RINLA Certified Horticulturists
The Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association, in cooperation with similar associations in all New England states, certifies plant professionals exhibiting the highest degree of plant knowledge and experience. The RINLA Certification Program has strict requirements, training and examinations. RINLA Certified Horticulturists are required to maintain a certain number of continuing education credits each year - ensuring they remain the very best! Click Here to seach for a RINLA Certified Horticulturist in your area.
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| Landscape Architects |
These professionals are trained and licensed (in most states) to practice.They are generally the most qualified to guide you through planning and design. Costs for their services range from hourly consultation fees to flat fees for the entire project. Choose a landscape architect to review your design and plan before you begin construction. |
| Landscape designers |
Landscape designers are not regulated or accredited. If you are interested in working with a landscape designer, check references carefully. There are some extremely gifted designers with extensive plant knowledge. Usually they are more adept at formulating planting plans than master planning or designing permanent garden structures. |
| Landscape contractors |
They are not governed by any licensing agency or state regulations -- only standard business practices. Landscape contractors are often hired to install the projects of landscape designers and landscape architects who do not install their own. There are some highly skilled and professional contractors in the marketplace and others who aren't. Discuss who will furnish the materials. Ask for samples of materials that will be supplied by the contractor. |
| Garden center staff |
A garden center is an ideal source for plants and expert local advice. Most staff members are not skilled in planning and design, but a landscape designer may be available. Many garden centers offer a discount on plants if you work with their design service in compiling a landscape plan. |
References. Before looking in the yellow pages or answering an ad, ask neighbors for a recommendation. No sales pitch should be of as much value as a referral from a satisfied friend or neighbor.
Licensing. Each state has licensing requirements for companies that treat lawns for insects and weeds. The state also enforces insurance standards on licensed businesses. Request the company’s or individual’s state pesticide license number to be sure you are dealing with a legal operator.
Bids. Unless you know who you’re dealing with, get bids to compare prices and quality. Never hire a company that doesn’t first provide a detailed inspection and an accurate measurement of your lawn. Low measurements are used by unprofessional operators to provide a cheap price. Such deliberately under-measured lawns will invariably receive substandard service and inadequate material.
Compare guarantees. Although a written guarantee is only as good as the company’s quality control program, it provides some assurance if you have a problem.
Service Agreements. Most companies have a continuous service agreement. When starting service you may be authorizing the company to provide service to your lawn from season to season, and year to year, until you notify them to stop. Be aware of what you are buying and read the correspondence your service provides.
Granular or liquid? Either granular or liquid delivery systems will produce a very good lawn. Avoid companies that promote one method by discrediting the other.
Organic products. Most companies have an organic line of products and make them available as an alternative to, or in combination with, traditional lawn care methods. These companies have a realistic view of what organic products can and cannot do for your lawn. Beware of scam artists that make exaggerated claims about any line of products.
Professional membership. Be sure the company is affiliated with one or more professional lawn care associations. Professional organizations keep members informed on new developments in pest control methods, safety, training, research and regulation. Members agree to abide by a code of ethics. Affiliation with a professional group indicates the company strives for quality in its work.
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A tree professional, or arborist, can assist you with tree planting, pruning, fertilization, repair, disease and insect control, removal and other services. Arborists understand the physiology of trees and base their recommendations and practices on that knowledge. Here are a few things to look for when hiring an arborist:
Finally, keep these points in mind before you make any decisions:
Find an arborist to suit your needs – visit the Rhode Island Certified Arborist Directory at the RI-DEM website: .
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Skill in choosing and laying stone largely comes with experience - lots of it. You are best off going with locally respected masons that have been in the business for many years. The best part of this is viewing their work - if it is quality work it will still look good! If you are looking to save some money you might try finding a mason that has recently struck out on their own - but the track record may not be there. As always, make sure the business you choose is bonded and insured, and licensed where required. You do not want to be left with a pile of unlaid stone in your yard!
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