Landscape Contractors and Gardeners

Why should I hire a gardener or landscaper?

Even if you do have a few green fingers yourself, gardeners will have the experience and training to carry out larger landscaping projects and will have the eye for what works best where and when in your garden. They may work with a landscape designer or architect who will put together the plans that they then execute, or they may do this work themselves. If you’re looking for a landscape architect, or perhaps you want to select your own garden supplies yourself, then you can find the right professionals for this on Houzz, too. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of outdoor lighting & audio/visual systems: Landscape Architects & Garden Designers, Landscape Contractors, Decks, Patios, Sheds & Summerhouses, Cladding & Exterior Contractors.

What’s the difference between gardeners and landscapers?

The term landscapers is often interchangeable with gardeners, but landscape gardeners (as they’re also known) are sometimes a bit different from regular gardeners. Usually landscapers can change the layout and structure of gardens, working with water features, paving, decking and other more substantial parts of gardens. A basic gardener, on the other hand, will deal only with lawns, plants, trees and flowers. However, you will often find gardening services that offer both gardening and landscaping together and can source all kinds of landscaping and garden supplies for you.

Will I need to have a regular gardener?

Once the plants have been chosen, planted or potted, and the lawn or patio laid, then your garden will be ready to enjoy, but never completely finished. Like all living things, your garden will grow and change with time and the seasons, so it will need a bit of TLC and garden maintenance from time to time. This is when you may want to hire gardeners again, especially if you have a very large garden or landscaped area that needs constant upkeep. Hire gardeners to water, weed and prune your plants, keep the lawn trim and green, and cut back any over growing trees. Some gardeners may source their own garden supplies, while with others you may have to do this yourself.

Questions to ask a gardener or landscaper:

• How long have you been in the gardening business?
  
• Do you design gardens or just carry out the gardening/landscaping work?
  
• Have you worked on similar garden projects to mine before?
  
• Who will work on the project? Do you subcontract any work to other gardeners?
  
• Will you offer advice on what plants will work best with my outdoor space, design and the current season?
  
• Will you provide the garden supplies or should I choose these myself?
  
• How long will it take you to complete this project?
  
• What are your landscaping costs?
  
• Can you provide a written estimate?
  
• Do you offer garden maintenance work? What are your daily or hourly rates as a regular gardener?
  

Find landscapers or gardeners on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to gardeners and landscape contractors. You can also look through photos of landscapes and gardens to find one you like, then contact the gardener who worked on it.