One of our pet-peeves is the low barrier to entry for landscaping companies. You can see evidence of this at many traffic lights – signs advertising interlock installation for an unbelievable price. They usually are not installed correctly and will fail after one or two freeze/thaw cycles.

Please don’t get me wrong. There are many great landscapers. It is the few that bring down the esteem of the many. To help combat this, we thought a discussion about selecting a landscaper would be in order.

When looking for a landscaping company, consider the following factors to ensure you choose a reliable and competent service.

Check out this from Landscape Ontario.

1. Experience and Reputation

– Years in Business: Companies with a longer history often have proven track records.

– Reviews and Testimonials: Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, and social media. Ask for references from past clients.

– Portfolio: Review their previous work to see if their style matches your vision.

Verdant Landscape and Design Inc. has, believe it or not, almost 100 years combined experience in the Canadian horticulture industry. Verdant is led by what is commonly called “plant geeks”. Verdant’s focus is on quality so we study and follow the Concrete Masonry Hardscapes Association’s (and are also members of CMHA), and Landscape Ontario’s (also a member) guidelines for hardscape installation.

Matt has been working in horticulture and landscaping for his entire professional life – more than 35 years. Matt was trained at the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture. Matt teaches in the Horticultural Apprentice program and is a faculty member at both Humber and Mohawk colleges.

Morgan graduated from Carleton University with a commerce degree and then went to the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture. Upon Morgan’s graduation in 2018 Matt and Morgan formed Verdant Landscape and Design Inc.

Verdant Landscape and Design Inc. has an extensive and impressive portfolio.

2. Services Offered

– Range of Services: Ensure they offer the specific services you need (e.g., design, maintenance, hardscaping, irrigation).

– Customization: Look for companies that offer personalized plans tailored to your needs and preferences.

We are what is some times referred to as a “full service” landscaping company. We custom design every landscape and garden. We install to the highest standards following the Canadian Landscape Standards – set by the Canadian association of Landscape Architects. We are highly trained and skilled horticulturists. Our knowledge of and our use of plant material is exceptional. Once your gardens and landscapes are complete we offer maintenance services for lawns and gardens.

For services we are don’t perform we have a network of trusted colleagues we sub-contract.

3. Certifications and Insurance

– Licensing: Verify that the company is licensed to operate in your area.

– Certifications: Look for industry certifications from bodies like Landscape Ontario, the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

– Insurance: Ensure they have liability insurance and worker’s compensation to protect you from potential liabilities.

While there are no particular licences required to operate a landscape services company we are registered with CRA to collect and remit HST as well as administer our employees pay deductions.

We are members of Landscape Ontario and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. We are also members of The Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture Alumni Association.

Insurance is a huge portion of the credibility portion of a landscaper. There are many “weekend warrior” type landscapers. These part-time contractors likely do not have proper insurance. If one of these people cause property damage or worse, get injured. If your contractor doesn’t have insurance, the liability will fall onto you and your insurance.

We are fully covered by WSIB to protect our employees. We carry $5 million in general liability insurance.

4. Knowledge of Local Climate and Plants

– Climate Expertise: A good landscaping company should understand the local climate and recommend appropriate plants and materials.

– Sustainable Practices: Consider companies that use eco-friendly practices and native plants to promote sustainability.

We have exceptional plant knowledge and know how to work within our climate. We use locally produced compost when planting and finish off gardens with natural pine mulch. We use a native plants where possible.

Our plant knowledge is extensive enough that both Matt and Morgan teach in the Horticulture Apprentice programs at Mohawk and Humber colleges.

5. Design and Planning

– Initial Consultation: A reputable company will offer a detailed consultation to understand your vision and needs.

– 3D Models and Plans: Look for companies that provide detailed plans or 3D models to help you visualize the final result.

We start our design process with an in-person meeting at our client’s residence. When we have a firm idea of what the client is wanting out of their landscape. We get back to the client with our initial thoughts and a rough idea on pricing.

6. Customer Service and Communication

– Responsiveness: Evaluate how quickly and effectively they respond to inquiries.

– Professionalism: The staff should be courteous and professional in their interactions with you.

– Project Management: Effective communication throughout the project is crucial for successful outcomes.

This is a subjective area and would have to be addressed by our customers but we do our level best to keep up with phone calls and emails we receive.

We communicate well with our clients. Once we have agreed on the design and pricing, we keep out clients “up to speed” with the progress of the job. Step one is always calling for locates.

7. Cost and Contracts

– Detailed Estimates: Get detailed quotes that break down costs for materials, labor, and other expenses.

– Transparent Pricing: Ensure there are no hidden fees and that you understand the payment schedule.

– Contracts: A clear contract should outline the scope of work, timeline, payment terms, and any warranties.

Once we have agreed on a design and price with our client we explain the deposit and payment schedules. We supply the client with a contract to be signed and then send an invoice for the deposit. We accept payment by e-transfer, cheque, VISA and MasterCard.

8. Follow-up and Maintenance

– Maintenance Services: Check if they offer ongoing maintenance services to keep your landscape in top condition.

– Warranty: A reputable company should provide a warranty on their work and be willing to address any issues that arise post-installation.

We offer maintenance packages to all of our clients. Our landscape designs can be quite complex and our clients appreciate our maintenance services.

When we first present our ideas to our clients we outline our warranty. We offer limited warranty on all our work.

By considering these factors, you can choose a landscaping company in Canada that meets your needs and ensures your outdoor space is beautifully designed and maintained.