Managing multiple properties? See our Property Managers' 2026 Landscaping Buyers Guide for portfolio-specific evaluation criteria. For a comprehensive overview of all factors, check the main 2026 GroundsCare Buyers Guide.
Your home's curb appeal represents a significant component of its overall value. Whether you're maintaining a property you plan to keep forever or preparing to sell, your landscaping contractor's work directly impacts how your home looks, its market value, and how much you enjoy your property.
Yet many homeowners choose landscape contractors the same way they might choose a pizza restaurant—based on convenience and price. This approach creates predictable problems: inconsistent work quality, contractors who disappear mid-season, damage to property without recourse, and frustration that leads to constant contractor changes.
This guide helps homeowners evaluate landscape contractors professionally, understand what separates professional providers from temporary operators, and make hiring decisions that protect both your property and your investment.
Why Homeowners Are Vulnerable to Contractor Fraud & Failure
The landscaping industry has become increasingly fragmented. Major shifts in the marketplace mean that homeowners now face unprecedented choice—and unprecedented risk.
Consider what's changed: Ten years ago, most homeowners hired contractors through personal referrals or established local businesses. Today, they search Facebook, see dozens of options, and receive quotes from operators who started their business last month.
The low barriers to entry mean landscaping attracts weekend warriors, career changers, and genuinely professional contractors all operating side-by-side. Without professional credentials or industry oversight, homeowners have difficulty distinguishing legitimate businesses from temporary operations.
When you hire a temporary operator and they deliver poor work or disappear mid-season, you have limited recourse. They likely carry no insurance (so you can't file a claim). They may not even be a registered business (so you can't take legal action). All you've done is lost your deposit and now need to find another contractor to finish the work.
Start Here: Verify Insurance & Business Legitimacy
This is the most critical step. Before considering any contractor, verify they carry proper insurance and operate as a legitimate business.
Insurance verification:
- Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing their general liability coverage
- Minimum $1M general liability is standard
- If they have employees, they must carry Workers Compensation insurance
- Don't accept copies they provide—request they have their insurance agent email it directly to you
- Verify the certificate is current (not expired)
- Ask to confirm they carry commercial auto insurance for their vehicles
Why this matters: If a contractor is injured on your property, damages your home, or gets in an accident while traveling to your property, you could face significant liability without their insurance coverage. An operator without insurance is too risky—full stop.
Business legitimacy:
- Verify they hold a business license in your state or county
- Search for complaints with your state's Attorney General office
- Confirm they're registered with local governments where applicable
- Look for physical business office or yard facility
- Verify they have dedicated office staff handling scheduling and customer service
Red Flag Warning Signs for Homeowners
Flag #1: They Started Last Year
Ask how long they've been in business. If they answer "about a year" or "since last spring," proceed cautiously. A one-year-old contractor hasn't proven they can survive winter, manage seasonal fluctuations, or retain customers through multiple years. They might be excellent—but they haven't yet demonstrated business stability.
Professional contractors typically have 5+ years of continuous operation. This proves they've managed multiple seasons, handled customer disputes, and stayed in business despite economic pressures.
Flag #2: They Accept Only Cash or Personal Checks
While many legitimate contractors accept cash, "cash only" operations without bank deposits create problems. You lose documentation. You can't dispute charges. If they disappear or fail to complete work, you have minimal recourse.
Professional operators accept credit cards, online payments, or ACH transfers. This creates a documented transaction trail that protects both you and them.
Flag #3: No Written Contract or Proposal
If they propose an estimate verbally, refuse to provide written terms, or ask you to pay without a signed agreement, walk away. Professional contractors always provide:
- Written scope of work (specific services, dates, frequency)
- Itemized pricing breakdown
- Payment terms and schedule
- Cancellation or modification terms
- Warranty or satisfaction guarantee
Without a written contract, disputes over what was promised, what was delivered, and what's owed become impossible to resolve fairly.
Flag #4: Extremely Low Pricing Compared to Competitors
If one contractor's quote is half what others charge, ask why. Common reasons include:
- No insurance (reducing overhead)
- Employees paid under the table (reducing labor costs)
- Under-pricing to build customer base, then demands overages once under contract
- Inadequate equipment or staffing (faster, lower-quality work)
- Planning to cut corners on materials or time
The cheapest contractor is rarely the best value. Mid-range pricing from established contractors typically delivers the best value—balanced between quality, reliability, and cost.
Flag #5: No Online Presence or Professional Website
In 2026, legitimate businesses maintain professional online presence. They have websites, Google Business profiles, and social media presence. They display customer testimonials, past project photos, and service information.
If they only operate via Facebook messages, carry no website, and have no documented customer reviews, they're likely not established enough to trust with your property.
Flag #6: Difficulty Reaching Them or Making Appointments
Does it take days to get a response? Do they ignore emails or texts? These communication failures signal potential problems with their service reliability. If you can't reach them during the sales process, expecting responsiveness after you've paid is unrealistic.
Professional contractors maintain dedicated communication channels and respond promptly to inquiries.
Evaluation Checklist: What Separates Professionals From Temporary Operators
Business Stability:
- ☐ 5+ years in business
- ☐ Physical office or yard facility
- ☐ Permanent website (not just social media)
- ☐ Established banking relationship (accepts credit cards, ACH)
- ☐ Professional liability and bonding where applicable
Professionalism & Knowledge:
- ☐ Industry certifications (ISA Arborist, etc.)
- ☐ Active membership in NALP or state landscape associations
- ☐ Equipment maintenance program
- ☐ Documented training for staff
- ☐ Pest/disease identification and treatment knowledge
- ☐ Plant selection guidance for your climate
- ☐ Social media demonstrating growth, improvement, and customer education
Service Quality Indicators:
- ☐ Written scope of workcustomer portal technology
- ☐ Satisfaction guarantee or warranty
- ☐ Long-term customer retention (verified references)
- ☐ Professional technology stack for scheduling, billing, and communication
- ☐ Dedicated office staff available during business hoursli>
- ☐ Satisfaction guarantee or warranty
- ☐ Long-term customer retention (verified references)
Checking References & Customer Reviews
Request specific references: Ask for customer references—specifically people who have used them for 3+ years. A few recent customers aren't as meaningful as long-term relationships.
Ask targeted questions:
- "Have they always shown up on schedule?"
- "Is the work quality consistent?"
- "How do they communicate about problems?"
- "Would you rehire them again?"
- "Have they resolved any disputes fairly?"
- "Do their prices stay consistent, or do they add overages?"
Online review validation: Check Google Reviews extensively. Look for detailed, specific reviews from long-term customers. Multiple detailed reviews are more reliable than generic praise. Be skeptical of contractors with zero negative reviews (everyone gets occasional complaints). Look for how they respond to criticism—do they address concerns professionally? Professional contractors typically have Google ratings of 4.6+ stars based on numerous reviews (20+).
Industry involvement: Research their membership in professional associations like NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals), state associations like PLNA, or snow industry groups like SIMA. Professional involvement signals commitment to industry standards and continuing education.
For Homeowners: What Professional Service Looks Like
Once you've hired a professional contractor, expect these standards from them:
Consistent scheduling: Services happen on expected days. Not "we'll come sometime this week." Not constant rescheduling based on their schedule changes.
Service confirmation: You receive notification when services are completed. Often includes before/after photos showing work performed.
Proactive communication: If problems arise (weather delays, disease identification, pest damage), they contact you immediately with recommendations.
Professional appearance: Crews are uniformed, equipment maintained, work sites left clean.
Knowledge sharing: They make recommendations based on your property's specific conditions. They explain what they're doing and why. They answer questions.
Complaint resolution: If you're unsatisfied, they address it quickly without lengthy disputes or excuses.
Final Advice for Homeowners
Your landscape significantly impacts your home's curb appeal, property value, and your enjoyment of your property. It deserves professional care from a contractor you can trust.
Don't let price be your primary decision factor. Evaluate contractors based on business stability, insurance and legal compliance, experience and knowledge, communication ability, and long-term customer satisfaction.
The best contractor may not be the cheapest—but they'll deliver consistent results, communicate proactively, and still be in business years from now when you need them again.
Choose carefully. Your home's beauty and value depend on it.