Essential Checklist: What to Check After Landscaping

After landscaping work is completed, check plant health and proper installation, verify drainage and grading functionality, inspect hardscape elements for stability and alignment, test irrigation systems, and ensure cleanup is thorough with no debris or damage to existing property.

Why Is a Post-Landscaping Inspection Critical?

A thorough inspection after landscaping work protects your investment and ensures long-term success. Professional landscaping represents a significant financial commitment, often ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. More importantly, landscaping mistakes can compound over time—poor drainage can damage your foundation, incorrectly planted trees can interfere with utilities, and faulty irrigation can waste water and kill plants. Your landscaper should welcome this inspection process, as quality contractors take pride in their work and want to address any concerns immediately. The inspection also serves as an educational opportunity, helping you understand maintenance requirements and warranty coverage. Problems identified early are typically covered under the contractor's warranty, while issues discovered months later may become your responsibility. This systematic review ensures you receive exactly what you paid for and sets the foundation for years of beautiful, functional outdoor space.

Plant Installation and Health Assessment

Start your inspection by examining all newly installed plants, trees, and lawn areas. Proper planting technique is crucial for long-term survival and growth.

• Trees and shrubs are planted at proper depth (root flare visible, not buried)
• Plants appear healthy with no wilting, yellowing, or damaged branches
• Spacing between plants follows design specifications and allows for mature growth
• Root balls are properly loosened and not pot-bound
• Mulch is applied 2-4 inches deep but not touching plant stems
• New sod or seed is level, properly watered, and showing signs of establishment
• Plant varieties match what was specified in your contract
• Staking of new trees is secure but not too tight, with proper materials

How Do You Evaluate Drainage and Grading?

Proper drainage is perhaps the most critical aspect of any landscaping project, yet it's often overlooked during initial inspections. Poor drainage can cause foundation problems, plant death, and costly repairs down the line. Walk around your property during the next rainfall or run sprinklers to observe water flow patterns. Water should move away from your home's foundation and not pool in planted areas or walkways. Check that gutters and downspouts direct water to appropriate drainage areas as planned. Look for any signs that existing drainage patterns have been disrupted. Grade changes should be gradual and stable, with no steep drop-offs that could cause erosion. If your project included French drains, dry wells, or other drainage infrastructure, verify these are properly installed and functioning. Any standing water 24 hours after irrigation or rainfall indicates a potential problem that needs immediate attention.

Testing Your Irrigation System Step-by-Step

If your landscaping project included irrigation installation or modifications, systematic testing ensures optimal plant health and water efficiency.

1. Turn on each irrigation zone individually and verify all heads are functioning
2. Check spray patterns for proper coverage with minimal overlap or gaps
3. Ensure sprinkler heads are level with soil and not blocked by plants or mulch
4. Test timer programming and verify each zone runs for the specified duration
5. Look for any leaks at connection points, valves, or along pipe runs
6. Confirm drip irrigation emitters are properly positioned near plant root zones
7. Verify pressure is adequate but not excessive (causing misting or overshooting)
8. Test rain sensors and other automated features if installed

What Should You Look for in Hardscape Elements?

Hardscape features like patios, walkways, retaining walls, and decorative elements require careful inspection for both safety and longevity. Start by walking on all paved surfaces, feeling for any movement, unevenness, or loose stones that could indicate poor installation. Joints between pavers should be consistent and properly filled with sand or polymeric joint stabilizer. Check that surfaces drain properly without standing water, but also ensure water doesn't flow where it shouldn't. Retaining walls should appear plumb and stable, with proper drainage behind them (weep holes should be visible and unobstructed). Look for any cracks, chips, or damage to stone or concrete surfaces. Steps should be uniform in height and depth, meeting local building codes. Decorative elements like boulders, water features, or sculpture should be properly secured and level. Lighting fixtures should be correctly positioned, properly wired, and functioning as designed. Any metal elements should show appropriate corrosion resistance and proper installation techniques.

Cleanup and Property Protection Standards

Professional landscapers should leave your property in pristine condition, respecting your existing landscape and structures throughout the project.

• All construction debris, old plants, and excess materials have been removed
• Existing plants, structures, and hardscapes show no damage from construction
• Driveways, sidewalks, and adjacent properties are clean and undamaged
• Tools, equipment, and temporary structures have been completely removed
• Any disturbed areas outside the project scope have been restored
• Utility markings and flags have been removed where appropriate
• Gates, fences, and access points have been properly closed and secured

How Do You Document Issues and Next Steps?

Thorough documentation protects both you and your landscaper while ensuring any problems get resolved quickly. Take photos of any concerns you identify, including wide shots that show context and close-ups that highlight specific issues. Create a written list with detailed descriptions of problems and their locations. Date and time-stamp your documentation, as some issues may be weather or timing-dependent. Share your findings with your landscaper promptly, preferably within the timeframe specified in your contract. Most reputable contractors provide a warranty period during which they'll address installation issues at no charge. Keep records of all communications and any follow-up work performed. This documentation becomes valuable if you need to escalate concerns or reference warranty coverage later. Remember that minor issues are normal in any landscaping project—the key is working with your contractor to address them professionally and promptly.

Understanding Maintenance Requirements and Warranties

Before signing off on completed work, ensure you understand ongoing maintenance requirements and warranty coverage. Ask your landscaper to walk you through care instructions for all new plants, including watering schedules, fertilization needs, and pruning requirements. Get written care instructions that you can reference later. Understand what maintenance tasks you're responsible for versus what might be covered under warranty. Many landscapers offer plant replacement warranties, but these often require you to follow specific care protocols. Ask about seasonal maintenance needs, such as winterization of irrigation systems or protection of sensitive plants. Clarify what constitutes normal settling or establishment versus warranty issues. Get contact information for follow-up questions or concerns. A quality landscaper wants their work to thrive and should be available to help you succeed with your new landscape. Document any verbal promises or commitments in writing to avoid misunderstandings later.