Questions to Ask a Landscaper (Free Checklist)

Why this checklist helps

Hiring a landscape pro can feel overwhelming, especially if English is not your first language or you are new to home projects in the US. A few good questions can help you understand who you are hiring, what they will do, and how the job is handled.

This page is for general planning only. Verdorra is not a landscaper or contractor. We help you find a landscape design-build pro, and you can use this checklist to compare your options with more confidence.

If you want more planning tools, see our tools page or browse guides for simple yard planning help.

Questions to ask before you hire

Ask these early, before any agreement is signed. Clear answers should be in plain language, not vague promises.

A design-build pro is a company that can both create the plan and handle the build. If a pro only does part of the work, ask exactly what is included and what is not.

Remember to verify license and insurance yourself, check local permits and utility-locate rules, and confirm the design, scope, and price in writing before work starts.

• What kinds of yard projects do you usually do?
• Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
• Who will be on site each day, and who is my main contact?
• Will you handle permits, or do I need to?
• How will you protect nearby plants, fences, driveways, and irrigation lines?
• What materials do you recommend, and why?
• What is included in the design, the labor, and any cleanup?
• What is not included?
• How do you handle changes if we need to adjust the plan?
• When should I expect the written proposal or contract?

Questions about design and scope

The design is the plan for how the yard will look and function. The scope is the full list of work included in the job. These should match each other, so you know what you are paying for.

If your project includes hardscape, that means built features like patios, walkways, retaining walls, or steps. Softscape means living parts of the yard like soil, mulch, grass, shrubs, and trees. Ask what each part includes and what care it may need after installation.

If drainage comes up, ask for a simple explanation of how water moves across your yard. Drainage means how water is managed so it does not collect where it should not. Grading means shaping the ground so water flows in the right direction. These are general planning topics, not engineering advice.

• Can you show me a simple drawing or plan before work begins?
• What parts of the yard are hardscape and what parts are softscape?
• How will this plan work with sun, shade, soil, and local weather?
• Do you suggest low-water plants or drip irrigation?
• If water pools now, how will the plan address it in general terms?
• How much maintenance will this yard likely need after installation?

Questions about cost and timing

Ask for a written estimate that explains the main parts of the job. Costs can change based on yard size, materials, access to the site, season, and local labor conditions, so any number you hear should be treated as an estimate, not a quote.

Timelines can also vary. Weather, permits, material availability, and the size of the project can all affect when work starts and how long it takes. It is normal to ask how the pro handles delays and communication.

For help comparing budget ideas before you meet a pro, visit costs. If you are ready to be matched with a landscape design-build pro, you can get matched.

• What is the total estimated cost, and what does it include?
• Are there any likely extra charges I should know about?
• What payment schedule do you use?
• How long do you think the work will take?
• What could delay the schedule?
• Will I get a written contract before work starts?

Questions about communication and follow-up

Good communication matters as much as design. You should know who to call, how updates will be shared, and what happens if something on site is different from the original plan.

Ask how the pro handles the final walk-through. A walk-through is a review of the finished work together so you can point out anything that still needs attention. Some people call this a punch list, which means a short list of remaining items to fix or finish.

Write down answers while you talk. If anything is unclear, ask the pro to restate it in simpler words. It is always okay to ask for the scope, price, and schedule in writing.

How to use this checklist

Bring this page to your first meeting or phone call. You do not need to ask every question in one conversation, but you should leave with a clear sense of the pro’s experience, process, and next steps.

It also helps to share photos of your yard, note where water collects, and mention any pets, children, or access concerns. That gives the pro more context and can lead to a better plan.

If you want help starting the process, Verdorra can connect you with a landscape pro who works with homeowners like you. The matching help is free for homeowners.