Spring can be a trying season. Lawns and gardens require our attention under the looming shadow of unpredictable weather and temperatures, leaving you overwhelmed, and at times, helpless. Hiring a landscape provider should never feel this way.

Here are some simple tips to get you started while keeping your sanity and budget in tact:

• Vet, vet, vet!  Research the company’s website, and check out consumer review sites, like Yelp, Google My Business, Facebook, Home Advisor and/or Angie’s List (if applicable), and even the BBB.  Look at overall ratings, then scan for trends or patterns.
• Confirm the company is properly licensed and insured.  Don’t be afraid to ask for proof.
• Look for companies who have professional affiliations, like the ILCA (Illinois Landscape Contractor’s Association).
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Companies offering cheap mowing and landscape services are most likely not licensed or insured, and are likely operating illegally, which can cost you dearly in the end.
• Refuse to be intimidated by lingo, ambiguity, or high pressure tactics.  Many proposals/contracts can be vague and confusing, while using industry lingo to further make your head spin.  Don’t be afraid to push back and seek clarity.  Make sure you understand the cost, proposed work, and terms of the agreement.  Further still, many companies add a lot of fine print that contains important details about the contract.  For example, if you don’t cancel services via a written request, the contract will automatically renew for an additional year.  Read thoroughly, and ask for clarification when needed.
• Conversely, don’t be afraid to sign a contract or agreement ONCE fully understood.  Contract/agreements protect both parties while outlining exactly what has been agreed upon for what price.
• Confirm what services are offered.  There’s nothing more frustrating than having to hire multiple contractors.  Chances are, a landscape company will also offer fertilization, aerations, lawn renovations, and spring and fall clean ups.  Some, like Sweeney’s, also offer mulch and gravel installation, landscape design and install, and snow and ice services.
• Your landscape provider should be easy to get in touch with via numerous platforms, like phone, email or text.  Stay away from companies that repeatedly don’t answer the phone or return calls, emails, or texts.  Ideally, your landscape provider should have a physical office you can visit.  Many “fly-by-night” companies operate illegally in the shadows.

A good landscape provider will not only transform your lawn and landscape, but they can make your life infinitely easier while providing a valued service with the utmost experience, integrity and reliability. Contact Sweeney’s today, and see if we’re the right company for you.

Plant of the Week

New Vintage™ Rose Yarrow

Rosy-pink flower clusters bloom above compact, fern-like foliage June – September.  Prefers full sun and dry soil.  Grows 12-18″ tall and 8-12″ wide.  Deer and rabbit resistant.  Attracts butterflies and other pollinators.

“Nothing is more pleasant to the eye than green grass kept finely shorn.”

-Francis Bacon

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney