Need a landscape contractor for your North Texas yard? Here’s what you should do.

Landscape contractors are, on the one hand, out front for all to see. On the other hand, they’re somewhat behind the scenes. They’re hard-working people who install and maintain some of the finest commercial and residential landscapes, large and small, yet you may not even know who they are.

Landscape contractors don’t have conspicuous storefronts. Most work out of their trucks. They often come and go in a day’s time, perhaps while you’re at work. What you see is the result of their labor: a beautiful, manicured landscape that radiates joy and pulls just a little bit of envy from all who pass by.

Let’s assume that you’ve decided to hire the help of a landscape contractor in a redesign of your gardens after the last two brutal winters and the biblically hot, dry summer that separated them. Where do you start? How can you find a good one?

Ask a friend or neighbor

If you know someone who has been really happy with the work a landscape contractor has done at their house or business, ask who it was that they hired. They’ll most likely be proud to show you the details of the work that was done — what looked best and what, if anything, went wrong. Ask how long they have been using that company and if the same person has been serving the account. Ask if they have been responsive to their needs and if they feel they have been timely in providing services promised.

Other examples of outstanding landscapes

Beyond people you know (friend or family), don’t be timid about knocking on doors where landscapes are lovely. People are flattered by such inquiries. Or leave a note with your phone number or e-mail asking who does such nice installation and maintenance. In fact, as you walk to the door, there may be a small sign giving credit to the responsible company.

Referral from a local independent garden center owner

Nursery professionals know what companies in their area do the best work. Look, in particular, for a nursery that also has a wholesale division “out back” where they sell in larger quantities to landscape contractors. They will be completely aware of the most creative and credible companies, and they’ll probably have several business cards and names to give to you. They may even know some of the local addresses to which they have delivered their plants so you can drive by to see how the design, installation and follow-up maintenance have all worked out.

Member of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association

I’m a real supporter of TNLA, and in particular of Region 5 (Fort Worth and westward). These hard-working men and women have banded together for the good of their industry and in support of their communities. It’s wonderful to watch them join arm in arm as a team to do great things for the Metroplex. As a 40-year volunteer at the Denton State Supported Living Center, I’ve been able to watch firsthand their hard work and teamsmanship. Thank you!

TNLA has undertaken certification programs for the various parts of their industry. Texas Certified, and Texas Master Certified Nursery Professionals have studied long and hard hours and passed difficult exams covering all aspects of horticulture. Along a similar line, there now are Texas Certified Landscape Contractors. Look for these professionals’ name badges and for the Certification emblems.

Specialty contractors

This is a fun group of men and women who have decided to specialize in some particular segment of the landscaping industry. I could probably list 50 or more categories, but some put in water gardens, while others do landscape irrigation. You have stone masons, paving contractors and companies who lay interlocking concrete pavers. There are deck builders and fencing firms, even companies that put in underground fencing for dogs. Tree service companies even landscape illumination within trees. When we get into a rainy season again you’ll begin to hear ads for companies that can improve landscape irrigation problems.

If you hire a general landscape contractor, he or she may feel the need to hire one of these specialists to provide the best of overall services. That’s commonly done, and that’s all the more reason to find a great landscaper from the outset. Good people know good people and hire them.

When if comes time to interview

This is when you sit down with your finalist(s) and decide if you’re ready to do the hire. You’re going to be a team working toward a common goal, and you need to feel like that contractor will hear your desires and react to them in a positive way. But you also want someone who will bring creativity to the design table.

Discuss what level of involvement you want the company to have. Is it just design and plant, or will you be looking to them to maintain things after they’re planted as well? Perhaps you’d like to take care of the color program while they do the routine mowing and pruning. Have that understood and contracted beforehand. Determine who the lead person (your main contact) will be and how accessible he or she will be to you as this all unfolds.

You’re about to begin what should be a really exciting and pleasant journey. Do your homework and make your selection carefully. By starting now you’ll be ready when spring blows on in.

You can hear Neil Sperry on KLIF 570 AM on Saturday afternoons 1-3 p.m. and on WBAP 820 AM Sunday mornings 8-10 a.m. Join him at www.neilsperry.com and follow him on Facebook.