It isn’t unreasonable to expect a landscaper to do a proper job….the best way to reassure yourself is to get references from previous clients… hopefully to see his work elsewhere and be able to ask the previous client questions about their experience with him or her….

The best of all worlds would be a designer that performs the work….the plans on paper may not be as elegant but you eliminate the excuse that one or the other is at fault over mistakes… and a gardener may be better at making changes as needed… a designer will basically be gone after the plans are paid for

@btydrvn Oh, I didn't even know there were people who designed but didn't perform the work themselves. That's good to know. Is what I want actually a landscaper and not a landscape designer? Thanks!

Finding a gardener that is creative …experienced …qualified in all aspects…like ,installing levels and walls..irrigation…walkways…water run-off….and has a flair for design is the best of all worlds…..they can read the sight ..and alter the plans as it proceeds to save money..or exploit an unnoticed opportunity ….this person needs to have a reliable crew…equipment needed …and good references

I have used professional landscapers 3 times now and all three had one year (?) guarantees on their plantings. The first one planted a dogwood that didn’t do well and replaced it with a Kousa variety. The third one did some foundation planting in late summer and a hydrangea wasn’t doing well. We agreed to wait until spring, and if it didn’t come back, then he would replace. It came back fine. Many independent garden centers have landscape designers and landscapers, and guarantee their plants.