Gardening is a pastime enjoyed by millions of people. It can be a relaxing way to spend your free time while improving the aesthetic appeal of your house. But unfortunately, gardening can also be a daunting task, especially if you want your garden to look a certain way, and not everyone has the time nor expertise to shape their garden to their liking.
And yet, gardening is necessary for homeowners who want to feel the embrace of nature in their backyard’s comfort.
So it is critical to hire the best gardener with your vision in mind, and the best way to know if your ideas align with the gardener is to ask them these questions.
What to Ask
But like when you’re hiring someone for a specific job role, you’re not going to hire the first person that wants the job, would you? These questions will help gauge the abilities, cost, equipment, and level of maintenance that’s needed for your garden.
Where Will You Source Your Plants?
This question will determine the bulk of the initial costs and maintenance costs. Plants shipped from outside your state can significantly cost more than plants sourced in your area. While it is not necessary to always choose native species of plants, consider the advantages of planting native plants.
- Native plants require less maintenance.
- Native plants will cost less compared to plants shipped internationally or out of state.
- Native plants are more likely to thrive in your garden. Plants that are shipped from another state have to adjust to the new environment and thus are more prone to diseases and pests.
What Are Your Qualifications?
It is one of the essential questions because this will give you an idea of how your garden will look by the end of the project.
The qualifications you have to look out for are horticulture certificates if your garden has unique plants such as roses, arborists for taking care of trees, landscaping contractor licenses, and any other related experiences.
Having a gardener that knows has diverse expertise in multiple fields can not only make your garden look beautiful but also make the plants, shrubs, flowers, and trees more robust.
Keep in mind, though, that the more expertise and certifications a gardener has, the higher the cost to hire said gardener.
Do You Have Any References?
Any respectable gardener worth their salt will have a portfolio of their works with them. Asking this question will ensure that you know what you are paying for and will give you the measure of the gardener’s skill apart from his certificates and qualifications.
Please do your research, and make sure that their skill and style match your liking; the last thing you want is to have a garden that looks nothing like how you imagined it.
How Much Is Your Estimated Charge?
Simple garden work such as mowing the lawn and trimming a few hedges here and there should cost about $50 -$100 per visit. However, special tasks such as pruning trees, roses require specialized training to be done correctly and thus can cost more. It’s always a good idea to ask for an estimate for the landscaping job that you want to be done.
It is also a good idea to ask for an itemized list of costs, to make sure that you aren’t being overcharged with anything from staining rags to garden hoes. Doing this will enable you to see the prices and any additional charges and supplies that weren’t discussed.
Is There Anything That I Can Do to Lower the Costs?
After you’ve talked about the estimated costs and are uncomfortable with the current price, let your gardener know. Most gardeners can come up with compromises on your vision to make it align with your budget.
By doing this, you allow your gardener to get more creative with how they implement your vision. They might opt to use cheaper materials or source a plant from a different supplier or find a different, but similar plant altogether.
Once the Project Is Complete, What Level of Maintenance Should I Expect?
It’s essential to know who will handle maintenance once the landscaping project in your garden has been completed. Some gardeners will offer free replacement for dead plants, while others do not.
Of course, you could always ask the gardener to come back for maintenance, but it’s best to gain a clear understanding of how to maintain your garden on your own and how much maintenance should be conducted per week.
Significant home improvements can be an exciting project. It’s easy to get lost in the details, so it’s always necessary to make sure that you have an excellent gardener working on your back yard to ensure that the project is done correctly and aligns with your vision.
