If you're looking to change your yard, you might consider hiring a landscape designer. A landscape designer is a professional who combines art and gardening knowledge to create a landscape that is beautiful and usable. If applying landscape designs to your yard seems like a good solution to your needs, look into hiring a landscape designer to work with you. Use these four tips to find someone who will be a good fit.

1. Ask Local Contacts for Recommendations

If you have a garden center in your area, ask them if they have any landscape design services that they recommend. The same goes for any friends who have beautiful gardens. By talking to sources you trust, you're more likely to find someone who knows what they're doing. You can begin the process knowing that you're working with a professional.

2. Ask for Certifications

Once you've narrowed down your options a bit, ask the candidates for their certifications in landscape designs. If they have certification and recognition from national and international organizations dedicated to landscape design, you know that they've put in the time and effort to study their craft. Some might also hold related degrees.

3. Know What You Want Going In

Before you hire a professional, take some time to consider what you want to do with your yard. Decide what stays and what goes. Then, consider the things you might want to add in. Once you have a wishlist put together, you can use that to decide which landscape design professional would best fit your particular project.

4. Stay Involved, but Also Trust Them

You'll want to stay involved in the design process as the landscape designer works. That way, you'll be able to approve or veto small changes before they begin. However, you also need to trust your designer to do things correctly. If you're like the 32% of Americans who, according to Business Wire, aren't sure when to water their lawns, your landscape designer can help you get the most from your project. You hired them for a reason, and they have training that you do not. So make sure that you listen to their ideas and that they are listening to yours.

Landscape designs are intricate, beautiful works of art. In order to get the best results for your home's landscaping, make sure that you hire someone who is qualified to do the work and fits in well with what you want. This will make the process much easier and more enjoyable.