About Landscaping Scene

Landscaping Scene is a guide for homeowners who want a better yard and want to spend wisely on it. We explain how to find and vet a landscaper, how to compare estimates and what the contract should say.

We also cover the choices behind a good yard: design basics, plants that suit your hardiness zone, lawns and their alternatives, water-smart planting, patios and walls, and trees. Where rules or safety are involved, we point to the official sources, such as the FTC, the USDA, the EPA’s WaterSense program and the national 811 system.

We are an independent site. We do not sell landscaping services, take payment from contractors or rank companies. Licensing and permit rules vary by state and town, so check locally before you hire or dig.