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When you think of landscape solutions - what comes to mind? One of those curb appeal shows with massive makeovers that seem unattainable within a realistic budget for a beautiful landscape?
There’s a lot more than just a visit to Home Depot involved, which can make it seem like a daunting task to most homeowners. But who can you trust to do it for you without spending your life savings and knowing that it will be done correctly?
We have questions.
So we recently sat down to chat with our friend Jon Stanton, Founder and President of Dream Greener, a full-service lawn and landscaping company in Pittsburgh with years of experience, to have a conversation on everything from expectations and budgets for your outdoor spaces to invasive species (yes, lantern flies) and deer issues to weed control and leaning retaining walls - and the science behind lawn care. Science? Yes!
J. Francis Company, LLC: If someone is going to hire a landscaper, what do you recommend a homeowner should do first? Where does one even start when it comes to a budget? Do you have recommendations for first steps or best practices? Like most owners who maybe mulch and have a lawn-mover, we’re feeling overwhelmed.
Jon Stanton: This is a common question and feeling of most homeowners when we first talk with them about outdoor solutions. We have set up a comprehensive seven-step process in place for people who contact us. It can be challenging work, but a manageable lawn within your budget is attainable.
Whether it’s us or another lawn care company, we recommend scheduling either an on-site meeting or a call with the company and discuss what it is they're looking for to determine if they would be a good fit. Research the company to see online reviews, find out if they're insured, find out if they have projects in the neighborhood, and if they have referrals - all standard business practices.
What sets us apart from others is our team of certified experts. We have professionals who specialize in various areas, including architecture and design, lawn care, and arboriculture. Our team includes experts who are licensed in their respective fields and have extensive knowledge and experience.
Our certified lawn care specialists have studied turf science and are licensed to handle spray products, ensuring that your lawn receives the best care possible. We also have a licensed arborist on staff who can provide expert advice and services for your trees and plants.
Having these specialized professionals allows us to provide personalized attention and deliver high-quality service. We take a science-based approach to address any underlying conditions that may be affecting your outdoor living space, such as insect damage, poor soil quality, or weed issues. By understanding these factors, we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs and create a healthier and more beautiful environment.
We are proud to have a team of certified experts who are dedicated to delivering exceptional results. Their expertise and attention to detail ensure that your outdoor space receives the care it deserves.
Dream Greener | Brand Story from Dream Greener on Vimeo.
J. Francis Company, LLC: I bet people don't really think about that. If you’re not educated in lawn care, you will just assume that since my grass is green, it’s fine when there’s a big lurking underlying issue that the average homeowner would not realize.
Jon Stanton: Yes, there can be a lot of hidden issues and/or comports to your yard - whether it’s hardscaping elements for lawn care, or planting the proper plants in the right parts of the property based on sun and shade needs. Many have deer or other animal issues on their property.
This way, if they do have deer and we put plants in, we have a deer-proofing program that we recommend after the completion of the project, so those plants have the best shot to survive.
J. Francis Company, LLC: When people start to look into their curb appeal and landscaping, what realistic expectations should they have…say… if they look at something on TV and think they're going to get that for a certain price?
Jon Stanton: The bigger issue that we see is frequently people are looking for a specific thing. They saw it in a magazine, at a trade show, or at their neighbor's and they call for that specific thing. And then they chase the price.
There's a lot more that goes into these things that we do, whether it be addressing the foundation, proper topsoil usage, the quality of the topsoil, or a stone base that we're putting down. It could be hardscaping elements, and that prep work takes a great deal of time and sets that particular property project up for the future. But it's expensive to get it there. People don't realize that until it's too late, unfortunately. We have had cases where they have enough information from us to know that is the right thing to do but decided not to make that investment. And they would come back to us and say we should have hired you in the first place.
Our website features a comprehensive pricing guide, designed to provide prospective clients with a clear understanding of the investment levels associated with our various services, be it a lawn care program, a landscape maintenance program, or hardscaping. In the event of a consultation, we further tailor these costs to align with the specific needs of the client.
Contrary to common misconceptions, our approach isn't to overhaul everything at once. Instead, we believe in methodical progression, executing projects in stages or 'phases'. This allows us to develop the property gradually, keeping in line with the client's needs and budget. We place great emphasis on meticulous planning and open communication, as we believe these factors are integral to delivering exceptional landscaping services.
We've discovered that establishing a genuine connection with our clients paves the way for remarkable results. When clients feel comfortable and understood, we can collaborate to create something truly beautiful.
In an era where many businesses may overlook the significance of personal connections, we pride ourselves on our commitment to understanding our clients' desires and responding effectively. This dedication to connection, understanding, and responsiveness sets us apart in our industry.
One of the unique aspects of our business is the dual service offering of maintenance and custom design-build.
Often, people perceive landscape design as an extravagance beyond their financial reach. We're here to dispel that notion. Our services extend far beyond basic lawn care and landscape projects. In addition to providing snow removal (with pre-paid seasonal plans available) and lawn mowing, we also offer fall cleanups, pest control, and hardscape work. This goes well beyond the standard landscape maintenance services you might expect.
We strongly encourage you to engage in a conversation with our knowledgeable staff. They can provide valuable insights about your outdoor space and guide you on the best ways to maintain and enhance it. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your landscape, ensuring it remains a source of pride and enjoyment throughout the year.
To learn more about Dream Greener, visit their website here: www.dreamgreener.com
Landscaping and lawn care pricing guide: https://dreamgreener.com/pricing/
