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There are a great number of clients that face “renovations” just a few years after landscape construction due to poor installation. Often it is worth asking installers about guarantees. This certainly pertains to hardscaping, including concrete, paver, and retaining wall work. A recent trend, especially on larger commercial jobs, is to require the landscaping company to maintain the project for the first year. This way, any serious installation mistakes can be dealt with in a timely manner without finger-pointing.
Maintenance is a serious topic to consider from the start. If the installation company will provide some or all of the maintenance, ask for the maintenance schedule. Basic lawn maintenance should include weekly mowing, monthly fertilization, weed control if desired, and aeration and/or de-thatching services. Ask which chemicals, if any, will be used on your property, and require the contractor to provide the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each. Be sure to ask how these chemicals could affect your pets and children playing in the yard.
Landscaping is a relatively large investment and involves a lot of hard work. Doing it yourself can be rewarding. However, if you contract some or all of your landscape installation and maintenance, take the time to evaluate all the possibilities. The time spent will pay off greatly. Most importantly, you will have a yard you will enjoy and where you will want to relax.
Kimberly Vogt is a passionate gardener, military wife, mother and swim coach. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and has been a Master Gardener since 2003. She is employed at McShane’s Nursery Landscape Supply in Salinas and can be reached at sp@mcshanesnursery.com.
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