How to Hire a Landscaper

Define the job, compare written quotes, check insurance, and sign a clear contract before any work starts.

Landscapers Near Me · November 12, 2026

To hire a landscaper, decide what you want done, get at least three written quotes for the same scope, confirm license and insurance where your state requires them, and sign a written contract before work starts. That order protects your money and your yard.

Most bad landscaping jobs share one cause: the work was never described clearly. A vague promise turns into a surprise bill or a half-finished yard. The steps below fix that.

What kind of landscaper do you actually need?

Match the job to the kind of company. The word "landscaper" covers several different trades.

• Lawn care and maintenance: mowing, edging, fertilizing, leaf cleanup, and seasonal visits.
• Landscape installation: planting beds, sod, shrubs, mulch, and small trees.
• Hardscape work: patios, walkways, retaining walls, and fire pits.
• Design: a drawn plan for the whole yard, sometimes done by a separate designer.
• Irrigation: sprinkler and drip systems.

A crew that mows well may not build a retaining wall well. Ask each company how often it does your exact type of job.

How do I write down the job before I call anyone?

Write a short list of what you want, where, and by when. Add a rough budget. This lets you compare quotes fairly.

Include these points:

1. Walk the yard and list each task, such as "remove old shrubs along the front fence" or "weekly mowing and edging."
2. Take photos and rough measurements of the areas involved.
3. Note problems like slopes, standing water, shade, pets, and gate access.
4. Say whether you want one-time work or an ongoing service.
5. Pick a target start date and a date you need it finished.

Give every company the same list. If one quote covers hauling away debris and another does not, you will see it right away.

How many quotes should I get, and what should they include?

Get at least three written quotes. A good quote lists each task, the materials, who supplies them, the labor, the start and end dates, and the total price.

Be careful with a quote that is only one number on a text message. You cannot compare it, and you cannot hold anyone to it.

Look for these items:

• Specific plants, stone, or mulch types, and the amounts.
• Who removes old plants, soil, and trash.
• Whether permits are needed and who gets them.
• How change requests are priced.
• The payment schedule.

The lowest price is not always the best choice. A very low bid can mean skipped prep work, thin materials, or extras added later. Ask what is different if one quote is far below the others.

How do I check a landscaper's license and insurance?

Ask for proof of liability insurance and, if the company has employees, workers' compensation. Then check whether your state or city requires a license for the work.

Rules vary a lot by state. Some states license landscape contractors. Others license only certain work, such as irrigation, electrical lighting, or structures over a certain size. Some require nothing for basic lawn care. Check with your state's contractor licensing board or your city or county office to learn what applies where you live.

Ask the company to send an insurance certificate. Better, have the insurer confirm it is current. If a worker is hurt on your property and the company has no coverage, you could face a claim.

What should I ask before I hire?

Ask direct questions and listen for clear, specific answers. A pro who knows the work answers easily.

1. How long have you done this type of job?
2. Can I see photos of finished work and talk to a past customer?
3. Will your own crew do the work, or will you use subcontractors?
4. Who will be on site, and who is my contact?
5. What is the warranty on plants and on hardscape work?
6. What happens if bad weather delays the job?
7. How do you handle changes or surprises, such as buried pipes or rock?

Plant warranties vary. Many companies offer a short replacement period, but some offer none. Get the terms in writing.

Should I get a written contract?

Yes. Sign a written contract before work starts, even for a small job. It should match the quote and name both parties.

A good contract includes:

• The full scope of work, task by task.
• The total price and the payment schedule.
• Start and expected finish dates.
• Cleanup and debris removal.
• Warranty terms.
• How changes are approved and priced.

Avoid paying the full amount up front. A common approach is a modest deposit, then payments tied to finished stages, with the final payment due after you walk the yard and approve the work. Some states cap deposits on certain jobs, so check your local rules.

What does landscaping typically cost?

Cost depends on yard size, materials, labor rates in your area, and how much prep work is needed. Hardscape and grading cost more than planting and mulch.

Maintenance is usually priced per visit or per month. Installation is usually priced per project or by area. Because rates differ by region, the only reliable number is a local quote for your exact job.

You can control cost in several ways:

• Phase a big project over more than one season.
• Choose plants suited to your climate, which usually need less watering and replacing.
• Do simple tasks yourself, such as spreading mulch, if the contract allows.
• Book off-season for work that does not depend on growing weather.

What are the red flags to watch for?

Walk away if a company pressures you to sign today, asks for most of the money up front, or will not put anything in writing.

Other warning signs:

• No proof of insurance, or excuses when you ask.
• A quote with no detail.
• A door-to-door pitch for "leftover materials from a nearby job."
• No address, no phone that works, or no way to check past work.
• Pushing you to skip permits that your city requires.

Trust your sense of how they communicate. A company that answers slowly before you hire them will likely answer slowly afterward.

When should I call a pro instead of doing it myself?

Call a pro for anything involving structures, drainage, grading, electrical lighting, large trees, or irrigation. Mistakes in those areas are costly and sometimes unsafe.

Simple jobs, such as planting small beds, laying mulch, or basic mowing, are fine for a careful homeowner. If you are unsure, ask a pro to quote just the hard part and handle the rest yourself.

Before you dig for any project, contact your local utility marking service. In the United States, you can dial 811 to request free marking of buried lines.

How do I start looking?

Start with a local list, narrow it to three to five companies, and ask each the same questions. Our directory lets you browse landscapers and lawn care companies by location. Use it to build your short list, then follow the steps above.