With Spring finally upon us, it means getting out and freshening up those landscapes. It also means the return of the pine straw scammers!

If you don't remember or haven't heard about it, this is the scam that rears its ugly head each year where people go door to door trying to sell folks pine straw for their yard. They quote one price before they start, then double or triple the price when they are done. Don't fall for the scam!

* Use reputable landscape companies with references

* Get a written estimate before any work begins and never pay anything upfront

* Make sure they know to inform you immediately if there will be an increase in cost