Questions to ask before you hire a landscaper

Questions to ask

1. Can you provide a written scope that separates design, installation, hardscape, and ongoing maintenance?

Why it matters: Bundled verbal promises blur responsibility. Separate line items let you compare bids and know what happens after install day.

2. Who selects the plants, and are they suited to my sun, soil, and USDA hardiness zone?

Why it matters: Pretty plants that hate your microclimate die. Ask about native or region-appropriate choices and whether a designer visited the site.

3. What plant warranty do you offer (duration, replacement terms), and what care is required to keep it valid?

Why it matters: 30–90 day plant warranties are common; longer ones usually require your watering compliance. Get exclusions in writing.

4. Who is responsible for irrigation — existing system adjustments, new lines, or hand-watering plans?

Why it matters: New plantings fail without water. Clarify whether irrigation work is included, permitted, and tested before they leave.

5. Will you call 811 / utility locate before digging?

Why it matters: Hitting gas, electric, or fiber lines is dangerous and expensive. Locates are non-negotiable before trenching or major digging.

6. What happens to existing plants, sod, and debris — haul-away included?

Why it matters: Disposal fees sneak into final invoices. Confirm debris removal, soil disposal, and whether you keep any salvaged plants.

7. For hardscape (patios, walls, walkways), what base prep and materials are specified?

Why it matters: Pavers on poor base settle and shift. Ask about excavation depth, base material, edge restraints, and drainage slope.

8. Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation?

Why it matters: Crews use sharp tools and heavy equipment. Insurance protects you if property or people are harmed on site.

9. What maintenance schedule do you recommend in year one, and is a maintenance contract required?

Why it matters: Some installs look great for 60 days then decline without pruning, mulching, or seasonal care. Know the real ownership cost.

10. How do you handle change orders if soil conditions or drainage problems appear mid-project?

Why it matters: Clay, rock, or poor grading can change the plan. Require written approval before extra excavation or drainage work.

Red flags

• No written scope — only a round-number text message quote.
• Guarantees every plant will thrive with no care requirements stated.
• Skips utility locates to “save time.”
• Demands full payment before any plants or materials arrive.
• Cannot explain drainage or irrigation for new beds.
• Uses high-pressure “we have a crew finishing nearby” tactics with a same-day deposit.

Next-step checklist

• Define success: cleanup only, new beds, hardscape, or full redesign.
• Require a written proposal with plant list, sizes, and warranty terms.
• Confirm 811 locate before digging starts.
• Verify insurance; ask who supervises the crew on site.
• Walk the irrigation and drainage plan before installation day.
• Do a final walkthrough against the plant list before final payment.