BY GLENN CURTIS – MONTREAL, QC
How to Choose the Right Landscape Professional for a Resort-Level Outdoor Escape
You shouldn’t need a passport to reach your favourite place in the world. Sometimes, the ultimate getaway is just outside your door — if your outdoor space is crafted with intention, beauty, and expert care.
But here’s the real question:
How do you choose the right landscape professional to bring that vision to life?
It’s a more complex decision than it may seem — especially because most homeowners don’t fully realize the many elements, disciplines, and layers of coordination that go into a truly transformative outdoor space.
To put it in perspective: you wouldn’t buy a car without considering its brand, history, craftsmanship, and long-term performance. Yet many property owners do just that when selecting a landscaper, focusing only on a single feature or a low quote without evaluating the full scope or credentials behind the work.
Start with Scope: Not All Projects Are Created Equal
The first step is defining the size and complexity of your project. A simple garden refresh requires a very different level of expertise than a comprehensive design-build involving stonework, lighting, water features, and lush planting.
Think of it like home renovations. The person you hire to swap out a doorknob isn’t the one you’d entrust to redesign your entire kitchen. Likewise, larger landscape transformations require an experienced firm with cohesive design thinking, construction skill, and horticultural knowledge.
Landscaping Is Lifestyle Design
Great landscaping is never a patchwork of features. It’s about starting with your ideal lifestyle — how you want to live, entertain, relax, and recharge — and shaping an outdoor environment that brings it to life with elegance and intention.
That’s why true landscape design is an investment, not an expense. And just like any investment, the partner you choose can dramatically influence the value it delivers.
The Hidden Layers of a Quality Landscape Firm
A reputable firm brings synergy across disciplines — from the creative vision of the design team to the technical precision of construction crews and the seasonal foresight of horticultural experts. They bring ideas to life while also protecting your peace of mind.
So, how can you tell if you’re dealing with a true professional? Ask the right questions:
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they have a robust portfolio of completed work?
- Will they handle the project in-house or subcontract?
- Do they offer written contracts and service guarantees?
- Can they provide references?
- What industry certifications or training do they have?
- Are they fully insured?
- Will they manage permits and approvals?
- Do they follow recognized industry standards?
Reputable landscapers will welcome these questions — because they’re confident in their answers.
Why Certification Matters
Look for membership in respected industry associations, like Landscape Ontario or the APPQ in Quebec. These organizations rigorously vet their members, verifying financial stability, training, experience, and a commitment to ethical practices. They also provide formal recourse if issues arise, offering you added protection and assurance.
Price vs. Value: Know the Difference
It’s tempting to chase a low quote — but in landscaping, low pricing often comes at the cost of quality, timelines, and accountability. You’ve likely heard the stories: contractors with no permanent business address, ever-changing company names, and vague promises made without contracts or designs.
Professional firms don’t cut corners. They bring structure, reliability, and creative excellence — and that commitment shows in the final result.
A Final Word on Confidence and Clarity
When you ask the right questions and align with the right team, landscaping becomes more than a project. It becomes a creative journey — one that enhances your lifestyle, increases the value of your property, and redefines what home feels like.
So whether you’re envisioning a private garden retreat or a full estate transformation, choose with intention. Because when done right, your outdoor space isn’t just beautiful — it’s life-enhancing.
Your dream retreat may be closer than you think. Let it begin with the right partner.