Professional Landscape
Design & Construction

Ten Things You Should Know BEFORE You Choose a Landscape Contractor

1. Make Sure Your Steps, Stoops and Stairs Are Built To Code

A. Too short or too long rise (creates tripping hazards and liability exposure)

B. Every step must have equal rise.

C. Tread must be large enough to accommodate one’s foot comfortably
- we have seen steps from many other’s not built to code
- check with your local building department for your towns code.
(Proscape takes care of this step for you)

2. Existing Concrete Removal:

A. Is existing walk or stoop attached to your home, driveway or other structures?

This can damage existing structures and reflect an increase in your bill. Be aware that often there is deterioration of fascia boards behind existing concrete. These things must be planned for and executed before stoops and walks can be replaced.
Existing Concrete Had To Be Cut To Be Removed From The Site
Hidden Problems Can Add To Job Costs

B. Concrete thickness can vary drastically (we have seen several stoops that are in excess of 4’ deep) additional time, labor, and tools required for these difficult removals. Proscape has never charged an "Add- On".

3. Retaining Walls Require Proper Design & Implementation

A. Proper drainage is a must- drain tiles need to be added

B. Improper excavation and base preparation is the reason most walls fail (with proper preparation – walls can last a century).


Improper Set-back

Improper Drainage- Set-back Not Achieved

C. To retain soil, walls must be built as predetermined ‘back slope’ into your existing hill. Without proper back slope, our Rochester winters have undermined walls within a few years.

4. Patios & Walks

A. Improper base materials used.

B. Improper base preparation.

C. Sub- grade materials used. Proscape uses and recommends Oaks Pavers.

We have tried many manufacturers pavers and wall stones.

5. Plant Materials

A. Every plant requires certain conditions to grow. (its imperative that correct plant species are chosen for your site).

B. Improperly placed plants will usually die within the first year.

C. Soil type, light requirements, drainage requirements, and weather are important factors.

D. Insect and Disease Resistant varieties should be chosen, to avoid future failure.

E. Proper spacing between plants is essential to avoid excessive maintenance eliminates future problems and proper air exchange in the future.
Proper Plant Selection and Care Eliminates Future Problems
6. Education & Experience

A. Our lead designer has achieved a BS from Cornell University and has 27 years experience in the Rochester area. She is also a Certified Nursery Professional.

B. Our Site Coordinator and Installation expert has 23 years experience in Rochester.

7. Memberships to Local & National Professional Organizations

Proscape of Rochester, Inc. is an active member, in good standing, in the following organizations:

A. Better Business Bureau.

B. New York State Nursery and Landscape Association.

C. Gardenscape Professionals Association (formerly Genesee Finger Lakes Nursery and Landscape Association).

D. Rochester Civic Garden Center.

8. You Get What You Pay For

Get at least three bids- almost never take the lowest bid. The contractor usually missed something and you may run into “add on”.

9. Satisfaction Guarantees

A. Proscape guarantees Plant Materials for 1 year from the date of installation.

B. Proscape guarantees 'Hardscaping' for 2 years from the date of installation.

10. Follow Up

A. Your questions & concerns are gladly answered.

B. Care sheet. Every new installation will receive a information sheet which deals with the care of your plantings and/or hardscape.

C. Bed maintenance. Our Bed Maintenance Division will be happy to assist in the care of your plantings on a weekly, monthly, or on-call basis.

D. Specialty services- Proscape is great at sprucing things in the yard up for weddings, parties, etc. Or just getting all your planters full of flowers in the spring. We can even design your 'Patio Makeover'.
©Proscape