I'm curious about the warranties that landscapers provide for their projects and plantings. When planting, do you typically use smaller 3" plants or do you go for more established ones? If you do use the smaller plants and they happen to die or get eaten by animals within a couple of months, will you replace them for free? I'm trying to figure out what the standard practices are regarding this. I understand this is something that should be discussed upfront or included in a contract, but I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to landscaping, so I would appreciate any insights!
3 Answers
In my experience, we rarely use plants smaller than one gallon, aside from groundcovers. Our warranty usually lasts about 30 days, just to make sure the plants were healthy when we planted them and that they were installed correctly. I usually don't guarantee against issues like animal damage or severe weather. If a client tells me their plants didn't come back, I sometimes offer replacements just to keep them happy, especially if I liked working with them.
Most landscapers usually offer a one-year warranty, but it often comes with a lot of exclusions. For example, we cover normal landscape plants, but things like animal damage, negligence, and bad weather aren't covered. It's essential to check with each contractor since their policies can vary. The key is to make sure you understand the terms clearly before starting any project.
I typically offer a one-year guarantee, but only if I manage the irrigation system and the client pays for a maintenance plan. Without irrigation, it's tough for me to guarantee anything. And honestly, most perennials and annuals are excluded from any warranty because they require special care. It's crucial to discuss these terms upfront; if it's not in the contract, it doesn't apply.
That's really nice of you! It definitely makes a difference for client satisfaction.