Most landscaping letdowns aren’t caused by bad intentions. They come from assumptions. You say “keep the good plants,” the crew hears “clear the beds,” and by the time anyone notices, the work is done.
The fix is easy: get the details in writing. Even when it isn’t legally required, the Federal Trade Commission recommends a written agreement for any home improvement project. Here’s what to include.
1. Exactly What’s Being Done
Describe the work area by area. “Front beds: pull weeds, edge, add fabric and mulch” beats “clean up the front yard.” And note what’s not included, so there are no surprises.
2. Which Plants Stay
This is the step that saves the most heartache.
Walk the yard together and mark keepers with flagging tape.
Snap photos of every bed before work starts.
Agree on what happens if a plant needs to move: will it be saved and replanted?
Decide how mistakes get fixed, like replacing a removed plant with one of similar size.
3. Specific Materials
“Mulch” can mean premium bark or shredded scraps. Write down the type, color and depth (2 to 3 inches is typical). For weed barrier, ask how the seams will be overlapped and pinned so weeds can’t sneak through.
In a wildfire zone? California’s new Zone 0 rules limit wood mulch and other combustible materials within five feet of homes in high-risk areas, so make sure your materials comply.
4. Who’s in Charge On Site
Ask whether the owner or a supervisor will be there, or whether a crew will work alone. Either way, make sure whoever leads the crew has your instructions in hand.
5. Timing and Cleanup
Get a start and finish date, and confirm debris will be hauled away and walkways left clean.
6. How You’ll Pay
Skip paying everything upfront. Tie payments to finished stages of work, and hold the final payment until you’ve walked the yard and confirmed everything matches the plan.
7. Changes and Guarantees
Put any change to the plan, and its cost, in writing first. Ask whether new plants come with a guarantee and how long it lasts. And if your landscaper promises something in conversation, add it to the agreement.
The Bottom Line
Good landscapers want happy customers, and a clear agreement makes it easy for them to deliver. Ten minutes of paperwork can protect a garden that took years to grow.
Want more helpful landscaping guides? Subscribe to our free weekly briefing →