CHARLOTTE – Prior to the pandemic, thousands of working families with not a lot of time to spare had to depend on landscape contractors to provide services from lawn mowing and upkeep to full-blown landscape design, installation, and maintenance. Not to mention outdoor living hardscape projects that require expert know-how. We are slowly returning to that time. Oftentimes comes a contract with an agreed-upon menu of services. This is a very common practice especially if there are a range of services to be provided or if a project amounts to a significantly high cost.

Several tips if you are considering contracting for landscaping services for the first time:

1. Depending on the type of services you need, in some cases, ask for pictures of contractors’ work and also ask if you can contact those folks where the pictures came from for a reference. Do this in addition to just viewing reviews, websites, and Facebook.

1. If you’re contracting for year-long maintenance that may include lawn maintenance, pre-emergence, aeration, leaf blowing and collection, etc. make sure you know which specific services are included and monitor if those services are being provided according to the agreement.

1. For special landscape and hardscape projects NEVER, EVER pay in full up front. It’s not unusual to pay a percentage to help the contractor with materials and then a final payment once you are satisfied with the work.

When in search of landscape supplies, whether you’re a homeowner or contractor, Metrolina Mulch Premium Landscape Products is ready to help. We’re located at 3975 Hwy 24-27 East, Midland, NC just 8 miles east of Charlotte, call us at (704) 888-1822, visit www.metrolinamulch.com or Facebook.