Whether you’re managing an office complex, retail center or mixed-use property, the grounds need to be well-maintained, and you don’t have time to do it all. Outsourcing commercial landscape maintenance frees up your staff to handle facilities-related issues. And if you do not have an in-house maintenance crew, enlisting a third-party partner is critical. Learning how to choose a commercial property maintenance company is essential to ensure the long-term beauty and functionality of your property.
Services can vary significantly when comparing landscape maintenance companies for your commercial property. A commercial property landscape maintenance company handles lawn care tasks like mowing, edging, trimming trees and shrubs, leaf cleanup, fertilization and weed control. The landscape firm might also install plants and provide other property enhancements like creating patio spaces, building fire pits and water features, or seasonal decor.
So how do you choose the right commercial landscape maintenance company? And what mistakes should you avoid when hiring a maintenance provider to care for your grounds? Here are five tips.
Top 5 Tips on How to Chose a Commercial Property Maintenance Company
Services & Scope — Align with a Maintenance Company that Suits Your Needs
Each property is unique, and you want to hire a commercial maintenance provider with the capacity, equipment and experience to manage lawn care on your grounds. While vetting companies, be sure to review the services they offer. If you go with a mowing company that cannot handle other aspects of property maintenance like irrigation or enhancements, you’ll have to go through the entire process of finding a different contractor for those specialties. When you hire a full-service landscape firm like Neave Group, you can streamline operations by working with one vendor for all your property maintenance needs.
Check for Licensing and Certifications
Landscaping can be a relatively easy-entry business, so plenty of fly-by-night contractors do not hold proper insurance or licensing. Request proof of insurance and inquire about industry certifications because hiring a commercial maintenance company without these credentials is a major liability. Some to look for include Certified Landscape Technician (CLT), Certified Pesticide Applicator, Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, and Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT). Hiring a commercial maintenance company without these credentials is a significant liability.
Find Out How the Landscape Provider Trains Crews
In a tight labor market like we’re experiencing now, some lawn care companies will hire anyone just to get their jobs done. That’s not the kind of property maintenance company you want to hire to care for your grounds. Lawn care and landscaping involve operating large equipment, diagnosing turf and plant health issues, and problem-solving. A quality provider will have a training program, including weekly safety tailgate meetings and ongoing education so crew members can advance their skills. When a maintenance company invests in training, its team is prepared to deliver consistent, high-quality service.
You Get What You Pay For — Steer Clear of Low-Ball Pricing
You have a budget for property maintenance and want a fair provider. The lowest-priced commercial landscape company is probably cutting corners. Compare bids apples-to-to-apples. You could pay more for the “least expensive” contractor because of the additional services you need. Be specific when requesting a bid and ask the property maintenance companies to detail every line item.
Request a Free Site Assessment
Be wary of companies that try to get you to sign up or agree to a contract without visiting your property to walk the site. You might think they’re offering a real deal over the phone, but does the company truly understand the scope of work and your property’s dynamics? It’s better to budget for a realistic service cost than take the lowest-priced offer and end up paying more for add-ons not scoped into the service agreement.
Experience the Neave Property Maintenance Difference
If you need high-quality, elegant and efficient service, then we’re the experts you can trust. At Neave Group, we offer landscape services for commercial properties and know exactly what it takes to make a long-lasting impression. Plus, we take away the stress and hassle of working with outside contractors and serve as your only point of contact for every project.
We’ll collaborate with you to develop a customized plan that meets your specific landscaping style, needs and budget. Our experienced team will oversee every aspect of the project, from landscape design to installation and maintenance, ensuring that your commercial property looks stunning all year round. With our extensive range of landscape services, including planting, irrigation, hardscaping, decorative features and outdoor lighting, we can transform any outdoor space into a welcoming and visually appealing environment.
If you’re in the Hudson Valley, call us at (845) 463-0592. If you’re in Westchester County, call (914) 271-7996; from Connecticut, dial (203) 212-4800; from New Jersety, dial (201) 591-4570. Or, fill out our contact form, and our team will contact you about setting up your free consultation.