Hiring a landscaper isn’t just about finding someone with a mower and a truck. It’s about finding a skilled, reliable pro who can bring your outdoor vision to life — without headaches, delays, or surprise costs.
Whether you’re planning a full backyard makeover or just need monthly maintenance, here’s how to find a great landscaper — and 10 red flags to avoid along the way.
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How to Start Your Search
- Ask neighbors or friends for referrals
- Search “landscaper near me” on Google and check the top-rated results
- Look on sites like Nextdoor, Yelp, and Houzz
- Use directories like ours to compare top landscapers in your city
Must-Haves When Hiring a Landscaper
- ✅ Valid Business License (check your state or city requirements)
- ✅ General Liability Insurance (protects you if anything goes wrong)
- ✅ Written Estimates with itemized scope of work
- ✅ Portfolio or photos of recent jobs
- ✅ Clear timeline and communication expectations
10 Red Flags When Hiring a Landscaper
1. No License or Insurance
If they can’t prove they’re legit, move on. This puts you at risk if there’s damage or injury on your property.
2. Only Takes Cash or Venmo
Professional landscapers offer real invoices and trackable payments. A cash-only deal could disappear on you.
3. No Contract or Written Estimate
A handshake won’t cut it. A lack of paperwork usually leads to miscommunication, price hikes, and unfinished work.
4. Bad or No Online Reviews
If they have no reviews at all (or a long list of 1-stars), it’s a gamble. Look for landscapers with consistent positive feedback and recent activity.
5. Pushes You to Decide Fast
If someone is pressuring you to “book today or lose the deal,” it’s a sales tactic. Quality pros let their work speak for itself.
6. Won’t Provide References
A good landscaper has happy clients — and will be proud to share their names. If they dodge this, ask why.
7. Shows Up Late or Misses Estimates
Poor communication during the quote phase usually means poor communication during the job. Don’t settle for flaky.
8. Too Cheap to Be True
Rock-bottom bids usually mean corner-cutting on labor, materials, or both. Fair pricing = fair quality.
9. No Proof of Past Work
If they say they “don’t have pictures” or won’t show past projects, it might be because they don’t have any.
10. Unclear or Changing Scope
If the plan keeps changing, or if your quote suddenly balloons without explanation, it’s time to walk away.
Bonus: Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you handle design and installation, or just one?
- Will you be working on-site or subcontracting the work?
- What’s your timeline from start to finish?
- Do you offer a warranty on plants or hardscaping?
Final Thoughts
Finding the right landscaper doesn’t have to be stressful — but it does take a little research and a few smart questions. Look for someone who is licensed, insured, communicative, and proud of their work.
Want help finding a great landscaper in your area?
Click here to get quotes from top-rated local pros.