We've had a tough time trying to get a landscaping project done for our new house. The garden is a mess – it has a sloped area with loose tiles and a sheet of astroturf that we had to remove because it was falling apart. We need to level it out with some retaining walls, but honestly, we're open to any proposals as long as it looks tidy. We've reached out to several local landscaping companies, but it feels like we're applying for jobs rather than getting quotes. One company quoted us $15k on the spot but never followed up, while another suggested a schedule for a $5k cheaper job but then disappeared. We've been ghosted by more than a handful of landscapers and it's left us feeling pretty deflated. Are landscaping companies super busy right now, or is our gardening issue just too complicated? What can we do to get someone to help us?
3 Answers
It can be really frustrating trying to find a good landscaper, especially when your project has potential complications. Many landscapers don't want to take on jobs where they fear a customer might dispute the costs or be dissatisfied with the end result. If your timeline isn't too strict, consider reaching out to smaller gardening services or freelancers who might be interested in working in stages. They can often tackle tricky projects without a huge up-front cost.
A big tip is to create a detailed plan for your project before you reach out to landscapers. Draw a sketch of what you want, measure the space, and jot down the materials you prefer. This not only helps with providing accurate quotes, but it shows you're organized and clear about your expectations. You could even hire someone off a site like Fiverr to create a professional plan.
That's a solid idea! Having a clear plan can really simplify things for the contractor too, reducing back-and-forth and guesswork.
It sounds like you're having the same experience I did with my smaller project. A lot of landscapers can be swamped during peak season, which means they might avoid taking jobs that seem too complicated or time-consuming. You might have better luck approaching them during the off-season when they could be more willing to negotiate and take on challenging projects.
Totally get that. I've learned it helps to have a realistic budget and be open to phased work over time.
Exactly, and you might find some hidden gems who aren't advertising heavily but do great work. Sometimes the best options come from personal recommendations rather than online finds.