If you’re hiring a landscaper, the most important questions to ask are about scope, warranty, irrigation planning, long-term maintenance, and experience — not just price.
At Lyons Landscaping, we’ve seen what happens when the wrong questions are asked — and when the right ones are not.
Here’s what you should ask before signing a contract.
1. What Exactly Is Included in the Price?
One of the biggest mistakes we see — both residential and commercial — is choosing the lowest quote.
Often, lower quotes include less work.
Clients don’t always compare the scope line-by-line. Then they’re unhappy with the final result and end up paying another company to fix it.
Ask:
- What materials are included?
- What prep work is included?
- What happens if something is missing?
Vague scopes almost always lead to change orders.
2. Is the Landscape Designed for Kamloops’ Climate?
In Interior BC, climate matters.
Ask about:
- Irrigation planning
- Drought tolerance
- Water restrictions
- Elevation zone differences
- Freeze and thaw conditions
With rising fire seasons and limited snow in recent years, Kamloops often faces water restrictions. Even at high restriction levels, drip irrigation is usually allowed — but only if the system is designed properly.
Also ask about materials.
For example:
Concrete can crack in freeze–thaw cycles.
Paving stones are more forgiving and easier to repair.
Choosing the wrong material can cost more later.
3. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Always verify:
- WCB coverage
- Liability insurance
Landscaping involves excavation, heavy equipment, and irrigation systems. If something goes wrong, you need protection.
4. What Is Your Warranty?
This question separates professionals from “a guy with a truck.”
Ask:
- What warranty do you offer?
- Will you return to fix deficiencies?
Many small operators do not offer written warranties.
A professional company stands behind its work.
5. How Will Snow Removal or Maintenance Be Handled? (Commercial Clients)
Commercial property managers should ask:
- Where will snow be stored?
- Is access limited?
- How will equipment move through the site?
Snow storage affects cost. Limited access can increase plow time. If snow piles grow too large, hauling may be required.
Planning this early avoids surprise costs.
6. What Are the Long-Term Maintenance Requirements?
Landscaping is not one-time work.
Ask:
- How much upkeep is required?
- Will irrigation need winterization?
- How much pruning will plants need?
- Does xeriscape reduce mowing time?
Many sales conversations focus on install — not upkeep.
That’s how budgets get strained later.
We talk about long-term value in more detail in What Is the Most Expensive Part of Landscaping? — because delays and poor planning cost more than materials ever do.
7. Can You Show Real Examples of Past Projects?
Ask to see:
- Completed projects
- Before-and-after photos
- Case examples
We’ve seen clients agree to products without researching what they look like. When installation begins, they’re surprised.
Always look at real examples before approving materials.
8. Do you have a design or drawing?
A clear design prevents misunderstandings.
Red flags include:
- No drawings
- No plant list
- No irrigation plan
- No drainage discussion
Without documentation, expectations rarely match reality.
For commercial properties especially, design and long-term planning go hand in hand — something we explain further in What Is the Best Commercial Landscaping Option?.
9. Can You Share a Failure and How You Fixed It?
This is one question we wish every client would ask.
No company is perfect.
But what matters is:
- Did they take ownership?
- Did they correct it?
- Did they learn from it?
Professionals talk openly about improvement.
10. Why Should I Choose You Over a Lower Price?
This question opens the door to understanding value.
Higher pricing often reflects:
- Better materials
- Clearer scope
- Strong warranty
- Insurance coverage
- Experienced crews
- Long-term accountability
Choosing based on price alone often leads to regret.
A Simple Framework for Hiring the Right Landscaper
- Verify credentials and insurance
- Review past projects
- Ask about climate suitability
- Understand long-term maintenance
- Clarify scope and communication
- Compare value — not just price
Following this framework protects your investment.
If you’re planning a project in Kamloops or Interior BC, our landscape services are built around long-term planning, climate suitability, and clear communication from day one.
Final Thought
Hiring the right landscaper isn’t about finding the cheapest number.
It’s about asking the right questions.
The right company will welcome them.
If you’re planning a landscaping project and want clear answers before you commit, contact Lyons Landscaping today. We’re happy to walk you through scope, materials, climate considerations, and long-term maintenance so you can make the right decision with confidence.
