There are so many landscaping companies to choose from in the Valley – how do you choose? Many provide basic clean-up and maintenance services, while others focus on landscape design and installation. There are certain designations available to landscape professionals that can set them apart. Here are some to look for:
Arizona Certified Landscape Professional – Certified by AZ Landscape Contractors Association after completing a two-month training in 16 content areas and passing a written and practical exam.
Certified Desert Landscaper – Has completed a 30-workshop program over 10 months at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.
Certified Arborist – Certified by the International society of Arboriculture after passing and exam on tree identification and care. This certification requires 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years.
Certified Irrigation Specialist – There are four levels of certification, beginning with Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor. Certified Irrigation Contractor, Certified Irrigation Designer and Certified Irrigation Manager follow.
Landscape Architect – This designation requires a BS in Landscape Architecture, apprenticeship under a licensed Landscape Architect and passing a national exam. A Landscape Architect must hold a state license. A Landscape Designer, on the other hand, requires no degree, license or certification.
Depending on what you are looking for in your landscape project, one of the above pros could be just what you are looking for. Anyone can call themselves a landscaper, and no license is required, so there is a wide range of skills and knowledge being offered by landscaping businesses.
