Thinking about hiring a professional landscape gardener?
Whether you’re planning a complete garden transformation or just need help with a few specific elements, knowing the right questions to ask a landscaper early on can save you time, money, and future headaches.
Before you pick up the phone, take a moment to jot down your wants, needs, budget, and priorities. Knowing what you’re looking for—and where you’re happy to be flexible—will help you get the most out of your first conversations.
Here are 25 great questions to ask when speaking to a potential landscaper:
🔍 Understanding Their Approach and Vision
- What can you do with my space? What’s your initial vision?
- Can you show me drawings or plans to help me visualise the result?
- How long will it take for the garden to mature and fill out?
- How much ongoing maintenance will the design require?
- What are some creative ways we can work with existing features?
💬 Experience and Reputation
- Can I see examples of your past work?
- Do you have an online portfolio or social media I can check out?
- Have you done any public gardens or spaces I can visit?
- Can you provide references or reviews from past clients?
♻️ Sustainability and Materials
- Can we use reclaimed or recycled materials in this project?
- Do you source local or environmentally friendly products?
- What happens to any leftover materials? Can I keep them or will you remove them?
💷 Budget and Payments
- How do you estimate the cost of a job? Is it fixed or flexible?
- What happens if the costs go over budget—how are changes handled?
- Do you offer flexible payment plans or financing options?
- How much do you charge for materials and consumables?
🧑🔧 Logistics and Day-to-Day Questions
- How long will the job take? What are your usual working hours?
- How many people will be working on site?
- Will tools or equipment be left behind overnight?
- Will the site be cleaned up at the end of each day?
📋 Credentials and Compliance
- What qualifications or certifications do you hold?
- Do you have public liability insurance—and does it cover your team?
- Will you handle permits and local compliance paperwork if needed?
🤝 Fit and Flexibility
- What would you do differently if this was your own garden?
- Do you have any questions for me? What do you need from me to get started?
Bonus Tip: Go With Your Gut
Credentials are important—but so is comfort and trust. You want someone who listens, communicates clearly, and takes pride in their work. This is your garden and your investment, so never feel bad about asking questions or requesting clarification.
Let’s Talk About Your Garden
At Cowen Landscapes, we’ve been helping homeowners across Kent create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces since 1998. Whether it’s design, maintenance, or a full garden transformation—we’d love to help.
📞 Give us a call, drop us a message or send an email. We’ll arrange a free initial consultation, visit your garden, talk through your ideas, and provide a tailored quote.
