A Consumer Perspective on Landscaping

In particular, Mr. and Mrs. "Smith" require too much hand holding and are too willing to shop prices for most contractors’ tastes, so they long for the days when commercial clients comprise the bulk of their business. Yet, if they could find the key to customer satisfaction, landscape firms could probably grow their business beyond their wildest dreams.

Gary Alan has spent as much time as anyone talking to homeowners from all over the country about landscaping do’s and don’ts thanks to his television show The Designer's Landscape show on HGTV. The show’s popularity inspired Alan to launch a newsletter, In the Yard with Gary Alan, designed to educate homeowners about plants, landscaping and general yard care. His experience illustrates the value landscape professionals can offer homeowners.

For example, Alan said one of the most challenging landscape issues for homeowners is basic design. “It seems to me that people struggle with their own properties when it comes to design principles or concepts,” he explained. “For instance, how to arrange plants in their yard and what types of plants to use. And most folks still stick to the straight lines that are present from their driveway/sidewalk/house lines and corners. I'm a great proponent of arcs and curves that give flow and form to a landscape design.”

This sort of need provides contractors with an opportunity to sell. “Don't worry so much about being the lowest price or bid,” encouraged Alan. “Customers are looking for honest contractors who keep their commitments, time schedules and appointments. If you give a fair value for your product and service, customers will recommend you to their friends.”

And plenty of consumers understand the true value of professional landscaping, according to Alan. “While most homeowners want their property to look good and enjoy the compliments that come from friends, neighbors, and visitors, they are more aware then ever that a good looking, neat appearance can make a great difference in resale value and overall property value,” he pointed out.

Still, many homeowners aren’t willing to pay for quality work. Contractors need to be willing to turn these people away as clients. “Many homeowners tend to decorate the inside of their homes as well as the outside,” pointed out Alan, talking about why some individuals prefer to handle their own landscaping. “To a certain degree, they can save money by observing new ideas and concepts that they can add to their own landscapes as they desire or as their budgets allow. And they feel the sense of accomplishment that is achieved through hard work and success.

For more information about Gary Alan’s television show or his newsletter, call 866/400-GARY.