How to Choose a Landscaping Contractor

Start with scope, not price

Before you contact anyone, write down what you want in plain language: the areas involved, the problem you’re solving, and your rough timeline. Contractors quote accurately when they understand the job, and vague requests produce vague quotes.

For larger projects, consider paying for a design phase first. A planting plan or layout drawing gives every bidder the same basis for pricing, and it becomes the reference document for the work.

License, insurance, and credentials

Requirements vary by state and by the type of work. Some states license contractors who do structural work like retaining walls or irrigation tie-ins; others focus licensing on pesticide application and tree work. Ask your state’s contractor board or licensing agency what applies to your project.

At a minimum, confirm that the company carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation for its crew. Ask for a certificate of insurance directly from the insurer, it’s a standard request, and legitimate contractors expect it.

Some specialties have their own credentials: certified arborists for tree work, for example, or licensed irrigators in states that regulate irrigation. A credential is evidence of training, not a guarantee, but it’s a useful filter.

References and past work

Ask for two or three recent references and actually contact them. Good questions: Was the work finished on schedule? Were there surprise costs? How did the crew treat the property? Would you hire them again?

Photos of past projects are helpful, but ask when and where the work was done and whether you can visit a completed project nearby. For suppliers like nurseries and material yards, a site visit or delivery-area check answers most questions.

Get it in writing

A written contract should describe the scope of work, the materials and plant sizes to be installed, the start and completion dates, the total price and payment schedule, and how changes will be handled. For plantings, ask about the warranty period and what it covers, many nurseries and contractors warrant plants for one growing season.

Be wary of anyone who asks for full payment upfront, refuses to provide a written scope, or pressures you to decide on the spot. A deposit of a portion of the project cost is normal; full payment before work begins is not.

Red flags

No verifiable business address or phone number. No insurance documentation. Door-to-door offers with “leftover” materials from another job. Quotes given without seeing the property. These are all reasons to keep looking.

Trust your instincts about communication, too. A contractor who answers questions clearly before the sale is far more likely to communicate well during the work.