I need tips on how to interview and select landscape/irrigation system companies. Questions, pricing, etc.?

Question

I recently purchased an 11 year old home in Fort Worth, Texas. The yard is in bad shape. There is no sprinkler system. The front yard is small & on a slope with a few old oak trees. There is no grass & the soil is washing away down to the sidewalk. Tree shade probably prevents grass growth. It looks as though past watering has been very minimal. A retaining wall would look nice and probably help with the erosion problem. I need something easy to maintain & cost efficient. The backyard is large with mostly weedy bermuda grass, a few scraggly fruit trees & 2 old large oaks. I would rather invest more in the front to add curb appeal, but the back needs a little something. I definitely want a sprinkler system in both front and back. Summers in Texas are extreme. My budget is limited. The sprinkler system ($2,600) will take about half of my available budget. I have no experience in landscaping. Any tips, advice, resources or other information would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Your best option is to ask neighbors, who have nice yards.

Answer 2

A retaining wall will eat as much as the sprinkler system and a bugger to put in with the oaks. An alternative is to use larger stones on the steeper portions....stones at least 7" diameter. On the less sloopy (new word) areas you can plant low and wide spreaking shrubs that tolerate the shade . Your nurserymen or Extension Serive Master Gardeners can help with plant choices. In between the shrubs put down a smaller stone such as a 3/4 inch.

You are right, heavy shade means no grass. An alternative to the stones is to get a groundcover started to knit the slope together.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Since you have no experience in landscaping,or experience in irrigation, lets just assume that you are going to hire someone to do the work.

Texas requires that people who install irrigation systems be licensed. If they are, then they’re also likely to be insured and bonded. Find out if the licensed individual would perform or oversee the work. What good is it to hire a licensed contractor if he never shows up at the jobsite? Also, make sure that they have a written contract and that everything is spelled out for you, work details, amounts, guarantees, timelines, etc. Since you have a budget, tell them that, and tell them what your priorities are, such as irrigation and curb appeal from the front. See what they can offer or suggest. And, of course, it never hurts to get references.

Answer 5

Well read through the standard interview questions and work out what you are going to say. If you are nervous, remember to slow down and smile. Try not to be too intimidated and relax. I have had many bad experiences. I could not even get the words out I was so nervous and this interviewer patronised me and was showing me how to breathe. I get so nervous just this question made me shake. I guess I have interview phobia lol.