Although the holiday season is approaching, it is never too early to start thinking about hiring a landscaper for next year. Aside from the interior part of your home, it is also important that the exterior is well- taken care of! A good landscape design is important to a home. It increases the value of the property while also allowing us to do outdoor activities!


Landscaping can be hard work for anyone. You need to mow the grass, water flowers and prune trees. With a professional crew, like TPS, you can avoid all these hassles. There are a lot of benefits to hiring a landscaper, such as: freeing up time for yourself so that you can spend more time with your family, reduce your risk for injuries, save some money and more.


Before you begin your search for a landscaper, don’t just go with the lowest bidder. Save yourself time and money in the long-run by asking these questions up front.


- Will the people working on my property be employees or independent subcontractors? Some landscapers misclassify their workers as “subcontractors” in order to avoid paying payroll taxes, overtime, accrued sick time, workers compensation, and insurance on them. In addition to hurting the workers, this puts you at risk. If an “independent subcontractor” is injured on your property, their only recourse may be your home-owners policy.


- How will soil be prepared before planting or installing grass? Most soils in urban and suburban areas have been worn down and compacted by decades of construction and foot traffic. They need additional nutrients and loosening in order to grow healthy plants or lawn. It’s a worthwhile investment to avoid any future problem that can add costs upfront, but definitely something to consider!


- What is included in your proposal? If you’re getting multiple bids – just make sure you’re comparing each. Does the proposal include demotion and disposal? Are specific materials defined, including the brand, style and pattern? What plant sizes will be planted? And are you signing a fixed price contract or is it an estimate whose final price could change even if the scope of the work remains the same?


- How long will the work take? Any interruptions? Who you hire will be able to explain what types of conditions may interrupt work, including weather, scheduling work by other trades (electrical, plumbing, etc.), or inspections required for permitting? Do they have enough crews to do the work from start to finish – or could you be left hanging while they juggle other projects?


- What other services do they offer? Your time is valuable, so hiring a crew that offers a bundle will be efficient for you.


- Do we need any permits or bonds for this work? Most landscaping work is loosely regulated, but some things like work crossing a city sidewalk or work attached to a structure will require permits. Be sure to understand whether your contactor or you will take the responsibility for permitting.

For more information on TPS services, please click here