Is your landscaper qualified to work in your Mornington Peninsula yard?
It’s easy to pick up the phone and call the local gardener, or even to hire a friend of a friend who says they have “landscape experience” but if you don’t find a qualified and licensed landscaper, you’re throwing money away.
Why? Because the Mornington Peninsula has a unique microclimate which differs from Melbourne. Without an experienced, licensed landscaper you risk creating an outdoor space that won’t grow and evolve over time - meaning your money is wasted.
More importantly, qualified landscapers meet the strict conditions laid down by the Victorian Building Authority, keeping you out of legal trouble if authorities find out you’ve had an unlicensed landscaper or gardener working on your property.
But forget about permits and council red tape for a second, because the ultimate end goal is to wake up to a stunning outdoor space for you, your family, and your guests to enjoy, right?
Read on to discover the difference between a gardener and a landscaper. Plus, since your garden is the #1 priority, we’ve included a bonus 4 exciting reasons why a qualified landscaper beats out all other options.
Why should I care about qualifications? I just want a beautiful garden
When it comes to transforming your Mornington Peninsula yard, it’s only natural you want a stunning garden at a price that works for you. Unfortunately, this allows unlicensed cowboys and loose landscapers to push their way into the market with big promises.
Without proper qualifications, licenses, insurance and permits this often ends up with cowboy landscapers running off with YOUR hard-earned money, leaving next to nothing to show for it. Imagine paying a landscaper to lay new turf and being left with a yard that’s patchy, full of holes, and looking like a bomb just went off. That’s the risk you take when you hire an unqualified landscaper.
On the other hand, it’s easy to assume a gardener can get the job done, but there’s a huge difference between a gardener and a landscaper. The easiest way to tell them apart is to think of a gardener as a ‘plant expert’ or ‘softscaper’ - they focus on the health and beauty of the plants in your garden.
In contrast, a qualified landscaper is a ‘garden expert’ or ‘hardscaper’ - they transform your space by drawing up plans and making structural changes like pathways, pergolas and walls.
4 peace of mind benefits of a qualified landscaper
Alright, enough about what defines a gardener and what defines a landscaper.
With over 25 years of design and construction experience, we know you’re keen to get the ball rolling on your new yard. If you’re keen to learn why a landscaper is the best option for you we’ve already written a handy guide you’ll love.
But there are so many benefits of hiring a qualified landscaping team like Foliage Landscaping that we’ve rounded up 4 more!
Read on to discover why asking for a landscaper’s qualifications is the best move you can make.
1. You’ll enjoy stunning results
You look at your outdoor space every day (if you’re lucky you even get time to sit down in it and enjoy a drink or a meal), so it makes sense you want premium results.
A registered landscaper brings peace of mind that the job will be done right and to meet your expectations.
While gardeners may be experts at pruning trees and keeping a lawn tidy, they’re not equipped for building or hardscaping. So if you’re after a new retaining wall, path construction or raised garden bed to grow your favourite veggies, a qualified landscaper is the simple solution.
Curious about the design process? Learn about our Design Service Packages here.
2. You’re legally covered for hardscaping
Looking to clear excess tree stumps, build a backyard pergola and install a new irrigation system?
No worries, a qualified landscaper can do all three. Landscapers often need more than one license to provide their services. For example, they may be required to be a registered building practitioner to legally provide construction services.
If you hire an unqualified landscaper or gardener to help build your dream Mornington Peninsula yard, you may end up with an illegal service. For any hardscape construction in your yard you need a qualified and registered landscape builder to ensure you meet local Victorian council laws and building codes.
DID YOU KNOW? If your landscape is going to cost more than $10,000 and includes construction works, only a landscaper who is a registered building practitioner is legally covered to do the work.
Engaging a landscaper with a building registration guarantees they are experienced, carry all the necessary insurances, and operate a professional business.
3. You’re protected by full insurance
Whether you’re looking to add a retaining wall or redesign your entire outdoor space, there are plenty of people calling themselves ‘landscapers’ on Google, in the Yellow Pages or even recommended through a friend of a friend.
But the risk of hiring an uninsured landscaper can be catastrophic if something goes wrong. From cracked pavements to a broken irrigation system, if a landscaper’s work results in damage or injury then it’s crucial you’re protected.
A backyard cowboy without insurance will leave you high and dry, while a fully qualified landscaper can offer proof of insurance. Asking to see a Certificate of Currency will help you assess whether you’re protected by Public Liability Insurance. Domestic Building Insurance is typically taken out for landscaping projects in excess of $16,000, protecting you in the event of defects or unfinished work.
4. Your vision is created according to a plan
At Foliage Landscaping we work from concept to completion. That means all landscaping projects are created according to a site analysis, design plan and specific roadmap that covers every angle, feature and hardscape.
A reputable and qualified landscaper will typically have a membership with Landscaping Victoria - the peak body representing the landscaping industry. Members are involved in all aspects of the landscaping process across design, construction and maintenance.
So while a gardener may come with 5-star reviews and strong word of mouth, they don’t have the experience with hardscapes (or legal permission to work with them) that landscapers bring to the table.
It’s one thing to know what you want from your Mornington Peninsula yard - and another to actually bring that vision to life. A qualified landscaper has the tools and the skills to get your yard from A to B and bring your vision to life.
Ask us about our qualifications and licenses.
We could happily talk to you about energy efficient landscaping tips or the right plants to suit those cold Mornington Peninsula winter mornings, but we’re equally proud of our standing as licensed, qualified landscapers with Victorian builder’s registration and membership to Landscaping Victoria.
These certifications aren’t always as exciting as choosing a decking material or deciding where to plant your Sticky Daisy Bush - but when you choose a qualified landscaper, you choose the peace of mind option that puts your outdoor space first.
Looking for a qualified landscaper to help with your next project? Call us for expert advice today.