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Choosing a Landscape Professional

Home landscaping plan

The result of having chosen a landscape professional who delivers on their commitment to your garden paradise can make all the difference. In addition to ensuring the work is completed on budget and on time, you'll also want to make sure that you're protected from unseen risk. Below are some tips to help guide the process.

Define Your Project

Whether it's a wish list or something you've been saving for, be very clear on what it is you want done. This is true of most projects, but if you don't know exactly what's what in the garden it's better to spend the time before hand.

One of the best ways of defining your project before any work is to have a professional consultation before you begin searching for a suitable contractor. This can save you time and provide input you may not have been aware of.

Make a Budget

While this may seem obvious it's very important to know before you ask for bids what exactly you can afford. It's also a wise idea to think about putting some funds in a reserve in case there are unexpected expenses or cost overruns.

Finding and Choosing a Contractor

If you've had a professional consultation you'll be better prepared to choose the contractors you need. If not, then be very specific when talking to contractors so that you narrow your search before collecting bids. FindBCWood.com's business directory allows you to search for landscape contractors all over British Columbia.

With your budget set and a short list of contractors made up start asking for bids. While there's no golden rule the number of bids you should get, often three should give you an idea of how competitive the chosen contractors are. During the interview process it's often good to check out their previous work, ask for references and ask if they guarantee their work.

When comparing contractor bids, make sure they're quoting on the same project requirements like plant materials and varieties, the soil/fill of the same quality/quantities, etc.

Writing the Contract

Now that you've decided upon a contractor it's time to write up a contract. Quite often the contractor will do this for you. Who ever prepares the contract it should have two clearly identified parts to it.

Part 1: Clearly detail all the work the contractor has agreed to do for you. It should list materials, time and a schedule for the work to be completed, price and how and when payment will be made.

Part2: Proof that the contractor is properly covered by insurance so that you are protected. The contractor should be able to show you proof of business liability insurance, Workers' Compensation coverage and proper business registration (a Business or GST/HST Number).

Environmental Decisions

Environmental philosophies have become increasingly important among many landscape professionals and are reflected in environmentally sensitive services. When choosing a contractor, ask the following questions:

  • How is pest control addressed. If a pesticide is required, is the least amount used and does it have the lowest toxicity?
  • Are appropriate plant materials used, like hardy, disease-resistant plants that are suited to soil and climate conditions. Highly hybridized plants and plants not suited to B.C. climates will require more fertilizer, water and maintenance.
  • Are yard waste and trimmings composted?
  • How is water conservation managed?
  • Are organic-based fertilizers used where possible?

Industry Certification

What is most assuring when choosing a contractor is knowing their level of skill and knowledge. There are may industry certification tests that can verify this. Here are a few:

  • Canadian Certified Horticultural Technician in Landscape Installation or Maintenance (see Canadian Certified Horticultural Technicians).
  • Irrigation: The Irrigation Industry Association of BC (IIABC) has two certification programs (see Irrigation Professionals).
  • Tree Care: Arborists are certified through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
  • Pest Management: All contractors who use pesticides must hold a current Pesticide Applicators Certificate as issued by the B.C. government.

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