Released On 21st Jul 2022
10 Things to Ask Your Landscaper
If you’re reading this, then you probably aren’t a landscaper. But you might be looking to hire one to give your garden a refresh, or a complete makeover. The problem is, there are so many landscaping companies out there, how do you choose the right one for you? How do you know if they’re reliable, knowledgeable and capable of designing and creating the garden of your dreams? Today we’ve put together a list of questions you can ask your landscaper to find out, before they even lift a spade.
How Long Have You Been A Landscaper?
First things first, find out how experienced your landscaper is. We all have to start somewhere, but the longer your landscaper has been working, the more experience and knowledge they will have. They will be able to assess and understand your space in a clearer way, and will have a wider skill set to be able to deliver the results you want. It also means they will be able to pre-empt things that could go wrong, and take steps to avoid them. Choosing an experienced landscaper means you are in safe hands every time.
What Sort Of Training Do You Have?
School and college aren’t for everyone, and a degree isn’t always relevant for hands-on work like landscaping. So this question isn’t about GCSEs and A-Levels, but about how the landscaper got into the trade and how they learnt the theory behind the practice. Landscaping is usually learned through a combination of:
- Working alongside an experienced landscaper who can explain and educate as they go.
- Attending specific courses for techniques or products.
For example, at CMA Garden Design we:
- Are RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) qualified
- Hold a diploma in Garden Design from Merrist Wood College
- Are fully trained in the use and safety of the products and techniques used in landscaping
Are You A Member Of A Trade Organisation?
Belonging to a trade association is completely optional, but it’s a good measure of quality and integrity. Trade organisations usually have a thorough betting process for all of it’s members, and they are frequently re-tested to ensure quality. A membership to a trade body usually means the landscaper has:
- Proven that they work to high standards
- Been checked for honesty and transparency
- Got all of the necessary insurance in place
- Frequent and ongoing training to encourage staff to develop their skill set
Are You Insured?
Insurance is an absolute must for any good tradesperson. It keeps them, and you safe. Before you work with any landscaper, ask to see evidence of their insurance, including public liability, accidental damage and injury cover. Essentially, you want to know that their insurance covers you, equipment, employees and any damage done to your property.
How Long Do You Think The Job Will Take?
Landscaping work can be quite disruptive to your life, so it’s a good idea to check that your landscaper has an idea of their timelines. While final start of finish dates can be difficult (thanks to things like bad weather, which can delay progress), they should be able to give you a rough idea to plan around.
What Time Do You Start Working In The Morning?
There are a few different rules are regulations around when workers can start in the morning – especially if there is machinery or other noisy work is involved. It’s always worth checking when your landscaper is planning to start and finish each day. It gives you a good idea of their respect, integrity and approach, as well as giving you time to warn the neighbours!
Are You CDM Compliant?
CDM stands for Construction (Design and Maintenance) Standards, and is all about keeping you, your visitors and anyone working on your site safe. It’s a set of government regulations describing health and safety, and managing risk on work sites. They state that you, the householder, are responsible for the health and safety of everyone on site, unless you appoint a principal designer and contractor,. If you work with us, we can sort that out for you, nut not all landscapers will. You can find out more about CDM here.
Are There Any Safety Issues I Need To Warn Visitors About?
This sort of comes in under the CDM question, but it deserves its own section since it’s things you as the homeowner need to know about. Landscaping requires a lot of digging, moving things around and general disturbances to your familiar ground. Your landscaper should make sure you have safe passage to your door, that any holes are lit or marked and that you’re aware of them. That way you can be sure to let visitors to your house know about any potential hazards in advance. It also protects your nice new landscaping once it’s done! Freshly laid paving or turf needs a few days to settle in, so you might need to remind people not to frolic on the lawn right away!
How Do You Like Your Tea?
For tradesmen, the most important question of all! In all seriousness, we do need to stay hydrated while we work, and the more you can help us with that, the better!
At CMA Garden Design, we are always happy to answer any questions you have and work closely with you to ensure you are informed and comfortable at every stage of the work. We pride ourselves on our high-quality work and dedication to customer service, so you can be confident in your choice of a landscaper. If you would like to know more, just get in touch with the team today.
