Hiring a Landscape Professional: A Homeowner’s Guide for Wisconsin

Key Takeaways for Hiring a Landscape Professional

• Match the landscaper’s expertise to your project needs
• Get multiple estimates and compare them carefully
• Verify licensing, insurance, and references
• Use a clear, detailed contract
• Prioritize communication and local knowledge

By taking these steps, you can hire a qualified landscaper who helps you create a functional, attractive, and sustainable landscape.

Hiring a landscape professional can help you improve your yard, protect your investment in plants and soil, and create outdoor spaces that fit your needs. However, landscaping professionals vary widely in their services, expertise, and cost. Taking time to plan and evaluate your options can help you find a qualified professional and prevent common problems.

This guide outlines research-based best practices to help Wisconsin homeowners make informed decisions.

What Do Landscape Professionals Do?

“Landscaper” is a broad term. Some professionals focus on routine maintenance (like mowing and pruning), while others design and install complex outdoor spaces. Understanding these roles helps you match the right professional to your specific needs.

Common landscape services include:

• Lawn maintenance and seasonal cleanup
• Hardscaping (patio, retaining walls, walkways)
• Lawn health (fertilization, weed control)
• Tree care
• Irrigation systems
• Landscape design
• Low voltage landscape lighting
• Water features
• Outdoor kitchens

You may encounter several types of landscaping professionals:

• Landscape architects and designers: Plan outdoor spaces, recommend plants suitable for the landscape, and create designs
• Landscape contractors: Install plants, patios, walkways, landscape lighting and water features
• Landscape maintenance services: Provide ongoing care and maintenance
• Horticulturists: Offer plant expertise and troubleshooting
• Arborists: Specialize in tree care and maintenance

What Are Your Landscape Goals?

Before contacting a contractor, define what you want to accomplish. Clearly defining your goals helps ensure accurate estimates and better communication.

Ask yourself:

• Are you looking for one-time service, routine maintenance, or a full redesign?
• Do you need specific services, such as irrigation, tree care, or patio installation?
• Are you trying to solve any issues such as poor drainage, plant failure, and lack of function?

What Is Your Budget?

Landscaping costs vary widely depending on the scope of work, materials, and expertise required. Simple maintenance may cost relatively little, while a full landscape redesign can be a significant investment.

Before reaching out to professionals:

• Establish a budget range
• Consider trade-offs between cost, quality, and long-term maintenance needs
• Share all your landscape needs so a full concept plan can be developed.  The project could be implemented in phases to meet budget requirements.

Find and Shortlist Landscapers

Start your search for a landscaper with:

• Recommendations from neighbors, friends, or local community groups
• Online reviews and ratings
• Observations of nearby properties you admire

When reviewing candidates, prioritize:

• Experience: Familiarity with your local climate, soil, and plant selection.
• Relevant portfolio: Projects similar to yours
• Range of services: Ability to meet your needs without excessive subcontracting

Evaluate Qualifications and Professionalism

A qualified landscaper should meet basic professional standards.

Required or strongly recommended qualifications when hiring a landscape professional

• Licensing (where applicable)
• Liability insurance – Hiring insured professionals protects you from liability if accidents occur on your property.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., arborist, pesticide applicator)

Indicators of professionalism

• Years in business
• Membership in professional organizations
• Positive reviews and references
• Clear communication and responsiveness

Interview Multiple Contractors

Plan to speak with at least three contractors to compare options. During interviews, ask questions such as:

Landscaping in Wisconsin involves unique challenges, including cold winters, variable soils, and seasonal extremes. Choose professionals familiar with regional plant hardiness, select plants suited to local conditions, and plan for long-term maintenance and sustainability.

Also pay attention to how well the contractor listens and communicates. A good working relationship is important for project success.

Compare Estimates Carefully

When reviewing landscaping bids:

• Make sure estimates are comparable (same scope, materials, and services)
• Be cautious of bids that are much higher or lower than others
• Consider value—not just the lowest price

Higher costs may reflect better materials, more experience, or more detailed planning.

Use a Detailed Written Contract

A well-planned landscaping project takes time and thoughtful planning. Regular communication throughout the process helps keep the project on track. Always have a written contract in place before work begins. A contract protects both you and the contractor, reduces misunderstandings, and helps prevent unexpected expenses.

Key elements of a landscaping contract should include:

• Scope of work and project details
• Materials (type, quantity, and quality)
• Total cost and payment schedule
• General timeline (understand that weather and other factors may come up, so communication is key)
• Responsibilities (permits, cleanup, maintenance)
• Process for handling changes or additional costs
• Warranty or guarantee information

Once the Work is Complete, Follow Up

Proper follow-up helps protect your investment and maintain plant health. Review the work carefully during the final walkthrough with your landscaper. Make final payments according to the contract, and ask for maintenance instructions or consider setting up ongoing maintenance if needed. Always keep records of warranties and contact information for years to come.