What to Look For When Choosing a Landscape Contractor

Selecting the right landscaping contractor can make the difference between a hassle-free, beautiful outdoor space and unnecessary stress. It’s essential to do your due diligence before making your decision. Here are six critical factors to consider:

1. Reviews and Social Proof

Time to dig! Past customers’ experiences can provide valuable insights. Do your research and look for contractors with positive online reviews and ask for references. Check their social media platforms to see examples of their previous work.

2. Professional Certifications

Certifications demonstrate a contractor’s commitment to their profession and guarantee a certain level of expertise. Look for affiliations with professional bodies as well as valid licences, insurance and more.

3. They Understand Your Goals

A good contractor will take the time to understand your vision, whether it’s a complete overhaul or minor changes. They should be able to align their services with your goals and give an accurate quote and timeline based on your specific project.

4. Project Costs

Always get a written estimate from potential contractors. It should include a breakdown of labour, materials, and other costs. Comparing these can help you understand where your money goes and who offers the best value.

5. Project Timelines

Every project has a start and end date, but landscaping projects can be delayed by weather or unforeseen problems. Choose a contractor who can provide a realistic timeline and commit to it.

6. Warranties and Guarantees

Good contractors stand by their work. Ask about warranties on their services and the plants they install. Guarantees can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.

Bonus Tip: Consider Their Knowledge of Local Ecology and Microclimates

When choosing a landscape contractor, many homeowners focus on aesthetics or cost, but overlook the importance of local ecological knowledge. A contractor who understands your region’s microclimates, native plant species, and soil conditions can make all the difference in the longevity and sustainability of your landscape. For instance, they might select drought-resistant plants suited to a sun-exposed backyard or recommend strategic tree placement for natural shade and wind protection. Ecological awareness will improve your yard’s health and reduce maintenance needs and water usage, potentially saving you money and time long term. Always ask about their experience with local environmental conditions.

Want More Information? Grand River Natural Stone is Here to Help

Are you ready to start your landscape renovation project? Contact us and speak with one of our experts today.

The post 6 Things to Look for When Choosing A Landscape Contractor (With Infographic) appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

Good quality topsoil and mulch are among the most important factors contributing to a healthy garden.

For healthy growth, you have to feed your plants and protect them from unwelcoming conditions.

Topsoil and mulch (along with water and sunlight) take care of the feeding.

So how do you know the topsoil and mulch combo your landscape supply store offers is good for your greenery?

Learn what makes a good topsoil and mulch team so you can ask the right questions from your supplier.

Topsoil, literally the top soil

Topsoil is full of vitamins, nutrients and organisms that help plants grow strong and thrive. Good topsoil is teeming with it all.

Generally, all this good stuff rests in the top several inches of soil. So good quality topsoil comes from the most productive part of soil, the top.

Inside your rich topsoil, you will find:

• Microorganisms
• Minerals
• Insects
• Earthworms
• Organics
• Water
• Air pockets

Together, these ingredients keep the soil healthy and feed your plants.

How to spot good quality topsoil

Spotting good quality topsoil for your landscaping projects is easy if you know what to look for.

• Colour: Excellent topsoil should be dark brown or black. Dark colours mean the soil is rich in organic matter.
• Odour: Fresh topsoil should have a sweet smell to it. If it smells old, musky and stale, it’s past its prime. That’s the smell of decaying organics.
• Texture: Grab a handful of topsoil and squeeze it into a ball. When you open up your hand, the soil should easily crumble apart. You don’t want to create a mud ball.
• Fragments: If you easily see big stones, weeds or unwanted seeds in your topsoil, stay away.

When you feel good about your topsoil, move on to the mulch you use to finish your garden.

Natural mulch or rubber mulch?

Cover your topsoil in a layer of mulch to reduce soil erosion, lock in moisture and nutrients, and grow your plants faster.

You can buy natural or rubber mulch from some landscape suppliers.

We only carry natural mulch because we believe it’s the best choice for homeowners and landscapers building a garden in harmony with nature.

What do you get with natural mulch?

• It contributes to the long term health of your soil and plants. Unlike rubber mulch, natural mulch decomposes over time, lending its nutrients to the soil below. This means you have to replace natural mulch regularly (every couple years is good), but your plants will grow more vigorously year after year.
• Your environmental impact is lower than if you used rubber mulch. Petroleum is a main component of rubber mulch, and heavy metals can leach into the environment. Natural mulch is a renewable, sustainable product.
• The earthy appearance you want in a garden. Natural mulch decomposes and fades over time. Some homeowners prefer non-fading rubber mulch. We prefer shredded bark mulch (natural mulch) because it looks less manufactured and ages like it would in nature.
• Your organic veggie garden benefits as much from natural mulch as your flower beds, shrubs and trees. It’s a versatile product that enhances every outdoor planting space.

Now is a great time to buy mulch and topsoil for your summer garden. There’s lots of time for growing and admiring the colours, birds, bees, pesky squirrels and more in your private oasis.

Visit your nearest Grand River Stone location to stock up on your mulch and topsoil today.

The post When to buy topsoil and mulch, and how to know yours is good appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.