Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

What does a landscape contractor do?

Landscape contractors work from outdoor architectural or design plans to build and install hardscaping or softscaping for the client, much as a general contractor uses architectural designs to build a house. Landscape contractors are experts in soil drainage, grading, hardscaping (installing concrete paths and retaining wall, building ponds, etc.), and planting. They have heavy equipment such as excavators and tractors to prepare the land as needed.

Some landscape contractors are also landscape architects or landscape designers. The titles can be compared with those in home construction: A building or landscape architect must earn a specialized architecture degree and pass an exam to have a license. A designer — whether an interior designer or a landscape designer — does not usually require a license to work. Landscape contractors are not required by law to work from plans designed by a landscape architect, so you may work directly with the landscape contractor to specify the work you’d like done. The national average cost for large-scale landscaping projects is $10,160. Pricing can vary greatly depending on the project scope, materials and design.

How do you find a good landscape architect?

Hiring a landscape architect is an investment in your home. Landscaping can reduce water bills, improve your home resale value, add to your daily living experience and significantly boost curb appeal. A landscape architect will draw the designs for your new landscape; you’ll want to hire a landscape contractor to carry out the plans. Many companies provide design-build landscaping services, with a company architect creating plans for your vision and the landscape contractor executing the vision. With the proper academic background and licensing, a person can be both landscape architect and landscape contractor. Here are a few tips for finding a great landscape architect:

Research online portfolios and find several landscape architects whose work interests you.
Read online reviews of client experiences.
Research whether the landscape architects you are interested in are currently licensed and in good standing with the licensing board, and check whether any complaints have been issued against them. Each state will have their own searchable database. For example, you can search for California landscape architects via the state’s Department of Consumer Affairs.
Request bids from your selected landscape architects.
Hire the one you like the most, taking care to have a clearly written contract outlining scope of work.

For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

What should you look for when hiring a landscaper?

Landscaping can be costly — though it usually pays off in curb appeal and home resale value — so finding a landscaper who is worth the investment is important. When hiring a landscaper, look for proven success with the type of results you want. For example, if you know you want a drought-tolerant yard, research websites, reviews and portfolios that showcase beautiful drought-tolerant yards that the landscaper has installed. In addition to relevant experience, you’ll want to find a landscape contractor who has good client reviews. Good communication skills are another important quality in a landscape contractor, since everything from plant selection to hardscape installation needs to be discussed and agreed upon. A landscape contractor who is reliable, easy to understand and able to listen to what you want will help make the process seamless and enjoyable.

Justin H.

Verified review

Juan and team did a great job and completed the work quickly and efficiently. Even did some manicuring by our curbside that we didn’t initially ask for. We plan to have them back out in the spring for some additional landscape work.

Thumbtack Customer

Jorge and his crew did a great job with our yard work and playset border installation. They were very prompt and got right to work. They removed one tree and took down dead branches that needed to be cleared out. It looks amazing. And they did a nice job cleaning up after they finished trimming. Great work!

ANDREY G.

I wanted to plant 7 trees. The guys came in three days and made this work very fast and professional. Excellent! I'm very thankful! I'll refer to this company again if I need to do some landscape works on my backyard. Affordable price.

I am so happy with the landscape design and installion by Kyle and his team. The project could not have been smoother. Kyle presented a bid and design plan which was agreed on and that is exactly what was delivered on the day scheduled. I asked for a couple of changes to the plant material which was taken care of and did not affect the installation date at all. I was impressed with how quickly the project was completed, because I had anticipated weather issues. Would definitely recommend Kyle to my friends and plan to call on them again in the Fall.

Chris W.

This is the best landscape firm on Thumbtack! Antonio and his team did an amazing job. It was done to PERFECTION with 10 Yds of Mulch and hundreds and hundreds of feet of edging. The post job clean up was PERFECT and we had nothing to clean up. NOTHING. Total professionals 100%. And these guys really couldnt be nice. We enjoyed the entire 6-8 hours they worked on our yard and WE WILL DEFINETLY HIRE THEM IN 2019! Call me with any questions! - Chris 847 254 6358

Bob G.

Roberto did a great job on a really hot day. He took the plants I bought and planted them, put down the landscape mesh and spread the mulch. He knows about the plants and advised me how to take care of them for the next couple weeks.

Kris C.

We were very impressed with how many 5 star ratings PTL Landscaping has on Thumbtack! That is why we asked PTL Landscaping to give us a quote. We were so pleased with their work that we requested additional quotes other projects. We are confident you will agree with all of the other 5 star ratings if you end up working with PTL Landscaping. We had the following done: (1) installation of 1 drainage pipe from the sump pump and gutters underground to the back of the yard and 2 drainage pipes underground in the front of the yard – basically moving the water away from our house, (2) planting grass/sod, (3) removal of old cement fence posts, (4) removal of vine covering, weeds and older bushes, (4) design and installation of landscaping yard lights and (5) designing and planting our front yard landscaping. Paul (owner) and his team are very professional, courteous, and do a great job. PTL Landscaping has come through with all of our requests. Their pricing is fair and they will give you alternative options (ie different options on bushes) to stay within price points. We have and will continue to recommend Paul to our neighbors, friends and family. I would definitely contact PTL Landscaping for a quote if you are doing a landscaping/yard project of any size. You will find Paul (owner) to be a great guy and someone that you will want to continue to hire for your landscaping needs!

Jim S.

Linda was fantastic with getting our home looking great on all four sides! From pulling weeds to cleaning up flower beds, separating plants and flowers to make the entire landscape look wonderful! If you need a gardener, Linda is who you should hire!

Janice S.

Rodolfo and his team did an amazing job! I’m very happy with my the sod installation and rocks. This company communicates well, great value, and delivers great work! I highly recommend this company.

John M.

Outstanding job done by Diverse Services! David design a beautiful Landscape Design, he included awesome shrubs and annuals that will finally give my 3000 sqbft yard life. I was impressed of how quickly and neatly I received my quote. We definitely choose him because of his knowledge and also his professionalism and not to mention that they are always happy. So far my back yard has been cleaned of all debris, a lot of debris. They laid soil and graded my yard to move water way. They also redid my entire patio, which was done last year by another company :(. So far we are very impressed with work. This project will definitely need a second review to add to the 10 star service. Next step is to lay sod and plant my entire yard line with Shrubs. Thanks DiverseTeam..

Beth M.

Gil and team are hardworking and do a great quality job. They did edging and mulch around my property. The end result looks great, and they cleaned up really well after the job. My house's curb appeal just skyrocketed!

Varsha M.

Prudencio did an excellent job. The landscape lighting looks great. We had a tough time finding someone good to do the work. But he with his team completed the project in two days. Highly recommend this service.

Jennifer S.

Fernando was a total professional! He was clean and organized and completed the project on the promised date. I have already recommended him to several people. Our experience was so positive we’ve decided to hire him to come back and help us with our landscaping needs this spring!

Peter H.

Diamond did a great job with our sod installation. They brought a team of employees, quickly removed the old grass, prepped the soil, laid the new sod and were in and out in a matter of hours. So pleased with the result and their level of professionalism.

Eric R.

Mario and his team were amazing. They responded quickly to this post, came out promptly for a quote and then were able to immediately do the work. The sprinkler system works perfectly now. They installed a Rachio system (which is recommended by Wirecutter) - it's very cool - works on wifi, and is a smart/eco friendly system that integrates the weather/rain into its schedule. Also, they were well below their competitors' prices. We couldn't recommend them more!

Charles C.

Dry well installation and some minor gutter work. Major landscape cleanup of some property than had been ignored for years. Very responsive to email qurieries and requests. I would recommend that you give them a chance to quote your jib.

Liz P.

Definitely would use again! German responded quickly to meet with us to see what landscaping we wanted done. The work crew was wonderful and everything was completed professionally, on time and as agreed. Even my neighbors stopped him to schedule landscaping for themselves!

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Justin H.

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ANDREY G.

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Chris W.

Bob G.

Kris C.

Jim S.

Janice S.

John M.

Beth M.

Varsha M.

Charles H.

Jennifer S.

Angie C.

Peter H.

Eric R.

Gia B.

Charles C.

Lily F.

Liz P.

What does a landscape contractor do?

How do you find a good landscape architect?

What should you look for when hiring a landscaper?