When Looking for Landscapers Near Me in Oakland Township, MI, Know Why Professional Memberships Are Important

Finding landscape professionals who are both knowledgeable and skilled at bringing your Oakland Township, MI, vision to life can be a stressful process. It all begins with a search for “landscapers near me,” followed by discovering the many details about each landscape contractor’s capabilities and services. Understanding why professional memberships are critical to the landscape profession can help you with your choice.

What a Professional Membership Offers

The purpose of a professional membership in a trade organization, state organization, or licensing process usually entails providing continuing education, training, and representation for its members. It can also be a way for homeowners to evaluate the legitimacy of a business, similar to a seal of approval. 

Because the members must abide by the rules and expectations of the organization to maintain membership, a professional membership can assure you that your chosen landscaper conducts a reputable business. 

Related: 7 Questions to Ask Landscaping Companies in Oakland Township, MI

Established Business

There are multiple ways an organization can vet its applications for membership to ensure that the applicant meets the requirements. Many organizations will only accept landscapers that have been in business for a certain period of time. This means that for you, as the property owner, the landscape professional you hire has a history of excellent work and will most likely not disappear tomorrow when you have a problem.

Proof of Insurance

Proof of insurance means that you can rest assured your landscape contractor has sufficient insurance coverage for any accident that happens on the job. You will not be left holding the bill for unexpected mishaps or injuries when the job is complete.

Required Continuing Education

Some associations require ongoing education to keep abreast of industry trends so that their members can offer the latest advances to their customers. This is a bonus because the latest landscape developments and improvements are more likely to save you time. Jobs done by landscape contractors that are up-to-date on the latest skillsets and processes tend to be more efficient and are less likely to make mistakes. The end product is less likely going to need a refresh anytime soon because it will be up to today’s standards.

Sponsorships from Current Members

Requiring a recommendation from an existing member can be a way that professional associations ensure that they have reputable applicants, someone another member would think to be a valuable member. 

Related: How Landscape Design Adds Value to Troy, MI Homes

Written Customer Referrals

In some cases, an association could request written recommendations from previous clients as part of the membership process. This can be an invaluable tool for choosing members since customers are generally honest. A positive review can tell quite a bit about how a project went and the satisfaction of the customer. 

ZLM Services has critical memberships as a Unilock Authorized Contractor and in the National Association of Landscape Professionals, among others. We know that you want to build a beautiful space that can serve your family for years to come.  

As you search for the right landscape professionals to create your landscape vision—from an outdoor kitchen to a fireplace to a beautifully manicured lawn—inquire about professional certifications and memberships. This can be an excellent way to decide whether a landscape company is the right one for you.