Landscaping Companies

What Services can be provided by Landscaping Companies?

Since there are many disciplines that can be included as part of landscaping it is important to measure each one on their own merits. The following list outlines the skills and services we would expect to be provided by any company listing themselves as a landscaper. This list is not exhaustive but the danger is that it could get too long if every niche service provided by landscapers was included.

Decking

The fully supply and installation of timber and composite decking. Timber should also include hardwood timber decking, which whilst not the most popular is an expensive deck finish that is more often selected as part of a wider landscaping project. This should also include the ability to fit composite decking on proper composite structure, not just being able to fit composite decking onto timber frames.

Fencing

Again the installation of both traditional wooden fencing and composite fencing - especially to provide a match to the decking. Competent composite fencing installers should be comfortable installing the different type of fence posts that come with composite fencing.

Gates

This should focus on the fitting or gates not their manufacture. However, landscapers should be competent at installing both pedestrian gates and driveway gates. They should be able to install metal gates, composite gates as well as wooden gates. They should also have the knowledge and capabilities to fit sliding gates.

Grass installation

This encompasses both relaying or re-seeding traditional turf as well as the installation of artificial grass. Best practises for both should be applied by all good landscapers.

Wooden Structures

This can be broad to include the installation of gazebos and pergolas - which again can be manufactured elsewhere. It should also include competency in the use of sleepers both the provide edging to lawns

Patios & Driveways

This may be a little contentious and there may be some movement regarding the competency to install all types of driveways as resin, tarmac, block paving and imprinted concrete as each has their own nuances regarding installation. However, all types if pavers should be catered for.

Garden Design

Whilst this may be subcontracted this is a must have for all landscapers. The method and costs of landscaping designers can vary widely from hand drawn to computer aided 3d modeling.

Metrics and Charts for Landscapers

It probably makes sense to show performance charts for Landscapers on individual jobs as well as a more general classification for landscaping as a while. To do this a decision needs to be made as to how many individual components can be defined as a landscaping job. For our purposes we will take any three of the above discipline to classify as a general landscaping project.

In terms of landscaping design this warrants it's own category as there can be different levels of designs and charting the quality of these can provide comparisons and can the closeness of the finished project to the design. However, there would need to be a caveat that allows for client changes that cause a deliberate deviation from the design. These variations need to be excluded so not to penalise a landscaper who is essentially providing excellent customer service!