Hiring a landscaper is part design decision and part contractor hire. A good crew can transform a yard and leave it easier to care for; a poor one can leave you with dead plants, drainage problems and a half-finished patio. This guide walks through the process from defining the job to signing the contract, using the consumer advice the Federal Trade Commission gives for any home improvement hire.
Key takeaways
- Define the job before you call anyone: design, installation, maintenance or a mix.
- The FTC advises hiring only licensed and insured contractors, getting several written estimates and never paying the full amount up front.
- Compare estimates line by line, not just by the total.
Step 1: Decide what kind of help you need
“Landscaper” covers several different trades. Some firms design and install complete yards. Some mainly mow and maintain. Others specialize in hardscape such as patios and walls, in irrigation, or in tree work. Write down what you want done: a full redesign, new plantings, a patio, a lawn renovation, weekly maintenance or a one-time cleanup. The clearer the scope, the easier it is to find the right kind of company and compare quotes fairly.
Step 2: Sketch your goals and budget
You do not need a formal plan, but a rough sketch of the yard, photos of what you like and a budget range help every conversation. Note how you use the space, where the sun falls, where water collects and how much maintenance you are willing to do. A landscaper can only design a low-maintenance yard if they know that is what you want.
Step 3: Find candidates
The FTC suggests getting recommendations from people you know and trust. Neighbors with yards you admire are a good start; ask who did the work and whether they would hire them again. Local garden centers and your county’s cooperative extension office may also know reputable firms. Read online reviews with a critical eye, looking for patterns rather than single comments.
Step 4: Check license, insurance and complaints
Licensing rules for landscape work vary by state and sometimes by type of work. The FTC advises checking with your state or county government to confirm a contractor’s license and asking for proof of insurance. It also suggests checking with local consumer protection officials for complaints and searching the company’s name with words like “complaint” or “review.” See Checking a Landscaper’s License and Insurance.
Step 5: Get several written estimates
Ask at least three companies to see the site and give a written estimate. According to the FTC, a written estimate should include a description of the work, materials, completion date and price. Do not automatically choose the lowest bid, and ask for an explanation if estimates differ widely. How to Compare Landscaping Estimates and Read the Contract explains how to compare them.
Step 6: Ask good questions
A site visit is also an interview. Ask how they would handle drainage, which plants they would suggest for your conditions, who will be on site and how they handle changes. Questions to Ask a Landscaper Before You Sign has a full list.
Step 7: Get a written contract
The FTC advises asking for a written contract even where the state does not require one. It should include the contractor’s name, address, phone number and license number, estimated start and completion dates, the scope and cost you discussed, and a written statement of your right to cancel within three business days if you signed it in your home or somewhere other than the seller’s place of business. Make sure every blank is filled in.
Hiring steps at a glance
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Scope | Decide on design, install, maintenance or a mix |
| Candidates | Ask neighbors, garden centers and extension offices |
| Checks | License, insurance, complaints |
| Estimates | At least three, in writing |
| Contract | Written, complete, with cancellation rights |
Red flags
The FTC lists tactics that often signal a home improvement scam. Be wary of a contractor who:
- Knocks on your door because they are “in the area.”
- Says they have materials left over from another job.
- Pressures you for an immediate decision.
- Asks you to pay everything up front or only accepts cash.
- Asks you to get any required permits yourself.
- Suggests you borrow money from a lender they know.
Tip: Before the first site visit, walk the yard after a heavy rain and take photos of where water pools or runs. Drainage problems are much easier to discuss with pictures than from memory.
Paying for the work
The FTC advises not paying the full amount up front and never making the final payment until the work is done and you are satisfied. Some states limit how much a contractor can ask as a down payment; your state or local consumer agency can tell you the rule where you live. Tie payments to clear milestones, such as delivery of materials or completion of the patio.
Which approach fits you
If you want a complete transformation, look for a company that does both design and installation, or hire a designer first and bid the installation separately. If you only need maintenance, focus on reliability, communication and insurance. For tree work, hire a certified arborist; see Hiring a Certified Arborist: When You Need One and What to Check.
Common mistakes
- Hiring the first company that knocks on the door.
- Comparing estimates that describe different work.
- Paying most of the cost before work starts.
- Skipping the written contract for a “small” job.
Frequently asked questions
How many estimates should I get?
The FTC suggests getting multiple estimates; three is a common practical number.
Should I choose the cheapest landscaper?
Not automatically. The FTC advises asking for an explanation when estimates differ widely.
Do landscapers need a license?
It depends on your state and the type of work. Check with your state or county licensing office.
Once you have hired someone, the design basics in Landscape Design Basics for Homeowners help you give useful feedback.