Are you delighted with the current landscaping company your subdivision is working with? Here are some tips on looking for the right company for your St. Louis subdivision commonground or HOA:
Quality VS. Quantity
A common mistake that many St. Louis subdivision trustees make to cut cost is to choose a vendor based strictly on cheapest price. Before you make your decision based on the bottom line, do thorough research on each company. Ask for a referral list (and actually call them!) and view examples of the quality of work they perform. An improperly maintained landscape could be cheap at first, but an expensive fix. Also, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Specialized Vendors VS. One Call
A company who has full control of all aspects of the lawn and landscape will have the best opportunity to provide better service. Oftentimes it's easier for the subdivision trustees to manage their outdoor needs when they only have one company that is able to handle anything from the sprinkler system repairs, to installing new plant material, to fertilizing the grass and keeping the pests off the trees. Why call several companies when you can just call one for everything? While at times it may seem more economical to piecemeal different companies together, many subdivision trustees who have done this find that nothing gets resolved quickly and there could be 3 fingers pointing different directions over one brown spot in the lawn.
Personal Touch VS. No Touch
It's important for St. Louis subdivision trustees to ask their prospects about the size of their company and the size of the other St. Louis subdivisions that they maintain to understand if it's a good match. Look for a company that is big enough to handle all the needs of your site, but small enough to care and spend the extra time to make sure you are happy!
Proactive VS. Reactive
Companies that can tell you about a problem or before you know it is there, or prevent the problem before it happens, is a proactive company. These companies will walk the site with you several times per year and keep you updated on the progress of the landscape throughout the year. It is important to find out in advance how frequently (or infrequently) they plan on being around.
Relationship VS. Poor Communication
A lasting relationship is built on great communication. The first clue is to look for a lawn and landscape company that is quick to respond to your initial bid request. These companies will typically give you a heads up when there is a change in plans, and respond quickly when there is a problem.
Local VS. National
Do you know of a company that is already in your area, provides services for a majority of the homeowners and local subdivisions? This company might be the right fit for your subdivision, too! Choosing a company that is already in the subdivision or area means the crews and account managers pass by the entrance almost every day. They can be there for emergency irrigation situations or fix any problems within the next day or two because they are already in the area.
All Inclusive VS. A La Cart Services
Companies will provide a base contract at the beginning of each year to maintain the existing landscape, but plants or irrigation heads will need to be replaced, fungus or nutsedge will need to be treated, and the overall landscape may need to be updated in order to maintain a great appearance. It is important to plan ahead for these extra costs and make sure your company can provide the services for you, or refer you to someone who will best take care of the problem.
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