There are many plant installation experts in Virginia, and when you need new landscaping installed, sorting through the noise to choose the right landscaping company can feel overwhelming.
In this article, I’ll share four key steps to choosing the right plant installation expert for your job, along with a checklist to make hiring quick and painless.
Why Choosing a Reputable Expert Matters
You might think that anyone can dig a hole and install plants. Why does finding a plant installation expert matter?
Ultimately, choosing a landscaping company with the right combination of experience, knowledge, and certification offers the following benefits:
- Right plants in the right place. An expert evaluates drainage, sunlight, soil type, and regional factors to select the best plants and place them in the best spots in your yard.
- Longer-lasting plants. Plants installed using proper techniques develop stronger root systems, improving their chances of surviving (and thriving) for years to come.
- Long-term savings. When your plants last longer, you’re spared from shelling out more money to replace them. Professional plant installation also helps prevent ongoing disease and pest issues, which can require costly solutions.
- Efficient, stress-free installation. Experts bring commercial tools and tried-and-true practices to manage complex plant installations with efficiency, taking the stress off you.
4 Steps to Choose the Right Plant Installation Expert
1. Check their horticultural knowledge
Your plant installation expert should know a lot about horticulture in your region. This means they should understand both the plants that thrive well in your area and the best way to install them for lasting health.
Look for landscaping companies who have experience with the specific types of plants you’d like to install. For example, if you want a native plant garden, look for landscapers who have successfully installed native plants in the past.
2. Review their past projects
Once you’re sure your prospective plant installation company has the know-how, it’s time to review their execution.
Ask for pictures of past projects (if there aren’t already some on their website!) and review them. Consider the following questions:
- Do I like the overall look of this project?
- Does this project look somewhat like what I want for my own property?
- Do the plants look healthy and cared for?
- Are there other elements like hardscaping, mulch, etc., and do I like the way they look?
Reviewing past projects gives you an idea of their style, approach, and execution.
3. Ask about plant installation warranties
Most reputable plant installation companies offer warranties on expensive plants, like trees and shrubs.
Warranties typically last anywhere from 30 days to one year and cover free or discounted replacement of dead plants. Often, plant installation warranties will exclude damage caused by animals, storms, or pesticides/herbicides. Some companies may require you to enroll in their ongoing landscape maintenance packages to be covered by the warranty.
It’s important to note that not every landscaping company offers warranties; they’re a nice perk that the true landscaping experts offer to show how much they believe in their own work.
4. Get a free consultation and/or quote
As you narrow down your list of plant installation experts, it’s time to request a free quote.
This step is crucial. Not only does it give you an idea of what your landscaping installation might cost, but it’s also a great way to get a sense of how the company operates.
Request a free quote through a landscaping company’s website. Typically, they’ll schedule some time to visit your property and walk through your plant installation needs before sending over a customized quote.
Here are some red flags to look out for during the consultation and quoting process:
- Poor communication. If the company doesn’t communicate clearly during the quoting stage, they definitely won’t when it comes time to complete your project.
- Late arrival. They should respect your time even during this free quoting process.
- Not taking the time to understand your needs/wants. Your vision for your landscaping design and installation is important. You should feel like they’re on the same page.
- Not offering professional recommendations. As you discuss options for your plant installation, they should provide their professional opinions and guidance so you end up with the best outcome possible.
Your free quote is essentially a trial to see if this plant installation expert is right for you. Use it accordingly!
Your Plant Installation Hiring Checklist
Ready to find the right plant installation expert for your yard? Here’s a concise checklist to follow.
- Find local landscaping companies that provide plant installation services.
- Read reviews to narrow your list down to 3-5 companies.
- Ask if they have any certifications or special licensing.
- Review pictures or videos of past projects.
- Ask if they offer plant installation warranties.
- Request a free quote and consultation to determine if they’re a good fit.
Use this checklist to find a trustworthy local plant expert to manage your installation without a hitch.
Ultimately, the landscaping company you choose for plant installation services should make you feel good about your project and leave you with beautiful results that last.
At Z’s Exterior Services, we offer both above-and-beyond customer service and stunning results. We follow industry-leading plant installation protocols to encourage strong root growth for longer-lasting, lush plants.
Let us manage your plant installation so you can skip the stress of doing it yourself or going with a company that lacks the care and skills to get the job done right.
