7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscaper

Ask landscapers about their licensing and insurance, project timeline, detailed cost breakdown, maintenance requirements, plant warranties, and references from recent clients. These questions reveal their professionalism, expertise, and whether they're the right fit for your project and budget.

Why Do These Questions Matter So Much?

Landscaping transforms your outdoor space and impacts your property value for years to come. The right questions separate professional landscapers from unreliable contractors who might leave you with dead plants, drainage problems, or unfinished work. Your landscape investment deserves someone who understands both horticulture and project management. These conversations also reveal communication style—crucial since landscaping projects often evolve as work progresses. A landscaper who answers thoughtfully and thoroughly demonstrates the expertise and professionalism your project deserves.

What Credentials Should I Verify First?

Start with the fundamentals that protect you legally and financially:

1. Ask for their business license number and verify it's current through your state's licensing board
2. Request proof of general liability insurance (minimum $1 million) and workers' compensation coverage
3. Inquire about relevant certifications like Certified Landscape Professional or Master Gardener credentials
4. Ask how long they've been in business under their current name and location
5. Request their Better Business Bureau rating and any professional association memberships

How Should I Approach Timeline and Scheduling Questions?

Project timing affects both your budget and plant success. Ask when they can start and their realistic completion timeline, including weather delays. Understand their crew size and daily schedule—will they work weekends or just weekdays? Discuss seasonal considerations, as some plantings and installations work better in specific months. Ask about their policy for project delays and how they communicate schedule changes. Professional landscapers plan projects around optimal planting seasons and factor in material delivery times. They should explain why certain timing benefits your specific plants and hardscape elements.

What Financial Details Need Clarification?

Money conversations prevent surprises and scope creep:

• Request itemized estimates breaking down labor, materials, plants, and any subcontractor costs
• Ask about their payment schedule—avoid anyone demanding large upfront payments
• Understand what triggers additional charges and how change orders work
• Clarify who purchases materials and whether you receive bulk pricing benefits
• Ask about warranty coverage for plants, materials, and workmanship
• Discuss seasonal maintenance costs if you're considering ongoing service

How Do I Evaluate Their Design and Plant Knowledge?

Your landscaper should understand your local climate, soil conditions, and plant compatibility. Ask about their plant selection process and how they choose species for your specific site conditions. Discuss maintenance requirements for proposed plants—some landscapes need weekly attention while others thrive with minimal care. Ask to see photos of similar projects and how those landscapes looked after one full growing season. Understanding their design process reveals whether they create sustainable landscapes or just focus on immediate visual impact. Professional landscapers consider mature plant sizes, seasonal interest, and long-term garden health.

What References and Past Work Should I Review?

Past performance predicts future results:

• Request contact information for three recent clients with similar project scope
• Ask to see photos of completed projects from different seasons
• Inquire about any projects that faced significant challenges and how they resolved them
• Ask for examples of landscapes they've maintained long-term
• Request references from suppliers or subcontractors they work with regularly

What About Permits and Property Considerations?

Many landscaping projects require permits or have property line restrictions. Ask if your project needs permits and who handles the application process. Discuss utility line locations and whether they call 811 for utility marking before digging. Understanding drainage patterns and how new landscaping affects water flow prevents future problems. Ask about homeowner association restrictions if applicable. Professional landscapers understand local regulations and factor compliance into project planning. They should also discuss how the project affects existing irrigation systems, outdoor lighting, and property access during construction.

How Do I Assess Communication and Project Management?

Landscaping projects involve many moving parts, from weather dependencies to plant deliveries. Ask how they communicate project updates and handle problems that arise. Understand who supervises the crew and serves as your primary contact. Discuss their cleanup policy—daily tidying versus end-of-project cleanup affects your daily life. Ask about their policy for protecting existing plants and hardscaping during construction. Professional landscapers have systems for project management and client communication. They should explain how they handle inevitable challenges like plant availability, weather delays, or site condition surprises.