A yard and garden upgrade is becoming as important to Americans as other popular home improvements, such as kitchen and bath renovations. In 1995, an estimated 20 million households used the services of landscape professionals, spending $14.2 billion to improve the area around their homes. However, dreams of a lovely landscape can turn ugly if you don't find a competent landscape professional. So, not unlike the search for an architect or builder, the search for a good landscape professional requires some homework.

The best place to begin is by defining your needs. Landscaping can do wonders to improve your home from an aesthetic viewpoint, by introducing colorful shrubs and beautiful trees and plants. Professional landscaping can also add interest and useful space to your yard through the addition of decks, patios, walkways, and pools.

A landscape professional must have both the knowledge and experience to successfully complete your job. Often, they must be able to take a project from start to finish without overlooking the small details which could doom your whole project, such as a drainage problem or a building code violation.

Questions to Ask
The American Nursery and Landscaping Association (ANLA) recommends that you consider the following when searching for a landscape service:

1. Is your prospect a licensed business? Ask to see if they have a federal identification number that designates it as a real business, whether they have completed any certification program offered in your state, and if they are insured. Their qualification statement should list references, licensing information and association membership.
   
   
2. Do they appear professional? The professional landscaper arrives on time, takes pictures or draws sketches of your property while there, and uses uniformed workers and clean equipment.
   
   
3. What kind of services do they offer? Professional firms usually offer a variety of services, from design and installation to maintenance programs that include color rotations, insect/disease control and irrigation. A contractor who does it all could save you time and money in the long run.
   
   
4. How are their communication skills? It is important that you establish a good working relationship at the outset of the project. A positive approach to customer communications begins with a written estimate which explains what services and materials and plant sizes are provided, for what price, and includes the necessary details of weed control, edging, mulching and cleanup. Be sure to find out their anticipated work schedule, and any warranties for plants that die as a result of conditions within their control.
   
   
5. Do they give you a contract? A reputable firm provides you with a contract specifying start and completion dates. If a deposit is required, the contract could show that the money is held in escrow at a specific bank.
   
   
6. Can they provide customer references and referrals? Referrals can provide an independent source for the answers to such questions as, the number of years the company has been in business, whether they use trained installers and the competence of the on-site supervisor. It is best that you visit a few sites they've worked on before committing to any company.