justjim:
First of all,
Welcome to The Villages, and
Welcome to TOTV!
You will learn heaps so long as you pay 'ttention here!
I think that most would agree: you need to be super cautious with landscapers.
First of all, have a pretty good idea of what you want, especially whether it will suit Central Florida's environment (drought-resistant, frost-resistant, among other criteria).
Second, never, ever, give the landscaper anything major in the way of a "deposit." Suggest that you keep any so-called deposit at no-more-than 25% of the bid's quoted total cost.
Third, do not provide a final payment until you are 100% satisfied with what has been provided to you!
Sadly, many landscapers have earned a negative reputation here in The Villages. However, there are many whose reputation is "perfect." It is a matter of careful research, however.
I frankly won't provide any personal suggestion because of the elapsed time since my first landscaper and that of my last!
SWR
