{"id":2723,"date":"2026-09-30T08:44:19","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T08:44:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/how-to-find-a-reliable-landscaping-company\/"},"modified":"2026-09-30T08:45:07","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T08:45:07","slug":"find-a-landscaping-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/find-a-landscaping-company\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find a Reliable Landscaping Company"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Published: September 2026 | Reading Time: 12 minutes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Landscaping is unusual among home services because it spans two very different trades. Cutting grass and pulling weeds is maintenance. Installing irrigation, building a retaining wall, laying a patio or planting mature trees is construction \u2014 and it comes with licensing thresholds, underground utilities and specialist credentials that mowing never touches. Most disappointing landscaping jobs come from hiring someone excellent at the first thing to do the second. This guide covers how to tell which one you need, the free call that has to happen before anyone digs, and the credentials you can actually verify.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-table-of-contents uagb-toc__align-left uagb-toc__columns-1  uagb-block-ls1a2b3c      \"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-scroll= \"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-offset= \"30\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat&#8217;s in this guide\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__list-wrap \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#work-out-which-trade-you-actually-need\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Work Out Which Trade You Actually Need<\/a><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#maintenance-against-installation\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Maintenance against installation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#the-licence-threshold-nobody-mentions\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">The Licence Threshold Nobody Mentions<\/a><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#verify-the-licence-do-not-take-the-number-on-faith\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Verify the licence, do not take the number on faith<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#before-anyone-puts-a-spade-in-the-ground-811\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Before anyone puts a spade in the ground: 811<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#tree-work-has-its-own-credential\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Tree Work Has Its Own Credential<\/a><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-isa-certified-arborist-involves\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">What ISA Certified Arborist involves<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#money-bids-deposits-and-payment\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Money: Bids, Deposits and Payment<\/a><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#the-rules-california-sets-out-worth-applying-anywhere\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">The rules California sets out, worth applying anywhere<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-the-written-estimate-should-separate\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">What the written estimate should separate<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#judging-the-company-itself\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Judging the Company Itself<\/a><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#ask-to-see-work-that-has-aged\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Ask to see work that has aged<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#good-signs-and-warning-signs\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Good signs and warning signs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#a-shortlist-process-that-works\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">A Shortlist Process That Works<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#sources\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Sources<\/a><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Work Out Which Trade You Actually Need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California&#8217;s Contractors State License Board draws the line more clearly than most, and its framing is useful anywhere: routine yard upkeep is one thing, and construction is another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maintenance against installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Type of work<\/th><th>Examples<\/th><th>What it usually requires<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Routine maintenance<\/td><td>Mowing, weeding, shrub trimming, leaf clearance<\/td><td>Often no licence, depending on state and job value<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Planting and soft landscaping<\/td><td>Beds, shrubs, turf, mature trees<\/td><td>Digging, so a locate request first<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Irrigation<\/td><td>Sprinkler systems, drip lines, controllers<\/td><td>Treated as construction in many states<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hardscaping<\/td><td>Patios, paths, retaining walls, decking<\/td><td>A licensed contractor, and often permits<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tree work<\/td><td>Pruning, removal, crown reduction<\/td><td>A separate specialist credential<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Chemical treatment<\/td><td>Weed control, fertilisation programmes<\/td><td>A certified pesticide applicator for restricted products<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you know which rows your project covers, the shortlist writes itself \u2014 and you stop wasting time getting quotes from firms that cannot legally do half the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-ls2b3c4d uagb-is-root-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/worker-digging-ground-for-landscaping.jpg\" alt=\"A worker digging ground ahead of a landscaping installation\" class=\"wp-image-2721 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/worker-digging-ground-for-landscaping.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/worker-digging-ground-for-landscaping-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/worker-digging-ground-for-landscaping-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/worker-digging-ground-for-landscaping-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Licence Threshold Nobody Mentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Licensing rules vary by state, but the structure is usually the same: past a certain job value, the work needs a licensed contractor rather than a gardener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California is a clear example. Its rule is that <strong>any construction project of $500 or more in combined labour and material costs requires a state-licensed contractor<\/strong>. Landscaping contractors there hold a C-27 specialty licence. A gardener doing routine upkeep generally does not need one \u2014 provided the work stays under that threshold and does not include construction elements such as artificial turf, irrigation systems or vinyl pool liners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That threshold is lower than people expect. A modest irrigation repair or a small patio clears $500 easily, which means the friendly gardener who has cut your grass for three years may not be the right person to install it \u2014 not because of skill, but because of what they are licensed to do and what recourse you have if it goes wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Verify the licence, do not take the number on faith<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California publishes a licence lookup and a phone line for exactly this. Whatever state you are in, find the equivalent board rather than trusting a number printed on a truck, and confirm the licence is current and held under the name you are contracting with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-ls3c4d5e\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h3 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">Before anyone puts a spade in the ground: 811<\/h3><\/div><p class=\"uagb-ifb-desc\">811 is the free national before-you-dig service, and it applies to homeowners and professional contractors alike. Anyone planning to dig should contact it a few business days beforehand \u2014 including for jobs as small as planting trees and shrubs or installing fences and mailboxes, because shallow digging is still digging. You give the address, county, nearest cross street, project type and the exact area, and utilities respond by marking their underground lines with paint or flags so the crew can dig carefully around them. Failing to do it is the number one cause of utility damage, running to roughly $30 billion a year in repairs and societal impacts. Ask your landscaper whether they have filed the request, and do not accept &#8220;we&#8217;ll be careful&#8221; as the answer.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tree Work Has Its Own Credential<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pruning and removing trees is the most dangerous work that happens in a domestic garden, and it is a different discipline from planting and mowing. There is a recognised credential for it, and unlike a lot of industry badges it is earned rather than bought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What ISA Certified Arborist involves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The credential is awarded by the International Society of Arboriculture. To be eligible, a candidate needs <strong>a minimum of three years of full-time experience in arboriculture<\/strong> \u2014 with a year counted as roughly 1,795 hours \u2014 or an accepted education substitute such as a four-year bachelor&#8217;s degree with at least four arboriculture-related courses plus one year of practical full-time experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exam is <strong>200 multiple-choice questions across ten knowledge domains<\/strong>, with 3.5 hours to complete it. Certification lasts <strong>three years<\/strong>, and holders must accumulate at least <strong>30 continuing education units<\/strong> across that period and pay a recertification fee, or retake the exam. So it is a live credential rather than a one-off qualification from a decade ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For pruning a mature tree, reducing a crown near a roof, or any removal, this is the question to ask. A general landscaping crew with a chainsaw is not the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-ls4d5e6f uagb-is-root-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arborist-working-in-a-tree.jpg\" alt=\"An arborist working aloft in a tree, specialist work with its own credential\" class=\"wp-image-2722 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arborist-working-in-a-tree.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arborist-working-in-a-tree-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arborist-working-in-a-tree-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/arborist-working-in-a-tree-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Money: Bids, Deposits and Payment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Landscaping projects are among the easiest home jobs to lose money on, because the work is highly variable and much of it gets buried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The rules California sets out, worth applying anywhere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Get at least three bids<\/strong>, and references from each bidder.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Never pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less<\/strong>, unless the contractor has a blanket performance and payment bond on file with the board.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Verify the bond and insurance<\/strong>, not just the licence.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Avoid cash payments<\/strong>, which leave you no record and no dispute rights.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Keep detailed project documentation<\/strong> throughout.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Withhold final payment<\/strong> until the work meets every contract specification.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That deposit cap is the one to remember. A contractor asking for half up front on a $6,000 patio is asking for something California would not permit, and the logic behind the rule holds regardless of where you live: a large advance transfers all the risk to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the written estimate should separate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Design<\/strong>, if there is a design phase, and who owns the drawings.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Site preparation and excavation<\/strong>, including spoil removal, which is often a surprise line.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Materials<\/strong>, named by type and quantity rather than described as &#8220;quality materials&#8221;.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Plants<\/strong>, by species and container size, since a five-gallon shrub and a fifteen-gallon one are different purchases.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Labour<\/strong>, with a crew size and duration.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Permits<\/strong>, and who is responsible for pulling them.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Cleanup and disposal<\/strong>, plus what happens to excavated soil.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Judging the Company Itself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Credentials get you a shortlist. These are the things that separate two licensed, insured firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ask to see work that has aged<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any landscaper can show you photographs taken the day a job finished, when the mulch is fresh and the plants are upright. Ask instead to see something they installed three or four years ago. Settled paving, established planting and a retaining wall that is still straight tell you what their work actually becomes \u2014 and a firm that keeps in touch with past clients well enough to arrange that visit is telling you something too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Good signs and warning signs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Encouraging<\/th><th>Worth worrying about<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Asks about drainage and where water goes before proposing anything<\/td><td>Quotes a price before looking at the site properly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Raises the 811 locate request without being prompted<\/td><td>Says a locate request is not needed for shallow work<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Names plant species and explains why they suit your conditions<\/td><td>Proposes planting with no reference to sun, soil or climate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Puts the deposit and payment schedule in writing<\/td><td>Wants a large cash deposit up front<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Refers tree work to a certified arborist<\/td><td>Offers to take down a large tree as an add-on<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Explains the maintenance the design will need<\/td><td>Implies the result is zero maintenance<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drainage deserves special mention. It is invisible in photographs, it is the most common cause of a landscaping job failing within a couple of years, and a contractor who asks where water currently pools is demonstrating more competence than one with a nicer portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-ls5e6f7a uagb-is-root-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/digging-soil-with-a-garden-shovel.jpg\" alt=\"Digging into soil with a shovel, the work that requires an 811 locate request first\" class=\"wp-image-2720 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/digging-soil-with-a-garden-shovel.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/digging-soil-with-a-garden-shovel-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/digging-soil-with-a-garden-shovel-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/digging-soil-with-a-garden-shovel-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Shortlist Process That Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Write down the scope<\/strong> and mark which parts are maintenance and which are construction.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Check whether your job clears your state&#8217;s licence threshold.<\/strong> If it does, only licensed contractors go on the list.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Verify each licence<\/strong> with the state board directly, plus bond and insurance.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Get three bids on identical scope<\/strong>, so the numbers mean something.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Take references and view older work<\/strong>, not just recent photographs.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Confirm the 811 request will be filed<\/strong> before any digging, and who is filing it.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Get the contract in writing<\/strong> with the deposit capped, the schedule staged, and the final payment held back until completion.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the ongoing side of this \u2014 what regular maintenance costs once the installation is finished \u2014 see our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/professional-lawn-care-cost\/\">professional lawn care costs<\/a>, which covers per-visit and contract pricing and the certification question for chemical treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-ls6f7a8b uagb-faq-icon-row uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-true uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height     \" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ypages.us\\\/blog\\\/find-a-landscaping-company\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does my landscaper need to call 811 before digging?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, and so would you if doing it yourself. 811 is the free national before-you-dig service and applies to homeowners and contractors alike, including small jobs like planting shrubs or installing a fence or mailbox \\u2014 shallow digging is still digging. Contact it a few business days ahead so utilities can mark their lines with paint or flags.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When does landscaping work need a licensed contractor?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It depends on your state, but thresholds are often low. In California, any construction project of $500 or more in combined labour and material costs requires a state-licensed contractor, and landscaping contractors hold a C-27 specialty licence. Routine gardening below that threshold, without construction elements such as irrigation or artificial turf, generally does not.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much deposit should I pay a landscaper?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"California's rule is a useful benchmark: never pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less, unless the contractor has a blanket performance and payment bond on file with the board. A request for half the project value up front transfers all the risk to you, wherever you live.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who should do tree pruning or removal?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"An ISA Certified Arborist. The credential requires a minimum of three years of full-time arboriculture experience, or an accepted education substitute, plus a 200-question exam across ten domains. It lasts three years and needs 30 continuing education units to renew, so it reflects current knowledge rather than a one-off qualification.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the most common reason landscaping work fails?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Drainage. It is invisible in photographs and it is what undermines paving, kills planting and destabilises walls within a couple of years. A contractor who asks where water currently pools and how it will leave the site before proposing a design is demonstrating more competence than one with a better portfolio.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What should a landscaping estimate itemise?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Design and who owns the drawings, site preparation and excavation including spoil removal, materials by type and quantity, plants by species and container size, labour with crew size and duration, permits and who pulls them, and cleanup and disposal. Anything described only as quality materials is not an estimate you can compare.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do I check a landscaping company is legitimate?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Verify the licence with your state board rather than trusting a number on a truck, and confirm it is current and held in the name you are contracting with. Check the bond and insurance separately, take at least three bids with references, and ask to see work installed three or four years ago rather than only finished-day photographs.\"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-lsfaq01 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Does my landscaper need to call 811 before digging?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Yes, and so would you if doing it yourself. 811 is the free national before-you-dig service and applies to homeowners and contractors alike, including small jobs like planting shrubs or installing a fence or mailbox \u2014 shallow digging is still digging. Contact it a few business days ahead so utilities can mark their lines with paint or flags.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-lsfaq02 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">When does landscaping work need a licensed contractor?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>It depends on your state, but thresholds are often low. In California, any construction project of $500 or more in combined labour and material costs requires a state-licensed contractor, and landscaping contractors hold a C-27 specialty licence. Routine gardening below that threshold, without construction elements such as irrigation or artificial turf, generally does not.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-lsfaq03 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">How much deposit should I pay a landscaper?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>California&#8217;s rule is a useful benchmark: never pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less, unless the contractor has a blanket performance and payment bond on file with the board. A request for half the project value up front transfers all the risk to you, wherever you live.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-lsfaq04 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Who should do tree pruning or removal?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>An ISA Certified Arborist. The credential requires a minimum of three years of full-time arboriculture experience, or an accepted education substitute, plus a 200-question exam across ten domains. It lasts three years and needs 30 continuing education units to renew, so it reflects current knowledge rather than a one-off qualification.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-lsfaq05 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What is the most common reason landscaping work fails?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Drainage. It is invisible in photographs and it is what undermines paving, kills planting and destabilises walls within a couple of years. A contractor who asks where water currently pools and how it will leave the site before proposing a design is demonstrating more competence than one with a better portfolio.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-lsfaq06 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What should a landscaping estimate itemise?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Design and who owns the drawings, site preparation and excavation including spoil removal, materials by type and quantity, plants by species and container size, labour with crew size and duration, permits and who pulls them, and cleanup and disposal. Anything described only as quality materials is not an estimate you can compare.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-lsfaq07 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">How do I check a landscaping company is legitimate?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Verify the licence with your state board rather than trusting a number on a truck, and confirm it is current and held in the name you are contracting with. Check the bond and insurance separately, take at least three bids with references, and ask to see work installed three or four years ago rather than only finished-day photographs.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>811 \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/811beforeyoudig.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The free national before-you-dig service<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>California Contractors State License Board \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cslb.ca.gov\/Resources\/Consumer%20Education\/GardenerOrLandscaperWhatsTheDifference.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gardener or Landscaper: What&#8217;s the Difference?<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>International Society of Arboriculture \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.isa-arbor.com\/portals\/0\/assets\/pdf\/certification-applications\/cert-application-certified-arborist.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ISA Certified Arborist Program Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>US Environmental Protection Agency \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/pesticide-worker-safety\/certification-standards-pesticide-applicators\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Certification Standards for Pesticide Applicators<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This article is general information, not legal advice. Licensing thresholds, permits and dig-notification rules vary by state \u2014 California is cited as a concrete example, so check what applies where you live.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Landscaping spans two trades: maintenance and construction. Here is how to tell which you need, the free 811 call that must happen before anyone digs, and the credentials you can actually verify.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2719,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"normal-width-container","site-content-style":"boxed","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2723","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Find a Reliable Landscaping Company<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Know when the job needs a licensed contractor, why 811 must be called before digging, and how to verify an arborist&#039;s credential before hiring.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/find-a-landscaping-company\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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