The right landscaping can transform the entire look, feel, and functionality of your property. If well planned and executed, these renovations will also serve you well for many years to come. Of course, a successful project starts with finding the right landscaping team.
The question is, how can you judge a landscaper before you sign and give the go ahead? While it isn’t quite as easy as they make it look on TV, there are many simple ways to judge one company from the next.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how to ensure your next project goes off without a hitch.
Firstly, check that the landscaping company actually works in your area.
It might sound obvious, but it’s worth confirming before spending time discussing the project and requesting a quote.
Working with a local landscaping team also has some practical advantages. They’re familiar with the surrounding area, the common property types, the local council, and the process for any planning permits.
Travel distances are likely to be shorter, while site visits and follow-up work are generally easier to arrange. If the company services a broad area, check that your suburb falls within its normal service region rather than assuming it does.
After you’ve confirmed they’re available in your area, take a look at the services they offer.
Some companies specialise in garden design and planting, while others focus more heavily on construction and outdoor improvements. There are also landscapers that provide a combination of both, which may be useful for larger backyard transformations.
Before making a decision, think about everything involved in your project. This might include:
If the project involves a range of the items listed above, you’ll need to hire a landscaping team with the capacity to handle the job, as well as arrange subcontractors as needed.
There’s a reason experience is one of the first things people look for when choosing a tradesperson.
Landscaping involves plenty of variables. Ground conditions, drainage, slopes, access and existing structures all have the potential to affect the work. Even a project that looks relatively straightforward at first may present a few surprises once construction begins.
A company that has been working in the industry for many years will have dealt with a wide range of properties and situations. That experience matters when plans need to change or an unexpected issue appears.
It’s also worth looking at the type of experience rather than simply counting the number of years. A landscaper with extensive experience in paving and concreting, for example, may be a better fit for a construction-heavy project than someone whose work is primarily focused on garden maintenance.
One of the easiest ways to judge a landscaper is to look at jobs they’ve already planned, executed, and completed.
A project gallery instantly gives you an idea of the quality, style and range of work a company handles. It can also help with your own ideas, particularly if you’re still working out exactly what you want.
Look closely at the details rather than simply asking whether you like the overall appearance.
Are the paving lines neat? Do the garden beds look properly finished? Are retaining walls well constructed? Does the decking connect naturally with the rest of the garden? Do the materials and planting work together?
Previous projects are often a great indication of what a landscaper is capable of and the kind of result they are able to provide.
Looking for reliable landscapers in Melbounre’s South-East? At Big Fella Landscapes, we have big ideas, as well as a passion for giving our clients a service that’s second to none. Whether you’re after decking in Cranbourne, concreters in Carrum Downs, or retaining walls in Dandenong, all you need to do is call us 0412 881 728 to get the ball rolling.
Qualifications are another important consideration, particularly for landscaping projects involving construction.
There’s a big difference between planting a garden and constructing a deck, retaining wall or concrete entertaining area. Different types of work require different skills, knowledge and experience.
Before signing a contract, check what qualifications and registrations are relevant to the work being proposed. It’s also worth finding out who will actually be completing the work.
Structural landscaping work may involve specific requirements around permits, building regulations and registered practitioners. A reputable landscaping company will be comfortable explaining the qualifications and outlining any experience that’s relevant to the project at hand.
Nobody wants to think about something going wrong after a project has been completed, but it’s still worth finding out what happens if it does.
Ask about workmanship warranties before signing the contract. A clear warranty gives you a better understanding of what is covered and for how long.
This is particularly useful for projects involving substantial construction work. If something needs attention after completion, there should be a clear process for dealing with it.
It’s also worth looking at the warranty alongside the rest of the quote. The cheapest option might not provide the same level of workmanship, materials or aftercare as another company.
The initial planning stage should involve more than simply choosing materials and working out a price. The landscaper needs to understand the property, how the space will be used and what you want the finished result to achieve.
A site visit is particularly useful. It gives the landscaping team a chance to look at things that aren’t always obvious from photographs or measurements.
The design process might consider:
It’s also a good opportunity to discuss your budget and priorities. Perhaps the main goal is creating a large entertaining area, or maybe the priority is making a difficult backyard easier to maintain.
Reviews and testimonials have always been a useful way to judge a landscaping company before making a final decision. Rather than looking at the star rating alone, take some time to read what previous customers have actually said.
Look for comments about the things that matter during a landscaping project:
It’s also worth looking for reviews from customers with similar projects.
Overall, a consistent history of positive feedback across different types of projects is a much stronger indication of what to expect.
We’re proud winners of the 2025 Quality Business Award, and take pride in breathing new life into every property we visit. Being based in Melbourne’s South-East, our team can handle a range of projects in the local area.
Here’s what sets us apart:
If you’re ready to revamp your backyard, our team is ready to answer the call. Give us a call on 0412 881 728 or get a quote right here online!
