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PLANET - Professional Landcare Network
Builders Association of North Central Florida
National Association of Home Builders
National Federation of Independent Business
Better Business Bureau of Northeast Florida
 

 

  
 

When it comes to choosing a landscape professional, the task can be rather confusing... so we've put together a page on what to ask and how to go about the process.

A beautiful well-kept landscape adds value to your home as well as your immediate neighbor's homes. Well designed landscaping, like a newly remodeled kitchen and bathroom, can increase the value of your home dramatically. When it comes to selling your home, your front yard landscape is at the core of what "curb appeal" is all about - it's the first impression people will have when they see your home.

A landscaping service or landscape contractor can provide a variety of services. Some may just do monthly maintenance, others may do installation of sprinkler systems, walkways and decks, and others may strictly do landscape design or landscape architecture (design/build companies). And many companies provide some combination of these services.

  
     
 

Key Factors in Your Research Include...

 
 
  1. How long has the company been in business?
  2. How many employees do they have and how many of them will be working on your job?
  3. What languages do they speak (very important that you are able to communicate clearly with the lead contractor and/or employees)?
  4. What services do they provide and what are their specialties?
  5. Find out their contact information, hours of business and the best time to reach them.
  6. What professional affiliations they belong to (i.e. BBB, national or state landscaping associations, etc)?
  7. Are they licensed. Being certified by the state will mean that the service is accountable to you and operating legally. And it normally implies that the employees have passed tests which prove a higher level of education, professionalism, and quality of work.
  8. Are they insured. VERY important. If not insured properly, you could be liable for accidents or injuries during their time on your property. Make sure you check for proof of insurance (make a photo copy if need be). Make sure the company's name is on the policy, make note of what the policy number is, expiration date, insurance company's phone number, etc. It is wise to call the insurance company ahead of time and verify that the policy is valid.
  9. What guarantees do they have, what specifically is covered and the length of the guarantee?
  10. Get at least three references from them. Drive by the locations if at all possible and/or look at photographs of their work. Take notes if necessary. If you feel comfortable, contact the people they did work for and ask questions regarding their overall satisfaction, quality, and if they did what they agreed to do and in a timely manner.
  11. Make sure the company provides a written contract with details of your project clearly laid out and prices for each detail. If you can get a detailed graphical layout of the work as well, do so. Also get a quote on changes or possible problems or unseen factors that may arise during the job.
  
     
   
     
  Our response to these factors  
 
  1. We have been in business since 1989 and incorporated since 1994.
  2. On average we have 18 employees
  3. English and Spanish
  4. Landscape design and installation, landscape consulting, low voltage lighting, irrigation, paver walkways and patios, ponds, mulch, sod installation, yard clean up, and more.
  5. Balsinger’s Landscape Services, Inc.
    7257 NW 4th Blvd. PMB #310
    Gainesville, FL. 32607
    Office 386-462-2564
    Fax 386-462-2593
    Open Monday-Friday from 7:30am-5:00pm
  6. Better Business Bureau (B.B.B.), Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), National Foundation of Independent Builders (NFIB), North Florida Home Builder’s Association (NFHBA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
  7. Yes, we have an Occupational License, Pesticide License, and are a Licensed Dealer of Agricultural Products
  8. Yes, we are fully insured. We will provide information upon request.
  9. Our material and warranties are as follows:
    sod- 6 months
    woody plants and trees- 1 year
    Annuals- 30 days
    Irrigation- 1 year (material & labor), 2 years (
  10. References:
    Alachua Farm Credit
    12300 NW Hwy. 441
    Alachua, FL. 32615
    Contact Kevin Brown
    386-462-4201     		  William’s Brothers Construction
    Archer Road Properties
    P.O. Box 368
    Contact Tommy Williams
    352-495-3006
    Bosshardt Property Management
    5522 NW 43rd St. #B
    Gainesville, FL. 32653
    Contact Tom Leavell for Cricket Club
    352-318-2867     		  Bosshardt Realty Property Management
    5522 NW 43rd St. #B
    Gainesville, FL. 32653
    contact Debbie
    352-240-2713
    Trippe Management
    4400 NW 36th Ave.
    Gainesville, FL. 32606
    Contact Pat Trippe
    352-373-7800    		   McClain Design Group, Inc.
    1843 NW 39th Drive
    Gainesville, FL. 32605
    Contact Dana McClain
    352-372-28086.
    Winn Dixie Hope Lodge
    2121 SW 16th St.
    Gainesville, FL. 32601
    contact Judy Mace
    352-338-0601    		   JOLA, Inc.
    408 W. University Ave.
    Gainesville, FL. 32601
    contact Jackie Owens
    352-377-3430
    Milcon Construction
    4908 NW 34th St. Suite 5
    Gainesville, FL. 32605
    Contact John Conaty    		    
  11. We will provide you with a typed contract including details of your project clearly laid out with prices for each detail.
 
     
  For more information, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or feel free to contact us directly. We look forward to working with you on your next landscaping project!  
       
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