Before You Hire a Landscaper, Ask These 9 Questions
These nine questions will help you look beyond the sales pitch and find a partner who understands your vision, respects your budget and delivers lasting results. Ask them in every consultation, and trust your instincts along the way.
1. What types of projects do you specialize in?
This may sound simple, but it’s incredibly revealing.
Not all landscapers excel at the same things. Some specialize in complex hardscaping, like retaining walls, patios and outdoor kitchens built to withstand Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles. Others are known for exceptional planting design, creating gardens that evolve beautifully season after season. Some focus primarily on maintenance.
There’s nothing wrong with any of these specialties. In fact, you want a company that understands its strengths and is honest about them.
What to listen for:
A clear, specific answer. For example:
“We specialize in large-scale residential properties with integrated hardscapes, lighting and water features,” or
“Our focus is naturalistic, Michigan-native planting design with long-term sustainability in mind.”
Honesty about what they don’t do is a green flag.
Red flag:
“We do it all,” with no detail. That can signal a lack of deep expertise or a company trying to win the bid without a clear plan.
When you’re making a significant investment, you deserve a team with proven experience in projects similar to yours. Ask to see examples that match your scope, style and complexity.
2. What is your exact process from design to installation, and who will be my point of contact?
If a landscaper can’t clearly explain their process, that’s a concern.
A professional firm should walk you through every step: consultation, site analysis, design development, revisions, material selections, permitting (if required), installation and final walkthrough.
You should know what to expect and who you’ll communicate with throughout the project.
Why this matters:
Large landscape projects involve many moving parts. Without a clear structure, timelines stretch and communication breaks down.
Red flags:
Vague responses like “We’ll figure it out as we go.”
No defined project manager or point person.
No system for updates or accountability.
3. Can you show me similar projects in size and complexity to mine?
Beautiful photos aren’t enough. The real question is whether they’ve completed projects comparable to yours.
There’s a big difference between a small patio installation and a multi-phase property transformation involving grading, drainage, irrigation, lighting and extensive plantings.
Ask for examples that align with:
Your scope of work
Your preferred aesthetic
Your investment range
Experience at your level of complexity matters.
4. Are you licensed, insured and properly credentialed?
This is non-negotiable.
Proper licensing and insurance protect you from liability, property damage and costly mistakes. In Michigan, especially with projects involving excavation, retaining walls, drainage or outdoor structures, working with a properly credentialed company is critical.
Ask for:
General liability insurance
Workers’ compensation coverage
Applicable Michigan licensing
Bonding (for larger projects, if applicable)
A reputable company will provide documentation without hesitation.
Red flags:
“We’re covered under someone else’s policy.”
Reluctance to share proof.
Deep discounts for cash payments.
5. What’s included in your proposal and what’s considered additional?
Many homeowners are surprised by unexpected costs mid-project.
A clear proposal should outline what’s included and what may be optional or additional, such as:
Design fees
Excavation and grading
Drainage systems
Irrigation
Outdoor lighting
Plant warranties
Cleanup and final grading
Ongoing maintenance
Transparency upfront prevents budget surprises later.
6. Where do you source materials and plants, and are they appropriate for Michigan?
A beautiful design won’t last if materials and plants aren’t suited to Michigan’s climate. Freeze-thaw cycles, clay soils and unpredictable seasonal shifts demand thoughtful selection.
Ask about hardscape materials:
Are they rated for freeze-thaw conditions?
What’s their expected lifespan?
Are they sourced from trusted regional suppliers?
Ask about plants:
Are they native or well-adapted to Michigan?
How much maintenance will they require?
Is there a plant warranty?
Are they sourced from reputable local nurseries?
Durability and long-term performance matter just as much as aesthetics.
7. What’s the timeline, and how are delays or changes handled?
No project goes exactly according to plan. Weather, material delays and design changes happen.
A professional partner should outline:
Design timeline
Permitting timeline (if applicable in your Michigan municipality)
Estimated construction window
Seasonal considerations
Just as important:
How are delays communicated?
What’s the process for change orders?
How often will you receive updates?
Clear communication makes all the difference.
8. What does post-project maintenance look like?
Your landscape is a living investment. Without proper maintenance, even the best design can decline quickly. Ask:
Do you offer ongoing maintenance services?
What’s included?
How often is service recommended?
What systems (irrigation, lighting, drainage) require seasonal adjustments?
Long-term care protects your investment and ensures your landscape looks as good in 10 years as it does on day one.
9. Who will perform the work?
The person selling the project may not be the one building it.
Ask:
Will your own crews handle the work, or subcontractors?
If subcontractors are used, how are they vetted?
What training or certifications do crews have?
Will there be a dedicated on-site supervisor?
Will the same team remain throughout the project?
Consistency, experience and supervision directly impact quality and longevity.
The Right Questions Lead to the Right Partnership
Hiring a landscape company in Michigan is about more than comparing prices. It’s about choosing a partner with the expertise, transparency and long-term commitment to protect your investment and bring your vision to life.
The right company won’t be intimidated by these questions. They’ll welcome them.
Ready to Start Your Landscape Project?
At Robert Thomas Landscape Environments (RTLE), we’ve spent decades designing and building landscapes that stand the test of time across Michigan.
If you’re planning a project and want to work with a team that values craftsmanship, clear communication and long-term relationships, we’d love to connect.
Schedule a consultation with RTLE and let’s explore what’s possible for your property.
