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.

Steve K.

Verified review

I was really impressed by the time and care Rafael took with me in explaining the irrigation system of my new home. He ensured that the system was working properly, and patiently showed me how to navigate the control settings. I immediately hired his firm to provide me with regular lawn care, and other landscaping tasks as needed.

Rebecca S.

Eberardo was very nice and accommodating with my yard job, which now involves replacing PVC pipes, (not his doing), and he offered to help me out for a reasonable price. He was hired to do a big yard clean up for a new house that's been unoccupied for months. It looks really nice, and if everything continues to be positive and professional, I will plan on retaining his gardening and landscaping services on a regular basis.

Shae G.

Uriel is highly highly recommended when it comes to Landscaping services. Very kind, Very professional, Very dependable, Very detailed, & Very affordable. Cares a great deal about his work and customer satisfaction! Provided superb customer service! You won't find a better landscaping company anywhere. A+ in my book. Shae G. - Mansfield TX

Aaron W.

Sants Landscaping did an incredible job on our backyard. When we moved into our home, we had no grass, several overgrown shrubs. poor soil, and little sunlight. Santos and his team provided the best quote among all of the landscaping services and they worked non-stop for two days to transform our yard into something we are so proud of. They removed several trees, tilled the soil, graded the land, and laid fresh sod in our backyard. It looks great! I highly recommend Santos for his professionalism and friendly service.

Lee S.

David repaired some drainage issues on the property, installed several lawn pop ups, new sprinkler heads, and installed 500 yards of Zyozia lawn turf. He provided recommendations that were unseen by me but definitely needed. I would not hesitate to hire David again for additional landscaping work.

Andres S.

Crest Tree Services did a great job on my front yard. William gave me some good ideas on the project such as design, budget and so on. I highly recommend Crest Tree Services for any landscape project. Very professional!

Karen S.

Gracie at Green Landscaping was great to work with. She provided me with a design complete with the type of plants she recommended. She took the time to listen to what I wanted. Once the project started, she was very responsive and kept me up-to-date on what would be done and when. She’s not typical landscaping company that doesn’t return calls or texts. The work was completed timely and to our specifications and we are very happy. They were very good about cleaning up each day after their work. I highly recommend Green Landscaping.

Danielle Y.

The services provided by New Era Landscape & Irrigation Services owner were excellent. The owner was very professional, punctual, caring, courteous, and friendly. He took his time resolving my issues. He also carefully explained how my water system was performing and what was needed to ensure and maintain a high level of performance. I give him a very high recommendation!

Pamela H.

Andy just finished installing custom made wood shutters with matching 9 footl long window box. He was very nice. We met on a Thursday and by noon following Monday they were installed. He worked quickly and efficiently. When I found out he also does landscaping, I decided to have him draw up plan for front of house. It's not easy finding someone who can handle carpentry needs as well as landscaping for a reasonable price.

Linda B.

Very fast response and was able to get out here the same day, excellent price and work - I wasn't expecting weed cutting and leaf blowing to be part of the services. Will hire again and recommend to anyone else!

Jutta L.

Thought I'd give these people a try as my previous service was bad. I am very happy with what Sonia and Tony did. They were very careful about the edging on my new landscaping, and did not make huge ruts like some folks do. Also the grass was cut the correct height. Cleanup was good. They were courteous and listened to my concerns. Give them a try, I think you'll be pleased.

Cynthia B.

Great Fast Work! We hired Alex & Juan to install sod and to do some landscaping as well. Alex chose the perfect plants and trees to execute my vague idea of what I wanted. Would hire again, highly recommend!

D'One B.

Salado was on time, courteous and professional during the estimate and was early on the day of the service. Just as the previous ratings depicted, he cleaned after himself and even cut the branches into usable firelogs for me to put in my fire pit. Will definitely use again and will gladly inform my neighbors and friends of his company if they are long for tree services and other landscaping needs.

Robyn B.

Mark was EXCELLENT! He is very thorough, detailed and kindly follows up regarding progress. He also has excellent pricing and does a fantastic job. We are going to hire him to help us with other landscaping jobs, as well. I have referred him to two friends, and he has done a great job for them, as well. Great job! Thank you!

Bobby I.

Julius and team recently completed a retaining wall for me, along with repairs to 20+ year old stonework. The quality of their work was excellent and my retaining wall look great! I recommend them if you are looking for masonry or landscaping services.

Danielle W.

Dave is wonderful! We just moved to Texas from California and had a fiberglass pool installed. We were so excited until the pool was done and we saw the devastation that was left to our yard. We had multiple companies come out, big and small. We decided on City Landscaping because Dave was up front and honest about what was needed and we truly felt like he was invested in our yard. We were right! Him and his team did a wonderful job! Now we have a backyard that we love!

Emily P.

JET has been landscaping my property for several months and I cannot say enough about the difference I’ve seen in its appearance and health. He is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure I’m happy with the turnout and does it at a fair price without trying to convince me of services I don’t need. He is professional and accommodating, and I will never let anyone else touch my lawn!

Thumbtack Customer

Martinez Masonry & Landscaping did a wonderful job building a stone mailbox, flower bed stone borders and repairing brickwork on the house and patio wall. Silvino is a hard worker who takes pride in his craft. We have received so many compliments on the work Silvino did and so many inquiries as to who did our mailbox and stonework. I cannot recommend Martinez highly enough. And I encourage anyone who needs masonry work to contact Martinez Masonry & Landscaping. You will not be disappointed.

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