6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Landscape Installation Services

I've been working in the landscaping industry for years, and I've seen homeowners make the same costly mistakes over and over again. When Talon and I started Urban Forest Landscaping in 2023, we made it our mission to help people avoid these pitfalls. After completing hundreds of landscape installation projects across Utah County, I want to share the most common mistakes I see and how you can avoid them.

Choosing the right landscape installation services can make or break your outdoor space. The wrong choice leads to wasted money, delayed projects, and disappointing results. But when you know what to look for, you can find a contractor who will create the yard of your dreams.

Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone

This is the biggest mistake I see homeowners make. You get three quotes for your landscape design project, and you pick the cheapest one. I understand the temptation. Landscaping costs money, and everyone wants to save where they can.

But here's what happens when you choose the lowest bid: you often get what you pay for. That cheap contractor might use low-quality materials, rush the job, or cut corners on important steps like proper soil preparation. I've seen too many homeowners end up paying twice—once for the cheap job and again to fix it properly.

Instead of focusing only on price, look at the value you're getting. A good landscape contractor will explain what's included in their quote. They'll show you the materials they plan to use, explain their installation process, and provide references from past clients.

When I give estimates, I break down exactly what homeowners are paying for. This includes site preparation, material costs, labor, and any additional services like irrigation installation or hardscape features. The goal is transparency, not just the lowest number.

Mistake #2: Not Checking Credentials and Insurance

I can't tell you how many times I've been called to fix work done by unlicensed contractors. In Utah, landscape contractors need proper licensing and insurance. But many homeowners don't check these basic requirements before hiring someone.

Working with an uninsured contractor puts you at serious risk. If someone gets hurt on your property or if something goes wrong with the installation, you could be liable for thousands of dollars in damages. I've seen homeowners face lawsuits because they hired contractors who weren't properly insured.

Always ask to see proof of licensing and insurance before you sign any contract. A professional landscaping company will be happy to provide this information. We keep our insurance certificates readily available because we know smart homeowners ask for them.

Also, check if the contractor is bonded. Bonding protects you if the contractor doesn't complete the work as agreed or if they damage your property. It's another layer of protection that professional landscape installation services provide.

Mistake #3: Skipping the Planning Phase

Some homeowners want to jump straight into installation without proper planning. They see a beautiful yard on social media and want to recreate it immediately. But every successful landscape project starts with careful planning.

Good planning includes soil testing, drainage assessment, and understanding your yard's unique conditions. In Utah County, we deal with clay soil, varying elevations, and specific climate challenges. A contractor who skips the planning phase will likely run into problems during installation.

I always start with a thorough site evaluation. We look at sun exposure, existing vegetation, soil conditions, and how water moves across your property. This information guides our landscape design and helps prevent costly mistakes later.

Planning also includes understanding your goals and budget. Do you want low-maintenance xeriscaping or a lush green lawn? Are you planning to add outdoor living spaces like fire pits or pergolas? These decisions affect everything from plant selection to irrigation design.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Communication Red Flags

Communication problems are behind most landscaping disasters. A contractor who doesn't return calls, gives vague answers, or seems rushed during meetings is telling you something important about how they work.

I've taken over projects where the original contractor stopped communicating halfway through. The homeowner would call and text with no response. Work would sit unfinished for weeks. This kind of stress and frustration is completely avoidable when you choose the right contractor.

Pay attention to how potential contractors communicate during the estimate process. Do they show up on time? Do they listen to your ideas and ask thoughtful questions? Do they explain their recommendations clearly? These early interactions predict how the entire project will go.

At Urban Forest Landscaping, we built our business on clear communication. We return calls promptly, provide regular updates during projects, and make sure homeowners understand each step of the process. This isn't just good customer service—it's essential for successful landscape installations.

Mistake #5: Not Asking About Maintenance Requirements

Many homeowners focus entirely on the installation and forget to ask about ongoing maintenance. Every landscape requires some level of care, but the amount varies dramatically based on your choices during installation.

For example, a traditional grass lawn needs regular watering, fertilizing, and mowing. Xeriscaping with native plants requires much less maintenance but still needs occasional pruning and weed control. Hardscape features like paver patios need different care than planted areas.

I always discuss maintenance requirements during the planning phase. We talk about realistic expectations for the homeowner's time and budget. Some people love gardening and want high-maintenance flower beds. Others prefer low-maintenance ground covering that looks great with minimal care.

Understanding maintenance requirements also affects your plant choices and irrigation system design. Native Utah plants often require less water and care than imported varieties. Smart irrigation systems can reduce water usage and maintenance time.

Mistake #6: Rushing the Decision Process

Landscape installation is a significant investment that affects your property value and daily life. Yet many homeowners rush into decisions without taking time to research contractors or consider their options.

I understand the excitement of planning a new landscape. When you're ready for change, you want it to happen quickly. But taking time to make informed decisions prevents expensive mistakes and ensures better results.

Give yourself time to get multiple quotes, check references, and research different contractors. Visit completed projects if possible. Ask detailed questions about timelines, materials, and warranties. A good contractor won't pressure you to sign immediately.

We encourage homeowners to take their time with decisions. A landscape installation is something you'll live with for years. It's worth spending extra time upfront to get it right.

How to Choose the Right Landscape Installation Services

Now that you know the common mistakes, here's how to choose the right contractor for your project:

Research local contractors thoroughly. Look for companies with good reputations in your area. Check online reviews, but also ask neighbors and friends for recommendations. Local contractors understand regional challenges like soil conditions, climate, and plant varieties that thrive in your area.

Get detailed written estimates. Don't accept verbal quotes or simple one-line estimates. A professional estimate should include material specifications, labor costs, timeline, and warranty information. This level of detail helps you compare contractors fairly and protects you if problems arise.

Check references from recent projects. Ask to speak with homeowners who had similar work done within the last year. Recent references give you the best picture of how the contractor currently operates. Ask about communication, quality of work, cleanliness, and whether the project was completed on time and within budget.

Understand the timeline and process. Good contractors can explain their process step by step and give you realistic timelines. Be wary of contractors who promise to start immediately or finish much faster than others. Quality work takes time, especially for complex landscape installations.

Discuss warranties and ongoing support. Professional landscaping companies stand behind their work with warranties on both materials and labor. They should also be available for questions and minor adjustments after installation.

Working with a Local Utah County Team

Choosing local landscape installation services offers several advantages. Local contractors understand Utah's unique growing conditions, soil challenges, and climate requirements. We know which plants thrive in Utah County and which ones struggle.

Local contractors also have relationships with quality suppliers and can source materials efficiently. When you need service or have questions after installation, we're nearby and available. You're not waiting for someone to drive across the state to address your concerns.

At Urban Forest Landscaping, we've built our reputation serving Springville, Provo, Orem, and surrounding Utah County communities. We understand the specific challenges homeowners face in our area, from clay soil to water restrictions to harsh winter conditions.

Your Next Steps

Avoiding these common mistakes puts you on the path to a successful landscape installation. Take time to research contractors, ask the right questions, and choose based on value rather than price alone.

Remember that good landscaping is an investment in your property and your quality of life. The right contractor will create an outdoor space that you'll enjoy for years to come.

If you're planning a landscape installation project in Utah County, we'd love to help you avoid these common pitfalls. At Urban Forest Landscaping, we've built our business on quality work, clear communication, and honest service. From initial design through final installation, we're committed to making the process smooth and the results exceptional.

Contact us today for a free quotation. We'll evaluate your property, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed estimate with no pressure and no surprises. Let's create the outdoor space you've been dreaming of.