Choosing the right landscaper can make all the difference to your finished garden.

Whether you're planning a new patio, completely redesigning your garden or simply making better use of the outdoor space you already have, you're trusting someone with your home, your ideas and a significant part of your savings.

So, before you agree to a quote, it pays to ask a few questions.

A good landscaper shouldn't mind being asked about their experience, how they work or what's included in their quote. In fact, the answers can tell you a lot about what it will be like to work with them. Ray Stephenson, one of our expert Regional Assessors, recommends these top questions to ask your landscaper.

1. Can I see examples of your previous work?

This is one of the simplest places to start.

Ask to see examples of completed projects, particularly gardens, patios or driveways similar to what you're planning.

Don't just look at whether you like the finished result. Look at the quality of the details too. How have edges been finished? How does the paving meet the house? Are steps, paths and different areas neatly integrated?

Previous work can also be a useful source of inspiration for your own project.

If possible, look for reviews and feedback from previous customers too. A consistent track record can give you much more confidence than a handful of impressive photographs.

2. What exactly is included in my quote?

Two landscaping quotes can look very different – and the cheapest isn't necessarily the best value.

Ask your landscaper to explain exactly what's included.

That might cover preparation and excavation, drainage, sub-base, paving and other materials, labour, installation, removal of waste and finishing work.

It's also worth asking what isn't included and what could result in additional costs once work begins.

Understanding the quote properly makes it much easier to compare different landscapers on a like-for-like basis.

3. What preparation will my garden need?

It's easy to focus on what your new patio will look like. But what happens underneath it matters just as much.

Ground conditions, drainage, levels, slopes and access can all affect how a project needs to be approached, and every garden is different.
Ask your landscaper what preparation they expect your project to need and why.

They should be able to explain what will happen before the paving is laid, rather than simply talking about the finished surface.

A well-installed patio starts long before the first paving slab goes down.

4. Which paving would you recommend for my garden – and why?

A good landscaper shouldn't simply tell you which paving they usually install.

They should be able to talk you through the options based on your home, your garden, how you plan to use the space and your budget.
Ask them why they're recommending a particular product, colour, finish or format.

Think about how the paving will work with your brickwork, render, windows and doors, as well as other elements of your garden such as fencing, planting and furniture.

The aim isn't simply to choose paving you like. It's to choose paving that works as part of the whole space.

Once you've narrowed down your options, order free samples of your favourite paving before making your final decision.

A sample lets you see how the colour and finish work against your home and in the natural light of your garden. Put your samples outside, move them around the space and look at them at different times of day and importantly, what do they look like in the wet and the dry.

Choosing paving for your project? Order your free Marshalls Landscaping paving samples and compare your favourites at home before you decide.

5. How will you deal with drainage and levels?

Drainage isn't the most exciting part of planning a new garden, but it's one of the most important aspects.

Ask your landscaper how water will move across and away from paved areas, how levels and falls will be managed, and whether anything about your existing garden needs particular attention.

This is especially important where paving meets the house or where your garden naturally slopes.

Your landscaper should be able to explain their approach clearly and factor drainage into the project from the beginning, rather than treating it as an afterthought.

6. How long will the work take – and what happens if there are delays?

Ask for a realistic idea of how long the project should take and when your landscaper expects to start.

It can also be useful to understand what could affect that timescale.
Weather, unexpected ground conditions or changes to the original plan can all have an impact. What's important is understanding how your landscaper will communicate with you if something changes.

Remember that your garden will be a working site while the project is underway. Ask what access they'll need, where materials will be stored and how they'll leave the site at the end of each day.

Good communication can make the whole process much easier.

If they’re easy to deal with at the planning stage, that’s a good indicator of what they’ll be like to work with during your project.

7. What guarantees, warranties or aftercare do you provide?

Before work starts, ask what happens after it finishes.

Is the installation guaranteed? Are there warranties associated with the products being used? If you spot a problem after the project is complete, who should you contact and how will it be dealt with?

A professional landscaper should be comfortable explaining what protection and aftercare you'll receive.

It's much better to have that conversation before work begins than after a problem appears.

8. Are you a Marshalls Accredited Installer?

Finally, ask about accreditation.

Choosing a Marshalls Accredited Installer gives you another layer of reassurance when you're planning your project.

It also gives you a useful starting point if you're still searching for the right professional for your garden.

Looking for someone to bring your plans to life? Find a Marshalls Accredited Installer in your area.

And finally.  Don't feel awkward about asking questions before choosing a landscaper.

Your garden is an investment and you should feel comfortable with the person you're trusting to deliver it.

Take time to understand their experience, the quote, the preparation involved, the products being recommended and how the project will be managed.

And don't forget that you can do some homework of your own before those conversations begin.

Start exploring your paving options and order free samples from Marshalls Landscaping to see how different colours, textures and finishes could work in your garden.

Written By

Ray Stephenson

Ray Stephenon is a Regional Assessor With more than 40 years’ experience in landscaping and paving, Ray has spent his career helping transform outdoor spaces across the UK. 

Read Ray's full profile here.