who go door – to - door and offer bargains for performing tree care. “Qualified arborists” are generally too busy to solicit business in this manner. This way you can avoid unneccessary services.
3.	Don’t always accept the lowest bid - Quality can be slightly expensive but in the long run can save money. Poor workmanship leads to complications that can damage trees, potentially causing homeowners more in the long run!
4.	Ask for proof of insurance - both personal and property damage as well as workers’ compensation.
5.	Look for professional credentials - Arborists should be members of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the National Arborist Association (NAA) plus local associations that are affiliated with the arborist industry.
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