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The right resources help you design, install, and maintain your Xeriscape landscape

Posted at 7:39 AM, May 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-10 14:01:39-04

Water-Use it Wisely is a paid sponsor of Sonoran Living

LOVE DIY? MAYBE NOT? HERE'S HOW TO SELECT A LANDSCAPE PRO!
 Thinking about converting your landscape from high water use to xeriscape but don't know where to begin? Maybe you like to get down in the dirt and do-it-yourself (DIY), or you're interested in hiring a pro; making the switch to a beautifully designed Xeriscape landscape can be very rewarding. Finding the right resources to help you design, install, and then maintain and protect your landscape is the key to ensuring your rewarding experience is well protected.
If you like challenges and love DIY, there are many resources that can assist you in using best practices for designing and installing a Xeriscape landscape. Water - Use It Wisely, sponsored by eighteen Arizona water partners, offers many online resources including the Xeriscape: Landscaping with Style in the Arizona Desert booklet and online portal  www.landscapewithstyle.com       .
Leave It to the Pros
Rather have an expert do the work for you? Water - Use It Wisely has tips www.wateruseitwisely.com/toolkit/hire-pro for choosing the right contractor service for any landscape job! Before hiring a landscape contractor, there are four important things to remember:
 #1 Select an ALCA-certified Contractor
 The Arizona Landscape Contractors' Association (ALCA) is the only professional organization for landscaping contractors in Arizona and has a complete list of their members. When you pick an ALCA member, you are selecting a landscape professional that belongs to an association that provides specialized training. These professionals utilize proper installation methods and best maintenance practices for their customers. Their commitment to ALCA demonstrates their willingness to stay updated on the latest trends techniques and designs, all within the ever-changing industry. Check if your landscape contractor is an ALCA member by contacting the ALCA office at (602) 626-7091 or by visiting their website, www.alca.org
#2 Look for ACPL Designation
 The Arizona Certified Landscape Professional (ACLP) designation ensures certified professional contractors have undergone a series of ten hands-on workshops and have passed extensive examination. This certification allows them to a greater understanding of landscaping and increases knowledge and skills.
#3 Protect Your Investment
 As you are doing the design and install of your landscape oasis, it is also important to keep in mind the proper maintenance required to protect your landscape. ALCA has created the Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM) program allowing landscape professionals the ability to have knowledge and skills to employ practices which aim to preserve limited, valuable natural resources as water, reduce waste generation, and promote the maturity of plant material. This allows the landscape professionals to foster a healthier and more efficient landscape.
#4 Do Your Homework
Make sure your contractor is up to date with the following:
   Insurance - Ask for proof of insurance. The property owner could be held responsible for damages or injuries that occur on site. A reputable landscape contractor will carry insurance and worker's compensation insurance coverage
   Licenses - The Registrar of Contractors www.azroc.govmay require a license before work can commence. They also have a listing of up to date and valid licenses.
   Permits - Many municipalities may require permits for electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing work. Check with your city to see if what types of permits are required.
   References - You're putting your hard-earned money into your landscape and it will be a long-lasting investment; don't hesitate to request a list of other jobs your contractor has recently completed.
Individuals who go door to door and offer bargains for performing work may cost you in the end. Improper or lack of training may damage or ruin your landscape and will cost you extra time and money to correct, if not replace. Would you be willing to take that risk?
ENTER TO WIN A FREE LANDSCAPE MAKEOVER!
Give your yard a makeover, on us! We're here to help! Enter to win and one randomly selected winner will receive a backed rehab prize valued at $9,000 courtesy of Water - Use It Wisely, ABC15 Arizona, Arizona Landscape Contractors' Association (ALCA), the Arizona Nursery Association, and Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply. ENTER TO WIN www.abc15.com/water

Water-Use it Wisely is a paid sponsor of Sonoran Living