1 May 2018
If you are an avid gardener you may baulk at the idea of hiring a professional. In fact, most people who absolutely love gardening have probably dreamed about giving up the day job and setting up as a landscape gardener from time to time. Have you ever wondered what is actually involved in landscape gardening and is there any need to hire a professional? If hiring a professional, how much will landscape gardening cost?
What exactly is a landscape gardener? A landscape gardener performs all tasks related to gardening. That's obvious you may say. However there is so much more to this than simply gardening. Landscaping includes everything from hedge trimming to designing driveways. In effect, a gardener is a carpenter, builder, plumber, decorator and electrician as well as all things horticultural. The vast amount of skill needed may get you thinking about landscape gardening cost & how to find a landscaper perfect for you.
How do I find a reliable contractor? When you are trying to find a landscape gardener for an individual project, the internet is a wealth of information when trying to find landscapers. Different companies may have different specialities, so it may be wise to check if the gardener specialises in the lawn, pray, logging, flowers or something entirely different. A good company will probably have a decent website always showing pictures of past projects that they have done. So for a good idea of what you can expect, it's a good idea to look through these photos and see if it matches the style that you are looking for. Additionally, it is a very good idea to ask your friends or acquaintances if they happen to know a good landscape gardener, word of mouth is probably the most trustworthy method. You can then take a look at the recommended landscaper’s website look through photos and take it from there.
A good gardener will visit your property. No garden is exactly like another and a quick visit will ensure an accurate quote. Ask for the quote in writing and make sure it lists all areas of work in detail. Remember to mention any parking or access restrictions too. It's always a good idea to ask for previous projects that the landscape gardener has done. And the tasks should be similar to what you want to be done. That way you can see if you like the style that the landscape gardener uses.
Furthermore, it is also a good idea to look at the gardener's website and see pictures of the past tasks that he has done.
Questions to think about asking when contacting a landscape gardener.
- How long have you been a landscaper?
- Landscape gardening cost?
- What do you specialise in?
- What other projects have you worked on previously?
- How long do you expect the job to take?
- Do you have insurance?
- What services are included in this quote?
- Who's going to do the actual job and do they have the same qualifications and training as you? If not, will they have satisfactory supervision?
- What happens if we reach our budget midway through the project?
- Do you offer a fixed quote from the outset?
- What if anything do i need to prepare in the garden before your arrival?
- Is garden waste removal after the project included in the quote?
- Will you need access to electricity?
Are landscapers regulated? Yes, they can be but not all are. Usually, the best landscapers are regulated by one of the following two bodies:
It is a good idea to choose a landscaper that is regulated because they have to meet the high standards of whichever organisation that they are a member of. This provides extra reassurance to anyone wishing to use their services.