The first thing you should determine when looking for landscaping companies is whether or not their first concern is to enhance and protect the environment. They should have firm knowledge about "green" methods of design. They can ultimately be responsible for health problems in plants as well as human beings. They should know how to keep your plants healthy, not to be reliant on toxic chemicals and how to use as little water as possible.

Determine whether or not the company builds healthy soil. The company should offer a soil test before starting the design and should then prepare the soil properly by adding compost and other enriching materials. See if the company knows about the latest, most eco-friendly ways to mow lawns. Do they use gas mowers? Or do they opt for mulch or reel mowers that leave the environment cleaner? The company should also "mulch" the garden beds annually with leaves, bark or compost to keep in moisture and to prevent erosion. Ask the company which types of fertilizer they use: "slow release" fertilizers last longer and do not over feed plants.

Your landscaping company should be one that considers the existing landscape when planning the design. They should remain aware of natural plants and grass growing in your garden and should utilize these for optimal growth. The company should make use of native plants that will thrive in the environment and should give you plant options that are naturally more resistant to insects and other pests. Determine if the company respects the environment by using "drought-tolerant" plants to save water.

The company should explain to you what pest control methods they use and these should be organic or environmentally sensitive. They should monitor your yard for pests, but only use measures against them when it is absolutely necessary and these measure should only ward off insects and not harm them. A company that uses minimum pesticides and more hands-on approaches: like mulching and cultivation is a company to trust.

When it comes to water, the company should be modest. They should be able to fit the irrigation to the soil you have and should recommend watering times that will lead to the least evaporation, for example, at night. The company should build the soil to retain moisture and should help you understand irrigation better: they should set the controller to water the plants more in summer and less in other seasons and they should show you how to skip cycles in a heavy rain season. A good company will also check your irrigation regularly for leaks and broken parts.

Ultimately, your landscaping company should clearly know what they are doing. The specialists should ideally have good educational backgrounds in horticulture or landscape architecture, the company and staff should have hands-on experience as well as references or examples of previous work. The company will also ideally be affiliated with landscaping or ecological associations, such as the South African Nursery Association (SANA) and South African Green Industry Council (SAGIC).