Tips for Choosing the Best Landscaping Company for Your Yard

If you're a homeowner or property owner thinking about how to make your yard or outdoor space more attractive and functional, you’ve probably thought about hiring a landscaping contractor. It's a great move—professional landscapers can totally transform a space, whether it’s a small backyard or a large commercial property.

But finding the right person or team for the job isn’t always easy. There are lots of companies out there, and not all of them will be the best fit for what you need. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions before you commit. A little homework upfront can save you time, money, and a lot of stress down the road.

At GreenScapeSTL Landscaping and Outdoor Living, we know what makes a company stand out. We’ve been called the best landscaping company in the area for a reason—we care about our customers, we know our stuff, and we deliver high-quality results. However, you don’t have to take our word for it. Let’s walk through some of the top questions you should ask any landscape contractor before hiring them.

Why Hire a Landscape Contractor in the First Place?

First, let’s talk about what a professional landscaper actually does. The Our Services section of a landscaping company’s website should give you a good idea of the types of jobs they handle. It might include things like:

• Lawn care and maintenance
• Designs and builds for patios, walkways, and retaining walls.Planting trees, flowers, and shrubs
• Installing irrigation systems or outdoor lighting
• Solving drainage problems
• Seasonal clean-ups or property makeovers

A really good landscaper does more than mow lawns—they look at your entire property and help you make it more beautiful, functional, and valuable.

Hiring a Landscaper? These Questions Can Help You Choose the Right One

Now that you know what a landscaper can do, let’s talk about what to ask them before signing on the dotted line.

1. How long have you been in business?

Experience matters in landscaping. A company that’s been around for a while has likely worked through all kinds of projects—and problems. They know what works and what doesn’t. Plus, a long history usually means happy customers who come back again and again. That’s a good sign that they might be the best landscaping company for your project.

2. Can you walk me through your process?

A good landscaping company will have a clear process for planning and completing projects. They should explain how they go from your ideas to a finished product. This usually includes things like design, budget, scheduling, and cleanup. If they’re vague or unsure, that’s a red flag.

3. How long will the project take?

This one’s important, especially if you’re planning around events or specific seasons. Weather and material availability can sometimes delay projects, but a solid contractor should still give you a reasonable timeline—and stick to it as closely as possible.

4. What happens if there’s a delay or problem?

Every project has its ups and downs. Ask how the landscaper handles unexpected issues, like bad weather, missing materials, or design changes. The best landscaping companies are flexible and have backup plans in place. Keeping you in the loop instead of leaving you in the dark is their priority.

5. Do you have industry specialists on your team?

Some projects need special expertise—like irrigation, lighting, or stonework. Not every landscaper can do it all alone, and that’s okay. What matters is whether they have trusted pros they work with to get the job done right. This is especially important if you’re looking for custom features or more complex work.

6. Can I see a design or drawing of the plan?

You shouldn’t have to imagine what your yard will look like—you should be able to see it! Whether it’s a digital rendering or a hand-drawn sketch, a professional landscaper should provide a visual plan before they start digging. This makes sure you’re both clear on what to expect.

7. Do you have a portfolio of past work?

Seeing is believing. Ask to see photos of projects they’ve completed, especially ones similar to yours. A company that’s proud of its work will be happy to show it off. If they can’t—or won’t—it might be time to move on.

8. Can you tell me more about your services?

When looking for the best landscaping company, it’s helpful to know everything they offer. The Our Services page should list all their specialties. Maybe you only need help with one thing now, like a patio or retaining wall, but you might want to add a fire pit or water feature later. Working with a full-service company means you can build on your landscaping over time with the same trusted team.

Final Thoughts: Trust and Communication Matter

In the end, hiring a landscape contractor is about trust. You’re inviting someone onto your property to make a big change, and you deserve to feel confident in their skills and professionalism. The best landscapers don’t just know how to plant shrubs or lay bricks—they listen to you, offer expert advice, and treat your property with care.

At GreenScapeSTL, we believe communication is key. That’s why we’re always happy to answer questions, walk you through the process, and make sure you're thrilled with the final result. Whether you’re dreaming of a full backyard transformation or just want help maintaining your lawn, we’ve got you covered.

Want to learn more about what we offer? Take a look at the Our Services section on our website to see the full range of landscaping solutions we offer—and how we work with you every step of the way to turn your outdoor vision into a reality.