Brian Bergmann

Choosing a professional landscape contractor is sometimes a daunting task. There are several things to consider before you make that decision. Be sure you share your reasons for making a change and what you would like to see changed. This will ensure these issues do not continue. It’s important to do some research as most landscape contractors have websites that will tell you about the company and what sets them apart. Landscaping is one of the first things you see when you visit a property and it takes a lot of dedicated work to make sure it looks its best.

A landscape company that has been around a while has done so by making sure they keep their clients happy. Changing names and rebranding could be a sign that they needed to change due to service issues or new management. Look for association affiliations, awards, and horticultural certifications, and make sure they have the proper licenses to provide all landscape services.  

When you receive proposals, it is best to go over them with the landscaper. If you do not provide a scope of work, there are a lot of items to discuss. A good scope of work will help align your goals and clarify what services you require. A good landscape company will be able to assess your property and, based on what you want, they will be able to provide a scope of work to fit your goals.  

It’s necessary to look for companies that put emphasis on safety. Having a company that promotes safety not only keeps them working but it also ensures they are doing the job correctly.  Safety should be about the crews doing the work and it should also be about the crews looking out for the safety of others and your assets.

Be sure to ask for references and visit some of their current jobs. Nothing is better than seeing what kind of work they do than seeing it in person. It is a good idea to ask for similar types of properties. Most landscapers have a variety of work ranging from industrial sites that only need the basic services up to high-end work that requires a full scope of services. Make sure they have a location close to your property. If they are too far away, you may pay more due to traveling and you want a company with ties to the community. Landscaping is all about making your property look its best, and you want someone that takes pride in where they live and how their community looks.  

Asking the right questions, visiting current work, and knowing a little history about the contractors will help you make a good decision when looking for a new landscape contractor. Feel free to call and set up a time to walk around your property, discuss your ideas, and ask for suggestions. A great landscape company wants to build a long-lasting partnership and provide you with amazing curb appeal. 

Donnalee Harman

As a Property Manager or Facilities Director, it is your responsibility to ensure that the property you oversee is maintained to a level that will accomplish your objectives whether it be appearance, safety, security, or functionality. Landscaping of the exterior grounds is a primary part of that. It’s everyone’s first visual impression, and we all want to make a good first impression.

There are multiple segments of the landscaping to include in your maintenance scope of work.

• Turf Care: Mowing, trimming, weed and fertilizer applications are all staples of the plan. You should make sure the number of occurrences coincides with the level of “neatness” you would like. You should also make sure if your property is irrigated that you have enough mowings to cover the consistent growth throughout the normally “dryer” weeks of the summer.A step-child of the regular turf care that should always be included in your program is Aeration and Overseeding. This once-a-year service will keep your turf strong and weed free. If budget is an issue, consider performing this on a third of your property annually, or just high visibility areas.

• Spring Clean Up: This is necessary to prep the site for mulch, and subsequent mowing services. Any grasses and perennials not cut back late fall will be cut and made ready for new spring growth.

• Turf applications: If your local ordinances allow, you should include a minimum of 4 turf applications for both weed control and fertilization. 

• Bed Care: Mulching and edging is an obvious must for your landscape beds. A properly prepped bed in early spring made ready for a new coat of dyed shredded mulch will keep the beds looking neat and tidy through the season.

• Plant Care: Tree and shrub pruning should be included as appropriate to keep a tidy appearance. Make sure that if you have shrubs that should grow a bit more naturally (think Nandina, or Forsythia) that these are not sheared or pruned incorrectly.

• Leaf Management: Include an appropriate number of leaf management occurrences considering the site’s tree canopy, and variety of trees. These days, most professional landscaping companies utilize mulching mowers to mulch up the initial leaf drop and allow it to incorporate into the turf giving it extra nutrients. 

• Optional services: This is where seasonal color is added if appropriate. Make sure you consider if you need sun or shade loving plants and deer resistant if necessary. A lime application is only necessary if your soil Ph is off. Make sure a soil test is completed annually.

The basics of your scope of work go a long way to keep your property in tip-top shape. The main component to it all is partnering with a reputable, experienced professional Landscape Management Company. Ask them if after viewing your property if they feel there are items you have in your scope that may not be necessary or is there anything that should be added. 

The main objective of a good landscaper is to make you look good, without you having to expend tremendous amount of time and effort.