You’ve got a lot on your plate as a business owner. Likely the last thing you want to worry about is your property’s landscaping design and maintenance. Because the outside of your business is often the first impression a customer gets of your company, it’s important you don’t blow it! 

Elevate your business’s curb appeal and save time, money, and a whole lot of stress by leaving the clipping, cutting, planting, and upkeep to the professionals! Here are some tips for choosing the best landscaping company for your business:

Know What You Need

Before finding a landscaping company for your business, you must have at least a basic plan for what you want for your property. Consider the size of the area you want landscaped and maintained and the type of plants and materials that need to be cared for. You’ll also need to think about the ongoing services you will need throughout the year, like lawn mowing, mulching, leaf removal, pruning and hedging, grass fertilization, irrigation, etc. 

Knowing what you want will also help you determine what your overall budget will be. Whether you choose to be conservative and go with basic routine maintenance or opt for a full range of services seasonally, consider the money you spend on the upkeep of your property as an investment in your business.

Finally, know that commercial landscaping needs can be quite different from residential. Save yourself time by consulting with companies who have extensive experience in commercial landscaping. 

How to Find Local Landscaping Companies

In most areas, there is no lack of commercial landscaping providers… but not all landscapers are created equal so you’ll want to do your due diligence. Landscaping companies vary in services offered, pricing, and areas serviced. What you don’t want to do is waste time doing a deep-dive research into every company you find. Start off with a Google search – something like “commercial landscapers near me” – and check the results. Companies with great reviews are always a good starting point. Other good places to check online include websites such as Angi and Thumbtack. 

As a business owner, we don’t have to explain to you the importance of networking. Outside of an internet search, one of the best ways to find a great landscaper is to talk to your local business community. Stop by at the places that are always well-maintained and ask them who they use. If you’re at a conference, ask around. Ask in a local business social media group. These word-of-mouth recommendations are often the best way to find a great service provider. You may also learn of companies to avoid this way, which is just as helpful!

Check Reviews, References, & Portfolio

Once you’ve created a short list of landscapers, the best place to start is reading online reviews on places like Google, Yelp, Facebook, and the BBB (among others). These reviews represent real-life customer experiences and, other than word-of-mouth, generally give you the best feel for how trustworthy a business is and how well they treat their customers. Be sure to read the 1 star reviews as well – the way they respond can give you an idea of what to expect should you have an issue.

Next, ask potential business landscaping companies for references. Reach out to prior customers and ask about their satisfaction with the landscaper’s work, reliability, and professionalism. 

If you’re more of a visual learner, you can also ask to see a portfolio of past and present projects. This will give you great insight into their design style and work quality. And it may also give you some good ideas and inspiration for your own property’s landscaping!

Verify Credentials & Local Requirements

As a business owner, you know how important it is to operate safely and professionally to minimize risk. Anyone coming onto your property should be properly licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask all potential service providers about their credentials and qualifications. Likewise, confirm they meet all local and municipal legal requirements. 

Look for companies with memberships in professional landscaping organizations such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) or other trade groups. These credentials show their commitment to industry best practices and standards. You may also want to ask the company for a background check to look for any potential red flags. 

Get Multiple Consultations & Quotes

When you’ve narrowed your list down, it’s time to start getting bids. Reach out to your list and request on-site consultations – a good rule of thumb is to compare at least three options. Go over your specific vision and requirements with each company and ask questions about their processes. These consultations are a good way to get a feel for their communication and customer service skills. 

Once you’ve met with several companies, request written quotes. Review these quotes to compare services, pricing, and potential contract terms. Be wary of any lowballed quotes, as they may indicate poor quality work or hidden costs that may come up down the road. A professional landscaper should be able to provide you with a detailed estimate of the costs involved in your project. This includes materials, labor, and any ongoing maintenance fees. 

—————

Your Action Plan:

• Know what you need – determine your landscaping goals and have a budget in mind
• Research commercial landscaping companies in your area and come up with a shortlist
• Check each company’s online reviews, references, and portfolios
• Verify each company’s credentials and check local requirements
• Schedule on-site consultations and get several quotes
• Choose the best landscaper for you and let them get to it!

Remember that commercial landscaping is an investment in your business. Having a well-landscaped and maintained property pays off in many ways. For business owners, professional landscaping can help you build a strong reputation in your community, will help you to stand out from the competition, and can positively impact both employee and customer retention. For building owners, a well-maintained exterior also improves property security and privacy, and often increases your property’s market value. Most importantly, professional landscaping creates a comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone who visits your property. 

Save yourself the hassle and follow these quick tips to find the best company to handle your business landscaping needs.

—————

At Croy’s Mowing, our landscaping professionals are always available to discuss your business’s unique needs. Give us a call today so we can help you get started with your project!