Do landscapers need a licence in WA?

In WA, builders performing structural work (retaining walls over 500mm, pergolas, decks, etc.) must be registered under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. For general garden and soft landscaping work, formal licensing is not mandatory, but trade qualifications and insurance are strong indicators of professionalism.

How many quotes should I get for a landscaping project?

We recommend getting at least three quotes from different landscapers. This gives you a fair comparison of pricing, approach, and communication style. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than the others -- this often indicates corners will be cut on materials or workmanship.

What should a landscaping quote include?

A professional quote should include a detailed scope of work, materials specified by brand and type, a project timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms, and any exclusions. Vague quotes with lump-sum pricing and no material specifications are a red flag.

How much deposit should I pay a landscaper?

A deposit of 10% to 20% is standard in the industry. Under WA law, for residential building contracts over $7,500, the deposit cannot exceed 6.5% of the contract price. Be cautious of anyone requesting 50% or more upfront before work begins.

What insurance should a landscaper have?

At minimum, a landscaper should carry public liability insurance (typically $10 million to $20 million) and workers' compensation insurance if they have employees. Some also carry professional indemnity insurance. Ask to see certificates of currency -- not just policy numbers.

What warranty should I expect on landscaping work?

Structural work like retaining walls, paving, and decking should carry a minimum 12-month defects liability period. Many quality landscapers offer longer warranties. Plant guarantees of 3 to 6 months are common, provided the homeowner follows the specified maintenance schedule.

How to Choose a Landscaper in Perth

Hiring the wrong landscaper is expensive. Follow these ten steps to find a qualified professional who delivers quality work on time and on budget.

Ten Steps to Finding the Right Landscaper

Perth has hundreds of landscaping businesses -- from sole operators to large companies with full design-and-build capabilities. The quality gap between the best and worst is enormous, and a bad hire can mean shoddy workmanship, blown budgets, and months of delays.

This guide walks you through a systematic process for evaluating landscapers. Follow these steps and you will dramatically reduce your risk of a poor outcome.

Step 1: Check Licensing & Registration

For any structural work in WA -- retaining walls, pergolas, decking, fencing -- the builder must be registered under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. Check their registration on the WA Building Commission website. For general garden and soft landscaping, look for trade qualifications such as a Certificate III or IV in Landscape Construction.

Step 2: Verify Insurance

Ask for certificates of currency for public liability insurance (minimum $10 million) and workers' compensation insurance. Public liability protects you if the landscaper damages your property or a third party is injured on site. Workers' comp covers their employees -- without it, you could be liable if a worker is injured on your property.

Step 3: Ask for References

Request at least three recent references from completed projects similar in scope to yours. Contact the references and ask specific questions: Was the project completed on time? Were there unexpected costs? How was their communication? Would you hire them again? If possible, visit a completed project in person.

Step 4: Get Three Quotes

Always compare at least three quotes. Ensure each landscaper visits your site and provides a written quote that breaks down costs by materials, labour, and any allowances. Beware of verbal-only quotes or vague lump-sum pricing -- these make it impossible to compare like with like.

Step 5: Review Their Portfolio

Ask to see photos of completed projects, ideally including before-and-after shots. Look for consistency in quality, attention to detail in edges and finishes, and projects similar to what you are planning. Check their website, Google Business Profile, and social media for additional examples.

Step 6: Understand the Contract

Never proceed on a handshake. A written contract should include the detailed scope of work, material specifications, start and completion dates, payment schedule, variation process, defects liability period, and dispute resolution process. For work over $7,500 in WA, a written contract is a legal requirement under the Home Building Contracts Act 1991.

Step 7: Agree on a Payment Schedule

Progress payments tied to completed milestones are the industry standard. A typical schedule might be: 10-20% deposit, 30% at site preparation completion, 30% at hardscaping completion, and the final 20-30% on project completion. Avoid paying the full amount before work is finished.

Step 8: Set Realistic Timeline Expectations

Perth landscapers are often booked weeks or months in advance, especially from September to April. A typical residential project takes 2 to 6 weeks on site, but the end-to-end timeline -- including design, quotes, permits, and material ordering -- can be 3 to 6 months. Rain delays are uncommon in Perth summer but factor them in for winter work.

Step 9: Assess Communication Quality

How a landscaper communicates during the quoting phase is a strong predictor of how they will communicate during construction. Do they return calls promptly? Do they explain things clearly? Are they patient with your questions? Poor communication is the number one source of landscaping disputes.

Step 10: Ask About Warranty

Quality landscapers stand behind their work. Ask about the defects liability period (typically 12 months for structural work), what it covers, and the process for reporting and rectifying issues. Also ask about plant guarantees -- many landscapers will replace plants that fail within 3 to 6 months if the homeowner has followed the specified care instructions.

Red Flags to Watch For

No written quote or contract -- Professional landscapers always document the scope of work in writing.
Demands for large upfront payments -- More than 20% deposit before work starts is unusual. Over 50% is a major warning sign.
No insurance certificates -- If they cannot or will not provide proof of insurance, walk away.
Pressure to start immediately -- Reputable landscapers are usually booked in advance. Instant availability can indicate a lack of ongoing work.
Significantly cheaper than competitors -- If one quote is 30% or more below others, ask why. It usually means cheaper materials, thinner bases, or subcontracted labour.
No fixed business address or ABN -- Check their ABN on the Australian Business Register. Avoid cash-only operators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Find a Landscaper

Get matched with qualified Perth landscapers today.

Council Approval Guide

Understand when you need permits for landscaping in WA.

Landscaping Cost Guide

Understand what landscaping projects cost in Perth.

Design Services

Connect with qualified landscape designers in Perth.

Construction Services

Paving, decking, fencing, retaining walls, and more.

Native Garden Guide

WA native plants and garden design for Perth.

Skip the Guesswork

We connect you with qualified, insured Perth landscapers. Get free quotes from professionals who meet our standards.

Find a Landscaper