Hiring tips and planning your project

• Decide how a landscape contractor can help you. A professional landscape contractor can help you improve your living environment. Landscape contractors not only install and maintain plant material, but install hardscape material, including patios, decks, retaining walls, gazebos and irrigation systems.
• Ask how long the company has been in business. Look for firms that are stable and well-established in the community. Most professional landscape companies will have employees with education in horticulture-related fields and/or several years of experience. Additionally, professional companies are most often active members in national or state landscape associations. Affiliation indicates that a company is interested in excellence and progressive thought.

For instance, members of the Georgia Urban Ag Council agree to this Code of Ethics:

As a member of UAC, I agree to adhere to the following principles:

To promote honesty and professionalism always;

To promote and encourage best management practices;

To improve my skills and knowledge and to encourage education and research; and

To elevate public awareness of the professionalism of the urban ag industry through my investment in the association.

Ask the firm for a list of references and professional affiliations. Look at each of the jobs listed to see if the work is the size, style and quality you desire.

• Select a landscape company that is licensed and insured. This license will assure you that the contractor is accountable to you, that the company is operating legally, and is demonstrating a level of professionalism. Ask for proof of adequate insurance coverage for worker’s compensation, liability and vehicles.
• Decide what you are looking for in a landscape design. Do you want an area for entertaining, an extension of your living space, a low maintenance landscape or a colorful, high impact design? Determine your budget before you speak with a landscape professional. If you are not sure of what you want, a qualified professional should be able to help bring your needs and landscape style preferences into focus.
• Ask the company to provide a written plan and/or contract. Prior to making any agreement, have the landscape contractor, designer, and/or architect prepare the details in writing. This plan can include the design, plant material to be used, all costs, a time table and the terms of payment. You have the right to amend the contract.
• Know which services are provided in ongoing maintenance. Ongoing maintenance is necessary in order to protect your investment. You can do it, or you can ask the company to do the work. Generally, ongoing maintenance involves mowing, fertilizing, pest control, among other services.