Designing and maintaining a yard that you love and enjoy can be a trick, long process. But hiring a landscaper to help with your yard doesn’t have to be.

A ground-level deck with integrated plantings.

The majority of Americans agree that having professional landscape work done would allow them to have a nicer yard that they can use more often.

Hiring the right landscaper can make the process much smoother, and you can feel confident knowing you’ve hired a landscaper you can trust.

Here are 5 questions to get you started.

Where do you source the trees, shrubs, and plants that you use?

While there isn’t a rule limiting you to only using native plants, it is helpful to be aware of where the plants used in your landscaping are coming from. Locally sourced plants will likely cost less, be more likely to thrive and require less maintenance.

What level of ongoing maintenance should I expect?

Each company’s policy for care and maintenance for after the work is complete or to replace any dead plants is different. Be sure to fully understand what the company you are talking with will take care of and what will fall to you.

Some companies also offer on-going maintenance programs to make sure your yard is looking its best all year.

Does the contractor understand your vision?

Any contractor you are considering should take the time to talk with you and fully understand what you want the finished product to look like and how much you can spend. Share examples of yards and other landscape projects that show what you are hoping to achieve.

After talking with you, your contractor will put together a scale drawing of your property and what your new yard will look like. Ask any questions you have to be sure you and your contractor are on the same page.

How long do you estimate the project will take?

There is always a chance that something unexpected will come up while you’re doing a home improvement project, and in landscaping, there is also the chance that weather will slow things done. Let your contractor know if you have any deadlines, but also be aware that there are somethings that will be out of your contractor’s control.

How will I be able to recognize your crew and what will their average working hours be?

Know how you will be able to identify everyone on the landscaping crew and their vehicles. It is also helpful to have an idea of what their workdays will look like. Of course, some things might impact their schedule but ask when they expect to arrive and leave.

Choosing Great Goats Landscaping

Mike and his team at Great Goats Landscaping are always happy to answer any questions you have. Give us a call today to talk about how we can help make your yard a place you love to be.