How to Negotiate with a Landscaper: Smart Tips to Get Better Prices and Quality

Getting your garden looking right shouldn’t feel like a battle. But when you’re handed a quote that’s way over budget, or you’re not sure if the landscaper is cutting corners, you need to know how to talk to them - not just ask, but negotiate.

Know what you’re asking for before you open your mouth

Most people make the mistake of walking into a meeting with a landscaper saying, "I want my yard to look nice." That’s not a plan. That’s a wish. Landscapers hear this all the time. And when they don’t have clear direction, they give you the most expensive version of "nice."

Before you meet anyone, walk around your yard. Take photos. Write down what you actually need:

• Do you need a new lawn, or just topsoil and seed?
• Are you replacing broken pavers, or laying a whole new patio?
• Do you want native plants that need little water, or imported roses that require daily care?
• Is drainage an issue? Are there slopes that need terracing?

Write down your top three priorities. Maybe it’s low maintenance, then curb appeal, then cost. That order tells the landscaper where to focus. If you say, "I need it to survive a dry summer," they’ll suggest drought-tolerant plants instead of high-water turf. That saves you money upfront and in the long run.

Get at least three quotes - and compare apples to apples

Never take the first quote you get. Not even if it’s cheap. Cheap often means missing steps. A quote that’s $2,000 lower than the others might leave out soil prep, skip irrigation, or use thin-grade pavers that crack in two years.

Ask each landscaper to give you a written quote with:

• Breakdown of materials (brand, type, quantity)
• Labour hours and hourly rate (or fixed price)
• Timeline - start and end dates
• Warranty on work and plants
• What’s not included

Compare them side by side. If one quote says "premium river rock" and another says "rock," ask what kind. One might mean $120 per ton, another $40. Same word, wildly different cost.

Landscapers in Wellington know the local soil. They know what grows here, what dies fast, and what needs extra drainage. A good one will mention that. If they don’t, they’re guessing - and you don’t want a guesser.

Use timing to your advantage

Landscaping isn’t a year-round rush. In New Zealand, the busiest months are September to November. That’s when everyone wants their garden ready for spring. Contractors are booked out. Prices are higher. And they don’t have to negotiate because they’re busy.

But in late autumn - April to June - things slow down. The weather’s turning. People are done with yard work. Landscapers are looking for jobs to fill the gap before winter. That’s your sweet spot.

Call in April and say, "I’m ready to start next month. I’ve got three quotes. Yours is good, but I’m trying to keep it under $8,000. Can you match the best one?"

They’ll often say yes. Why? Because a $7,500 job in April is better than no job at all. And they know if they lose you, they’ll have to chase someone else for weeks.

Offer something in return

Negotiation isn’t just about lowering price. It’s about trade. If you can’t get the price down, ask for something else.

Try this:

• "Can you throw in two extra shrubs?"
• "Can you install the irrigation system this week, and I’ll pay for the plants myself?"
• "If you finish by Friday, I’ll give you a Google review and refer two friends."

Landscapers love referrals. A good review on Google is worth more to them than a $200 discount. They’ll often say yes to a small upgrade or a bonus item if it means getting a public testimonial.

Also, if you’re flexible on timing, offer to be the "test project." Say, "I’ll let you use my yard as a showcase if you do a great job." That gives them marketing material. Many will knock 10-15% off for that.

Don’t pay upfront - but do pay fairly

Never pay 100% upfront. That’s how you end up with a half-finished yard and no way to force them back.

Standard practice in New Zealand is:

• 10-20% deposit to secure the slot
• 30-40% after major work is done (e.g., excavation, hardscaping)
• Final 30-50% only after everything is complete and you’re happy

If they demand full payment before starting, walk away. Even if they’re the cheapest. That’s a red flag.

But don’t lowball either. If you offer $200 less than the quote, they’ll either refuse - or cut corners to make it work. That’s worse than paying a fair price. Paying a fair price means they’ll show up on time, use quality materials, and clean up after themselves.

Ask for a guarantee - and what it covers

Good landscapers stand by their work. Ask: "What happens if the plants die in the first year? What if the retaining wall cracks?"

They should offer:

• 1-year warranty on plants (replacement if they don’t take)
• 2-year warranty on hardscaping (patios, paths, walls)
• Clear terms: "We’ll replace dead plants, but not if you forget to water them"

If they say, "We don’t do warranties," that’s a warning. You’re paying for a service, not a gamble.

What to say when they say no

You’ll get a "no" sometimes. Maybe they won’t drop the price. Maybe they won’t throw in extra plants. Don’t argue. Don’t get emotional.

Just say: "Thanks for your time. I’ll think about it and get back to you."

Then wait a day. Call them again. Say: "I’ve been looking at other options, but I really liked your plan. Is there any way we can adjust the scope to fit my budget? Maybe we do the patio now and the garden beds next spring?"

That’s called "phasing." It’s a win-win. You get part of the project done now. They get paid now. And you’ve left the door open for more work later.

Red flags to watch for

Not all landscapers are honest. Watch out for:

• They don’t have a business name or ABN
• They only take cash
• They pressure you to sign right away
• They won’t show you past work or references
• They say "I’ll do it for you for half price" - that’s usually a scam

If you’re unsure, check the Consumer Affairs NZ website for licensed contractors. Or ask for their NZQA-qualified certification. A real pro will have it.

Real example: How a Wellington homeowner saved $3,200

Sarah from Miramar wanted a new patio, raised garden beds, and native planting. The first quote was $12,800. She got two others: $11,500 and $9,700. The cheapest used cheap imported pavers and no drainage plan.

She called the middle quote provider and said: "I like your design, but I need to stay under $9,000. Can you swap the imported pavers for local basalt? I’ll supply the plants myself. Can you finish by the end of April?"

The landscaper said yes. Basalt cost $1,200 less. She bought plants from a local nursery for $1,100 instead of their $2,500 bundle. They finished early. She gave them a five-star review. They came back next year to do her front garden.

She saved $3,200. And got better quality than the cheapest option.

Final tip: Build a relationship, not just a contract

Landscaping isn’t a one-time job. Your garden changes. Trees grow. Soil shifts. Drainage issues appear. The person you hire now might be the one you call in two years to fix a cracked path or replant a dying hedge.

Be respectful. Be clear. Pay on time. Give honest feedback. That’s how you get the best service - not just the lowest price.

Good landscaping isn’t about spending more. It’s about spending smart.