There is a common misconception that any professional designation that starts with ‘landscape’ has something to do with gardening. Wrong! So, when we talk about landscape contractors, they don’t come and plant trees in your backyard or fertilize the plants. These professionals will not come with a shovel to dig up a hole and plant a sapling. You’ve got it all wrong!
Landscape contractors have a different job and a much more serious one. They refurbish or create outdoor spaces by asking other people to plant flowers, trees, shrubs, and lawns, but they are not involved in that process. Others are hired for this job. They also provide hard landscaping features such as patios, decks, and paths. These services are provided to public areas, hotels, malls, office spaces, and homes too.
You can hire the top landscape contractor in Sacramento and beautify the space within your complex or property. While you are here, let us tell you what a landscape contractor does. Yes, you’ve got the gist already, but it’s our job to clarify certain things about this profession.
Different Types of Contractors You Will Meet
So, before hiring someone for the job, you have to understand that there are different types of contractors who you would meet to address the landscaping issues.
- Landscape architects – They are trained professionals who study engineering, horticulture, and code enforcement. So, while we respect gardeners, most of them do not have a degree in landscape architecture. There is a specific certification exam that one has to appear for to maintain the credentials.
- Landscape designers help businesses and homeowners create inviting outdoor spaces. They can’t endorse themselves as architects because they are not trained in drainage and stormwater management. Moreover, they don’t know about the local codes too.
Lastly, you have landscapers that are separate. They offer trimming, edging, mowing, and leaf-blowing services. It is best to check the laws in the state before they can apply fertilizer to the area, such as your plants and trees. Local landscapers may know about the laws in your state, considering they work in other houses and offices too.
Hiring the Best Landscape Contractor In Your Area
Now that you understand what a landscape contractor is, you must find a good one. Have you finally understood that landscape contractors are meant to plant trees and fertilize plants? Once you have gotten rid of this idea, we can hire the right professional.
- The first step is to gather some landscape ideas. You can use Pinterest, Instagram, Google Images, and other sites to see what pool, garden, fountain, backyard, etc., you like. This is the starting point because you must show the landscape contractor what you need. As you are the customer, the landscape contractor will ask for your vision and then move forward with the design or the kind of plants and trees that will fit your garden. They will also share their expertise and let you know what a possibility is and what isn’t.
- The second step is to call and email the landscape contractors in your area. You may have to meet some of them and understand their experience and what they bring to the table. Feel free to interview and meet as many as you are sure the landscape contractor can take up your project and do it efficiently.
- The third step is to check the portfolio of the landscape contractor. What kind of projects have they done before? Have they taken up projects like yours in the past? If yes, they will be happy to show you their portfolio.
- While you can check the reviews and ratings online of the landscape contractor, it is still a good idea to connect with the past clientele and ask how the experience was. This will give you a fair idea if the service provider is hard to work with. It’s a good idea because you will invest money, so as a consumer, be sure who you are working with.
- Ask about the pricing beforehand and be clear about the charges. There should be no hidden charges as that causes trouble later on. Let the contractor know you are not looking for surprises after completing the design and the whole project.
- Feel free to ask as many questions as possible. A landscape contractor knows what they’re doing, but as a consumer, you have the right to ask any question before the project gets started or during the process.
