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Water Smart Landscaper program
As part of the Water Smart Landscaper program, local landscapers participate in water-efficiency training by our conservation experts. These contractors learn and promote water-saving irrigation and landscape design for homes and businesses.
To qualify for the Water Smart Landscaper program, contractors in the program must:
- Complete at least 8 hours of Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) water-efficiency training
- Maintain good standing with the Nevada State Contractors Board
- Be licensed and insured
Looking for a landscaper? Start here.
Get tips for hiring a professional and find a company to assist you with your landscape installation or maintenance.
Participating contractors are recognized solely on successful completion of the Water Smart Landscaper training courses. The Southern Nevada Water Authority does not specifically endorse any contractor. Inclusion in this program is not an endorsement of the performance of any contractor. Consumers should use care and discretion when selecting a contractor. The Water Authority encourages consumers to use the resources of the Nevada State Contractors Board to research potential contractors.
Tips for hiring a landscaper
Whether you are hiring a contractor to install a new landscape or to maintain an existing one, potential landscapers should:
- ✔️ Hold appropriate business license(s)
- ✔️ Be insured and properly bonded
- ✔️ Have several current and past references with work samples
- ✔️ Have access to a certified arborist and certified landscape irrigation auditor, either as a consultant or on staff
- ✔️ Be aware of local watering laws
- ✔️ Be knowledgeable about proper landscape maintenance within a desert environment
- ✔️ Maintain good standing with both the Nevada State Contractors Board.
When hiring a qualified contractor to maintain your landscape, ensure:
- Your maintenance proposal includes a schedule of work to be performed and the type of chemicals and nutrients to be used.
- Your estimate includes specific monthly charges, how often service will be provided, and a detailed schedule of all maintenance to be performed.
- Your landscape maintenance program includes plant maintenance, appropriate removal of tree staking, pruning, grass maintenance, and pest control.
- Your irrigation maintenance program meets individual plant needs, irrigation system maintenance, proper irrigation scheduling.
When hiring a qualified contractor to install a new landscape, ensure:
- You read the closing contract thoroughly, and that it is clear and in writing.
- Plans and/or drawings are checked for accuracy.
- Payment and performance bonds are secured.
- The appropriate permits are obtained through the building department.
Other tips
- Your irrigation system should be designed for your landscape at maturity.
- Be sure of the following: similar plants are on the same watering station, shrubs and trees are using drip irrigation, an efficient spray system and a backflow prevention unit is assembled properly.
- During landscape installation, make frequent walk-through inspections and require unconditional "waiver and release" forms when you make a payment for any completed phase of your project.
- When complete, your landscape should include proper plant selection and appropriate plant groupings. Be sure to file a notice of completion with the County Recorder's office within 24 hours of project completion and ensure you receive "as-built" drawings for your records, including hand-noted changes on the copy of originals.
- Ensure warranties cover installation and start-up adjustment and winterization of all equipment, include specifics about individual parts used and system performance. Please be sure to spell out exactly what the contractor covers.
Are you a landscaper?
Local landscape contractors can join the Southern Nevada Water Authority's Water Smart Landscaper program at no cost. Participating companies ensure that their staff members are trained in water-efficiency classes through free, SNWA-sponsored workshops.