| Landscaping
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Common Contractor Shortcuts in Landscaping
When comparing landscape estimates, there is generally a reason for
a wide range in prices. Below are a few design practices that could
cause these price discrepancies.
- Using small plant material for entire job - 1 gal and 3 gal. shrubs;
no large accent trees, 7, 15, and 30 gallon accent shrubs.
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Contractors bid in their estimate 5 gal shrubs then bring 3 gal shrubs.
This saves the contractor money and usually means you will get a smaller
shrub. (Note: There are a few instances when a particular 3 gal shrub
looks nicer and is larger than the 5 gal shrub. The contractor should
bring this to your attention and pass on the savings).
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Not hand tilling existing subsoil. This causes poor plant development
and drainage. Saves the "shortcut expert" time.
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Using cheap and poorly amended soil for flowerbed mix. (Saves contractor
money). Promotes slower growth and plant health.
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No soil amendments are used after mix is installed, i.e. organic fertilizers,
pre- emergence herbicides, soil activators, root stimulators, etc.
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Not properly watering in trees/shrubs after planting.
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Not cutting or breaking up roots of heavily rooted or root-bound shrubs,
i.e. azaleas.
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Selecting the wrong plant for the wrong location; choosing a plant
that may outgrow the selected location or not receive adequate light.
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Not properly building raised flowerbeds 6"-8" deep. This
saves contractor money when beds are 2"- 3" deep. The more
new soil the better!
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Not properly planting trees or shrubs (planting too low).
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Not considering site drainage before putting in flowerbeds. (Trapping
water with new beds - not allowing it to flow out).
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Putting dirt too high on the foundation (covering up weep holes).
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Putting dirt too high on fences.
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Putting dirt too high or heavy around existing trees.
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Planting shrubs next to each other that have equal growth habits (not
achieving a layered look when plant starts growing and becomes more
mature).
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Poor plant foliage contrasts or combinations (plants don't look good
when planted together).
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Not considering the color of the house when selecting foundation shrubs
or trees. (Shrub may blend with house and may not stand out as much).
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Not considering low windows when planting shrub.
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Improperly spacing shrubs or trees.
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Planting too close to the house or an existing tree. (Not allowing
for future plant growth and cutting important feeder roots of large
trees).
BAYSIDE
LANDSCAPE SERVICES, INC.
Mailing Address:
1748 South Gessner Rd.
Houston, Texas 77063-1118
E-mail: dwayne@baysidelandscape.com
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