A friendly quote is easy to get. What you actually want to know is whether the person behind it is licensed, insured, reliable, and clear about what you are paying for. These twelve questions cut through the sales pitch. Ask them during the estimate, write down the answers, and you will spot the difference between a professional and a problem long before any money changes hands.
The short version
Confirm licensing and insurance before anything else.
Find out who actually does the work — employees or subcontractors.
Nail down scope, timeline, payment schedule, and cleanup in writing.
Ask about plant and workmanship warranties.
Trust clear, specific answers over vague reassurance.
Credentials and protection
Start here. If these answers are shaky, the rest does not matter.
Are you licensed for this type of work? Requirements vary by area and by task — irrigation and electrical for lighting often need specific licensing.
Do you carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance? Ask for proof. Without it, you can be exposed if property is damaged or a worker is injured on your property.
Can you share recent references or addresses I can drive by? A confident pro will have happy clients nearby.
Scope and the work itself
Most disputes come from a fuzzy scope. Make it concrete.
Who will actually be on my property? Some companies subcontract. Knowing who does the work — and who supervises — sets expectations.
What exactly is included, and what is not? Get plant sizes, material grades, and every step written down, including anything explicitly excluded.
How will you handle drainage and grading? A pro who ignores water flow is setting you up for problems later.
Will you pull any required permits? Larger hardscape and some structures need them. Clarify who is responsible.
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Timeline, money, and cleanup
These four questions protect your schedule and your budget.
What is the start date and how long will it take? Get a realistic window, not just “soon.”
What is the payment schedule? Look for a modest deposit and payments tied to milestones, not most of the money up front.
How do you handle changes and extra costs? A written change-order process prevents surprise charges.
What happens to debris and old material? Confirm haul-away and cleanup are included.
After the job
The last question is the one people forget — and it protects your investment.
What warranty do you offer on plants and workmanship? Ask how long, what it covers, and what you have to do (like watering) to keep it valid.
Pro tip — ask the same questions of everyone
Use this list as a script and put it to every candidate identically. When you compare consistent answers side by side, the strongest pro usually stands out on its own — and the vague, evasive, or contradictory answers become impossible to miss.
Reading the answers
The content of the answers matters, but so does the manner. A landscaper who answers plainly, offers proof without being pushed, and is comfortable putting things in writing is showing you how the whole project will go. One who deflects, rushes, or gets defensive about basic questions is telling you something too.
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Should I ask these questions before or during the estimate?
During the on-site estimate is ideal — you can watch how they respond and tie answers to your specific yard. Confirm the important ones in writing before you sign.
What if a landscaper will not provide proof of insurance?
Treat it as a firm no. Insurance protects you, and any established professional can produce a certificate quickly. Reluctance here is a serious warning sign.
Is the lowest quote usually the best deal?
Not often. A low number can mean smaller plants, a thinner base, or missing steps like drainage. Compare what is included, not just the total.
How long should a plant warranty last?
It varies by company and plant type, and often requires that you water and care for the plants properly. Ask for the terms in writing and understand your side of the deal.
General information for homeowners — not professional advice. Prices, plants, and codes vary by climate and location and change over time; confirm with a local landscaper.
