A Guide to Choosing the Right Landscape Professional for Your Arizona Home
If you've ever rented or owned a home or condo, you may have found yourself asking the question, "How do I find the best landscaper near me?" Unfortunately, the answer to that question depends on a number of factors. The best landscape professional for one person or landscape project may be the entirely wrong landscaper for another.
With over 30 years in the landscaping industry, I have either worked as, or worked with just about every type of landscape professional. What I've noticed is that finding the right landscaper or professional can be pretty overwhelming for homeowners. Having worked my way up from once laboring on a maintenance crew to now running my own design-build firm, I've gained a unique perspective on the different types of landscape professionals out there and what they each bring to the table.
What are the Different Types of Landscape Professionals?
The term "landscaper" can seem incredibly confusing because it encompasses a lot of different types of outdoor professionals. Not understanding what type of landscaper you need can make it all the more challenging when you are looking to hire someone. In this guide, I will break down the main types of landscape professionals you might encounter. Knowing the difference between each of them can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road.
Landscape Maintenance Professionals
These are the folks who keep your yard looking sharp week after week. When I started in the industry back in the 1990's, this was my entry point and I learned just how crucial regular maintenance is for any landscape, residential or commercial.

These professionals typically handle:
Regular edging, mowing and blowing
Pruning shrubs and small trees
Basic irrigation system maintenance
Seasonal clean-ups
Fertilization and weed control
Plant replacements
May offer scalping and overseeding for winter grass
One limitation to keep in mind: while maintenance pros are great at upkeep, they typically don't handle major landscape changes or installations. I've seen homeowners get frustrated when expecting their maintenance crew to tackle bigger projects like installing new irrigation systems or building retaining walls.
Gardeners and Plant Specialists
These professionals are your go-to experts for all things plants. They're the ones who can tell you why your citrus trees aren't producing or why your desert plants are struggling. Their expertise typically includes:

Plant selection and placement
Soil preparation and amendment
Plant health care
Seasonal color rotation
Fruit and vegetable garden planning
The catch? Most gardeners aren't equipped to handle hardscape elements or major landscape modifications. I've worked with some brilliant gardeners over the years, but when it comes to installing pavers or building outdoor kitchens, that's outside their wheelhouse.
Landscape Designers and Architects
Here's where we get into the planning and creative side of landscaping. Landscape designers and architects are the visionaries who can transform your ideas into detailed plans. The main difference between the two? Landscape architects have formal education and licensing requirements, while designers may have varied backgrounds and certifications.

These professionals offer:
Comprehensive landscape planning
Detailed construction documents
Plant selection and placement design
Drainage solutions
Outdoor living space design
One thing to note - many designers and architects focus solely on the planning phase so you'll often need to hire separate contractor(s) to actually build the project. I can't tell you how many times I've had clients come to me with beautiful plans but no idea how to execute them.
Also, keep in mind that landscape designers and specifically architects may have very little on-site experience installing or maintaining landscapes so you'll want to verify all their plant selections, placements and other features with your contractor before proceeding with your project. I have come across landscape plans on more than one occasion from an architect who was not familiar with the specific climate or location of the client's property. I had to make several adjustments to their design to make it practical for the client's specific needs.
Design-Build Firms
This is where my company fits in. Design-build firms are one-stop shops that handle both the creative and construction aspects of your project. The advantage here is having one company or team responsible for the entire process, from initial concept to final installation. Design-build firms may have several different in-house team members who specialize in different aspects of the design and construction process or, they may subcontract out.

The benefit to you is that like a General Contract overseeing the building of a new home, a landscape design-build firms generally handle all aspects of the project so you don't have to. Click here for more information on what that process looks like.
These firms typically offer:
Custom design services
Construction management
Complete project implementation
Unified accountability
Streamlined communication
Having run a design-build firm since 2006, I can tell you the biggest advantage is the seamless integration between design and construction. Additionally, because design-build companies handle both aspects of your project, they are generally more affordable than hiring a landscape architect and then a contractor separately.
Arborists and Tree Professionals
These specialists focus exclusively on tree care and management. Back when I was doing maintenance work, we'd often bring in certified arborists for complex tree situations. They are really great to call if you have specific concerns or growth goals for trees already existing on your property. They handle:
Tree health assessment
Strategic pruning
Disease treatment
Tree removal
Root management

The limitation? Their expertise is specifically tree-focused, so they're not your go-to for general landscape needs. Also, depending on where you live they may not actually plant new trees either.
So, How do I Find the Best Landscape Professional for My Project?
Ask the Right Questions
When talking to potential clients, I encourage them to ask detailed questions, especially if they are meeting with more than one professional. Finding someone you feel comfortable working with and who understands your goals is very important.
Key questions to ask include:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? (A must!)
Where is your business located? (Important for travel costs)
How long have you been in business?
Can you provide recent references for similar projects?
Where can I view pictures or see examples of your work?
What's your project timeline or, when can I expect my project to start?
What does your payment structure look like?
Do you offer any warrantees or guarantees on your materials or workmanship?
Look for Experience in Your Specific Needs
One thing I've learned over the years is that experience in Arizona landscaping is particularly important. Our climate and soil conditions are very unique, and what works in other parts of the country might not work here. Look for professionals who understand:
Desert-appropriate plants and materials
Growth patterns of plants and trees based on climate and specific locations
Regional pest and disease issues
Local building codes and requirements
How to implement and incorporate your personal preferences in an Arizona setting
Consider Long-term Maintenance
This is something I always discuss with my clients. Whatever you're planning to install, you need to think about ongoing maintenance. You don't want to invest in a gorgeous design and install project, only to find out later that is way too much work for you to manage. A good landscape professional should:
Explain maintenance requirements upfront
Provide care recommendations and/or instructions
Consider your maintenance budget in the design
Offer realistic expectations about upkeep
Red Flags to Watch For
After over three decades in this business, I've seen my share of red flags and the last thing you want is to hire someone who doesn't know what they are doing, or takes your money and runs. Watch out for:
Contractors who push for full payment upfront
Those who can't provide proper licensing documentation
Contractors with no address and no online presence
Professionals who refuse to provide recent references when asked
Those who give quotes without every visiting your property
Those who do not offer a written agreement (always request something in writing!)
Making Your Final Decision
Remember, the cheapest bid isn't always the best value. It can lead to major byer's remorse and regret if things aren't done properly. I've spent countless hours fixing projects that were done incorrectly by less experienced or unlicensed contractors.

Consider:
The scope of your project
Your budget constraints
Long-term maintenance requirements
The professional's communication style
Their portfolio of similar projects
Finding the right landscape professional might take some time, but it's definitely well worth the effort. Whether you need regular maintenance, a garden refresh, or a complete backyard transformation, understanding these different types of professionals will help you make an informed decision that suits your specific needs.
If you'd like to find out more about transforming your outdoor space with an experienced design-build firm, we'd love to meet with you. Click the link below to set up a free consultation. What are you waiting for?