I reached out to a couple of local landscapers for quotes on cleanup and weekly mowing. One got back to me quickly and said he would swing by either today or tomorrow to check out my property. I told him I work from home, so he could come by whenever he's available.
But then tonight, around 7:45 PM, I was putting my kids to bed when I got a notification of motion on my Ring camera. I saw a flashlight in my backyard and noticed someone walking around. When I came out to check, the guy was already in his car leaving. He didn't knock or ring the doorbell but left a door hanger for his landscaping company.
I find it a bit unsettling that he came after dark without letting me know. Although he did give a decent price for the mowing, this experience makes me a little hesitant. Is this normal practice in landscaping?
3 Answers
It sounds like he just wanted to scope out the yard without bothering you, which might explain his timing. Maybe he had a packed schedule and didn't want to intrude. But yeah, I get it—walking around your backyard at night with a flashlight is pretty unusual! It's understandable to feel uneasy about it, especially when you didn't know he was there until later.
It's not uncommon for landscapers to check properties after hours since they often work long days, especially in busy seasons. But they should definitely let the homeowners know beforehand. Leaving a door hanger was a nice gesture, but knocking or calling would’ve been professional. If you’re feeling weird about it, trust your instincts and consider other options.
I think the whole thing seems a bit fishy. It’s one thing to come by for a quote, but another to do so without any prior arrangement—especially after dark. If you’re not comfortable with the way he operates, it might be better to look for someone else!