What to Look for in a Landscaping Company (Hiring Guide)
Not all landscapers are equal. Here's what to check before you hire — and the red flags that mean you should keep looking.
The Non-Negotiables Before You Sign Anything
Before you look at portfolios or get excited about design ideas, there are three things to verify with any landscaping company. First, insurance: general liability and workers' compensation. If a crew member is injured on your property and the company doesn't have workers' comp, you can be held liable. Ask for a certificate of insurance and verify the policy is current. Second, licensing: in South Carolina, landscaping contractors who apply pesticides or herbicides must hold a SC Department of Pesticide Regulation license. Third, a written contract: scope, materials, timeline, and payment terms in writing. Any company that resists putting things in writing is telling you something.
How to Evaluate a Company Before You Hire
Reviews matter, but they're not the whole picture. Look for reviews that describe specifics — what was done, how the crew communicated, how problems were handled. A company with 40 detailed reviews tells you more than one with 200 generic five-stars. Ask to see photos of completed work, not just stock images. For larger projects like planting designs or hardscape, ask if you can visit a property they've completed. Ask how long they've been operating in the Midlands specifically — a company that's been working in Lexington and Columbia for several years knows local soil conditions, plant performance, and seasonal challenges that a newer company won't.
Red Flags That Mean You Should Keep Looking
A few signals consistently predict bad experiences. Cash-only and no contract is the most common red flag — it protects only them, not you. Pressure to commit immediately before you've had time to compare quotes or ask questions is a warning sign. Quotes that are dramatically lower than every other bid usually mean the scope is different or corners will be cut on materials. Crews that show up in unmarked vehicles with no identification, no company shirts, and no way to verify who they work for should prompt you to verify insurance before any work starts. And any company that can't tell you what specific plants they're installing or what products they're using doesn't deserve a signed contract.
FAQ
Common questions about general
- Does a landscaper in SC need to be licensed?
- For general installation work, no specific contractor license is required. But anyone applying fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides must hold a Clemson University Pesticide Applicator License. Ask whether chemical applications are in scope and verify the license.
- How many quotes should I get before hiring a landscaper?
- At least three. Landscaping prices vary significantly, and three quotes reveal whether a low price reflects efficiency or corners being cut. You can also compare scope, materials, and approach.
- What should a landscaping contract include?
- Plant species, quantities, and sizes. Materials specified by product name. Start and completion dates. Payment schedule. Warranty terms for plant failures. If a company resists putting things in writing, find another company.