How to Choose a Landscaper (and Avoid the Cowboys)
References, written quotes, and a clear specification protect you from the most common landscaping disputes.
Words by Marco Delacroix · Oct 16, 2026 · 6 minutes
A good landscaper can transform a garden and build features that last for decades. A poor one can leave you with sinking paving, dead plants, and a long dispute.
A little research before you hire saves a lot of stress.
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Designer, landscaper, or gardener?
Garden designers create plans; landscapers build hard landscaping such as patios, walls, and paths; gardeners maintain gardens. Some firms do all three. Be clear about which you need.
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Check their work
Ask for photos of recent projects similar to yours and, ideally, contact details for past clients. Visiting a finished project that is a few years old shows how well the work has lasted.
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Get a written specification
A proper quote should describe materials, quantities, sub-base depth, drainage, waste removal, timescales, and guarantees. Vague quotes make it hard to compare and easy to dispute later.
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Payment terms
Be cautious of large up-front payments. A reasonable deposit for materials, with further payments tied to completed stages, is common. Avoid paying cash without a receipt.
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Insurance and licences
Confirm that the landscaper carries public liability insurance and any licences required in your area for the work involved.
This is general landscaping and garden information, not professional advice. Costs, regulations, and plant suitability vary by location. Call before you dig to locate buried utilities, and consult a licensed landscaper or engineer for retaining walls, drainage, and structural work.
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