From routine lawn maintenance to full landscape design, here's how to hire and evaluate a landscaping professional.
Typical Cost Range
$50–$250 for lawn maintenance; $500–$5,000 for cleanup or one-time projects; $2,500–$25,000 for hardscaping; $30,000–$80,000+ for full landscape design and installation
Licensing Requirement
Pesticide and herbicide application requires a state license in all 50 states. Tree removal near power lines requires an ISA Certified Arborist. Irrigation installers may require licensing. General landscaping and mowing typically does not require a license but should be insured.
Landscaping encompasses lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, irrigation systems, tree trimming, arborist work, hardscaping (patios, retaining walls, walkways), and full landscape design. Unlike electrical or plumbing, landscaping is not universally licensed — but pesticide applicators, arborists, and irrigation installers have separate licensing requirements in most states. Knowing which certifications matter for your specific project protects both your property and the environment.
No written contract for recurring services — month-to-month with no specifics is problematic
Can't provide a pesticide applicator license when applying any chemical treatment
Offers significantly below-market pricing without being able to explain why
No clear termination or cancellation terms in their service agreement
For tree work: no ISA certification and works without insurance
Proposes to dump yard waste on your property or haul it off illegally
No physical business address — just a phone number
Clear written contract specifying exact services, schedule, and included vs. excluded tasks
Carries liability insurance and willing to provide certificate of insurance
ISA Certified Arborist for any tree work near structures or utility lines
Provides itemized quotes for large projects with materials and labor separated
Has a local presence with verifiable reviews from clients in your neighborhood
Uses licensed pesticide applicators for any chemical treatment
Are you licensed for pesticide/herbicide application if that's part of the service?
Do you carry general liability insurance for property damage?
Who will perform the actual work — your employees or subcontractors?
Do you provide a written contract for recurring services with specific inclusions?
What is your cancellation policy for recurring services?
For hardscaping: do you have examples of similar projects I can visit or see photos of?
For tree work: is your arborist ISA certified?
What's your plan for cleanup and debris removal after each visit?
Define exactly what you need
Routine lawn maintenance, seasonal cleanup, irrigation installation, hardscaping, and full landscape design each require different contractors with different skills. Being specific about your needs gets you accurate quotes from the right professionals.
Get quotes from 3 local companies
Lawn care pricing varies widely by region and service level. Local, owner-operated companies tend to be more consistent and accountable than national franchise operations. Ask neighbors for referrals.
Review the service agreement carefully
For recurring services, the agreement should specify: what is included at each visit, what triggers additional charges, how pricing changes over time, and how to cancel. 'We'll take care of it' is not a contract.
Check references and review project photos
Landscaping quality is visible. Ask for references from clients with similar projects and call them. Request photos of completed hardscaping projects in your area — or ask to see a completed project in person.
Verify chemical application licenses
If any fertilizer, pesticide, weed control, or pest treatment will be applied to your property, confirm the person doing it holds a valid state pesticide applicator license. This is a legal requirement in all 50 states.
How often should I fertilize my lawn?
For cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass, rye): 4–5 times per year — early spring, late spring, early summer, early fall, late fall. For warm-season grasses (Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia): 3–4 times per year in late spring through early fall. Over-fertilizing burns lawns and wastes money.
What's the difference between a landscaper and a lawn care service?
Lawn care services focus on recurring maintenance: mowing, edging, blowing, and often fertilization and weed control. Full-service landscapers also design and install plantings, hardscaping, irrigation systems, and drainage solutions. Some companies do both.
When do I need an ISA Certified Arborist?
For any tree work involving: trees near the home, large trees with significant health issues, trees near power lines, or any work beyond basic pruning. Arborists are trained to assess structural risk. An unlicensed 'tree guy' with a chainsaw is a liability when a large tree falls on your house.
How much should I budget for a full backyard landscape renovation?
A basic backyard project (sod, plantings, simple hardscape) runs $5,000–$20,000. A full design-build project with custom paving, retaining walls, outdoor lighting, and irrigation can reach $50,000–$150,000+. Get multiple design-build quotes and ask for a detailed scope.
Verified, licensed landscaper / lawn care pros across the US — select your city:
Request estimates for your project, then review each landscaper / lawn care pro's credentials, experience, references, and written terms before hiring. Availability and credential status vary by profile.
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