WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK A LANDSCAPER? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.

Are you considering making your landscape vision a reality, but still have some questions and concerns? Are you not exactly sure how to find the best partner for the job with all the landscape companies out there? Here are eleven questions you should ask to find the best company and ensure that you get the best work for your investment.

1. DO YOU HAVE A HOME IMPROVEMENT LICENSE IN MARYLAND, D.C., AND VA?

Yes we do! This question is easy to verify because, as required by law, our license numbers appear at the top of the contract or proposal. A landscape contractor is required to have a home improvement license for each jurisdiction in which they operate. Rest assured that as an established, licensed company, we can operate legally in your district, any on-the-job inspections will have to cancel or interrupt work, and that our warranties are guaranteed.

2. ARE YOU BONDED AND INSURED?

Yes we are! Two of the requirements of a home improvement license are proof of insurance and a surety bond, and each gives you an extra level of peace of mind should something unexpected occur while your project is underway. Insurance protects you from responsibility if a contracted employee is injured while working on your project. A bond protects you if a contractor goes out of business without completing your job, enabling you to collect damages from the state licensing board.

3. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE BUSINESS?

Since we first went into business in 1977, we have seen large and small landscape companies come and go. Now, after almost 40 years of serving our clients, we bring the security of a well-established, financially stable business to your project. We’ve stayed in business so long through commitment to our clients, excellent service, and the integrity of standing behind our word and our warranties.

4. ARE YOU MEMBERS OF THE LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION?

Yes we are! Membership in the Landscaping Contractors Association (LCA) shows a commitment to honesty and fairness in customer relations, and a desire to learn more about doing the job correctly using the most modern methods. Not only have we been members since the mid-1970s, both owners of Fine Earth Landscape, Inc. have also served as officers for many years.

5. WHAT IS YOUR GUARANTEE?

Our two year plan guarantee is the best around, and includes both plants and labor. If a plant dies, we will come back and replant it for free. We also have a guarantee on plants (but not on the labor) for as long as you live in your home.

6. DO YOU HAVE AT LEAST 3 REFERENCES OF SIMILAR TYPE WORK?

We are proud to provide as many references as you need to be satisfied about the quality of our work. We freely provide both recent and older references and encourage you to talk to our existing clients to closely compare work and look at the size and quality of the plants, and freely provide both recent and three years or older references. Getting a recent as well as an older reference shows you what the work will look like immediately after it is complete as well as after some time has passed. We are confident that our work will stand up to any scrutiny!

7. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR PLANTS? CAN WE SEE THEM AT YOUR NURSERY YARD?

Yes you can! We offer the highest quality plants from trusted professional growers throughout the region. The size, quality, and variety we offer ensures you receive only the best for your investment. Feel free to compare our plants to those of other landscapers and nurseries before you sign a contract.

8. IS THIS YOUR SPECIALTY? HAVE YOU WON ANY AWARDS FOR THIS TYPE OF WORK?

At Fine Earth Landscape, Inc. we are experts at landscape installations. Our design/build projects have won awards from Home and Design Magazine, Washingtonian Magazine, Regardies Magazine, and The Landscape Contractors Association.

9. WHO WILL SUPERVISE THE JOB?

When you work with us, you will work with one highly-trained, experienced, and trusted designer throughout the whole project. Our designers have the freedom to design creatively, and the knowledge to advise on the details of the work itself. Your designer will be there at key moments to help you make the right decisions so that you can feel confident in the quality of the work and the execution of the vision – from start to finish.

10. HOW DO I GET THE DESIGN THAT I WANT?

Before our designer visits your home, carefully consider what you want to accomplish. Patio or front foundation planting? Street trees or drainage problems? Preventing erosion on a hillside, or screening from the neighbors? If you don’t know exactly what you want, don’t worry! Our experienced landscape designers ask the right questions to identify the specifics of your big-picture goals, and can help you review all of the options you have available. You should also consider approximately how much you want to spend, immediately and over the long term. You don’t need to have an exact figure, and you might want to change your mind later. But a rough figure will help our designer determine the best type of design to fit your budget and fulfill your vision.

11. HOW MUCH WILL A DESIGN COST?

On most jobs requiring a detailed landscape plan, we can provide a professional, scaled design at cost, which we rebate when you decide to contract the work with us!  Our designers put time, effort, and imagination into creating the right design for you, but we understand that sometimes even with the best planning, changes need to be made. We work with you to produce the design that you want.

Other questions are sure to arise over the course of your decision to create a beautiful and lasting garden space. These we’ve listed should get you off to a good start. For more specifics, or to begin planning your project, contact us!