Denny's Soapbox

Price is Relative to the Quality of Your Landscape

Spring is getting closer. I received my first request for a bid (price) for a spring clean-up and season long maintenance of the landscape around a 10 unit condominium. The request came from one of a 3 member grounds committee responsible for maintaining the grounds for their condo group. I explained that due to many past experiences trying to work with condo groups, I along with several other good landscape contractors unfortunately are not quoting on any of this type of work for a condo group. The reason, I have never met a condo group that doesn’t go by the not-so golden rule that “cheapest is the best choice”.

Some groups even recognize that some landscape firms do better work than others but always fall back on the reasoning that “we’re spending other people’s money, so we better go with the cheapest price”. What is never considered is “perceived value”. There are two ways to edge and mulch, fertilize, apply weed seed control, prune as necessary, and identify any plant problems that might appear during the growing season – right and wrong. Although not legally required to be followed in our industry, there are landscape standards and if followed, these standards will keep any landscape healthy and beautiful for many years.

The unfortunate choice of a group’s decision to go with the cheapest is actually beneficial for the landscape industry in the long run. The improper maintenance of these properties cuts the health and livability of these landscapes in half forcing these properties to re-landscape a lot sooner than what would have been necessary had the existing plantings been properly maintained. So now you see the cheapest bid could actually be the most expensive considering the quality of care you receive and the potential replacement costs associated with improperly maintained landscapes.

The saddest part of this story is the fact that many, who are responsible for the upkeep to these multiple units, whether it be 2 or 100 units, realize that price differences relate directly to quality but they will still go with the cheapest price hoping their going to be the exception rather than the rule.

This same mindset is often present when it comes to professionally maintained commercial properties. All businesses, small to large, want their properties to look their best. However, many request bids from various landscape firms and many go for that same ‘cheapest is best’ mentality.

The other consideration needed to be made is the aesthetics of the landscape areas being maintained. If you want cheap prices don’t be surprised if your landscape areas look cheap as well. There’s something to be said for the feeling you get driving into a neighborhood that has a beautifully landscaped entrance. You are proud to live there not to mention the perceived value of the homes in that neighborhood is higher because of “curb appeal”.

Same goes for communities. If you drive into a community that has beautifully maintained public areas, don’t you want to visit or live in that community more just because of the pride they take in ensuring it looks so beautiful. Do you make excuses to drive through that area just to enjoy the scenery? Think about it.

The cities of Montgomery and Blue Ash are wonderful examples of setting your landscape standards high. I constantly hear comments on the great appearance these communities given to all who drive by their many public areas. I’ve noticed other cities, villages, and townships are jumping on this same landscape bandwagon. The most successful communities realize to get these same great results; they need qualified and trained people to lead their effort. I think it’s about time the rest of us realize that need too.