This is the ninth installment of 11 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaping Company which can also be downloaded as a free eBook.

You’re finally there! You’ve hired a professional landscaper, researched their credentials and portfolio, asked lots of questions and chosen your final landscaping plan. After the final review of bids and warranties, you’re confident about moving forward with your chosen provider. It’s time for the Fort Myers landscape installation process to begin.

This is the fun part! Your landscaper, knowing both your personal preferences and optimal growing conditions of your area, will begin to transform your yard. Depending on the Fort Myers landscape you’ve chosen, the installation process and timeline will vary. However, in general, the process will be as follows:

• The landscaper will remove unwanted landscaping and bring in any new materials needed.
• Groundwork is installed. This includes anything like sprinkler systems or hard rock features.
• Plants, trees and sod are installed; other decorative features are added.
• You and your landscaper will do a final walk-through of your yard.

The final step is one of the most important. The walk-through is your chance to confirm that your landscaping reflects your original plan. If anything doesn’t meet your satisfaction, this is the time to speak up. If you have any questions that weren’t already answered, ask your landscaper now. It’s your responsibility to water your plants and to keep them alive and well.

No matter how big or small your project may be, we can provide you with the necessary information to maintain your yard. Don’t hesitate to contact us even after the project is finished. R & R Sprinkler & Landscape, our Fort Myers Landscape company, offers excellent landscape services which include: landscape water features, landscape lighting, outdoor living spaces and so much more! If you have any questions or if you would like more information call 239-772-2607, or follow R & R Sprinkler & Landscape on Twitter.

-Mike

This is the eighth installment of 11 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaping Company which can also be downloaded as a free eBook.

A couple months ago, your landscaper planted a lush ficus hedge along the side of your yard. It looked great for a week or so. Now it’s brittle and dry. Who’s to blame?

If you followed the proper watering schedule (prove it to your Naples landscaper by pointing out the green grass nearby), then you should be entitled to replacement of the dead material. But, don’t expect every landscaper to abide by this common sense. To protect yourself and your landscaping investment, you’ll want to hire a provider that offers a landscaping warranty.

You should get a 100% guarantee for the first year after shrubs or trees are planted. It’s still your responsibility to water plants regularly. You’ll also have to fertilize, trim, prune and weed.

Check to see whether your Naples landscaper provides a written warranty. It should certify that all landscaping installation is done according to plan and with the materials that were specified in the original bid. If irrigation is included in your landscaping project, it should also be under warranty for at least one year.

Most warranties will not cover problems that are caused by homeowner negligence, adverse weather conditions or acts of God. But a good warranty should assure you your provider takes ownership and pride in their landscaping work.

Our Naples landscaping company’s goal is to provide you with the highest quality product and professional standards that everyone deserves. See what our satisfied customers have said about our company. To learn more about us or to receive a quote for your new landscape, contact us online, call 239-772-2607, or connect with R & R Sprinkler & Landscape on Facebook.

- Mike

This is the seventh installment of 11 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaping Company which can also be downloaded as a free eBook.

Always have your Cape Coral landscaper make a personal visit to your property for a visual inspection. Walk through the yard with them, and point out areas that concern you. This is the perfect time to repeat your needs and wish list. Make sure that you’re both on the same page. This helps your landscaper give you the most accurate bid. If you’re interviewing multiple landscapers and aren’t specific enough during this walk through, you won’t be comparing apples to apples. What else should you expect?

After the visual inspection, your landscaper should give you a detailed description of the work that needs to be done. He should also provide an estimated time frame for the beginning and completion of the work. If the landscaper doesn’t give you the bid immediately after the inspection, ask how soon you can receive a bid.

When you have multiple bids for a job, you may want to consider more than just the bottom line price. If a bid sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The low-ball landscaper could be using inferior materials or uninsured helpers. Be wary! If a bid is ridiculously low, ask why the price is so different. In southwest Florida, unlicensed handymen have been known to steal plants from model homes and turn around and sell them to unsuspecting homeowners. If you have properly vetted your Cape Coral landscapers before they bid, you’ll be able to avoid some of these problems.

When comparing landscaping bids, you should also consider the estimated time frame. Will the job be started and completed in a reasonable amount of time? If a landscaper is in high demand, it may take slightly longer for the work to be completed – but the final product could be much better. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of each bid carefully.

When you have picked the winning bid, remember that you should never have to pay the full amount up front. You might be asked for one-third or half of the money up front. If your landscaper asks for the entire amount before starting work, consider it a red flag, and reject their bid.

We will provide you with a fair and honest bid, get a quote online today! Our company R & R Sprinkler and Landscape, a Cape Coral landscaper, offers excellent landscape services which include: landscape installation, landscape water features, landscape lighting, outdoor living spaces and so much more! If you have any questions or if you would like more information contact us online, call 239-772-2607, or follow R & R Sprinkler & Landscape on Twitter.

- Mike

This is the sixth installment of 11 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaping Company which can also be downloaded as a free eBook.

You should never hesitate to ask your Fort Myers landscaper questions. Always keep the lines of communication open. When you know what’s going on with your landscaping, you’ll not only be more satisfied with your yard, you’ll also be more knowledgeable for your future projects. Here are just a few sample questions to get you started. Do some brainstorming and you may come up with some of your own!…

• What type of soil do I have and how will that affect the landscape?
• What type of mulch is being used? How often should it be updated?
• Will my current irrigation system be sufficient for my landscape plans?
• How large will my new plants/trees grow? What sort of maintenance is required?
• How do I protect my landscape during hurricanes or freezes?
• Do I need to fertilize? How often?
• Which products should I use to maintain my outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or entertainment area?
• What’s a realistic budget for my landscape? How much will I spend on maintenance?
• Are your costs competitive with other Fort Myers landscapers?
• What should I do if I notice weeds or insects taking over my landscaping?
• How can I make my landscape environmentally friendly?
• Will this landscaping improve the resale value of my home?

Of course, these questions are not the first ones to ask. Before you get started on a major landscaping project, be sure to check the insurance and licensing credentials of your provider (see tips two and three).

When you’re asking questions and educating yourself about landscaping, you’re more likely to enjoy your yard to the fullest. And you’re less likely to be surprised by unexpected.

Are you looking for a Fort Myers Landscaper that provides services such as water features and lighting? R & R Sprinkler & Landscape is the company for you! Our landscape design team knows the right landscaping elements for our Florida climate, their knowledge of landscape installation ensures the longevity of your plants. We are dedicated to making your landscape dream a beautiful reality! You can always ask us questions. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, RandRSprinkler.com or call (239) 772-2607.

- Mike

This is the fifth installment of 11 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaping Company which can also be downloaded as a free eBook.

Before undertaking a major landscaping project, do your research so that you can be happy with the final product. If you’re making an investment in your yard, don’t settle for second best.

Start with a vision for your yard. Look in nice neighborhoods to see if there are any specific plants or designs that appeal to you. Check out home and garden magazines for inspiration. You can even search online for Sanibel landscape drawings and diagrams. You can get a little crazy in this “dreaming” phase. Later, your landscaper will be able to tell you which ideas will and won’t work in your yard.

Here are some things to consider when planning your perfect Sanibel landscape:

• What kinds of flowers and plants do you like? What colors will work with your home?
• Do you want special extras like a courtyard, deck or water features?
• Would you like natural stonework to provide tranquil sounds of a waterfall?
• Do you need to allow lots of extra room for pets or kids to run around?
• Do koi ponds or other water features appeal to you?
• Are you willing to spend time maintaining the plants, shrubs, & trees in your yard?
• Do you want flowering plants that appeal to butterflies?
• If you plan on entertaining, an outdoor structure such as a lounge is a good option.
• Do you want space to grow fruits or vegetables?
• To highlight your new trees and features, would outdoor lighting interest you?
• What landscaping do you really dislike? What do you want to avoid?

Be as specific as possible when you are planning your landscape. If you carefully consider your needs before the project starts, you will save time and money by not backtracking or adding elements at the last minute.

R & R Sprinkler & Landscape, a landscaping company serving Sanibel, has plenty of landscaping ideas for you to choose from. As we complete new jobs, we’ll post photos on Facebook. If you would like us to help you plan and build your dream landscape contact us online or call 239-772-2607.

-Mike

This is the fourth installment of 11 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaping Company which can also be downloaded as a free eBook.

After you’ve checked the insurance and licensing credentials of your potential Bonita Springs landscaper, it’s time to ask for references. A reputable, local provider should have several references. Ask for at least three, and contact the homeowners on the list. Ask a lot of questions like:

• What were the pros and con’s of working with this landscaper?
• Were you satisfied with the knowledge and skill level of your provider?
• How did your yard look after the work was complete? How long did it look that way?
• Did your landscaper communicate plans with you and notify you of updates or changes?
• Were there problems? If so, how were they resolved?
• Was the crew closely monitored by a supervisor?
• Did you sign up for regular maintenance?
• Were you happy with the overall cost of the job?

The next step in reviewing your potential Bonita Springs landscaper is to evaluate their portfolio. A good portfolio will include drawings, landscape plans and photography. Be sure to look for images in the portfolio that will apply to your project, ones that are similar to yours in size and scope.

Do you like the aesthetics of the yards in the portfolio? Be sure to make notes on what you really like and what you hate – this will put you a step ahead when it comes to planning your own job.

Are you interested in improving your landscape? R & R Sprinkler and Landscape, a landscaping company serving Bonita Springs, offers excellent landscape services which include: landscape installation, landscape water features, landscape lighting, outdoor living spaces and so much more! If you have any questions or if you would like more information contact us online, call 239-772-2607, or follow R & R Sprinkler & Landscape on Twitter.

-Mike

This is the third installment of 11 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaping Company which can also be downloaded as a free eBook.

Of the 50 states in America, 49 of them require landscapers to have a professional license. (Good luck to those of you living in Oregon!). Always ask to see a landscaper’s license to be sure that you’re getting professional work done on your yard. If the Cape Coral landscaping company doesn’t have a copy of their license, ask them for their license number. Then search on one of the local county websites to see if the contractor is registered and the license is active and up to date.

What are the consequences of using an unlicensed Cape Coral landscaping company? There is no end to the variety of disasters that you can invite by hiring an unlicensed contractor. For one thing, the incorrect use of pesticides can put your health at risk. Scientific research has linked pesticides to Parkinson’s disease and liver cancer.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services states that:

“Anyone using or supervising the use of restricted use pesticides on agricultural or related sites in Florida needs a restricted use pesticide license. Also, a license is required of anyone who aerially applies any pesticide in Florida to agricultural or related sites. Agricultural and related sites include but are not limited to the following areas: farms, plant nurseries, livestock, forests, ornamentals and turf not associated with structures (such as golf courses, parks, and cemeteries), right-of-way areas (along highways, railroads, pipelines, etc.), soil and greenhouse fumigation, raw agricultural commodity fumigation, aquatic weed control, wood treatment, seed treatment, sewer root control, use of antifouling boat paints, treatment of swimming pools with chlorine gas, demonstration and research using agricultural or related restricted use pesticides, and regulatory use of agricultural or related restricted use pesticides.” License types available are Private, Commercial, and Public.

In addition to a license from the state of Florida, there are may be other local and county requirements that apply to landscapers. In Lee County, all professionals must formally register their landscaping business with the county. This certification is not active until the business has at least one employee complete a training course.

Are you looking for a Cape Coral landscaping company that provides services such as water features and lighting? R & R Sprinkler & Landscape is the company for you! Our landscape design team knows the right landscaping elements for our Florida climate, our knowledge of landscape installation ensures the longevity of your plants. We are dedicated to making your landscape dream a beautiful reality! If you have any questions or if you would like more information contact us online, call 239-772-2607, or follow R & R Sprinkler & Landscape on Twitter.

- Mike

This is the second installment of 11 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaping Company which can also be downloaded as a free eBook.

If you’ve made the decision to use a landscaper, it’s incredibly important to check them out. You should never hire a Naples landscaping company that doesn’t carry insurance.

Ask your landscaper if they have Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Liability Insurance protects a landscaper from being sued for negligence or injury. Workers’ Compensation Coverage covers workers who hurt themselves while working on the job. When your landscaper has insurance coverage, they will pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other unexpected costs of an accident.

Remember to always ask to see proof of insurance. Read the documents carefully and ask yourself these questions:

• Is it current? Check for the expiration date.
• Does it list the correct agency/organization name?
• Does it look legitimate? If it arouses even a small suspicion, you should call the insurance provider to double check.

What can happen if you don’t use an insured Naples landscaping company?

If your landscaper or one of his workers is accidentally injured while working on your property, you could be held responsible. If they purchase materials that are used on your property but haven’t paid for them – the original supplier can sue you for the cost. They even have the option of putting a lien on your property until they are paid.

By the same token, subcontractors or other workers on your landscaping job can sue you for wages if they were never paid.

By hiring fully insured landscaping professionals, you can protect yourself, your home and your wallet.

Our Naples landscaping company is fully licensed and insured. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality product and professional standards that everyone deserves. See what our satisfied customers have said about our company. To learn more about us or to receive a quote for your new landscape, contact us online, call 239-772-2607, or connect with R & R Sprinkler & Landscape on Facebook.

- Mike

WHEN:  Sunday, November 6th, 2011 at 2 a.m.

What does Daylight Savings Time have to do with my Irrigation System?

You will need to reset your Timer’s clock or risk receiving a fine by your local government for watering outside the allotted times.  Remember it is the clock; not the start times programmed for each zone.

As the old saying goes “Spring Ahead and Fall Back”.  You’ll need turn your Timer Clock back by one hour.  Do not forget to check for AM or PM.  This is commonly overlooked, and then you’ll wonder why the sprinklers go on during the day when they should go on during the night.

If you are anything like us, we do this so infrequently that we forget how to change the clocks.  We, at R & R Sprinkler & Landscape will come out to do this for you for a onetime charge of $39.00.

Just contact us online or call the office at 239-772-2607 to set an appointment.  We will schedule a technician to come to your home, adjust the Timer for you, and show you how it is done for the next time.

You’ll not only gain an hour of sleep, but you can rest easy knowing your Irrigation System will still run on its scheduled time.

-Mike

This is the first installment of 11 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Landscaping Company which can also be downloaded as a free eBook.

If this is your first landscaping project, you might be tempted to save money by doing the work yourself or hiring an unlicensed contractor to help. The problem with this strategy is that you could be wasting both time and money with the wrong landscaping decisions. Sometimes fixing a “broken” landscape (removing dead shrubs, trees and more) can cost you more than you saved by doing the job yourself. Why could it cost you more?

Amateur landscapers usually have problems determining the right amount of sunlight and water that different flowers, shrubs and trees require. Another problem crops up during severe southwest Florida thunderstorms that can rip out new landscaping. In extreme scenarios, landscaping done near your house could cause damage to your foundation if the drainage isn’t properly planned.

If you’re really determined to do it yourself, do as much research as you can before putting anything in the ground. Don’t rely on employees at home improvement stores or local chains to be landscaping experts. They can give you general directions, but won’t be as knowledgeable as the true professionals. An expert Fort Myers landscaping company knows:

• What works best in your local soil and climate
• How to work with areas of shade and light
• Which flowers and plants work together and which combinations to avoid
• How to vary the distance between plants, accounting for their future growth and spreading roots
• How to plan for technical elements like drainage, grading and pitching
• What landscaping will meet your long-term goals for a beautiful, functional yard

If you work with a professional Fort Myers landscaper, you can give them your “wish list.” From that point, they can guide you to the right choices that will make your home look fantastic… and that will last for years to come.

Our Fort Myers landscaping company, can offer you: landscape installation, landscape water features, landscape lighting, outdoor living spaces and so much more! If you have any questions or if you would like more information contact us online, call 239-772-2607, or follow R & R Sprinkler & Landscape on Twitter.

- Mike