The site visit is your best chance to find out whether a landscaper is right for the job. A polished sales pitch tells you little; how they answer specific questions tells you a lot. This guide lists the questions worth asking, grouped by topic, and what a good answer usually sounds like.
Key takeaways
- Ask about license, insurance and who will actually do the work.
- Ask how they would handle drainage, soil and plant choice for your conditions.
- Get the answers that matter written into the estimate or contract.
Questions about the company
- Are you licensed for this type of work in our state, and what is the license number?
- Can you provide proof of liability insurance and, if you have employees, workers’ compensation coverage?
- How long have you been doing this kind of project?
- Can I see photos of similar projects, or talk to past clients?
- Will you use subcontractors for any part of the job?
A trustworthy company answers these without hesitation. The FTC advises checking a contractor’s license with the state or county and asking for proof of insurance; see Checking a Landscaper’s License and Insurance.
Questions about the design
- What do you see as the main problems in this yard?
- Which plants would you suggest for our sun, soil and hardiness zone, and why?
- How much maintenance will this design need each season?
- How will the yard look in the first year compared with five years from now?
- Can you work within our budget, and what would you drop first if needed?
Good landscapers talk about conditions before plants. If they suggest plants without asking about sun or soil, ask why.
Questions about the site
- How will you handle drainage and where will the water go?
- Will you test or amend the soil?
- Will you contact 811 before digging?
- How will you protect existing trees, the lawn and the driveway?
- Where will equipment and materials be stored?
The answer about 811 matters: digging without having utilities marked is risky. See Call 811 Before You Dig: What Homeowners Need to Know.
Questions about the schedule and crew
- When could you start, and how long will the work take?
- Who will be the main contact, and who will be on site each day?
- What happens if weather delays the work?
- How do you handle cleanup at the end of each day?
Questions about money and changes
- What exactly is included in the price, and what is not?
- What payment schedule do you use?
- How are changes priced and approved?
- What happens if you find something unexpected, such as buried debris or rock?
The FTC advises against paying the full amount up front and against making the final payment before the work is complete and satisfactory.
Questions about guarantees
- Do you guarantee plants, and for how long?
- What does the guarantee require from me, such as watering?
- Is workmanship on hardscape guaranteed?
Plant guarantees usually depend on proper watering. Ask for the watering instructions in writing.
What to listen for
| Topic | Good sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| License and insurance | Offers proof readily | Vague or evasive |
| Design | Asks about sun, soil and use | Suggests plants immediately |
| Site | Mentions drainage and 811 | Dismisses drainage |
| Money | Clear schedule tied to progress | Large cash deposit |
| Changes | Written change orders | “We’ll sort it out later” |
Tip: Bring the same list of questions to every site visit and write the answers down. Comparing notes side by side is the easiest way to spot the company that really listened.
Getting answers in writing
Verbal promises are easy to forget. The FTC advises that the contract include any promises made during conversations, such as the scope of work and the cost of labor and materials. If a landscaper promises to remove debris, guarantee plants or protect a tree, make sure it appears in writing. See How to Compare Landscaping Estimates and Read the Contract.
Which landscaper fits
The best fit is usually the company whose answers show they understood your yard and your goals, communicated clearly and put details in writing. Price matters, but a slightly higher bid that includes drainage work and soil preparation may be better value than a low bid that skips them.
Common mistakes
- Asking only about price and start date.
- Accepting a verbal plant guarantee.
- Not asking who will actually be on site.
- Forgetting to ask about utilities before digging.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important question to ask?
Whether they are licensed and insured for the work, followed closely by how they will handle drainage and soil.
Should a landscaper visit before quoting?
Yes. A site visit is needed to see slopes, soil, sun and access.
Can I ask for references?
Yes. Many reputable firms are happy to share photos or past client contacts.
Start with How to Hire a Landscaper: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners for the full hiring process.