6 things you need to know when choosing a Landscape Gardener

1. Have they planned ahead?

• The weather in Autumn and Winter brings its own challenges
• Has your landscaper experience of working in wet conditions, in the cold? Have they planned ahead for how this will affect the job?
• A reputable landscaper should be able to explain how they have factored these considerations into the work schedule, so you feel reassured if delays occur or plans change

2. What products / techniques are they using?

• Landscaping and building products are constantly improving to reduce the environmental impact on, and improve the quality of, the finished product
• Ask your landscaper what products they use and why. Do they attend trade shows to keep up to date about the latest developments? Do they have a code of best practise to ensure consistency and quality, and is it reviewed regularly?
• Your landscaper should be able to guarantee the same quality finish under adverse weather conditions as when the weather is favourable

3. How easy is it to get hold of them?

• If you have questions, queries or concerns, there’s nothing more frustrating than calling a mobile that’s never answered because your landscaper is driving, picking up supplies or on another job
• Have you been provided with a landline and an email address? Do they have dedicated office staff to answer calls and help with queries? Do you feel as if they are focused on your project and what you need?
• It’s worth investing a bit more for a reputable firm who are able to provide the support and structured customer service you need 

Which brings us to the most important point…

4. Do you trust them?

• Think of your garden as an outdoor room. Its part of your living space and influences the way visitors perceive you. Your landscaper needs to understand and respect this
• If your landscaper comes to you with a problem and recommends a solution, do you accept their judgement? Do you feel they have your best interests at heart, or are you suspicious of their motives and claimed expertise?
• If alarm bells start ringing, or if for whatever reason you just don’t trust them, find another landscaping company. It may feel like more hassle at the time, but it’s not worth handing over your hard-earned cash when you feel it hasn’t been deserved

5. Do they offer a follow-up program?

• So your garden’s finished. It’s exceeded your expectations and every time you look at it you pinch yourself. But nature never sleeps. The grass will grow, the patio will get dirty and weeds will start to push through
• Can your landscaper give advice on how to look after the garden all year round? Do they offer patio cleaning, lawn treatments, weed control, hedge trimming and regular maintenance?
• If a landscaper claims to work in all weathers, they should have knowledge of how to maintain the garden throughout all seasons 

And finally…

6. Have a heart

• Landscapers are a proud lot, but it’s worth remembering that working out in all weathers means exactly that; driving rain, freezing cold and bitter wind
• So if you see them sheltering in the van from a downpour, or trying to get warm on a frosty day, don’t judge them too harshly
• Also, a cup of tea or coffee and the odd biscuit can do wonders to improve morale, and will inspire them to work even harder for you!!