Ways to Notice Bad Landscaping Contractors

Signs of Bad Landscaping Contractors

Whether you want to redo your backyard or add to the landscaping around your house, you want only the best companies available. Having so many choices to pick from may make it hard at first to find a landscaping contractor that fits your needs.



It is even tougher when a landscaping company is actually a scam. Knowing common red flags that reflect a negligent or illegitimate company can help you stay safe.

The Landscaping Contractor Requests Upfront Cash Payment

When you first talk with a certain landscaping contractor, you may notice that they say they only take cash. While this may not immediately seem like a red flag, it can actually lead to them running off with your payment. The majorities of companies have various ways of paying, so a contractor stating that there is only one way to pay and that it must be in cash can be a sign of a problem.

The Deals Seem Impossibly Good

Getting a large amount off the cost of a landscaping project may seem like a dream come true, especially when you expect to pay a couple of thousand dollars or more. However, if the contractor you talk to seems to offer a deal that is far below the normal market price, it could be a sign of a sketchy promotion. They may take your money and not deliver on the level of quality you want or need.

The Company Has No Examples to Show You

Talking to a company that refuses to show you any pictures or examples of their past work is a definite red flag. When you do not see a portfolio or have no idea of what the finished project may look like, the contractor could be hiding it from you on purpose. The less information you are able to find out about a company or landscaping contractor, the more dangerous hiring them may be.

If they fail to communicate clearly even when you ask for more details on what they do, it could also be a red flag. When this kind of poor communication happens even before they start their project, it may only get worse.

You Do Not Get a Quote

When seriously negotiating a project, a professional landscaping contractor will try their best to give you an accurate quote for what it may cost and the length of time it may take to finish the whole project. This happens because they are trying to win you over and get your business.

If your contractor seems unsure or tries to dodge the questions you directly ask them, it could be a sign that they are lying to you. Shady contractors may lie about past experiences or the lack of knowledge they have in order to get you to agree to a project even when it is a bad deal for you.

You Feel Pressured to Make a Decision Right Away

As you talk with this contractor, you may notice that they heavily pressure you to make a decision or agree to hire them immediately. This kind of sales technique is a huge red flag since the landscaping contractor may not have any valuable skills and rely only on high-pressure techniques to get business. This may also reflect a scenario where they are willing to accept your money and never work on your landscape.

The Landscaping Contractor Does Not Have a Brand or Logo

A professional company typically has its workers wearing matching shirts or displaying some kind of logo on their vehicles. If you do not see any symbol or branded identity on any part of the landscaping contractor's work vehicle or outfit, it could mean this person is not a legitimate contractor.

Researching more about their company can help. Whether this includes finding their website or verifying that other people have actually hired them before is key to learning whether this company is real or fake.

You Never Sign a Contract

As you discuss the details of what kind of landscaping you want, you may reach a point where you and the landscaping contractor agree on a job. However, if you never sign any kind of written contract agreeing to a certain deal, this can be a red flag.

Verbal agreements are far harder to hold someone to and represent a problem with a company if the contractor insists on them. A contractor trying to start work without a more serious and official contract could try to lie or withhold services even when you pay what you agreed on.

Learning About Potential Issues With a Landscaping Contractor Is Key

When you want great landscaping, being vigilant about who you hire is important. Avoiding some future issues with a landscaping contractor requires your attention and care. For more information on quality landscaping design and construction, contact us online or call us at (707) 322-7007 today to learn more.