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.

Molly B.

Verified review

Kevin was a bit hard to get a hold of originally, but we had just had a huge storm in town and I think most people were overwhelmed. When Kevin arrived, he offered to help cut up a huge downed tree branch! I really needed that and was super glad that he could help. The yard looked so much better after a much-needed mowing/weed-eating and he used a blower to clear off the drive. Very affordable and easy-going.

Gary W.

Nick is an artist with dropping a tree. He hit every landing zone he planned out. The team planned every move before they executed them and the plan went off without a hitch. The finish was clean and the precision to detail spot on. I highly recommend Nash tree service for any tree service needs!

Jaye S.

We were VERY,VERY pleased with the work that Tim and his team took care of at our home. They were very Professional, Polite, Friendly, Extremely Hard Workers ,Very Knowledgeable on how they took care of a all the shrubs/trees. And above all THEY WERE ON TIME so for that they get another __5stars !!! We will be using there service again. We highly recommend Anything Outdoor KC LLC to anyone that need outdoor care. Thank You, Tim, Chris,and Matthew Dr.Craig & Jaye Smith

Justin B.

All around the best experience with their tree service. The price, work quality, and speed of completion exceeded every expectation. Will hire again if tree service is needed.

Claire C.

My yard looks fantastic! It was a bit of a mess. I had weeds that needed serious attention and bushes/trees that needed serious trimming and shaping. Now everything looks great. I will definitely continue to use H&H Mowing for my lawn care needs.

Carolyn G.

I was very impressed with Jeremy and his crew's professionalism and friendliness . Jeremy was very knowledgeable about what needed to be done and explained it for me. Other tree trimmers had only advised taking the whole tree, I however, wanted to save as much of the tree as possible. We had planted it when we first bought the house in 1971 and it is the only shade in our front yard. Jeremy was able to do just that. I was so pleased with his response and his knowledge. I now have my tree, without the dangerous limbs. They were very reasonable in price and excellent in precision of work and clean up. If or when I need any more tree services I will definitely call on Yard Sharks LLC,

Tre T.

Gerardo and his assistant were very professional and did an excellent job with our landscaping. We had them place a border around the front and side of the house and fill it in with rock and mulch. They also cut down the overgrown bushes and trees. They arrived on time, provided us with a reasonable price, and completed the work in a day. The yard looks great and we would recommend this Company to anyone looking for a Landscaper.

Larry P.

These guys are masters at what they do. My very large tree was in a hard to reach place between a major power line and a deep concrete drainage ditch with consideration given to a neighbor's fence and another's evergreen trees. A number of tree trimmers would not touch this job, but Chad, Paul and their team took it on without hesitation. Since they were at the house, I had them trim a big oak in the front yard and because another tree was in the way, they asked first, then removed it for me with no extra charge. The team is professional and the climber is so skilled at what he does it is hard not to watch him all the time. They cut and hauled off all of the downed trees and after Paul ground the stumps, they cleaned up the areas better than a homeowner would do. Do not even consider another company, these are your guys!!

Greg G.

In North Missouri it is hard to get contractors to show up, let alone do a quality job. I was pleasantly surprised when I found TMC. They did a quality paint job on the house with minimal amount of supervision. Larry was very easy to work with and showed the utmost in customer service skills.

Tara B.

Corey removed a large bush, cleared our fence line and trimmed a few tree branches. He came when he said he would, he got it done quickly and did a great job! Our yard looks great and we highly recommend him!

Cristi G.

Josh with Outlaw Tree Service is the most experienced and skilled tree professional I've ever met, his crew is fast and diligent in completing their work and we could not be more impressed. He did exactly what he said he would do, exactly when he said he would do it. We will continue to use Josh and Outlaw Tree Service for all of our tree trimming.

Richard I.

Loera Landscaping has only cut the lawn one time, but I was completely satisfied with the job. I hope to continue this working relationship, because I like a great looking lawn and I believe I will have that with Loera Landscaping. We have discussed additional lawn services that he offers, and plan to include some of them in the future. Carlos did a great job.

Chelsea J.

We are very please with our landscaping! C&M listened to our needs and completed the project in one weekend and it looks fantastic. We even added an extra tree and flowers to supplement the landscaping after seeing their work. Will use this service provider again.

Kelly M.

Mission hills tree was a very good company to work with they were very fair on their prices. They were very Quick to respond as well as getting the job done they did a very good job and trimming our trees will definitely use them on our next project.

Chrisy N.

Chris and Jessica are helping me create my mini, home orchard. They have helped with research and have also installed deer protectors around the trees. I have also gotten instructions for care and they are very helpful in all aspects. I put 5 trees in last fall and plan on having them put in 5 more this fall! I have been very happy!

Amanda T.

Alberto and his crew did a wonderful job! I would highly recommend to anyone. They were prompt, did a wonderful job on the tree's and cleaned up afterwards. Their price was also very reasonable.

Tim H.

Hired him last week to remove 20 large trees overhanging my commercial property in Olathe, KS. Did what he said he would for the price he said he would faster than he promised he would. He will get my future tree business for sure!

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