Helpful Hints  Did you know?

Before the Project

  • Contractors must be licensed, bonded, insured and be current with all licensing in order to even give you a proposal. (Search Licenses)
  • If the ad or flyer doesn’t list the 5 digit license number license number then they probably are not licensed. 
  • Irrigation probably will not have any problems for 5-10 years, but plants do die for no reason.
  • You should always hire the contractor that you feel more comfortable with.  This will insure that both parties are on the same page.
  • Pricing for contractors is all over the place, try to give the same request to all bidders and then once you decide whom to go with then try to make minor changes prior to the start of the project.
  • Every job has minor changes once they have been started, so make sure you have an honest contractor that keeps you up to date and informs you if something might cost extra or not.
  • Almost all companies have salesman and then the crews.I personally am involved in all aspects of the company.  So be careful of the SALESMAN who promises the world. Will they be there later when you need them? 
  • If the contractor is not paid in full within a certain time frame he can put a mechanic’s lien on your home.  He can also foreclose on the home in some cases.  
  • Many contractors use the “cheaper materials” that may only really save them a few bucks. I do not understand this thought.  I would rather spend the extra $20, if that, to insure that I do not have to return for negligent items.
  • Las Vegas has different climates within the valley, like the difference between Summerlin and Downtown.  So make sure the contractor takes note of these differences and ask him about this.
  • Ask your contractors many questions, and see if he really can answer them honestly without any hesitance.
  • When choosing the size of plants always go with the 5 gallon shrubs.  It is not that much more money and will insure a much better looking landscape.
  • For the trees, it has a lot to do with your budget. The 24 in" box is the best if you can afford it. If that is too much, for your budget, go to a 15 gallon, no smaller.
  • Plants come in many different sizes so make sure they are placed properly to insure for the future growth.
  • Converting to a drip system will save money over the long run. It will need maintenance periodically.

After the Project

  • Plants die for no reason, so notify the contractor immediately if you notice something odd.
  • Your plants need fertilizer twice per year at a minimum.  Some can go a long time without, but for quality growth and to be beautiful they need food just like you and me.
  • Plants also like a good bath at least once per month.  Here in Vegas there is a lot of dust that gathers on the leaf and needs to be washed off periodically.
  • If you trim plants by hand and not machine they will do much better.
  • If you let them grow naturally they will also grow more rapidly, from my experience.
  • You should have a pro look at your property at least twice per year, they will see things that you may not. This includes setting clocks, looking at irrigation, and plant growth.
  • Irrigation probably will not have any problems for 5-10 years, but plants do die for no reason.
 


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