Here are some typical questions asked about our company. If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us and we will respond promptly.

Will J&S be around to stand behind, maintain, and build on their work?

We have been a full service landscape contractor since 1986. We have thousands of successful projects.

Is J&S Landscape solidly rooted in the local business community?

We have been working in Boulder county and neighboring counties since that time.  The communities of Niwot, Longmont, and Boulder have been where we spend a lot of our days.  We have also done a wide range of projects in areas such as Lafayette, Louisville, Fort Collins, Broomfield, Westminster, Windsor, Denver, and Golden.

Does J&S Landscape bring the broadest and most current knowledge to my project through investment and involvement in professional organization memberships?

We have been a long standing member of ALCC (Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado) and the Colorado Nurseryman's Association. We take periodic training courses in water feature design & construction, plant courses, Xeriscape classes.  We enjoy seeking out new ideas to add to our landscapes.  We are also members of the BBB and NFIB.

How can I see J&S results produced for others and speak with former customers about their experience?

We enjoy the opportunity of taking potential clients on a tour of landscape projects that we've completed.  Not just a drive by, but a nice slow paced walking tour that allows you to really get the feel, flavor, and sense of what we do.  By the end of this tour, most people at this point really know  if we are the landscaping firm they will want to use.  
We also have a beautiful and extensive portfolio for you to look through during our inital consultation.  If you wanted to just drive by on your own time without commentary from one of our staff's designers we could give you a list of clients, addresses, and phone numbers at the consultation.

Can I count on J&S to deliver with quality and satisfaction?

Once you've seen our work, you will notice our projects repeatedly popping up in many of the nice neighborhoods.   Ask for a list of recent clients so you can drive by them on your own time.  Recently we have been in Longmont neighborhoods like Portico, Majestic Retreat, Somerset Meadows, Creekside, Rainbow Ridge, and the well know Prospect.  In Niwot we have done many many projects in Somerset, Waterford, the new Niwot Hills subdivision, and Legend Ridge.  We also have newer projects in the many neighborhoods of Boulder.  Nice projects are seen in White Hawk Ridge & Hawk Ridge in eastern Boulder County.  We have done work in areas of Erie, Mead, Berthoud, Windsor, Westminster, Broomfield, and Golden.

How can I know that J&S will partner with me to take care of my landscape like my family doctor takes care of my children?

Like you see your family doctor, we also intend to be a part of your regular & long term landscaping future. As we install and build out your plan we will be intimately knowledgeable of your landscape needs and it's potential.  Immediately after we are finished with your project it's common to see someone from J&S Landscape dropping by to check on some part of the project on a daily or weekly basis.  We're going to check on the project every couple of weeks during the growing season of the first year.  Since we get most of our referrals from your neighbors and customers we are often in the neighborhood.  It's funny how many times a customer will call us to see if someone could come by, but looking out their window they see that someone is already looking into the problem.  We aren't psychic but we do have a lot of very conscientious people making sure our work is doing what we intended.  For a year or two later, we will stop by to inspect your landscape to see how it's all working out.  Doing this is our pleasure but all of this effort is to insure your complete satisfaction.  We believe that if we care about your immediate and long term satisfaction you'll want to tell your neighbors and friends about us.  We confidently estimate that we have 90%+ of our clients returning for additional services through the years. As you keep reading you will see how we use our entire staff to make your landscape excellent.   Having a staff with broad skills allows you to focus on your career, family, and interests without the worry and concerns of keeping your landscape working smoothly.

How many return customers does J&S get?

Usually we see each of our clients for up to 5 years after we did the original work.  It may be to do some sort of minor service of their sprinklers each year, or add on a whole new garden feature.  Typically we lose a customer because they move out of the area, they were transferred, or moved to a new house with a landscape in place.

What size and quality job is typical for J&S Landscape? It is important to me that we have a 'good fit.'

We are upfront about what certain sized projects usually cost, either by the various elements or a ballpark total.  We are happy to offer you a range once we have visited with you or heard your response upon seeing comparable projects. The value of our estimates is when you see how complete and thorough our estimates are then you can better evaluate what other companies have or haven't estimated.  What is disappointing is when people don't receive bids that include everything, and the surprises come at the end with the final bill.  We hate surprises.  Usually you will too.  The sizes of our jobs vary from $25, 000 to six figure projects.

Plants die, parts break, minor problems occur.  I want a company that returns regularly to see that their project is developing as intended, ensuring that each detail is correct.  Does J&S do that?

We will put a one year warranty on every part of the project we install.  We will respond very quickly, within  24 hours or less, to answer your concerns either on the phone or in person. 

How can J&S provide fewer outsourced companies and unknown faces working at my home?

We want to do the right work at the right time.  That's the first time we do it.
Scott Haugland is quick to pull the plug on anything that isn't shaping up to your and our standards.  When you talk with our customers we think you'll hear what we often hear:  That we exceeded their expectations.  Please, take the time to ask them for yourselves.  It is our job to make sure the all the "i"s are dotted and the "t"s are crossed.

How does J& S ensure that the crew members at my home perform efficiently ?

The experience from designers to crew leaders ranges from 27 to 13 years.  The people on the crews usually range from 5 to 8 years of working experience on landscaping projects.  They can do all parts of the landscape so they have a broad range of working experience.  Each person has unique skills and talents that we use to their best advantage.  As a rule of thumb we hire 3-4 new employees each year.  Some have prior landscape experience, some do not.  We are able to keep them through the winter because we work during most of our Colorado winters. It helps create some loyalty with some of the best guys on the planet.

I want my job started and completed quickly once I have selected a company. Where does J&S stand on that?

The strong ethic of our company is We Get It Done!  This means we work 10 hour days by being at your house at 7:30 and leaving at 5:30 or later.  We are going to work at your house 6-7 days a week from spring into July or August.  Crew leaders strive to keep things efficiently working the project in the right sequence with all the materials on the project.  Large projects can take from 6-8 weeks or less.  Medium sized projects will usually take about 2-4 weeks.  Small projects for us take about 1-2 weeks.  Of course, on occasion we all get humbled by weather and wet conditions.  We know of some landscape companies that work a four day week, we choose to work more days.  We understand that you want us to get to work and move on, so you can enjoy being outside doing the things you love.

Will the designers who met with us in the beginning be continuously involved so that the design they created be the landscape we receive?

A typical day on the job will see either Scott Haugland, Rob Kinion, our excellnt project manager, or our two designers Tanya Seaks and Mike Woods going through the job.  That means, you have 1 or 3 people reviewing the work each day.  The crew leader is on the job as well.  So the answer is yes.

What if I want communication with J&S management throughout the process?

You will receive contact information, including cell phone numbers for everyone involved with your job: the company owner, your designer, and your crew leader.
We are often working on or stopping by your project.

How will I know that the quality and placement of materials by J&S is as intended in the design?

Scott, Rob, and Mike select the materials.  Plants are  picked out by them as well.  All the plants are set and OK'ed by either Mike, Scott, or Rob.  The final placement of all the trees gets your OK and then they are planted.  Sometimes you might decide you don't like where a tree has gone.  That's OK . We will carefully dig it up and move it where you want it. 

How will I know that my J&S designer and I are speaking the same language when we are agreeing on a plan and its various components?

We understand that the nature of this industry is visual. We have an extensive collection of photos, books and ideas to convey the ideas in your design. Looking through the photo on this website will offer you some ideas that are working here on the Front Range.

When is the right time to start thinking about doing some landscaping with J&S?

This brings up a common misconception of landscaping that much of the public believes.  Spring is the time people start thinking about their projects.  Unfortunately the best companies you will want to work with can be working on projects that have them scheduled out into mid-July or farther!  We find that your best served by having one of our designers working on your plans from October thru February prior to when would like the work to be completed.  We are work with people all year long and we do our construction all year round (weather permitting).  Projects go very well when we have started to design 2-4 months prior to moving into your new home or when you hope to use the new landscape.  We start many of our designs once you have a new house design.  It makes the process of house building and landscaping a nicely unified vision.  It is a huge disappointment for you and for us when we get calls in April, May, and June and we are scheduled through the summer.  Act now!

How can J&S help us deal with “landscape overwhelm”?  How will you help us know what we want and need and then have it be affordable?

We have a list in a "20 Questions" format.  It's available on this website.  Look them over and give them some thought before or while we meet you for your initial consultation.  Our designers are going to LISTEN to exactly what you want, expand on your ideas based on their experience, and zero in on what you need to make your landscape reflect your needs and tastes.          

Will my design be free if I hire J&S to install my landscape? 

Yes.  All of our design work is complimentary when J&S Landscape does the installation.  We spend from 24 to 40+ hours on design work per project and believe that it is an incredibly valuable service and tool.  We would normally charge  between $500 to $1200 for a complete landscape design, irrigation design, necessary construction drawings, and any needed revisions.  Landscape architects will probably be 2 to 3 times that amount plus a percentage of the job. Perhaps you know that each development now requires some type of professional looking plan before permission from the HOA.         

What about agreed-upon revisions to the design? Will J&S include these as complimentary as well?

Revisions are included free of charge.

Will J&S deliver a design that allows me to imagine the completed landscape - to have an agreed-upon vision with the designer?

We would be happy to show you some of the designs we have done for other people.
All our plans our colorful and complete.  At the time we show you the design we will use
photos to help you visualize the plantings and other ideas.

Will J&S show me how the estimated cost is derived?

Our estimates are sort of like reading a menu in a restaurant.  Some of the things are entrees and some are a la carte items.  We show you everything that you might possibly like to use and then you can adjust to reach your budget.  Along the way we are going to be there to help you make the right choices for your family.  Our estimates are line itemed with a unit price per item and the total number of each unit.  There are some things that you have to include and can't short cut, but others are optional and you can decrease/increase the numbers or delete it all together.  Sometimes you can just wait to add it at a later date. 

How do I know what J&S can do so that my design choices won't be limited by what the company can do?

We love the challenge of our work and the thought and planning it takes to properly make something work out.  If you have ideas, photos, books showing us what you're thinking about then let us try to figure it out.  Look at our Services page for a complete listing.

I plan to live in this home for a long time. How does J&S ensure that materials used last for decades?

We use only high quality professional grade materials for all irrigation and lighting. 
Our plants come to us from local growers or excellent wholesale nurseries from Fort Collins to Brighton.  We carry a large selection of trees in our nursery and from local growers around Longmont.  Typically our trees our larger than what most landscape companies install.  You can see the difference. If you would like to select some or all of your trees we would be pleased to take you through our tree nursery or some others.

What if I want something unique from J&S?

You will appreciate the many materials we have been able to use in the varied styles and projects we have done over the years.  So we appreciate it when you stretch our capabilities.  If there is something you want, we will work hard to find it and get it into your project.

How will J&S respond if we want a certain type of outdoor kitchen appliance?

Our appliance distributors can work with us to deliver anything you want.  We'd be happy to find it for you.

I am concerned that it will take years for the new plants that J&S plants in my landscape to 'grow into' something that is attractive. How do you address that?

We can show you this in our portfolio or on a variety of projects spanning the years. We take so much pride in having our jobs looking great in a rather short amount of time.

I want trees rather than skinny stems planted.  No Charlie Brown trees. What can I count on J&S to plant?

We use deciduous trees that are 2 -1/4” caliper size and larger. We use conifer trees that are 7-9'.  We can usually find larger sizes if that is what you want.  Seeing is believing so look at a variety of landscapes.  The difference is evident.

How can J&S help our landscape develop quickly if we are only planning to be in the house for 3-5 years?

We have a few things that we do that are inexpensive and have a powerful impact on the rapid development on your landscape.  We understand that every customer is unique with specific plans and timeframes in mind. Tell us yours and we will show you what we can do to maximize the design and installation to meet your needs.

How can J&S make our landscape look great from the first day?

The single most effective thing to make a landscape come alive immediately is a well designed and artistically built water feature.  The movement and sound of the water adds a soothing and wonderful quality to any landscape.  When they are done well they are extraordinary centerpieces to the landscape.   An additional signature touch we like is to undulate the entire ground area.  We model this after a beautiful golf course.  The very best have a lovely rhythm and roll. We love playing with that concept to add an immediate appeal.  Also using large boulders in bold groups help to create the look of "strong bones" or structure in the landscape.   These are a few special touches that make it all come together for your immediate enjoyment.

How can J&S Landscape help my family and pets to be safe from toxic chemicals often involoved in landscaping?

We use quality soil amendments from compost to BioFlora soil treatments. Fertilizers like BioSol are all natural.   Focusing on these organic amendments allows us to enhance the soil life, which improves plant growth, water use, and overall health.  Grow healthy soils and your landscape will be healthy.

How will J&S design and install a landscape that uses water wisely?

We cover the principal points of xeriscaping. The key point that makes a landscape use less water is by reducing the total amount of sod  through out the landscape.  A great way to do that is replacing this area with larger plant beds, plant beds, and meadows.  Many new developments are even controlling the amount of sod that can be used in a landscape.  We use a variety of mulches throughout our projects.  Of course the fun part of xeriscaping is the use of a great variety of plants that we have available in Colorado.

I don't want my landscape to look "dry". How can J&S help with that?

The xeriscape concept of zoning your water use is one way to keep the xeric landscape from looking dry.  It means simply that you group plants by their water needs.  So it makes it possible to have lower water plants in one area but in another area, say near your patio, or at an entrance you can have areas that might use high or medium water plants, thus making it look lush.  Our Landscape Care Manual addresses taking care of your plants. Seeing is believing and that comes through in our website, portfolio, or a tour.

I want my landscape to be easy to maintain. Can J&S help with that?

A key part of design is during that initial consultation when we ask you: how much time and talent do you have for gardening?  We can design something very easy or quite elaborate involving more time and work.  Your choice.  But be honest about your self assessment.  We also have staff that can maintain your plants, your pond,  and the irrigation system.  So let us figure out how we can help you the best.

How can J&S help prevent my landscape from looking overgrown?

Our designs are usually drawn to show the spacing that plants might have in 5-10 years.  So you will see a drawing that can show shrubs beginning to touch each other, and trees at about 12-15' wide.  Some trees shade trees will of course get wider but it gives you a good feeling for how the project will grow together, and whether or not you think it will be overgrown.  We too are interested in having your landscape look sharp for the long haul.

How Do I know that J&S will not disappear after they install my landscape?

Immediately after we are finished with your project it's common to see someone from J&S Landscape dropping by to check on some part of the project on a daily or weekly basis. Our staff will come by once the sod has been installed and constantly adjust and check the watering of the sod and plants.  We will mow you lawn the two times to make sure it is getting started well and bagging the clippings.  Then we check on the project every couple of weeks during the growing season of the first year.  Since we get most of our referrals from your neighbors and customers we are often in the neighborhood.  It's funny how many times a customer will call us to see if someone could come by, but looking out their window they see that someone is already looking into the problem.  We aren't psychic but we do have a lot of very conscientious people making sure our work is doing what we intended.  Even a year or two later, we will stop by to inspect your landscape to see how it's all working out.  Doing this is a pleasure but all of this effort is to insure your complete satisfaction.

I want a company with a future vision for my landscape - one that will introduce me to what could be done a year from now to build on the current design. Can J&S do that?

We are available to consult with you at your request or any time we are in the area and visiting your project.  Also you can give us a call and ask us to think about some of your ideas.  An excellent time to look at some of these changes is over the winter. 

One common complaint I hear about landscape companies is that they get so busy in the spring and summer they can't get back to help with any immediate problems, or replace any dead plants.  I want someone who is going to get back to me in a reasonable amount of time. How do I know that I can count on J&S to be responsive?

We will return your calls within 24 hours.  We will replace any dead plant materials (if it died during the winter) from the previous year in early May this allows for all the plants to become available in the local nurseries.  Other wise we are making plant replacements within 2 to 3 weeks from noticing the loss. The people who will be helping you are Scott, Rob, and Mike.  In addition you will see guys like Jesus, Butch, Manuel, and Rocky for any repairs or replacements. The crew leader that built your job could also be one of the people to answer your questions or make any needed repairs.  We have to prioritize the repairs, but typically we are working on your repairs within 24 to 48 hours.  It could be sooner if we are in the neighborhood.  In the first year we will make any repairs for free.  After the first year we charge for repairs, changes, and new additions by the hour. 

I don't want to have to call someone to operate my own sprinkler system. Can J&S set me up to do this myself?

At the end of the project we will make as “built Irrigation Plan” that map your sprinklers & how to use them effectively.  When it is posted near the irrigation clock you will know exactly what area you are working with.  A detailed chart of the zones & optimal running times is also part of your overall irrigation map.  We know and expect that in the first year you might be confused about some part of your system so we expect to have a few helpful service calls to get you on the right track.   Along with your instruction manual, your Landscape Care Manual and our staff of irrigation pros you will find that you are well cared for.

I want to understand how the various components of my landscape work. Can J&S show me?

Once the job is completed we (Scott, Rob, or Mike) will "walk through" your entire project.  Along the construction process and during these last days together one of our key jobs is to educate you and help you understand your landscape and how it's supposed to work.  For the irrigation and landscape we will draw an "As-built" planting & irrigation plan.  This plan is laminated and durable, and posted near the irrigation clock.  We will leave you with all the contact information for the staff .  We will be available to speak with you ASAP when you have additional questions down the road.  We will leave you with our Landscape Care Manual, and any manuals for lighting equipment, pumps, and swimming pools.  We leave you several great sources of information about caring for a water feature if you have one. If there is something else you might require then please let us know so we can serve you better. 

If we use J&S for our landscaping what are the payment terms?

Once we agree to install your landscaping we will request a deposit, typically   30-40%.  We will request a weekly draw and once the job is completed we will present you with an audited billing showing you how much we use of each of the line items from the estimate.  We try to make all of this very clear, very accurate, and easy to understand.  Once the audited billing is made and you are satisfied we will expect to receive the balance of the unpaid total.

Does J&S provide a complete and thorough estimate for what it costs to build the project that is designed?  Are there hidden costs?

When all the factors that have been discussed it still must be asked, "How much does it cost?"  In the initial consultation we will address any questions related to that important question.  When you see our first design you will also see a COMPLETE estimate.  Line by line we will explain the need and cost for each item.  Once the project has ended we will take the same estimate and completely audit the job so that we can bill you for the work that we performed.  Any additions that you might have requested will be added on to the final tally, and anything we didn't do or eliminated with your agreement will be deducted from the total.  It is the fair and proper way to do business we believe.  No surprises, just clear communication.  We think you'll agree.

If you have additional questions contact us at    info@jandslandscape.com