Beware of operators who may be unlicensed, uninsured and—quite often—lack credible skills, says Michael Moore, owner of Masterpiece Gardens and Design. “People are getting cheap prices from guys who aren’t licensed and don’t have experience. Maybe they have a day job and they’re doing this on the side on Saturdays.”
There was a time, Mr. Moore says, when “if you had a pick-up truck and a lawn mower, you were considered a landscaper.” Though less prevalent than it once was, the problem still exists. The ultimate cost is borne by homeowners who believe they’ve saved money, only to find that “everything is falling apart after two or three years,” says Mr. Moore.
If you plan to get a few estimates for your landscaping project, Mr. Moore recommends you solicit bids only from reputable contractors. One obvious strategy: Limit yourself to companies who have received high marks from ratings services like Diamond Certified. You can stop worrying about a company’s basic credentials and focus on more subjective factors, such as personal chemistry. “If you can bid apples to apples, you’re much more likely to make a good decision,” he says.
In the end, whomever you hire should have the effect of taking the anxiety and guesswork out of your landscaping project. Choose well and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.
