For many Americans, hiring a landscaper is an enigma wrapped in a mystery. It seems so confusing and expensive (how do they determine a rock is worth $50 anyway?), and there's always the fear that your lawn will be torn up in the process - to name just a few worries.

As summer approaches, however, and you're faced with the prospect of hiring a landscaper, keep in mind that you're not alone. According to the American Nursery & Landscape Association, Americans spent approximately $14.6 billion in landscaping in 1997, the last year for which statistics are available. Moreover, one out of every five households have hired professional landscapers within the last five years.

This is big business, and as a consumer, you should be wary. Professional landscaping not only can cost thousands, but hiring the wrong landscaper could cost more than just money. But how do you find a landscaper you'll enjoy working with, who will reshape your lawn into he showpiece you've always dreamed of, and do it all at a price you can afford?

Choosing a contractor is never foolproof, but if you ask the right questions, and do the proper homework, your chances will significantly increase. The following tips, from landscapers themselves, should help in your search.

Word of mouth

Trust it. If your friends and neighbors have had good experience with a landscaper, chances are you will, too. Also, ask local nurseries, city landscape architects and home and garden stores for recommendations. "Most of our business comes from word of mouth," says Diane Lease, owner of Lease Landscaping in Grand Rapids, Minn. "If a landscaper is good, the word spreads pretty quickly." "Most cities have a landscape architect, who is oftentimes familiar with landscaping companies in your town or city," says Jim Gornto, vice president of landscaping at Natures Keeper's in Fort Pierce, Fla. "Place a call to your city's landscape architect and ask them if they've ever heard of your landscaper."

Ask for references and look for experience

For every landscaper who succeeds, there are dozens more who have failed. To find a dependable and trustworthy company, seek those that have survived and thrived. "Check references and also find out if they show up for appointments - reliability is so important," says Tony Pope, owner of Countryside Landscaping in Huntersville, N.C. "I'd also select a firm with at least five years of experience."

Look at similarly priced work

Though you may not have the trained eye of an expert, viewing their past work may save you regrets later on. "Ask them to show you what they've done for the same price as your estimate," says Gornto. "It's easy for a landscaper to do a poor job, such as with drainage, get paid, and then leave before the home owner realizes his or her property won't drain properly," says Pope. "Taking a look at the landscaper's past work will help you make your decision."

Do they use the latest in machinery?

According to many landscapers, the recent development of new machinery, such as rubber-tracked all-purpose crawlers, has helped increase speed and efficiency, while at the same time reducing expense and manpower. This translates into savings for you.

"We use this machine called a Posi-Track that weighs 7,000 pounds, but it's got rubber tracks and an incredible suspension system that gives it the ground pressure of a child," says Stewart Feketa, vice president of sodding at Nature's Keepers. "It allows us to work in all conditions, we never worry about the weather, and we can move over existing lawns without damaging sensitive turf. That's a big plus for our customers."

One of the costs many landscapers factor in is resodding your lawn after their machinery has ripped up the grass," adds Lease. As a consumer, I'd want to know if that's going to happen.

"People with expensive, old, beautiful lawns shouldn't want conventional machinery ripping it up," says Gornto. "Many people think lawn destruction is to be expected, but with the rubber-tracked machinery that's available today, you don't have to accept that."

Don't pay until the job is done

Some landscapers will ask for a sizable down payment before the job is started, but many experts say you should be cautious before handing over any money. "I don't think highly of landscapers who ask for a big down payment, especially on small jobs," says Pope. "Even for larger jobs, I would only pay 20 percent."

"Do not put a lot of money up front," says Gornto. "If they say they nee money to get the job started, then they're not doing something right."

Ask for estimates based on unit pricing

So that you know the price of each tree, flower and shrub, insist that the estimate be broken out to show per-item costs. And get the estimate in writing. "Some contractors will try to give you an estimate for all the materials, which works to their advantage if some of the materials are later eliminated," says Gornto.

Ask to see liability and workers' comp insurance

If an uninsured landscaper is hurt on your property, you may be personally liable for the injury. Be sure to see your landscaper's insurance information.

Is the equipment safe?

Go out and look at a landscaper's equipment at their place of business. If the machinery appears old or looks dangerous, you might want to move on to another landscaper. "Home owners have the right to know that the equipment used around their home will be safe," says Gornto.

Request to speak with a landscaper's suppliers

Though a landscaper might be reluctant to provide such information, it's important to know that a firm pays its bills. It's another means homeowners can use to protect themselves from liability. "You should know if a landscaper is financially stable," says Feketa. "If a landscaper gets trees from a nursery and plants them on your property, but doesn't pay the nursery, then the nursery can put a linen on your property."

Ask to see a pesticide license, or other appropriate licenses.

Though different states require different licenses, it's wise to ask. For instance, pesticides are safe when used by trained and licensed professionals, but misuse can be dangerous to you and your family.

Finally, it's simply important to ask as many questions as you can, and ultimately, to feel comfortable with your landscaper. If it's a big job you're planning, chances are you won't be hiring a landscaper again any time soon. So be patient, conduct your research, and good luck.

Jay Lemke is a Twin Cities writer. Contact him at jlemke@clynch.com