Checklist: How to Hire a Landscaping Contractor

Before you call:
Compare hourly rates or job rates of several landscapers.
Make a list of possible landscaping options. You might only be able to have a portion of it done, but let the professional make the call on what should come first. Also, your landscaping contractor might cut you a deal for having it all done at once rather than in phases.
Some landscapers will allow you to buy your own trees and shrubs. You can often save money this way.
Consider skill and experience over a cheaper hourly rate. Having an inexperienced, inexpensive landscaper who doesn't do his job properly can require you to have another landscaper out to fix his mess. Avoid those mistakes by hiring quality first.

Landscaping Thoughts:
Depending on the size of your yard and what you want done to it, you might need to hire a landscape architect to design your landscaping. Be sure to include the cost of the architect into the total cost of your landscaping.
If you and your landscaper can secure a little time, talk with the professional about current trends, options to save you money, plant options that need less water or work better in the shade, not to mention are a compliment to your yard and home.