Don't let yard care become a nightmare

Summer has all but arrived in the Pacific Northwest, and that means lawn care and yard maintenance are at the forefront of homeowners’ minds. Whether there are only simple tasks such as mowing the grass and weeding the flowerbed or there is a big project such as installing a sprinkler system or paving a new patio, many consumers rely on professional help to get their property in tip-top shape.

Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington reminds consumers to thoroughly research companies before choosing one to hire. Doing a little homework now may help prevent trouble later. Between June 1, 2014, and June 1, 2015, BBB received 67 complaints against landscape contractors; one third of those complaints went unresolved or completely unanswered.

Consumers should also be cautious of door-to-door solicitors offering yard care services, and should not feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. Often these solicitors claim to have materials “left over” from a nearby job, and they insist on starting work immediately—leaving a homeowner no time to make an informed decision. However, a legitimate company would have no problem with a consumer wanting to look up reviews at bbb.org and check references before agreeing to a service.

To keep from becoming a victim of a dishonest company, homeowners should watch out for these red flags:
• Door-to-door sales. In general, reputable contractors do not sell their services door-to-door. Consumers should always be suspicious of people appearing at their front door to offer low-cost or free landscaping.
• Leftover supplies and materials. Professionals do not typically have leftovers from jobs. They plan ahead to buy what they need.
• Out-of-state license plates. Scammers may travel from state to state in an attempt to avoid being caught.
• One-time only prices or offers. Trustworthy contractors provide a quote before beginning a job and give the consumers an opportunity to shop around.
• Deals that sound too good to be true. If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Quality landscaping services are worth good money.

To find BBB Accredited landscape contractors, turn to bbb.org. Also check with Washington Department of Labor & Industries, to ensure a contractor is properly licensed.

For those who plan to tackle their landscape project on their own, these BBB tips may help save some money:
• Hire a designer. If budget is an issue, a consumer can hire someone to create a landscape design, and then install it himself over the next couple years.
• Buy the right plants. Fast-growing plants may seem like a bargain, but the time and money spent on constant maintenance may outweigh the initial savings. Consumer should also consider what type of plant works well in their climate. Plants that need full sun may not bloom and thrive in many Northwest gardens.
• Don’t overwater. One inch of water per week is the ideal amount for a lawn. Infrequent watering will not only lower a consumer’s water bill, but it also encourages roots to reach deeper to find groundwater, which makes them stronger.