| Landscaping your yard is a great way to make your | | | | Professional Groups |
| home more beautiful. It may increase its value by as | | | | You should also look for a landscaper who is a |
| much as 15%. For both reasons, you want to make | | | | member of national or state landscape organizations. |
| sure to do the best job you can with your yard. | | | | One who is involved with these organizations is more |
| Thankfully, landscapers are available to help. | | | | likely to know more about thelatest trends and ideas, |
| The Perks of Landscaping | | | | because they share important industry information. In |
| Landscaping makes your yard more attractive. This | | | | addition, some organizations only allow member with |
| helps you get more money for your home when you | | | | proven track records to join. |
| decide to sell it. In fact,many people won't bother to | | | | Licenses and Certificates |
| look at a house without "curb appeal." Curb appeal, | | | | Licensing is also important when choosing a |
| made commonplace by the HGTV show, is how nice | | | | landscaping company. In fact, many states require |
| a house looks from the road. Landscaping increases | | | | landscapers to be licensed or certified. The license |
| curb appeal by creating a great first impression. Even | | | | helps guarantee the landscaper is knowledgeable. For |
| if you don't plan to sell your home any time soon, it | | | | these companies to be licensed in some states, they |
| helps make you feel better about the way your | | | | also must show that all their employees |
| home looks. | | | | areknowledgeable. Choosing a licensed landscaper |
| Deciding on the Right Landscaper | | | | increases your chances of getting one who will do a |
| A landscaper will be able to help you improve the | | | | great job. |
| look of your yard. He or she does this by doing more | | | | Budget |
| than just choosing plants. They also build additions | | | | Of course, your personal budget is important. When |
| such as decks, patios, gazebos, and retaining walls. | | | | choosing the right landscaper, you need to know |
| They can even help you by planning and installing | | | | how much money you have to spend. When deciding |
| lighting systems. This type of landscaping is called | | | | this, be sure to find out what is included with the job. |
| hardscaping. If you need a landscaper to help you | | | | For example, a landscaper that provides his or her |
| with hardscaping, be sure the person you choose has | | | | own insurance is ideal. You do not want to be |
| the skill to do this. | | | | responsible for any accidents that may happen in |
| Years of Experience | | | | your yard. |
| In addition to having the right knowledge, your | | | | References |
| landscaper should have experience. Find out how long | | | | The way to find the best landscaper is to talk to |
| he or she has been in business. A company that has | | | | references. |
| been in the business for many years is more likely to | | | | Visit the homes of other customers. Ask if they |
| do a great job. Also, find out how much experience | | | | were happy with the final outcome. If possible, visit a |
| the landscaper has with the type of design you are | | | | yard still in progress. This will help you see how |
| interested in. A landscaper who has years of | | | | professional the company is. It will also give you an |
| experience building retaining walls is not your best | | | | idea of how the landscaper works and if it is |
| choice if you arebuilding a gazebo. | | | | compatible with the way you doing things. |