HOW TO HIRE A LANDSCAPER This information is presented as part of the NEW YORK STATE TURF & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER AWARENESS.

You get what you pay for.  If it is "too good to be true," it is usually too good to be true.

WHY SHOULD YOU HIRE A PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR? If you care about our environment, safety and health issues for you and your family, then understand this: Pesticides are safe when used properly by trained and licensed professionals. Misuse can be extremely dangerous to you and your family. This is why the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has a mandatory, intensive testing requirement, and ongoing certification and compliance. Mandatory recertification credits are only received by attending many hours of retraining and update seminars in order to keep this license. This is for your protection. ASK TO SEE THIS LICENSE. Did you know that if someone is working on your property and they are not insured - if they get hurt you are personally liable. We have heard of many cases where this has happened and the homeowner has suffered major personal losses. ASK TO SEE THEIR INSURANCE. You do want a legal, legitimate professional landscape contractor working on your property for many reasons. Keeping your property looking its best at all times, having the ability to identify the many problems caused by insects and disease, proper planting, pruning, transplanting, proper use of chemicals if and when needed, proper plant choices, landscape designs, etc.. These are just a few of the, many reasons for choosing a qualified professional. For the most part, your property is the largest investment you have. Why would you leave it to illegal, unprofessional, uninsured, and unlicensed amateurs? CHEAPER COULD BE A LOT MORE COSTLY IN THE LONG RUN.

Let the Buyer Beware.
The majority of our member; are licensed and fully insured when they join our association, and many are Certified Landscape Technicians (CLT). However, it is solely the responsibility of the consumer to research and determine whether prospective landscape professionals have remained current with licensing, insurance, and any training obligations. Become an informed consumer. It's the best protection you have.	Sound vaguely familiar? You have spent a great deal of money on your property, and you want to increase it's value by beautifying your grounds. You would certainly make sure your electrician, your plumber, and your other contractors were properly insured and licensed.
	Shouldn't your Landscape Professionals be too?

What to look for when hiring a Landscape Professional.

Don't hire someone because they're inexpensive. This is probably the most costly mistake a consumer makes. There is a valid reason why a LEGAL LANDSCAPE business is so strongly regulated by government. IT'S FOR YOUR PROTECTION... When confronted by an inexpensive price, ask to see the information listed below. After this initial review, you will probably understand why their rates are low. Remember, "Often the difference isn't worth the difference." Get an estimate and ask for references. Ask about the following business information: Federal Tax lD Number Registered Business Sales Tax Number Consumer Affairs License A Home Improvement License Liability Insurance / Workman's Compensation Certified Applicator License* Pesticide Business License* * If applying pesticides in New York State Find out how they keep up with industry changes. Membership in a recognized state or local organization means that the company is taking steps to stay current and informed in their chosen field. Ask if they belong to to the NYS Turf & Landscape Association, and ask to see their current membership card. YOUR LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL IS LIKELY TO MAINTAIN YOUR PROPERTY ON A LONG TERM BASIS. MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE, THE FIRST TIME.