Finding a Landscaper

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Photo courtesy of Buell's Landscape Center

Well designed and installed landscaping adds considerable value to your home, allowing you a return on your investment of 100 to 200 percent. Choosing the right landscape professional can determine the success or failure of this important investment.

• When you start thinking about your landscaping project, keep an eye out for other projects in your neighborhood, advises Jeff Gaffney, landscape designer for M|A|Peterson Landscaping. “If you see a project in the neighborhood that reflects your home, your style of landscape, go to that homeowner and talk to them,” Gaffney says, to find out who did the work. Friends, family and co-workers are another good source, he adds—not only can they offer referrals but often are a source of tips and suggestions.

• Base your contractor choices to the specific project you are working on. (For example, choose a contractor whose specialty is irrigation, lighting, or retaining walls, depending on your need).

• Find a knowledgeable designer that is willing to listen to your ideas, needs and wants, suggests Ivan Izzo, manager of Linder’s Landscaping. Izzo says you should expect a landscape designer to listen and make creative suggestions for your landscaping project—and to educate you about what to do or not to do. You should check his or her credentials, either formal education and certification or experience designing successful projects. Another important point in selecting a design firm is the guarantees it offers: Will the landscaper stand behind a guarantee on plant material? What about hardscape items—are the materials and craftsmanship guaranteed? How long is the guarantee in place?

• Make sure the company provides a contract that specifies starting and completion dates, total costs, and method of payment. Allowances should be made for weather.

Landscaping is a relatively large investment and involves a lot of hard work. Be sure to take the time and plan accordingly to avoid costly mistakes.

Communication is key to success, says Wayne Anderson of APL Landscape Solutions. Discussion and planning will yield a result that complements the home and space and functions the way the homeowners intended.

“Take the time to spend with your landscape designer so the end product is going to fit your lifestyle and needs,” he says.

Anderson also suggests getting to know the project foreman; homeowners should have the foreman’s cell phone number, and he or she should have theirs in case of questions that arise during construction.

“The closer you work with the foreman and say in communication, the better your end result is going to be,” Anderson says.

Visit www.GardenMinnesota.com for other tips for working with a professional landscaper.

6 ISSUES (1 YEAR)

Only $9.95!

63% off newsstand price.
Includes annual HomeBook.

Save Big On:
Everything Home. Everything Local.