The owner of Carmel Landscapes, a local landscape contractor from the Chagrin Valley, walks you through choosing a professional landscaper.
“No one wants to work anymore” seems to be the consensus when I network with colleagues and recruiters. Is that really the obvious answer though? Do we just relinquish any confidence in a good workforce?
I did my own research and found if this phrase holds true then we never wanted to work in the first place. With a quick google search I find articles dating back to the 1800s with the exact phrase “no one wants to work anymore.” I did some fact checking and the newspapers seem to be legit. One specifically needing extra workers to work in a farm field. So, I think it’s safe to say recruitment in the landscaping field or agricultural field in general has been plagued more so than other fields with “finding good help.”
In this article, we discuss:
- How to find a local landscaper who meets the needs of your property and style
- What questions to ask before hiring any landscape professional
- How Carmel Landscapes finds great employees in Northeast Ohio
- Red flags to avoid when vetting landscaping contractors
- Why the “good help” problem isn’t what you think it is
Know your objective before you call
The most important questions to answer for yourself before you even smash that call button or scroll for days through landscaping ads are first and for most:
- What is your end game?
- What is your objective?
As a professional landscape design company, we will be able to walk you through the challenges you may face when designing and building your outdoor space but we won’t know your objective unless you know it. We may be able to suggest products and services but, in the end, why are you considering these products and services?
Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
- Do you need to solve a specific problem? (drainage issues, unusable slopes, dead landscaping)
- Do you need help designing from scratch or altering an existing design?
- Do you want entertainment space for hosting or a peaceful retreat for relaxation?
- Are you focused on immediate enjoyment or long-term property value?
- How do you actually use your outdoor space throughout Northeast Ohio’s seasons?
- What’s driving this decision—lifestyle change, home sale preparation, or addressing maintenance headaches?
This clarity becomes your foundation for every conversation with potential contractors. Without it, you’re essentially asking someone to solve a problem you haven’t defined.
Quiz your potential landscaper
Ask your potential landscaper what services they offer, and if you have done any research on the matter ask engaging questions that should be answered in ways that align with your research.
The best work is done when the professionals can collaborate and share your vision. It’s not always advantageous to say leave it to the pros or you’re the expert without setting clear expectations. Although our landscape team will themselves be able to create a dialogue that fosters engaging answers, our designers seek to create a partnership that defines clear concise objectives.
Ask engaging questions yourself. Quiz your local landscaper, do they know the plants you want? If it’s a hardscape project, ask them how they plan on building it, and if they have a license or what qualifications they carry.
Our staff are CMHA certified to build any paver patio. In fact, last time I checked one of our members is the only certified advanced SRW (retaining walls) installer in all of Northeast Ohio.
Setting a budget and creating expectations
Set yourself a budget. And let your designer know what your budget is.
Yes landscaping is an equitable purchase, whether it be a simple hardscape or large botanical entertainment area, setting a budget will let the landscaper know almost immediately if your goals can be met with your budget and if not what is the most important aspect of your backyard project and how it can be achieved. If you’re not comfortable with giving your landscaper a budget it could create problems down the road.
They should at least be able to give some economy square foot pricing if you really are just window shopping. Since a landscape project is unique to each client there are no window stickers you can look at.
Be prepared to pay for a design. Designs are part of the project and can help you better understand what you’re purchasing prior to shelling out the big bucks for text on a Word document. Reputable landscape companies will always charge for a design because it requires manpower, research, and administration to outline your goals.
Ask for insurance information. There are a lot of landscapers out there that just mow lawns and unfortunately the professional ones somehow get categorized under the one man and a truck lawn care. Insurance is a must have for anyone working on your property.
Ask for pictures and references. Generally, a website will showcase projects the landscape company has done. But, I know a few great outfits that don’t bother with it. However, they should have a list of references and pictures ready to show you. Online reviews are another great choice for vetting landscapers also.
The real story behind "finding good help"
I think the bigger picture is what are the goals?
What are the goals of the company, and how does that align with the workforce? Are there clear expectations for both sides up front? I think today’s world is glazed over by social media taunts of unrealistic expectations where everyone flies private and a Lambo is parked in the garage as the owner day-trades.
It makes me think of the phrase I hear often: “must be nice.” It’s something I chuckle at every now and then. I just think if someone puts out the risk and sheds the blood, then yeah, good for them, and for those that say “must be nice,” it’s a disservice to their potential.
In college I worked at a help desk for a large company that was a 3rd party to larger national brands. Our team was small compared to the hundreds of associates that populated the general floor, but it played an important role. I used this opportunity to learn whatever I could about my role to improve myself as a person, and not just be a number at a company. I knew my time there was short and didn’t have a future with them, but it was still an opportunity.
I remember working through Hurricane Katrina and helping boots on the ground get vital data points up and running for emergency services. I believe that may have been one of the longest shifts I have ever worked and that was 30 years ago. I think that says a lot for someone who has plowed a time or two in the Northeast Ohio snowbelt.
How we find the next generation of landscape professionals
Landscaping is more than just grunts with a shovel. Finding employees with both high physical and cognitive skills allows us to make a positive impact on both their and our clients quality of life.
When I look through the stacks of resumes sitting on my desk, I find often that they are incomplete and those that are complete or show some sign of experience end up in the “could not get ahold of” pile.
So, I really question the motive of why they submitted a resume in the first place. It seems as though the past few years have given way to those that have become self employed through Uber and the like, jumping from job to job trying to find the perfect job that fits them instead of looking at the career they could be making for themselves.
To be frank, I don’t think I’m going to consider any one candidate that has an employment history longer than OJ’s wrap sheet and I’m not necessarily looking for those that say they have tons of experience. I’m looking for the next hotshot, I’m looking for those that are teachable and value their time with positive reinforcements and a drive to improve themselves every day.
What sets our team apart
Landscaping and construction are physically demanding jobs, and not for the faint of heart. It is not a cozy desk job and just because you like the outdoors doesn’t mean you’re going to like the physical requirements of becoming a professional landscaper.
And maybe these are the types of jobs that people are alluding to when we hear “nobody wants to work anymore.” I do, however, think these are the types of careers that can change the world and sustain the planet we live on and if we focus on the positives instead of the stereotypes, we can foster a healthy career path for the individuals that value their time.
I really look for the cognitive ability to transfer knowledge from one field to another when seeking Carmel Landscapes’ next star employee. Some of my best co-workers are those who were hired with little-to-no-experience but were able to apply their existing knowledge and had a drive to learn their trade.
They aren’t looking for handouts and don’t show up with a “poor me” attitude. Partnered with our inhouse professional development commitment, this really turns your average employee into one that flourishes with the landscape around it.
The bottom line for Northeast Ohio homeowners
The market is always in a state of “buyer beware,” but researching your own project is the number one best practice when purchasing something valuable for your backyard landscape.
The difference between a contractor who shows up and one who transforms your property is in their approach to both their craft and their team. When you’re vetting landscape professionals in the Greater Cleveland area, you’re not just hiring someone to install plants or build a patio… you’re partnering with a company whose values and work ethic will directly impact your investment.
Carmel Landscapes specializes in high-end landscape design, hardscaping, and sustainable outdoor living spaces throughout Northeast Ohio. Contact us to discuss how our team of certified professionals can help create the outdoor environment you’ve been envisioning for your property.
We're hiring!
Carmel Landscapes is seeking motivated, skilled workers to join our team. Skilled laborers are needed for our high-end hardscape projects. Horticulture and landscape technicians are needed to help design, plant and maintain our sustainable, eco-friendly projects.
We value hard work, craftsmanship and an eye for detail, offering competitive pay and full-time employees enjoy benefits and PTO.