Now is the time to hire your grounds maintenance provider for next year. For many companies, this means accepting bids from competing grounds maintenance providers and choosing the right one. And choosing the right one couldn’t be more important. Because every time you bring in a new company, it takes time to familiarize them with your site. The quality of landscaping goes up the longer a crew is there. The point being, you don’t want to lock in with a company you’ll soon need to replace.

That said, here are some key things to look for, before signing on the dotted line:

+ First on the list is the quality of seasonal flower displays -- this is the “wow” factor I mentioned in the title. Many landscape companies offer mowing and seasonal clean-up services, but where they often differ is in the treatment of flower beds. We put a lot of time and effort into making sure our flowers have impact. We talk about the client’s personal likes and dislikes. We look at the site. Does it have an irrigation system? Are there deer? These factors need to be taken into consideration. We also look at plantings already there, and the surrounding buildings, to decide what colors of flowers are best.

Another important point: flowers should be low-maintenance varieties. I am always surprised when I see geraniums planted in commercial settings. These flowers have to be deadheaded to get the blooms to repeat and then you’re paying extra for maintenance. Wave Petunias and Melampodium are two examples of summer flowers that we plant. These are easy to grow and maintain and they produce lasting, vibrant colors.

Also make sure to ask if your prospective landscape company plants fall flowers, as well, such as Mums, Pansies and Ornamental Cabbage and Kale. Or bulbs for early spring color, such as Daffodils and Tulips.

+ Next on the list to check is the quality of lawn a landscape company produces. All companies mow, but it is the fertilization and weed-control program that makes a difference in lawn care. You want your lawn weed-free and need to know how that is going to be accomplished.

+ A complete grounds maintenance program also includes spring and fall clean-up, where all debris is removed and beds are edged and mulched. Weeding of the beds should be done weekly or bi-weekly in season and pruning of trees and shrubs should happen throughout the entire year.

+ Last, but certainly not least, you want to look at the credentials of the landscaping staff. Who’s doing the designs? Who’s supervising the maintenance? Who’s the support staff? How are they trained? These are questions you need to ask. As an example, Jenn Rall, our floral designer, not only has a Fine Arts degree and an interior design background but has won awards at the Philadelphia Flower Show, as well. Joseph Grayer, our grounds maintenance operations manager is a certified landscape technician. We send our employees to educational venues to stay abreast of the latest equipment and flower introductions on a regular basis. Keeping employees up-to-date is important.

Looking into these details may seem timely, but in the long run, the pay-off is worth it. After all, it’s your property that makes the first impression on your customers, business professionals and employees. Choose a grounds maintenance crew that makes a good one.