Start with the scope
A written scope tells you what you are paying for. It should list the areas, plants with sizes and counts, materials, soil preparation, drainage, edging and cleanup. If any are missing, ask.
Compare scopes, not just totals.
Ask about the process
How will the soil be prepared? Who plants and who finishes? What happens if rain delays the schedule? How are plants watered during establishment? A contractor who can answer clearly has done this before.
Ask who will be on site and who answers the phone.
Ask for examples
Photographs of similar jobs, plant lists and references you can call show what the work looks like. For hardscape, ask to see work that has aged a few years.
Look for tidy edges, level surfaces and healthy plants.
Verify what applies
Ask about the paperwork and permits that apply to your project, and confirm what you need with the city or association. A good landscaper helps you understand what is required.
Get agreements in writing, including the schedule and how changes are handled.
Watch for red flags
Be wary of very low prices, pressure to sign right away, no written scope and large payment demands up front. Also be careful of anyone who will not talk about drainage, soil or plant sizes.
A confident landscaper welcomes comparison.
What we offer
We visit, measure, explain the options and give a written scope with clear pricing. We answer questions plainly and welcome comparison.
You decide on your timetable, and we schedule when you are ready.
A short checklist
Before you decide, confirm that the scope is in writing, the schedule is clear, the payment plan follows progress, cleanup is included and someone will answer your calls. Visit a finished job if you can.
If you are in an association, ask the landscaper to help with the approval paperwork so the project does not stall.
Choose the landscaper who explains the soil, the plants and the schedule most clearly, not the one with the lowest number.
