The Professional Service Your Houseplants Could Benefit From

Taking care of your houseplants involves more than providing water and sunlight. Even those two needs can be tricky to address, especially for someone just starting an indoor garden. You also may need to fertilize your plants, repot them for various reasons, and identify and deal with pests and diseases. The hard truth about being a beginning gardener is that sometimes plants die from improper care. There's always something to learn when it comes to helping plants thrive, much of which is learned through trial and error. If you have never repotted a houseplant before, you might be afraid of damaging its roots or even killing it. Professional repotting services can help anyone unsure of repotting a particular species — from newbies to experienced gardeners.

There are a lot of decisions to be made when it comes to repotting a plant. Choosing the right size pot, getting the soil mixture right, and knowing how much water the newly repotted plant needs can be nerve-wracking decisions if you've never done the task before. This is especially true for large or well-established plants, which can be challenging to repot due to their size. Professional repotting services take care of all the heavy lifting of repotting, literally and figuratively. Use one and you won't have to worry about killing your houseplant or not knowing how to properly handle root bound greenery, the risky mistake that everyone makes when repotting plants.

A key benefit to using a professional repotting service is that experts will be checking your plants. If they notice any signs of pest infestation or disease, they can deal with the problem promptly, ensuring your plant stays in — or returns to — good health. This is especially handy for new gardeners that may not be familiar with common pests and plant diseases or how to treat them. You'll have peace of mind that nothing has been missed and can relax and simply enjoy your greenery-filled home. Plus, anyone hired by a professional service knows all the tips for easily repotting your favorite plants by heart, saving you tons of time wading through questionable gardening blogs or watching endless GardenTok videos. 

People are busier than ever with work, family, pets, and other obligations. Using professional repotting services can save you a lot of time you may not have to spend repotting your plants, especially if they come to you. Even if you have to drop your plants off in-store, this can usually be scheduled into your routine with little problem. You can also take advantage of the professional gardener's knowledge and ask questions about plant care that will make you a better and more knowledgeable plant owner. If you are looking to save money, repotting your plants on your own is the more economical option, but using a professional repotting service may be worth the money spent in return for the experience and knowledge you get. 

When hiring a professional repotting service, you want to make sure the company and its gardeners are reputable. They should have documented proof of good results along with a roster of happy clients. Peruse its website to determine what kind of horticultural experience its staff members have. You want a service that has expert-level knowledge of houseplant species and cultivars — the soil types, fertilizers, care they require, and pests and diseases that commonly plague them. Even if the service is relatively new, the people working there should know indoor plants inside and out. Look, too, for a list of service offerings and see if the cost fits your budget. Also, check whether they come to you or you have to take your plant to them.

Once you have a shortlist of service providers based on expertise, cost, and your needs, the next step is to contact them with additional questions that may not be answered on their website. Does the service inspect houseplants for health problems, diseases, or pests — and treat them? Do they provide pots, and is that price included in the service fee or do you need to provide them yourself? Ask, too, about extra charges and whether they provide a guarantee on their work. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, request honest references from clients they have repotted plants for in the past. Also, take advantage of any free consultations. This will help you determine how reputable the company is. It might seem like a lot of legwork upfront, but this vetting ensures you get the best value for your money.