10 Questions to Ask A Professional Landscape Gardener Before Hiring
Transforming your garden is an incredibly exciting prospect. Whether you’re dreaming of a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation, a vibrant space for entertaining, or a low-maintenance patch of green, finding the right landscape gardener is the vital first step. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best professional for the job?
Hiring a professional landscape gardener is a significant investment of both your time and money. Professional landscaping not only enhances your property’s value and kerb appeal but also ensures a comprehensive, high-quality service. It’s essential to choose a reputable landscape gardening business with proven professionalism, credentials, and a strong track record to ensure your investment is protected.
While the traditional process of contacting multiple gardeners individually can be time-consuming, knowing exactly what to ask can save you from potential headaches, unexpected costs, and a final result that doesn’t quite match your dreams.
As an award-winning, family-run company with over 20 years of experience, Landesigns believes in complete transparency. We want homeowners to feel confident and informed when hiring us. That’s why we’ve compiled this expert guide to the top 10 questions you should ask any professional landscape gardener before work begins.
1. What experience and qualifications do you have?
A beautiful garden is built on a solid foundation of expertise. While a passion for plants is a great start, professional qualifications and hands-on experience are what separate an amateur enthusiast from a true expert. Formal qualifications are a key differentiator, demonstrating accreditation, specialised training, and official credentials that ensure high-quality design and execution.
Experts in landscaping bring both formal training and practical experience to the job, ensuring your garden is designed and built to the highest standards. When speaking to a potential landscaper, ask about their history in the industry.
As a professional landscaping company founded in 2003, we have over two decades of experience designing and building bespoke outdoor spaces across Hertfordshire. Our team is highly respected for high-end craftsmanship, ensuring your garden is in safe, expert hands.
2. Are you insured and accredited?
This question is non-negotiable when looking to hire a professional landscape gardener. Proper insurance and accreditation protect you, your property, and the team working on it. Reputable landscaping companies maintain public liability insurance to cover any unforeseen events.
Additionally, look for memberships with prestigious bodies like the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) or the Society of Garden Designers (SGD). These organisations are leading professional bodies in the UK landscaping industry and have strict entry criteria, helping landscaping companies demonstrate their commitment to professionalism.
We are proud members of BALI and the SGD. Our commitment to quality has been recognised with multiple BALI National Landscape Awards and Gold Medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Garden Festival. To learn more about our work, see our post Gold Medal Winners At RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival.
3. Can I see a portfolio and speak to references?
A reputable landscape gardener will be proud of their work and happy to share it with you. Seeing is believing, and checking their track record is one of the best ways to gauge the quality you can expect for your own garden transformation. Reviewing completed landscape gardening projects gives you insight into their ability to finish work on schedule and to a high standard.
Ask to see a detailed portfolio that includes a range of landscape gardening projects, from hard landscaping like patios to soft landscaping like lawns and full garden transformations. This demonstrates versatility and expertise. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to ask if you can speak directly to previous clients to understand their experience.
At Landesigns, we have an extensive portfolio of beautiful, functional outdoor spaces we’ve created for clients in St Albans, Harpenden, and beyond. We are always happy to share examples of our award-winning work.
4. What is your design and planning process?
A successful project starts with a solid plan. Garden landscaping is the process of transforming outdoor spaces through professional design and planning. Understanding how a professional landscape gardener will translate your ideas into a workable design is crucial.
A comprehensive garden design process usually starts with a thorough consultation to discuss your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Ask if they collaborate with professional designers to produce bespoke plans that help you visualise the final outcome.
The best garden design process should feel like a true partnership, which is why we take a collaborative approach to our garden design process. Landesigns partners with some of the industry’s top garden designers. We take the time to understand your unique vision to ensure the final result perfectly suits your lifestyle.
To learn more about our garden design process and how it works, see our post The Complete Guide to Garden Design in Hertfordshire: Climate, Styles, Costs, and Planning.
5. What services do you offer?
It’s important to clarify exactly what a professional landscape gardener does to ensure they can handle your entire project from start to finish without needing to hire multiple contractors. Many professional landscape gardeners provide comprehensive landscaping services, offering a one-stop solution for all your garden and outdoor space needs.
Ask if they cover hard landscaping, like patios, paving, driveways, soft landscaping and planting schemes, as well as additional landscaping work such as the installation and maintenance of outdoor features like lighting, decking, or water features.
6. What plants and materials will you use?
The quality of the plants and materials used by a professional landscape gardener will determine the beauty and longevity of your garden. A knowledgeable landscape gardener will make thoughtful selections based on your garden’s specific conditions.
Professional landscape gardeners have access to quality materials, tools, and resources through established supplier networks, ensuring your garden benefits from the best products available. Ask about their approach to materials. Do they use high-grade paving? Are their timber choices durable? Using quality materials is essential for both durability and aesthetics. When it comes to planting, can they recommend species that suit your soil type and local climate?
For soft landscaping, ask if they handle living elements such as turf, trees, and other plants, and how they distinguish these from hard landscaping features. Horticulture expertise is crucial for selecting the right plants and ensuring sustainable, thriving gardens.
With this expertise, professional landscape gardeners can help you create a garden that looks great all year round. For more information and inspiration regarding this, see our post Seasonal Planting Tips To Create A Year-Round Beautiful Garden.
7. What is the proposed timeline, and how are delays handled?
A clear timeline helps manage expectations and keeps the project on track. While unforeseen issues like bad weather can arise, a professional landscape gardener will have a plan to handle them efficiently.
Ask the professional landscape gardener for an estimated timeline for a project of your size and complexity. Crucially, ask how they communicate updates, as regular communication is vital to a smooth and stress-free project.
At Landesigns, we pride ourselves on attentive communication. Our team works closely with you throughout every stage, from concept to completion, ensuring you are kept in the loop regarding timelines and progress.
8. How much will it cost and what’s included?
Budget is a key consideration for any project. A transparent and detailed quote is essential to avoid surprise costs later. Never accept a vague verbal estimate. Insist on a detailed quote that breaks down the costs for labour, materials, and waste disposal. If the initial quote is over budget, ask if there are ways to adjust the design or materials to suit your needs better.
Professional landscape gardening can significantly increase property value by improving curb appeal and offering a strong return on investment.
Our professional landscape gardeners will provide bespoke quotes tailored to your specific design requirements. Our goal is to deliver exceptional value, enhancing both your property value and lifestyle enjoyment through high-quality execution.
9. What happens if I’m not satisfied with the work?
Knowing how a company handles potential issues is a sign of its commitment to customer satisfaction. Before you hire, ask about their process for addressing any concerns during or after the project.
A good professional landscape gardener will encourage open dialogue to resolve any concerns swiftly and ensure you are completely happy with the result. At Landesigns, our family-run nature means we care deeply about our reputation and our clients’ happiness. Our high standards and professional accreditations are your guarantee of a well-executed garden space that lasts.
To learn more about quality landscaping companies and how to find the right one for your project, see our post Landscaping Companies Near Me: How to Find the Best Local Experts.
10. What ongoing maintenance will be required?
Your beautiful new garden is a living thing, and it will need care to thrive. Understanding the maintenance requirements upfront helps you plan for the future. Regular garden maintenance is a key service that ensures your outdoor space remains healthy and beautiful over time.
Ask what level of upkeep your new garden will require. Are the plants low-maintenance? Will the decking need regular treating? A professional landscape gardener should be able to advise you on how to keep your garden looking pristine.
Maintaining the health of your garden and its plants is essential for long-term sustainability and visual appeal.
To learn more about garden maintenance and how to keep your garden thriving all year round, see our post Seasonal Gardening Hertfordshire: A Calendar for Homeowners.
Conclusion
Hiring the right landscape gardener is the most important decision you’ll make in your garden transformation journey. By asking these questions, you empower yourself to make an informed choice and build a strong, trusting relationship with your chosen professional landscape gardener.
At Landesigns, we welcome these questions. Our expertise, award-winning history, and transparent approach are designed to give you confidence every step of the way.
If you’re ready to create an outdoor space that truly inspires, we’d love to hear from you. Let us help you achieve beautiful outdoor spaces that reflect your vision and lifestyle.
Contact Us Today
To begin your garden journey or to learn more about our services, contact the team today.
FAQs
What should I ask a professional landscape gardener before hiring?
Before hiring, ask about their experience, previous projects, licensing, and approach to design and maintenance. Understanding these details ensures you choose a professional landscape gardener who can deliver the results you want.
How do I know if a landscape gardener is professional and reliable?
Look for certifications, client testimonials, portfolio examples, and industry awards. A professional landscape gardener will also provide clear quotes, timelines, and ongoing communication throughout your project.
How much does hiring a professional landscape gardener cost?
Costs vary depending on the size of the garden, complexity of the design, and materials used. A professional landscape gardener should offer a transparent quote and explain how each element contributes to the overall project.