What to Ask a Landscaper Before Hiring Them

Hiring a landscaper for a significant project is a meaningful financial and personal commitment. Before signing anything, having a structured conversation with any contractor you're considering reveals more than their portfolio and price alone.

Questions About the Work

Can I see completed projects similar to what I'm planning?

A portfolio of renders is not the same as a portfolio of built work. Ask to see photographs of finished projects, and if possible, the address of a project you can drive by. You're looking for evidence that the quality in the photos translates to reality.

Who will actually be on my job site?

At a large company, the person you're talking to may never visit your site. The work is handled by crew leaders you haven't met. At a smaller design-build firm, the owner may be personally on-site throughout. Neither is automatically better, but you should know what you're getting.

How do you handle changes during installation?

Site conditions reveal things during installation that weren't visible before work started: unexpected drainage issues, rocky soil, utilities in different locations than expected. How a contractor handles these situations, including pricing, communication, and decision-making, is a good indicator of professionalism and alignment with your interests.

What's included in your base preparation for hardscaping?

This question separates contractors who take shortcuts from those who don't. A professional should be able to tell you exactly how deep their aggregate base will be, how they handle drainage, and what edge restraint system they use. Vague answers are a red flag.

The questions you ask before signing a contract reveal more about a contractor than their portfolio alone.

Questions About the Process

What does the design process look like and what do I get?

Will you receive a detailed scaled plan, or a rough sketch? 3D renderings? Material samples? Understanding what design deliverables you'll have before installation begins helps set expectations and protects you if the finished result doesn't match what was discussed.

What's the payment schedule?

Standard practice is a deposit at contract signing (typically 25 to 33 percent), progress payments tied to installation milestones, and a final payment at completion. Be cautious of contractors asking for full payment upfront. That's unusual and removes your leverage if work doesn't meet expectations.

These questions pair well with a broader understanding of what to look for when choosing a contractor. Our guide to choosing a landscaping company in Boise covers red flags, how to evaluate bids, and what the right contractor selection process looks like.

Questions About References

Can you provide references from past clients with similar projects?

When you talk to references, ask specifically: Did the finished project match what was proposed? How was communication throughout? Were there any surprises in cost or scope, and how were they handled? Would you hire them again?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bids should I get for a landscape project?

Two to three bids is a reasonable number for most projects. More than that makes comparison difficult and takes a significant amount of time for both you and the contractors. Focus on getting bids from contractors with demonstrated experience in the type of work you need.