Don't hire the first person with a truck and a mower. Most bad yard work comes from a rushed decision. You're about to hand over money and your property's looks — do it with eyes open.
Before You Search
Decide what you actually want done before calling anyone. Walk your property and note specific problems: dead patches, overgrown beds, standing water. 'Just clean it up' means different things to different people. Then set a rough budget for one visit or one season. Someone who charges far less than everyone else is either desperate or planning to take shortcuts. Neither works out well for you.
Vetting Candidates
Ask around for names from people whose yards look better than yours. Then go see their work in person. Photos are worthless — anyone can post a good picture. Talk to the homeowner if they're nearby, and ask if the crew showed up when promised. Confirm they carry insurance and a current license. Ask for proof and call the agent. Most people skip this step and regret it when a rock flies through a window or someone falls off a ladder. Hiring uninsured help is a gamble with your house as the prize.
Getting Quotes
Get at least three written quotes. Demand itemized breakdowns — labor, materials, cleanup, disposal. A single lump sum tells you nothing and makes it easy to inflate the bill later. Have them walk the property first. Anyone who quotes without seeing the site is guessing, and you'll eat the difference when the work takes longer than planned. Be suspicious of a bid that's much lower than the others. You're not hiring a bargain. You're hiring someone to do a job right, and that costs money.
Before You Sign
Read the contract like it's a detective novel. Scope of work, start and end dates, payment schedule, exactly what happens if plants die or sprinkler lines get cut. If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist. Never pay the whole thing upfront. A third as a deposit is enough. Do a final walk through before the last payment and bring up every issue you see. Once you hand over the final check, your leverage disappears.
Now that you know the drill, compare local landscapers on RatingsNearMe.