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If you decide to get professional landscaping help, be savvy so you get good work and you get what you pay for. Here are some guidelines:

 Before you check online, ask around. Word-of-mouth is an ideal way to get started. Find someone who has done this like a neighbor, a friend, a Facebook friend, or ask at a trusted garden center.

 Find a minimum of three possible contractors. They should be willing to make an initial appointment that involves assessing and estimating only; be sure to ask whether they charge for this step (and whether, if you go with them, the fee can be credited to the job).

 When the professionals arrive, have some copies of your plans to show and, if need be, hand them over.

 Ask for a bid in writing — materials and labor estimates with a clause for addressing unexpected expenses and overruns. To figure out what a reasonable cost would be, ask friends and neighbors what they paid, and get estimates from multiple sources.

 Check references. Also confirm that the contractor is both licensed and insured.

 Pick someone you like and, more importantly, can communicate with.

 Discuss concerns every step of the way — the more communication, the better. If changes come up, be smart and get the revised plans and charges in writing.

 Pay in installments — give a deposit, then perhaps pay a second installment or more, and finally pay the last one when all parties agree the work is complete and satisfactory. Such an arrangement gives the contractor security and a commitment from you but also prevents you from being taken for a large fee if something goes awry.

 Know what you like. Contractors aren’t mind readers. The more you have figured out what you want ahead of time the more satisfied you’ll be with the final result. What colors do you prefer? How much maintenance do you expect? Do you like any particular roses, flowering trees, flowering shrubs, evergreens, bulbs, and other types of plants?

Start the process of hiring a contractor early if you can. Winter is an ideal time. Good people have full calendars, and spring commitments are booked early. Finding the right professional, somebody you can afford, or someone nearby may take some time; you may interview several before settling on one.