Why choose a certified landscaper?

Our association is the only one that evaluates and certifies landscapers according to a rigorous certification program. Thanks to this program, every member is qualified to offer you professional work that meets the highest quality standards. Only APPQ members have the right to display the Certified Landscaper logo, which is a sign of professionalism, reliability and competence.

An APPQ-certified landscaper:

  • Listens to your needs
  • Creates sustainable spaces that enhance your quality of life and increase the value of your home
  • Will have you sign a formal contract
  • Provides minimum guarantees: 1 year on all plantings/organic elements (trees and plants) and 2 years on inert materials (pavement, walls, stones, etc.)
  • Respects the technical standards of the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (Landscaping using plants and Landscaping using inert materials)
  • Realizes quality work
  • Respects a professional code of ethics

Certified landscapers are available everywhere in Québec. In the event of a dispute over guarantees, the APPQ offers an arbitration service.

If you want to validate whether a company is a member or not, ask for its membership number or certificate, refer to our certified landscapers section, or contact us at 1-888-872-9724.

Les Embellissements des Deux Rives – Teronet Paysagiste

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L'association des paysagistes professionnels du Québec, a winning choice!

Plan your landscaping project

1. Define your needs

For inspiration, consult specialized magazines and websites, such as Les plus beaux Jardins du Québec. Target your needs and select the landscaping elements you’d like.

2. Establish your budget

It is important to establish a budget before undertaking the project. This will influence the type of landscaping, as well as your choice of materials and plants.

3. Find your landscaper

Certified landscapers are recognized because they respect the highest quality standards.

4. Create a plan

Some companies that are members of our association offer a plan design service. A plan designed by a professional will maximize the potential of your property. The Association des concepteurs de jardins du Québec (ACJQ) and the Association des architectes paysagistes du Québec (AAPQ) both offer this service.

L'association des paysagistes professionnels du Québec, a winning choice!

Tips when choosing a landscaper

  • Choose a trustworthy, qualified company with verifiable experience and expertise
  • View the landscaper’s project portfolio
  • Ask for references from former clients and/or visit locations where the landscaper has worked
  • Do business with a company that will provide you with a detailed written contract. It’s your right as a consumer to ask for this document.
  • Ensure that the landscaper will implement all work in accordance with the landscaping standards of the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ)
  • Make sure you get guarantees and that you understand them
  • Choose a landscaper who respects a code of ethics
  • Beware of companies that do not meet our advice criteria

Eco-Verdure

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L'association des paysagistes professionnels du Québec, a winning choice!

APPQ standards and guarantees

In order for landscaping work to be sustainable in our unique climate, specific standards must be adhered to when installing sod, or building a wall or a pool. These standards are issued by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ)

Minimum guarantees offered by APPQ members

INERT MATERIALS:

  • Category of materials: stone, wood, concrete, asphalt, metal, etc.;
  • Duration of warranty: two (2) years;
  • Extent: replacement of materials and supply of pertaining labor;
  • Exclusion: the warranty does not apply to the following:
    • inert materials not supplied by the Contractor;
    • normal cracking of wood and stone (but not crumbling);
    • discoloration and efflorescence of concrete;
    • damages caused by irresistible force;
    • ovement of sub-soil not handled by the Contractor;
    • damages resulting from Client’s negligence in maintaining and protecting the materials.

PLANTING:

  • Category of materials: leafy and coniferous trees, shrubs and bushes, perennial plants, grass and all ground cover vegetation, etc.;
  • Duration of warranty: one (1) year from the end of original planting;
  • Extent: replacement of plants and supply of pertaining labor;
  • Exclusion: the warranty does not apply to the following:
    • plants and vegetation not supplied by the Contractor;
    • annual plants, bulbs and rose bushes;
    • damages caused by irresistible force;
    • damages resulting from Client’s negligence in maintaining and protecting plants.

Arbitration service in the event of a problem or dispute

Certified landscapers should always offer unparalleled service. But should a dispute or misunderstanding arise in relation to any guarantees, the APPQ will provide the client (private or institutional) with an independent arbitration service.

The goal of this arbitration service is to resolve any conflicts in a timely and satisfactory manner. This service avoids usual legal procedures, which are often long and expensive.

Here are the three necessary conditions to qualify for Arbitration Service:

  • The work must be completed
  • All contract costs have been paid in full
  • The work is still under guarantee (one (1) year for plantings and two (2) years for inert materials)

All complaints must be sent in writing to the Arbitration Service:  info@appq.org. Please use
this form (french only).

Arbitration Service procedures are as follows: Arbitration process (french only)

Les jardins de vos rêves

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L'association des paysagistes professionnels du Québec, a winning choice!