Hiring landscapers can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, functional extension of your home. However, choosing the wrong professional can lead to wasted time, unnecessary expense, and frustration. For homeowners in the Chicagoland area seeking high-quality design, maintenance, and installation services, understanding what not to do when hiring landscapers is just as important as knowing what to look for.

Overlooking Credentials

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when hiring landscapers is not checking credentials. Many talented professionals work in the landscaping industry, but not all carry the proper licenses, certifications, or insurance necessary to protect you and your property.

Before signing a contract, make sure the landscapers you're considering are licensed in your state and insured for both liability and worker's compensation. This protects you if someone is injured on your property or if damage occurs during the work. Even though landscaping is a booming industry, according to Jobber, the U.S. is home to over 641,000 businesses specializing in landscaping and lawn maintenance; not all companies operate with the same professional standards. Taking the time to verify credentials helps you separate reputable landscapers from those with less experience or oversight.

Ignoring Experience

Another common mistake is hiring landscapers without verifying their experience in the specific services you need. Landscaping isn't one-size-fits-all. Design, hardscape installation, plant care, irrigation systems, and outdoor lighting each require different skills and knowledge.

A company that excels at basic lawn mowing may not have the expertise to design and install a custom patio or manage complex drainage challenges. Before moving forward, ask potential landscapers for examples of past work that closely matches your project goals. At Andy's Landscaping, we bring years of experience in both creative landscape design and practical outdoor solutions, ensuring your project is handled by professionals familiar with the full spectrum of landscape needs.

Failing to Prioritize Communication

Clear communication is critical when working with landscapers. A common mistake homeowners make is assuming that good intentions are enough. Misunderstandings can easily happen if expectations, timelines, and responsibilities aren't clearly discussed and documented from the start.

Before hiring, have an in-depth conversation about your vision and desired outcomes. Make sure your landscapers ask clarifying questions, offer suggestions, and explain their process in a way that makes sense to you. This two-way communication builds trust and helps prevent costly mistakes. The best landscapers listen first, advise second, and implement third.

Skipping Written Contracts

A verbal agreement may feel fine, but not having a written contract is a major mistake when hiring landscapers. Without a clear contract, there is no formal record of the agreed-upon scope of work, materials, schedule, or payment terms, leaving room for confusion and disputes.

Your contract should outline the detailed project scope, material specifications, estimated timeline, payment schedule, and warranty or guarantee terms. This protects both you and your landscapers and gives everyone involved a clear reference throughout the project. Professional companies like Andy's Landscaping always provide written agreements to ensure clarity and accountability.

Neglecting Site Evaluation

Another mistake is skipping a thorough site evaluation before work begins. Some homeowners assume landscapers already know their property or that a quick walk-through is sufficient. Without a detailed evaluation, including soil conditions, drainage, sun exposure, and existing plant health, it's nearly impossible to design and implement a successful landscape plan.

A professional landscaper should assess your entire outdoor space, ask thoughtful questions, and consider both aesthetic and functional elements. This ensures solutions are customized to your property rather than temporary or generic fixes. At Andy's Landscaping, site evaluations are a cornerstone of our process because smart planning prevents costly adjustments later.

Choosing the Lowest Bid

It is human nature to be drawn to the lowest price, but choosing landscapers based solely on cost is often a mistake. Low bids can mask hidden expenses, inferior materials, or unaccounted labor. In some cases, companies may cut corners to stay within a lower quote.

Instead of defaulting to the lowest estimate, compare bids carefully and look at the scope of work included, quality of materials, project timeline, professional reputation, and warranty or follow-up services. A slightly higher investment in experienced professional landscapers often leads to better results, fewer problems, and greater long-term value for your property.

Underestimating Maintenance Needs

Some homeowners make the error of designing a beautiful landscape without planning for ongoing maintenance. A stunning yard can quickly become overgrown, diseased, or uneven if it's not properly cared for. When hiring landscapers, ask about maintenance plans and seasonal care services.

Professional landscapers should offer guidance on watering schedules, fertilization, pruning, pest control, and seasonal clean-ups. Andy's Landscaping doesn't just install beautiful outdoor spaces. We help you keep them thriving through customized maintenance plans that fit your lifestyle and budget.

Forgetting About Local Climate and Plants

Another mistake when hiring landscapers is overlooking local climate and plant suitability. Choosing plants that look attractive but aren't suited to your region's soil, sun exposure, or weather conditions can lead to high replacement costs and frustration.

Experienced landscapers should be knowledgeable about native and climate-appropriate plants, soil types in your region, irrigation best practices, and seasonal weather challenges. For homeowners in Illinois, that means selecting plants that tolerate both hot summers and cold winters. The right landscapers will guide you toward species and materials that flourish in your specific environment.

Not Setting a Realistic Budget

Many homeowners underestimate the cost of quality landscaping services, which can lead to budget surprises later. A frequent mistake is not setting a realistic budget before consulting potential landscapers. Without a clear financial plan, you may be tempted to go with the lowest bid, which often reflects less experience, cheaper materials, or incomplete services.

Establish a budget range for your project before requesting quotes. Share that budget with your landscapers and ask them to propose options that fit within it. Professionals like Andy's Landscaping can help you prioritize the most impactful improvements while advising where strategic investment will yield the best long-term value. Good landscapers will offer transparent pricing and help you make informed choices.

Assuming All Landscapers Offer the Same Services

Not all landscapers provide the same level or type of service. Some focus on lawn mowing and basic maintenance, while others specialize in full landscape design, hardscaping, irrigation installation, and outdoor lighting. A big mistake is assuming landscapers offer all services without asking.

Before you hire anyone, clarify precisely what services you need and confirm that the company you choose has the expertise to deliver them. This ensures your project doesn't stall or require multiple contractors, which can be costly and time-consuming. Andy's Landscaping offers a comprehensive range of services from initial design to long-term care, so you have a single team you can trust throughout your landscape's lifecycle.

Hiring landscapers doesn't have to be stressful. By avoiding these common mistakes, from ignoring credentials to choosing based on price alone, you can find a professional who'll bring your outdoor vision to life with skill and care.

When you work with Andy's Landscaping, you gain a trusted partner committed to quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and personalized service tailored to your property and lifestyle. Ready to create the outdoor space you've always wanted? Contact Andy's Landscaping today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a beautiful, functional landscape you'll love.