Landscaping in Washington

Look for: an established business with reviewable past projects (ask to see one in person or talk to a past client), public liability insurance, itemised written quotes, and no pressure tactics. In markets with trade licensing, verify the licence covers the structural work quoted. Photos of 'their work' prove nothing — completed local references do.

10-30% at signing is typical, often structured as deposit, staged payments at milestones, and a final payment on completion. Be wary of demands for 50%+ upfront — materials for early stages don't cost that. Never make the final payment before snagging is done and you've walked the finished job.

If your climate has a dry season, yes — and it must go in before paving and planting, not after. Drip irrigation to beds costs modestly during construction and multiples more retrofitted. In hot markets irrigation isn't optional; in temperate ones, at minimum lay conduit under any new hardscape so water and power can be added later.

Construction (paving, decking, walls) suits the drier months; planting establishes best in the local planting season (autumn or spring in most climates). The booking sweet spot is the off-season: quotes are keener, scheduling faster, and your project is ready to enjoy when the good weather arrives. Spring inquiries in Washington hit peak-demand pricing.

Sometimes — but contractors mark up materials partly to warranty them, so supplying your own paving usually voids the guarantee on the surface (though not the workmanship). Plants are the better DIY-supply candidate if you can source quality stock. Discuss it at quote stage; springing owner-supplied materials on a contractor mid-project causes friction and disclaimers.

A drawing or written scope, itemised price, payment schedule tied to milestones, start window and estimated duration, who handles waste and any permits, a variations process (changes priced in writing before work), warranty terms on hard landscaping, and a plant establishment/replacement policy. No contract, no project — verbal landscape deals go wrong at the first rain delay.

Angi's 2026 data puts typical projects at $1,000-$14,000 with an average around $5,000-$8,500; full backyard remodels run $15,000-$50,000+. Per square foot: $4-$8 for planting-focused work, $8-$12 for balanced designs, $15-$30 for hardscape-heavy builds. Coastal metros run well above the national average.

Usually not for planting, turf, or low borders — but commonly yes for retaining walls above your city's height threshold (often 3-4 feet), significant grading or drainage changes, and any structures or electrical/gas lines (outdoor kitchens, lighting circuits). The contractor should pull permits; a contractor who suggests skipping them is transferring the risk to you.