Spring is here, and many businesses and homeowners are getting ready to revitalize their lawns or begin other outdoor projects. While many people tackle landscaping projects independently, hiring professional landscapers for consultations or special projects can make a significant difference in turning your dreams into reality. However, it is vital to be aware of unethical or fraudulent contractors who take advantage of the change of seasons for their own benefit.
Home improvement scams are a frequent and costly issue property owners across North America encounter. BBB’s 2023 Scam Tracker Risk Report found these scams are the fourth riskiest in the nation, with median losses of around $2,000. In Texas, median losses in 2023 nearly doubled the national rate at $3,625. Consumers between 55-64-years-old had the highest median losses last year, followed by those between 45-54-years-old.
Some of the main issues reported to BBB regarding fraudulent or unethical landscapers revolve around:
- Beginning a project and then abandoning it before it is complete.
- Accepting large deposits or total payments for a project and disappearing.
- Extensive damage to surrounding yard, structures, or systems (such as in-ground sprinklers) that require additional cost to fix.
- Failure to provide promised follow-up services or honoring guarantees and warranties for contracted work.
Hiring the right landscaper for your outdoor project is essential. Find the perfect fit for your needs with these tips from your Better Business Bureau:
Do your research. After assessing your lawn needs, visit BBB.org to find accredited landscapers in your area. Visit their website to see if they offer the required services and check for previous customer reviews or complaints.
Get multiple estimates. Obtain at least three separate estimates from different landscaping contractors. This allows you to see which company best meets your needs and helps establish the standard market rate for the project. Be sure to ask about waste removal and any additional charges. Consider the company’s guarantees, follow-up services, and warranties when determining total cost.
Request an inspection. An estimate may be inaccurate if the landscaper has not examined your yard first. An inspection lets them see your yard and more comprehensively determine what work needs to be done. This can help minimize the risk of additional charges being added after the project is begun that stretch outside of your budget.
Check their licensing. In Texas, landscapers only need licenses if they use pesticides in their lawn care projects. Visit the Texas Department of Agriculture online at TexasAgriculture.gov to check if the landscaper holds a commercial pesticide applicator license before agreeing to that service.
Inquire about insurance. Accidents happen, and even the most skilled arborist may misjudge where a tree or limb will fall once it is cut. Inquire if the company is insured and what accidents their insurance will cover. Keep in mind the scope of work you are contracting the company to do and the potential damage that can occur to your yard, structures, or systems.
Write it down. Get any estimates, contracts, and receipts in writing for your records. Review the contract closely before you sign, and consider paying with a credit card instead of cash or check. BBB recommends staggering payments throughout the length of the project rather than paying a large percentage of the total cost upfront when possible.
For more tips on finding a trustworthy landscaper or other home improvement contractor, visit BBB.org/HomeHQ.
