One of the best things homeowners can do to spruce up their property is to hire a landscaper. It's an opportunity for a fresh start, and if you find the right person, it can be both a very economical and rewarding experience. If you're considering hiring your first landscaper, there are many important factors to consider before making that decision. Here are seven questions you should ask yourself as well as any potential landscapers:
1.) Have they been in business for several years?

You don't want someone who just started or has been around for only a short time. A professional landscape company will have been in business for several years.

2.) Are they insured?

This is extremely important. Not only do you want to make sure they're fully insured, but you should ask the name of their insurance carrier and what exactly is covered. Then call the company and verify that this landscaper is actually insured.

3.) Do they have references?

Make sure to get several references, then give them a call and see how (and if) the landscapers acted on any suggestions you had for their yard…followed up with them after completion, etc.

4.) Does their business specialize in landscapes or lawn maintenance only?

Lawn care companies typically offer landscape services as well; however, it's best to hire someone who specializes in landscapes (not lawns). A lawn-care company is likely more expensive, and if you're going to hire a landscaper, you want someone who knows what they're doing. Specialized landscaping companies will have the necessary equipment and manpower to handle your project more quickly and efficiently.

5.) Do they have any affiliations?

A professional landscape company will typically be an active member of their local business association. They may also belong or be affiliated with a national organization such as the Association of Professional miami landscaping Designers. In addition to receiving recognition from these organizations, it's another way for customers to verify that this company is legitimate.

6.) How many years of experience does the owner have?

Hiring someone who has several years of experience can be very beneficial—especially if they have industry experience. This person will have knowledge of the latest trends, techniques, best products to use, etc.

7.) Will there be a detailed proposal?

A well-written proposal will include an in-depth scope of work list that is itemized with labor and material costs noted. It should also provide references and pictures of previous jobs (and it should be current within the last year). A professional landscaper will not start work on your project until you've had time to review and sign off on this document that clearly states what they'll do and how much it's going to cost.

Many people do both landscaping and gardening. But what's the difference between the two? It turns out that landscaping is more than just gardening. Here are some of the main points to keep in mind before deciding which activity you want to pursue.
Landscaping vs. Gardening
Landscapers spend less time caring for specific plants, according to The National Gardening Association (NGA). Instead, they focus on things like lawn care, irrigation systems, flower beds, turf areas, and stone or brick walkways. They often use heavy equipment to complete their work; however, many also employ organic methods such as mulch to improve soil quality and conserve water.
Gardeners typically choose specific flowers or vegetables for their gardens, or they may opt to create rockeries. They also focus more on the appearance of their creations than do landscapers.
Landscaping is considered a vital component of groundskeeping in parks, playgrounds, business campuses, and universities. It can even be used to complement the architecture. Garden design is more common for homeowners who want to beautify their outdoor living areas with potted plants or flowering vines, according to NGA.
According to CNNMoney, "Landscape architects are trained in planning street furniture, playground structures, and urban plazas." However, some training does not require an advanced degree. A study conducted by the Labor Department found that most graduates with bachelor's degrees earned about $45,000 annually. Some landscape designers work for car dealerships, golf courses, and spas.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that gardeners earned a median salary of about $25,470 as of May 2011. Landscape architects made significantly more with a median salary of over $56,000 during the same time period. In addition to education requirements, those who want to pursue careers as landscapers or gardeners should be aware that their activities are mostly outdoor jobs that may involve working with equipment and chemicals in all kinds of weather conditions.
Do You Need A Landscaper?
This depends on what type of yard you have and how large it is. Generally speaking, if you live in an apartment and only have access to balconies and roofs than you probably won't need full-time landscapers at all. On the other hand, if you own a huge estate that needs regular care then hiring professionals will definitely be worth your while.
How Much Does It Cost?
If you hire landscapers then they can charge you anywhere between 25 and 40 dollars an hour. While this might seem like a lot, it is actually quite affordable given the fact that most landscaping companies charge per project and not by the hour. The cheapest option is to do things yourself because plants don't require much work at all and will generally stay healthy as long as there's water in the ground.